Whidden: Chapter 9, Romans 9, and Justification at the Cross by
“Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back my soul shall have no pleasure in him” (Hebrew 10:38). An examination of Ellen White’s writing on how she viewed justification by faith before 1888 has borne much fruit. It was very evident that Mrs. White’s understanding of justification by faith became very evident as she was called upon to quell the crisis of 1888. She maintained then that justification is pardon and acceptance, and is not merited to the believer because of their obedience. This distinction is very important as many were teaching that we could “do” certain things to merit acceptance by Christ. So it was important that the point be made that our acceptance is based totally on the life and death of Christ which are legally and judicially accounted to us. Whidden seems to be very definitive in this regard for he is fearful of being labeled as “legalistic perfectionism.” He showed that there were certain keys elements of Ellen White’s pre-1888 understanding of Justification by faith alone. She was very clear according to Whidden that faith and works should not be separated, and of Christian assurance. She strongly believed that the Christian experience has to do with a constant looking away from self and total dependence upon Christ. It is therefore necessary that the Christian attitude be one of antagonism towards sin. God then is the one who justifies the sinner, and there is nothing that the sinner can do to merit this pardoning.
Paul seems to be in a sorrowful state for the Jews in Romans 9. It now appears that not all of Abraham’s seed were children of the promise. The Apostle now discovers that God will have mercy upon whom he will, for he is potter, and he can do what he wishes with the clay. This is a thought provoking perspective. How could God reject the Jews, and include the Gentiles as heir to the promise? It does not seem to add up and worse yet it appears so Calvinistic on the surface. What must we do with this passage? I strongly believe that Paul here is making the salient point that the Lord does have a choice. This choice will allow him to have mercy and pardon on whom he wishes. The inference drawn in verse 16 from God’s words to Moses is that the bestowal of certain privileges does not depend on man’s will or exertion but on the wisdom of God, who knows what is best and who “silently, patiently” works “out the counsels of His own will” (Ed 173). The author of Justification at the cross emphasizes that in Rom 5:12-19 the event of the cross is an act of divine grace. The manifestation of this gift has as its only objective the human race. Through Christ God provided enough grace to save the whole human race, since the time of Adam to the end of mercy. But this gift must be accepted in order to be ours. The gift is justification by faith and those who accept it are the "many" who are in Christ through faith in him. This perspective brings an interesting balance to this weeks issue and helps the reader to understand that the Just truly must live by faith!
Romans 9 seems to be ringing "Calvinistic" in many of my colleague’s ears. I wonder what Calvinistic thinking would mean when carried to the extreme.
One might say that Christ on the cross was for naught. I mean if God has complete sovereignty, then why Calvary? Calvary almost seems to be a matter of sincerity and not of necessity.
Commenting on: • BRI Doc: “Justification by Faith and Judgment According to Works” • Romans 9, Class notes • Whidden: Justification by Faith—Before 1888, Ch. 9
Materials Read: (1) Comments on the "In Adam/In Christ" Motifs, (2) Salvation, the Great Controversy Theme, Closing Events, and the Law, and (3) Romans 7 Although the above materials were read, my comment will largely be a response to the “In Adam/In Christ” document of the 1888 Study Committee. While reading the above material, I came to the conclusion that the 1888 Study Committee made an important point. I, for one, am under the impression that we not were in Adam when he disobeyed but we are in Adam after the disobedience. My point is that we have inherited Adam’s nature after his disobedience. I further believe that if Adam had remain faithful and obedient that his offspring would have inherited his obedient and faithful traits as well. My understanding is that he passed his disease to his offspring. In this sense, I can see why the committee suggests that we were in Adam. Although the committee didn’t say so, it seems as if Adam was pregnant with his descendants when he disobeyed and the disease he had he passed to us. Looking at it from this perspective, I can see us being in Adam in that we inherited his nature. Is it possible for us to have been in Christ when He was on the cross? My answer is yes. However, not in the sense that we were literary in Christ but in the sense that Christ had each person in His mind and heart while He was on the cross, from the first man created to the last person to be born. The phrases that the study committee uses are excellent but their explanation and understanding of their presentations seems to come more from a human knowledge than from spiritual guidance. At the same time, I believe that we as students of the Bible and Christian learning should build on the foundation of what the study committee has laid and dig deeper as we continue to expand on the model of salvation as we view things wholistically.
Reflection 7 Romans 7- E.G.W - The Atonement BRI - How Perfect Is "Perfect" Or Is Christian Perfection Possible? (Ed Heppenstall)
Paul continued his line of thought that after being dead to sin and alive to God, sinners turned believers are given the chance to be united to Christ for righteousness by using the analogy of marriage and the law that binds it. Death legally/automatically parts a surviving individual from the dead one which means freedom and liberty to the alive. Being therefore made dead to the Law through the body of Christ we are now free to be united in Christ to bear the fruits of righteousness (7:4) not to forget that this was all God’s initiative for us to respond. At this point I believe that Paul kept his view of salvation so positive just to encourage us to decide to be totally dependent on God for our salvation (justification-sanctification-glorification) and start living a new life in His service rather than Satan. The Law he says is not sin but exposes it rather through the revealed/acted evil desires in man. It seems to me that Paul pictures the human body as a vessel either for good or bad depending as to who has powerfully influenced the person in it. The person (mind) becomes like the influencing power as it decides to be so, therefore becoming a slave to it. Sin as it influences the person kills the “will power/power of choice” of the person from which state Christ came to free us all and enabled us again to choose as free being whether to be slave to righteousness or sin again. In verses 18-23, it looks like Paul was talking about old sinful habits as sin and not necessarily the choice, indirectly saying that sin has its own will in man, hope I am wrong. I have a dilemma on verse 25 on the phrase “I myself” “auvto.j evgw.” “I alone” do the serving and not the influencer? PLEASE HELP!
Dr. Edward Heppenstall made this dilemma of mine quite resolved. He made me understand that perfection means differently between God and man. He clearly said that though we’ve been saved by grace it doesn’t necessarily mean that we’ve been stripped off of our sinful nature. This idea was birth on the doctrine of complete and constant dependence on God for perfection and victory until we shall all be changed in the resurrection day. Our God of freedom will defeat his main principle of “freedom of choice” should he eradicate sin completely from us today without us exercising our freedom to choose either to surrender or not. God has the power to do so, but he chooses not to. Our perfection and righteousness and victory over sin depend on our relationship with God, Christ and the workings of the Holy Spirit in our lives. As he wrote: “God's method of salvation is not eradication of a sinful nature, but the counteraction of divine power through the Holy Spirit. Only by the continual counteracting presence of the Holy Spirit is it possible to be victorious over sin and the sinful nature within us.”
Mrs. White’s stand on Christ’s substitutionary atonement at the cross nailed it down for me. God seeks justice and yet out of His loving mercies provided us grace to pay for our sins even the death of His only Son. We have nothing to pay for our sins, Christ gave Hi life to pay it. This grace becomes our if we receive it by faith. All three authors spoke clearly about the balance interplay of justice and grace, and they’re all God’s gift.
Submission for Week 9 Justification and the Cross by Ángel Manuel Rodríguez Chapter 10 EGW on Salvation Romans 9 Sorry for this being late but both my husband and I were not feeling well this weekend. The article for this week was a long study on Romans 5. Basically when everything boiled down it said the same thing that several of the other articles said. Jesus did not save everyone but made it available to everyone. They then have to accept it. What I did find facinating was the history of Ellen White after the 1888 conference. Most of it I already knew but I was not so clear on what the Holiness movement was permoting. They were saying that perfection of both character and flesh was possible here on this earth and from what I could tell they were saying that if that is the case they would be translated without going through death. I do find it interesting that Ellen White said that we could have perfection of Christian character but then says that through Christ’s sacrifice we are perfectly forgiven. That makes it sound to me as if she is really talking about being perfectly forgiven as the way we are perfected. Something that I was wondering about is the idea that in the end time we will have to be perfect (not sinning ever). I have heard some say that only those who have gotten to this perfectly sinless state will be saved in the last days. I don’t know all of the history but I wonder if some of this idea came out of the Holiness movement. I would welcome any thoughts that you all have on this issue. Thanks and until my next submission have a blessed week.
Comment on BRI "Why Did Jesus Die? How God Saves Us" by George Reid
APPEASEMENT?: JESUS AND GOD HAVE DIFFERNT WILLS IN GETHSEMANE?????
I found this article very well done. I like how he admitted the positives of the more liberal views (i.e. Jesus is our example) but did not stop there. He also tackled head on some of our old assumptions like "In Christ's death is no hint of the Saviour's effort toe win the favor of the Father.... rather than responsponding to God's demand, it was done at God's initiative." (p.3) "Jesus came not to appease, but to cancel guilt and cleanse sinners." (p.3).
One question I have with the above quotes is about Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane. Jn 3:16 definitly suggests God's initiative 'that He gave His only son...' (i.e. God and Jesus are on the same team, not Jesus convincing God to not burn humans in hell). BUT, Gethsemane does seem to be a struggle between Jesus' will and God the Father's will: "yet not MY WILL but YOUR WILL be done." I don't know if that suggests appeasement or not, but there is definitly some tension there. That is not a cut and clean - Father/Son 100% same page (wow - that sentence looks blasphemous), BUT the Bible says that Jesus struggled with that in the garden during his final hours. How do we take that? It doesn't have to be 'appeasement' but there is something there in Gethsemane that I wish Reid had gone into. If you have any ideas, please let me know.
REFLECTION ON CHAPTER 9 OF THE BOOK ELLEN G WHITE ON SALVATION. Basically chapter nine is about Justification by faith and its’ challenges. This subject is one of the cardinal doctrines of salvation. It is hardly inseparable from sanctification and glorification .The challenge posed a danger which made, Ellen G white to respond before the 1888 meeting to be held at Minneapolis. One of the problems was that some argued that, if justification is purely by faith alone, then keeping of the law is of no value. They had evidence that even the true believers don’t manifest the works of obedience. Indeed I strongly dispute this argument .For according to Paul, in Romans 12:7 says that, “the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good.” Also in he continues to say in Romans 3:31, that “Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.” So this teaching was biblically incorrect. In addition , Ellen G White writes that” faith must be sustained by Works, the doers of Works are justified before God” To give more biblical evidence, this is what the father our of faith Abraham did by coming out of Haran. Calvinism was another challenge. For Calvin remarked that “once saved always saved.” Also I strongly disagree with Calvin, for salvation is in three phases according to the bible, hence it is past, present and future. Ellen G White also denounces this teaching as unbiblical. She even goes further by saying that it is dangerous to say that “I am saved.” Even though I disagee with her as well because If one cannot give a testimony, then what kind of salvation can one claim? .Throughout the scripture, there are several incidents where all who were saved had to give a very strong testimony in favour of christ and his gospel. Therefore I fear that if there is no testmony, then salvation may not be complete.
REFLECTION ON CHAPTER 9 OF THE BOOK ELLEN G WHITE ON SALVATION. Basically chapter nine is about Justification by faith and its’ challenges. This subject is one of the cardinal doctrines of salvation. It is hardly inseparable from sanctification and glorification .The challenge posed a danger which made, Ellen G white to respond before the 1888 meeting to be held at Minneapolis. One of the problems was that some argued that, if justification is purely by faith alone, then keeping of the law is of no value. They had evidence that even the true believers don’t manifest the works of obedience. Indeed I strongly dispute this argument .For according to Paul, in Romans 12:7 says that, “the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good.” Also in he continues to say in Romans 3:31, that “Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.” So this teaching was biblically incorrect. In addition , Ellen G White writes that” faith must be sustained by Works, the doers of Works are justified before God” To give more biblical evidence, this is what the father our of faith Abraham did by coming out of Haran. Calvinism was another challenge. For Calvin remarked that “once saved always saved.” Also I strongly disagree with Calvin, for salvation is in three phases according to the bible, hence it is past, present and future. Ellen G White also denounces this teaching as unbiblical. She even goes further by saying that it is dangerous to say that “I am saved.” Even though I disagee with her as well because If one cannot give a testimony, then what kind of salvation can one claim? .Throughout the scripture, there are several incidents where all who were saved had to give a very strong testimony in favour of christ and his gospel. Therefore I fear that if there is no testmony, then salvation may not be complete.
Reflection #9 Justification by Faith – Before 1880 Romans Chapter 9
Sister White stated:” The Lord has shown me that the message of the third angel must go, and be proclaimed to the scattered children of the Lord, but it must not be hung on time. I saw that some were getting a false excitement, arising from preaching time; but the third angel's message is stronger than time can be. I saw that this message can stand on its own foundation and needs not time to strengthen it; and that it will go in mighty power, and do its work, and will be cut short in righteousness.” This warning against connecting the third angel's message and time setting was given in a vision of June 21, 1851. It is a direct reference to Bates' 1851 expectation. For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth. Rom. 9:28. In Romans 9:28-10:3 Paul explains Israel’s mistake: they pursued righteousness by their own self-effort rather than by faith. They sought to establish their own works-based righteousness rather than seeking righteousness in the way Jesus had established it. In Romans 10:4-15, Paul makes clear God’s prescribed way to obtain righteousness. True righteousness is not based on human obedience to a set of rules -- true righteousness is based solely on faith (10:6). E.G.White writes Faith and Works should never be separated. “Faith will never save you unless it is justified by works.” “Faith must be sustained by works; the doers of the work are justified before God.’
Jeff Carlson Doctrine of Salvation Comment #3 "Christ Saved the Human Race" by Angel Rodriguez Romans 4 Widden Chapter 4
The article was obviously written in a polemic manner. I appreciate the hair splitting of theologians but do get a little tired of our dissecting of beauty. We don’t often stand back and shut our mouths and let ourselves be blown away by the beauty of what God has done for us.
I think I finally made a connection that I had not made before. The author’s explanation about redemption really hit me. “Notice, first, that by redeeming us, by paying the price for the redemption of the human race, Christ has now the right to rescue us from the enslaving power of Satan. Second, that is necessary because Satan is unwilling to let his captives go free; he does not acknowledge Christ's legal right. He is the jailor and he is still demanding that a price be paid, possibly to him, for their liberation. But he has no right to make that claim because they do not belong to him. Third, God is the creditor and He determined how redemption was to be accomplished. A price was to be paid but it was to be paid through the Son of God. Fourth, he came as a Redeemer for the human race and defeated Satan. Finally, the saving efficacy of the redemption that Christ accomplished is for "all who should accept Him as their Saviour." There is no need for anyone to be "enslaved by Satan;" Christ stands before us, ready to liberate us from power of the enemy.”
When I claim the blood of Jesus I am simply stating the price that was paid for me by God and letting Satan know that I am owned by God. Satan has no right no keep me from walking free.
I don’t know why this hit me more than other explanations but it did.
Whidden points out that James White, near the end of his life, started “yearning” for Christ and urged ministers to “preach Christ more.” I think it is important to make sure that we have a correct understanding of the doctrines we preach and to correct others when they are clearly off. I think there is another side that we have missed for the most part however. We “get it right” in a cold hard factual sort of way and leave it at that. When I really am hit by the reality, grandness and beauty of what Christ has done for me and the whole world it breaks me down. I don’t think that Christ will force His love on anyone, He is not a rapist like I heard someone once say. But to make this footnote the focus so often and take the fact that He has utterly filled the gap between us and God and make it the afterthought is not only a tragedy but I think morally wrong. Just like Abraham every person has to exercise faith to experience the full benefits of salvation but God has already paid the price for every person that has ever or will ever exist. This idea motivates me to do evangelism more than anything else.
The thought that everyone is already free and any chains that are holding them are only there because they either want them or because they are ignorant about the fact of their freedom makes me what to tell them. Maybe we would have more members doing evangelism and more of our evangelistic endeavors actually produce fruit if we kept this reality in front our people rather than the dwelling on issues of much smaller consequence.
Jeff Carlson Doctrine of Salvation Comment #4 "Comments on 1 Timothy 4:10" by Angel Rodriguez Romans 5 Widden Chapter 5
“If we use that translation in 1 Tim 4:10 the interpretational problems disappear: "Because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, that is, of those who believe." The phrase "all men" would then mean "all sorts of people," possibly Jews and Gentiles, who accept Christ. There is no need to introduce in the text the idea of universalism or of a legal universal salvation which has no immediate effect on the final destiny of the individual.”
This is a good explanation. However, I wonder if it was the intent of the preacher to whom Mr. Rodriguez is responding to introduce universalism into the text. Mr. Rodriguez goes on to say exactly what I can imagine most any Adventist preacher would mean, “Christ's substitutionary atonement is universal in its extent but, because of the freedom God has given to humans, it is limited in its salvific effect.”
Romans 5 says that God reconciled us while we were still sinners. I think we can get a little to either/or when the idea might be both/and. Did Christ die for the whole world whether they accept it our not? Sure. I think most anyone would accept that idea. Do we need to accept it to receive the full benefits? Sure. Again I don’t see anything groundbreaking here.
Whidden points out that Ellen White’s doctrinal statements were not develop in isolation but in the context of other doctrinal ideas. One of these is the Great Controversy. One of the main ideas of this is the idea that God is both just and merciful at the same time. He reveals this in that He provides mercy for the whole world through His death while at the same time requiring a response to His offer to allow the person to receive the full benefits of that gift. When we look at salvation through this lens it make pretty clear sense to me.
Jeff Carlson Doctrine of Salvation Comment #5 "In Adam/In Christ Motifs" by Angel Rodriguez Romans 6 Widden Chapter 6
These articles are beginning to become a little redundant. I think this guy’s ideas are backed biblically but they are pretty surface and it seems that he might be fighting paper tigers. Maybe I’m overstating my opinion but there comes a point when you make your point and you can stop. I don’t feel like there is much to respond to here since it’s the same thing over and over.
“Not everybody was at the same time in Christ at the cross, as that theory teaches. Paul wrote, "Greet Andronicus and Junias . . . they were in Christ before I was" (Rom 16:7). In order to be in Christ we have to make a personal decision.” If he means that to receive the benefits of salvation you have to make a decision then I agree with him. Romans 6 seems to be clear that we are “in Christ” when we receive baptism. We receive it after the fact. We were not actually there with Him. I think this have been made abundantly clear by him and in the Bible. However, I think the Bible also makes it clear that God reconciled us to Him before baptism, before conversion, before faith, and then maybe even before birth though it is not until our choice that we experience it fully. I think these guys need a bigger model.
“If we were in Christ when he died for our sins, paying the penalty for our sins, then we died in him. He did not die for me! I actually died on the cross for my own sins! I was not saved through Jesus; I saved myself through Jesus!” I don’t think this stands up to logic. Of course we weren’t there saving ourselves. The Bible says that we were there with Him, through faith and baptism. I don’t see a problem here except that these guys are apparently too either/or.
I think it is important to remember that, like Whidden says, that we are damaged goods and that the cross is the answer. However it works we need to remember to accept it whether we understand it completely or agree with each other completely.
Dr. Hanna mentioned a question – Why does God give us 1000 years of rest? And in this time, God gives us the right to judge Satan himself. The interesting part is that God does not pass the judgment on Satan himself. Could this be because the jury is to be a jury of peers?
And since the son nor the Father have ever sinned they can’t be on the jury. What do you think?
Jeff Carlson Doctrine of Salvation Comment #6 "Dynamics of Salvation” Romans 7 Widden Chapter 7
Romans chapter seven is probably one of the most quoted sections of the Bible. “I do what I don’t want to do and I don’t do what I want to do.” We have all experienced this and most of us experience this daily I am sure. We all long to be more than we are, at least at moments in our lives. Salvation is the process of putting us back the way we were supposed to be in the first place, saving us from the nightmare we live in. I really enjoyed the article Dynamics of Salvation. It was well written and not only captured the beauty of salvation I think but also really gave some fresh insights.
The part I enjoyed most was the way they unpacked the salvific vocabulary. I had never noticed the significance of the inclusion of all those words.
Justification: Legal (Court of Law) Reconciliation: Human Relations Forgiveness: Financial Transactions Adoption: Family Relationships Sanctification: Personal Status - Set Apart
God made sure that He provided all these snapshots of what salvation is to make sure we are each able to be impacted in a powerful way. The problem is that we often take one of these and make it THE one and exclude the others. It was very nice to see how Whidden brought out that Ellen White’s understanding of salvation was very wide and inclusive of aspects of all the major classes Christian salvation ideologies while avoiding the unbiblical aspects of each. She had a bigger model! I think we would be safer if we followed suit.
1What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life
How can we die to sin? It seen that Paul thought that we died to sin when we were baptized, but we still sin after baptism, so how this concepts can be harmonize. Paul states also that we most die with Jesus to get a new life as He did, is Jesus who brings us to a new life and is very important to abide in Christ every day, join the experience of salvation daily.
Looks impossible live without sin, Paul himself struggled with the problem of been failure, trying to do good, but his flesh wanted to evil, however the secrets of a successful spiritual life is born every day in Jesus, understanding that we depend in His grace to survive the battle against the enemy.
Jeff Carlson Doctrine of Salvation Comment #7 "How Perfect Is "Perfect" Or Is Christian Perfection Possible?” by Edward Heppenstall Romans 8 Widden Chapter 8
“One of the hindrances to living the Christian life successfully is failure to understand what the Bible teaches on the nature of sin and perfection.”
I know that I have experienced this very powerfully in my life. When I understood perfection as sinlessness I worked very hard but didn’t really get anywhere except depressed, judgmental and anxious. The ironic thing is that my striving for moral purity made me ethically sub par! And out of the three areas that we are called grow in – morally, doctrinally and ethically – the one that Jesus said was the “most” important was ethics. If you are morally and doctrinally correct and you are a jerk you are in danger of being booted out. However if you don’t have the other two figured out perfectly but you have your ethics straight it seems to me that the Bible says you are on the right track.
This doesn’t mean that morals and doctrine are unimportant; it is that if my morals and doctrine make me unethical I need to take a serious look and where I am. I would say the same about the other two as well. We need a bigger model.
I also really liked the thoughts about Christ and temptation in Whidden’s book. I agree with him that for us to say that Christ was just like me or that Christ needs to have been just like me to be able to help me really breaks down under scrutiny. So Jesus was a child molester? He would need to be if that logic is solid for Him to be able to help one. Or we would need to make a list of sins that Jesus was tempted with and those He wasn’t for us to know which ones He can help us with. When we define sins as merely actions then we have this problem. But if we define sin in the Biblical sense and say that sin is the temptation to act individually on you own apart from God, then we do not. When was the last time you had to deny your divinity? His temptation was so much stronger than ours that He can understand the feelings we experience when we are pulled to do something apart from God. Divinity under the hood: what an awesome description!
“The doctrine of sinless perfection leads to the conclusion that both Christ and the Holy Spirit are unnecessary once this state of eradication of the sinful nature is reached.” We need to make sure we define our vocabulary in a proper fashion!
“Justification by Faith and Judgment According to Works” By: Ivan Blazen
“We need to be clear: Justification and assurance of salvation are not achieved by human works or by faith plus human works. Justification and assurance come only by the all-sufficient work of Jesus Christ as Saviour.”
Here Ivan Blazen puts forth the argument that works are a response, not a requirement for salvation. This is a clear distinction for which there were probably other Adventist theologians tried to pin “universalism” on him.
Chapter 11 on Ellen White on Salvation
“For Ellen White, Minneapolis was not primarily about perfection, better relations among ministers, points of prophetic interpretation, or even the nature of Christ’s humanity. Minneapolis was primarily a great turning point in the intensity and further clarity of her expressions of justification by faith” (pg. 87).
The years surrounding 1888 had the church spinning, trying to figure out the relationship between justification and sanctification. In Minneapolis, Mrs. White made the clearest declaration of objective justification that our church had seen to date. It’s amazing that some in our church (that are EGW fanatics) still hold pre-1888 beliefs, when Mrs. White seemed to make it so clear.
Romans 10
“Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes” (vs. 4).
Paul continues his rebuke of the children of Israel who follow the law, without recognizing the fulfillment of the law, and the ultimate salvation that is found through faith in Christ.
Week 8 Reflections Paul - Romans 8 EGW - The Nature of Christ and Salvation BRI - Justification and the Cross
I could imagine Paul jumping up and down with his hands hanging up in the air praising the Lord while saying: “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1) Such is the joy and assurance of someone who knows how it feels to be a prisoner in the bondage of sin in contrast to the freedom in Christ Jesus. Sometimes this is my problem, since I grew up in an Adventist Christian family and Church community I guess I am still waiting for this feeling to be a personal experience. Is it possible that Paul had this experience later in his life too, like while in prison? He talks about us being identified with the Holy Spirit (that is dwelling in us) thereby enabling us to live and to do spiritual things and belong to God. So for Paul the presence of the Holy Spirit in our live marks our freedom from sin and the dilemma he referred to in chapter 7:21-25. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”(Romans 8:14) Although saved from the bondage of sin, Paul still waits for the redemption of the body from this world of sin (v.23) as part of the hope that ends to life eternal. In verse 30 he talked about the process of salvation showing different stages of salvation action on the part of God. Predestined – Called – Justified – Glorified. In all of them a decision is made by both parties, God initiates the call, the called ones responded in each stage resulting to a bonded eternal relationship.
While we are given a hint by Paul of the reality of living as humans with a Holy Spirit in us, Ellen White on the other hand talked about the bi-nature of Christ as follows, "Man cannot define this wonderful mystery—the blending of the two natures. . . . It can never be explained." But she wrote: "Christ could have done nothing during His earthly ministry in saving fallen man if the divine had not been blended with the human." Two words, identity and uniqueness representing the bi-nature of Christ were misunderstood by many theologians because of their mistake in trying to separate the two when they actually shouldn’t. Her terms “affected by sin but not infected with it” clearly tells me that Christ’s sins were imputed (our sins) but not performed. As human he prayed “not my will but Thine be done” is his secret power how to overcome the greatest temptation of humans, him included which as the author wrote, the “key temptation for Christ was the same as it is for all humans—the desire to go it alone and depend upon self rather than divinely imparted power from above.” Surrender, submission is key to our victorious Christian walk with God in the Spirit. Angel Manuel Rodriguez on his article did a spectacular scholarly study on the Justification by faith and the Cross. Boiling it down it was a gift of God to received by faith by all who desires it. Linking this with my discussion above, just as Christ came down to our level fully decided to live after the will of the Father under the guidance of the Holy Spirit becomes our best model how to live a sin overcoming Christian life, that is to live a life after the will of the Father with the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. I believe that just as Christ, while on earth had that bi-nature and live a powerful, successful holy life, acceptable before the Father, that too is possible to all who who walks after the same manner.
Week 10 Submission Romans 10 EGW on Salvation ch. 10 Article: Some Problems with Legal Universal Justification This week reading was rather interesting. I was rather surprised at some of the things that Ellen White had to say in this chapter. I think the one that was the most astounding for me was, “It is significant that Ellen White (no mean defender of the law herself) was not deterred by such suspicions of anti-law sentiments. It was in this context that she made her startling challenge to the law partisans to ‘let the law take care of itself. We have been at work on the law until we get as dry as the hills of Gilboa…. Let us trust in the merits of Jesus’ (1888 Materials 557).” What a statement. I think that often we think that the law can save us and we forget to remember that it shows us how much that we need God. Only by connection with Him do we have any hope of Salvation. This is reflected in Romans 10:4, “Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.” The article was a lot of the same issues over again. Point 8 was the only one that I really focused on as giving some new insight. I think that often we forget that God gives us faith that it is the only way that we are able to respond to Him. It is not our faith that we are using to reach out to Him it is His faith in us. If we understand this then faith can no longer be viewed as a meritorious work but as God working out His will in us. We are willing He is able.
In Romans 10 Paul shows a great deal of love the Jews in verse 1, the ones who were his enemies. He says that they were ignorant of God’s righteousness. I think as pastors and leaders we need to help people so that they don’t have a zeal not according to knowledge. It can be easy to present doctrines without the gospel. As we train and encourage people to share their faith; we also need to help them understand the character of God. The context here in Romans 10 seems to say that God is a great giver, he wants to give us righteousness. We don’t come up with the righteousness on our own. We need to help others have a clear picture of God!
I want more faith. Romans 10:17 makes it simple that we can increase our faith by spending time with the Word of God. Pray for me that I can follow through on my desire to spend more quality time in the Bible. Eph. 2:8 says that we are saved by grace through faith. This tells me that there is a connection between the Bible and salvation. This is something that we could add more to the discussion of salvation. “The Word of God is living and powerful.” Hebrews 4:12.
The argument of what the tenth horn represented in the argument right before the 1888 conference seems to be majoring in minors to me. I think that the devil tries to get us caught in little things at times so that we miss the big picture. We should watch out for this trap. I thought it was interesting how Ellen White had the life of Christ project put together. It does not lessen my belief that she was a prophet because I believe that God works in ways different than our own. I think that it sad that the leaders of the church rejected Jones and Waggoner for their message about Righteousness by Faith because they were quarrelling with them about another issue to start with. That is a lesson for us to hear people out for what they can bless us with, even our enemies.
Articles Read: “Justification and the Cross” by Ángel Manuel Rodríguez Romans 10 Ellen White On Salvation, Chapters 11.
I would like to piggy-back on our last class discussion. I raised the point that conversion must take place in a moment and as Dr. Hanna indicated. He prefers to think of it as both a process and moment. Except that we are saying the same thing just in a different manner I think that if you are filling a cup with water then the cup is only “filled” when you pass a certain point. Of course, there was the process of filling the cup but BEFORE you reached that point then you cannot say that you had a “full” cup of water.
This might be a pretty scientific and mechanical way of looking at conversion but I think that even though someone may take some time to “make up their mind” to follow Jesus there is a POINT when they “give in”, “surrender”, “say yes” or whatever term is used when that person has decided. This is the way in which I see that a POINT is reached that tips the balance in the conversion favor.
Again, the very reason why a larger model of salvation is needed is because any model/metaphor will fall short in some way—that’s just the nature of language when trying to describe something as complex and mysterious as salvation. Paul himself uses many models such as justification, reconciliation, sanctification, salvation history and the apocalyptic models. Within each of these models he describes salvation in a different way. For example in Paul’s “apocalyptic model” we are only really saved when Jesus returns and we are physically resurrected. In the mean time we still “groan” and await our salvation.
I would also like to take up the question on the security of the universe after the final judgment. The BIG question is what would be different about the universe after the fall than before the fall. WE can think of some obvious things such as no one knew what sin was like and all the baleful results. Only “one pulse of harmony” beat through the entire universe. So in a human way of thinking, the little child doesn’t know what “hot” means until they disobey the parent and touch the hot stove. But how can the creatures that never sinned know what sin is like anyway? Don’t we say that the angels will have to fold their wings when we sing the song of Moses and the Lamb? Why? Because they never know the joy that our salvation brings since they never sinned.
This is indeed a mystery. If we ever can think of an answer we would then follow with the question of why could God make the universe just as secure in the first place. In my feeble mind I don’t think that its a matter of sin not arising a second time but there will be no mercy for any creature who sinned like Lucifer did because they’ll be suddenly destroyed. In this sense, it will be as the Hebrews tells us, “For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,” (10:26)
In this sense I could understand that should sin “arise a second time” then instant judgment would be administrated. In this way God would be justified in destroying sin right away because there is no need for sin to be played out so the universe can see that God’s way is best anymore.
