Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | May 20, 2009

The Context in Scripture

Today’s devotion included 2 Peter 3:7-9.  It teaches us about the importance of the context in Scripture. 
 
“But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.  But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.  The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”  2 Peter 3:7-9.  (Emphasis is added.). 
 
Arminians love to isolate and take this last sentence “not wishing any to perish” out of its context in Scripture.  Out of its context, it may seem that the Arminians are right.  It may seem that God loves everyone, made equal provision and opportunity to allow everyone to be saved, and that God is just waiting with His arms folded to see who will come to repentance and be saved.  However, this is wrong.  2 Peter 3:7-9 should not be interpreted that way.
 
Even in the immediate context of just what is quoted above, we see that God has reserved the heavens and earth, for the day of judgment and for the destruction of ungodly men.  God does not love ungodly men.  God does want them to perish.  
 
Just one verse further out, but in the same context, we are reminded of the flood and how God destroyed the whole world except righteous Noah and his family, a total of only eight souls.  
 
In the prior chapter, 2 Peter 2, we see a passionate and stirring reminder of how God is not hesitant to punish the ungodly.  “For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment;  and did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly;  and if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly lives thereafter;  … then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment,”  2 Peter 2:4-9.  (Emphasis is added.). 
 
So, whom is Peter addressing?  Peter states:  “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”  2 Peter 3:9.  (Emphasis is added.).  Who is this “you”?  
 
The start of 2 Peter answers this question.  Peter is writing:  “To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ”  2 Peter 1:1.  Peter is writing to the Elect, the righteous, and the saved.  Peter is writing to Christians.  Just as no one would interpret just two verses later “seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness” 2 Peter 1:3 as applying to everyone, but only to Christians, we should not apply 2 Peter 3:9 to everyone, but only to Christians.  In other words, the Lord is patient toward His Elect and does not wish any of His Elect to perish.   
 
In conclusion, the heart of the doctrine of salvation in Reformed doctrine a/k/a Calvinism is the Five Points of Calvinism a/k/a “TULIP”, and in the heart of “TULIP”, there is the “L” of “Limited Atonement”.  If we waiver after reading verses like 2 Peter 3:9 and think that God loves everyone, then we will likely waiver in unbelief at “Limited Atonement” and wrongly think:  “No, because God loved everyone, Christ died for everyone.”  Such unbelief will likely spread to the rest of “TULIP”, and we may wrongly think:  “Well, if God loved everyone and if Christ died for everyone, then God’s election must be conditional and based on His foresight of who would believe in Him.”  “TULIP” is then plucked pedal by pedal, until you have no flower but the stem of a belief that man is sovereign in this area of salvation and in determining for himself whether or not he will be saved and that God is just waiting to see which men will repent and be saved.  However, if one considers the context in Scripture of 2 Peter 3:9 (and other verses for that matter), then one is less likely to make such errors.  

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | May 7, 2009

“so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him”

Today’s devotion was 1 Peter 2:9-10.  

“But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;  for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.”  1 Peter 2:9-10. (Emphasis added.).   

I hope that you see this “proclaiming the excellencies of Him” in my writings.   

In my Introduction to “Gold Mining”, in the tag on my Home Page at my web site, I wrote:  “I conclude that we should focus more on who God is and what He has done than we should focus on us and what we have done.   

“Thus says the LORD, `Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches;  but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,’ declares the LORD.  Jeremiah 9:23-24.” ”

Here is one letter in Gold Mining.

GOLD MINE 38:  PSALM 40:10

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

April 29, 1996

Harry:

     “I have not hidden Thy righteousness within my heart;  I have spoken of Thy faithfulness and Thy salvation;  I have not concealed Thy lovingkindness and Thy truth from the great congregation.” Psalm 40:10 (emphasis added).

     There is a seminar this weekend at my church called:  “Seven Attributes of the Godly Man”.  It may very well be a good seminar, yet the title made me think:  “I wish there was a seminar on “Seven Attributes of God”.

     Much more important than improving our righteousness is learning about the righteousness of God.  Much more important than trying to be more faithful is learning about the faithfulness of God.  Do we want to learn more about ourselves or God?  Do we want to learn more about what we should do or more about what God has done for us?

     Too often, we look down into our own hearts and try to improve ourselves, rather than look up to God and observe and meditate upon what He has done.

