Legal and Personal

Francis Schaeffer, in True Spirituality, wrote that there are both legal and human aspects to divine and human institutions. For example, a husband and father is legally responsible to provide for his family, but if that's all he does, if he is not personally involved with them, he is totally missing the mark.

In the Church, the legal aspects are doctrine, governance, and organization. But the world is looking for them to have a quality of love for each other and for the world, that is not found anywhere else. And it is right for them to be looking for this.

Dr. Schaeffer speaks of the necessity of demonstrating to the world (both seen and unseen) the wisdom of God. If all we demonstrate is the legal aspect, the world is going to see the Church as legalistic and oppressive, and rightly so. The world needs to see something supernatural, something that can't be explained other than by having a relationship with God.

God is obviously supernatural. Our relationship with Him should be supernatural.

Why an Arminian Can Like Francis Schaeffer

Dr. Francis A. Schaeffer was an ordained Presbyterian minister, which makes him a Calvinist officially. He had to pass muster with a Presbyterian ordaining council. Nevertheless, in some of his writings, he sounds Arminian.

For example, in True Spirituality, he says that a person can respond to God by saying "no" to what He requires. It is one option among others that he discusses. This seems to indicate that he believed in free will and resistible grace. Calvinism teaches that God's sovereignty trumps free will, and that grace is irresistible.

Schaeffer also commends Wesley for addressing the concept that Christians can and should have a conscious awareness of their relationship with God, actually knowing that they are Christians. Calvinists shy away from this, and teach that a Christian cannot know whether he or she is elect until death. Faith, for them, is based on the written Word only, though the Word is also a Person.

When Schaeffer wrote True Spirituality, he was addressing, at least in part, what he thought to be a lack in Reformed theology, and indicated that he had gone through a spiritual crisis before writing it. I guess if anyone could critique Reformed theology, it would be a Calvinist.

Naturalist or Supernaturalist?

Francis Schaeffer never ceases to amaze me - how he really nails the issues in the Church. He and I seem to share similar concerns.

I have been concerned about dead orthodoxy, and have been exhorting people to learn to know Jesus better through experiencing (i.e. applying) what He taught. The Word is a Person, and so often today's Church completely misses this relational aspect of Christian living. But it's so powerful! That is probably why the devil keeps so many eyes closed to this.

Schaeffer uses other terminology, naturalist and supernaturalist, for example. He says most Christians live as if there is no supernatural. He says we should live supernatural lives, since we are connected to the supernatural. In the Bible, it's a given.

He warms up to this idea by discussing the Holy Spirit. He says we should let the Holy Spirit do things through us, rather than relying on our own effort. Then this surprise: He explains how the Holy Spirit connects us to the eternal (supernatural and Heavenly)realm. We are connected all the time.

He asserts that the letter of the Word is not enough. There must be a demonstration before the watching world, and before the the beings in heavenly realms. 9 "God sent me to reveal the secret plan that had been hidden since the beginning of time by God, who created everything. 10 God’s purpose is now to show the rulers and powers in the heavens the many different varieties of his wisdom through the church" (Ephesians 3:9-10 Common English Bible).

Now I'm putting my "two-cents worth" in. How do we learn to communicate in this realm without dipping into the type of spirit communication that is forbidden? One thing we do is cultivate a strong relationship with Jesus, Who is the Living Word. We do this by approaching the Bible, not as a collection of proof-texts, but a book about relationship with Him. We view the Bible as a means of grace, through which God speaks to us and empowers us through His Holy Spirit, not as a check-list of things we have to do. We should approach worship, prayer, and the Lord's Supper, all in this way.

We should approach all of these with an obedient heart, and a willingness to apply all that He says, in every area of our lives. The Holy Spirit leads the way in this. Trust Him. It takes time to cultivate a relationship with Him, so be patient. Avoid going after supernatural manifestations. That ensnares (traps) people. It's not about signs and wonders, but about relationship with Jesus. Seek the Giver for Himself, not the gift. He is worthy.

My Bible study guide would help. This approach isn't for the faint-hearted or lackadaisical. Only the dead serious need apply.

Ascended with Christ, and Glorified

I am reading Francis Schaeffer's book, True Spirituality. Many people will expound on the crucified and resurrected life for all in Christ to live right now, but in my many years of being a Christian, I have never read or heard anyone expound on our living the ascended and glorified life right now.

