Tag Archives: devotion

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How False Doctrine Influences Groupthink

The real problem with embracing false doctrine is that once it has influenced you, through your association with a group that promotes it, a spiritual paradigm becomes so ingrained that your awareness is always limited.

However much an individual may try to eliminate their unbiblical distortions and dissolve their conflict with the conscience, some element of subjective distortion and blindness must inevitably remain — at least until God cleanses you from it through the power of His Word, applied by the Spirit of the Lord.

Just as demonic influence affects an individual’s spiritual conscience, it also affects the collective conscience that develops in any human group or society. Any group of human beings—even within a church—can establish a single, undifferentiated consciousness through which each member views the world in precisely the same way. How does this work? Brainwashing begins imperceptibly when others have taught one without serious personal biblical study to affirm a biblical consensus. (Acts 17:11)

However, in any group or society that claims to hold to biblical doctrine, it is possible to assert prevailing views, even if the opinions of a minority of group members may conflict with them. Groups of human beings develop a sense of common identity, shared values, and shared assumptions of what they believe to be accurate. In this respect, they can fall prey to a collective spiritual deception and potential heresy.

The more you hear a lie, the more you’re likely to believe it. This is known as the illusory truth effect. A 1977 study discovered that when you hear something often enough, your brain starts to accept it as true, simply because it sounds familiar.

Apostle Paul warned Timothy and Titus to stand against false doctrine in his pastoral letters.

“…stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer nor devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies.  These promote controversies rather than God’s work, which is by faith.  The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.  Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk.  They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.” (1 Tim. 1:3-7)

“Some have rejected these [faith and good conscience] and so have shipwrecked their faith. Among them are Hymanaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme” (1 Tim. 1:19b-20).

Deacons “must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience” (1 Tim. 3:9).

“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron” (1 Tim. 4:1-2).

“Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely.  Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Tim. 4:15-16).

“If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing.  He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain” (1 Tim. 6:3-5).

“Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Tim. 6:10b).

“What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.  Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you–guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us” (2 Tim. 1:13-14).

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. Their teaching will spread like gangrene.  Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have wandered away from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some” (2 Tim. 2:16-18).

“Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will” (2 Tim. 2:23-26).

“They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres oppose the truth–men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected” (2 Tim. 3:1-8).

“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it…” (2 Tim. 3:12-14).

“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage–with great patience and careful instruction.  For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry” (2 Tim. 4:2-5).

Elders “must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. For there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group. They must be silenced, because they are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach–and that for the sake of dishonest gain” (Titus 1:11).

“Rebuke them sharply, so that they may be sound in the faith and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of those who reject the truth” (Titus 1:13-14).

“You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1a).

Example of the integration of false doctrine

Transcript of Phil Johnson’s YouTube on Ellen G. White’s Hypocrisies

 

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Romans 8: Defines law versus New Covenant grace.

Romans 8 addresses the relationship between the Spirit-led life, the law, and grace, emphasizing that believers are freed from condemnation and empowered to fulfill God’s will through the Holy Spirit. Below is an analysis of key themes and their connection to the law-grace dynamic and the new covenant, which gives the believer the power of the indwelling Spirit to overcome temptation:

Romans 8: The Spirit vs. the Flesh

Paul contrasts life “in the Spirit” with life “in the flesh” (Romans 8:1–8). Those led by the Spirit are no longer under the law’s condemnation (Romans 8:1) because Christ’s sacrifice fulfilled the law’s demands (Romans 8:3–4). The Spirit enables believers to live in obedience to God’s will, revealed in God’s Word—predominantly as expressed in the New Testament, not through legalistic adherence to the law but through a transformed heart. Jesus was instrumental in expanding the Old Covenant law’s viewpoints relating to even our thought life. (Matthew 5:28) 1

Law vs. Grace in Romans 8

The Law’s Purpose: The law reveals sin but cannot provide righteousness (Romans 8:3; cf. Romans 7:5–11). It demands obedience but cannot empower it, leading to frustration (Romans 7:18–24).

Grace Through the Spirit: Believers are freed from the law’s bondage (Romans 7:6) and empowered by the Spirit to fulfill the law’s intent (Romans 8:4). Love becomes the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:10; Galatians 5:14), as the Spirit produces fruit like love, joy, and peace (Galatians 5:22–23).

No Condemnation: Justification by faith (Romans 3:24–25) removes guilt, and the Spirit’s indwelling ensures believers are no longer slaves to sin (Romans 8:1–2).

The New Covenant in Romans 8

The new covenant, foreshadowed in Jeremiah 31:31–34 and fulfilled in Christ, replaces the old covenant’s external law with an internal transformation:

Internal Transformation: God writes His laws on believers’ hearts (Jeremiah 31:33; Hebrews 8:10), enabling obedience through the Spirit (Romans 8:5–6) and progressive sanctification (Philippians 3:12-14 ). This aligns with Romans 8:4, where the Spirit empowers believers to fulfill the law’s requirements.

Security and Assurance: The new covenant guarantees forgiveness and a permanent relationship with God (Jeremiah 31:34; Romans 8:31–39). Believers are heirs of God, assured of eternal glory despite present suffering (Romans 8:17–18). Romans 8 resolves the tension between law and grace by showing that the Spirit’s work in believers fulfills the law’s intent. This aligns with the broader theme that grace does not negate the law but transforms it into heart-driven obedience. The new covenant’s promises (Jeremiah 31:31–34) are realized in Christ, who fulfills the law and secures believers’ eternal standing.

Key Takeaways

Law vs. Grace: The law exposes sin; grace provides righteousness through Christ and empowers obedience via the Spirit.

New Covenant: Internalizes God’s law through the Spirit, ensuring forgiveness and an eternal relationship with God.

Romans 8: Affirms believers’ freedom from condemnation and their Spirit-enabled ability to live righteously. This framework underscores that the law is not abolished but fulfilled in Christ, and believers participate in this fulfillment through the Spirit’s transformative work.

Caveat Warning to Carnal vs. Spiritual Believers:

Some theologians add a saved/unsaved dichotomy, arguing that Romans 8:5–8 describes two types of believers:

Carnal Christians: Those who complacently live “in the flesh” (Romans 8:5), experiencing spiritual “death” (Romans 8:6) due to unrepentant ongoing sin or lack of Spirit-led obedience, or not adhering to sound doctrine.

Spiritual Christians: Those who walk “in the Spirit” (Romans 8:4), experiencing life and peace through active reliance on the Spirit as they live in obedience.

I believe the above caveat is very important from this perspective—to urge believers to pursue holiness through the Spirit (1 Peter 1:16). I think we need to hearken to this caution, to study the reform position on spiritual regeneration as it can save us from backsliding, and focus on the study of the biblical doctrines (scripture alone defines them) relating to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

While affirming justification (Romans 5–6), we must stress having a union with Christ (Romans 8:1) as the basis for overcoming carnality. Our union is tied to the believer’s positional identity in Christ, urging a renewed commitment to Spirit-led obedience, though, as Paul taught, was progressive sanctification (Philippians 3:12-14 ).