At least those are my meager human way of looking at this great theme. But I must admit that “now we see through a glass darkly”.
Ellen White on Salvation chapter 9. Romans 9 Bri: Some Theological Considerations of Perfection
Many people have misconstrued God’s foreknowledge as his pre-appointed will. In other words because God reveals how a future event will happen they are of the view that this is how he willed it. Case in point, in Romans chapter 9:10 -16 Paul seems to suggest that God elected Jacob and rejected Esau before they were born and reached the age where they are able to choose between right and wrong. Clearly, we know that Paul is not teaching the Calvinistic view that some persons are accepted to be saved and some are rejected to be lost because this decision is not up to the person but up to God. Therefore, what we must always bear in mind is that God is omniscient, he is all-knowing and because of this, he is able to see into the future and tell the things that will happen before they come to fulfillment. This does not mean then that because God reveals what will happen in the future makes it is His will. As we look at Esau and Jacob, God saw in the future that Jacob would use the freedom of choice given him to follow Him. On the contrary, God foresaw that Esau would use that same freedom of choice given him to reject Him. Therefore, it was not that God determined that Jacob should be saved and Esau be lost. Hence in this case God was just revealing what would take place because of his foreknowledge and not a prescription of what should happen. I am not here negating the fact that some future events that God reveals are not His pre-determined will. Take for example, God revealed to the Patriots and Prophets that in the future Jesus would come as the savior of the world and certainly this was His pre-determined will. Thus there are some future events that are prescriptive, it is God’s will that they happen regardless of choices or conditions and there are some things that God reveal will happen but it was not His will that they happen. Again as it regards the situation of Esau and Jacob God was revealing the destination of the two brothers based on their choice and not how He determined it to be.
Dale Baker “The Significance and Meaning of Minneapolis and 1888 BRI: Justification in Rom. 3:21-24 Romans 10 The Minneapolis meetings of 1888 had varied impact of the attendees after the meetings. For Ellen White she had a stronger commitment in presenting the truth about Christ in a clearer way. As a result of the meetings she never denied the high goals of sanctification and perfection. Furthermore after the meetings she became more concerned about. Giving a message to the church; where she encouraged the believers to quit trying to merit salvation by good works and obedience to law and accept the wonderful forgiveness of Jesus that is made manifest in there obedience to all the commandments of God.
For Ellen White, during and after the 1888 meetings, she wanted to lift up Jesus. She wanted to lift Him up as our sin bearer and pardoner, our redeemer and friend. We could ask the question, what is it that we are lifting up today? Are we lifting up Christ or are we lifting up opinions and views when it comes on to salvation. I believe that salvation should be explained in simple yet profound ways, that all can understand and appreciate the blessings that it brings.
I am particularly happy from this weeks BRI reading that God does not have or practice favoritism. Both Christians and non- Christians need the grace of God in their life. This is one thing that makes us equal. Sometimes many people believe that God has grand children, especially people in the high positions in the church. But we all have to come to the realization that we all are in need of grace, we all need to exercise faith in the grace that God has granted unto us. Furthermore, we see clearly in Romans 8 that Israel rejected the gospel when it was presented to them. Is it possible that we today are rejecting the gospel like Israel, in the things that we do and our way of thinking?
Rom 10:15 How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!
Why can’t I consider the feet of all who share the good news of Jesus Christ beautiful? Shouldn’t a ministry whether it is mainline and GC supported or independent and on the fringe be considered beautiful?
After reading the report though – I am not sure if all feet are created equal. I refer to the areas of agreement and disagreement on the “Primacy of the Gospel Committee – Report.”
Agreement: Emphasis on the Saving Merits of Jesus. We agree that God unconditionally made provision for the salvation of all.
This is Justification and imputation at it’s best – no problem here.
And then there is disagreement from BRI toward 1888: Disagreement Rejection of Universalism. We reject universalism, defined as the belief that every person will be saved independent of personal commitment to the Lord.
And so now there is a difference in the feet – I’m not talking about the difference between the left and right. I’m talking about the walking path of the beautiful feet that bring the good news.
I had sided easily with BRI when I read 10:9That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.”
And easily thought to myself that the beautiful feet of the 1888 committee were losing luster – but then I noticed what the text didn’t say. It didn’t say that that those who don’t “confess Jesus is Lord” is lost.
Hmmm… what am I supposed to do with that?
Commenting on: • BRI Doc: “Primacy of the Gospel Committee - Report” • Romans 10, Class notes • Whidden: Whidden: Ministry After Minneapolis 1888-1902, Ch. 10
I began the report with great interest when I learned that the 1888 study committee and GC reps formed a committee to study and learn from each other. There was even a section in the report where the two groups had areas of agreement. And then the report turns tone by writing, “we appeal to it to adopt the pattern of what is described as a supportive ministry.”
I understood that line to be understood as, stop calling yourselves part of the church. You are disruptive and unless you think and support the system more like us – the 1888 should rightly be considered unharmonious and outsiders.
I can here the GC reps “testify(ing) about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge.” (Rom 10:9).
I wonder how EG would have felt about these happenings. Whidden’s description of EG and her understanding of salvation seemed to come out of a similar environment. Jones and Wagoneer almost being ganged up on by the official leaders of the church. Well… we know what happened there. The mighty roar of leaders fell to a call for repentance and re-examination.
Maybe – there is room for more discussion, for more agreements, or for another independent influential ministry.
Commenting on: • BRI Doc: “Primacy of the Gospel Committee - Report” • Romans 10, Class notes • Whidden: Ministry After Minneapolis 1888-1902, Ch. 10
Ellen White on Salvation: Chapter 10: Ministry after Minneapolis-1888-1902 BRI Document: Some Theological Considerations of Perfection by Edward Heppenstall
As I contemplated the reading for this week, I thought for a moment how far we have come in our understanding of salvation. Truly the “path of the just is like a shining light that shines more and more unto a perfect day.” Whidden in the chapter under consideration opened to the view the many challenges we have faced regarding our understanding of salvation. The author showed how after 1888, we saw a refinement and clarification in the writings of Ellen White on salvation. It is pertinent to note at the outset that her understanding during this turbulent period was balanced, and faithful to scripture. She believed that any holiness teaching that is forwarded must not be excessively emotional, and must involve an understanding of objective justification.
The issue of perfection was a pertinent subject during 1888-1902 crises. Ellen White remained resolute in her understanding declaring that “all may now obtain holy hearts, but it is not correct to claim in this life to have holy flesh.” This statement is very important as it cut to the core of the issue that was the bone of contention at that time. We can be mature, and should endeavor to grow up to the full measure, in favor of God and man. Spiritual maturity is a great need of every believer, and God is calling us to a deeper walk with him. Heppenstall seems to be on the same wave length as he looks at two pertinent Greek terms Teleios (maturity) and Katartizo( fully equip) in his BRI article. Heppenstall argues and rightly so that the purpose of God in the life of the believer is spiritual maturity in all circumstances. While there is no finality in perfection, the believer can be mature in Christ. It is my desire to be perfected in him, how about you?
May we discuss the issues of salvation with the maturity that Christ desires.
Romans 10: Paul begins by talking about the Israelites Zeal and how he wishes that they may be saved. Their zeal is misguided, “Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.” My favorite section is when Paul says that anyone who calls on God is saved and will not be put to shame. Paul says, “That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame… Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved”. Because of the necessity of knowing and calling on Jesus it is important to send messengers to tell others about righteousness by faith through Christ. One statement I found intriguing was when Paul quotes Isaiah saying, “I was found by those who did not seek me; I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me.”
Whidden, Woodrow W. “Chapter Ten: Ministry After Minneapolis, 1888-1902” from: Ellen White on Salvation. Berrien Springs: R&H Catalog Service. In this fifteen year period there are three important events that occurred; the Minneapolis General Conference Session, the “Life of Christ” writing Project and the “Receive Ye the Holy Ghost” movement. Issues like the moral law of Galatians, the ten horns of the symbolic beast of Daniel, perfectionism and the Holy Flesh movement were pressing issues in which Ellen White dealt with issues of salvation in a balanced way.
Rodríguez, Ángel Manuel. “Justification and the Cross” http://www.adventistbiblicalresearch.org/documents/Rom%205_12-21.htm
This article discusses Rom 5:12-21 a controversial section in scripture that needed an in depth analysis. Rodríguez believes that Paul is contrasting the universal result of how sin entered the world through Adam with the universal solution Christ had on the Cross. He finds that Paul “is not arguing that the way sin came into the world parallels the way the gift of God came into the world.” Adam was the reason sin entered the world because he was the first man and when he sinned he corrupted his genetics in a way since he “could not pass on to his descendants what he did not posses, the result of his sin was death and sin for all members of the human race”. This passage does not imply that we are in Adam when we sin or that we are guilty of Adams sin. What we did receive from Adam was a separation from God of which we can no longer fight sin without. The point of this passage then is that Christ is the universal solution to sin and restores communion with God.
Romans 9 There are a number of things that entered my thoughts as I read this chapter, but the one part that stood out to me perhaps most of all is the end of the chapter…verses 30 through 33. Paul writes, “What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; As it is written, Behold, I lay in Zion a stumblingstone and rock of offense: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” Paul’s words clearly teach us that righteousness comes by faith in Jesus and not by works of the law. Paul explains why God has made the plan of salvation in such a manner earlier in verse 16… “So then it is not of him that wills nor of him that runs, but of god that shows mercy.” This in no wise means that we are free to sin, instead we are free and empowered to obey God’s law…by faith alone.
Romans 10 Vv 1-3 "Brethren, My heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God." This is so applicable to us today. We seem to have such a problem, just like Israel did, with submitting ourselves to God's righteousness, instead it seems as though we are ever in the danger of setting up our own righteousness, which of course isn't righteous in the slightest. Again Paul tells it clearly...the righteousness of God's is ours by faith. But we must be submitted to it. "Faith comes by hearing, hearing by the Word of God." v17 So again we must be submitted to God's Word and His standard of what is right instead of our own. The frightening thing is, we will automatically attempt to set up our own Kingdom if we fail to submit ourselves to God's Word... and His righteousness. Praise God for Paul's ministry.
Week 9 In addition to comments on Romans 9… Whidden’s CH 9 “Justification by Faith” BRI’s Some Theological Considerations of Perfection by Edward Heppenstall
So there are two Greek words in the NT used for our English word “perfection”. “Teleios” and “Katartizo” are the two Greek words used to express “perfection”.
“Teleios” means “to reach for a goal” or a “purpose”…to an “end”.
“Katartizo” means “to be fully equipped” for service in the work of the church and in the cause of God.
Heppenstall’s brief Greek study was encouraging. I appreciated Heppenstall’s article for the most part. Perfection, of course, has long been a controversy in our church, but I thought he did a good job to show how the “perfect” Christian simply is the one that is ever reaching out to Jesus…ever growing, ever maturing in his/her walk of faith with the Lord.
The only thing that really bothered me about Heppenstall was his repeated effort to establish that God’s people in the end would not necessarily be without sin. While I agree with him and Ellen White that we will never be able to “say” I am free from sin. That doesn’t mean that we aren’t to prepare our hearts in this antitypical Day of Atonement…I’m just not comfortable with his efforts to establish that God will save us in sin. It’s my understanding that one of Satan’s original claims was that God’s law could not be kept. In addition to this, Heppenstall quotes from the NEB and the RSV text which is puzzling to me, especially the NEB, but none the less, it is what it is…two translations that clearly are ecumenical in their scope, following the Catholic tradition.
The BRI is consistent in its left of center views, but I suppose you have to be, in order to be considered “scholastic”.
“Whidden CH 9 Justification by Faith” So Ellen White’s view of Justification matured over the years according to Whidden. On the one hand, the teaching of justification by faith, when taught as it should be, sometimes sounds like cheap grace, making the law of God void. Whidden explains that the reason for this is the reality that not one of the works of obedience manifested in the Christian ever merits salvation.
And then on the other hand, a more balanced approach to Justification by Faith may sound like perfectionism. Whidden explains that the reason for this is that true forgiveness is the key to obedience and all true victory over sin. Whidden explains that our “receiving God’s forgiveness in justification is always accompanied by submission to His Lordship!” The result of this submission is the bearing of “fruit” or “strict obedience to the Lord’s will.” Adding, “we are not saved in sin but from it.” AMEN God help us all!
Ellen White’s quotes to support this understanding of Justification by Faith: “Faith must be sustained by works; the doers of the work are justified before God” (2T 167)
“He continued his strict and self-denying life, not now as the ground, but the result of faith; not the root, but the fruit of holiness.” (GC 256)
“Those who accept Christ, and in their first confidence say, I am saved, are in danger of trusting to themselves.” (COL 155)
“We cannot answer the charges of Satan against us. Christ alone can make an effectual plea in our behalf…” (5T 472)
“The moment you surrender yourself wholly to Him in simple faith, Jesus accepts you, and encircles you in His arms of love. He holds you more firmly than you can grasp Him” (RH, July 22, 1884)
Week 10 In addition to comments on Romans 10... Whidden’s CH 10 “Ministry After Minneapolis 1888-1902” I really admire Ellen White for the way she handled the whole 1888 controversy. After being shipped off to Australia, she didn’t fret or get angry, but instead she fixed her attention on Jesus Christ, with the help of her assistant, Marian Davis, writing “Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing”… “The Desire of Ages”…and “Christ’s Object Lessons”. This is a lesson to me in the face of anything the devil throws at me.
BRI’s “Comments on 1 Timothy 4:10 by Ángel Manuel Rodríguez. I agree with Rodriguez’ summary of salvation in Jesus…“On the cross God made provision for the salvation of every human being but only those who through faith accept the gift of salvation through Christ will be saved. Christ's substitutionary atonement is universal in its extent but, because of the freedom God has given to humans, it is limited in its salvific effect.” I know that if you mention “provision” to an 1888 person they get really upset. I wonder if the issue isn’t something different…like Christological issues…or I wonder if one group is more focused on “faith” and the other is more focused on “faith and works” as the means of salvation.
I agree with you Tim, I want more faith too! Romans 10:17 is one of my favorite verses. It amazes me how simple it is to know Jesus and yet how difficult it is for us to stay in the word of God. We’re constantly bombarded with distractions of all sorts, but praise God, he is willing and able to save to the uttermost, all who come to Him, through His Son Jesus Christ. I will pray for you once I’m done typing these responses. Please pray for me as well. Man I agree with you again in your assessment that we need to add the importance of Bible study in growing our faith. May God ground us in His Word...may we not get lost in the many debates and arguments. God bless you brother!
Ray I liked how you explained that we need a larger model of salvation because there are multiple models that Paul uses to communicate what Jesus has done for us…justification, reconciliation, sanctification, salvation history and the apocalyptic models…I can appreciate a larger model, as long as it is biblical, but my concern is that sometimes a wholistic, larger model is the last thing we need to adopt. Sometimes it represents an antagonistic effort to adopt false doctrine. May God guide us by His Holy Spirit as we endeavor to maintain purity of doctrine in these last days. As for the question on the security of the universe after the final judgment….whew! that’s a deep question man. In my limited understanding, our living in the full presence of God will remove any desire whatsoever for sin. Blessings!
Materials read: The Dynamics of Salvation (BRI document); Ellen White on Salvation: Sin, the Human Condition, and Salvation (Woodrow W. Whidden II); and Romans 6 There may be a meshing of the above read materials with chapter 7. However, I found the reading to be very inspirational. Although inspirational, I found a few things that are questionable in both of the non-biblical readings, at least from my point of view. The BRI document states that “the cross alone is our salvation.” I, for one, am in opposition of this statement. To say that the cross alone is our salvation seems to be suggesting that Christ’s birth, His perfect life, and His shedding of blood in the Garden of Gethsemane is of no effect. If Christ had not lived a perfect life, if He had sinned even in thought, He could not have been our Savior. Furthermore, I am under the conviction that if Christ had died in the Garden of Gethsemane after He had shed blood, He could still have been our Savior. In my understanding, the plan of salvation required the Son of God to live a perfect life, to shed blood, and to die. “Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission (forgiveness).” I believe that the cross was to show the world that He (Christ) was willing to do whatever it took to save us and to show us that He went farther than what was necessary for our salvation. Also, in the book Ellen White on Salvation, Woodrow Whidden II, commenting on the Moral Influence Theory, writes that “It is God’s just love, not some mushy mercy, that saves from eternal death.” While this statement seems to be concrete, it also seem to talk down on those who have an elementary understanding of salvation and the atonement, just like many, if not all of us. I am under the conviction that Christ’s death is a manifestation of God’s love to the world. I am also under the conviction that His (Christ’s) death was a requirement of God’s justice. However, I don’t believe that He had to go to the cross to do so. I am convinced that mercy has something to do with our salvation. The Bible states that it is by the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed. If someone can, please help broaden my understanding of the BRI document and the quote from the book. You may respond to this comment on the blog or send me an email at moten@andrews.edu or motenwayne@yahoo.com.
Materials read: Romans 7; Ellen White on Salvation: The Atonement (Woodrow Widden II); BRI Document – How Perfect is “Perfect” or is Christian Perfection Possible?
I feel as that I have gain a better understanding of the word “perfect/perfection” as it relates to people in the context of holiness. The BRI document brings out the fact that many people misunderstand the idea of perfection. The fact is that many are under the impression that when the Bible speaks of perfect that it means the person who it (Bible) is referring to had completely overcome sin. I agree with the document that the Bible doesn’t express the idea that the person has become sinless when it mentions that he was perfect. It, according to my understanding, expresses the idea that the person has total dependence upon Christ to strive to overcome sin. The idea of sinless perfection seems to be prevalent in the Adventist circle. Old and new Adventist believers alike are taught this by the phrase “there is no sin going to heaven.” Whereas this is true, it can also be discouraging if not explained correctly and produce in a person the idea that they have to become sinless before they are approached by death. The Bible gives the idea, the document states it, and I concur that it is the procession of one’s life covered by Christ’s righteousness that determines whether or not he/she is an overcomer. As long as this world is tainted by sin, there is, in my opinion, a slim possibility for someone not to commit, at one time or another, any wrong deed or thought or word; in short to live a sinless perfect life. The verse where many become confused is Matthew 5:48 where is says, “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (NKJV). Many take this text to mean that they have to literary be perfect like God is perfect. In my estimation, Romans 8:1 really opens up a clearer understanding of what it means to be perfect. Those who are in Christ Jesus are not declared to be wrong and they are led by the Holy Spirit. There are great discussions over the pre/post fall theory of Christ’s nature. Many of us don’t realize that Christ is past finding out. However, I, for one take the view that Dr. Hanna brought out in class: Christ was like Adam before the fall (He was sinless) and He was like Adam after the fall (He suffered the handicaps that sin produced).
Materials read: Romans 8; (Whidden II) Ellen White on Salvation: The Nature of Christ and Salvation; Justification and the Cross (BRI document) In the BRI document, a lot of Greek verbs and their meanings are given in order to help its readers come to a plausible understanding of the Romans 5:12-21. The document goes back into refuting the idea of “in Adam/in Christ.” It seems that the study committee has misunderstood the concept of justification by faith. The conflict with the above text is that death is passed on to all because in Adam all sinned. This idea is seemingly preposterous. I appreciate the way the author used the Greek and other materials to better help the readers understand what Paul was/is saying. However, if it’s true that death passed on to all because all sinned in Adam, it is also true that we were aware of their sins and knowingly and willingly participated in them before we were born. The author of the document (Angel Manuel Rodriguez) brought out the point that the problem with the text is in Rom. 5:12, “because all sinned.” However, the phrase is in no wise stating that Paul meant that death is passed on to all because all sinned. Although there is a text that says “my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge,” a person is only guilty of sin when he/she is conscience about whatever it is that he/she is committing is wrong. There are numerous of examples in the Bible of babies dying. David’s first child with Bathsheba was struck down with sickness and died. What sin did this child commit? Also, the killings that Herod the Great, the supercilious empty headed king did to the children who were two years old and younger because he trying to Jesus seems to, in my estimation, refute the idea. According to the study committee, everyone will die since death and sin came in Adam. The Bible never teaches that everyone will die. Again, there is a mistake in understanding biblical texts and teachings. Enoch and Elijah are two who the Bible tells us for sure didn’t die, at least not physically. I think the study committee overlooks the words of Ellen White. If a person is justified, it is because he/she has distaste for sin although he/she might slip and fall into it. His/her confidence and faith is totally wrapped up in Jesus and his/her desire is to be obedient to Him come what may.
Reading chapter 9 EGW’s stand on “Justification by Faith – Before 1888” I can’t help it but praise the Lord for her progressive attitude and understanding of the subject with clear discernment of possible dangers on the part of the saved to take faith as a license to sin. It was comforting to know that as long as a sinner is sincerely penitent and turned loyalty to God completely with a heart’s desire to obey Him perfectly, despite the flaws, mistakes and shortcomings, God is willing to count it righteousness because of Jesus’ imputed merits in the sinner. Ellen White was completely aware that it’s God and God alone who reads the heart. Praise God for the safety nets He has provided to support those whom He redeemed. Indeed, justification is not a license to sin rather and privilege to obey God whole heartedly and genuinely. Paul in chapter 9 mentioned this: “What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? Certainly not! 15 For He says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion." 16 So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy. This indeed is a great vision of who God is and how he treats us. And again at the end of the chapter he said that there is only one reason why won’t be able to benefit from the mercy and grace of God and that is by entering not by faith. “30 What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; 31 but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. 32 Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. 33 As it is written: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, and whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” Ivan T. Blazen in his article “Justification by Faith and Judgment According to Works” wrote that “An apparent tension stands between God's act in justifying us by faith and the idea that He will consider our works in judging us.” He clearly pictures the roles revelation and reason take. Revelation enlightens and reason puts it into practice. For him faith could mean full surrender to God’s will (judgment), gift and claim. Faith he said “acts.” Since we all shall stand before God’s judgment throne one day, why not chose to live a happy life of complete submission and in harmony with his will? I like what Blazen said: “Justification grants assurance, but judgment guards it.” The power of choice plays a vital role in the keeping of the gift of salvation in the hands of the saved sinner. That’s the kind of a freedom we have inherited from Christ who freed us from the bondage of inability to choose. Even though we have already pledged our allegiance to Christ for loyalty and obedience, still we have the choice not to continue at our own expense. We choose to have Lord over us or not. I love the way this indivisible character of Christ as both Saviour and Lord/Master was described in the following: He comes to us in love-in the light and strength of it He asks that we be loving. He comes to us in mercy-in the joy and power of it He asks that we be merciful. He comes to us in forgiveness-He asks that we be forgiving. He comes to us in kindness-He asks that we be kind. He comes to us in gentleness-He asks that we be gentle. He comes to us in sacrifice-He asks that we live sacrificially. He comes to us as our servant-He asks that we serve others. "As Saviour and Lord, Christ judged sin at the cross, justifies the sinner by faith, and judges the justified by works."
Jeff Carlson Doctrine of Salvation Comment #8 "Justification and the Cross” by Angel Manuel Rodriguez Romans 9 Whidden Chapter 9
I like how Whidden summed up Ellen White’s teaching of Justification: “It is my firm conviction that Ellen White taught a powerfully, objective doctrine of justification, but one that does not tolerate willful, premeditated, easy-come-easy-go attitudes toward sin.”
I think we are often very fearful that if we really let people feel forgiven they will go smoke crack, buy prostitutes and eat too much cheese. I’m really pretty sure, from my own experience, that when we really help people understand the greatness of sin and the greatness of what Christ had to do and was willing to do to counteract sin and buy them back that they will be more inclined and more able to kick sin out of their lives than if fear and uncertainty are the motivators.
Angel Rodriguez points out, “Paul is not saying that the work of Christ paralleled in some way what Adam did. He is in fact contrasting the two in order to show that what Christ performed was greater and more meaningful than what Adam brought as a result of his sin.”
What Jesus did was huge. I think when we spend more time dwelling on that than on the evils of sin – which is also important in its own time – we will have a lot more healthy church members.
Paul said, “It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.”
In Romans 10 Paul once again discusses his struggle on how to win his fellow Jews to believe in Jesus and be said through faith. He discussed through questions the importance and urgency of going or sending people to share the gospel to all people (Jews or Greeks alike). With all simplicity and generosity he declared in verse 13 that "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." But the natural effects of sin in this case, being stubborn, prevents especially the Jews in accepting much more practice faith in Jesus Christ. He quoted Isaiah to stress his point that salvation is a free gift to those who humbly seek it by faith. He wrote: "I was found by those who did not seek Me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for Me." 21 But to Israel he says: "All day long I have stretched out My hands To a disobedient and contrary people." This last quotation really touched my heart how patient God has been to Israel and with us and how stubborn his love for us is, it just doesn’t cease. Ellen White on chapter 10 “Ministry After Minneapolis 1888-1902” it was mentioned that this period following 1888 witnessed extraordinary emphasis, refinement, and clarification on her understanding and meaning of salvation. Events, projects, and situations and topics like Righteousness by Faith, The life of Christ, and the extreme Adventist Pentecostalism all have helped shaped her understanding of the salvation theme. She kept her views and presentations well balanced despite of the facts that those who were in the leadership were sometimes hostile to her. But the topic Righteousness by Faith has the most significant influence on her. Angel Manuel Rodriquez had a comparative discussion of two opinions in Romans 3 on Justification. He wrote: “The contrast is between a time of sin and condemnation and a new reality, the "now" of salvation history inaugurated by Jesus.” In this articles he has proven through careful exegesis that “there is only one way out of the human predicament, namely, justification by faith to "all" who believe.” He also emphasized it firmly that Paul is not introducing a new type of justification that is legal and universal independent of a faith-commitment to Jesus. That, according to Rodriguez, “would be Eisegesis.” How easy it could really be for a student to inject personal opinions to a certain text thereby reflecting one’s own bias rather than what the author meant on the text.
God is not the author of confusion. So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Rom 10:17 (KJV) Hermeneutics is the science and art of deriving meaning. Its goal is to "rightly divide the word of truth." To achieve balance and avoid distortion is the objective. Mrs. White strenuously protested against the abuse and misuse of her writings by some of the compilation makers of her own day. In 1901 she wrote that: Many men take the testimonies the Lord has given, and apply them as they suppose they should be applied, picking out a sentence here and there, taking it from its proper connection, and applying it according to their idea. Thus poor souls become bewildered, when could they read in order all that has been given, they would see the true application, and would not become confused. Much that purports to be a message from Sister White, serves the purpose of misrepresenting Sister White, making her testify in favor of things that are not in accordance with her mind or judgment. . . . Please let Sister White bear her own message. 1SM, pp. 44, 45 (from Ms. 21, 1901). The continuation of the practice of using scripture and spirit of prophecy writings out of context to prove a point is evident today; however prayer and submission to the Holy Spirit will help the reader to receive the intended message from the Lord.
Earl Reflection #10 Chapter 11 Whidden, BRI Justification in Romans 3:21-24 by: Ángel Manuel Rodríguez and chapter10 of Romans
Upon reflecting on this week reading assignments the issue between the balance of justification by faith versus justification by works again is in the spotlight. Whidden in this chapter speaks about the impact that the 1888 Minneapolis general conference had in the ministry of Mrs. White. It is clear that a major bell was wrung awakening Mrs. White because according to this week chapter 45% of all her writing on justification spanning her 45 years of ministry took place within four years following the meeting of 1888. I guess I could understand why due to the conflict and turmoil within the church that polarized believers between the two camps of justification by faith versus works. Like with most issues, people tend to lose equilibrium and become extreme and the Adventist church was no different in regard to this issue. Mrs. White was intentional in her campaign with strong counsel against those who tried to do away with the law based on the argument that we are justified by Jesus merits through faith in him alone and not by our work in obeying his laws. Roman 10 also deals with this issue stating that justification is available to all who believe and have faith both Jew and Gentile alike. This could imply the release from the law and dependence on faith only to be justified, instead of the laws followed by the Jews. These points are further solidified by the BRI document on Romans 3: 21-24 outlining the gift God made available to us because of our short coming and failure to compile to his rules. But the danger in all of this in my opinion is that the sin have made us concentrate to much on the minor things of life and distracted us just enough to take our eyes off the real prize Jesus. It is because of divisions like these unity between believers and God cannot be accomplished and thus demonstrate more than ever the importance of Jesus sacrifice on the cross and his second coming.
I agree with your points on misinterpretation of scripture to prove individual agenda are very true which is contributing to a state of confusion within the church. But scripture also states that in the last days we will have imitators and imposters and we must depend on a very personal connection with God in order to prevent deception. And like you I would love to see unity and togetherness within the church but we know that things must get worst before they improve at Jesus second coming until then we must hold fast and trust only in God and not man.
“Some Thoughts on Original Sin” By: Gerhard Pfandi
This article is a survey of the doctrine of original sin. This article goes through Christian history, stating what various theologians thought about original sin. In the end, Pfandi concludes that Adventists today generally define sin as “a lack of conformity to the will of God, either in act or state.” Adding “state” in the sentence points out that even babies who die before they can think or act for themselves need a Savior.
Chapter 12 on Ellen White on Salvation
“On the one hand, she shied away from a doctrine of salvation by the merit of imparted righteousness. On the other, she did not want to deny the powerful internal workings of God’s Spirit, who makes Christ’s righteousness real in our experience of salvation” (pg. 106).
This chapter shows how Ellen White, after making strides in the area of justification leading up to 1888, also balanced her views with a healthy dose of sanctification. This balance can be confusing, and it can also provide a realization that Ellen White understands what James professes, that faith works.
Romans 11
As discussed in class, this chapter continues Paul’s clarifying writing of what it means to be a true “spiritual Israel,” not merely “national Israel.”
Christ Saved the Human Race Ángel Manuel Rodríguez
As I understood by reading this article, it seen that many believe in the universal justification, which conceive the idea that Jesus with His sacrifice saved the whole world. What Jesus did was provide salvation for all in the world who accept it; before Jesus die Satan has the dominion of the world, by sin the human became slave of the enemy, Mat. 4:8,9 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me." There was a price to paid to rescue the human race from the chains of the sin, Jesus paid that price at the cross giving His own live, giving to every human the opportunity to be save. We are not save automatically by His justification at the cross, but we must accept what He did for us by faith.
Romans 12 starts out challenging people to present their bodies as a living sacrifices. The word therefore in verse 1 made me to look back at the end of chapter 11. Paul concluded that chapter saying, “For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.” This verse tells me that we are alive because of Christ and we are created for Him. This idea seems to favor the 1888 camp. Romans 12:3 tells me that there is a humbling that should accompany salvation. In verse 4 Paul talks about Chirstians all being a part of the same body. This illustration of a body seems to say to me that it is easier for a person to be saved among a group of other believers rather than as an isolated Christian.
Romans 12:9-21 gives a very practical list of ways that a person who is saved should reate to others. I am challenged by the way that it encourages us to give preference to others rather than focusing so much on our own lives.