Schaeffer started by recalling Paul's experience of being caught up to the third heaven "I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— 4 how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter" (2 Corinthians 12:2-4). Then Paul, or this other man of whom Paul speaks, returned to earth and continued his ministry.

Schaeffer goes on to say that after this experience, Paul could never be the same. Nothing moved him, except to fulfill the calling Jesus had laid on him. He was harassed, beaten almost to the point of death more than once, stoned, shipwrecked, and much more, and nothing moved him. He considered his life of no value, except to fulfill his ministry.

Recall Jesus. 1 "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:1-2). Jesus endured the cross because of the joy set before Him, the joy in Heaven awaiting Him.

We have this joy waiting for us, too. And so did Paul. That's why he could endure what he did. "Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). I'm quoting verses that Schaeffer didn't quote.

If we are in Christ, we are already ascended with Him. 4 "But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:4-7). So we are already seated in the Heavenly places with Him.

But we are still here, too, obviously. Once we are crucified, raised, ascended, and glorified with Him, we still have work to do. It's like the transfiguration of Jesus in Matthew 17 and Mark 9. After the three disciples had seen Jesus in His glory, they still had to go down the mountain and minister to people.

Schaeffer tells his readers that it's like we've been to Heaven and seen unspeakable things. Nothing could ever be the same. Like Paul, nothing should move us, no cost be too great, no sustaining joy greater. Think how powerful our ministry would be.

I have been applying this in terms of sustaining joy, considering all the trouble that's coming on the world, and the prospect of persecution (piled on top of what I'm already going through). And I was reminded of two original songs, one that has to do with this very thing, and the other with what I'll see in Heaven after I die, or am caught up to be with Him forever. I'll not quote the songs here since this blog is already too long.

But I refer you to 2 Corinthians 4:17-18: 17 "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal".

Fasting During Lent

What is the significance of abstaining from meat during Lent? When I was a child, I had a Roman Catholic friend who, along with her whole family, abstained from meat on Fridays. My friend explained that they abstained from meat on Fridays (and probably during Lent), because if you don't, you might be eating Jesus. Where did this belief come from? This seems strange to me. Why would eating meat be cannibalistic? There is no connection between eating a piece of meat and Jesus Christ. Or was my childhood friend completely without understanding?

Some Protestants fast from meat during Lent. Why always meat? Or is it not always?

Fasting is good. Scripture commands it. But fasting during Lent is a Church tradition not found in the Bible. In fact, the concept of Lent is not found in the Bible.

I read somewhere that giving up something for Lent was intended to set aside something that would distract you from focusing on the Lord. Why wouldn't you want to do that ALL the time?

I know someone who abstains from meat during Lent. She is kind of new at her church, and I'm not sure she had a tradition of doing this previously. She makes no change in her lifestyle during Lent, and I can't see that this practice is helpful to her spiritually, though there might be some physical benefit. It would seem to me that to give up a bad habit, not only for Lent, but forever, would be better.

This person I just mentioned above watches violent and/or immoral movies while she is fasting from meat during Lent. She watches these types of movies all through the year. To me, giving up TV-watching would have a much better impact on her spiritual life than abstaining from meat. Why this huge disconnect between one's spiritual practices and one's lifestyle, and even one's relationship with Jesus?

We need to examine our practices to be sure they are in line with Scripture, and with Christ-centered living.

A Big Disconnect

Several years ago, the international director of Christian education for a large denomination noted that there was a huge disconnect between precept and practice of Christian teaching. Then he promptly applied an academic "solution" to the problem.

This issue is not academic. As I've noted before, the key to knowledge in one's relationship to God is obedience (John 7:17). The willingness to obey always precedes spiritual understanding. And this is the bridge across the disconnect.

To address this issue partially, I am writing a Bible study guide which teaches the student to interpret the Bible in light of its overall context, and to interpret his or her life events and situation in light of Scripture. Though it is not a proof-text approach, the guide will include some Scripture references.

It is my conviction that Scripture has to be lived out in order to be fully understood. A totally intellectual approach leads to legalism and powerlessness. Christians need to learn to think critically when applying Scripture. So many are being led astray. This contextual guide should be of tremendous help.