Theological Implications

Practical holiness defines Spirit-filled living, urging believers to pursue transformative obedience rather than resting solely in positional righteousness (of being once justified by believing in Jesus). This aligns with an emphasis on progressive sanctification and the believer’s responsibility to “walk in the Spirit.”  While acknowledging sanctification, specific interpretations often prioritize justification’s irrevocable nature (Romans 8:31–39).

A balanced view corrects complacency by urging believers to actively engage with the Spirit’s work—a theme echoed in the apostles’ writings. This exegesis of Romans 8 diverges from traditional interpretations in its focus on sanctification rather than soteriology (as in the view that Justification in Christ equates positionally to once saved, always saved), particularly in how we frame the contrast between living “in the flesh” and “in the Spirit.”

Here’s a breakdown of the theological Traditional Reform difference:

Traditional Reform Interpretation of Romans 8

Saved vs. Unsaved Contrast: Romans 8:1–8 is often viewed as a contrast between believers (in the Spirit) and unbelievers (unregenerate/unbelievers in the flesh). The Spirit’s indwelling distinguishes the regenerate, freed from condemnation and empowered to obey God’s will.

The law’s inability to save (Romans 8:3) is tied to humanity’s sinful nature, while Christ’s substitutionary atonement and His imputed righteousness fulfill the law’s demands.

Over-emphasis on Justification:

Emphasis is often placed on no condemnation (Romans 8:1) as a result of justification by faith, with the Spirit’s role in sanctification often a secondary process. Justification is the critical first step in believing in Jesus. This is true, but our further sanctification towards holiness means walking in the Spirit and obeying God’s Word — which is sanctification by the Spirit. If we over-emphasize Justification, we may miss the need to obey the Word by the indwelling Spirit of Christ as we abide in Him.

I believe that once we are justified by faith, sanctification by faith continues in lock-step if we obey scripture. If we err, we confess our sin in repentance and continue on our journey in Christ.

1 Dr Donald Barnhouse

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Romans 7: Defines law versus grace.

St. Paul’s great chapter of Romans 7 emphasizes the transition from law to grace and the new covenant’s transformative power. His interpretation centers on the believer’s liberation from the law’s condemnation and the empowerment of the Spirit. Below is a structured analysis of his key points, an exegesis supported by Romans 7:

1. The Law’s Role: Revealing Sin, Not Saving

I want to emphasize that the law in the New Covenant remains holy, righteous and good (Romans 7:12), yet powerless to save. It exposes sin’s depth by provoking rebellion (e.g., coveting) and reveals humanity’s inability to fulfill its demands. For example, Paul’s struggle with coveting (Romans 7:7-11) illustrates how the law diagnoses sin but cannot cure it. The law aims to illuminate sin’s corruption, not provide righteousness.

2. The Marriage Analogy: Death to the Law

Paul’s marriage metaphor (Romans 7:1-6) explains believers’ freedom from the law. Just as death ends a marriage, union with Christ’s death releases believers from the law’s authority. Through Christ’s death, believers are freed from the law’s legalism and “married” to Christ, who empowers them to bear spiritual fruit.

“We were once married to sin, but sin died and when it died, sins authority died with it at the cross of Jesus Christ – with the source of sins power(law) now being dead, we who trust in Christ have been set free to marry asecond time (or to another) to Him Who is the one that God sent to setus free through Jesus Christ!” –

3. Grace vs. Legalism: Serving in the Spirit

Contrast the old way of the written code (law) with the new way of the Spirit (grace). Under the law, sin’s power dominates, leading to death (Romans 7:5-6). In Christ, believers are freed to serve God in the Spirit’s power, not through legalistic effort. This aligns with Paul’s declaration that believers are “not under the law but under grace” (Romans 6:14).

4. The New Covenant’s Victory Over Sin

The new covenant fulfills the law’s purpose. While the law exposed sin’s reign (Romans 7:13-25), Christ’s sacrifice delivers believers from sin’s dominion. The Spirit now enables obedience, replacing the law’s condemnation with grace’s empowerment. This mirrors Paul’s cry of deliverance through Christ (Romans 7:24-25).

5. The Believer’s Ongoing Struggle

Paul acknowledges the tension between flesh and Spirit (Romans 7:14-25). Even under grace, believers experience an internal conflict between sinful desires and God’s will. However, this struggle is not a defeat but a reminder of dependence on Christ’s grace for victory. The law’s role here is diagnostic, while grace provides the cure and a path to empower obedience and sanctification.

Conclusion: Romans 7 is not a prescription for legalism but a testament to grace. The law’s inability to save highlights the necessity of Christ’s work, while the new covenant’s Spirit-empowered life fulfills God’s redemptive plan. Next is Romans 8, click here to read.

Key Contrasts: Law vs. Grace

Aspect Law Grace
Reveals sin, condemns (Romans 7:7-11) Saves, empowers (Romans 7:6, 25)
Human effort (Romans 7:18) Holy Spirit (Romans 7:6, 8:4)
Death (Romans 7:10) Life, fruitfulness (Romans 7:6, 8:2)
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All the Promises in the New Testament

Promises in Matthew

Salvation from sin (Matthew 1:21)

Spirit baptism (Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; Luke 24:49; John 1:33; John 7:37-39; Acts 1:5,8; Acts 2:17-21,38-39; Acts 11:16; Galatians 3:14)

Life by the Word (Matthew 4:4; Luke 4:4)

Protection by angels (Matthew 4:6; Luke 4:10-11; Hebrews 1:14)

Soul-winning power (Matthew 4:19; Mark 1:17)

Kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3,10; Matthew 7:21; Matthew 8:11; Matthew 19:14; Matthew 25:34; Mark 10:14; Luke 6:20; Luke 12:32; Luke 13:29; Luke 18:16; James 2:5)

Comfort (Matthew 5:4; Luke 6:21; II Corinthians 1:4,7; II Corinthians 7:6)

Earth as an inheritance (Matthew 5:5)

Filling of righteousness (Matthew 5:6)

Mercy (Matthew 5:7; Luke 1:50; James 5:11)

A visible God (Matthew 5:8; Revelation 22:4)

Sonship (Matthew 5:9,45; Luke 6:35; John 1:12; Romans 8:14,16; Galatians 3:7-9,26; Hebrews 3:6; I John 3:2,10)

Blessing for persecution (Matthew 5:11)

Great rewards (Matthew 5:12; Matthew 6:4,6,18; Matthew 10:42; Mark 9:41; Luke 6:23,35; Luke 14:14; John 4:36; I Corinthians 3:8-15; I Corinthians 15:58; Ephesians 6:8; Colossians 3:24; Hebrews 10:35; James 1:25)

Greatness (Matthew 5:19; Matthew 18:4; Luke 9:48)