Reading the BRI article about Problems with Universal Legal Justification leaves me with some questions. If people are legally justified by God, why is it that they have to at the same time be transformed by the Spirit. Can God save a person and work with them through their struggles until they can give up whatever it is that they are struggling with? The article says that faith is placed in opposition to grace by the 1888 group. I agree that we need both faith and grace. The biggest deal in this article seems to be the disagreement about what faith means. When it comes down to it, I think that both groups say you need to accept God’s grace one way or another. There is the disagreement over whether a person is saved or lost before that. I think that we as pastors should make the kingdom of God attractive and easy to enter; while at the same time calling people to present their bodies to God as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).
According to Whidden Mrs. White’s notion of justification matured progressively. Moreover, her interest in the subject accelerated after the Minneapolis encounter. He does highlight that sometimes the simplistic notion of genuine justification sometimes causes one to think of it as cheap grace. Whidden highlights that while works and grace are the compliments of Salvation, not one of our works of obedience manifested in the Christian’s life ever merit salvation. True forgiveness Whidden argues is the key to obedience and all true victory over sin. On no occasion in the Christian’s life is forgiveness in justification ever granted without the accompanying of one’s submission to God. Whidden highlights that Christ never saved anyone in sin, but fom sin. The natural submission results in the bearing of ‘fruits’ Ellen White therefore held that one’s faith must be accompanied by works because the doers of works are justified before God. Christ alone justifies us, our response does not make us more righteous but opens an avenue that we might be blessed. Writing in the Review and Herald July 22, 1884 Mrs. White reiterates- The moment you surrender yourself wholly to Christ in simple faith, Jesus accepts you, and encircles you in His arms of love. He holds you more firmly than you can grasp Him. Does this means then that when a perfect Savior holds a weak sinner, the sinner ‘cannot be plucked from His grasp’ and is saved forever?????
Articles Read: Whidden: The significance and Meaning of 1888; Romans 11,
The reading this week in the book “Ellen White on Salvation” explored , and shed some light on the significance and meaning of what transpired at the 1888 General conference , and its meaning to Ellen White. It was evident from the reading that: • Ellen White was never an advocate for the abolition of the authority of the law, and the redeemed person’s obligation to grace. • There was a very balanced and clear understanding on the subject of justification, before, during and after 1888 in her writings. • Prior to 1888, she spoke of justification by faith as the “matchless charms of Jesus.” • Ellen White believed and preached the need for uplifting Christ as our sin pardoning savior, and at the same time emphasizing obedience to his precepts. It is very clear from the writings of Ellen White that she was balanced in her understanding of justification by faith. She was very clear on what her thoughts on Jones and Waggoner’s treatment of the subject was. This observation is noteworthy as some have thought she was in support of all the views that these two men proposed. I am thankful that here writings reflect a balanced perspective on this most important subject, and not a lopsided view. Another issue that demands a balanced and Wholistic view is Paul’s treatment of the remnant in Romans 11. In this profound chapter Paul highlights the fact that a remnant of Israel will be saved. He illustrates this perspective by highlighting Elijah’s statement after Israel had apostatized. Elijah though that he was the only one left, when God reminded him that he had 7000 who had not bowed the knee to Baal. Similarly, the present remnant (Gentiles) spoken of in the passage were elected according to grace. The Gentiles who, unlike the sleeping Jews, embraced God’s free gift of salvation. They were grafted into the Christ, and were accepted as His children. Paul in this chapter proceeded to charge the Gentiles not to boast about it, for God’s grace and mercy is extended to both Jew and Gentiles. Why? For all Israel will be saved. God’s intent is to save both Jew and Gentile in his kingdom. So, the obvious question then is who will constitute Israel in the last days?
Ellen White on Salvation chapter11 Romans 9-11 Bri: Justification and the Cross” by Angel Manuel Rodriguez
I was very moved by Doc. Hanna’s model on Israel and the remnant. As I reread Romans chapters 9, 10 and 11, I have found the model to be Biblical and comprehensive. Truly, the precedence or platform for these chapters as Doc. Hanna pointed out is Paul’s effort to distinguish who is a true Israelite in God’s sight and what the salvation of all Israelites really entail. Paul argues that not because a person is a born Israelite is proof that he or she is converted, thus he says “For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel,” (Rom. 9:10). There are clear parallel tones between chapters 9-11 and chapter 2, in chapter 2: 25-29 the apostle postulates that a Jew by natural decent and one who has been circumcised is not necessarily a true Jew. Therefore, he points out that for a natural Jew who has been circumcised to be considered a true Jew such a person must be faithful to God. Interestingly, even from chapter 2 Paul has been showing that “not all Jews are Jews.” In chapter 9:6 Paul makes mention of two Israels as our professor pointed out one is national Israel and the other is spiritual Israel. The spiritual Israel is made up of true Israelites from national Israel and gentiles who have attained to God’s righteous through Christ. Paul brings clarity to this fact in 11: 17-25 by emphasizing that some of the natural branches (unconverted national Israelites) were broken off leaving the spiritual branches (converted national Israelites). He reveals that the gentiles who have attained to God’s righteousness replaced the broken off unconverted national Israelites who have sort after their own righteousness. Hence, the apostle is clear that the national converted Israelites and the converted gentiles are those who make up spiritual Israel. In this light, a gentile who is not an Israelite by descent has become an Israelite through the acceptance of Christ righteousness. Therefore, a spiritual Israelite according to Paul is one whose life is in harmony with God’s way of righteousness be it Jew or gentile. In chapter 2 he makes a similar point that a Jew by natural descent who has received the circumcision of the heart likewise a gentile are those who are spiritual Jews and are true Jews.
As it regards to the salvation of all Israel I agree with Doc. Hanna that this is in reference to spiritual Israel and not national Israel. Again, I agree with him based on 9:29 that for all Israel to be saved spiritual Israel that is it will be accomplished through Jesus the Deliverer in 11:26 working through the spiritual remnant of Israel mention in 9:29.
Articles Read: “Salvation by Faith” by Jan Paulsen Romans 11 Ellen White On Salvation, Chapter 12.
Within the complexity of the theological arguments of Paul in Romans its so easy to get thrown off course and think that Paul is actually saying the opposite of what he is trying to teach. It’s interesting that after his passage on “predestination” he states further in Romans 11:22,23:
“Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again.”
Here he states plainly that the gentiles who don’t continue in the faith could be cut off and the cut-off Jews could repent and be grafted in again. Except the teacher of predestination would hold that those who return and those who continue were destined already then Paul is showing that continuance is important to salvation. As we discussed early in this semester, there are several text that show that we must keep going on to the order to be saved, so there is no great revelation here. It’s just that for me if Paul was teaching that God made one person for destruction and the other for salvation then even if they were broken off or returned would not make any difference in their final reward.
I found Jan Paulson sermon to be very intriguing as well. I’ve addressed the Pauline struggle in a prior post as being post-conversion before but I found this quote from Ellen White used by Paulson to agree with this position: "The Christian will feel the promptings of sin, for the flesh lusteth against the Spirit; but the Spirit striveth against the flesh, keeping up a constant warfare. Here is where Christ's help is needed. Human weakness becomes united to divine strength, and faith exclaims, 'Thanks be to God, . . . [He gives] us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ' (1 Cor 15:57)" (The Sanctified Life, pp 92, 93).
Here Ellen White describes the struggle that the Christian will go through because the flesh is still alive. The paradox of the “more secure / saved” a Christian is the more unsaved they will feel really speaks to the matter of justification by faith. If we were saved by our works then the closer we come to Jesus the more secure we’ll feel in our salvation but the opposite is really true. I look at this as the more we understand what Christ did for us on the cross of Calvary the more we realize how incapable we are to pay that price. It’s an appreciation that many, if not all, young parents get when they look back on what their parents went through for them. We often take our parents for granted until we become parents ourselves. Until we get a fuller picture of Calvary then we can take a lot for granted.
Pualson also mentioned Mary Magdalene response to Jesus as being the “works response” of the true Christian. He doesn’t work harder to be saved but because he realizes how much Jesus has done for him. The great paradox of the real champions of righteousness by faith is that they seem to work harder than anyone else! Paul and the great reformer Martin Luther comes to mind. Paul could list all the things that he suffered for the gospel and declare that no other apostle worked as hard as eh did. Just think about the champion of righteousness by faith WORKING harder than anyone else.
I like the way how Paulson puts it: And justification has to do with our relationship and our legal standing before God. Somehow, wonderfully, we who are rightly guilty and deserve to die are being saved by God who chooses to declare us not guilty! In the words of Ellen White: "When God pardons the sinner, remits the punishment he deserves, and treats him as though he had not sinned, He receives him into divine favor, and justifies him through the merits of Christ's righteousness" (ibid., p. 389; italics supplied).
However, we are not to think that God has gone soft on sin. It is not sin that God justifies! The involvement of God in Jesus Christ on the cross is sufficient answer to that. Christ died in my place and satisfied the unchangeable requirements of the law of the universe of God.
The cross! The cross!! The cross!!! I think that here lies the answers to our most difficult questions.
I am in agreement with you that we should focus more on what Christ has done for man because this is the key for forming a loving relationship with Him, which will virtually give victory over sin. Be fore God gave the Israelites the law at Mount Sinai; He reminded them that He was the One who delivered them. Their contemplation on this fact was design that in love for God did for them they would keep His commandments. Thus as we ruminate upon what Christ has done for us at the cross such love will certainly lead us to love and be faithful to Him.
Whidden Chapter 10 Roman 10 And Gerhard Phandl BRI Article on Nature of Sin
The period 1888-1902 marks a very significant moment in the history of the Seventh-day Adventist church. For certain it was the most remarkable period that Mrs. White wrote mostly regarding the subject of Salvation; more than any other time of her ministry. Perhaps the issues occurring during this period hastened her necessity to communicate more on the subject. Leading up to and subsequent to the General Conference there were many controversial issues brought up and discussed. G.I Butler and Uriah Smith on one side and E.J. Waggoner and A.T Jones on the other side, the issue on hand was Galatians 3:19-25- One side argued the law mentioned in Galatians was the ceremonial law not the moral law and the other group argued vice versa. I can imagine this led Ellen to further study as well as prayer seeking clarity on the subject as the discussion involved the hierarchy of the church. At the session Waggoner was strongly supported by Mrs. White. While she was not directly involved in the pros or cons, Ellen White was led to solidify her beliefs regarding the subject once the disagreement was over. Prior to 1888 reference made by Ellen White to holiness has always been negative as she felt that the holiness teachings undermine the authority of God’s law. However as Whidden concludes this chapter he noted that “through all the years, whether justification or sanctification was getting the accent or emphasis in her ministry, Ellen White always sought balance in her presentations.
Romans 11 Whiddens Chapter 11 Many have always questioned the significance of the Minneapolis 1888 encounter to various factions in the Seventh-day Adventist Church today. While the full effects are unknown, it is clear that significant salvific issues were raised at that session. Enough issues were raised to cause many to change their course of thought and behavior, even to bring to a crisis issues that needed to be addressed in the process of discussing Salvation. If nothing else was accomplished, most members were advised ‘to quit trying to merit salvation by good works and obedience to the law and accept the wonderful forgiveness of Jesus that is made manifest. Many contend that while Ellen White was only subsequently involved in the discussions of 1888 her involvement was not doctrinal but experiential. After the events of 1888 and before her departure to Australia, Mrs. White spent a lot of time sharing and clarifying concepts regarding justification by faith. In the 11th chapter of Romans Paul expresses that the unbelief of the Jews has paved the way for the
preaching of the gospel to the Gentiles and for their easier acceptance of it outside the context of Jewish
culture. Through his mission to the Gentiles Paul also hopes to fill his fellow Jews with jealousy. Hence he
hastens to fill the entire Mediterranean world with the gospel. Once all the Gentile nations have heard the
gospel, Israel as a whole is expected to embrace it. This will be tantamount to resurrection of the dead,
that is, the reappearance of Jesus Christ with all the believers at the end of time.
Dale Baker BRI: “Salvation by Faith” Ellen White: Justification after Minneapolis- From Late 1888 to 1892
Week after week we wrestle with topic of salvation. We see varying perspective on the topic which at times has spark much discussion. The topic under discussion for this week from the BRI has put forward the discussion that salvation is by faith. I believe that there are times we miss this important point, that it is not what we can do to save ourselves, rather it is all about what God can do through us be the faith we demonstrate in His gift of salvation. As expressed by EG White "It is not enough to believe about Christ; we must believe in Him” GW 261. It is vital for us to understand that it is not an intellectual faith that is needed to take hold of salvation. Our faith must embrace Christ as our savior.
Furthermore, we see that many times believers pray and still feel as though there prayers have not been answered, but we need to realize that, it’s not about us but Christ, and his righteousness that covers our prayers. Many times we could relieve ourselves from undue burden if we will but trust Christ to His word. It is ever a refreshing thing to know that the righteousness of Christ covers all our sinful tendencies, so that we can take hold of His grace and love.
Article Read: • “Christ Saved the Human Race” by Ángel Manuel Rodríguez
In his article, Mr. Rodriguez sought to debunk the belief that Ellen White’s statements supported legal justification of the whole human race. There are many who believe that when Jesus died on the cross he paid the penalty for the entire human race and that everyone in the world was now justified and brought into a right relation with God. The only way one could be lost is if he/she willfully and persistently rejected God’s saving grace. However, this is not what the Bible teaches nor what Ellen White taught. Believing in a legal justification of the entire human race would then mean salvation is not “offered” to us but given to us. It would mean that everyone is on their way to heaven unless they willfully and persistently reject it. Salvation then would not be a free gift that we receive by choice but rather a gift given even if we did not want it. However, it is my understanding that both the Bible and Ellen White support salvation being a free gift that we have to exercise our will and reach out and take before it can be applied to our lives.
Ellen White’s statement, "If fallen human beings will consent to become sons and daughters of God in willing obedience, they will become one with Christ,” makes it clear that salvation is consensual. God never forces himself upon us. As sinful human beings, our redemption is already provided for by Jesus’ death on the cross, but we have to consent to it before actually receiving it. This is the work which is required on our part in order to receive salvation.
Article Read: • “Comments on 1 Timothy 4:10” by Ángel Manuel Rodríguez
1 Timothy 4:10 Paul states “For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, specially of those that believe.” The last part of this text does not refer to a legal universal salvation of all men, but rather only to those (“specially”) who have accepted God’s free gift of salvation. I like Manuel Rodríguez’s explanation of this text because he hits it on the head when he says [God is the Savior of all in the sense that He desires "all men to be saved." Then, the phrase "specially of those who believe" would designate those who have accepted the offer of salvation by faith in Christ. In other words, God desires all to be saved and has done everything necessary to save them, but He is the actual Savior of those who believe.] I further agree with Rodríguez’s notation of the word “savior” being a noun and not a verb. Thus, ". . . God, who is the Savior of all men," and not “. . . God, who saved all men.” Savior interpreted as a noun means that Jesus is the only and exclusive instrument of salvation for the human race, not that he has already saved the entire race, but that he has made salvation possible and available to the entire race. He is the only one able to do this. There is no other way accessible to human beings through which their relationship with God could be restored. Rodríguez summarizes this phrase as follows “Christ's substitutionary atonement is universal in its extent but, because of the freedom God has given to humans, it is limited in its salvific effect.” I couldn’t summarize it better than this!
Article Read: • “Comments on the "In Adam/In Christ" Motifs” by Ángel Manuel Rodríguez
The terms “In Adam/In Christ” no doubt can be confusing when one thinks of the possible ways it can be understood. I never gave it much thought until now. The idea of legal universal justification can be understood if every human being was simultaneously present in Christ at the moment he died on the cross. However, the Bible does not teach this. If I were to reflect on these two phrases I would say “In Adam” meant having the sinful nature of Adam after the fall. I view it as an allegorical phrase similar to saying “in the weakness of the flesh”. Since Adam was the father of the human race who plunged the whole race into sin, we use his name as representing the ways and propensities of our fallen nature. “In Christ” then would mean just the opposite. Since Christ had a sinless nature and is the one and only redeemer of the world, we use his name to represent the ways of righteousness and propensities of Christ’s unfallen nature. “In Adam” then means operating naturally with our inherent fallen human nature. “In Christ” means operating according to the principles of Christ’s kingdom as a result of allowing Christ to change our sinful tendencies.
Article Read: • “The Dynamics of Salvation” by the Review and Herald® Publishing Association
This was a long article, but worth the reading. The story of our salvation and the dynamics which make it possible are humbling indeed. In every part of the story of our salvation we see that God has taken the initiative in saving us. We cannot do anything on our own but by faith accept God’s grace. The article paints a true picture of our sinful nature, stressing that we are condemned before God, alienated from our true selves, from one another and from the created world. By nature we operate on the principles of achievement – the reward should match the performance – but the good news is that God does not deal the same way with us; for God is generous in His love, extravagant beyond our comprehension. He seeks to recreate in us his image that has been marred due to sin. It is a lifetime process, one in which God not only seeks to change our outward sinful actions, but even more the desires of the heart from which our actions spring. He is a patient God, striving with us even when we succumb to temptation and fall again into sin.
It was encouraging to read that “though at times we are overcome by temptation, we are not cast off, because we still have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous (1 John 2:1), who is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (chap. 1:9). We remain members of the divine family. It is not the occasional good deed or misdeed but the general trend of the life that indicates the direction in which we are moving-whether we have become rebels at heart again or are still standing in the relationship of faith.” This statement is one of reassurance because as sinners we all have done even that which we have purposed we would not do. We have fallen prey to Satan’s temptations over and over again, but as servants of Christ we have a new attitude towards sin and sinning, such that “even if we slip and fall, our sins are not entirely like those of the unredeemed. The acts may seem identical from an external viewpoint, but the inner attitude toward them is radically different. The nonbeliever is at home in sin, unmindful of its consequences and of God, and often in deliberate rebellion against His law. When the believer sins, he hates his sin and sinning, because it was the cause of the death of his Savior, and he does not want to crucify the Son of God again.” I found this statement to be true as I apply it to myself. I do not feel at home in sin, but when I do sin, I hate it and truly seek to find God’s forgiveness and his help in overcoming my natural desires for sin.
Article Read: • “How Perfect Is "Perfect" Or Is Christian Perfection Possible?” by Edward Heppenstall
This idea of perfection is one which have eluded me for a while. It was only last year I really understood what Christian perfection really meant. Since I didn’t know better I was one of those who defined perfection solely as the absence of sinful deeds. Of course, when defined as such, one only looks at the outer man as the determining factor of perfection. What about the heart and the desires? We often forget about the inner man, but it is the inner man, where the seat of our desires reside, which God seeks to change. This is embedded in our nature and no matter how good a show we can put up on the outside, God knows our hearts and the real desires and wishes we harbor. So it is impossible to become perfect in the sense of not ever committing a sin again. When we speak of Christian perfection we are really referring to spiritual maturity. One who is perfect is not one who never sins, but one who is whole in response to God; one whose heart and mind are committed to Christ; one who is perpetually living in Christ growing every day more and more into his character. So “yes” Christian perfection is possible, but sinless perfection is not.
Romans Chapter 6, BRI-The Dynamics of Salvation and Whidden Chapter 7-Atonement
Romans chapter six can be divided into three sections: Dead to Sin, Alive to God and Slaves to Righteousness. Verse 23 concludes and summarized the chapter by saying that the penalty for sin is death, but there is a contrast, that is; the gift of God is eternal life. This gift is Jesus’ death and atonement. If a man pays this wage for his own sins, he dies and the chance to gain access to God and eternal life is lost. This leaves God with three alternatives: He could simply let each person die for his sins. He could, like an indulgent grandfather, overlook sin and grant mankind access to Him, all the while hoping for the best. As His holy justice demanded, He could allow the death of another to substitute for the payment of sin for the sinner who wanted access to Him and met the conditions. But this last choice, the one God chose, presented another problem. The substitute had to be a sinless human being, since God cannot die and only a man who lived a sinless life would qualify, because if the substitute sinned, his death would pay only for his own sins. In addition, this person had to be of such importance and stature in his own right that his vicarious death to pay for other men's sins would never have to be repeated. Once this substitute gave his life, it would apply to all mankind for all time. For salvation to be realized by an individual he/she must accept the following: Man stands condemned before God. Man is alienated from our true self and from one another. Man is alienated from God the creator. Thus God took the initiative to make restoration available, man must then respond to God’s love and grace in order to be saved.
Romans 7, BRI-How Perfect Is "Perfect" Or Is Christian Perfection Possible? And Whidden 8
The Word Perfect has a broad range of meaning in the dictionaries. The Oxford English Dictionary gives fifteen different meanings for the noun with numerous sub-meanings. Included are the following: thoroughly made or formed, fully accomplished, completely prepared, in the state of compete excellence, free from any flaw or imperfection of quality, of supreme moral excellence or righteous, and fully answering to what a name implies. Although these definitions begin to give a feel for the meaning of the word, the scriptures themselves must be the final authority for the meaning of a word. First of all, we can know with assurance that the word perfect does not refer to sinlessness. Hebrews 2:10 speaks of Jesus Christ being made “perfect through sufferings” and Hebrews 5:9 speaks of Him “being made perfect” through the things He suffered. Since Christ was always sinless, He could not have been made sinless. Therefore the word speaks of something other than sinlessness. \two questions should be asked of Romans 7. One; is this the description of the Christian? And Two; is Romans 7 a normal Christian life? Some may want to answer no; and say it must be taken as an expression of periodic, occasional, rather than constant, defeat. Perhaps Paul’s emphasis is on the sensitivity to sin which the mature believer feels, a sensitivity which increases as one is being conformed to the image of Christ. In other words, whereas Paul may be describing defeat in the Christian life, it is not total defeat. I've struggled with living in Romans 7 and not feeling worthy to "advance to" Romans 8. I know I'll fall short, and God knows it too, yet He is faithful and true to His word and the salvation given by His grace. We should sabotage our relationship with the Lord by wallowing in unworthiness. As Paul lamented, "O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God, through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Reflection #11 Ellen G. White saw the church in the same crisis that it remains at this present time. To some there remains the concern as to the roots of the doctrinal misconceptions about justification and an obvious failure to experience what the doctrine sought to describe. Following Minneapolis, Ellen White never denied the high goals of sanctification and perfection. But the major theme of her ministry was a message to the church that believers were to quit trying to merit salvation by good works and obedience to the law and accept the wonderful forgiveness of Jesus that "is made manifest in obedience to all the commandments of God."
She would go on to contend that "many had lost sight of Jesus. They needed to have their eyes directed to His divine person, His merits, and His changeless love for the human family" (TM 92).
During a sermon she urged the people to "plead the blood of a crucified and risen Saviour by living faith, that pardon may be written opposite our names" (RH, Dec. 18, 1888).
This state of affairs provided sure evidence that the remnant people as a whole were not yet ready for the final seal of divine approval needed to protect them against the punitive judgment of the last plagues.
In 1851 Ellen G. White stated frankly that most of the Sabbatarian Adventists were not ready for the final events. They dwelled too long on "little trials," "picking at straws," she said, and were motivated too much by self-justification. She heard this heavenly rebuke of God's people: "Sabbathkeepers will have to die to self, die to pride and love of approbation. . . . Those who profess His name are not ready."
James White, adding his voice to that of his wife, warned that many who professed the truth were not real Bible Christians. Evidencing a significant turn in the self-understanding of the emerging movement, he identified Sabbathkeeping Adventists with the Laodicean church of Revelation 3. He urged that the remnant church be "stripped from self-righteous views and feelings," that it recognize its own need for thorough repentance. Like Daniel of old, James White confessed: "We, as a people, have evidently rested down upon the theory of truth, and have neglected to seek Bible humility, Bible patience, Bible self-denial, and Bible watchfulness, and sacrifice, Bible holiness, and the power and gifts of the Holy Ghost. . . . Hence it is said, 'And knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked' [Rev. 3:17]. What a condition!"TM 87,88.
The primary concern of God’s people in the final days should be: Thus the third angel conveys also the urgent call to all seekers of God to choose Jesus as personal Lord and Savior and to remain loyal to Him through the final crisis. Jesus alone "rescues us from the coming wrath" (1 Thess. 1:10).
In Romans 11, there is much discussion about “grafting.” The Gentile graft is by faith through the goodness of God. The Jews will be grafted in upon belief. When God’s love and mercy is shown forth by Christians there is hope for both Jew and Gentile to be saved.
Romans 8, BRI- Justification and the Cross and Whidden chapter 9
To justify is to declare righteous; to make one right with God. Justification is God declaring those who receive Christ to be righteous, based on Christ’s righteousness being imputed to the accounts of those who receive Christ. Romans 5:18-19 sums it up well: "Yes, Adam's one sin brought condemnation upon everyone, but Christ's one act of righteousness makes all people right in God's sight and gives them life. Because one person disobeyed God, many people became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many people will be made right in God's sight." Why is this pronouncement of righteousness so important? "Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us" (Romans 5:1). It is because of justification that the peace of God can rule in our lives. It is because of justification that believers can have assurance of salvation. It is justification that enables God to begin the process of sanctification and glorification. Where justification is a legal declaration that is instantaneous, sanctification is a process. Where justification comes from outside of us, from God, sanctification comes from God within us by the work of the Holy Spirit in accordance with the Bible. In other words, we contribute to sanctification through our efforts. In contrast, we do not contribute to our justification through our efforts. Justification releases one from the seemingly trap of Romans 7 and allow him to be free in Romans 8. One is no longer condemned by the law of sin but now lives in the law of the spirit.Does this mean that those justified by grace can sin as much as they want? Not at all. Romans 6:1-2 says, "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer in it?" Ellen White points out that justification is closely related to the attitude of the believer towards sin. In other words justification does not allow for a man to be saved in his sins but rather to save him from his sin.
Articles: Romans 12; Whidden: Justification after Minneapolis-Gospel Balance; BRI: Comments on 1 Tim 4:10
It became very evident from the reading that Ellen White was very inclusive in her teachings regarding justification after Minneapolis. Whidden showed this to be true by examining how she saw faith and work after Minneapolis. She saw these two concepts as being inseparable. This fact is evidenced by her using certain key terms such as:”Christ merits make up for own deficiencies,” “God’s willingness to pardon.” These views coveyed how she saw justification after 1888.She strongly believed that objective justification is needed by believers all the way through their experience. She also believed that “justification runs parallel to or concurrently with sanctification.” So we could safely say that Ellen White had an inclusive and broad model of salvation. This is encouraging as we wrestle this semester with how we can develop a model that is so big, yet faithful to scriptures. Isn’t it encouraging to note that while the believer is experiencing sanctification God’s work of justification is still available to him? For me this is great news. This is why it is imperative for all believers to present their bodies as “living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God.” So as the believer is justified, and is walking in the light of the word he/she will daily conform to the principles of Christ, and this experience with Christ will lead him into eternal life. On another issue that is very much related to salvation in 1 Tim 4: 10, Paul seems to convey to the surface reader that there are those who are “specially” saved. This passage has been a sore point for many, but I am happy for the clarification shed on the matter by Rodriquez in his article. Upon closer examination of the word “malista” used in the passage has revealed that the word could be translated as “above all” also. So the passage becomes even clearer when a proper understanding of the word is examined. Christ has made the provision for all men to be saved, and all who believe and accept him will be saved.
Dale Baker BRI: Some Problems with Legal Universal Justification Whidden: Justification After Minneapolis- Gospel Balance
The scriptures declared clearly that we are justified by faith in Jesus. But is this a universal justification? Of a truth if it were then when would the reception of the gift of the Spirit take place. The Spirit in the life of the believer must be active based on the response that the individual give to accept Him in there lives. At the time of our birth we were in need of the savior. Thus unlike what the legal justification teaches we do not all come into the world saved and justified. Justification is something that must be accomplished through faith in Christ and His once and for all sacrifice.
If it was a case that we were all saved when we were born, then as Whidden has suggested in the reading that no one with an intelligent knowledge of God’s will can be saved in disobedience would be of naught. We are saved says Ellen White only through Christ by faith. It is only by Christ merit that our obedience is made possible and acceptable to God. It is only through Christ merit that makes up for our deficiencies. Thus we need to understand that had it not been for Christ we would be bound for death. Many times salvation would seem so complex as if we cannot receive it by Gods grace. I believe that as ministers we have the mandate to teach preach and tell about Gods gift of grace to this world in the simplest of ways.
Romans 9, BRI- Justification by Faith and Judgment According to Works & Whidden chapter 10
Romans 9 is intricately related to Romans 8 and 11 and There are about three related problems addressed in this section: The converted Jew might still have lingering doubts and questions about the annulling of the law, the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's family and the end of the Jewish theocratic system. So these three chapters relate to very real problems for Christians both Jews and Gentiles in the first century. In Romans Chapter Nine shows Paul's concern for his brethren, teaches, the Jewish nation had a principle place in God's overall plan for the redemption of man. When their status as a privileged nation changed, some of them apparently thought this meant they were shunned or slighted by God. Paul emphasize that God had not been unfaithful to Israel. The change from the old to the new did not mean that "the word of God has taken no effect." It meant that now, physical lineage or blood wasn't the basis of fellowship with God. Romans 9:14-19 stresses the danger of thinking that God's choices and God's plan wasn't right. "What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? Certainly not!" Paul then establish that God's choice to include all men in his family is God's business. God raised up individuals and nations for His own purpose (verses 15-18), and man has no right to find fault with this.
In. 9:30-33 Paul reasoned: "What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. It is important to bear in mind according to BRI article that, As Saviour and Lord, Christ judged sin at the cross, justifies the sinner by faith, and judges the justified by works. Judgment is inevitable and is measured by works. Therefore although one is saved through faith in Jesus Christ one is judge by works or the deeds of the law.
Romans 10, BRI- Justification in Romans 3:21-24 and Whidden Chapter 11 In Romans 10 Paul identifies a problem that is, there were many Jews who were deeply involved in their religion. They had zeal that wasn’t backed by knowledge. Paul here points out that zeal doesn't make up for ignorance. We need to know God's ways and respond by accepting His ways. These Jews, many of them, had zeal without knowledge. Another issue in the chapter is here Paul states that Christ was the "end of the law," This is not to say that Christ abolished the moral law but rather that Christ is the end of the law of sin. Sin no longer has dominion because Christ defeated it at the cross. The old system depended upon keeping the law; to be justified that way, one would need to perfectly perform the demands of that law. With "the righteousness of faith," one receive God’s gifts; and respond to God's grace and love as conveyed perfectly by His Son. It must be noted that there is obedience in both systems. One must respond to the gospel. Notice, faith comes by hearing the word of God. This is a universal principle. The gospel is universal. Paul is dealing with this in this section of the Roman epistle. He is stressing the fact that the rejection of Israel as a nation from having any further covenant, as a nation, with God, had not affected in any manner the status of Jews as individuals, who, exactly like all others, are called to enjoy the privileges of redemption in the Lord Jesus Christ. In Galatians 3: 21-24 Paul argues that God saves all who believes. All have sinned and have fallen short but only those who believe and exercise faith in Jesus would be saved. I agree with BRI that the main emphases of the passage is; All alike may receive this righteousness by faith and none has any claim to it on the ground of merit; for all alike, Jews as well as Gentiles, have sinned, and receive righteousness as a free gift altogether undeserved.