Readiness, Continued

Yesterday I blogged about the wise and foolish virgins, and likened the lamps to watchfulness, and world evangelization. Another aspect of readiness would be stewardship.

45 “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. 47 Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. 48 But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ 49 and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, 50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, 51 and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 24:45-51).

This passage clearly states that those who squander what God has given them, spending it on themselves, won't be ready when Jesus comes again. Those who will be ready are those who are faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to them. It is so clear that I'll let it stand without further comment, though some might have questions about eternal security or loss of salvation.

Ever Wonder About This One?

You all probably know the story of the wise and foolish virgins. Speculation abounds as to what the oil in the lamps is. I'm more interested in the lamps.

35 “Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning; 36 and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately. 37 Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching" (Luke 12:35-37). Lamps can symbolize watchfulness.

14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:14-16).

The lamp can symbolize our witness. "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come" (Matthew 24:14).

10 "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.[c] 11 "Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells" (2 Peter 3:10-13). Looking for and hastening the day of the Lord. That word "hastening" has come to refer to the preaching of the Gospel to all nations so as to hasten the coming of the Lord, as shown above, in Matthew 24:14.

So the lamps in the parable of the wise and foolish virgins can refer to being in an attitude of expectation about Jesus' return, and being active in evangelism. This would be the state of readiness.

Traditionally, the oil has been identified as the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is necessary for preaching the Gospel, and for watchfulness, for that matter.

And by the way, just for a contemporary touch. Environmentalists teach that we must save the earth. Imagine a god that can't save you, but rather that you must save. However, since God is going to burn up this old earth (to make way for His new one), how is anyone able to save this old earth?
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What Kind of Revival Do We Need?

First, we need a revival of Truth. Many in the Church today are abandoning Biblical orthodoxy. Some might question whether or not my theology is Biblically sound, since I write so much about experience. I will get back to that, but my theology is firmly rooted in Biblical Truth. I am thoroughly evangelical.

Christians whose experience is not firmly established on God's Word tend to look for spiritual reality elsewhere, but the Bible is the only source of spiritual Truth. Many people who are fascinated by supernatural power tend to look for it in the wrong places, but nothing is more powerful than God's Holy Word when rightly understood and applied. God never intended for His Word to be merely assented to or intellectually grasped. That leads to legalism, deadness, and bondage. "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

Second, we need a revival of the application of Scriptural Truth i.e. a revival of obedience. Many Christians live in the realm of theory, and have no idea how their beliefs work out in practice. People who don't know how their faith works are easy prey to those who would lead them astray. Many people can demolish Christian arguments on an intellectual level, leaving Christians confused.

Christians who have worked out their faith on a practical level (Philippians 2:12-13), however, are another story. My brother has a coworker who is in a cult. This coworker has an answer for anything my brother says about this cult, but is silent in the presence of a testimony, and a life lived out in dependence on the Holy Spirit.

Reading God's Word with the intention of obeying it will help Christians establish the habit of applying God's Word in every area of life, and will open their hearts to understanding what is really True, and what is false (John 7:17). Christians with these habits and this understanding are unstoppable in the arenas of witness and service. This leads to a third point.

We need a revival of the heart. "Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them” (John 14:21). Obedient Christians are really the only ones who love the Lord. You can see in this last reference a reinforcement of the Truth that obedience leads to understanding. Obedience leads to a deepening of one's relationship with Jesus. Christian living is not a list of rules. Christian obedience flows out of a loving relationship with Jesus Christ. And that testimony is irresistible!

What's Wrong with Evangelicalism?

Do you listen to the critics? Sometimes they are right. Evangelicals have been criticized as being selfish. We want Jesus only for what He can give us. Is the accusation true?

In many cases, yes. I've been in churches where complacency reigns. They are on the road to Heaven (they think), and that's all they care about. Is this really what the Gospel is all about? I think not. Jesus did not die on the cross for that. The Gospel is not about what I can get out of it.

The Gospel is for the glory of God, and about taking the message to the whole world. Complacent people don't seem to want a personal relationship with Jesus, the most beautiful Person in the whole universe. It takes too much work. It can be risky. But doesn't Jesus deserve it? He deserves all our love.

Why not look at it this way. Focus on having a glorious relationship with Jesus, and you'll get salvation too.