Forgiveness of sins (Matthew 6:14; Matthew 12:31; Matthew 18:35; Mark 11:25-26; Luke 5:24; Acts 10:43; Acts 13:38-39; Acts 26:18; Romans 3:25; Romans 4:7-8; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14; I John 1:9; I John 2:12)

Necessities of life (Matthew 6:30,33; Luke 11:9-13; 12:31)

Answers to all prayers (Matthew 7:7-11; Matthew 17:20; Matthew 18:19; Matthew 21:21-22; Mark 9:23; Mark 11:22-24; Luke 11:1-13; Luke 18:1-8; John 14:12-14; John 15:7,16; John 16:23-26; Romans 8:32; Hebrews 11:6; James 1:6; I Peter 3:12; I John 3:20-22; I John 5:14-15)

All good things (Matthew 7:11)

Punishment in hell for rebels (Matthew 7:22-23; Matthew 8:11-12; Matthew 13:41-42,49-50; Matthew 25:41,46; Mark 9:42-48; Luke 3:17; Luke 12:46; I Corinthians 3:17; I Corinthians 6:9-10; James 2:13; II Peter 2:12-13; Revelation 14:9-11; Revelation 20:10-15; Revelation 21:8; Revelation 22:15; cp. Isaiah 66:22-24)

Physical healing (Matthew 8:17; Matthew 9:29; Matthew 13:15; Matthew 17:20; Matthew 21:21-22; Mark 9:23; Mark 11:22-24; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 4:18; John 14:12; Acts 28:27; Romans 8:11; James 5:14-16; I Peter 2:24)

Answers to prayer according to faith (Matthew 9:29; Hebrews 11:6; James 1:5-8)

Degrees of punishment in hell (Matthew 10:15; Matthew 11:22,24; Matthew 12:41-42; Matthew 23:14)

Inspiration (Matthew 10:19; Luke 12:12)

Final salvation at the end of a life of sowing to the Spirit (Matthew 10:22; Matthew 24:13; Mark 13:13; Romans 6:16-23; Romans 8:23-25; Galatians 6:7-8; I Peter 1:5,9,13)

Second coming of Christ (Matthew 10:23; Matthew 16:27; Matthew 23:39; Matthew 24:27-31; Matthew 25:31-46; Matthew 26:54; Mark 13:24-27; Mark 14:62; Luke 21:27-28; Acts 1:11; Acts 3:20-21; Romans 11:26; II Thessalonians 1:7-10; II Thessalonians 2:8-12; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 9:28; Hebrews 10:37)

Exposure of all secrets (Matthew 10:26; Mark 4:22; Luke 12:3; Romans 2:12-16)

Providence of God (Matthew 10:29-31; Luke 12:6,24,28; Romans 8:28-30; I Peter 5:7)

Divine recognition (Matthew 10:32; Luke 12:8; Revelation 2:5)

Divine denial (Matthew 10:33; Mark 8:38; Luke 9:26; Luke 12:9)

Life or death (Matthew 10:39; Matthew 16:25; Mark 8:35; Luke 9:24; John 12:25)

Prophet’s reward (Matthew 10:41)

Righteous man’s reward (Matthew 10:41)

Soul rest (Matthew 11:28-30; Hebrews 4:9)

Only one unpardonable sin (Matthew 12:32; Mark 3:29; Luke 12:10)

Judgment of minutest details (Matthew 12:36-37; Matthew 15:13; Mark 9:49; Romans 2:16)

Increased or decreased blessings (Matthew 13:12; Matthew 25:29; Mark 4:24-25; Luke 8:18; Luke 19:26)

Conversion upon obedience (Matthew 13:15; Acts 3:19; James 5:19-20)

Exaltation of righteous (Matthew 13:43)

Separation of good and bad (Matthew 13:41-43,49-50)

Building of a church (Matthew 16:18)

A victorious church (Matthew 16:18)

Power to bind and loose (Matthew 16:19; Matthew 18:18; John 14:12; John 20:23)

Rewards according to works (Matthew 16:27; I Corinthians 3:11-15; II Corinthians 5:10)

Unlimited power (Matthew 17:20; Matthew 18:18; Mark 9:23; Mark 11:22-24; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 10:19; Luke 17:6; Luke 24:49; John 14:12; Acts 1:8)

Reception of Christ (Matthew 18:5; Luke 9:48)

Salvation of the lost (Matthew 18:11; Luke 5:32; John 5:25; John 10:9; Revelation 22:17)

Divine presence now (Matthew 18:20; Matthew 20:23) and hereafter (Revelation 7:15; Revelation 21:3-7)

Material blessings (Matthew 19:29; Mark 10:30; Luke 18:30; Matthew 21:21-22)

Eternal life (Matthew 19:29; Mark 10:30; Luke 18:29-30; John 3:15-16,36; John 4:14; John 5:24; John 6:27, note: John 6:47,50,58; John 8:51; John 10:27-29; John 20:31; Romans 2:7; Romans 6:22-23; Titus 1:2; I John 2:25; I John 5:11-12)

Exaltation through humility (Matthew 19:30; Matthew 20:16; Matthew 23:12; Mark 10:31; Luke 13:30; Luke 14:11; Luke 18:14; James 4:10; I Peter 5:6)

A ransom (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45; I Timothy 2:6)

No marriages among resurrected people (Matthew 22:30; Mark 12:25; Luke 20:35)

God’s Word unchangeable (Matthew 24:35; Mark 13:31; Luke 21:33; I Peter 1:25)

Rulership for saints (Matthew 25:21,23; I Corinthians 6:2-3; II Timothy 2:12; Revelation 5:10)

Atonement (Matthew 26:28; Luke 22:19-20; John 1:29; Romans 3:25; Romans 5:11; Ephesians 1:7)

Food for the next life (Matthew 26:29; Mark 14:25; Luke 22:16,18,30; Revelation 2:7,17; Revelation 7:11-17; Revelation 19:7-10)

Promises in Mark

Reaping what is sown (Mark 4:24; Luke 6:38; Galatians 6:7-8)

Persecution (Mark 10:30)

Signs of the gospel (Mark 16:15-20)

Promises in Luke

An eternal kingdom to Christ and His saints (Luke 1:32-33; Luke 12:32; Revelation 5:10; Revelation 11:15; Revelation 22:4-5)

Deliverance from enemies (Luke 1:74)

Peace (Luke 1:79; John 14:27; John 16:33)

Joy (Luke 2:10-11; I Peter 4:13-14)

Universal salvation (Luke 3:6; Acts 10:35; Acts 13:26,47; Acts 15:17; Acts 28:28; Romans 1:16; Romans 10:9-13; Galatians 3:22)

Now is the acceptable time (Luke 4:18-19; II Corinthians 6:2)

Preservation (Luke 9:56; Luke 21:18)

Personal responsibility (Luke 12:48)

Immortality of body (Luke 20:36; Romans 2:7; I Corinthians 15:42-54; II Corinthians 5:1-8)

Wisdom (Luke 21:15; James 1:5)

