Give John Piper the benefit of the doubt

I just wanted to say this briefly, as a man who confesses the 1689 LBCF and Keache's Catechism and the Cambridge Declaration and believes that Calvin's threefold use of the law makes good biblical sense, that I am dismayed by John Piper's recent comments about and invitation to Doug Wilson of Federal Vision heresy fame. I believe (and hope) that in this case that John Piper is reading Wilson wrong and believes that Wilson has been misunderstood.

The problem is, as far as I know, that those who have seen a different gospel in Wilson's beliefs have not been rebuked by Wilson for mis-reading him but have been told that they are misreading Scripture, much in the same way Tom Wright has poo-pooed anyone who labels his heretical departure from the gospel for what it is. Of course, Wright goes farther and humbly explains that his detractors' main problem is that they have not read enough Wright and went to the wrong schools.

But I digress; as I have also read some of Dr. Piper's works and listened to many sermons by him, I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt concerning his actions involving Wilson, because I have never heard another Pastor preach the gospel of justification by grace through faith with more clarity and conviction, and his Christ centeredness and commitment to the absolute sovereignty of God is compelling and commendable.

That being said, I do not consider John Piper to be a Reformed Baptist because he does not adhere to the theology of one of the historic Baptist confessions of faith or its modern equivalent, most likely because of his views of the law and gospel, which I believe lean toward New Covenant theology which is basically antinomian. He admits as much (not the antinomian part). I have that against him.

What dismays me more is some of the assaults I have read recently on John Piper from the Reformed Baptist blogosphere, which, ironically, accuse Piper of legalism and assault his character and ministry. Now there are many thoughtful and Christlike posts out there expressing concerns about Piper's comments and selection of Doug Wilson, such as the post by Pastor Keith Throop, but there are many that seem to harbor some hateful grudge against Piper that is definitely not compelling nor Christlike, that make a concerted effort to disparage Piper with half-truths and misinformation, quoting Piper out of context, etc. This is worthless drivel, and I would that these posters would repent or may hap lose interest in opining on the internet altogether.

I think John Piper is a man of God who has done much to advance the kingdom of God and glorify Christ and God, and deserves better than to be slandered with straw-man attacks against his character and ministry. He may forsake the gospel and make me eat my words, but I say he deserves the benefit of the doubt concerning this.

I have purposefully left out links to the posts that have irritated me concerning this, and would hope that readers would read and listen to Piper's sermons and books and judge him based on his own work and ministry. All of his sermons and books are available for free from the website Desiring God.

Reformed Baptist? Me Too!

Pastor Keith Throop is one of my long time favorites of the "Christian Blogosphere" and internet who, like myself, takes exception to those who would claim exclusive use of the descriptor "Reformed". At least excluding Baptists.

Unlike myself he writes his prose with charitable even-handedness and level-headedness which is too often lacking in the many "poison pens" on the Internet.

His most recent post on why he calls himself a Reformed Baptist in response to former Reformed Baptist R. Scott Clark's repeated assertions that such phrase is a misnomer is no exception, in which Pastor Throop lists three reasons why he believes that Baptists can have a legitimate and historically accurate use of the term.

Here is an excerpt from his post:

Second, Clark's comments seem to assume the idea that there is a monolithic historical understanding of the meaning the English word reformed. But this is simply not true. There are broader and more narrow senses in which the word may be used, and not all of these require the specific understanding to which he apparently wishes to restrict usage of the term. In addition, I see know [sic]reason why a modifier cannot be attached to the word that in effect alters and qualifies its meaning so as to rule out the kind of misunderstanding that Clark is apparently concerned about. One such modifier – as I have already noted – is the term baptist, which immediately communicates a distinctive use of the word reformed.

Read the whole post here: Why I Call Myself a Reformed Baptist

It may be a coinkidink, but the two voices that I hear loudest (Dr.s R. Scott Clark and Matthew McMahon) in objecting to Baptists using the term "Reformed" as a descriptor are themselves former Baptists. I suppose this is usually the case, with former Dispensationalists being the most belligerent towards that system, Roman Catholics the most critical of that movement, etc.

I myself am a former Independent Fundamental Pauline Dispensational Scofield Reading Pre-Trib Rapturing Semi Pelagian'in King James Only Baptist (IFBSRPTRSPKJVOB) and frankly find my shortened self identifier much easier to say and abbreviate; Reformed Baptist, (RB). Nice ring to it too.

Dr.s Clark and McMahon are both very edifying brothers in most respects, by the way, and I with good conscience endorse them both to all y'all Reformed Baptists.

The Church and Politics

Often during my lunch break I will go out to my vehicle and listen to John Macarthur's Grace to You radio broadcast. The particular radio station I listen to this on seems to repeat a lot of series, and they will preview new series before airing them to check for too much Calvinism, and sometimes they won't air particular sermons they deem too Calvinistic.