     “Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders which Thou hast done,

      And Thy thoughts toward us;

      There is none to compare with Thee;

      If I would declare and speak of them,

      They would be too numerous to count.”  Psalm 40:5.

Many of us would paraphrase Psalm 40:1-2 to be: “I just did it;  And God was proud of me.  I climbed out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay; And I made myself secure.”

     However, Psalm 40:1-2 states:  “I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, and heard my cry.  He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay;

  1. Find two other “Attributes of God”.                              

  Bill

But, in conclusion, even in addition to these eternal “Attributes of God”, I have tried to encourage us to notice and remember and report to others the many daily lovingkindnesses that we have received from God.  Of course, they are not as important as salvation and the eternal “Attributes of God”, but they do encourage others, they do add up to show God’s faithfulness, and most importantly, they also do “proclaim the excellencies of Him”.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | May 3, 2009

Perseverance of the Saints b/k/a Preservation of the Saints

Today’s devotion included 1 Peter 1:3-9.  
 
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
                                                                  

In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;  and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.  1 Peter 1:3-9.  (Emphasis added.). 

There is a major point and a minor point in this Scripture passage that I want to discuss.  The major point is Perseverance of the Saints better known as Preservation of the Saints – The “P” in “TULIP”, the acronym for the Five Points of Calvinism.  (For a more comprehensive discussion of this point and the other points of “TULIP”, see “TULIP” under the “Links” in the right column.)  The minor point is that we should not be discouraged by trials.

Regarding the first major point of “Perseverance of the Saints better known as Preservation of the Saints”, this Scripture tells at least three things.  First, God causes us to obtain our inheritance (salvation) for us.  Second, this inheritance (salvation) is reserved in heaven for us.  Third, we, the elect, are “protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation.”       

Regarding the second minor point that we should not be discouraged by trials, this Scripture tells us at least two things.  First, God does not send us these trials randomly or “willy-nilly”.  God sends these trials to us “for a little while, if necessary“.  Second, the purpose of these trials is “so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ“.    

Calvin in his Commentary states:  “By saying, though now for a season, or, a little while, he supplied consolation; for the shortness of time, however hard evils may be, does not a little lessen them; and the duration of the present life is but a moment of time. If need be; the condition is to be taken for a cause; for he purposed to shew, that God does not, without reason, thus try his people; for, if God afflicted us without a cause, to bear it would be grievous. Hence Peter took an argument for consolation from the design of God; not that the reason always appears to us, but that we ought to be fully persuaded that it ought to be so, because it is God’s will.”

I think that it also helps us to put the trials in the context of the major point of “Perseverance of the Saints b/n/a Preservation of the Saints”.  God’s main goal is to preserve us for salvation.  God does not send trials to us to “set us up to fail”.  God does not want to harass us.  It is shameful to even need to talk this way, but I think that sometimes we wonder.  God sends us these trials “for a little while, if necessary” “so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ”. 

In conclusion, these words are written for the “chosen”.  See verse 1.  The blessing is given in verse 2:  “May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure.”  We don’t need to walk on egg shells waiting for the trials.  As stated, God’s main goal is to preserve us for salvation.  Thank you.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | April 30, 2009

Tender Mercies and Our Faithful Father will pick us up at the end of the day.

Today’s devotion included James 5:7-11.
 
“Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord.  The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains.  You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.  Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.

As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.  We count those blessed who endured You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.”  (Emphasis added.). 

First, we are reminded that “the coming of the Lord is near”.

My youngest son is now in college, but I can remember so well when I would drop him off at day care.  He would always ask me so cheerfully:  “Dad, are you going to pick me up at the end of the day?”  I would smile, almost laughing, and reply:  “Yes, son, I am going to pick you up at the end of the day.”  He would then cheerfully exit the car and run off to his play group. 

I just loved his cheerful, patient attitude.  He trusted his father, and no matter what would happen during the day, he knew his father would pick him up at the end of the day.  

This Scripture and this example teach us to likewise be cheerful and patient.  No matter what happens to us during the day, our Faithful Father will pick us up at the end of the day.

Second, we are also reminded of “the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, the Lord is full of compassion and merciful”.

The outcome of the Lord’s dealings with Job are detailed in Job 42:10-16.  In summary, the LORD “increased all that Job had twofold.”,  “The LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning”, “He had seven sons and three daughters.”, and “After this, Job lived 140 years, and saw his sons and his grandsons, four generations.”