Rapture of all saints (Luke 21:36; John 14:1-3; John 16:16; I Corinthians 15:23,51-58; Ephesians 5:27; Philippians 3:21; Colossians 3:4; I Thessalonians 3:13; I Thessalonians 4:13-17; I Thessalonians 5:9-10,23; II Thessalonians 2:7; James 5:7; I John 3:2)

Promises in John

Freedom from condemnation (John 3:16-18; Romans 8:1; Hebrews 9:13-15)

A state of no hunger or thirst (John 4:14; John 6:35)

The resurrection of all people (John 5:28-29; John 6:40,44,54; John 14:19; Acts 24:15; I Corinthians 6:14; I Corinthians 15:20-58; II Corinthians 4:14; Revelation 20:11-15)

Assurance (John 6:37; Philippians 1:6; II Timothy 1:12; II Timothy 2:11-13; Hebrews 6:1-20; I Peter 1:5,9,13)

An indwelling Christ (John 6:56-57; John 14:23; Romans 8:10; Colossians 1:27)

Knowledge (John 7:17; John 14:20,26; I Corinthians 1:30; II Corinthians 2:12; II Corinthians 12:8-11)

Light of life (John 8:12)

Freedom (John 8:32,36)

Honor (John 12:26; Romans 2:8-10)

Universal dealing (John 12:32)

Mansions (John 14:1-3)

Greater works (John 14:12)

Love of God (John 14:21)

Manifestation of God (John 14:21)

Abiding Presence (John 14:23; John 15:10; Philippians 4:9)

Purging (John 15:2)

Fruitfulness (John 15:5; II Peter 1:8)

The Holy Spirit in a measure (John 16:7-13; Romans 8:14-16) and in all fullness (Luke 11:13; Luke 24:49; John 7:37-39; John 14:12-18,26; John 15:26; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:16-21,38-39; Acts 5:32)

Guidance (John 16:13-15)

Promises in Acts

Justification (Acts 13:38-39; Romans 2:13; Romans 3:24-28; Romans 4:25; Romans 5:1-2; Romans 8:33; Galatians 2:16; Galatians 3:24)

Restoration of Israel (Acts 15:16-17; Romans 11:25-29; Matthew 24:31; Mark 13:27)

Nearness of God (Acts 17:27; Ephesians 2:13; James 4:8)

Edification (Acts 20:32)

An eternal inheritance (Acts 26:18; I Corinthians 2:9; I Peter 1:4; Revelation 21:7)

Deliverance (Acts 26:18; Romans 8:21)

Promises in Romans

Goodness of God (Romans 2:4; Romans 11:22)

Justice (Romans 2:6,12-16; Romans 8:33; I Corinthians 3:11-15; I Corinthians 4:5; I Corinthians 11:31)

Indignation and wrath (Romans 2:8-9)

Glory and honor (Romans 2:10; Romans 8:18)

Impartiality of God (Romans 2:11)

Righteousness (Romans 3:22; Romans 4:5,16,24; Romans 5:19; I Corinthians 1:30)

Salvation by grace through faith, not of works (Romans 3:24-31; Ephesians 2:8-9; II Thessalonians 2:13; Titus 2:11-12)

God for all people (Romans 3:29-30)

Salvation from wrath (Romans 5:9-10)

Victory (Romans 5:17; Romans 8:4,13; Romans 8:37; II Corinthians 2:14; I John 5:4)

Abundant grace (Romans 5:20-21)

Newness of life (Romans 6:5-8)

A spiritual mind (Romans 8:6)

Restoration of creation (Romans 8:21; Ephesians 1:10,12; Revelation 21:3-7; Revelation 22:3)

Divine help (Romans 8:26-27,31,34; Romans 14:4; I Corinthians 10:13)

A short work of God (Romans 9:28)

Salvation of Gentiles (Romans 9:25-26; Romans 11:11-12; Romans 15:21)

Salvation of Israel (Romans 9:27; Romans 11:23-36; Hebrews 8:10-12; Hebrews 10:17)

Boldness (not ashamed of Christ, Romans 9:33; Romans 10:11; I Peter 2:6)

End of law in Christ (Romans 10:4)

Word near all people (Romans 10:8)

Simplicity of salvation (Romans 10:9-10; I Corinthians 15:2; I John 1:9; II Thessalonians 2:13)

Faith (Romans 10:17; I Corinthians 12:9)

Holiness (Romans 11:16; Ephesians 1:4; Ephesians 5:27; Colossians 1:22; cp. Hebrews 12:14)

God unchangeable (Romans 11:29)

God’s vengeance (Romans 12:19)

Blessing or cursing (Romans 13:2-3)

Joy, righteousness, and peace in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17)

Coming Messiah to reign (Romans 15:12)

Satan’s defeat (Romans 16:20; cp. Revelation 12:7-12; Revelation 20:1-10)

Promises in I Corinthians

Confirmation (I Corinthians 1:8)

God to be faithful (I Corinthians 1:9; I Corinthians 10:13; I Thessalonians 5:24; II Thessalonians 3:3; Hebrews 10:23; Hebrews 13:5)

Christ to be our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption (I Corinthians 1:30)

Unlimited blessings (I Corinthians 3:21-23; Ephesians 1:3)

Judgeship of saints (I Corinthians 6:2-3)

Help when tempted (1 Corinthians 10:13)

9 spiritual gifts (I Corinthians 12:8-11)

Baptism in one body (I Corinthians 12:13)

Eternal love (I Corinthians 13:8)

Perfection (I Corinthians 13:10; I Peter 5:10)

We shall know as known (I Corinthians 13:12; I Corinthians 15:35-54)

Putting down of rebellion on earth (I Corinthians 15:24-28; Ephesians 1:10; Revelation 21-22)

Destruction of death (I Corinthians 15:26)

Promises in II Corinthians

All promises true (II Corinthians 1:20)

Removal of blindness when the heart turns to God (II Corinthians 3:16)

Liberty (II Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:13)

Transformation (II Corinthians 3:18)

Constant physical degeneration and spiritual renewal (II Corinthians 4:16-17)

New creation work (II Corinthians 5:17-18; Ephesians 4:24; Hebrews 8:10-12)

Divine fellowship (II Corinthians 6:16; Hebrews 8:10; James 4:8; I John 1:7; Revelation 3:20)

Divine reception (II Corinthians 6:17)

Divine Fatherhood (II Corinthians 6:18; Matthew 7:11; Luke 11:13; Hebrews 12:5-10)

Riches (II Corinthians 8:9)

Bountiful reaping (II Corinthians 9:6)

All sufficiency (II Corinthians 9:8)

Eternal righteousness (II Corinthians 9:9)

Increased righteousness (II Corinthians 9:10)

Enrichment in all things (II Corinthians 9:11)

Spiritual weapons (II Corinthians 10:4-5; Ephesians 6:10-18)

Perfect strength (II Corinthians 12:9)

Life by God’s power (II Corinthians 13:4)