Eric Ollila Reflections on Readings Romans 7 BRI Doc: Salvation by Faith
Romans 7: I read Romans 7 today and decided to read E.J. Waggoner’s comments on it as well. I thought he had some good points about who the first and second husband’s are referring to in the chapter (see vs 4). He points out that in this chapter the first part gives an illustration and then repeats the illustration by applying it.
The illustration is that of a woman who is bound to her husband by the law. The same law that binds her to her husband also “allows” her to be free to get another husband if the first husband dies.
Waggoner states that “While the law will not allow the woman to be united to two husbands at the same time, it will allow her to be united to two in succession. It is the law that allows her, and it is the law who unites her. The same law that unites her to the first husband, also allows her to be united to the second, after that the first is dead.” (Waggoner on Romans, p. 23).
Then the application. Rom. 7:4 says “Wherefore my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ: that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.”
Who the two husbands are can be figured out by starting with the second one first. The one who is raised from the dead is Christ. Christ is the “other” husband. So, who is the first husband?
Romans 6 answered this question, asserts Waggoner. Then Romans 7:5 is quoted “for when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.”
Romans 6:6 tells us that when we are crucified with Christ, our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” For he that is dead is freed from sin.
The first husband, therefore is the flesh. The old man. When the old man is crucified, the body of sin is destroyed. “In the first place we are joined to sin—the sinful flesh.” We cannot serve two masters. We cannot serve the flesh and Christ. But, when the flesh dies, we can be united with Christ.
But then, we come to the point of “What does it mean by our being dead to the law by the body of Christ?” Waggoner points out that this is where our illustration fails. Just like types fail when trying to typify Christ. Moses is a type, but so also is David, and Solomon, and Aaron, and Melchisidec. All of these are types, but not one perfectly represents the complete divine truth about Christ for only Christ is the perfect fulfillment in all particulars. So likewise, the illustration for our point breaks down.
I think this is very powerful to view that our old man becomes crucified and then we become “united” with Christ in a new life. It is a marriage that is new and refreshing.
BRI Document: Salvation by Faith by Jan Paulsen
I thought Jan Paulsen’s article did a nice job of keeping a balance on the subject of Justification by faith.
“With this newness in Christ there comes a tremendous sense of freedom. Freedom from guilt. But there is also a freedom with respect to sin itself; not in the sense that sin-or the defeats that accompany it-is gone, but a freedom from the compulsion to sin. We are free from the attractiveness of sin. The way of sin no longer brings that prurient fulfillment it once did. Wrote Ellen White: "When we are clothed with the righteousness of Christ, we shall have no relish for sin; for Christ will be working with us. We may make mistakes, but we will hate the sin that caused the sufferings of the Son of God" (Selected Messages, Book 1, p. 360). This is what it means to live "according to the Spirit" (Rom 8:4). This is the state of the person who has given himself wholly to Jesus Christ.”
I particularly appreciate this quote in light of a couple of comments that have been made in our class discussions about the experience of salvation. And the article also explains further that “This powerful assurance notwithstanding, there is still an ongoing struggle with sin and waywardness. Why? Does it suggest that my relationship with God is not what I thought it was? that I am in fact lost, a spiritual failure? In our zeal for the Lord, we sometimes draw hasty conclusions that produce needless anxiety and threaten Christian experience. We may draw encouragement from these statements by Ellen G. White: "The nearer we come to Jesus, and the more clearly we discern the purity of His character, the more clearly shall we see the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and the less shall we feel like exalting ourselves" (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 561). And again: "There can be no self-exaltation, no boastful claim to freedom from sin, on the part of those who walk in the shadow of Calvary's cross. . . . Those who live nearest to Jesus discern most clearly the frailty and sinfulness of humanity, and their only hope is in the merit of a crucified and risen Saviour" (The Great Controversy, p. 471). The most important question in life is How do I stand with God? And of the answer, many sincere and serious Christians are not sure. We look at our own lives and feel that it is not a pretty sight! We see a string of failures and shortcomings, and as a consequence our whole style of Christian living becomes cramped, weighted down with a feeling of guilt, overwhelmed by a sense of hopelessness and discouragement. It would be well to read again, thoughtfully, Philippians 3:12-14, where the Inspired Word tells us to learn to forget that which is behind and reach for that which is ahead-to press on toward the goal in Christ Jesus. And we should remember that these words come immediately after Paul has said that the only righteousness worth having is that which comes from faith in Christ Jesus.”
I appreciate the picture Paulsen paints for us. God does indeed create a hatred for sin in our lives. Yet, we still struggle with other sins. God didn’t drive all of the heathen nations out of Canaan at once for Israel, lest the wild animals would take over. It’s the same with us. God drives sin out of our lives as we are able to occupy the new and clear ground. When we get built up and strong in that new ground, He drives out some more sin and thus we gain more territory of victory in our lives. There’s no room for boasting. There is a tension. This is the life of progressing in the Christian way. We journey closer and closer to Jesus (hopefully) every day. Sometimes we stumble, but we look to Jesus and He picks us up. We forget those things which are behind us. We reckon, we count ourselves to be dead unto sin, but alive unto Jesus Christ our Lord. We press toward the goal in Christ Jesus.
It’s beautiful. And, its really a living illustration of what it means to have vision in your life. God wants us all to have the vision of Jesus Christ imprinted in our minds eye, so that wherever we go and whatever we do and whatever we see—we see Jesus Christ, we live Jesus Christ, we become conformed to Jesus Christ, we are His and He is ours.
Romans 11, BRI- Salvation by Faith and Whidden chapter 12
The eleventh chapter of Romans begins with a question: "Has God cast away His people?" Certain circumstances and attitudes generated this inquiry. Christ came and the apostle Paul preached Him as the Messiah, the crucified Savior who is "the end of the law," (10:4). There were some Jews who believed this and obeyed the gospel; others who persisted in unbelief. There were Gentiles who became Christians, and in the "mix" of Jews and Gentiles plus the change from the old to the new covenant. Some Jews apparently entertained the impression that God had cast away His people; that He had pushed the whole nation aside.
Paul denied this. "I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin." Paul offers himself as a witness or personal case: Paul wants them to understand that salvation in Christ is handled by God on an individual basis, not national. The change; the inclusion of Gentiles in God's family, and the end of the law, were troublesome matters for people who had been raised under the Mosaic system. Hence, the question came up, and Paul answered, No, God has not utterly rejected the Israelites
Did God accept the Jew into the Kingdom of Christ on the basis of his genealogy? No. By His grace, the gospel was given and when individuals hear, believe and obey - they become part of the "remnant according to God's gracious choice." Again Paul emphasizes, some accepted the call of the gospel, while others were only hardened and did not obey (Rom. 11:7-10). The "election of grace" is not a national matter but an individual matter, and some individuals reject the gospel; because of their unbelief and choice of disobedience, they are rejected. Individuals are saved by grace through faith in Christ. One must look to Christ as the object of his faith and one must also subject one’s self to Christ in obedience.
Romans 12, BRI- Some Problems with Legal Universal Justification & Whidden chapter 13
Romans 12 begins with “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God”. Romans 12:1-2 is the connecting link between the doctrinal and practical, or the faith and works sections of Romans. This does not mean that faith is not important, for there is always a direct link between doctrine and duty. God's code regulates our conduct. True conversion to Christ always results in changed character. This simply says that how we live is the result of what God has done through Christ for us. Paul says that God has provided grace and forgiveness, which justifies us; which impels us to live for the Lord. This is obedience. Ellen White emphasizes the importance of obedience in relationship to justification. Like Ellen White our understanding of the relationship between justification without merits and the work of the Christian is progressive, however a good starting point is to understand that faith without works is dead. Man is justified in an instant but character building demands work over time for according to Ellen White’s understanding righteousness is infused in us unmeritorious and righteousness begets righteousness through practice and exercise. The BRI states that “It is true that because of Christ we do not have to die, but that does not mean that we were already legally saved or justified before or when we were born.” Well, in view of a large model, justification is promise and is available to everyone before birth (from the foundation of the world) but, at some point during his lifetime one must extend an effort to accept justification and do the work of righteousness.
Article Read: • “Justification and the Cross” by Ángel Manuel Rodríguez
This article pointed out that Adam’s sin was unique in the history of the human race in terms of its consequences or results. Adam’s sin was the opening wedge that was needed to introduce sin to our whole world. The metaphor of sin crouching at the door of the world waiting for someone to open the door and let him in is a powerful metaphor. Sin does not travel alone, it always has its companion “death”, thus sin and death make an inseparable duo. Rom 5:12-21 tells us that sin entered the world by one man’s actions and thus by that action death also entered. Though we did not share in Adam’s sin, we share in the results of his sin. We all experience the result or the consequence of what the one did. Accordingly, the actions of one man, Jesus Christ, will make it possible for “all” to experience the result of his saving grace. It was also interesting to learn that Christ's act of grace provided more grace than was needed to deal with the problem created by Adam's trespass. The provision was greater or larger than the need, and reveals God's generosity. Thus, the gift was greater than the trespass. Praise God for his abundant grace!
Article Read: • “Justification by Faith and Judgment According to Works” by Ivan T. Blazen
Blazen’s compilation of articles is quite long indeed. One of the topics dealt with in this compilation was that Salvation comprises both God's gift and His claim upon our lives. In trying to reconcile justification and judgment of works we find that the two are inseparable. Salvation comes by God’s grace only, a free gift of God. The believer lays hold on salvation by believing in and accepting God’s grace. There is nothing more for salvation to occur. However, God’s grace is such that it works to change the believer’s heart and ways. A changed heart and changed ways are manifested in the life of the believer and is evident for others to see. Such a change produces good works in the believer’s life, works not necessary for salvation, but works done as a result of receiving salvation. I like Blazen’s summation, “what we receive in Christ determines what we do for Christ. The gift of Christ can be passed on only when it has been experienced;” and so our work for Christ grows out of our experience with Christ.
The question of “what is true faith” is another question that arose from this article. It is understood that God's righteousness, which is provided for all through Jesus Christ, is personally efficacious only by faith. But what is the basic significance of this faith? In Romans 4:19-21 the elements of true faith emerge clearly as Paul speaks of Abraham and his faith. Notwithstanding Abraham's great age and the barrenness of Sarah's womb, "no distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God." In contrast to distrust, Abraham was "fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised." Rather than disbelieving as a result of the apparent hopelessness of the situation, Abraham believed that the word of God expressed in His promise was the ultimate reality for him, and this caused him to grow "strong in his faith." Put another way, Abraham did "not live by bread alone," that is, by empirical reality, "but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4).
Article Read: • “Justification in Romans 3:21-24” Ángel Manuel Rodríguez
Rom 3.21-24 states: "But now a righteousness from God, apart from the law, has been made know, to which the Law and the Prophets testified. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." In these verses Paul makes it clear that something better than the law has been made available for our salvation. The law is ineffective to save us, but faith in Jesus Christ is able to save. Furthermore, this salvation is made available to everyone who would believe, Jew or Gentile, there is no difference because everyone has sinned and we are all in need of divine grace. Human sin has had and continues to have an impact on the spiritual life of all humans, for we all "fall short of the glory of God." The Greek represents this as a present and continuous condition of human beings. Human beings were created to give glory to God, their maker. Thus when we fall short of his glory, we fail to exhibit that 'being-like-God' for which we were created. But thank God for his grace, given through Jesus Christ, because through Him once again the glory of God can be reflected in us.
Jan Paulsen’s 1988 sermon to the Annual Council in Nairobi, Kenya proved quite refreshing to read. In presenting how God makes us right with him Paulsen breaks down the various aspects of salvation. The basic building block is faith, of which there are both an objective and a subjective dimension. Faith is not just accepting a specific belief about Jesus Christ, but it also calls for accepting a specific belief in Jesus Christ. It is not just the mere consent of the intellect, but it is belief rooted in the heart. Thus it requires us to get personal and place our trust in Jesus as well as believe. Faith can also be viewed as obedience. Faith as obedience expresses itself in surrender, in looking to Jesus Christ, and in living according to His wishes. As such, it is obedience to a call. It is by accepting the obligation to live a life of discipleship that faith becomes obedience. Faith also brings hope. It was interesting to learn that faith itself does not save, faith does not justify, but it is the “instrument” for receiving what the Lord offers. It is the instrument through which our salvation comes. Some people try to use the instrument of works and deeds to earn salvation, but it is only through the instrument of faith that salvation comes. The Lord wants to give us forgiveness and a new way of life in the Holy Spirit. Faith in Christ is the only way.
It’s not easy for me to see the line between faith and obedience. Even Jan Paulsen in his sermon, “Salvation by Faith” makes a case for this line. He writes, “Faith's obedience is not different from the obedience of the law but Judaism, used the law to establish its own righteousness.” I can understand what he means but the line is not clearly visible. And maybe that what it’s about. The line is the constant struggle between myself wanting to lead my own life and the spirit leading my life. Paulsen continues to write: “Faith is not simply looking at a distant, historical Jesus. Rather, it is responding to His invitation to "follow me." It’s a struggle to balance on that thin line. The thin line continues – I had always thought prior to this class that justification, sanctification were two different time points but now they seem to exist within and without each other’s timeline. And if I am having trouble with this concept – it is no wonder that I am having trouble with the difference between faith and obedience. And so I think that Paul also wrestled with the line. The line is what kept or cut off the branches from the olive tree in Rom 11. And oh how he wished that his people, Israel, would be brought to envy and be saved with part of the responsibility given to the newly grafted in believers (Rom 11:30-32). And so boasting is never allowed because of Israel, we can become and because we are they can become again part of the olive tree. Where is the definition of the line then? Is it the eradication of sin? I think not, and maybe Paulsen is right in saying that God offer of the ministry of the Holy Spirit over my bent sinful nature is God’s goal.
Commenting on: • BRI Doc: “Salvation by Faith” • Romans 11, Class notes • Whidden: The Significance and Meaning of Minneapolis and 1888
Article Read: • “Some Problems with Legal Universal Justification” Ángel Manuel Rodríguez
I have not given this topic of “Legal Universal Justification” a significant amount of thought until now. From what I knew about it I knew it was not a true teaching which the Bible upheld. This article has opened my eyes to see the various problems inherent in this view. This view implies that all human beings come into the world legally saved, pardoned, and justified; and from God's perspective they are not lost; but the Bible makes it clear that every one who is born into this world of sin is in need of the Savior. Legal universal justification also teaches that the whole human race was present in Adam when he sinned and because of that, we sinned when he sinned, and now his sin is our sin. However, the Bible does not attribute Adam’s sin as our sin. It does attribute the results of Adam’s sin to us, but not Adam’s original sin itself. Because of Adam’s trespass, sin and death has passed on to us and our propensity for sin has greatly increased. Universal legal justification does not view justification as coming through faith, but by grace alone, thus faith is perceived as a meritorious act which has no role in the way God justifies us, thus is unnecessary. These and other problems we encounter with the view of legal universal justification poses a threat to what the Word of God really teaches and also to our own soul salvation.
Article Read: • “Some Theological Considerations of Perfection” by Edward Heppenstall
I really appreciate Edward Heppenstall’s article on perfection because it not only gave us a true definition of Christian perfection, but Heppenstall took it a step further and discussed the issues pertaining to Christian perfection in light of probation and the time of Jacob’s trouble. Christian perfection is not the same as sinless perfection. The latter implies a condition where man spiritually arrives and is no longer sinful. However, the Bible teaches that such a time arrives only at the second coming of Christ, not before. As long as we’re living on this earth, we will always be sinful, not having arrived as yet. So then, what does Christian perfection mean? Paul uses the word perfection quite frequently when referring to spiritually mature Christians in contrast to those who remain spiritual babes. He declares that it should be the aim of every Christian minister to bring his flock to perfection, that is, to full maturity of Christian character, since God has provided the gifts to achieve this mature stage in life.
Another definition of the word means to be “fully equipped” for service in the work of the church and in the cause of God. Heppenstall goes on to make the point that at the close of probation, God’s spirit would no longer be working to turn men and women’s hearts from their sins. However, to those who have been surrendering to God all along and allowing his Holy Spirit to guide them they will continue to be led and guided by God’s Spirit. They would have matured spiritually and pledged their allegiance to be loyal to God. God seals their decision and continues to give them his grace and spirit to keep them strong. They have not arrived spiritually to a state of sinless perfection, but they are considered perfect in the sight of God due to their spiritual growth, their faith being anchored in him and their continued allegiance to him.
I read the Sermon presented at the 1888 Message Mini-Conference, Meadow Vista Seventh-day Adventist Church, Meadow Vista, California, on Sabbath morning, December 30, 2006 by Paul E. Penno, who is pastor of the Hayward Seventh-day Adventist Church, Hayward, California.
He said that is wrong to believe that “God only forgives a person who believes in Him. God has forgiven the ungodly as a class who were corporately in Christ Jesus when He died upon His cross, but He does not forgive them individually until they believe in Christ.”
But is ok to think that “ God’s love manifested in the justification of the ungodly is both general (corporate) and particular (individual). He has given justification of life to the unbeliever as well as the believer both corporately and individually. But to the believer who has made his calling and election sure by faith, God bestows justification by faith and they are born again to a life of His creating. Unbelievers do not enjoy the blessing of justification by faith—the new birth—because they do not choose to believe His promise. Hence they do not enjoy the blessing of a personal understanding of the forgiveness of their sins by an all-merciful God.”
I noticed that Penno make to kind of justification. One is the Justification by faith which is different from the justification that was given to the whole humanity in Jesus death and resurrection. If is so, which one is better? It seems to me that Penno said that justification by faith is the one who give you the new birth status, but if this is the case, then, what is the benefit of the universal justification when Jesus die?
It seems to me that Penno wants to be “holistic” (maybe as Dr Hanna) with his two concepts of justification but he seems to not provided accurate really what really justification is.
This is a response to the BRI article title, “"The Dynamics of Salvation."The article is divided in six main sections: Humanity's desperate need, the divine initiative, the human response to grace, the new status in Christ, the new life in Christ and the Consummation. It is a good soteoreologic panorama based our traditional and common SDA model of salvation. I mean the sequence from Justification, sanctification and then Glorification. But what would happen if we apply Dr Hanna holistic model to this article? It seems to me that some sections would be overlapping specially the sections of new status in Christ, the new life and the consummation. I have founded that it is not ease task to apply our class salvation model to some articles as this one. First, to visualize justification, sanctification and glorification in a present, past, future in the same time is complicated. It is like going back and forth in a same argument. I hope to get more confidence in explaining this model.
Materials read: Ellen White on Salvation, Chpt.9; Romans 9; and BRI Document, “Justification by Faith and Judgment According to Works”
Reading the above material brought out some very interesting points and opened up some new insights to me concerning salvation. Some questions that came to mind were “Is a person only justified by faith and faith alone?,” “Is a person only judged by the work that’s done by him or her?” and “Where does keeping the law stand if a person is justified purely by faith?” These are just a few of the questions that I had when considering the reading. However, the first and the last question is where my interest lies. I have heard it over and over that justification is by faith and faith alone. If this is a true statement then the law (Ten Commandments) is obsolete. Paul said that no one knows sin apart from the law. Therefore, if someone is guilty of breaking the law, then he or she, in my opinion will not be justified by faith but condemned by the law. My reasoning is that if justification is purely by the faith a person has then God in some way or another is totally out of the picture. If justification if purely by faith, then we are the justifiers in and of our own selves. Personally, I believe that a person cannot have true faith in God apart from the law. Besides, in my opinion, a person’s works tells the type of faith he or she has and his or her faith cannot be apart from the law. Therefore, if justification is purely by faith and a person’s faith makes the law obsolete; then, in my estimation God is divided and Scripture is contradictory. Paul asked the question “Does faith makes the law void?” He then answers “No! it establishes the law.” In other words, a person who has faith will obey the law. I concur with Paul.
In Romans 11 it is interesting how Paul compares the remnant at his time to the remnant during the time of Elijah. In the time of Elijah it was a remnant that was invisible. Paul seems to be implying that that the remnant was invisible at his time too. And the remnant was chosen – by grace. I like the point that Paul is making in Romans 11:17-18 that none of the branches should try to boast over each other. There seems to be a good amount of arrogance in our Adventist church because we have the truth. I think the message in verse 18 applies to us: “You do not support the root, but the root supports you.”
One time I met a gentleman at a church potluck. This was my first time talking with this man. He asked me about my life. Later on in the conversation he belittled me while talking to others because I had not left the church “to see what the world has to offer.” He was saying that those who have left the church and come back are superior to those who have stayed in the church. I think that we need to see the danger in whatever trap that we could fall into about thinking we are better than others. A big temptation is to compare ourselves with others instead of comparing ourselves with Christ. He is our example and the One who makes the playing field even for everyone.
It is interesting that Wieland and others tried to say that the main point of the 1888 meetings is the nature of Christ. I did not realize that there was not any teaching about objective justification before 1888. This seems to be a turning point in the history of how our church has viewed salvation. I am inspired to understand and experience more of “the assurance of His marvelous acceptance through Christ’s justifying merits” (Whidden 98).
“Adam and the Human Race in the Writings of E. G. White” By: Angel Manuel Rodriguez
“There are no traces in the writings of E. G. White of the idea that the human race was present "in Adam" and that when he sinned every one of us sinned because we were in some realistic way present in him. Neither do we find in her writings the idea that the sin of Adam was imputed to the human race.”
Does anyone outside of our denomination care about this subject? Why has it taken up so much of our time and theological thinking (if we’re outward/missionary focused)?
Chapter 13 on Ellen White on Salvation
“While Ellen White’s understanding of justification by faith was quite fully expressed by 1888 (especially between 1883 and 1888), the four years immediately following Minneapolis was the period of full maturity” (pg. 114).
Following a bigger emphasis on justification (around 1888), Ellen White also had an emphasis on “character development.” It is a hard balance to keep, but we must read Ellen White’s writings in a balanced perspective of objective justification and character development to understand her best.
Romans 12
“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others” (vs. 4-5).
This is a great verse to describe a key element of community—living with one another and appreciating each other for the other’s strengths. However, just because someone has strengths doesn’t mean that he or she is best fit for whatever the job is. As I heard once, “The church has many members in its body, but you don’t want the rear end doing the thinking for the church.”
Article Read: • “Some Thoughts on Original Sin” by Gerhard Pfandl, Ph.D.
This article on original sin, though a lengthy one, was well worth reading. The meaning and implications of the term original sin has undergone various changes over the years beginning with the church fathers and coming down to our current day. I believe as Adventists we are quite fortunate to have had guidance through the insight of Ellen White. It is through her inspiration we are able to settle on a truly biblical understanding of the nature of sin. The definition of sin as “the transgression of the law” is the most popular definition to date. However this definition implies that sin only involves breaking the law; and if we were to stop breaking the law we would then be considered sinless. Dr. Pfandl’s article brought out the fact that in addition to sin being a wrong act, it is also man’s state of being. From Adam we have inherited a sinful nature. All men are born self-centered, not God-centered. It is this nature which entices us to commit individual sinful actions, unless it is controlled by the Holy Spirit.
The underlying cause of our sinful state is our separation from God; and just like our first parents hid themselves after they sinned, man has been hiding from God ever since. Sin has caused the whole human organism to become deranged – the mind is perverted, the imagination corrupted, and the flesh is weak. According to Ellen White, sin has so degraded the faculties of the soul so much so that temptations find an answering chord within our human heart, and our feet turn imperceptibly toward evil. WOW!
It is also interesting to note that sin cannot be viewed as simply a physiological or biological problem. Trying to locate sin or the transmission of sin genetically misses the real problem for sin is not something which can be found in a gene or transmitted genetically. It is not something physical, but rather spiritual.
Article Read: • “Why Did Jesus Die? How God Saves Us” by George W. Reid, Former Director Biblical Research Institute
This article got me thinking about God’s love and what it really looks like. We often hear that God is love; and we often read how God manifested his love towards us by giving up his one and only son to die for us; but the commitment involved in such a proposition is something I don’t think we give much thought to. George Reid’s article mentions that love has become an almost shapeless word because it is often tied to sentiment and sometimes even confused with a religious feeling. The Bible however, in its use of the word, shows love as a power word, not just a soft fuzzy feeling. Reid’s article states that “love is aggressive – God at work tracking us down to help us.” I read this and was reflective for a while thinking about the many opportunities I’ve passed up to track others down to help them. Sometimes we think we’ve had enough of a certain person and life would be better for us if we just left them alone. However, in defining love as a principle, Ellen White states “God's love is an unshakable commitment, inviolable, a predisposition in our favor that cannot be discouraged. Divine love-there is no way to shake it or deter it. It is a relentless pursuit by a God eager to help, one who never gives up.” In striving to become like Christ, shouldn’t we seek to exhibit such a relentless pursuit of others as Christ did of us – even others who have wronged us repeatedly? God help us to understand the true meaning of love!
Jeff Carlson Doctrine of Salvation Comment #9 "Justification by Faith and Judgment According to Works” by Ivan T. Blazen Romans 10 Whidden Chapter 10
I really appreciated the article by Blazen. His statements about justification and judgment clearly show how both can exist together and both are important and need each other.
“Justification contradicts the concept that humans cannot make it in the judgment or that they make it by themselves.”
“Judgment according to works guards the doctrine of the justification of the ungodly from meaning the justification of ungodliness.”
The idea of the judgment is something that looms large in any Adventist’s mind and understanding how to relate to it here and now is one of the most important questions for the SDA psyche. We often fall into extremes so that we can achieve some peace. We either just kind of ignore the whole thing with the idea that God will take care of it and that I really don’t have anything to do with it. The other choice seems to be to live in constant fear that we will sin and that there is some demon – or Jesuit- behind every bush.
I don’t think that either is healthy or completely Biblical. We need to be able to accept parts of both ideas and the tension that exists there because that is the reality. I have found a lot of peace knowing that while God does enable me to live a holy life and expects me to do that, it is still His righteousness that will get me though the Judgment and not anything I do. Paul talks in Romans about people who are very sincere but not in the right place because they are trying to establish their own righteousness and don’t submit to the righteousness of God. While we are supposed to attempt to live outside of sin it is always in the context of God’s righteousness and not our own.
Blazen also points out that, “while the Bible says we shall be judged according to our works, it does not teach we shall be justified on account of our good works.”
George W. Reid, Former Director Biblical Research Institute
In this article it is analyzed why did Jesus die for us, and pretend to make clear the dough regarding how God save us. The way to illustrate this is, is using the metaphor in which the human race have a big debt impossible to be paid, the life is not enough to cancel it. By doing good works, or living a moral live don’t help in anything related to the debts, no human effort or merit could be credit to it, but Jesus in the cross die for us and His supreme sacrifice is good enough to cancel the debts of every human being. His grace covered it all; by accepting his grace we become debt free, everything is paid off by the blood of Jesus. Nevertheless many still rejecting the gift of love offered in Calvary, but God unconditional love remain available to whoever wants to accept it.
How God save us: # 2 George W. Reid, Former Director Biblical Research Institute
By sending Jesus into the dark world God give continuation to His salvation plan. Is He who reach the lost, is God who initiate the search for the lost as the Bible says in revelation 3:20 “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” Is God wonderful love that rescue us and open the opportunity of salvation to human being. It was in the original plan and God accomplish His promise of sending His son to die for the world. So God bought us through the blood of Jesus, the wrath of God were satisfied in Jesus sacrifice, and that complete the divine requirement of saving the sinners. John 3:17, 18 says “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.”
Romans 13 BRI- Some Theological Considerations of Perfection and Whidden chapter 14
There seem to be three good lessons in the 13th chapter of Romans; here the apostle enlarges more upon his precepts than he had done in the foregoing chapter, finding them more needful to be fully pressed. Lessons in: subjection to lawful authority, justice and love to our brethren, sobriety and godliness in ourselves. We are here taught how to conduct ourselves towards the higher powers, intimating their authority, including not only the king as supreme, but all inferior magistrates under him; not just the persons that are in that power, but the place of power itself, or the office of the power. It is important to note that Paul did not exclude anyone, (Let every soul be subject). Every soul--every person, not excluding the clergy, who call themselves spiritual persons. Don’t get Paul wrong, not that our consciences are to be subjected to the will of any man for It is God's prerogative to bind conscience, and we must render to God the things that are God's and to Caesar’s his. The question is should we obey because of the danger we run ourselves into by resistance? (Paul says they bear the sword) Or should we obey because we respect the office? What if the rules are incongruent to our Christian belief? If obedience to God is voluntary why should subjection to the magistrates be mandatory for Christians? On the issue of perfection let me ask this question; if we can be perfect, that is sinless in this life why would we need to change from corruption to incorruption at the second coming of Christ? I agree with those who purport that perfection in the New Testament is maturity and the equipping for service.
Romans 14, BRI- Some Thoughts on Original Sin and Whidden Chapter 15 Romans 14 is about maintaining unity in the midst of the type of diverse situations such as those Paul describes in this context, and the attitudes and conduct which will either bring about this unity or destroy it. Those who have been justified by faith should consider this is a serious responsibility. One such responsibility is dealing with divergent views, for example some could eat all things while others ate only herbs (14:2-3) and there were those who esteemed one day above another while some regarded all days alike (14:5-6). Paul called some of these brethren “weak” (14:1-2; 15:1) and others he said were “strong” (15:1), but God accepted those in both groups. Most of the times it is not the differences themselves that does the damage but the mismanagement of those differences. Another responsibility is to be united. Paul puts emphases on receiving the weak in faith that is a welcome that is accompanied by a special interest on the part of the receiver. He further gives admonitions to follow after things which make for peace, and things whereby we may edify one another (14:19) and that with one accord ye may with one mouth, glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (15:6). Paul obviously wanted the Romans united. Original Sin is one of the core theological reasons that a Christian cannot embrace the theory of evolution. Regardless of the scientific issues that now plague the evolutionary belief system, the whole message of Christianity starts with mankind’s fall from paradise into death through Adam’s sin. With evolution, we envision millions and millions of years of death, decay and disease before Adam even came on the scene. However, this picture is not consistent with the “very good” earth created by God. More importantly, as one can thoroughly investigate, death before sin is theologically inconsistent with the rest of Christian doctrine. The justification of Jesus' life and death is predicated on the existence of Adam and the forbidden fruit he and Eve ate. Therefore I ask without the original sin, who needs to be redeemed? Without Adam's fall into a life of constant sin terminated by death, what purpose is there to Christianity? Original Sin is the genetic defect we all inherited from Adam and Eve. Through this genetic defect we all inherited death (both physical and spiritual) and were separated from God. Through Jesus Christ, we all have the ability to conquer this genetic defect (sin and death) and be reconnected to God eternally.
In the book of Romans 13 especially verse 11 I see here Paul bringing in a new dimension of salvation. He declares ‘and that knowing the time, that now is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we first believe.’ This to me is showing that there is going to be a consummation of our salvation at the coming of Christ. The preceding verses to 11, Paul demonstrated the way in which the people of God are to live, and relate to the state. He demonstrated to the importance of the law. Surely, it is love for one another that is the fulfilling of the law, showing them that this is true religion. In fact Ellen White states that “Righteousness is love, and love is the light and the life of God. The righteousness of God is embodied in Christ. We receive righteousness by receiving Him.” {MB 18.1}
Paul then further moves to encourage the believers in the following verses how they are to love. He encourages them to put off the works of darkness. Put away sin and take up the light of Christ. He is encouraging them to experience their salvation. He encourages them to make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lust thereof.
