Thoughts on Scripture and life
for the glory of Jesus Christ
Two Responses to Christ: Fear or Faith?
If you are a Christian, I urge you: share how God saved you—not just as an evangelistic tool, but simply because it’s a wonderful story to tell.
Weekly Roundup: 2019.05.13
Kevin DeYoung on the Canons of Dort and the gift of faith, Sinclair Ferguson on how to mortify sin, Dale Ralph Davis on the Spirit and His work in understanding Scripture, and John Calvin on how the Spirit irradiates/illuminates the human mind to see the glory of the gospel of Jesus Christ. .
A Faith Fortified by the Word of God
Faith, as Paul declares (Eph 6:16), is our shield, which receiving these darts, either ward them off entirely, or at least breaks their force, and prevents them from reaching the vitals. Hence when faith is shaken, it is just as when, by the violent blow of a javelin, a soldier standing firm is forced to step back and yield only a little; and again when faith is wounded, it is as if the shield were pierced, but not perforated by the blow.
Article Roundup: 2019.01.21
Faith that can’t save, Is there any hope in the news today, and freedom in Christ.
Hebrews 11:13-16 The Faith That Waits - John Shim
The Faith That Waits - John Shim
Calloused to the Word of God
This is terrifying. How does a man turn into a mere hearer? After all, he listens to the same word as the doer. He sits in the same church building, sees the same preacher, hears the same preaching, and might even take the same notes. He hears the points, the applications, the exhortations, and yet, he is a mere hearer; he does not do what the Word of God says. Why? Or rather, how?
Ignorance's False Hope and False Faith
John Bunyan's classic Pilgrim's Progress is a must-read for every Christian. Although Bunyan wrote in the 17th century, his characterization of people within the world is uncannily accurate. Herein is helpful wisdom for every saint navigating to the Heavenly Kingdom.
Below is the story of Ignorance, and his tragically false assurance of salvation. He stands for every religious person too ignorant to know that he is lost. Oh Lord, open the eyes of the blind.
Ephesians 2:8-9 — Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Soli Deo Gloria
In the 1500s, God brought about a Reformation of the Christian world: the true gospel was set free from the corrupt Catholic religion and the Word of God was unleashed to save and sanctify once again. As the movement developed, the Reformers came to agree on five central tenets, which we now call the Solas of the Reformation:
- Solus Christus: Christ alone. Jesus Christ is the only mediator of salvation between God and man — not the pope, cardinals, bishops, priests, or kings. Christ alone is the head of His Church, and what He says and does trumps the authority of men.
- Sola Scriptura: Scripture alone. God's Word alone is the final and highest authority, trumping church tradition and ecclesiological decree.
- Sola Gratia: By grace alone. Grace alone is the means of salvation. God is not inclined to save because of anything inherent to man; He saves for His purposes, by His mercy, alone.
- Sola Fide: By faith alone. Salvation is through faith alone — not through the works or merit of man. Good deeds contribute nothing to a sinner's justification, and no amount of indulgences (buying certificates to get less time in purgatory) will change that fact.
- Soli Deo Gloria: To the glory to God alone. God alone deserves glory in all things. He alone deserves reverence and worship — not the pope, not the venerable saints, not icons, not relics.
How Firm a Foundation
"Fear not!" is one of the most common commands/encouragements in the Scriptures. And overwhelmingly, it is said like this: "Fear not! Because God is with you, for you, will support you!" When there is fear of circumstance or of possible danger and uncertainty, God presents Himself as the solution. He is the remedy to faithless fear.