Promises in Galatians

Deliverance from the present evil world (Galatians 1:4)

Abraham’s blessing (Galatians 3:14)

Heirship (Galatians 3:29; Romans 8:17; Titus 3:7)

Adoption as sons (Galatians 4:5-7,31; Ephesians 1:5)

Eternal death for sin (Galatians 5:21)

Promises in Ephesians

Redemption (Ephesians 1:7,14; Colossians 1:14; Titus 2:14; Hebrews 2:9-15; Hebrews 9:11-15)

Restitution of all things (Ephesians 1:10; Acts 3:21; I Corinthians 15:24-28; Revelation 21)

Boldness and access to God (Ephesians 2:18; Ephesians 3:12; Hebrews 4:14-16; Hebrews 10:19-23)

Heavenly citizenship (Ephesians 2:19; Philippians 3:20)

God’s infinite power (Ephesians 3:20)

Sealing (Ephesians 4:30; Ephesians 1:13; John 6:27; Romans 4:11; II Corinthians 1:22)

Sanctification (Ephesians 5:26; Hebrews 10:10)

Long life (Ephesians 6:3)

Promises in Philippians and Timothy

Peace shall keep you (Philippians 4:7)

Needs supplied (Philippians 4:19)

God’s will to save all people (I Timothy 2:4; II Peter 3:9; Revelation 22:17)

Profit in godliness (I Timothy 4:8)

Power, love, and a sound mind (II Timothy 1:7)

Honor and usefulness (II Timothy 2:21)

Crown of righteousness (II Timothy 4:8)

Promises in Hebrews

Angel ministers (Hebrews 1:14)

Help in temptation (Hebrews 2:18)

Partaking of Christ (Hebrews 3:14)

A high priest (Hebrews 4:14-16; Hebrews 6:20)

Uttermost salvation (Hebrews 7:25)

A better covenant (Hebrews 8:8-12; Hebrews 10:16-17)

A new covenant (Hebrews 8:8-12; Hebrews 10:16-17)

Personal representation (Hebrews 9:24)

Eternal substance (Hebrews 10:34)

Holy City (Hebrews 11:10-16; Hebrews 13:14)

A better thing (Hebrews 11:40)

Disciple (Hebrews 12:6,11; Revelation 3:19)

Jesus to be the same (Hebrews 13:8)

Promises in James

God to be the same (James 1:17)

Liberal answers to prayer (James 1:5-6; Hebrews 11:6; Matthew 21:21-22)

Crown of life (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10)

Grace (James 4:6; I Peter 1:13; I Peter 5:5)

Satan to flee when resisted (James 4:7; I Peter 5:8-9)

God to have pity on sufferers (James 5:11)

Promises in I Peter and II Peter

New birth (I Peter 1:23; I John 5:1)

Crown of glory (I Peter 5:4)

All things (II Peter 1:3)

Great promises (II Peter 1:4)

The divine nature (II Peter 1:4)

Escape from the corruption of the world (II Peter 1:4)

Security (II Peter 1:10)

Abundant entrance into the kingdom of God (II Peter 1:11)

New Heaven and New Earth (II Peter 3:13; Revelation 21-22)

Promises in I John and II John

Cleansing from sin (I John 1:7,9)

An advocate with God (I John 2:1-2)

Boldness in judgment (I John 4:17)

Witness of sonship (I John 5:10-11)

Renewed life (I John 5:16; James 5:19-20; Galatians 4:19; Galatians 6:1)

Eternal truth (II John 2)

Both God and Christ (II John 9)

Promises in Revelation

Blessing by reading (Revelation 1:3)

The tree of life (Revelation 2:7; Revelation 22:2)

Escape from hell (Revelation 2:11)

A white stone (Revelation 2:17)

A new name (Revelation 2:17)

Power to rule nations (Revelation 2:26-27; Revelation 3:21; Revelation 5:9-10; Revelation 22:4-5)

The morning star (Revelation 2:28)

White robes (Revelation 3:4-5; Revelation 7:9; Revelation 19:8)

Name retained in the Book of Life (Revelation 3:5; cp. Exodus 32:32; Psalm 69:25-28)

A place in God’s temple (Revelation 3:12)

The name of God (Revelation 3:12)

The name of God’s city (Revelation 3:12)

Christ’s new name (Revelation 3:12)

The descent of the Holy City to Earth (Revelation 3:12; Revelation 21:2,9-10)

Eternal supply (Revelation 7:16)

No more heat (Revelation 7:16)

Divine shepherding (Revelation 7:17)

No more tears (Revelation 7:17; Revelation 21:4)

Defeat of all earthly kingdoms (Revelation 11:15; Revelation 19:11-21; Revelation 20:1-10)

Rest from hard labour (Revelation 14:13)

Works will be manifest (Revelation 14:13)

Kingship and priesthood (Revelation 20:4-6; Revelation 1:5-6; Revelation 5:10; Revelation 22:4-5)

God’s Tabernacle with human beings (Revelation 21:3)

No more death (Revelation 21:4)

No more sorrow (Revelation 21:4)

No more pain (Revelation 21:4)

All things new (Revelation 21:5)

Water of life (Revelation 21:6; Revelation 22:17)

Eternal nations to be saved and multiply forever (Revelation 21:24-27; Revelation 11:15; Revelation 22:4-5)

Eternal healing (Revelation 22:2)

No more curse (Revelation 22:3)

A right to the tree of life (Revelation 22:14)

A right to enter the Holy City (Revelation 22:14; cp. Revelation 21:8; Revelation 22:15)

Plagues of Revelation upon rebels (Revelation 22:18-19)

Names of rebels blotted out of the Book of Life (Revelation 22:19; Revelation 3:5; Exodus 32:32; Psalm 69:25-29)

Rebels lose their right to the Holy City (Revelation 22:19)

Rebels will be denied the blessings of Revelation (Revelation 22:19)

Soon return of Jesus Christ to fulfill all the above promises (Revelation 22:7,12,20; Revelation 3:11)

Uncategorized

The Atonement of Jesus Christ: Biblical Foundations

Here, we will examine one of the Seventh-day Adventists’ primary but the most fundamental and challenged doctrines within and without the SDA establishment: the heretical Investigative Judgment (IJ). This doctrine negatively affects orthodox Christian doctrines: the Atonement, Justification by Faith, Sanctification by Faith, the Ascension, the Intercessory work of Christ our High Priest, the Trinity, and the Eschatological Second Advent.

It has caused many well-educated theologians (one, Desmond Ford,  who held five doctorates) within the SDA church to seek reform of this doctrine, which generally meets with imminent defamation and defrocking.

The leaders of the SDA church defer to their pioneers, one of whom claimed to be a prophetess — the woman Ellen G. White (EGW). Many leaders and members believe she has always and continues to offer a divine complement to Sola Scriptura (scripture alone), to the extent that they have published her entire writings in well-bound volumes: an SDA Commentary and The Clear Word Bible, which include her many untheological visions. Even the retired editor of a pastoral magazine publication referred to EGW as “my guru” on Facebook. This adherence to erroneous biblical proclamation presents a conundrum for the SDA leadership — it could split the church if they admit that she has erred at any point, especially the infamous IJ doctrine.