"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God."
The apostle challenges, and commands the attention of his readers in this book. Romans chapter 13 is encouraging believers to fulfill the duties that are required of them. There are some who argue that God approves of the conduct of certain civil authorities. But Paul is here emphasizing that it is the Christians's duty always to submit to government,so long as they are being led by God. The question then is how do we know when a power is not of God? This might seem like a simple question, but it becomes even more complex, when all the issues involved are bombarding us. I believe that the powers that be when subject to God must be obeyed.We must also bear in mind that the ruling power is entrusted to men by God, according to His own purposes for man's welfare.It should also be noted that their continuance in power, or their fall from authority, is in His hands. So then God is the in ultimate control of all things, and all powers should be subject to Him.
Articles Read: “Justification by Faith and Judgment According to Works” by Ivan T. Blazen Romans 12 Ellen White On Salvation, Chapter 13.
I want to continue the discussion question that I raise in class and allow for some further reflection on this matter of the human and divine element of salvation.
I find that many times when the questions of "justification by faith" and "works" are discussed some extreme views can be taken because the proponent is trying to defend a position that may be threatened by another view. Case in point: Paul comes out very strongly against the Jews because they thought that works would save them but he came out just as hard against the Galatians who thought that works were not necessary and they could live morally lax lives.
We see the same trend in the writings of the reformer Martin Luther as well. He holds to the view that human will is totally impotent and man cannot even choose to follow God.
Now here is difficulty for me: I know that God created man. Man fell into sin and is now ‘damaged goods’. He runs away from God and hides instead of seeking God out. God must take the initiative to save man. So we cannot even choose to follow God without God’s help because we are all captives of Satan.
But even if I cannot choose to follow God I can choose to give God my choice. In other words, I can surrender my will to God. If God does everything for me then where does my choice come into the picture? I think that it is a false assumption to think that since God created man and give him life that anything that man does has to be ultimately attributed to God. This would means that God created evil!
My understanding is that we are all free moral agents. God gave us a choice and He determined the options (life and death) but the choice must be mines. If God saved me without my input then he knocked the door down instead of stand at the door and knock and now becomes a robber instead.
The only thing that we can give to God that he didn’t give us in the first place is our choice to love him or not. Love cannot be forced. And it’s really foolish to say that God loves himself through me. I must do the loving.
But some may argue that God was the one who gave me the capacity to love which is true, but ability to love and loving are two separate things. The same way that my birthday gifts from my kids were brought with my own money, I provided the funds but the choice of gift I cannot claim as my own.
Now I can fully understand the burden of those who want to emphasize that salvation is 100% God and it is. The sinner brings nothing to the table. (Nothing to the cross I bring, Simply to the cross I cling.) So I’m not saved by my bringing or my clinging, not even my coming—it’s all God. But what separated me from the man who refused to come was MY CHOICE to come. God has a self-imposed attribute that respects human freedom.
'Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. (Rev. 3:20)
God imparts the strength to open the door but he “cannot” open the door because He has placed the latch on the inside. A latch that no power in heaven or earth can open except me. What an honor bestowed by the Creator!!
Week Eleven Heather Barbian Romans 11: In this chapter Paul covers topics related to the remnant of Israel, the grafting of Gentiles and the branches of Israel and all of Israel will be saved including Gentiles. My favorite section in this chapter is verses 17-21, “If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, do not boast over those branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, "Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in." Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.” I think this is important to remember so that we do not fall into the same trap as the Israelites. Whidden, Woodrow W. “Chapter Eleven: The Significance and Meaning of Minneapolis and 1888” from: Ellen White on Salvation. Berrien Springs: R&H Catalog Service. In this chapter Whidden stressed Ellen White’s balanced view of salvation and how Minneapolis was a “turning point in the intensity and further clarity, of her expressions of justification by faith.” She did not downplay the law or our obligations to obedience or Justification. What is important is that she focused on what people needed to hear at that time. I find this important to anyone who is ministering to a person or group.
Paulsen, Jan. Salvation by Faith. From a Sermon presented at the 1988 Annual Council, Nairobi, Kenya (East Africa), by Jan Paulsen, then president of the Trans-European Division; now General Conference vice-president. http://www.adventistbiblicalresearch.org/documents/Salvation%20by%20Faith.htm
This article discusses salvation by faith in terms of justification and sanctification. Paulsen seeks to answer the questions; what is faith and what does it mean to believe? It is important not to fall into the trap of asking what does God do and what do I do? Instead we should view salvation as a process that begins and ends with faith. Faith is both objective and subjective and deals with obedience and hope. Then Paulsen discusses Galatians 2:15-16, legal justification, growing in Christ and God’s requirements for his people. In this section I liked the idea of looking to Christ, he said, “Righteousness by faith means to look continually and exclusively to the risen Lord. Look away, and hope is gone.”.
“The Renewing of your Mind” (rom 12:2) The Renewing of your Mind - As if to say that my mind was being degraded over time and brought down through the influences of life in general. And what in general life is brings the mind down: high-mindedness (oxy-moronic – don’t you think?), hypocrisy-laden love, non-diligence and haughty.
And here’s the kicker – after all the hard work of getting rid of these things – it makes no never-mind. I mean if I could somehow manage to have my mind renewed and be without the aforementioned list, you can still count on not counting yourself as holy and acceptable to God.
Why? Because there is no good work(s), subjective or reactive, that “merit” salvation. In the preferred words of Hannah, the faithful works may be considered conditions, but they certainly don’t merit much outside of an occasional “thank-you”, or “you shouldn’t have” from a reciprocating neighbor. It is only the work of Christ that merits salvation.
Christ’s meritorious works are certainly the keys to victory for the renewed mind, but the renewed mind + it’s consequence-ing is not salvation. What goes on in the believer is good, but not good enough!
But please don’t let it stop here. Oh yeah – and about the “conditional” faith that brings about works. Well, please understand that salvation was made universally “in Christ” is null unless the subjective condition of faith is fulfilled in the person that is granted salvation.
Commenting on: •BRI Doc: “Salvation by Faith” •Romans 12, Class notes •Whidden: Justification After Minneapolis — From Late 1888 to 1892, chapter 12
Week Twelve Heather Barbian Romans 12: I see Romans chapter twelve as admonitions to Christians. It talks about offering, thinking, transforming, loving, hating, blessing, rejoicing, mourning, praying, honoring and serving. This chapter outlines our responsibilities to God and others. A troublesome passage in this section is when it says, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” How can we overcome evil when we know that doing good is heaping burning coals on their head? This verse seems out of context to me. It just seems so dark when the motive behind a “good” action is revenge. Now one can argue that this is not meant to be a motive but can it be seen in any other way? Isn’t this what the person is thinking when they are doing a good action in this context? Whidden, Woodrow W. “Chapter Twelve: Justification After Minneapolis: from late 1888 to 1892” from: Ellen White on Salvation. Berrien Springs: R&H Catalog Service. This chapter contrasts Ellen White’s pre and post Minneapolis “conceptions of justification”. Some important points are that she never separated faith and works, meaning that we are saved from sin but not in it, justification is a requirement of God’s justice and that there is a relationship between sanctification and justification. Ivan T. Blazen, Justification by Faith and Judgment According to Works. http://www.adventistbiblicalresearch.org/documents/justification%20by%20faith.htm. This article discusses the confusing Pauline paradox of justification by faith and judgment by works. He writes that we have assurance in justification and judgment. He writes, “While those who remain committed to Christ need have no fear of God's judgment or anxiety concerning salvation, three things, at least, are clear from these judgment passages. (What is said here will be clarified in later articles and set in relation to God's rich salvation.) 1. Christians, all those justified by faith, come into the judgment. 2. The judgment is made according to their works.” The key in this article is that the works that are judged are Christ’s and not our own.
In this article Dr. Angel Manuel Rodriguez, analyze the formal position of the 1888 Study Committee about the phrase ‘In Adam/In Christ’. The principal view of the committee tells us that we were in Adam when he committed the first sin, and his sin is also my sin. This comprehension is similar to Augustine’s. He thought that all of Adam’s descendants were in him and when he sinned they also sinned with Adam. Dr. Rodriguez shows clearly that according to the Bible every person is an indivisible self-conscious unity of life. For him the 1888 Study Committee has not clearly stated what they mean by their realistic understanding of this phrase. He comments: “If what they mean is that the ‘seed’ of our lives was in Adam, that is to say, that we are his descendants, then, they are closer to truth.” But it doesn’t seem to be their understanding. In this article we also find the idea that because Christ was the second Adam… “the whole human race was in Christ when he died on the cross. In Adam we were all sinners; in Christ we were all, the totally of the human race, legally saved and justified.” This idea brings a least three difficult. First tells us that everybody will be saved. Second it denotes that everybody east at the same time in Christ at the cross, something that is not true and no biblical. And third and more import, if we were in Christ when he died for our sins, it can be understood as that we died for our dies and we do not have a necessity of a savior. We are our own savior. I found his article very interested I think that Dr. Rodriguez is very right is his affirmations.
Romans 13: This chapter is about obedience to government and how to live in the understanding of the times. I read verses two and three and I really disagreed, it says, “Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong.” My problem is that God upholds all governments corrupt and good. How can I believe that God is putting dictators like Hitler in power when they are evil and they do terrorize righteous people? I believe that governments do at times reward evil and corruption and punish those who are good.
Whidden, Woodrow W. “Chapter Thirteen: Justification After Minneapolis Maintaining Gospel Balace” from: Ellen White on Salvation. Berrien Springs: R&H Catalog Service.
This chapter emphasizes Ellen Whites mature view of justification after Minneapolis. Hw writes, “For Ellen White there is never a meritorious infusion of righteousness, but righteousness certainly is active in the soul of the believer to beget righteous acts and character.” She also believed that there was no saving action a person could do but that our salvation is in Christ. Rodríguez, Ángel Manuel. Some Problems with Legal Universal Justification. http://www.adventistbiblicalresearch.org/documents/Legal%20Univ%20Just-Problems.htm.
This article outlines eight problems with legal universal justification. It separates God's justifying act (objective) from the reception of the gift of the Spirit and/or the new birth (subjective). It implies none are lost and everyone is saved and therefore undermines the work of the cross. This teaching is not true to the biblical teaching of human nature or the meaning of in Christ. Rodriguez also finds that it, “introduces a non-biblical understanding of Christ's substitutionary death”. Lastly faith is seen as a threat to salvation since it is seen as human work.
This article explains the second part of this verse. ‘Because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.’ Dr. Angel Manuel Rodriguez asks some important question in order to understand better this difficult verse. ‘How can everybody be saved and at the same time have a group that is specially saved? What does ‘especially’ means? Does it mean that the others did not deserve to be saved and yet they are also going to be saved? The fist thing that we learn about this passage is that the term ‘Savior’ means here ‘Benefactor’. This word means that God provides for the needs of all people. One important though that we need to keep on our minds is that on the cross God made provision for the salvation of every human being but only those who through faith accept the gift of salvation through Christ will be saved. Secondly, the word ‘especially’ which in Greek is ‘malista’ can be translated by ‘especially, mostly, above all’. Recent studies shows that it could be rendered into English as “that is , in other words’ etc…
Romans 15, BRI- Why Did Jesus Die? How God Saves Us and Whidden Chapter 16
There are a number of striking issues in chapter 15 of Romans two of which I will mention. 1. Paul states that they must bear the infirmities of the weak. We are to build up each and please our neighbor. Paul is not here saying to be men pleaser but rather we should not be selfish, we should take into consideration of our brethren's weakness and infirmity. Paul’s reason for this is because Christ did not please Himself. 2. Paul prayers for the Romans and desire of a share in their prayers. Paul here demonstrates the need for intercessory prayer. He prayed that they might be filled with all joy and peace in believing. Joy in God, peace of conscience, both arising from a sense of our justification. Also we must pray for ourselves but we should solicit the prayers of others. 1n discussing Christ sacrifice as payment, I think very important to ask the question; who got the check and why? Why is Christ sacrifice for sin seen as a payment of a debt owed to someone or something? Not only does some not understand concept of salvation is a free gift from God I get the feeling that some would prefer to work for it, and some attempts to do so. They feel if they work for it is more valuable. They seem to suffer from what I call “the anything free or cheap is inferior syndrome” therefore not only do they work but they work hard. As far as I understands it salvation is neither free nor cheap, it does not cost me anything simply because it is a gift. It is oxymoronic to pay for a gift. Other think they are only worthy of salvation after they have attained perfection (sinlessness) if we could attain perfection (sinless) the we could die for our own sin, we die anyway, but our death is not sufficient to atone for sin because atonement requires a perfect, spotless sacrifice, offered in just the right way. Jesus, the one perfect God-man, came to offer the pure, complete and everlasting sacrifice to remove, atone, and make eternal payment for our sin.
nJeff Carlson Doctrine of Salvation Comment #10 "Justification in Romans 3:21-24” Angel Manuel Rodriguez Romans 11 Whidden Chapter 11
Having a correct picture of justification seems to be vital in experiencing the full benefit of redemption. Whidden points out that this was the core of 1888. Ellen White clearly supported Jones and Waggoner’s position on this point while avoiding other ideas they held. It is interesting that a full half of her writing on the subject was done in the four years after this event. Though she does not show any new development on the subject from her earlier writings she does evidence, by her emphasis, that it became evident to her that it was what the church needed to hear.
The need for justification is because we are not able on our own to build our own righteousness outside of God’s. Rodriguez points out that, “the fundamental reason why there is no ‘distinction’ or favoritism on the part of God is that—the gar ('for") is explicative—‘all sinned and are falling short of the glory of Christ.’” We are broken at the core. One of my friends had it explained to her in counseling in a powerful way. She has always had a problem really accepting the idea that she needs forgiven since she is a perfectionist and really lives pretty well. Her counselor responded, “What would you do if you could walk out this door and have no social or religions norms to follow? What would you want to do if you would not get in trouble for doing it or lose face for doing it? That is who you are!” It hit her like a ton of bricks because like all of us she is broken at the core and is “good” because she “has to be.”
Rodriguez also states, “In 1:18-32 he described the sinfulness of the gentiles and in 2:1-29 he described the condition of the Jews who, although having the law, did not keep it and the law itself condemned them as sinners.” This really caught my attention and I noticed something that I really had not before. The Jews were really proud of the fact that God had given them the Law. The irony is that the Law was what condemned them since they were unable – just like the rest of us – to keep it. I think we as Adventists do this as well. We are very proud of the “light” we have. We don’t “really” realize that since we know about it we are held accountable to it – and the reality is that there is no way that any of us have been able to keep the Sabbath absolutely perfectly or be completely true to the principles of health or live with the proper mind-set that we should knowing we live in the days of the final great Judgment! We are therefore more guilty than Christians who really don’t know about these realities! The things we take pride in are ironically the things that condemn us.
I’m glad I am a Seventh-day Adventist and I’m “proud” of our theological understanding of the Bible. However we need to remember that just like the Jews in Paul’s time we need justified no matter how much better we understand reality than those around us – maybe even more!
Jeff Carlson Doctrine of Salvation Comment #11 "Salvation by Faith” by Jan Paulsen Romans 12 Whidden Chapter 12
Whidden stated, “The judgment not only motivated character transformation, but did so by giving assurance that the faithful could find acceptance in Christ.” I think this is the most important thing that I have ever learned in my Christian experience: I love because Jesus first loved me. I am able to grow, not because of the pressure of the Law but in the safety of God’s acceptance.
Paulsen states in reference to Romans 1 that, “It envisions someone who can be trusted or relied on. And because he is trustworthy.” I don’t think this is correct. I think the power of grace is that it is given to you when you are not trustworthy and this calls trust out of you. Paulsen also quotes Romans 1.5, “to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith." Obedience comes from faith and faith is trusting that God gives you what you don’t deserve.
I like how Paulsen quoted John Stott to provide the balance to this idea of objective justification: "Justification is not a legal fiction in which a man's status is changed, while his character remains untouched. Verse 17: We are 'justified in Christ.' That is, our justification takes place when we are united to Christ by faith. And someone who is united to Christ is never the same again. Instead, he is changed. It is not just his standing before God which changed; it is he himself-radically, permanently changed."
He also states that, “In Paul's approach, the indicative of justification is always followed by the imperative of the life of faith that emerges from it…To be born, then, is not a goal in itself. Rather, we receive the opportunity to live.” We are saved from the inability to live the way we were created to live in the first place and salvation places us in a place where we can do that. So we can be justified completely apart from our actions but that justification necessarily leads to a changed life which reflects Christ character.
“Why Did Jesus Die? How God Saves Us By: George W. Reid
“Along the way Jesus paid our ransom and freed us, the captives of sin. Along the way He showed how God loves. But there is much more. Real understanding comes when we come to grips with the desperate nature of our sin problem and how God must deal with rebellion running loose in His universe.”
One question: If “real understanding” of salvation comes when we come to grips with the desperate nature of our sin problem, how do we keep from becoming self-centered, naval-gazing Christians who care about their own personal morality more than the plight of their fellow human beings? (Obviously it’s not an either/or option, but when I look around at Evangelicalism as a whole . . . as Dr. Phil would say, “How’s that workin’ out for you?”)
Chapter 17 on Ellen White on Salvation
“For Ellen White, salvation was the persisting path to personal character perfection. All her theological resources were brought to bear on this central theme, and no aspect of her instruction was lacking in its doctrinal and practical applications” (pg. 156).
I found this quote interesting, following some of the chapters on Ellen White’s major emphasis on righteousness by faith . . .
Romans 16
“Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known . . .”
It is amazing that Paul uses the word “mystery” here in talking about the proclamation of Jesus Christ. Then, for him to say that it’s been “revealed.” There is no doubt that Paul gives us great insight on the significance of the person and work of Christ—but he also has given us so much tension in Christianity (faith/works, etc.). From a general observation of Christianity—it still seems as if much of the “mystery” that he dealt with, we are still trying to figure out! And maybe that’s okay . . .
Jeff Carlson Doctrine of Salvation Comment #12 "Some Problems with Legal Universal Justification” by Angel Manuel Rodriguez Romans 13 Whidden Chapter 13
Rodriguez makes a good case against universalism. I still wonder if he is fighting paper tigers however. I really doubt that anyone in the Adventist Church really believes this in the first place. One article might have sufficed. I think he might be beating a dead horse here – though he does beat it really well.
He said, “Legal universal justification separates God's justifying act from the reception of the gift of the Spirit, or the new birth.” I agree that any salvation idea that takes away the choice of humans is not Biblical. I think the Bible is pretty clear that we have to make a choice somewhere along the journey to experience salvation in its fullness.
He also said, “Legal universal justification implies that all human beings come into the world legally saved, pardoned, justified; from God's perspective they are not lost.” Here is where I think he and the 1888 people might be yelling past each other. I’m sure that the 1888 doods don’t believe that every human will be saved even if they don’t accept the offer. And I’m sure this dood doesn’t think that the offer isn’t already on the table even if people don’t accept the offer. It seems a little like Luther and Zwingli all over again. They were so close in their beliefs it was ridiculous but they found the little hair of wording that was different and fought battles over it. Garbage.
For me the semantics do make a difference and so I understand the debate. However it might be great for both “sides” to listen a little closer to each other.
The ideas of Romans 13 really have nothing to do at all with anything here so I’m not going to try to make them fit. However, there is one homiletically twisted usage of a verse in this chapter that caught my eye: The verse that talks about our salvation being closer than it was before. I think that rather than fighting about how far salvation is from lost people we should focus on how close it is…closer than they even know! That makes me want to tell them!
Articles Read: “Comments on the "In Adam/In Christ" Motifs” by Ángel Manuel Rodríguez Romans 13 Ellen White On Salvation, Chapter 14.
It’s interesting to see how from chapter 12 onwards Paul switches from his great theological arguments to the practical application of the message of justification by faith. In chapter 13 Paul becomes very practical—pay your taxes, obey the speed limit, pay your credit card debt—without the practical side of life being affected by our theological beliefs then our beliefs amount to little.
The great paradox of Paul being such a hard worker for the gospel sake is always striking to me. Many people tend to think that “salvation by faith” is a message of “resting in Jesus” but look at how hard Paul WORKED—the father of the message of “not saved by works”.
The great paradox of the Christian life is that the more see how much we DON’T have to work the more we will want to do the good works and glorify our father in heaven. We are really free slaves. Jesus has freed us from sin and so we want to work for him for the rest of our lives.
Rodriguez discusses the “in Adam/in Christ” motif and his arguments are biblically sound. Life came from Adam as well as sin but to think that humanity was physically or mystically in Adam when he sinned is a dangerous idea. The Bible speaks of Adam as being the “son of God”, would this mean that Adam was in Christ? Or was Christ in Adam because he came through Adam’s line?
The 1888 committee’s view that we were all in Adam takes the doctrine of salvation by faith to it’s very extreme. This would mean tat Adam sinned for us and Jesus died for us canceling Adam’s sin. So the same way we inherit Adam’s guilt we cal all inherit Christ’s righteousness.
Sometimes I wish I were born perfect like Adam was created and had his choice to make rather than being born as a sinner but the “most righteous” created being, Lucifer, sinned in the presence of God, so being born righteous doesn’t mean that the choice to reject God has been removed from me. This is where I think the 1888 committee is trying to compensate for the fact that we are all born as sinners into the world even before we could make conscious moral decisions. The only act that could make up for this fact is the universal objective justification of all of Adam’s children. But the question is where will this leave Adam? He had a conscious choice to make, his children didn’t.
Of course Paul argues that we are sinners even though we didn’t sin after the similitude of Adam. So we are still responsible for our sins. We can neither blame Adam for all our foibles nor claim, “the devil made me do it”. We still sin by choice.
And even if you argue for the weakness of the human will, Jesus promises that he will not give us more than we can bear. So we do not sin because of pressure but because of choice—sounds like the same situation like Adam to me!
Articles Read: “Comments on the "In Adam/In Christ" Motifs” by Ángel Manuel Rodríguez Romans 13 Ellen White On Salvation, Chapter 14.
It’s interesting to see how from chapter 12 onwards Paul switches from his great theological arguments to the practical application of the message of justification by faith. In chapter 13 Paul becomes very practical—pay your taxes, obey the speed limit, pay your credit card debt—without the practical side of life being affected by our theological beliefs then our beliefs amount to little.
The great paradox of Paul being such a hard worker for the gospel sake is always striking to me. Many people tend to think that “salvation by faith” is a message of “resting in Jesus” but look at how hard Paul WORKED—the father of the message of “not saved by works”.
The great paradox of the Christian life is that the more see how much we DON’T have to work the more we will want to do the good works and glorify our father in heaven. We are really free slaves. Jesus has freed us from sin and so we want to work for him for the rest of our lives.
Rodriguez discusses the “in Adam/in Christ” motif and his arguments are biblically sound. Life came from Adam as well as sin but to think that humanity was physically or mystically in Adam when he sinned is a dangerous idea. The Bible speaks of Adam as being the “son of God”, would this mean that Adam was in Christ? Or was Christ in Adam because he came through Adam’s line?
The 1888 committee’s view that we were all in Adam takes the doctrine of salvation by faith to it’s very extreme. This would mean tat Adam sinned for us and Jesus died for us canceling Adam’s sin. So the same way we inherit Adam’s guilt we cal all inherit Christ’s righteousness.
Sometimes I wish I were born perfect like Adam was created and had his choice to make rather than being born as a sinner but the “most righteous” created being, Lucifer, sinned in the presence of God, so being born righteous doesn’t mean that the choice to reject God has been removed from me. This is where I think the 1888 committee is trying to compensate for the fact that we are all born as sinners into the world even before we could make conscious moral decisions. The only act that could make up for this fact is the universal objective justification of all of Adam’s children. But the question is where will this leave Adam? He had a conscious choice to make, his children didn’t.
Of course Paul argues that we are sinners even though we didn’t sin after the similitude of Adam. So we are still responsible for our sins. We can neither blame Adam for all our foibles nor claim, “the devil made me do it”. We still sin by choice.
And even if you argue for the weakness of the human will, Jesus promises that he will not give us more than we can bear. So we do not sin because of pressure but because of choice—sounds like the same situation like Adam to me!
It doesn’t hurt to know that Christ’s work merit salvation. For this is truth, the question that seems to continually come up wether it is by Whidden or BRI is how intimately is the involvement between Christ’s meritorious works and is followers character development. Does our character development have anything to do with salvation? "Those only who through faith in Christ obey all of God's commandments will reach the condition of sinlessness in which Adam lived before his transgression. They testify to their love of Christ by obeying all His precepts" (MS 122, 1901, in 8 MR 98, 99). Even Whidden didn’t have the best time explaining the aforementioned. He explains that she was dealing with a separate movement that was pushing the idea of “believe, only believe.” And so we can see that BRI and the 1888 committee are dealing with nothing new. They are only carrying on the issues that were expressed over a 100 years ago. I understand that this and other issues are important. But I’m almost embarrassed to think that I may have to explain the issue of salvation on Christ work alone OR with the conditions of OR “plus” the works of the believer merit salvation is still not solved in our denomination after 100 years of diligent study to my sibling that is already leery about my move from the Catholic church to SDA. Maybe the answer could be quicker coming if we could get our brains from both sides of the salvation train tracks and have respectful dialogue. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Rom 13:7
Commenting on: • BRI Doc: Reid, George W., “Why Did Jesus Die? How God Saves Us” • Romans 13, Class notes • Whidden: Justification After Minneapolis —Maintaining Gospel Balance, chapter 13
Week 11 Reflections Romans 11 E.G. White - The Significance and Meaning of Minneapolis and 1888 BRI - Salvation by Faith by Jan Paulsen
Paul in Roman 11 discussed here a remnant according to the election of grace (v.5). To him the remnant is known as all Israel (believers in Christ both jews and Gentiles). He futher warned for boasting because of grafting but rather if those who receive grace for salvation then they also should show mercy to the Jew in order for them to be saved. This he said in Romans 11:28-32 Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30 For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, 31 even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. 32 For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all. In 1888 Minneapolis Conference there was doctrinal confusion in the church which involved subjects that had to do with salvation—especially justification by faith. And Ellen White would spend the next three years in extensive travels, seeking to clarify the issues of Minneapolis. Roughly 45 percent of the entire mass of her writings was recorded between December 1888 and December 1892. Ellen White was uniting her efforts with Jones and Waggoner in terms of the subject justification by faith (objectively) in strenuous tours to promote the good news of the sin-pardoning Saviour. Minneapolis was certainly an inspiration to a great call for Christ-centered ministry in the setting of justification by faith. To her the message of justification by faith is the message of the third angel in verity. For her, Minneapolis was a great incentive to uplift Christ as the sin-pardoning Redeemer. She did not downgraded subjects related to obedience. But she clearly sounded a clarion note that God's people will not be able to move forward in their Christian experience unless they have a clear view of the assurance of His marvelous acceptance through Christ's justifying merits. In his sermon preached in 1988 in Nairobi Kenya, Jan Paulsen has made a clear presentation of a “bigger model” of salvation by faith, wherein he included both the objective and subjective parts of it which he believes is also the stand of Mrs. White. Simply put, in salvation God offers and humans respond by acceptance and full surrender to the requirements of the offer. He summed it up by saying that God expects of His people a commitment and surrender to Him (for belongingness), to keep looking to Jesus Christ to receive a living, expanding principle in the heart for the continuance of the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives until they become like Christ, and to be firmly established in the knowledge and practice of Christ’s way of life. To Paulsen baptism or rebirth is not the goal but the new life found and lived in Christ is it.
This Comment is for the Week of Oct 28-Nov 3, 2007. By Eric L. Ollila Whidden’s “The Nature of Christ and Salvation
Whidden’s comments about Ellen White’s view on the Nature of Christ seem to be pretty balanced in my opinion. I have personally found his observations to be true in regards to those individuals who emphasize the different aspects of Christ’s nature to the exlusion of the other. It seems the bottom line issue for those who want to emphasize one aspect of Christ’s nature to the exclusion of the other is that some where along the way, they both don’t want to accept Christ fully because of what His real nature means in terms of our responsibility if we accept it as it really is.
In other words, if we truly accept Christ’s nature as it is really taught in Scripture, then what it practically means for all humanity is “we have no excuse” for staying in our current condition. We have no excuse if we are lost, we have no excuse if we can’t gain the victory over sin in our lives, and we have no excuse if we just simply do not want a ruling authority other than ourselves in our lives. Because Christ’s combined human and divine nature teaches that we can and must accept Him as God and as Lord and as Master of our lives. It means that we cannot have any other god’s before Him. It means that Jesus Christ alone is to have our highest and most earnest affections and everything and everyone else besides is secondary to Him.
It means that He does have a right to interfere and intervene in our lives and He has a right to invade our privacy. He as God has a right to give us things and to take them away without our permission. And while He has all those rights simply because He is God, His full humanity teaches us that He has the right to confront us with our sin issues. He has a right to tell us that the way we are living is not right and that we need to give it up. He has a right to tell us that we should not think those certain thoughts, or go to those forbidden places, or to hang out on or in the ground of the enemy. He also has the right to hold us accountable for those sins that we are not willing to give up. He has the right to confront us in the judgment regarding those sins that we have not gotten the victory over. Because He has told us that without Him we can do nothing, but with Him we can do all things.
I like the balance. Christ’s nature is such that it makes the carnal heart very uncomfortable. Christ’s nature is such that it makes sin appear as it really is and it also shows us that there is no excuse for compromising on this earth. Christ resisted sin unto blood, yea death, even the death of the cross. We too, in Christ’s strength are to resist sin in our very lives and in this world. And this is made possible because Christ took the very nature that He took. One that leaves humanity in all of its essence and condition without excuse for living out of harmony with God’s will.
Week 12 Reflections Romans 12 EGW - Justification After Minneapolis —From Late 1888 to 1892 BRI - Some Problems with Legal Universal Justification - Ángel Manuel Rodríguez
Paul after warning the new Christians to be self cautious about the privilege of salvation received by faith and grafted to the main tree at the cost of those cut off due to unbelief, proceeds to admonish them to have a renewed mind and put their faith in action. For Paul this is the goal of the salvation’s work in man – the freedom to do what we ought to do (service) to help us keep our focus on God and those he loves (server included) through service in humility and love as seen in Jesus. This is now salvation by faith in real action.
Ellen White became more stronger in her presentation of as others would term it “Christ’s objective salvation” unto those who with all their hearts wants to follow and obey him. In saying that when we give and do our best obedience God is willing to impute in us the “merits of Christ” and if we err He is very willing to forgive. This chapter showed me a certainty of my salvation in Christ, like the author said is like a safety net to those who fall.
Angel Rodriguez gave a great analysis of the problems of universal legal justification (objective) which is not exactly what Ellen White was stressing about. Here he exposed how unbiblical and illogical is this teaching, it’s like a forced salvation for all, like it or not, you’re saved. According to the Scripture, we receive justification only by faith. "The New Testament does not teach the extremes of righteousness by works or righteousness by fate, but righteousness by faith. Unlike that objective imputation of Christ’s merits on our whole hearted but frail obedience, what God is doing is He accepts us because we have decided and are already in Christ.