But, the Lord’s compassion and mercy is not limited to the outcome.  Even in the midst of our trials and afflictions, the Lord shows us continual compassion and mercy to preserve us through each day. 

“You, O LORD, will not withhold Your compassion from me;
         Your lovingkindness and Your truth will continually preserve me. 
For evils beyond number have surrounded me;
         My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to see;
         They are more numerous than the hairs of my head,
         And my heart has failed me.”  Psalm 40:11-12.

As an example, when I was suffering with walking pneumonia last month, I could not even lie down to sleep, but the Lord showed me how to prop myself up with pillows so that I could sit up in comfort but yet lean against them and fall asleep.  I was so thankful for this tender mercy.  We need to consider and remember these tender mercies that help us, even in the midst of our sufferings, to get through each day.  

But, this Scripture also clearly reminds us that even beyond our sicknesses and what we may consider “unfair” afflictions and persecutions, even in the midst of our own sins, God has compassion on us, shows us lovingkindness, and leads us back to truth, all of which continually preserve us.

In conclusion, we can be patient, because the coming of the Lord is near and the Lord is full of compassion and merciful.  Thank you.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | April 29, 2009

“The Lord taketh pleasure in His people.”

Almost daily, I check out Charles Spurgeon’s Daily (Morning and Evening) Devotions.  Here is the link  – http://www.ccel.org/ccel/spurgeon/morneve.today.html

You will also see the link in the right column under “Links”.

I particularly liked this Evening’s Devotion based on Psalm 149:4:  “For the LORD takes pleasure in His people;  He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation.” 

Evening, April 29

“The Lord taketh pleasure in His people.”

HOW comprehensive is the love of Jesus!  There is no part of His people’s interests which He does not consider, and there is nothing which concerns their welfare which is not important to Him.  Not merely does He think of you, believer, as an immortal being, but as a mortal being too.  Do not deny it or doubt it.  “The very hairs of your head are all numbered.”  “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in His way.”  It were a sad thing for us if this mantle of love did not cover all our concerns, for what mischief might be wrought to us in that part of our business which did not come under our gracious Lord’s inspection!  Believer, rest assured that the heart of Jesus cares about your meaner affairs.  The breadth of His tender love is such that you may resort to Him in all matters;  for in all your afflictions He is afflicted, and like as a father pitieth his children, so doth He pity you.  The meanest interests of all His saints are all borne upon the broad bosom of the Son of God.  Oh, what a heart is His, that doth not merely comprehend the persons of His people, but comprehends also the diverse and innumerable concerns of all those persons!  Dost thou think, O Christian, that thou canst measure the love of Christ?  Think of what His love has brought thee—justification, adoption, sanctification, eternal life!  The riches of His goodness are unsearchable; thou shalt never be able to tell them out or even conceive them.  Oh, the breadth of the love of Christ! Shall such a love as this have half our hearts?  Shall it have a cold love in return?  Shall Jesus’ marvellous loving-kindness and tender care meet with but faint response and tardy acknowledgment?  O my soul, tune thy harp to a glad song of thanksgiving!  Go to thy rest rejoicing, for thou art no desolate wanderer, but a beloved child, watched over, cared for, supplied, and defended by thy Lord.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | April 16, 2009

Justification By Faith Alone

Yesterday, I attended a funeral service at a Roman Catholic Church.  The sanctuary was beautiful.  The service started with the well known song “Amazing Grace”, and there were so many parts of the service, songs and Scripture readings, that seemed fine.  There was no reference to “Mother Mary” or strange rituals, but it had a reverence that one could appreciate.  If people did not understand the importance of “justification by faith alone”, they could be easily satisfied there.  
 
But, what does Belgic Confession Article 23:  “The Justification of Sinners” tell us about the importance of “justification by faith alone”?     
 