The number of Ellen G. White books printed by Seventh-day Adventist publishers such as Pacific Press and Review and Herald over the years is not definitively stated. Still, some data provides insight into the scope of her literary impact. EGW has probably published more volumes than all the cultic denominations combined.

  1. Volume of Publications: Ellen G. White authored approximately 100,000 pages of material during her lifetime, including 24 books in circulation at the time of her death, 5,000 periodical articles, and numerous tracts and pamphlets. Posthumous compilations have increased the total number of books in print to more than 130 titles.1  Her writings, such as The Great Controversy and other popular works like Steps to Christ (translated into over 165 languages), have seen tens of millions of copies distributed worldwide. 2

  2. Global Publishing Reach: The Seventh-day Adventist Church operates 62 publishing houses globally, producing literature in over 360 languages. Ellen White’s works have been central to the mission of these institutions. 3 

  3. Revenue Information: While specific financial data tied solely to Ellen White’s books is unavailable, Pacific Press Publishing Association has shown significant profitability. Ellen White’s writings have had a profound impact on Adventist publishing efforts globally, with millions of copies printed and distributed. However, detailed financial earnings attributed to her work are not publicly disclosed.

With this introduction, we declare that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is at the heart of Christian theology. Scripture describes it as conjoining His sacrificial death on the cross and His priestly work in the heavenly sanctuary, as He prepares His church to be with Him for their glorification.

Atonement on the Cross

1 Peter 2:24 emphasizes that Jesus bore humanity’s sins in His body on the cross, fulfilling the Old Testament imagery of a sacrificial lamb (Isaiah 53:12). His death was substitutionary, meaning He died in place of sinners, the innocent for the guilty (Romans 5:6; 1 John 2:2). This act reconciled humanity to God, enabling believers to live for righteousness and experience spiritual healing through salvation.

Leviticus 17:11 highlights the importance of blood in atonement, stating that “the life of a creature is in the blood” and that it is given to make atonement. This foreshadowed Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, whose blood obtained eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12).

Atonement in the Most Holy Place

Hebrews 9:11-12 describes Jesus as entering the heavenly Most Holy Place once for all by His precious antitypical blood, securing eternal redemption. This contrasts with the repeated animal sacrifices under the Old Covenant. His priestly work fulfills and surpasses the Day of Atonement rituals outlined in Leviticus 16, where the high priest entered the earthly Most Holy Place to make atonement for the sins of Israel. Jesus’ entry into the heavenly sanctuary signifies a perfect and final act of atonement.

Hebrews 9:23-28 explains that Christ’s sacrifice purifies humanity and the heavenly sanctuary. His death was sufficient to put away sin forever, and He will return not to deal with sin but to bring salvation to those waiting for Him.

Seventh-day Adventists’ Investigative Judgement

The Seventh-day Adventist doctrine of Investigative Judgment teaches that Christ began a second phase of atonement in 1844 when He entered the heavenly Most Holy Place to cleanse the sanctuary. This belief stems from Hiram Edson’s interpretation following the Millerite “Great Disappointment.” According to this view, Jesus’ work in heaven involves examining believers’ lives to determine their eligibility for salvation before His second coming. This completely skews the truth that Jesus Christ is sufficient. Note: William Miller taught that Christ would return on October 22, 1844. He has repented of his folly, whereas Ellen G. White took Hiram Edson’s misinterpretation to the depths of false doctrine.

Rejection by Other Christian Traditions

Orthodox, Reformed, and Evangelical theologians reject this Investigative Judgment doctrine for several reasons:

  1. Biblical Finality of Christ’s Sacrifice:

    • Hebrews 9:12 explicitly states that Jesus entered the Most Holy Place “once for all” by His blood, obtaining eternal redemption. The idea of an ongoing investigative phase undermines the sufficiency and finality of Christ’s atonement as taught in scripture.

  2. Misinterpretation of Prophecy:

    • Other traditions consider Adventist reliance on Daniel 8:14 (“cleansing of the sanctuary”) a misapplication. Reformed theology interprets this passage as referring to historical events involving Antiochus Epiphanes rather than a heavenly judgment beginning in 1844.

  3. Lack of Scriptural Support:

    • Orthodox and Evangelical traditions argue that there is no biblical evidence for a two-phase atonement process or an investigative judgment occurring in heaven. Instead, scripture consistently portrays Christ’s atoning work as completed on the cross (John 19:30) and applied through faith.

  4. Theological Concerns:

    • The Investigative Judgment introduces uncertainty about salvation, which conflicts with doctrines emphasizing assurance through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Reformed theology particularly stresses justification by faith as a completed act rather than contingent on future investigative judgment.

Comparison Table

Aspect Biblical Atonement Investigative Judgment (SDA)
Finality Christ’s sacrifice was “once for all” (Hebrews 9:12) Ongoing investigative process since 1844
Scriptural Basis Rooted in Hebrews, Leviticus, and New Testament Based on an interpretation of Daniel 8:14
Salvation Assurance Assurance through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9) Conditional upon judgment outcomes
Historical Development Consistent with early church teachings Developed post-Millerite “Great Disappointment”

 

In summary, while Seventh-day Adventists view Christ’s work in heaven as an investigative phase tied to eschatology, other Christian traditions reject this notion based on scriptural teachings about the sufficiency and finality of Christ’s atonement on the cross and His priestly intercession in heaven.

Recommended

 How False Doctrine Can Influence Groupthink

About Ellen G White

 

1 White Estate

2 ibid

3 Ministry Magazine

 

Uncategorized

John 17: Christ’s High Priestly Prayer

John 17, known as Christ’s High Priestly Prayer, reveals Jesus’ unique intercessory role as mediator between God and believers. This prayer emphasizes Reformed themes of particular redemption, effectual sanctification, and eternal security through Christ’s priestly work. Here’s a Reformed analysis of key verses:

  • : Jesus seeks mutual glorification with the Father through the cross, establishing His authority to grant eternal life to the elect (John 17:1-2). This reflects His mediatorial role as “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

  • : Eternal life consists in knowing the Triune God (John 17:3), emphasizing relational knowledge rather than mere intellectual assent – a key Reformed distinction between saving faith and nominal belief.

  • : Jesus explicitly prays “for those whom you gave me” (John 17:9), underscoring the Reformed doctrine of definite atonement. His priestly work specifically secures salvation for the elect, not merely making salvation possible for all.

  • : The Father’s keeping power (John 17:11-12) ensures the perseverance of saints. Calvin notes this “keeping” involves both protection from apostasy and progressive sanctification.

  • : Sanctification occurs through “thy truth; thy word is truth” (John 17:17). Reformed theology stresses Scripture as the sole infallible means of holiness, opposing mystical or tradition-based sanctification.