Reflection 12 Remnant is to be defined in terms of a quality of life and faith, and not just in terns of membership in any religious organization. Reference was made to “proleptic remnant” in the sense that its members will be absorbed in the eschatological polarization into the final remnant, the true remnant of God. The remnant as a historical entity is shown for the first time in the story of Joseph. Joseph in Gen.45:1 tells his brothers that God has preserved them for a remnant on earth.
The historical remnant, generally Israelites who survived such calamities as war, captivity, pestilence, and famine, and whom God in mercy spared to continue to be His chosen people. Gen.45:7.
The remnant – “the ones left” were the bearers of the promises of God and the hope for the preservation of the nation. The preservation was not based on the goodness of any individual but on God’s gracious and abundant love. Elijah was informed by God in l Kings 19:18 that a faithful remnant was reserved. The remnant in the New Testament, are identified with Jesus and His message of salvation. Paul applies the term to the Jews of his day, who individually accepted Christ as the Messiah. Now it was as members of the Christian church, and no longer as Jews, that they had right to this title. In Rom. 11:5 Paul speaks of these Christian Jews as “a remnant according to grace.”The remnant of Rev 12:17 are the group of God’s faithful ones, the remnant of that long and worthy line that has survived the fierce onslaughts of Satan down through the history of Christian times, particularly the darkness, persecution, and error of the Middle Ages.
Adventist are considered remnant from the text Revelation 12:17. Commandment keeping, particularly because of the fourth commandment which is a sign of loyalty and differentiates them from others. In Rev.19:10, the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy. Ellen G. White acknowledges that it is composed only of faithful members and unfaithful followers of Jesus. She said in the last days, as with ancient Israel, there will be those who are not willing to submit to the teaching of the Spirit and God. She makes reference to the remnant in the SDA church who are true in the word. Of remnant in Babylon she says: God has his instruments everywhere else. Only the Lord knows who they are, but at the end they will be visible as they become part of God’s eschatological remnant. They are the faithful remnant in Babylon. The eschatological remnant will be fully developed when those who came out of Babylon join the historical, visible and faithful.
In Romans 12: 1 we are admonished with these words: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Jesus himself asked this question in Luke 18:8 …”When the son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” From the words of Wesley: “ The faith I want is “a sure trust and confidence in God that through the merits of Christ, my sins are forgiven, and I reconciled to the favor of God…I want that faith which none can have without knowing that he hath it; for whosoever hath it, is ‘freed from sin, the whole ‘body of sin is destroyed’ in him.”
From Rom.1-11 Paul has been explaining that a person receives righteousness by faith. However, in chapter 12 he now presents the pragmatic application of this doctrine. The apostle carefully explains that righteousness by faith is not only imputed but also imparted. In other words, righteousness by faith not only involves forgiveness of sins but also new way of lifestyle and practice that harmonizes with God will. Another way of saying this is that righteousness by faith constitutes not only reconciliation but also transformation of life. Therefore, righteousness by faith does not allow one to be conformed to this world and its patterns but brings about a renewal of mind. It does encourage lawlessness but a life of obedience to the will of God.
Additionally, Paul appeals to the mercies of God to encourage obedience among those who have been justified by faith. Believers are to ruminate on God’s great compassion in lovingly giving His Son to die for sinners, to forgive sinners and to accept them in fellowship with Him. Contemplation upon the goodness of Christ is one of the key essentials in the doctrine of salvation because when one does this he or she cannot but recognize that God is good, merciful and loving. The recognition of such a fact motives the believer to fall in love with God and out of love for Him commit his or her body as a living sacrifice holy and acceptable on to God. Furthermore, Ellen White encourages that an hour of contemplation on the life of Christ especially the closing events will bring us in closer a communion with Him. Let us remember that by beholding we will become change.
From Rom.1-11 Paul has been explaining that a person receives righteousness by faith. However, in chapter 12 he now presents the pragmatic application of this doctrine. The apostle carefully explains that righteousness by faith is not only imputed but also imparted. In other words, righteousness by faith not only involves forgiveness of sins but also new way of lifestyle and practice that harmonizes with God will. Another way of saying this is that righteousness by faith constitutes not only reconciliation but also transformation of life. Therefore, righteousness by faith does not allow one to be conformed to this world and its patterns but brings about a renewal of mind. It does encourage lawlessness but a life of obedience to the will of God.
Additionally, Paul appeals to the mercies of God to encourage obedience among those who have been justified by faith. Believers are to ruminate on God’s great compassion in lovingly giving His Son to die for sinners, to forgive sinners and to accept them in fellowship with Him. Contemplation upon the goodness of Christ is one of the key essentials in the doctrine of salvation because when one does this he or she cannot but recognize that God is good, merciful and loving. The recognition of such a fact motives the believer to fall in love with God and out of love for Him commit his or her body as a living sacrifice holy and acceptable on to God. Furthermore, Ellen White encourages that an hour of contemplation on the life of Christ especially the closing events will bring us in closer a communion with Him. Let us remember that by beholding we will become change.
Jeff Carlson Doctrine of Salvation Comment #13 "Some Theological Considerations of Perfection” by Edward Heppenstall Romans 14 Whidden Chapter 14
Heppenstall states, “Since the Bible exhorts the believer in every age again and again to "be perfect," then obviously the experience it advocates is not something which lies beyond the experience of those to whom the Word was addressed. It must be possible within the framework of the Christian life here on earth, otherwise there would be no point to the Bible writers urging perfection upon believers.” I really appreciate this. I do get tired of SDAs who focus on perfection so much that they become tense, anxious, judgmental and just plain uncomfortable to be around. However if we are not able to be “perfect” than what a terrible joke Christianity is! If we are unable to keep from buying into the lies that Satan throws at us than God would be the biggest jerk in the universe for asking us to do just that. However I agree with Heppenstall that we are able to do what God asks.
Whidden agrees in his book that Ellen White also clearly made this point. We are able to be “perfect.” What does this mean?
Heppenstall again makes a great point that too many SDAs miss: “The only valid meaning to the words "perfect" and "perfection" is that which the Bible gives to it. It is therefore imperative that we study to grasp, as far as possible the Scriptural meaning and use of perfection and avoid arbitrary interpretations of our own.” He then goes on to make the point that being “perfect means a few different things but never does it mean sinless in the sense that we are free from our nature until glorification.
One of the biggest idea of perfection seams to be maturity. We are perfect in that we are mature in our faith. I think that Paul’s picture of Christianity in Romans 14 is a perfect – no pun intended – example of this maturity. I can go some places and eat some things that would scar another Christian’s consciences but for me they are no problem because of who I am – and it’s not sin! However, being a mature Christian I am willing to give up some of my freedom for the sake of a brother or sister who would truly be damaged by my actions. I think we can all grow in this area.
We Christians who are able to live very free like Paul need to realize that our actions effect other and are viewed very serious by God. On the other hand, Christians we are not as able to do some of the things I am able to need to learn to stop trying to force everyone to fit into their experience. They need to realize that if they have a hard time hearing a song with a beat because it reminds them of the time they were in prostitution and smoked crack that this does not translate across the board!
This is one of the tensions of Christian community and is a challenge. Its natural to want to split up and avoid the “other side”. However, tension, though it is uncomfortable, is a very positive thing depending on how one responds to it. When we are together and learning to be grown by the tension rather than avoid it we will start to experience the unity that God said would be the mark of true Christianity. If we can’t worship together then what right do we think we have of desiring Heaven?! There will be no SDA section in Heaven. There will be no “independent ministries” section in Heaven. And there will be no “regional” section in Heaven! I hope that does not get interpreted in a wrong way but I just really have a burden for unity in our Church and hope we are able to grow together rather than keep splitting off into our own little groups and missing the opportunity to grow as more mature Christians and more mature people in general. Ok, I’m going to stop before I get in trouble! Peace…
In Romans 13 explains that God has established all authority and that they are to be obeyed. They are many leaders who are not Christians and have set forth rules to be fallowed and Paul says that these rules are to be obeyed even though a ruler might not be a follower of Christ. However, this raises a critical question, which is what if the rules are in conflict with God’s, will? Certainly, Paul is not here saying that there is no limit to this obedience, when the rules are congruent with God’s will then they are to be obeyed. However, when they conflict with God’s purposes the Christian is to obey God rather than man.
Another thing that Paul brought out in this chapter is that the Christian is not to owe any man any thing. He is not here saying that a Christian should not barrow a loan, or take out a car on installment plan. Rather his point here is that as Christian we are to pay our debts to society. The child of God according to Paul owes the continuing debt of love to everyone he or she comes in contact; the Christian owes the world gospel to the wise as well as the unwise. He must be continuously paying this debt.
Thoughts on subjective and objective justification by faith
Doc. Hanna’s presentation on subjective justification last class was very profound and inspiring; it has helped me to better understand the relationship between objective and subjective righteousness by faith. Nevertheless, I have a few thoughts of my own. The law of God is eternal as God Himself. Grace, which means love, mercy, kindness and benevolence, are all qualities of God’s character they have ever been apart of who God is, therefore grace I would conclude is eternal as God. Paul says since the giving of the law at Sinai grace much more abounds, clearly, the apostle is not saying that this was the first time that the law was introduced because sin entered our planet long before Sinai and sin is the transgression of the law. The point I really want to make here though is that wherever and whenever the law was abounding grace was also. The law has ever been therefore abounding grace also has ever been, even before sin entered the universe and our planet abounding grace was already in existence. It was not God’s intention for any of His creatures to sin. However, He objectively provided abounding grace so that if they should ever sin by subjectively accepting His grace they would be restored to Him. The objective abounding grace here does not automatically save sinners who have fallen into sin; it is when sinners subject themselves to God’s objective grace that they experience God’s salvation.
Romans 14: This chapter is about the weak and the strong. I have always found this chapter interesting because it deals with very Adventist issues like the sacred days and food issues. Verse 6 says, “He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.” Also the most important section is verses 13-15 which says that there is no unclean food and we should not destroy the work of God for food, “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died.” Here is would seem that we should eat whatever is in front of us in order to not offend others. Pork chops anyone?
Whidden, Woodrow W. “Chapter Fourteen: Perfection Before 1888” from: Ellen White on Salvation. Berrien Springs: R&H Catalog Service. This chapter is dealing with Ellen White’s statements on perfection relating to salvation before 1888. Her usage of perfection is synonymous with the term sanctification. It is also important that we should not separate justification and sanctification but distinguish them. Perfection is an active effort and not a passive activity. Also a believer never cherishes or excuses sin and their perfection is not absolute. Sanctification is enabled by God’s grace, Spirit and the word.
Heppenstall, Edward. Some Theological Considerations of Perfection http://www.adventistbiblicalresearch.org/documents/perfection%20Heppenstall.htm
This section is on perfection and the New Testament word for perfection is Teleios. Paul uses this term contrasting mature Christians with “spiritual babes”. Another word for perfection is the Greek word “katartizo” which means “fully-equipped”. Heppenstall writes that our idea of perfection has stemmed from a wrong idea of the cleansing of the sanctuary. He writes, “The doctrine of sinless perfection is often based on this false interpretation of the "cleansing" of the sanctuary and the final atonement. If sinless perfection is to be realized by saints at the close of probation, then original sin must also be eradicated.”
I have realized the need for a bigger model this semester as I have been reading, studying, and attending class on the doctrine of salvation. This class has helped me see the elements of salvation in a more complete way, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it makes it easier to understand. The majority of the time I want to understand a belief or narrow down what I believe I would find places where the Bible speaks on the situation that would more or less fit into what I already knew to be right. But I am beginning to understand that the more I focus on a certain area in the Bible such as salvation my focus doesn’t become narrower in the sense that I can explain it with a few texts, although I can because some texts explain what one has to do to have salvation in what appears to be the only thing that is required for salvation. For example Romans 10:13 says “those who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.” But there are many more texts that include faith, hope, works, etc, as requirements for salvation also. On the other hand, my focus has become broader because there are quite a few texts that speak of salvation in different terms such as those I mentioned above that include faith, hope, works, etc. And this is the point I am making in this post is that I am now seeing the need for a bigger model of salvation as the Bible presents it to be. What Jesus did on the cross is enough, and yet there is more to salvation than just the cross. I suppose I already knew that but I put that more in separate categories such as sanctification, justification, and so on rather than seeing them so closely linked to continuing salvation.
Romans 12 Whidden- Ellen White on Salvation The Apostle Paul commences the story of the new life of the believer by expounding on the necessity for the individual to be wrapped up and tied up in relationship in Christ in order for progressive development to occur. In Romans Chapter 12 Paul commences with the individual- his or her obligation after being called. Then the Apostle moves to community – be good to all men, love peace and walk humbly, He proceeds to inform his audience that it is of necessity to have unity and the importance of being apt witnesses for Christ- ambassadors for the Kingdom of God. Everyone has some gift that can be used for the benefit of the community.
Our individual giftedness is for the harmonious growth and giftedness of the community
‘When the instruction on justification through faith is correctly grasped, the possessor of
a gift will understand that it is not an instrument of self-aggrandizement. Possession of a
gift is not an index to quality of faith. Rather, the gift is a challenge to faithful use.’
The Apostle then ventures (14-21) into the crux of the matter: ‘God has justified believers, it is not necessary for them to take justice into their own hands by taking vengeance. God will ultimately deal justly with all, including those who inflict injury on the believers. This question of personal rights as a matter of justice prepares the way for more detailed consideration of the state as adjudicator.’ According to Whidden Ellen believed that faith and works were never separated. Her view is that the two must go together and this view is corroborated by the Bible. It is not our works but Christ’s merits who make our sacrifices acceptable. As we are presented before God Christ makes up for our deficiencies. In fact, nothing that we do is able to stand before God as worthy. The atoning work of Jesus as Messiah provide keys of victory that we may be able to be victorious over sin also.
Romans 12 Whidden- Ellen White on Salvation 12 The Apostle Paul commences the story of the new life of the believer by expounding on the necessity for the individual to be wrapped up and tied up in relationship in Christ in order for progressive development to occur. In Romans Chapter 12 Paul commences Garfield Browne with the individual- his or her obligation after being called. Then the Apostle moves to community – be good to all men, love peace and walk humbly, He proceeds to inform his audience that it is of necessity to have unity and the importance of being apt witnesses for Christ- ambassadors for the Kingdom of God. Everyone has some gift that can be used for the benefit of the community.
Our individual giftedness is for the harmonious growth and giftedness of the community
‘When the instruction on justification through faith is correctly grasped, the possessor of
a gift will understand that it is not an instrument of self-aggrandizement. Possession of a
gift is not an index to quality of faith. Rather, the gift is a challenge to faithful use.’
The Apostle then ventures (14-21) into the crux of the matter: ‘God has justified believers, it is not necessary for them to take justice into their own hands by taking vengeance. God will ultimately deal justly with all, including those who inflict injury on the believers. This question of personal rights as a matter of justice prepares the way for more detailed consideration of the state as adjudicator.’ According to Whidden Ellen believed that faith and works were never separated. Her view is that the two must go together and this view is corroborated by the Bible. It is not our works but Christ’s merits who make our sacrifices acceptable. As we are presented before God Christ makes up for our deficiencies. In fact, nothing that we do is able to stand before God as worthy. The atoning work of Jesus as Messiah provide keys of victory that we may be able to be victorious over sin also.
Garfield Browne-Romans 12 Whidden- Ellen White on Salvation 12 The Apostle Paul commences the story of the new life of the believer by expounding on the necessity for the individual to be wrapped up and tied up in relationship in Christ in order for progressive development to occur. In Romans Chapter 12 Paul commences with the individual- his or her obligation after being called. Then the Apostle moves to community – be good to all men, love peace and walk humbly, He proceeds to inform his audience that it is of necessity to have unity and the importance of being apt witnesses for Christ- ambassadors for the Kingdom of God. Everyone has some gift that can be used for the benefit of the community.
Our individual giftedness is for the harmonious growth and giftedness of the community
‘When the instruction on justification through faith is correctly grasped, the possessor of
a gift will understand that it is not an instrument of self-aggrandizement. Possession of a
gift is not an index to quality of faith. Rather, the gift is a challenge to faithful use.’
The Apostle then ventures (14-21) into the crux of the matter: ‘God has justified believers, it is not necessary for them to take justice into their own hands by taking vengeance. God will ultimately deal justly with all, including those who inflict injury on the believers. This question of personal rights as a matter of justice prepares the way for more detailed consideration of the state as adjudicator.’ According to Whidden Ellen believed that faith and works were never separated. Her view is that the two must go together and this view is corroborated by the Bible. It is not our works but Christ’s merits who make our sacrifices acceptable. As we are presented before God Christ makes up for our deficiencies. In fact, nothing that we do is able to stand before God as worthy. The atoning work of Jesus as Messiah provide keys of victory that we may be able to be victorious over sin also.
Thoughts on subjective and objective justification by faith
Doc. Hanna’s presentation on subjective justification last class was very profound and inspiring; it has helped me to better understand the relationship between objective and subjective righteousness by faith. Nevertheless, I have a few thoughts of my own. The law of God is eternal as God Himself. Grace, which means love, mercy, kindness and benevolence, are all qualities of God’s character they have ever been apart of who God is, therefore grace I would conclude is eternal as God. Paul says since the giving of the law at Sinai grace much more abounds, clearly, the apostle is not saying that this was the first time that the law was introduced because sin entered our planet long before Sinai and sin is the transgression of the law. The point I really want to make here though is that wherever and whenever the law was abounding grace was also. The law has ever been therefore abounding grace also has ever been, even before sin entered the universe and our planet abounding grace was already in existence. It was not God’s intention for any of His creatures to sin. However, He objectively provided abounding grace so that if they should ever sin by subjectively accepting His grace they would be restored to Him. The objective abounding grace here does not automatically save sinners who have fallen into sin; it is when sinners subject themselves to God’s objective grace that they experience God’s salvation.
In understanding salvation one must take into account the size of the sin problem. To me it is very complex itself. For one, how did a perfect being become sinful? Two, there are many ways to describe sin, a few examples are missing the mark, separation from God, breaking the law, etc. Then there is the question of our sinful nature, sins we commit by commission or omission, and how sin has affected the whole universe. I have only touched on the obvious observations and known things about sin. Sin is a big problem so salvation must be able to save the universe from every type of sin there is and from sin itself. Sin is beyond our control, we need a Savior to conquer what we cannot. It is strange that we can sin and destroy ourselves but we can’t save ourselves. And yet the Bible is clear that we can do some things in regards to salvation. One is believe in Jesus and two is to confess and believe and you will be saved, these are two examples of what part that we play. One of the hard things to understand is that while we can do this, Ellen White says it is with Christ’s help that we oppose sin in (SC 48), so while Christ helps us to overcome, we are still sinners. Just because Christ helps us to overcome doesn’t make us sin free. We have yet to put on the immortality that will be given to us when Christ comes again. In a way we have salvation but in another way our salvation is yet to come, when Christ comes a second time.
Whidden -After Minneapolis- Gospel Balance-Chapter 13 Romans 13 It is interesting to look back at the Minneapolis encounter, metaphorically moving away from the trees that we, in the 21st century can now see the 1888 forest. I am sure that there were accusations of error hurled at some of those proponents like Mrs. White who supported Jones and Waggoner’s theory of righteousness by faith. As one peruses the writings of Mrs. White during that period of upheaval, he or she is sure to have encountered statements which appear to be inconsistent with the theology of the SDA church. It is well to note that while many of the pioneers’ understanding of justification was not all well developed by the time of Minneapolis; it is clear that Mrs. White’s theology was solidified after years of seeking clarification. Post-Minneapolis era brought a paradigm shift in balance as a greater emphasis was placed on the importance of obedience in relationship to justification. Paul’s concerns in Romans 13 have always caused me concern. If God appoints all authority then God, it would be fair to say, is responsible for the actions of wicked men placed in authority. I simply do not believe God appoints all human authority. I concur with the notion that laws that do not contradict God’s word must be obeyed, however, I do not believe God intended for us to obey unjust laws. If God expected us to obey and respect all authority, then there would not be a story of the three Hebrew boys. My opinion finds support in the writings of Ellen G White. For the history tells us when she learns of the call to return run away slaves from the South, she appealed to SDA communities not to return the salves- contrary to the law of the land. I do agree that we must conduct ourselves in a manner that represents the Kingdom of God.
Romans 8:21 speaks of creation being set free. Normally when I think of salvation it is in the context of the Divine and human. But the Bible has given us a glimpse of salvation that includes more than humans. Creation has suffered with us from the beginning of sin. The ground was cursed because of Adams sin. Animals were now sacrificed to atone for humanities sin, pointing to the ultimate atonement in Christ. The Bible says that the creation groans, and I wonder if the earthquakes, land slides, volcanoes, etc, are a part of the creation groaning and waiting to be set free from corruption. Its lot it seems is tied to man, when man fell the earth was thrown into sin, and when man was redeemed and Christ comes again, He will eventually make all things new. Humanities dominion over the earth was taken by Satan and it took the sacrifice of Christ to get it back. What an awesome God to die for us even when we messed up the beautiful innocent things God created. If creation is groaning for salvation how much more should we want to be saved?
The first thing that jumped out at me in Romans 13 is that God is the One who appoints the authorities. The question that came to mind is ‘what about the evil authorities?’ God appoints people but doesn’t force them to do justice. This is where the doctrine of free will helps me to understand partly how there has been rulers who are evil through history and reconcile that with Romans 13:1.
When the rulers punish people for God, it shows me the importance of discipline in life. Discipline is needed because we are all sinners. Consequences come along with sin. Like with parents, spare the rod and spoil the child. Also with God, whom God loves He disciplines (Hebrews 12). God disciplines people because He knows they need it. This is part of the process that helps people to be saved.
In Romans 13 Paul talks a lot about how love is the fulfillment of the law. This takes us back to Romans 2 where Paul says that the doers of the law will be justified. Love is spontaneous and natural. This is why we cannot love in order to be saved. In Matthew 25 the sheep did not realize that they were doing good to Jesus, they just did good and loved others.
Whidden talked about after 1892 Ellen White returned more to an emphasis on sanctification from justification. He compared this with James warning which seems counter to Paul that faith without works is dead. It makes sense that Ellen White did not want people to think that faith is only a mental assent as pointed out by Whidden. We should not teach that either. It seams to me that Ellen White kept a balance of a faith that works by love. What really hit home to me was the point made that prayerless work will be of no avail. Without the merits of Christ the work is done in our own strength; in other words it is done in vain. Wow! I need to pray more.
Romans 11 Salvation is by grace and not works (vv5,6) “What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks? But the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded. Just as it is written ‘God has given them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see and ears that they should not hear, to this very day.” (7,8) So God is the One and only Arbiter of Revelation. No degree may qualify us to receive the Revelation of Jesus Christ, instead God reveals Himself to whom He pleases. He’s certainly given us instructions as to how we are to search the scripture and how we are privileged to grow closer to Him as we grow in our knowledge of Him. But the problem Israel had, might be the same problem we struggle with today in the SDA church. Israel had long established itself in religion…their hearts had drifted far away from God’s heart. They worshipped with their mouths, but their hearts were empty. God withdrew His Spirit from them after repeatedly offering a new probation…but time and time again the majority of Israel slighted God’s efforts to turn them back to Him. Therefore He gave them over to a “spirit of stupor”…oh that we will not have any part in an “entitlement religious experience” and if we do, may we repent and enter into a humble, devout experience as we connect our hearts to Jesus moment by moment unto eternity. God reveals Himself to those who seek Him diligently (Hebrews 11:6) to those who seek Him with all their heart. (Jeremiah 29:13) May we continue to seek Him with the whole heart...otherwise regardless of our profession we will be blind and deaf just as the Pharisees were in Christ’s day.
Romans 12 “Living Sacrifices to God” Paul prescribes Holiness to us in the opening two verses of chapter 12. How does Holiness happen? 1. “By the mercies of God” 2. “present your bodies as a living sacrifice” 3. as “holy and acceptable to God which is your reasonable service.” 4. “Do not be conformed to this world” 5. “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” …why? 6. “that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Whidden Chapter 12 “Justification after Minneapolis – From Late 1888 to 1892” “When He sees men lifting the burdens, trying to carry them in lowliness of mind, with distrust of self and with reliance upon Him,” the sinner’s “defects are covered by the perfection and fullness of the Lord our righteousness.” Such humble believers are “looked upon by the Father with pitying, tender love; He regards such as obedient children, and the righteousness of Christ is imputed unto them.” (1888 Materials 402) I love this quote from Ellen White. God knows our form…He knows our hearts, when we come to Him in humility of heart confessing our sin, He places the perfect merits of His blood in our behalf. This process of growing in the Christian experience gives us a greater hatred for sin and a greater love for Jesus. If God wants to not only impute perfect righteousness to me, but impart it to me as well, who am I to say He can’t…God can impart perfect righteousness to man if He so desires. My role is to reject the world and in turn simply fix my attention…my heart…my thoughts on Him and His Word. Whether its impute or impart…justify or sanctify…God does what He wants regardless of theological bantering from one group or another.
Romans 13 “Submit to Government” In Verses 1-7 Paul makes it clear that we are to submit ourselves to civil authorities as they have been appointed by God Himself! That’s difficult to swallow when you’re so opposed to everything a leader stands for. But God knows what He is doing…God’s Kingdom has never been of this world, but in Heaven. Who He puts into position is up to Him, not us. Our focus is to “love” our neighbor as ourselves. 2007 is an interesting time to be alive, “let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” Romans 13:13,14
Whidden Chapter 13 “Justification After Minneapolis…Maintaining Gospel Balance” “No sin can be committed by man for which satisfaction has not been met on Calvary. Thus the cross, in earnest appeals, continually proffers to the sinner a thorough expiation…as you come with humble heart, you find pardon, for Christ Jesus is the sacrifice for the sins of the world…a daily and yearly typical atonement is no longer to be made, but he atoning sacrifice through a mediator is essential because of the constant commission of sin….Jesus presents the oblation offered for every offense and every shortcoming of the sinner.” (1SM 343,344)
“The religious services, the prayers, the praise, the penitent confession of sin ascend from true believers as incense to the heavenly sanctuary, but passing through the corrupt channels of humanity, they are so defiled that unless purified by blood, they can never be of value with God. They ascend not in spotless purity, and unless the Intercessor, who is at God’s right hand, presents and purifies all by His righteousness, it is not acceptable to God. All incense from earthly tabernacles must be moist with the cleansing drops of the blood of Christ. He holds before the Father the censor of His own merits, in which there is no taint of earthly corruption. He gathers into this censer the prayers, the praise, and the confessions of His people, and with these He puts His own spotless righteousness. Then, perfumed with the merits of Christ’s propitiation, the incense comes up before God wholly and entirely acceptable. Then gracious answers are returned. “Oh, that all may see that everything in obedience, in penitence, in praise and thanksgiving, must be placed upon the glowing fire of the righteousness of Christ. The fragrance of this righteousness ascends like a cloud around the mercy seat.” (1 SM 343,344)
This quote is awesome! Another great one that I found in this 13th chapter of Whidden’s book is one out of Christian Service 263: “The work of God is to be carried on to completion by the cooperation of divine and human agencies. Those who are self-sufficient may be apparently active in the work of God; but the censer of the angel that stands at the golden altar before the rainbow-circled throne, they would see that the merit of Jesus must be mingled with our prayers and efforts, or they are as worthless as was the offering of Cain. Could we see all the activity of human instrumentality, as it appears before God, we would see that only the work accomplished by much prayer, which is sanctified by the merit of Christ, will stand the test of the judgment. When the grand review shall take place, then shall ye return and discern between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not.”
It’s all about Jesus, may we simply lift Him higher in higher in all that we do. We are nothing apart from Him, we have nothing apart from Him. May God ever keep us at the foot of the cross of our dear Savior Jesus Christ.
Romans 14 “The Law of Liberty” 14:1 “Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to dispute over doubtful things.” So we shouldn’t build theological models off of textual nuances? I don’t think so. It’s unfortunate to see the SDA church in so much dissension. May we ever be mindful of not only our own experience with God, but our witness to others, even to the weak. May we be humble and careful not to upset their faith. 14:7 “For none of us lives to himself, and on one dies to himself.” We all have a part in the Plan of Restoration…none of us lives in a vacuum, instead our lives directly impact others around us, whether we want them to or not. We would do well to consider this in theological circles, as we so often walk on thin ice in my opinion, spending too much time on questionable things and too little time on the essentials such as Jesus Christ and Him crucified…His Suffering on the Cross…His Atoning sacrifice. 14:12,13 “So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.” May we all walk humbly before our Creator and our Redeemer. He has made us and He has Redeemed us. May we remember that everyone is worth the blood of Jesus. May I remember that.
Understanding salvation in terms of the past, present, and future has been a helpful tool in my understanding of salvation and has encouraged me to not put limits on aspects of salvation in regards to time and space that I might have otherwise done. I am not saying that there are not limits but I now see salvation in a more complete way. In some ways I think that I already thought in this way or believed this but wasn’t sure how to put it into words or a model. The class, along with the handout on salvation in the past, present, and future is a step in that direction. This makes sense to me because God is not limited in time or space. Salvation extends before the cross, at the cross, and after the cross, and has to do more than just with the cross. This presents salvation as a process more than just a one time event and guards against the idea of once saved always saved. And I believe it shows how loving God is by wanting the best for us and willing to work with us, teach us, and help us grow and become more like Him. At times I wish God would just make me perfect in an instant and I wouldn’t have to go through the hard work of change but that is my weakness coming through. Salvation is not cheap and seeing salvation as a process is also a safeguard against cheap grace because it requires in us growth and change. So yes I have been saved if I choose, I am saved if I choose, and I will be saved if I choose. Instead of seeing salvation in one aspect of time and space I am now seeing it as a process throughout history.
I have been wrestling with the objective and subjective aspects of salvation for a while now. In trying to understand it better I gave an attempt at looking at it in this way: If God had not died for me no matter what I did, I would not be saved. But no matter what I do others can be saved because of what God did. In other words, the objective reality for me is that God acted and because He acted by dieing on the cross we all have the opportunity to be saved. From my understanding this had to happen no matter what for humanity to have eternal life. On the other hand the subjective reality says even if I wanted to be saved (considering I could want such a thing), and chose to be saved but God had not provided a way for salvation it wouldn’t matter what I wanted or did to be saved. This helps me understand where the weight of salvation lies. It lies within God’s hand. Yes, there is a subjective part to it, in that I meet conditions for salvation, but no matter what I decide, God has already made the way of salvation open for me and others. Salvation is ultimately much bigger than me and my decision, but it doesn’t make my decision to accept Christ any less important, it points more to God’s goodness. If it wasn’t for the objective side of salvation I wouldn’t be able to respond with the subjective side.