Article 23: The Justification of Sinners

We believe that our blessedness lies in the forgiveness of our sins because of Jesus Christ, and that in it our righteousness before God is contained, as David and Paul teach us when they declare that man blessed to whom God grants righteousness apart from works.[54] And the same apostle says that we are justified “freely” or “by grace” through redemption in Jesus Christ.[55] And therefore we cling to this foundation, which is firm forever, giving all glory to God, humbling ourselves, and recognizing ourselves as we are; not claiming a thing for ourselves or our merits and leaning and resting on the sole obedience of Christ crucified, which is ours when we believe in him. That is enough to cover all our sins and to make us confident, freeing the conscience from the fear, dread, and terror of God’s approach, without doing what our first father, Adam, did, who trembled as he tried to cover himself with fig leaves. In fact, if we had to appear before God relying– no matter how little– on ourselves or some other creature, then, alas, we would be swallowed up. Therefore everyone must say with David: “Lord, do not enter into judgment with your servants, for before you no living person shall be justified.”[56]  (Emphasis added).

The Roman Catholic Church continues to teach “justification by faith and works“.  Much has been written in the Standard Bearer about how certain Protestants are trying to reach some kind of unity or relationship with the Roman Catholic Church.  The Roman Catholic Church lures these Protestants into such a unity or relationship but at the price to the Protestants of giving up their doctrine of “justification by faith alone”. 

Hopefully, this Article 23 will remind us of the importance of “justification by faith alone”.

My devotion today can also be applied to this lesson.  My Scripture reading for this morning was Hebrews 12:25-29:

“See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking.  For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven.

And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, “YET ONCE MORE I WILL SHAKE NOT ONLY THE EARTH, BUT ALSO THE HEAVEN.”  This expression, “Yet once more,” denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.

Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe;  for our God is a consuming fire.”

This Scripture begs the question:  “What can be shaken – faith “resting on the sole obedience of Christ crucified” or faith “resting partially on our works”? 

In conclusion, stand on the sound doctrine of “justification by faith alone”.  Stand on what can not be shaken:  “resting on the sole obedience of Christ crucified”.  Thank you.    

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | April 9, 2009

Endurance

As some of you may know, I am daily reading through Scripture in its order.  Today’s devotion included Hebrews 10:36-39.  I have added emphasis to the following Scripture passages by bold italics to emphasize our need of endurance. 
                                                                                                    
“For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. 
    FOR YET IN A VERY LITTLE WHILE,
    HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME, AND WILL NOT DELAY. 
    BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL LIVE BY FAITH;
    AND IF HE SHRINKS BACK, MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM.But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.”  Hebrews 10:36-39. 
                                                                         
When we consider endurance, we tend to think of a race, a long race, maybe as long as a marathon.  “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,”  Hebrews 12:1. 
 
There may some of you who are long-distance runners.  You may not be as scared or apprehensive of the word “endurance” as some of the rest of us.
 
But, we cannot ignore the call for endurance.  There are other Scripture passages that likewise call for endurance. 
 
“You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.”  Matthew 10:22.
 
“But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.”  Matthew 24:13. 
 
“By your endurance you will gain your lives.”  Luke 21:19. 
 
We may not like the call for endurance.  But, we clearly need endurance.  So, how do we get such endurance?
 
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”  James 1:2-4. 
 
The testing of our faith produces endurance.  God provides for situations that test our faith.  We must view such trials as opportunities to gain endurance.  These trials should not cause us to panic and question God’s love for us.  But rather, we should continue to trust God knowing that He is in total control and will work in us the faith that can stand the testing by fire.  
 
“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;  and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,”  I Peter 1:6-8. 
 
In conclusion, Hebrews 12:1-2 puts it all together for us:  “… let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith …”  How do we run with endurance?  We fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith.  Thank you.                                                    

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | April 8, 2009

Christ’s Blood – How do we regard it? A severe warning in Hebrews 10:26-31.

As some of you may know, I am daily reading through Scripture in its order.  Today’s devotion included Hebrews 10:26-31.

                                          

“For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain terrifying expectation of judgment, and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES. Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said: “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY.” And again, THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE.” It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Hebrews 10:26-31.

                                              

 

I think this Scripture applies to Arminians who steadfastly continue to hang on to Arminianism despite receiving knowledge of the truth of Calvinism. They hang on to the false doctrine that Jesus died for everyone (“Universal Atonement” – The Third Point of Arminianism) and they love to speak about the power in Christ’s blood. But, Arminians realize that their doctrine forces them to conclude that Christ’s blood (as they claim, shed for everyone) by itself did not save, “purchase”, or “redeem” anyone, because they admit that most people are not saved. Arminians claim that it is up to man to generate his own faith through his own free will in order to make Christ’s blood effective to save. They claim that the only difference between the saved and the unsaved is not Christ’s blood, because everyone gets the blood, but rather the only difference is whether or not a certain individual will generate his own faith through his own free will to make the blood effective. According to this logic of these Arminians, man’s faith, not Christ’s blood, is the determining factor as to whether or not one will be saved. 