  • : Believers are sanctified not for isolation but for Gospel witness (John 17:18-19). Christ’s self-consecration as the highest sacrifice (John 17:19) mirrors the Day of Atonement rituals, fulfilling the Old Covenant’s shadows.

  • : The prayer for unity “as we are one” (John 17:22) refers to Trinitarian harmony, not institutional uniformity. Reformed ecclesiology locates this unity in our shared confession of Christ and Gospel truth.

  • : Unity serves as apologetic evidence that “the world may believe” (John 17:21), showing the missional focus of Christ’s priestly intercession.

  • : The demand “that they may be with me” (John 17:24) reflects Christ’s authority as High Priest to claim His redeemed. Turretin notes this demonstrates the efficacy of His intercession based on merit, not mere request.

  • : “I made known to them your name” (John 17:26) highlights the Reformed emphasis on God’s self-disclosure through Christ, completed in Scripture.

  1. : As our High Priest, Christ “always lives to make intercession” (Hebrews 7:25), applying His finished work to believers daily.

  2. : The prayer fulfills the Old Testament priesthood, with Christ as the final sacrifice and eternal intercessor (Hebrews 9:24-28).

  3. : Believers find comfort knowing Christ’s prayers – unlike human intercession – “has great power as it is working” (James 5:16) with guaranteed efficacy.

This prayer encapsulates the Reformed emphasis on Monergistic salvation: the Father elects, the Son redeems and intercedes, and the Spirit sanctifies – all working inseparably to secure every believer’s eternal inheritance.

Uncategorized

The Promises of Jesus

The following verses are taken from the Gospels. They focus on promises made to those who believe in our Lord Jesus, who died for our sins.

John 3:14-18 “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”

John 4:13-14 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

John 5:24-25 “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live.”

John 5:28-29 “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned.”

John 6:35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.”

John 6:37 “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.”

John 6:40 “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”

John 6:44 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day.”

John 6:54-57 “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me.”

John 7:37-38 On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.”

John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 8:31-32 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

 (NKJV) John 8:51 “I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.”

John 10:9-10 “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

John 10:14-16 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.”

John 10:27-29 “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”

John 11:25-26 Jesus said to her [Martha], “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

John 12:25-26 “The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”

John 12:46 “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.”

John 14:2-4 “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”

John 14:12-14 “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”

John 14:18 “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”

John 14:19 “Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.”

John 14:20 “On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.”

John 14:21 “Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.”

John 14:23 Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”

John 14:26 “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

John 15:7 “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.”

John 15:10 “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love.”

John 15:11 “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

John 15:16 “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.”

John 15:26 “When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me.”

John 16:12-15 “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.”

John 16:23-24 “In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”

John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Matthew 5:3-11 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.”

Matthew 5:19 “Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 6:3-4 “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Matthew 6:6 “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Matthew 6:14 “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

Matthew 6:33 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Matthew 7:7-8 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” (See also Luke 11:9-10.)

Matthew 7:11 “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

Matthew 7:21, 24-25 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.”

(NKJV) Matthew 10:32 “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.”

Matthew 10:42 “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.”

Matthew 11:6 “Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.”

Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 12:49-50 Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

Matthew 18:18-20 “I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”

Matthew 19:29-30 “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.”

Matthew 21:18-22 Early in the morning, as he was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered. When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” they asked. Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” (See also Mark 11:12-14.)

Matthew 25:34-36 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, Ineeded clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’”

Matthew 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them [the eleven disciples] and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Luke 6:35 “But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.”

Luke 6:37-38 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Luke 9:48 Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all—he is the greatest.”

Luke 11:11-13 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Luke 11:28 He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

In Luke 21:33 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”

Source: NIV Version, unless otherwise noted.
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Bible Study: Ephesians 1

The letter to the church at Ephesus was authored by the apostle Paul.  This study looks at the first chapter of this letter.

As Christians, our greatest blessings are more deeply appreciated when we comprehend that our Father – the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is glorified (Eph1:14) in blessing his children. Most fathers find great joy when their children are around them, united in kindred spirit. I recall taking my four children to a restaurant when they were young during a holiday trip. The restauranteur said to me with great admiration as he sat us around a unique table, “You have a glorious family.” In a way, I understand the Father’s joy as being glorified when his children come to him. As a father looking at my beautiful children, I was glorified in my family via the Spirit of God and the light surrounding us.

Moreover, we are to reciprocally bless, meaning praise the Father for his blessings: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” and “He chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love, he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will” (Eph 1:3-4 ESV)

Notably, the Father has blessed us “in Christ,” which denotes a necessary vital union with Jesus Christ. The following explanation that the apostle Paul gives emphasizes this vital union that “in Christ” means:

Key points are revealed here:

  1. We were predestined as chosen by the Father in Christ – “in him”
  2. We were chosen long before the world was created – “before the foundation of the world”
  3. Our predestined selection was a sovereign act of love for us with a view that we are his children adopted out of the world’s masses – “in love” by “his will”
  4. Our enablement to rejoin the Father’s family was achieved “through Jesus Christ,” whose act brought legal restitution to the Father when his ransom-death paid for our sin on the cross.
  5. We are viewed as “holy and blameless” in Christ, firstly as we are covered by his redemptive act of atonement on the cross referred to as legally justified (cf. Romans ch. 3, 5) – holiness can only be our ongoing aim – and will always be “not yet fully obtained” as we approach purity via his indwelling Spirit.

Our blessing came to us through Jesus Christ’s redemptive act of dying for our sins on the cross of Calvary as the entrance method God chose to bring us back home. He has blessed us “in Christ,” also noted as “through Jesus” – reiterated for impact as “in the Beloved” and “in him” – “…he has blessed us in the Beloved. In Him, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace (Eph 1:5-6 ESV).

The blessings we derive are primarily spiritual and cover the broad scope of life now and into eternity, things that only followers of Jesus can understand and appreciate by faith. Paul notes that the Father has blessed his chosen, preordained children who come to him via Jesus by faith with “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places… according to the riches of his grace” (Eph 1: 3, 7). As children, we are restored, and restitution is made to the Father – thus, by grace, we are saved.

We know these are spiritual blessings because, as the Father’s children, we acknowledge that he gives us insight into the gospel of grace in the Word of God to the degree that “he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will.” Moreover, we, the believers, the church, are universally united via the Spirit of Christ “according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth” (Eph 1:9-10).

Again, I want to draw attention to the “the Father of glory” (Eph1:17) who is at work to “give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe” (Eph 1:17-19)

Why would the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be so concerned that you have wisdom, a revelation of his knowledge, by having our hearts enlightened? It is so that you, the reader, can know “the hope to which he has called you” and that you understand all of God’s efforts via his Word set forth by reading, pastoral ministry, preaching and prayer to him, available as God the Father’s own possession.