Whidden’s section on perfection has improved my understanding of Ellen White’s statements on perfection and helped me to put perfectionism in a more proper light. I found the statement on page 146 to sum it up well for me: “beyond character perfection into nature perfection.” While the Holy Spirit is developing a “perfect” character in us, we will not have our sinful nature taken away until Christ comes again and gives us new bodies. The book explained how perfectionism becomes fanaticism when people take perfection to extremes and think they are no longer sinless and demand this from others, when the Bible is clear that we will not be made sinless until Christ comes again. Even if we attained perfect characters here on earth, the book explained that those that had perfect characters would not know it or exclaim it to others. This is a source of encouragement to me because growing up in Adventism I have been affected negatively by people that believe in a perfect remnant before Christ comes again. It took all the joy out of being a Christian to live under scrutiny like that. I pity people that believe this to a point of fanaticism, it is very damaging. But to know that Christ is perfecting our characters through the Holy Spirit and that we are in a process towards perfection by which God gives us the power to receive and one day our natures will be changed to perfect is a testament to our loving God, not an all or nothing “do this to be perfect or you are going to hell.”
Reflection 13 The Biblical research Institute continues to list the 27 fundamental beliefs. Perhaps they will update this to include, number 28, a hope that is encouraging to any Christian’s spiritual journey: “Growing in Christ.” It is so astoundingly important, that I added it for the sake of prayerful contemplation. There is a wide array of scriptures to feast upon. The very first Ps 1:1,2. I thought how wonderful the advice and blessings of those two verses, but then my disappointment that vs.3 was omitted. I’ll add it because it is such a beautiful metaphor--a tree that is flourishing and will not wither and whatsoever we do shall prosper...to the glory of God. May you be as blessed as I was when I discovered this gem, # 28 “Growing in Christ.” Fundamental belief: "Growing in Christ:" By His death on the cross Jesus triumphed over the forces of evil. He who subjugated the demonic spirits during His earthly ministry has broken their power and made certain their ultimate doom. Jesus' victory gives us victory over the evil forces that still seek to control us, as we walk with Him in peace, joy, and assurance of His love. Now the Holy Spirit dwells within us and empowers us. Continually committed to Jesus as our Savior and Lord, we are set free from the burden of our past deeds. No longer do we live in the darkness, fear of evil powers, ignorance, and meaninglessness of our former way of life. In this new freedom in Jesus, we are called to grow into the likeness of His character, communing with Him daily in prayer, feeding on His Word, meditating on it and on His providence, singing His praises, gathering together for worship, and participating in the mission of the Church. As we give ourselves in loving service to those around us and in witnessing to His salvation, His constant presence with us through the Spirit transforms every moment and every task into a spiritual experience. (Ps 1:1, 2; 23:4; 77:11 12; Col 1:13, 14; 2:6, 14, 15; Luke 10:17-20; Eph 5:19, 20; 6:12-18; 1 Thess 5:23; 2 Peter 2:9; 3:18; 2 Cor. 3:17, 18; Phil 3:7-14; 1 Thess 5:16-18; Matt 20:25-28; John 20:21; Gal 5:22-25; Rom 8:38, 39; 1 John 4:4; Heb 10:25.)
ROMANS CHAPTER 6 THE END OF SLAVERY TO SIN Paul says that when we were baptized we were baptized into Christ’s death and buried with Him in His death (vs. 3,4) This means that the old person whom we used to be was crucified with Christ (v.6). This crucifixion abolishes what Paul calls “the body of sin”. Paul uses the term body to refer to the to the whole person. The body of sin is the whole person oriented to sin and ruled by it. It is that old orientation that is crucified in baptism so that the new Christian can instead be oriented to Christ and His values. This death frees the Christian from the domination of sin (vs. 7) and is possible because Christ died to sin once and for all, our death or crucifixion with His death. The past crucifixion of our old selves with Christ has implication for the present, which Paul sums up in verse 4 “we were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the death through the glory of the father, we too may live a new life”. Our death to an old way of life and identification with Christ has a goal, a new way of life oriented to Christ. This new way of life frees us from slavery to sin (vs. 6) Christ’s resurrection demonstrates His power and ultimate victory over death. Death no longer has mastery over Christ (vs. 9). In hope, this victory is ours. We have not yet received Union with Him makes it certain that we will be united with Christ in His resurrection as well (vs. 5). This promise is in the future tense, but it is certain. Paul is careful consistently to use the future tense when he speaks of our resurrection. But it is a future that grows out of and his guaranteed by the experience we already have with Christ. This promise of the future, help motivate us to accept the challenges that Paul gives for the present. After all, if our bodies are destined for resurrection with Christ, think how inappropriate it would be to hand them over as instruments of sin, which is in opposition to the God of life-who raised Jesus and promises to raise us with Him. Shall we sin? The answer is no, because our solidarity with Christ, symbolized in baptism, shows it is unthinkable we died to the old, sinful way of life whom we were baptized in union with Christ, we now live in a new atmosphere of union with Him, and we share in the certainty of being united with Him in resurrection as well.
ROMANS CHAPTER 6 THE END OF SLAVERY TO SIN Paul says that when we were baptized we were baptized into Christ’s death and buried with Him in His death (vs. 3,4) This means that the old person whom we used to be was crucified with Christ (v.6). This crucifixion abolishes what Paul calls “the body of sin”. Paul uses the term body to refer to the to the whole person. The body of sin is the whole person oriented to sin and ruled by it. It is that old orientation that is crucified in baptism so that the new Christian can instead be oriented to Christ and His values. This death frees the Christian from the domination of sin (vs. 7) and is possible because Christ died to sin once and for all, our death or crucifixion with His death. The past crucifixion of our old selves with Christ has implication for the present, which Paul sums up in verse 4 “we were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the death through the glory of the father, we too may live a new life”. Our death to an old way of life and identification with Christ has a goal, a new way of life oriented to Christ. This new way of life frees us from slavery to sin (vs. 6) Christ’s resurrection demonstrates His power and ultimate victory over death. Death no longer has mastery over Christ (vs. 9). In hope, this victory is ours. We have not yet received Union with Him makes it certain that we will be united with Christ in His resurrection as well (vs. 5). This promise is in the future tense, but it is certain. Paul is careful consistently to use the future tense when he speaks of our resurrection. But it is a future that grows out of and his guaranteed by the experience we already have with Christ. This promise of the future, help motivate us to accept the challenges that Paul gives for the present. After all, if our bodies are destined for resurrection with Christ, think how inappropriate it would be to hand them over as instruments of sin, which is in opposition to the God of life-who raised Jesus and promises to raise us with Him. Shall we sin? The answer is no, because our solidarity with Christ, symbolized in baptism, shows it is unthinkable we died to the old, sinful way of life whom we were baptized in union with Christ, we now live in a new atmosphere of union with Him, and we share in the certainty of being united with Him in resurrection as well.
Matena kefa CHAPTER 8 LIFE IN THE SPIRIT Pau begins Romans 8 with the liberating promise that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Several verses explain the basis for the promise and make the promise real by contrasting two kinds of life, life in the flesh and life in the Spirit. Remember that Paul did make a reference to this life in flesh and spirit in the previous chapter. The law is powerless to save because of the flesh (vs. 3). The person who lives according to the law of sin and death has the mind set on the things of the flesh (vs. 5), which leads to death (vs. 6). In fact, those who live by the flesh are enemies of God, because of their rebellion against God (vs. 7). They do not obey God’s law (vs. 7); indeed, they cannot obey God’s law (vs. 8). They are on a collision course with death (vs. 13). In Romans 7 he showed us that not even the holy, just, and good law could do anything about it. But now he spells out the alternative, life in the spirit. The work of the spirit is internal, rather than external. Life is the spirit has to do with the inner self at its deepest level, not merely outward actions. The spirit has to do with life rather than death, and with the future rather than this age. The spirit already brings the kind of life that will characterize eternal life. The spirit is the assurance that the promised future will come. The spirit brings community rather than alienation. In the new system of life in the spirit, God spends His own son, in the likeness of sinful flesh, as a sin offering, to condemn sin in the flesh (vs.3). The just requirements of the law are fulfilled in those who live by the spirit (vs. 4). They have their mind set on the things of the spirit (vs. 5), which lead to life and peace (vs. 6 God’s spirit (vs.9), indeed, Christ Himself (vs. 10) dwells in them. Even though their bodies are still mortal, their spirits are a live on account of righteousness (vs. 10), and they will be raised from the dead (vs. 11). We become God’s children (vs. 14). According to Paul Christ came as a sacrifice to condemn sin from within human flesh and make victory over sin and death our victory. This gives as a new orientation and a new destiny. Our lives ae now oriented to God. Our minds are set on what the spirit desires of the flesh. The entire focus of our lives is different, for the spirit gives as new values. The new mind set means a new destiny that leads to life and peace (vs. 6). And even though we continue to live in a World of evil with bodies subject to death, we are already connected to the source of life-giving power, which assures our victory over death and the ultimate resurrection of the body.
Matena kefa CHAPTER 9 GOD, THE JEWS AND GENTILES Paul begins this chapter 9 with a poignant, personal lament that flows from the depth of his soul. It seems a sincere confession of great sorrow and unceasing anguish. The agenda for this sorrow is the condition of his own people, Israel, who for the most part God refused to accept the messiah. This seems unbelievable to Paul, given that Israel had been blessed in so many ways. To confirm his longing that they saved, he wanted ahead and listed the many blessings that Israelites’ had enjoyed all through the ages. Paul’s attitude, however, is not one of judgment or condemnation; rather he wished to cut of from Christ if his fellow Jews could not be included in salvation. Paul goes ahead to make some arguments for our notice in the book of (Hosea 1:10; 2:23) where Hosea was asked to marry a prostitute who gave birth to children “not loved” and “not my people”. This symbolized Israel’s rejection of God in Hosea’s days, but God made the promise that these children, representing rebellious Israel, could be called “my people” and “loved”. He sees in these names evidence that God will reach out beyond Israel and embrace those Gentiles who were not His people, In other words, God’s ability to include rebellious Israelites justifies His inclusion of Gentiles as well. What can we say then? Can it really be that the Gentiles, who didn’t pursue righteousness, attained, and the Jews, who did pursue it, didn’t attaint? Paul says yes and gives us two reasons:- First, Israel pursued it by works, not by faith, second they stumbled oven the stumbling stone. He Paul quotes from (Isaiah 8:14; 28:16), one that points to God’s causing the rebellious Israelites to stumble over a stumbling stone and the other that points to God’s trustworthiness as the temple cornerstone. The Jews problem is that they have made a stumbling stone of Christ instead of putting their trust in Him. Is there any hope for them? Paul will have lots to say about it as we continue ahead.
Matena Kefa CHAPTER 10 WHY ISRAEL FAILED Paul begins this chapter with yet another heartfelt expression of his concern for his people, the Jews. His desire and prayer for them is that they be saved. This section is permeated with Paul’s personal concern for his people and with his affirmation that God has not forgotten them. Yet Paul can’t ignore the fact that there is a problem. He has no doubt that the Jews are zealous for God. One could think that their real combined with God’s promise would be sufficient for their salvation, but Paul sees a problem nevertheless. The Jews real for God was not based on knowledge. This failure in knowledge wasn’t merely ignorance of some theoretical proposition or doctrine. It was a failure to understand the source of righteousness and to focus their efforts and zeal in the right direction. Paul says in verse 3, “since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness”. This seems to be an incredible accusation. If they were zealous for God, how did they fail to see His righteousness and seek their own? Paul seems to see two problems in their understanding that led the Jews to miss God’s righteousness. First, they failed to recognize that their election and special position as God’s people were gifts of God’s grace. Paul makes this clear with his examples of Isaac and Jacob in Roman 9. Israel was tempted to understand her role in terms of a night based on being a descendant of Abraham. But election is always a matter of grace. Second, Israel was tempted to understand its own righteousness in exclusive terms and forgot that God was concerned for all people. Whenever they forgot the universal nature of God’s grace, they were tempted to boast and try to make righteousness their private passion. The problem was that Israel did not pursue righteousness on the basis of faith. Faith is always a response to God’s grace. Israel couldn’t seek righteousness on the basis of faith unless she understood that her very status as God’s people was a gift of grace. And the response of faith is open to all, because God is gracious to all. Therefore, exclusiveness and separatism could only thwart the quest for the righteousness.
Matena Kefa ROMANS CHAPTER 11 GOD HAS NOT REJECTED ISRAEL In this chapter Paul as a case to contend with in regard to the people of Israel where according to his feelings are his people for he identity remains with him He is a living proof that God hasn’t rejected Israel, for he is an Israelite sent to proclaim the good news of God’s grace. He Paul moves back in Israelite history to Elijah ( 1 Kings 19:10). When Elijah appealed to God against Israel, he was sure that he was the only Israelite left who hadn’t bowed the knee to Baal and forsake God. But God told him there were actually seven thousand. Paul concludes that in his day, as well, God as a remnant. This remnant was chosen by grace (11:5). In other words, this remnant has nothing to boast about. Those who are part of the remnant are purely a matter of grace. This is a truth we should keep in mind whenever we think about the concept of the remnant. Being part of the remnant is not a matter of privilege. God always calls a remnant by His grace for a purpose. In Paul’s day, this remnant proved that God had not forsaken Israel. It is time that most of Israel had rejected the message of grace through Christ, but even that was part of God’s plan. Paul refers to Deuteronomy 29:4, Isaiah 29:10, and Psalms 9:22,23 to show that it was God who had blinded Israel (11:7-10). Why would God do not part of the remnant) are lost forever? Paul answers ahead to reveal how the hardening of Israel is part of the amazing plan God has to show mercy to all. The Jews transgression had opened the door for salvation to go to the Gentiles as well. When Israel sees the experience of the gospel in the Gentiles, she will become jealous and will come to God and be restored (vss. 11,12). So the NO of the Jews leads to the YES of the Gentiles, which in turn, through jealousy, leads to the yes of the Jews as well. This is the plan of God. Paul can rejoice that the Jews transgression means riches for the World.
Kefa matena ROMANS CHAPTER 12 A LIVING SACRIFICE Paul here is doing much more than merely saying, rather he is saying therefore in the light of God’s mercy and grace, here is the appropriate way to respond. He is trying to show us the life that follows from a true understanding of God’s grace. The logical, reasonable outgrowth of accepting God’s grace for allis a holistic response trust for God and love for others, which Paul calls a living sacrifice. Paul appeals to the brothers in Rome on the basis of God’s mercy to live as people of God. Paul in his argument refers to the whole person; the whole becomes a living sacrifice that pleases God by appreciating His grace and showing love for His children. Presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice is the logical, reasonable response to God’s grace. Paul’s appeal for his request is to the mercies of God. This is the logical response to the mercy that God has shown us in Christ. Yet its also a response that is holistic and internal, not merely an external act. All of this makes it clear that for Paul the present age is an evil age ruled by Satan and rulers who oppose God. But Paul call Christians to begin living even now in a new way. Even though they are in this World, they already live according to the values and goals of a new age, for live according to the values and goals of a new age, for their minds are already focused on God’s Kingdom. By responding positively to God’s grace, their minds are reshaped according to God’s will. Even though the World is still the present evil age, Christians already experience the new age of God’s Kingdom because their minds are focused on God’s values. This is only possible because the mind is renewed by God’s spirit. Only when the mind is set on the spirit and what the spirit desires can it be renewed and transformed so that it comes to think in a new way. The renewed mind, in turn, leads to new action.
Matena Kefa CHAPTER 13 CHRISTIANS AND GOVERNMENT No authority exists except that which God has established. If these authorities are established by God, then to rebel against them is to rebel against God, and to do this is to bring judgement on oneself. Paul is affirming that governments exist by God’s authority. He does not say whether this means governments in ground of specific governments are ordained by God, but that does not really make a difference in the flow of the argument. The idea is that Christians are to submit to them, and to do otherwise is to resist God and violet His will. No one would want to live in a situation of anarchy; therefore Christians have a practical reason as well for submitting to civil governments and rulers. Christians should submit to governments to a void punishment. Since we noted that governments are instituted by God, then, submission is more than just a practical matter, it is a matter of Christian principles as well. Internal commitment to God should motivate the Roman Christians to submit to the governing authorities. Paul goes ahead to give specific examples of such submission. Christians are to give or pay taxes, because the authorities are God’s servants who give their full time to governing, hence they deserve to be paid for their work, and these comes through taxes. Finally Paul summarizes in verse 7 with a general command followed by four specific. The Roman Christians are to pay everyone they owe, whether that debt be taxes, revenue, respect or honor.
Matena Kefa ROMANS CHAPTER 14 THE WEAK AND THE STRONG Paul brackets this section with the command to accept each other. In this Chapter he admonishes the strong to accept each other. In this Chapter he admonishes the strong to accept the weak; verse 3 reminds both that God has accepted all of them and 15:7 admonishes both to accept each other as Christ accepted them. To accept means to welcome fully and have fellowship with someone. The only other time Paul uses it is in Philemon 17 when he pleads with Philemon to accept the runaway slave Onesimus even as he would accept Paul. God accepts all his people by grace. If the first part of Romans makes any point at all, it is that all of us have been accepted by God’s grace. Accepted Christians are to become accepting Christians, even accepting of those who may hold different practices and opinions. Paul was willing to leave room for a good bit of Christian freedom when it came to matters such as this, but this was never freedom from sin. Had Paul felt that the issue or issues under dispute in Rome were crucial matters of a person’s relationship to God or others, he would not have spoken in this way. When he wrote to the Corinthians about matters of sexual immortality in the Church he did say that each should be fully convinced in his or her own mind. He gave clear definite instructions about what had to be done. Nor did he tell the Galatians , who were being tempted to return to salvation by works of the law, that each should be fully convinced in his or her own mind. Freedom is not the freedom to sin. But there are legitimate differences among Christians with regard to Both I practice and opinion. And on such matters Christians must be willing to respect each other, not merely tolerating each other, but fully accepting each other.
Matena Kefa ROMANS 15 PAUL’S PLANS FOR MINISTRY As we began studying this book of Romans Paul told us that he had received grace and apostleship from God to call the Gentiles to the obedience of faith. Paul at end of Romans amplifies the meaning of this ministry by using the analogy of a priest in the temple offering sacrifices to God for the people. Most of us have never watched a priest slaughtering an animal as a sacrifice to God, but most of Paul’s readers in Rome had. Paul puts a new twist on this familiar picture. His priesthood isn’t carried out in a temple, but in market places, synagogues, and homes in cities throughout the Mediterranean world. And his sacrifice or offering to God isn’t animals, but people, Gentiles, and thankfully, he doesn’t slaughter them, he tells them the good news of God’s grace and makes them part of God’s covenant people. This is Paul’s offering to God, and he prays that it will be an acceptable offering. Paul’s always saw his ministry as a ministry to Gentiles. Peter was an apostle to the Jews, Paul to the Gentiles (Galatians 2:8). Paul says that he led the Gentiles to obey god and was even given signs and miracles through the power of the spirit to accomplish this task. Here he adds that what God had done through him for the Gentiles was his only conversation, and his glory was only in Christ. All of this made Paul a unique blend of a Pastor and evangelist. He was dearly an evangelist who liked to plow a new ground and build new foundations. He wanted to go where no one else had been. Paul stayed with congregations to build them up. His sending co-workers back to check up on his congregations’ shows that he had a pastor’s heart too. Actually the dual focus on plowing new grounds and old grounds were cultivated created a desire always for Paul to travel and encourage them as they continue in the ministry.
Matena kefa ROMANS CHAPTER 7 THE ROLE OF THE LAW Paul uses three illustrations to make his message about the law in this specific chapter. An illustration from marriage where he makes it clear that he doesn’t mean that the law, cease to help us or we disregard it and break it as we wish. Paul is not antinomian. He clearly says hence that we died to the law through the body of Christ that we might belong to another, “to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God. The experience of belonging to God or Christ and bearing fruit for God can hardly be one of violating the law. Paul uses the idea of flesh and spirit, which in the course of my study into the chapter I will labour to clarify. When we are controlled by flesh (7:5) the law was an external, written code (vs.6) to which we belonged. In this situation, the law not only pointed out our sin; it even aroused our sinful passions so that we bore fruit for death. In other words, we acted in ways that led to death. In the new situation, we died to the law so that we might belong to Christ and serve in a new way, no longer with the law as the external code, at once both condemning us and egging us on toward more sin, but now serving by the spirit so that good fruits for God is produced from our relationship with Him. Being released from the law is being released from this old relationship with to the law as a written code. Paul is to him concerned about the law and not the I which as been interoperated differently. According to Paul some characteristics are worthy our attention. Sin is living in the flesh (vs. 17); the person is prisoner of the law of sin at work within his members (vs. 23); the person is a “wretched” person (vs. 24) and in his flesh is a slave to the law of sin (vs. 25). This doesn’t sound like Christian experience. On the other hand, the one living this experience delights in God’s law in the mind (vs. 25). Paul as used three illustrations to teach about the law. The illustration concerning marriage (vs. 1-6) has pointed out to us that we died to the law in order to be united with Christ so that we can serve God in a new way through the spirit. The illustration abut the tenth commandment (vs. 7-13) as taught us that the law is good, but that sin can take advantage of our weakness and use the law is good, but that sin can take advantage of our weakness and use the low to increase sin. The final illustration from human experience (vss. 14-25) as shown us that the gap between our expectations fro ourselves and the reality of our lives affirms that the problem is not the law; it is with us. The problem is me, what is the solution? Who can rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God-through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:19-22 describes a freedom and a slavery. One can be a slave to sin and have freedom from righteousness or be a slave to righteousness and be free from sin. Sinning results in further lawlessness and righteousness results in sanctification, it doesn’t go on to say further righteousness but sanctification. And the outcome of this righteousness which results in sanctification will be eternal life. This passage that Dr. Hanna has expounded on helps to describe the bigger model of salvation that scripture presents. Not only is salvation just righteousness, or sanctification, or eternal life in Jesus Christ. Salvation also has to do with being a slave to righteousness, salvation also has to do with sanctification, and it also has to do with eternal life. I appreciate how Dr. Hanna has explained the text that we are free from sin, we are justified, slaves to righteousness, we are producers of fruit as a result of sanctification, and we are heading for eternal life, glorification. In one sense this makes sense that salvation encompasses this and more. But in another sense it is hard to wrap my mind around because I am a sinner that still struggles with sin. Even when I choose to be enslaved to righteousness sin sometimes prevails. So was I actually enslaved to righteousness and free from sin, how does that work? And this leads me to Paul again when he speaks of the struggle going on inside of him and realizes his loss and hopelessness and proclaims thanks to Jesus for saving him. This further illustrates the whole of salvation, salvation is a process but it is also something that God must help us through, it can’t be done on ones own. Even though I choose to be enslaved to righteousness it still takes an act of God to save me.
Calvinists and Armenians both can draw out Biblical support for their view and as I read the texts that speak of God’s sovereignty and then of the divine/human relationship in the context of salvation it appears there is a conflict that is hard to reconcile. How can salvation be something that God does and provides, yet I have to do something to get it, but what I do doesn’t gain me salvation? To me Calvinism takes the easy way out by proclaiming salvation is all up to God, I don’t believe that this is responsible to the Gospel and humanity. Neither would it be correct to say that we can gain salvation only by our faith, perseverance, or works. The Bible portrays salvation including what God has done, is doing, and will do, along with conditions that humans are to meet. Both Calvinists and Armenians are at fault here. If one neglects the human conditions of salvation a lot of the Bible is thrown out, but if one only adheres to the human conditions for salvation more scripture is thrown out. Scripture must not be neglected even if we don’t understand what it means or it goes contrary to what we think or believe to be right even when we got that thought or belief from the Bible. This is something I am learning and it has been a struggle for me. What do I do with scripture that doesn’t seem to fit into what I believe? I found that patience is a must and that I don’t have to have all the answers. Some answers have been given to me through study and some I don’t have. But in dealing with my beliefs and others it is good to be patient and study rather than just adhering to what one wants to and not addressing the scripture that doesn’t seem to fit.
Here is my attempt to explain the issue(s) between the 1888 committee and the BRI. As I understand it the 1888 committee says that justification exists for me apart from my exercise of faith. Christ died for me whether I accept that or not. The BRI has issues with how that belief is stated because they believe that people could mistake that as Universalism or that it could lead to Universalism and the Bible doesn’t teach that everyone will be saved just because justification exists apart from the exercise of faith. The 1888 committee says that justification then becomes subjective when I exercise faith to receive the justification already existing. BRI says that objective justification means Christ is our justification in Himself so when faith in Christ is exercised it is subjective. Both of these models seem to be about the same. Neither one appears to be contradicting what the Bible says so it seems to be an issue that goes beyond truth. In fact their arguments leave out much more about salvation, yet they spend time on only a few aspects of it.
I enjoyed reading Romans 14. It seems that Paul who is sometimes hard to understand is talking in easier terms and language here in chapter 14. In the context of class I asked myself what does this chapter have to do with salvation? The chapter speaks of not judging one another for we all will stand before the judgment seat of God. Instead of causing heartache on our brothers and sisters and judging them we should be active in not putting stumbling blocks in the way of them. The Bible says not to destroy with your food him for whom Christ died. It is an error on our part to judge our brothers and sisters and therefore destroy the one who Christ died for. We may thing it is a good thing to hold one to our standard when it is actually evil. As I have learned throughout this semester salvation is a process and we are not all at the same points in that process (thankfully it is also something God does for us and we are saved because of God at any time in that process). But as we learn and grow and are likened more and more onto Christ we will mature in our understanding and walk with Christ. And as I understand it we are not to be judging others in their process but should be active in not causing them to stumble. In a way we are looking out for one another rather than competing, testing, and judging one another.
Reflection 14 Does what I eat or drink or my attitude cause someone to stumble? Do we judge ourselves superior because of this wonderful health message and other truths? In Romans 14, Paul addressed churches divided concerning the eating of meat. One group is considered to be weak in the faith. This one criticizing the other group and accusing them of behavior that calls into question their status as Christians. The stronger group accuses the weaker group of possessing prejudices that undermine their faith. This is similar to situations in the church today even with division and distrust of the 1888 Committee and The BRI over doctrinal differences. There is certainly no unity and singleness of purpose and probably much of which is unjustified. The unity that Paul writes about is relevant to the Church including the 1888 Committee and BRI. One of the big issues is the eating of anything one desires and the eating of meat or not eating of meat. Since the weak do not eat meat, the strong think it is acceptable to eat whatever pleases them. There is mentioned also the setting aside of special days for religious purposes. The weak considering the sacredness of one day over another. The strong might say something like this: “Every Day Of the week Is The Sabbath,” because to them every day is the same. Another concern is the drinking of wine, the type of behavior that might cause someone to stumble. And the weak perhaps refrained from drinking while the strong thought it ok. Different views suggest that the weak were legalist which Paul encountered previously. Or modern day SDA legalist who believe the keeping of certain rules in your own strngth is necessary to be saved. The main issue was eating meat sacrificed to idols. It appears we might need a bigger model to include /clarify the dispute over holy days. Paul is not concerned with who is right or who is wrong, but with unity--because to him these issues not worth fighting over. The condescending attitude of the strong group in condemning the weak showed little love and selfishness. He rebukes the weak for their being judgmental. So we are left with the weak in faith and the strong thinking that their faith gives them the right to do as they please. Whether the weak grew up with a Jewish background and the strong a Gentile Christian background;Therefore if we stand or fall, the judging should be left to the righteous judge, as each is convinced in their own minds. Isa. 45:23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
CHRISTIAN UNITY This reminds me of a parable short but true, I hope and pray it will make a lasting impression upon you; I stood at a window looking out one day, Watching the squirrels as they did run and play. They jumped about from limb to limb, Seemed that they were aware of me watching them. I noticed something else on the limb of that tree; There a bird’s nest lay skillfully made for all to see. The squirrels saw it too as they continued to play; They carefully avoided it so that it could stay. Ps. 133:1; Matt. 8:20 The respect that these tiny creatures had for other’s rights & property, Moved my heart with a tremendous amount of glee; I sadly exclaimed turning from the window that day, Lord, too bad humans can’t act that way. And then my mind recalled these words spoken by the King of Kings as He said: “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man Hath not where to lay His head.” Makes you wonder about the constant struggle for acquisition of so much material things; without Christ, only unfulfilled dreams this lifestyle always brings. lCor.1:10; James 4:8; Matt.22:37-40 Spirit of prophecy writes about unity that everyone should pursue; Drawing nigh unto God, Drawing nigh unto one another. God commanded this principle of love for me and for you. One way to accomplish this at home, church, anywhere Is to reflect upon the cross and Jesus hanging there; If we should wound by words or deeds, We must quickly ask forgiveness and be sensitive to other’s needs. Only through heartfelt prayer, confession, repentance & forsaking of sin, Surrendering the will to God daily can we have a right relationship with all men. Then we can receive power to love our enemies as God did command, Willing to walk and talk together hand joined with hand. When Jesus was questioned about the great commandment in the law; Jesus said: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets;” In Matt.22: 37-40 these two commandments are written without a flaw. In conclusion, we must fast and pray, To obtain unity and keep the devil away; We must spend time studying words inspired from above, For that's a true determining factor of how much we really love.
Reflection 15 On the subject of perfection and closing events, Ellen White felt it important to write of the importance of developing characters that would stand the scrutiny of the pre-advent judgment and the time of trouble which will be a time like none ever in this earth’s history. For any to feel that they can make it without Christ is a state of falsehood and great deception. Ellen G. White declared that "the shortness of time is frequently urged as an incentive for seeking righteousness and making Christ our friend." But she went on to urge that "this should not be the great motive with us; for it savors of selfishness." She then asked: "Is it necessary that the terrors of the day of God should be held before us, that we may be compelled to right action through fear?" Her forthright answer was that "it ought not to be so." This statement was made prior to 1888.
Despite the rather frightening descriptions of the awfulness of the close of probation, the time of trouble, and the day of Christ's personal appearing (GC 613-652), she could urge the "love, mercy, and compassion" of Jesus as one who will "walk with" believers and "fill" their "path with light."
Complementing the theme of love (not fear) as the great motive, were numerous statements urging that now—"today"—is the time of preparation for the trying times ahead. Typical of such expressions is the following:
Sister White wrote: "Live the life of faith day by day. Do not become anxious and distressed about the time of trouble, and thus have a time of trouble beforehand. Do not keep thinking, `I am afraid I shall not stand in the great testing day.' You are to live for the present, for this day only. Tomorrow is not yours. Today you are to maintain the victory over self. I don’t know any better way to sum up what I think should be the motivating factor, than to share the lyrics from a song by Jonathan Butler: ‘Falling In Love With Jesus.” Falling in love with Jesus Falling in love with Jesus Falling in love with Jesus Was the best thing I ever, ever done (verse 2) In His arms I feel protected In His arms never disconnected (no no) In His arms I feel protected There's no place I'd rather rather be. The Means of Perfection The means of perfection received only one noticeable development after 1888—a strong emphasis on the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. Though this was not a new theme, it is clear that Minneapolis unleashed a veritable flood of statements to the effect that the Holy Spirit is the great bearer of power to transform lives into the image of Christ's perfection I will conclude my reflection with the words of Jesus in John 15:5 ……”For without me ye can do nothing.” Best wishes Seminarians as we “follow on to know the Lord.” Have A Blessed Holiday!
Jeff Carlson Doctrine of Salvation Comment #14 "Some Thoughts on Original Sin” by Gerhard Pfandl Romans 15 Whidden Chapter 15
The debate over original sin, I think, is present because on it hinges another question: what are we morally capable of now? I attended the Questions on Doctrine Conference a couple of months ago and was surprised by the vehemence that some people brought to the discussion – mostly from one “side.” I do understand how people can be passionate about the subject since basically the entirety of Christianity is affected by the theology of the idea.