 

Because Arminians talk about the blood all the time, it is true that in a sense they are trampling it, not in the sense of being hateful to it but in the sense of treating it as ineffective by itself, like the description in Matthew 5: 13: “…if the salt has become tasteless, how will it be made salty again? It is good for nothing anymore, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.”

                                               

 

This Hebrews 10:26-31 Scripture does not apply to the person who steadfastly rejects Christ. That person did not receive the knowledge of truth as stated in Hebrews 10:26. That person is not sanctified, so to speak, as is stated in Hebrews 10:29. That person does not talk about the blood of Christ. Rather, this Hebrews 10:26-31 Scripture speaks about those received or were exposed to knowledge of the truth and were sanctified so to speak but nevertheless denied the power of the blood and insulted the Spirit of grace. Rather, this Scripture applies to Arminians who love to talk about Christ’s blood all the time, but who really treat Christ’s blood as ineffective by itself , that it does not actually “save”, “purchase”, nor “redeem” anyone, because they teach that most people are not saved and that it is up to man to generate his own faith through his own free will in order to make Christ’s blood effective to save.

 

 

Likewise, the Arminian can be compared to the one who insults the Spirit of Grace as is mentioned above in Hebrews 10:29. Think of a situation in which your father took you out to a very expensive dinner and even left the tip in addition. However, you did not think that the tip was sufficient so you add your $5 to the tip. Wouldn’t your father be insulted that you thought that what he did was not enough? Likewise, Arminians insult God by their doctrine that believes that the blood of Christ is not enough, they feel that they must add their own tip of faith. The Calvinist thinks of faith as a gift of God; the Arminian thinks that faith is their own gift to God which is necessary to secure salvation. 

 

In any event, we must remember that salvation is not ultimately dependent on our “free will” attitude or actions, even how we regard Christ’s blood.  Hebrews 9:15 confirms so many Scripture passages that it is those who have been called who may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.  Even though we should be wise and careful (even trembling in fear) as to how we regard Christ’s blood, ultimately salvation is given to those who have been called which are the elect.  “For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.”  Hebrews 9:15 (Emphasis added). 

 

In conclusion, let us carefully consider and heed the severe warning in Hebrews 10:26-31.  Let us trust the Holy Spirit and follow the Holy Spirit who guides us, the elect, into all truth, particularly as to how we view Christ’s blood.  John 16: 13 describes the work of the Holy Spirit in the saved: “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; …”  

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | April 5, 2009

“By this will”

As some of you may know, I am daily reading through Scripture in its order.  Today’s devotion included Hebrews 10:9-10:  “then He said, “BEHOLD, I HAVE COME TO DO YOUR WILL.” He takes away the first in order to establish the second.  By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”  Hebrews 10:9-10.  (Emphasis added). 

“Christianity” can be divided into two groups, using the term very loosely and not in a way that confirms that everyone in these two groups is truly a Christian.  Although there are these two groups, there is a wide range in each group and some movement in and out of each other’s group.  First, there is the group of those who focus on “we” and what “we” should do.  This group tends to be Arminian a/k/a non-Reformed.  Second, there is the group who focuses on “God” and what “God” has done.  This group tends to be Calvinists a/k/a Reformed.  The purpose of this short post is to briefly and generally consider the existence of these two groups and their focus and how they each might approach this Scripture.  However, if you want to read more in depth about how important it is to believe and teach the true doctrine of salvation –  Click here to learn how Calvinism is the true doctrine of salvation .  

For example, the Arminian a/k/a non-Reformed group in their review of this Hebrews 10:9-10 passage and other similar passages would tend to focus on “we” and what “we” should do.  They would tend to focus on our knowledge of God’s will and our performance as to whether or not “we do God’s will”.   

On the other hand, the Calvinists a/k/a Reformed in their review of this Hebrews 10:9-10 passage would tend to focus on “God” and what “God” has done.  They would notice the emphasis on God’s will by the phrase “By this will”.  They would notice that this phrase “By this will” gives credit to God the Father for our sanctification even though the means is “through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all”. 

