Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | June 7, 2009

“righteous in Christ” – Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 23

The Daily Confession for today (which site is under the “Links” in the right margin) is Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 23.
 
June 7, 2009

23. Lord’s Day

Q. 59. But what does it profit thee now that thou believest all this?
A. That I am righteous in Christ, before God, and an heir of eternal life. [a]

Q. 60. How are thou righteous before God?
A. Only by a true faith in Jesus Christ; [a] so that, though my conscience accuse me, that I have grossly transgressed all the commandments of God, and kept none of them, [b] and am still inclined to all evil; [c] notwithstanding, God, without any merit of mine, [d] but only of mere grace, [e] grants and imputes to me, [f] the perfect satisfaction, [g] righteousness and holiness of Christ; [h] even so, as if I never had had, nor committed any sin: yea, as if I had fully accomplished all that obedience which Christ has accomplished for me; [i] inasmuch as I embrace such benefit with a believing heart. [j]

Q. 61. Why sayest thou, that thou art righteous by faith only?
A. Not that I am acceptable to God, on account of the worthiness of my faith; but because only the satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ, is my righteousness before God; [a] and that I cannot receive and apply the same to myself any other way than by faith only. [b]

———————————

We need to be reminded that we are not acceptable to God (or righteous) on account of the worthiness of our faith, because we are inclined by our sinful nature to be proud of ourselves.  We want to think that we are wiser than most.  We want to think that we are more faithful than most.  We want to do something, even if it can’t be works, to distinguish ourselves as better than the rest.  We want some credit for “our” faith. 

Yet, this Lord’s Day reminds us that our faith is only the means by which we can receive and apply the  “satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ” to ourselves.  But, it is the “satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ” that makes us righteous.

Faith is not a product of our own wisdom.  Faith is a gift of God.  The Canons of Dordt, SECOND HEAD OF DOCTRINE – Of the Death of Christ, and the Redemption of Men Thereby, Article 8, make it clear that faith is one of the “saving gifts of the Holy Spirit, he (Christ) purchased for them by his death”.     

Article 8. “For this was the sovereign counsel, and most gracious will and purpose of God the Father, that the quickening and saving efficacy of the most precious death of his Son should extend to all the elect, for bestowing upon them alone the gift of justifying faith, thereby to bring them infallibly to salvation: that is, it was the will of God, that Christ by the blood of the cross, whereby he confirmed the new covenant, should effectually redeem out of every people, tribe, nation, and language, all those, and those only, who were from eternity chosen to salvation, and given to him by the Father; that he should confer upon them faith, which together with all the other saving gifts of the Holy Spirit, he purchased for them by his death; should purge them from all sin, both original and actual, whether committed before or after believing; and having faithfully preserved them even to the end, should at last bring them free from every spot and blemish to the enjoyment of glory in his own presence forever.”  (Emphasis added). 

Comments Off on “righteous in Christ” – Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 23

Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | June 5, 2009

Mercy

My devotion for today included Jude 22-23.  “And have mercy on some, who are doubting;  save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh.”  Jude 22-23.
 
I know this man with whom I have a meal about four times a year.  At first, the conversations were interesting.  Now, the conversations are more filled with descriptions of health problems of himself, his wife, and others.  I put him off for a while thinking that he would ask me to have a meal together.  But, I decided that it was the right thing to do to ask him to have a meal together.
 
Today, when I read these verses, they seemed to fit this situation.
 
There are people that cross our paths that we can ignore and pass by.  We can do so pretty adeptly without even appearing to others to be haughty or smug.  We can even convince ourselves that we are good stewards of our time by not taking the time to stop and interact with these people.
 
But, is this having mercy?  Is this what Jesus would do? 
 
We know the answer.  I don’t need to search out Scripture to give you the book, chapter, and verse citation.  You remember Jesus stopping to respond to the cries of the blind, the lame, and the lepers.  You remember the woman touching Jesus’ garment seeking to be healed of the blood flow.  You remember the children coming to Jesus.  You remember how Jesus stopped each time to heal and to teach. 
 
If anyone had the right to pass by these people, it was Jesus who was truly on a mission to save the world.  But, Jesus tenderly stopped each time “to touch and to teach” (what a nice phrase) even the most disgusting and repelling and doubting people.  Jesus even was slandered for associating with the drunks and prostitutes.
 
We are Reformed and believe in the “Total Depravity” of man.  We should be consistent with that belief and be willing to “to touch and to teach” even the most disgusting and repelling and doubting people.  However, we too often act as if we are thinking:  “I am Elect;  you are reprobate.”   
 
There is hope.  There is the encouragement of a reward in James 5:19-20:  “My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.  There also is the encouragement that the Holy Spirit will help us show mercy by producing fruit within us of “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control”.  See Galatians 5:22-23.   
 