King David, a man of great power and wealth and victory over his enemies, could say prayerfully with praise to the Father: “For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139: 13-14 NASV)

Have you ever thought about being a child of God? Let’s go one step further. Have you ever considered that though you come to your father as the one who created you and gave your life? Through Jesus Christ by faith, this life is renewed and restored to unify you and your Father. You are not your own possession! The Father is taking back his rightful fatherly role over you as his child in redeeming you from the corruption of this world (which continually disregards his Creatorship/Fatherhood). The New American Standard Bible puts it this way:

“In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.” (Eph 1:13, 14)

Takeaway of Chapter 1: You were elected — predestined to be reunited with the Father by faith in his son Jesus Christ. The gospel is a message of truth, bringing you salvation from eternal judgment. By connecting with Christ to God’s family, the Father is taking you back as he created and now His redeemed possession. This offers you unlimited spiritual blessings now and in eternity as you follow Jesus Christ. The Father “gave him as head over all things to the church” (Eph 1: 22), and Jesus continues to lead and guide his faithful followers, showered with eternal blessed insight.

 

 

 

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Depend on Jesus to Give You Eternal Life

January 11 is my deceased mother’s birthday. Had she lived on, she would have been 96 today. She was a devout believer in Christ. I know she has gone to be with Jesus, to a special place prepared explicitly for her. In her long time in long-term care, she loved singing hymns with the Pastor, who visited frequently and the facility’s community,

Her favourite scripture was quoting Jesus from John 14:2 NLT: There is more than enough room in my Father’s home… I am going to prepare a place for you…

In addition to knowledge of the facts of the gospel and approval of those facts, to be saved, I must decide to depend on Jesus to save me. In doing this, I move from being an interested observer of the facts of salvation and the teachings of the Bible to being someone who enters into a new relationship with Jesus Christ as a living person.

Therefore, we may define saving faith in the following way: Saving faith is trust in Jesus Christ as a living person for forgiveness of sins and eternal life with God. This definition emphasizes that saving faith is not just a belief in facts. Moreover, believing faith is a personal trust in Jesus to save me.

Much more is involved in salvation than simply forgiveness of sins and eternal life, but someone who initially comes to Christ seldom realizes the extent of the blessings of salvation that will come. Moreover, we may rightly summarize the two major concerns of a person who trusts in Christ as “forgiveness of sins” and “eternal life with God.”

The main thing that concerns an unbeliever who comes to Christ is the fact that sin has separated him or her from the fellowship with God for which we were made. The unbeliever comes to Christ seeking to remove sin and guilt and enter into a genuine relationship with God that will last forever.

The definition emphasizes personal trust in Christ, not just belief in facts about Christ. Because saving faith in Scripture involves this personal trust, the word “trust” is a better word to use in contemporary culture than the word “faith” or “belief.” The reason is that we can “believe” something to be true without personal commitment or dependence.

I can believe the sky is blue or one plus one is two, but I have no personal trusting commitment or dependence on anyone when I simply believe those facts. On the other hand, the word faith is sometimes used today to refer to a commitment to something despite strong evidence, to the contrary, a sort of irrational decision to believe something that we are pretty sure is not valid! 2

The word trust is closer to the biblical idea, since we are familiar with trusting persons in everyday life. The more we come to know a person, and the more we see in that person a pattern of life that warrants trust, the more we find ourselves able to place trust in that person to do what he or she promises, or to act in ways that we can rely on. This fuller sense of personal trust is indicated in several passages of Scripture in which initial saving faith is spoken of in very personal terms, drawn from personal relationships. John says, “To all who received him who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God” (John 1:12). Much as we would receive a guest into our homes, John speaks of receiving Christ. 3

John 3:16 tells us that “whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Here John uses a surprising phrase when he does not simply say, “whoever believes him” (that is, believes that what he says is true and able to be trusted), but rather, “whoever believes in him.” There is a sense of trust or confidence that goes into and rests in Jesus as a person.

Faith, for John, is an activity which takes men right out of themselves and makes them one with Christ.” There is a significant indication that New Testament faith is not just intellectual assent but includes a “moral element of personal trust. 1 Such an expression was well suited to express that personal trust in Christ is involved in saving faith.

Jesus speaks of “coming to him” in several places. He says, “All that the Father gives me will come to me; and him who comes to me I will not cast out” (John 6:37). He also says, “If any one thirst, let him come to me and drink” (John 7:37). In a similar way, he says, “Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:28–30). In these passages we have the idea of coming to Christ and asking for acceptance, for living water to drink, and for rest and instruction. All of these give an intensely personal picture of what is involved in saving faith. 3

The author of Hebrews also asks us to think of Jesus as now alive in heaven, ready to receive us: “He is able for all time to save those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them” (Heb. 7:25). Jesus is pictured here (as many times in the New Testament) as one who is now alive in heaven, always able to help those who come to him.

With this understanding of true New Testament faith, we may now appreciate that when a person comes to trust in Christ, all three elements must be present. There must be some basic knowledge or understanding of the facts of the gospel. There must also be approval of, or agreement with, these facts. Such agreement includes a conviction that the facts spoken of the gospel are true, especially the fact that I am a sinner in need of salvation and that Christ alone has paid the penalty for my sin and offers salvation to me.

It also includes an awareness that I need to trust in Christ for salvation and that he is the only way to God and the only means provided for my salvation. This approval of the facts of the gospel will also involve a desire to be saved through Christ. This personal decision to trust Christ is made with my heart, a commitment to believe with my whole person.

The beauty of this is that the Holy Spirit will lead you into a deeper trusting faith. You can be sure from the very beginning:

…everyone who believes will have eternal life in Him. John 3:15

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life… And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life … (John 3:36)

These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. (1 John 5:15)

For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.” …Truly, truly, I say to you, the one who believes has eternal life. (John 6:40, 47)

1 Leon Morris

2; Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology

3 Ibid

4 Ibid

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Avoid the Status Quo

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

I dip into a leadership devotional every morning while my wife prepares coffee before our joint bible devotional. The following is from the renowned business speaker John Maxwell: 1

The status quo is Latin for “the mess we’re in.” But leaders see beyond the mess. They have a vision for what could be and are never content with things as they are. To be leading, by definition, is to be in front, breaking new ground, conquering new worlds, and moving away from the status quo. This proactive and visionary approach sets leaders apart and empowers them to make a difference.

Leaders are not just those who lead but are willing to be different and take risks. A person who refuses to risk change fails to grow. A leader who loves the status quo soon becomes a follower. Raymond Smith of the Bell Atlantic Corporation once remarked, “Taking the safe road, doing your job, and not making any waves may not get you fired (right away, at least), but it sure won’t do much for your career or your company over the long haul. We’re not dumb. We know that administrators are easy to find and cheap to keep. However, leaders who are risk-takers are in very short supply. And the ones with vision are pure gold. As a leader, you are not just a follower but an integral part of the process.”

Many people seem afraid of the risk because they are more comfortable with old problems than with the challenge of devising new solutions. The difference is attitude. When you seek out potential leaders, look for people who seek solutions.

1 Source: Leadership, John Maxwell