Fortunately, they have a poor understanding of Calvinism so, for example, in a series by John Macarthur about the doctrines of grace, they balked at the sermons on limited atonement and irresistible grace at first, interrupting the series and airing two sermons from a previous series in their stead. They didn't seem to realize that Dr. Macarthur's excellent messages on total depravity, unconditional election and perseverance of the saints were completely incompatible with their own semi-pelagianism and once-saved-always-saved beliefs. They did finally air the two missing messages at a later date, to my surprise, perhaps they got some angry calls.

Anywho...

Usually I hear a message I've heard before as this has been a lunchtime tradition of mine for some years now, but today I heard a new one to me that just flies right in the face of so much of modern American Christian belief.

How many times do we hear of "America the Christian Nation", "America was founded on Christian principles" and the like. Prominent Christian leaders will equate an attack on the pledge of allegiance to an attack on Christianity, and pretend that our Democratic Republic system of government is God's favorite and that spreading Democracy militarily or by other means is a righteous cause of Christians.

Now, I believe that in this world of fallen people with sinful agendas, which is all of us, that the system of checks and balances with which our country was founded is the best form of government I can imagine. I believe in religious freedom and equality among men. I believe our American constitution has done a good job of ensuring our individual freedoms and I am thankful for and enjoy them. I believe that the United States exists because God ordained that this nation exist.

I also believe that God has ordained that every nation on earth exist, and that every leader, no matter how evil, is in their position of power because God put them there according to the council of his own will and for his own purpose. I believe these things because the bible clearly teaches them.

Moreover, spreading Democracy and pursuing regime changes and fighting social injustice and not paying your taxes are not Christian activities! Where is the biblical mandate for such pursuits? These things are not in themselves bad things (except for not paying your taxes), but tying them together with Christianity is a very bad thing.

Now, this is a dangerous belief to convey to your fellow Christians, and as many Christians have relatives or children in military service, it could get you a sock in the mouth. American Christians are convinced of American righteousness and superiority. And I am certainly no eloquent opiner, and so I remain quiet and cringe only slightly as I am berated with "evidences" of "righteous America".

I encourage you to read or listen to this message by John Macarthur expositing Romans 13 that really hits the nail on the head with exactly what I'm trying to say. Here are a few provocative quotes:

[Romans 13:1-7] The truth of the matter is, and you need to think about this - the truth of the matter is that our own nation was borne out of a violation of this biblical text. Now that may throw you for a loss, but that's the fact. Our nation was borne out of a violation of this text. In the name of Christian freedom.

It amazes me that you have a list of true believers, charlatans, frauds, false prophets - all jumbled together for the sake of "religious freedom" to do the political lobbying that people think is going to preserve the kingdom of God in America.

So Jesus came into a world dominated by slavery and by one man rule. The absolute antithesis of democracy, which we believe to be so dear. All the power of the state was in one man's hands.

He [Jesus] did not come with power and force to overthrow the Roman tyranny. He did not seek social change. He did not attempt to eliminate slavery. He did not come with political or economic issues at stake. They were not the concern of his life and Ministry. He did not come to bring new government, to bring democracy, to wave the flag of Judaism, even. His appeal was ever and always to the hearts of individual men and women. Not their political freedoms. Not their rights under government.

To read the whole meassage, click here.

To listen on GTY's pop-up audio player thingamajig, click here.

To download high quality audio, click here.

Angels and Demons Truth

Angels and Demons Truth

Seems that we have another major motion picture inspired by the fertile imagination of Dan Brown. As has been well documented in the multitude of rebuttals to The Da Vinci Code blockbuster, we know Mr. Brown is not above stretching, embellishing twisting and portioning the truth, and even resorts to outright fabrications to establish his plot. The thing that got Christians in an uproar was Dan’s insistence that all his “facts” were indeed factual and not the imaginative and fanciful plot thickening ingredients that they truly were.

Nevertheless, some Christians whom I respect and are well grounded in the reality of biblical Christianity found entertainment value in the Da Vinci Code book and movie, and so I will not tell everybody “don’t go see this movie”. I chose not to partake of the former book or movie (and will not involve myself in the current book or film) because I find the reality of biblical Christianity much more exciting, intriguing, enriching and mind blowing than some modern tall tales fabricated in the mind of an unscrupulous unbeliever with an agenda. Also, malevolent blasphemies make me uncomfortable and angry, not what I call a “good time”.

For those of you who may see the movie or read the book, and have questions about some of the movie’s “facts” , Westminster Theological Seminary has set up this great website that answers many claims made by Dan Brown with hard, cold, reality.

Angels and Demons Truth

Vern Poythress, Ph. D., Th. D., Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Westminster Theological Seminary looks to be the major contributor. And in his usual humble, irenic and lucid style, intelligently reduces Dan Brown’s fallacies to naught.