The first point of this post is to “paint in broad strokes”, because there may be some  who dismiss the Calvinists a/k/a Reformed as “just a small group of Christians”.  Although Calvinists a/k/a Reformed may be small in numbers, there is this fundamental and important sharp contrast of focus between the groups that deserves thoughtful consideration, rather than a quick dismissal of the smaller group. 

The second point of this post is to emphasize this phrase “By this will” as teaching that “God’s will” should be considered as something that has been accomplished or will be accomplished such that it deserves praise and glory from us, just because it is God’s will.  We don’t need to wait until “God’s will” is accomplished or totally revealed and understood.  We should praise God and glorify God for His will without waiting to see whether or not it will be accomplished or totally revealed and understood.  

Yes, we should praise and glorify God for what He has done such as the following Scriptures state: 

Psalm 52:9
I will give You thanks forever, because You have done it, And I will wait on Your name, for it is good, in the presence of Your godly ones.
                                                                   
Psalm 64:9
Then all men will fear, And they will declare the work of God, And will consider what He has done.
 
Psalm 66:16
Come and hear, all who fear God, And I will tell of what He has done for my soul.
                                                                          
Psalm 78:4
We will not conceal them from their children, But tell to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, And His strength and His wondrous works that He has done.
 
Psalm 92:4
For You, O LORD, have made me glad by what You have done, I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands.
 
 
But, we should also praise and glorify God for His will, knowing that His will is perfect and will be done .
 
Romans 12:2
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.  (Emphasis added).
 
Philippians 1:6
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
                                                            
Hebrews 10:14
For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.
                                                                      
                                                                         
“Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”   Revelation 4: 11.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | April 3, 2009

To serve the living God

As some of you may know, I am daily reading through Scripture in its order.  Today’s devotion included Hebrews 9:14.  “how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”  Hebrews 9:14.  (Emphasis added). 
 
Calvin, in his commentary on the phrase “From dead works” and the phrase “To serve the living God” in Hebrews 9:14 states:
 
“From dead works, etc. Understand by these either such works as produce death, or such as are the fruits or effects of death; for as the life of the soul is our union with God, so they who are alienated from him through sin may be justly deemed to be dead.”  (Emphasis added).
 
“To serve the living God. This, we must observe, is the end of our purgation; for we are not washed by Christ, that we may plunge ourselves again into new filth, but that our purity may serve to glorify God. Besides, he teaches us, that nothing can proceed from us that can be pleasing to God until we are purified by the blood of Christ; for as we are all enemies to God before our reconciliation, so he regards as abominable all our works; hence the beginning of acceptable service is reconciliation. And then, as no work is so pure and so free from stains, that it can of itself please God, it is necessary that the purgation through the blood of Christ should intervene, which alone can efface all stains. And there is a striking contrast between the living God and dead works.”  (Emphasis added). 
 
 
Not only is there a “striking contrast between the living God and dead works”, there is a striking contrast between one who serves the living God through a life that has been reconciled and in union with God, compared to one who does dead works through a “life” that has been alienated from God, which “life” may be justly deemed to be dead. 
 
This is the attitude and actions of one who serves the living God through a life that has been reconciled and in union with God:
“I delight to do Your will, O my God;
         Your Law is within my heart.” 
I have proclaimed glad tidings of righteousness in the great congregation;
         Behold, I will not restrain my lips,
         O LORD, You know. 
I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart;
         I have spoken of Your faithfulness and Your salvation;
         I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great congregation.” 
Psalm 40:8-10. 
 
This is the attitude and actions of one doing dead works through a life that has been alienated from God, that may be justly deemed to be dead. 
” ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.  ‘I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ ”  Luke 18:11-12. 
 
Romans 8:11-15 puts it all together.  It compares the one who “lives according to the flesh”, such as one who tries to perfect himself through his own actions of doing works in slavery to the Law, compared to the one who is “led by the Spirit of God”, such as the one who depends on the Holy Spirit within him to enable him to serve the living God.    
 
“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.  So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh–for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.  For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.  For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!”  Romans 8-11-15.    
 
The one who serves the living God has vibrant, productive life in his mortal body.  He has love, joy, and peace, and the rest of the fruit of the Spirit.  God is at work in him, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”  Philippians 2: 13.  He serves the living God, not out of fear or a spirit of slavery, but out of the power of God within him, out of boldness, and out of a spirit of tender love to his Father, the living God. 

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