So, when that person seeks contact with you, have mercy.  

Comments Off on Mercy

Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | May 29, 2009

“Power in the Blood”

Arminians hang on to the false doctrine that Jesus died for everyone (“Universal Atonement” – The Third Point of Arminianism) and they love to speak and sing 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 and as to whether or not one will be saved.  Thus, Arminians really focus and give the real credit and praise to those people who believe through their own free will.    
 
Today’s post shows that for the Calvinist, there truly is “Power in the Blood”.  The Third Point of Calvinism is “Limited Atonement”, the “L” in “TULIP”.  This point teaches that Christ died only for the Elect, not for everyone.  But, all for whom he died, namely the Elect, will be saved.  Christ gets the credit and procures faith for those for whom he died (namely, the Elect) among the saving benefits of his blood.  The following quote from the Canons of Dordt comes from Daily Confessions web site linked here – Click here: Daily Confession
 
Here is the Daily Confession for today –
 
 
May 29, 2009

The Second Head of Doctrine: Christ’s Death and Human Redemption Through It

“Having set forth the orthodox teaching, the Synod rejects the errors of those

III

Who teach that Christ, by the satisfaction which he gave, did not certainly merit for anyone salvation itself and the faith by which this satisfaction of Christ is effectively applied to salvation, but only acquired for the Father the authority or plenary will to relate in a new way with men and to impose such new conditions as he chose, and that the satisfying of these conditions depends on the free choice of man; consequently, that it was possible that either all or none would fulfill them.

For they have too low an opinion of the death of Christ, do not at all acknowledge the foremost fruit or benefit which it brings forth, and summon back from hell the Pelagian error.

Having set forth the orthodox teaching, the Synod rejects the errors of those

IV

Who teach that what is involved in the new covenant of grace which God the Father made with men through the intervening of Christ’s death is not that we are justified before God and saved through faith, insofar as it accepts Christ’s merit, but rather that God, having withdrawn his demand for perfect obedience to the law, counts faith itself, and the imperfect obedience of faith, as perfect obedience to the law, and graciously looks upon this as worthy of the reward of eternal life.

For they contradict Scripture: They are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ, whom God presented as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood (Rom. 3:24-25). And along with the ungodly Socinus, they introduce a new and foreign justification of man before God, against the consensus of the whole church.”  (Emphasis added).

 
 
For a more detailed description of “Limited Atonement”, you can see the link “TULIP” in the right margin under Links”.  If you want to read more of the Canons of Dordt, you can see the link “Reformed Creeds”.  The Canons of Dordt focus on these Five Points of Calvinism also known as “TULIP” also known as “the doctrines of grace” (which I also call the “doctrine of salvation”),   The Canons of Dordt is much shorter than the other Reformed Creeds and is an easy read.  Thank you.

Comments Off on “Power in the Blood”

Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | May 24, 2009

My Only Comfort

Today, even in church, I felt this small subtle discomfort that I had been feeling “on and off” for a while.  There was no reason for it.  Everything was going well enough.  But, that was the problem.
 
It was like I was juggling a variety of concerns.  Everything was going well enough.  So to speak, all my juggling balls were in the air.  I wasn’t dropping anything.  But, there was still this lingering discontent.
 
My focus was on my wife, my children, my job, my health, my finances, and my activities.  Everything was going well enough.  But, I felt missing something.
 
Then, my Pastor read Question 1 Answer 1 of the Heidelberg Catechism:
Question. – What is thy only comfort in life and death?
Answer. – That I with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Savior Jesus Christ; who, with his precious blood, hath fully satisfied for all my sins, and delivered me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me that without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, and therefore, by his Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him. 
 
My focus switched from my “juggling balls of concern” to God.
 
My focus switched from what I was doing to what Christ had done for me.
 
My focus switched from my ability to keep the balls in the air to His ability to preserve me.
 
My focus switched from my independence to my belonging to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ.  
 
My focus switched from my lonely and fragile status to my position of fellowship and protection within the Holy Trinity.
 
My focus switched from my willingness to live for Christ to Him making me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him.
 
My focus switched from life to “life and death” which is the eternal life controlled by the will of my heavenly Father, the faithfulness of my Savior Jesus Christ, and the comforting of my Holy Spirit.      

Comments Off on My Only Comfort

Posted in Uncategorized

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.  

Comments Off on The Context in Scripture

Posted in Uncategorized

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”.

Comments Off on “so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him”

Posted in Uncategorized

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.

Comments Off on Perseverance of the Saints b/k/a Preservation of the Saints

Posted in Uncategorized

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.

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

Posted in Uncategorized

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.

Comments Off on “The Lord taketh pleasure in His people.”

Posted in Uncategorized

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.    

Comments Off on Justification By Faith Alone

Posted in Uncategorized

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »

Categories