The site itself is well designed and easily navigated, full of great content and links. I will be bookmarking it just to keep up with what is being said and argued concerning this. I know it is usually better to consult primary sources, but I think that in this case I'll consult this reliable, trustworthy secondary source.

Islamic Europe

I have somewhat against this video; Islam is not a race, and Muslims are not born but created. If Europe only had a vital, vibrant Christian witness, the influx of Islamic peoples could be an evangelical boon! Imagine the opportunity to preach the gospel unfettered to millions of Islamic people, many of whom would return to their former countries to tell others of the good news of Jesus Christ.

But I'm afraid this opportunity will not be exploited but squandered, and the rise of Islam will enslave Europe in the stranglehold of useless religion and oppressive moralism.

The Muslims are mearly filling the vacuum created by the indigenous people when they traded Christianity for worldly pleasures and sought satisfaction in sin rather than Christ. Western civilization has been ingenious in facilitating its insatiable fornication desires with abortion and contraceptives. Marriage has become a by-word and children are seen as obstacles to one's own fulfillment in life, not to mention bad for the environment.

And don't think the United States is not on the same path. Christianity is rapidly losing ground in America to heretical imitations and rival religions as the church has lost its message and has become timid, fearful and worldly.

Pray for the believers in Europe.

Do you believe in Jesus Christ?

Ask most people in America I dare say and they will reply "yes, I believe in Jesus".
The question is not enough; many believe in a false messiah that has been conjured up in the minds of evil men and given the name "Jesus".

But it may be that they believe in the right Jesus, that is to say, they have orthodox beliefs about Jesus. And this is indeed essential; you must believe that Jesus is God the Son who took a human nature, lived a sinless life, fulfilling the law of God, and died on the cross, bearing God's wrath for sins as a substitutionary sacrifice acceptable to God on behalf of unworthy sinners, that he rose on the third day in his glorified human body, the first fruits of the resurrection. You must believe that Jesus has ascended to heaven and sits at the right hand of the father and will return again in judgement to consummate his kingdom. Is believing these facts about Jesus enough? It is essential to believe these facts, but it does not by itself constitute saving faith.

James 2:14-20 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe--and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?

No man has more orthodox beliefs than Satan and his demons. He believes the facts about Jesus and knows them to be true. He is certainly not saved, because one thing he lacks.

"Aha!" You say, "I must have works to show that I believe." That's not exactly right. One may believe the facts about Jesus, and may be busy with works of charity and go to church religiously and still have a cold, hard heart. What is missing?

Love.

You must love God in Christ in order to be saved. Good works are the manifestation of, the overflow of love for Christ and love for fellow Christians is the overflow of our love for God:

Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations,

John 14:21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him."

1 John 4:7-8 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

1 John 4:20-5:3 If anyone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.

We obey God because we love God; we do not do good works as a burdensome task, but as an overflow of the love that we have for God. And we love our brothers and sisters in Christ as an overflow of the love we have for God. We love God because he first loved us, and the love of God that we have is the gift of God enabled by the Holy Spirit in regeneration. Notice again,

1 John 5:1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him.

The person who believes Jesus is the Christ is the true believer, and has been born of God (regeneration, born again), loves the father (manifested in obedience to his commandments) and loves other Christians. Love is essential, and is always present in the true believer.

But I said earlier that a person may believe the facts about Jesus and not be saved, but this is saying that anyone who believes Jesus is the Christ has been born again and loves God. Am I contradicting myself and the bible? I don't believe so, because I believe that one fact about Jesus Christ was missing from the list that I mentioned above:

The fact that Jesus Christ is the greatest treasure in the universe, infinitely surpassing the entire universe, infinitely surpassing all of our fleshly desires and certainly all the treasures of this world. This is a fact, and one must believe this, and the manifestation of believing this is the love of God.

You see, if we believe in our hearts that Jesus Christ is more to be desired than our sin and all the pleasures and treasures of the universe combined, we will love him and obey him because we love him. And we will love all those who love him, and we ill hate every evil way because evil is characterized by treasuring something else above Jesus Christ.

Don't rely on works of obedience and orthodox doctrine to get you to heaven. If you do not love Jesus as your treasure and delight; if you do not believe that Jesus Christ is infinitely more valuable than your money and your family and everything else in the universe and even your own life, than repent and believe the gospel, because the greatest gift of the gospel is not getting out of hell, but God in Jesus Christ himself. If you believe this fact, you love God and you truly believe in Jesus Christ.

Matthew 13:44-46 "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

Praying just got a little easier!

Woke up late and in a rush, no time for prayer? Got distracted and forget to pray?

Well, now you won't have to worry anymore. This new web service is fully automated and will send your petitions and supplications skyward for you! Simply select your religion, select your favorite prayer and then...

"[they] use state of the art text to speech synthesizers to voice each prayer at a volume and speed equivalent to typical person praying. Each prayer is voiced individually, with the name of the subscriber displayed on screen."

You really can't make this stuff up. Amazing.