According to Pfandl, “In Rabbinic thinking man is created with a good impulse (yetzer ha-tov) and an evil impulse (yetzer ha-ra) which struggle for control of the person.” I think we as Adventists generally buy into a similar belief. However, the two sides of the argument in the church are illustrated by the following authors: Priebe says sin is not as much about who we are but what we choose; Heppenstall states that our bent human nature has been inherited from an original source, Adam and Eve, and this is what he calls Original Sin.
With all the argument I still think Ellen White was pretty clear where she stood on the subject. “In our present fallen state all that is needed is to give up the mind and character to its natural tendencies…At its very source human nature was corrupted…Every sin committed awakens the echoes of the original sin…There is in his nature a bent to evil, a force, which, unaided, he cannot resist…In order to understand this matter aright, we must remember that our hearts are naturally depraved, and we are unable of ourselves to pursue a right course…Temptations from without find an answering chord within the heart.”
I think the problem with people who want to accept a view of human nature and original sin that allows us to achieve perfection as in sinlessness in this life is that their view of sin is too small and their view of perfection is too small as well. For them sin seems to go as deep as what we eat and say and perfection seems to be wrapped up in eating the right things and not saying the wrong things. However, Whidden says, “Ellen White is quite consistent in her concept that for the faithful, perfection is always a consciously receding horizon – even during the time of trouble.”
I think that when we start to get a view of how huge sin is and how drastically it has infected this world and our nature and also how huge the goal of “perfection” is that we will start to realize how impossible it is. The reality is that we are broken and are not even able to do any real good unless God fixes us.
Like Ellen White presented, we are able to be “perfect” but that doesn’t mean that we will get rid of our nature until God comes – even during the time of trouble. I know, for myself, that believing that perfection is something that I can really never reach - in the way that I will have my sinful nature until Christ comes and even after that I will continue to grow forever - does not discourage me. It actually gives me hope because it presents a God who is so much bigger than me and a reality that I am supposed to be that is so much beyond who I am that it is exciting that God makes it possible for me to grow to that height. It is so much bigger than not eating cheese and that is exciting.
Jeff Carlson Doctrine of Salvation Comment #15 "Why Did Jesus Die? How God Saves Us.” By George W. Reid Romans 16 Whidden Chapter 16
I really appreciated this article. I liked how Reid pointed out the danger in trying to force metaphors – in reference to the ransom metaphor - to say something they were not intended to say. You can make a metaphor support anything you want. I can say, “the tree has one trunk and many branches and this is just like marriage. I can have unity in diversity. I have many women I love but the love I share with them all is united like the branches that all come down to the same trunk.” Obviously that is garbage but it “makes sense”. We need to be careful with metaphors. Just because it “makes sense” doesn’t mean that it is representative of a true reality. You need something normative.
In the same vein, I think we often miss the beauty of a reality by tearing it apart to understand it more. The idea of Jesus ransoming us is a perfect example. Who did He pay? How much did He pay? Did He pay for someone who doesn’t accept it? Who cares?! We fight and argue and miss the whole point that God bought us! From who? What does it really matter in the big scheme? I am free to belong to God and experience the joy of that or live a life of death. Reid really put it eloquently: “Love is aggressive: God at work tracking us down to help us. Love is a principle, Ellen White says. How can that be? The answer is that God's love is an unshakable commitment, inviolable, a predisposition in our favor that cannot be discouraged. Divine love-there is no way to shake it or deter it. It is a relentless pursuit by a God eager to help, one who never gives up. In this sense God is love.” Also, “In amazement we stand aside, watching as He takes it up in our behalf. He "gave himself up for us" (Eph. 5:2) and "offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins" (Heb. 10:12). God "sent his Son to be the expiation for our sins" (1 John 4:10).”
This is the beauty. It’s great to defend our ideas but we need to make sure that we are not supporting erroneous ideas with bad metaphors or trying to pull more out than they were intended to give us. Also, we need to make sure that we don’t miss the beauty for the argument.
Read: Sin, the Human Condition, and Salvation; Romans 6 & "How Perfect is 'Perfect' or is Christian Perfection Possible?
The author of the BRI article made some very good points. The reminder that the closer one comes to Christ the greater the realization of their sins become to them. This is so true. This realization would cause anyone to be in a constant state of dispair that they never measure up.
This of course brings up the point that "perfection" would better be termed "maturity" that we are in the process of becoming more "mature" in our relationship with Christ.
Of course the point of us growing up in Christ is realizing more and more each day our utter dependence upon Him alone for our salvation.
The Bible present God as all almighty He is above all, Omnipresent, Creator of heaven and earth, He possess complete soberany over the universe. However He gave to His creatures the gift of freedom and the way of human used free will, brought into the world evil and for consequence death. As Paul states in Romans 5:12 “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned” Adam sin opened the door in which sin came into this world and now humanity inherit death. God did not left behind the world because it was stained by sin; He has a plan of salvation for the human kind in which by his merciful grace everyone who accepts it can inherit forgiveness and eternal life. Paul declared “Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men” vs. 18. Through Adam we inherit death, by Jesus eternal life.
The gift of freedom play a big role in this cosmic conflict, so God took such risk of having the possibility of sin; instead of His creatures have a lack of freedom. It is clear that things went wrong but at the end God’s character will be vindicated and all things clear. Know humans used freedom for good and bad choices; the exercise of freedom may soften or hardens their hearts, by the daily experiences they encounter, God is giving opportunities to win them back before they go too far. The first coming of Jesus has demonstrated the heavenly interest for the wicked world.
John 3:15,16 say "that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[f] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life"
Read: Whidden chapter 7; BRI "Why did Jesus Die? How God Saves Us by George Reid and Romans 7.
It is very difficult for us to understand just exactly what Christ gave up when He died on the cross. To believe as some that Christ's death on the cross was simply to show us the Love of God is an insult to Jesus and to God.
The very fact that God's justice had to be met and that the only way for it truly happen was for God to take the punishment we deserve upon Himself is an awesome thought. Also that because Christ was willing to do so His relationship with the Father would be forever changed. It is difficult for us to imagine.
Analysis of the Doctrine of Universal "Legal" Justification
Larry J. Kane
Jesus death on the cross brought redemption and opportunity of salvation to the whole world, isn’t mean that everybody is already save by universal salvation, but an open door for anyone who accept God’s plan of salvation. The Bible says “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:17, so God interest for the lost is stated very clear in His word. Jesus death and resurrection open the gates of grace and this abundant grace is made available to anyone. On the other hand, I understand that salvation is up to God, His is the originator of salvation and it is a gift of grace to the sinner, as Paul declares, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8; so we cannot own salvation by any means, because we are evil, with sinful nature and is God who initiated the search for us
Read: Whidden Chapter 8; BRI "Some Thoughts on Original Sin" and Romans 8.
To me our thoughts or discussions on exactly what the original sin is (if there is such a thing --according to the author-- there is debate) helps us to understand the nature of Christ.
For myself I believe that Christ came with all the effects of a fallen physical nature (human) but that His spiritual nature was fully pre-fall (divine). Some would argue, as Whidden states, that Christ would not be able to identify with us if that were the case.
I have never had a drink of alchol, does that mean that I cannot minister to an alcholic? That would lead a pastor to feel that to effectively minister to all different people that he should try all of these various things, alchol, drugs, lying, stealing, etc. Then and only then could he help people struggle with those issues. That is ridiculous.
Like Whidden says, Jesus had the temptation of using His divinity in defense against the devil a temptation that you and I never had nor will we ever.
We as Christians should realize that we are far from the true understand of sin. Ellen G. White said: "We must remember that our hearts are naturally depraved and we are unable of ourselves to pursue a right course" (IHP 163). In her understanding she is not promoting "totally depravity" but "original sin" given to us from Adam. What I understand is that, yes we are born with a natural tendency to sin but we still have the opportunity to accept the salvation given to us by God, that would be consider "free will", but at the same time have a choice to deny God's salvation. Sin does not take away my will to accept Jesus or not. Guilt is what we have received from our first father but this is not an excuse to continue sinning.
Read Whidden chapter 9; Salvation by Faith (sermon by Jan Paulson) and Romans 9.
Romans 9 has always been an interesting chapter. I remember trying to explain to one of my members that in verse 17 and 18 when refering to the hardening of Pharoah's heart that God did not indeed harden Pharoah's heart.
God gave Pharoah the opportunity to confess faith in God throughout the ten plagues. Each time Pharoah refused to acknowledge God as rightful ruler, Pharoah himself hardened his own heart by rejecting the Holy Spirit. By a surface reading of Romans 9 it can appear that God chooses who will be saved and who will be lost. However we see in the very first verses of chapter 9 where Paul acknowledges that many Israelites had turned away from God even though as a Nation they had been choosen as God's special people. Therefore we see the freedom of choice even within God's special election.
the apostle Paul says, that we are justified by faith “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Rom 5:1. It seems to me also that we have to do something, in order to please God and that is the exercise of faith, it has a place in the plan of salvation and it cannot be ignore. If faith was not necessary in order to be saved, then the concept of universal salvation can take place and the entire world can inherit the eternal life. However Jesus talks about separation between the saved and the lost, so there is a remarkable difference in who believes and who doesn’t. on the article I found this quote that is very intesting. "When God pardons the sinner, remits the punishment he deserves, and treats him as though he had not sinned, He receives him into divine favor, and justifies him through the merits of Christ's righteousness. The sinner can be justified only through faith in the atonement made through God's dear Son. . . . No one can be justified by any works of his own. He can be delivered from the guilt of sin, from the condemnation of the law, from the penalty of transgression, only by virtue of the suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ. Faith is the only condition upon which justification can be obtained, and faith includes not only belief but trust." (Selected Messages, Book 1, p. 389)
Regarding salvation Jesus said in John 3:18 “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.” Faith plays an essential part on how salvation is received. The way that I think these concepts come together, is that God in His immense power and infinite love, gave us the gift of salvation, in exchange of our faith, we respond with gratitude and accept by faith His merciful grace. However, we can chose not to belief and God’s power and love do not force us to belief. This is a personal decision in which God and humans being come into a relationship and both work together through the process of sanctification.
I have a question, Romans 10 verse 13 says "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? and How can they believe in the one of whom they have not herd? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news?"
What about those throughout the history of the world who have not heard the message of God? How does this relate to what Paul says in Romans 2:14?
Read Whidden chapter 11; BRI "The Dynamics of Salvation"; Romans 11.
The article, "Dyamics of Salvation" I thought was one of the best of the BRI articles that we had to read. It presented salvation in a clear and straightforward manner.
Whidden's chapter on the 1888 conference gave some history and explaination of the issues involved that I found helpful. The explanation on Ellen White's view on justification by faith both prior and after 1888 were insightful.
I like the way Paul’s ends the epistle to the Romans in that he was very specific and personal in his greetings and thanks to fellow believers. In Romans 16:20 Paul writes “And the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you”. (NAS) In light of all that Paul has admonish in the book of Romans he is now telling the believers that the ultimate goal of salvation will soon be fulfilled, for God will soon crushed Satan. Although we have already been saved in Christ we are not yet saved because we are still living under sinfull conditions. Seems as if the whole salvation process is not complete until satan if filally crushed. However in the mean time one needs to avoid those who will seek to destroy our faith in Jesus and the same time we should give attention to those who seek to encourage our faith in Jesus Christ. Whidden: I appreciate what whidden points out about Ellen white’s openness in her struggle with the whole concept of justification and perfection as they relate to salvation. It is note-worthy that in her struggle with the issues Ellen White stayed with the scripture. If Ellen White who receives instruction from God in vision seeks to be in sync with scripture should we do the same?
With all the information that I have received this semester the difficult part is putting it together without having fully digested it. But here goes: How divine sovereignty and human freedom are related in the Biblical doctrine of salvation. From the Bible we have texts that present salvation as having to do with God’s initiative, work, grace, love, etc and we also have texts that present salvation as having to do with humanities initiative, work, faith, etc. The question is how are these related and work together? If God had not provided a way of salvation for us, it would not matter what we did to receive salvation, even if we had faith (if that was possible) we would not be able to be saved. But since God did provide a way for salvation we have the opportunity to be saved, even though not all will be saved. To me the objective side of salvation lies with God providing the way for salvation, we cannot save ourselves so we need God to provide salvation apart from anything we do because what we do does not matter if God did not provide a way for salvation. But because God did provide a way for salvation what we do does matter, although what we do has nothing to do with God providing that salvation for us, this was something God did for us out of all the great things He was, is, and will be. In other words there are conditions that we meet for the salvation that God has provided by His grace (the subjective part of salvation). These conditions are part of a process of salvation that God works in us. Until Christ comes again and makes us perfect we will at no time in the process of salvation be perfect before Christ comes again. But that does not mean that we are not saved while in the process of being saved because Christ saved all who are in the process of salvation and we are all in different places in our walk with Christ/the process of salvation (?). The class presentation on Romans 5 helped explain the human divine relationship in salvation. What I understand from the class about chapter 5 is that we have a part to play in salvation (subjective) and this is presented at the beginning of chapter 5 and as the chapter goes on it presents the part that God plays in salvation (objective) without discrediting the part that we play. Both are important, but we must remember that what we do does not merit the salvation that is available but it is in response to what God has provided for those who are willing to fulfill the conditions. But that does not mean that we have a checklist that we must complete to receive this salvation because God has already provided it. This is still hard to put into words I think the best I can do right now is to say that salvation is a process and we have an opportunity to participate in the process of salvation but at no time during the process of salvation are we not saved if we don’t complete the process here on earth because Christ has died to save all of those that are anywhere in the process of salvation whether they are at the beginning, middle, or end. What is important is to be in the process of salvation and accept what God has done, is doing, and will do for us.
Since the deadline is past, I will just note that I read, BRI articles, "Justification in Romans 3:21-24", "Some Theological Considerations of Perfection" and "Christ Saved the Human Race"; Also Whidden chapter 12; and Romans 12-16;
Since this is my last posting and I don't know if anyone will read this I will share some of my overall views about this class.
I guess you could say that my background is rather unique to this topic in this sense. When I was 11 years old I went to spend the weekend with my mother, sister and step-father at one of his friend's house. It ended up being the home of Robert Wieland (the same one that Whidden mentions on page 89). My step-father and Robert Wieland's son were roommates in college and so my step-father had become quite good friends with his roommates parents. Now granted at the time I had no idea who Robert Wieland was. I especially had no idea that he was at odds with the church leadership over "1888" (I also had no idea what that was either). Through the years I have been given multiple books from my step-father written by Robert Wieland. I still have not read them as school as a way of providing its own reading material.
Fast forward to the summer of 1994 at the Chesapeake campmeeting in Hagerstown, Maryland. I was busy working in the earliteen department during campmeeting so I was unable to go to the adult meetings. My mother however bought a series of tapes of the evening speaker who happened to be Jack Sequira. She sent the tapes with me that August when I went as a student missionary to the Marshall Islands. I was on what they call an "outer island." In other words it was just 3 student missionaries living in a one room plywood house, teaching elementary school. There was no running water, no electricity, and also no Adventist church. I did however have a tapeplayer that ran on batteries. Craving for anyone who spoke English other than us we listened to those tapes of Jack Sequira over and over that year. It was during that year listening to those tapes that I felt like I understood the gospel for the first time in my life. It was the first time that I began to see the sacrifice that Christ did for me on the cross. Another big impact on me was reading through the Desire of Ages again.
When I became a pastor, one of my dreams was to one day have Jack Sequira do a week of prayer at my church. That dream became a reality in the fall of 2003. For almost a week Jack Sequira stayed at our house and held meetings in the evening at the church and did worships at our school. He even cooked for us (the hotest curry I have ever had in my life!).
I was suprised when I came to Andrews last year and heard some people making comments (from students not teachers)about Jack Sequira and that what he was teaching wasn't biblical. This was new to me, I had never heard him say anything that wasn't biblical to me. I even had a friend of mine say that after hearing Jack Sequira that he thought it was okay for pre-marital relationships. I was shocked, I never got that impression at all. I never got the idea from Sequira that because of grace that we are able to do whatever we want to. I began to question whether I had missed something seriously wrong. I began to ask myself if Sequira was saying something that I had missed.
This brings me to this class. All semester we have heard about the disagreement between the BRI and the 1888 committee. During that time we have read articles from the BRI and how Angel Rodriguez puts the BRI position quite bluntly, but we never read anything from the other point of view. We have only looked at the 1888 committee through the eyes of the BRI.
For me, this class has showed me more than anything that our church is divided on the issue of salvation, which I think is sad. For myself I'm not willing to say one side is right and the other side is wrong. Obviously, there is alot more studying that I need to do. So I appreciate the eye opener. Yet, at the same time if we are going to spend so much time focusing on an apparent disagreement within our church on such a critical issue as salvation wouldn't make since to look at both sides without looking at one side only through the eyes of the opponent? And then weigh it against scripture to see what is correct. I guess this is where I felt frustrated with this assignment and I let it slide till the very end, which will impact my grade negatively. That's not an excuse, just reality. After awhile I had a really hard time commenting on the BRI articles because they started to all say the same just at different pitches. Anyway, I'll stop now. If anyone does read this--we can enjoy that God makes the ultimate decision and I look forward to being in heaven with both sides and being able to study it through eternity and being able to ask God Himself how it all works--this great mystery of salvation.
Even after this class Paul is still very challenging to me with some of his comments. Some verses are the most strong and beautiful in the Bible, other ones are quite a challenge to me. I am still wanting to not just take the 'challenging ones', meaning the ones I don't agree with, and find some logical loop hole. Specifically, I don't want to miss read him if he suggests predestination, but since I don't believe in predestination, to explain it away like some others do with the Sabbath (and I've heard some very logical, well though out arguments against the Sabbath, the only problem is that is not what the text is saying.) Still here Romans 9, in the context of Essau and Pharaoh, I'm not sure those stories really support predestination to Hell. First, are we sure that Essau will not be saved? Second, I looked into Pharaoh hardening his heart, and the text says Pharaoh hardened his own heart 7 times, where God only hardened it 4 times (these 4 times being after Pharaoh hardened his heart several times). Also, in vs 22, the famous 'prepared for destruction' starts with "WHAT IF...", and seems to say that even IF God did that, we would have no right to judge Him. You tell me if this is sticking to the text or if I'm working out logical loop holes to support my present Theology. It just seems that if we look closer and study a bit we don't need to arrive a deterministic conclusions. I await your feedback.
I know in this class there were many times when my head started to spin over the complexity of Salvation. There are so many angles and issues to relate to each other and it got very abstract at times as we 'wrestled with a bigger model.' Rm 5 and 9 stand out to me as discussions that got me spinning a little. However, look at Romans 10, how simple it spells out Salvation for us! "If you confess... believe.. you will be saved" vs 9 and "whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" vs 13! It's good to dig into the 'deep things', but it is also incredibly refreshing to come back up the surface of the simplicity of the good news. Salvation is simple, salvation is free!
Something we have had to grapple with alot in DOS is the grappling with seemingly opposite ideas and making room for both of them so long as they were Biblical. With regard to the 'grafting in' and 'grafting out' of branches, I love vs 22 that states "behold then the kindness AND severity of God..." It reminds of the Chronicles of Narnia where Aslan is good but terrible at the same time. I remember reading the MSG translation of Romans and it jumped out at me how Eugene Peterson worded it: "God is kind, but He is not soft." I think as we continue to minister in our churches as leaders, we have to find that balance of courage to make the right, and sometimes tough calls, and the kindness to make sure we are redemptive and grace filled at the same time. If that challenge doesn't drive you to your knees, I don't know what will.
The conclusion to Romans for me is a very blessedly un-circular section of a book that is very challenging to understand. The phrase 'obedience of faith' seems to be an awesome way to summarize much of what is drawn out in earlier chapters. Paul repeatedly states that we are not saved by works, yet there is clear indications that the law and works still matter to Paul. Paul calls it a mystery, and to be honest, I kind of wish he had been less mysterious in his earlier descriptions. Of course, if the Bible were completely simple to understand, then perhaps we would mistake God to be completely simple to understand, that would be very misleading! That phrase of 'obedience of faith' is one thing from this class that for will will serve as a great hermeneutic to understand earlier complex arguments of Paul.
Well, have a great Christmas break all, and remember "the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet." v20.
It is necessary for the purpose of this essay to define what is meant by divine sovereignty and human freedom. I see “divine sovereignty” as meaning God’s absolute power to do whatever he pleases, except contradict Himself. In other words, as the bible plainly states, “God cannot lie.”(Titus 1:2) Whatever he does is therefore righteous and good for he cannot do evil. “Human freedom” is a gift given to man by God whereby he can choose between two options: obey God or refuse to obey. With these definitions in mind we can then proceed to evaluate what the bible teaches on this subject. The big question that we are immediately faced with is how can we have a model of salvation that emphasizes God’s action while maintaining man’s moral consciousness and ability to choose? To emphasize God’s action seems to take away man’s freedom and to emphasize man’s freedom seems to exclude all divine co-operation. The entire bible is replete with text that calls on man to choose whom he will serve. (e.g. Joshua 24:15; Romans 10:1) On the other hand, there are several other passages that seem to indicate that postlapsarian man, unaided by the Holy Spirit, is not able to choose righteousness. (Jeremiah 13:23; Isaiah 65:1; Romans 8:7,8; Matthew 12:34) So it follows that if man’s will has been so damaged by sin that he cannot even choose to serve God (Romans 2:4), then how can man be saved? To make God wholly responsible for mans’ salvation is to remove human will and place God in a deterministic role which the scriptures do not support. At the same time, man is helpless to even seek God but naturally runs away from God instead. Paul tells us that the Jews who sought after righteousness according to the law did not find it, where as the gentiles who didn’t, attained it. (Romans 9:30) This would indicate that, left to himself, man will always choose to disobey God. The bible doesn’t address the issue of “free will” directly and we can only deduce this from the moral obligation placed upon man to do right. But if we can assume that a part of the idea of man being made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) would include the ability to choose, then Genesis 9:6 indicates than even fallen man is still in the image of God and has free will. Other texts infused with a similar idea are: “He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end” (Ecclesiastes 3:11), and “That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world”. (John 1:9, italics mines) A very difficult passage in Paul is Romans 9:14-23 which makes God appear arbitrary in choosing Jacob over Esau and Moses over Pharaoh. Paul was conscious of this conclusion because he asks, “Why does he still find fault?” (9:19) But on closer examination Paul reverses the table by showing that the Gentiles who were not originally chosen became the chosen, whereas the Jews were rejected. Paul is definitely not arguing for predestination here but shows the mercy of God in “choosing” the undeserving (Jews)—i.e. his grace (undeserved favor). The bible is as strong on the fact that “all” are unrighteousness (Genesis 6:5; 8:21; Psalms 14:2-3; 2 Chronicles 6:36; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Isaiah 64:6; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:9-10.23; 6:23; Ephesians 2:1-3) as on the fact that salvation is available to “all” and “whosoever”, but it requires a human response ( John 3:16; 2 Peter 3:9, John 12:32, John 3:18,19). This would indicate that the provision for man’s salvation has been made but man must also, through the aid of the Holy Spirit, reach out in faith and grasp the divine hand. God is always pictured in the Bible as wooing man, standing at the door and knocking, pleading, calling, warning, loving and striving, but never as coercing or forcing human decisions. Coercion is the method of an opposite kingdom—that of Satan. Instead of forcing man’s will, Jesus becomes a servant instead, exchanging power for a place of humility and condescension. (Philippians 2:6-8) In fact, God respects human choice so much that he preferred to offer his Son as a sacrifice rather than violate human freedom. Of course this characteristic of God is self-imposed because he has no higher power to be accountable to above his own moral government based on love. But here is a Lover who respects the ‘rights’ of the object of his affection choice to say, “No.” What amazing love!
Whidden chapter 9; BRI—Justification and the Cross; Eric Ollila
Whidden chap. 9: This chapter emphasized a great point, namely that “it is both [Christ’s] life and death that justify the penitent believer.” Pg 77. It truly is Christ’s merits that make our obedience acceptable. This is powerful when struggling with temptation. Meditating upon Christ’s pure and spotless life and by faith grasping that pure life as standing in my place before the Father has been a tremendous comfort. Picturing the Father looking at me and only seeing Jesus’ spotless character in my stead is a precious thought. On the same token, it is also very encouraging to think of Christ’s victory as our victory as well. This truth has given me strength to resist many a temptation when it seemed like it was going to be overwhelming, contemplating Jesus in the wilderness resisting the enemy’s suggestion to feed Himself after starving for so long. But, Christ resisted and He clung to the promises. Receiving that victory as my victory when I am in the middle of being tempted to do something wrong, has given me the strength to resist.
BRI—Justification and the Cross
Dr. Rodriguez makes an interesting point when he says that “the idea that every human being was in Adam when he sinned is totally foreign to the passage under consideration. To argue that when Adam sinned we all sinned because we were in him is to introduce in the Bible a wrong understanding of human nature.”
This is an interesting point to me, because I have often wondered about the teaching that says every human was in Adam when he sinned. The way I have heard it expressed almost makes it seem like in Adam all sinned. It almost seems to suggest that we indeed are responsible for the sin that Adam committed. But, that is not true. We are not responsible for Adam’s sin. God told Moses this when he wanted to be blotted out of the book of life for the sins of his people Israel. God told him “whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book. (Ex. 32:32). Each individual person is responsible for their own sins.
However, with this said, there seems to be a certain truth about the idea that in Adam, all of his offspring were in him as well, like the trees in the acorn. But, I am just not sure how far do you take that concept?
The reason I say this is because all of the human race is “in” Christ in a certain sense. It is a very real sense as well, because the Bible says “in Him all things consist.” Colossians. But at the same time, we are not “in Him” so much that it nullifies the need for excercising faith in Him in order to receive what He has done for us. So, it seems when dealing with Adam and us being in him, there could be a certain sense in which we are all “in him” as well, but it is not so far that we could actually be held responsible for his sin. We have experienced the results of his sin and the consequences of them, but we have not “committed his sin.”
“Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” The question of how divine sovereignty and human freedom are related is a question that tends to be difficult for the human mind to grasp, especially since we are sinful. The very nature of sin is to tie us up, to bind us and to bring us into bondage. “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” And again “…for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.” Our opening text seems to suggest that wherever God is not, liberty or freedom is lacking, but where God is, that is indeed where liberty can be found. So, when we ask the question of how divine Sovereignty and human freedom are related in Salvation, we can say that without the divine Sovereignty of God there could be no human freedom. Human freedom is utterly dependant upon God and because God is sovereign, and that is what God must be, you cannot have human freedom without God’s sovereignty.
So, what is liberty? Read Galatians 5. First, it would be well to explain that when Paul in Galatians refers to being “under the law” he is talking about being under the condemnation of the Law. To illustrate, suppose the posted speed limit in a residential area is posted at 35 miles per hour. One day, coming home from work, you are in a hurry to see your family so you drive 45 miles per hour. When the police man pulls you over and gives you a ticket, you are under the law. However, given the same scenario, but this time you did not drive 45 miles per hour, but you drove 35 miles per hour and not one minutia over, you are not under the law. The law does not condemn you. This is what it means when Paul is saying “you are not under the law” if you are led by the Spirit. Why? Because, when you are led by the Spirit you are in harmony with the law. There is no law against love, joy, peace, self control, etc. There is only a law against adultery, fornication, wrath, envy, etc. Thus when you commit adultery, you are under the law, but when you walk in the Spirit and produce love, joy, peace, etc you are not under the law. With this in mind, we turn back to liberty. Liberty is living in the Spirit. Liberty is being enabled by the Spirit to walk in the Law of Liberty—in other words it is obeying the law. It is living in the Spirit to such a degree that you do not obey the lusts of the flesh. You are not controlled by sin. Liberty is not yielding to sin, but yielding to righteousness. As the Psalmist declared “I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.” If liberty exists where the Spirit is (for where the Spirit is, there is liberty), and if while walking in the Spirit one does not fulfill the desires of the flesh, and the things of the flesh are things like adultery, fornication, uncleanness…wrath, strife…envyings, murders…and such like, then it is logical to conclude that any person who does not have the Spirit is not experiencing liberty. Thus to answer the question as to how does God’s sovereignty and human freedom relate to each other in Salvation, we have to conclude that humanity does not have freedom apart from God. Apart from God, humanity is brought into slavery to self and sin and ultimately the devil. Salvation then cannot be fulfilled in the life of a person who is not willing to walk in the Spirit. That person chooses to remain in bondage to sin. Therefore, that person does not have liberty.
Whidden chapter 10 & BRI “While we cannot claim perfection of the flesh, we may have Christian perfection of the soul. Through the sacrifice made in our behalf, sins may be perfectly forgiven.” 2 SM 32.
It amazes me how many different kinds of false teachings have been presented in the history of Christianity. This chapter, really got me thinking about things such as AT Jones and EJ Waggoner and Kellogg. The fact that these men, who were used by God is such mighty ways, all went astray is a sobering thought. What I have taken from this chapter is the need to stay close to God and to seek the balance. Naturally, we all tend to be unbalanced in some way or another. But, if we stick close to the Lord, we can stay balanced.
The quote that was given regarding obtaining “Christian perfection of the soul.” This has to be one of the most encouraging thoughts that I can think of for sinners. The mere fact that we are not stuck where we are at, that through Christ we can indeed have pure and holy hearts is exciting.
BRI-Some Theological Considerations of Perfection Edward Heppenstall
This article by Edward Heppenstall has left me sort of puzzled. It would probably do well for me to read it a couple more times just to be sure I am understanding what he is trying to say, but because of time, what I understand him to be saying is that there is no such thing as reaching “sinlessness” on this planet. He does admit that we can become mature Christians, but he claims that we cannot become sinless. This is what I have gotten from this article.
If this is really what he is saying, if I have correctly understood him, then I have major problems with what he is proposing. From here all I will do is quote from Scripture and from the writings of Ellen White quotes that give me reasons to question Mr. Heppenstall’s position.
If we cannot overcome sin on this planet, then what do we do with the following passages???
“Through faith in Christ, every deficiency of character may be supplied, every defilement cleansed, every fault corrected, every excellence developed, ye are complete in Him.” Education, pg 257.
“Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11
“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.” Matt. 5:48
Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creation, old things are passed away, behold all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
“Perfection of character is based upon that which Christ is to us. If we have constant dependence on the merits of our Saviour, and walk in His footsteps, we shall be like Him, pure and undefiled. {AG 230.3} Our Saviour does not require impossibilities of any soul. He expects nothing of His disciples that He is not willing to give them grace and strength to perform. He would not call upon them to be perfect if He had not at His command every perfection of grace to bestow on the ones upon whom He would confer so high and holy a privilege. . . . {AG 230.4} Our work is to strive to attain in our sphere of action the perfection that Christ in His life on the earth attained in every phase of character. He is our example. In all things we are to strive to honor God in character. . . . We are to be wholly dependent on the power that He has promised to give us. {AG 230.5} Jesus revealed no qualities, and exercised no powers, that men may not have through faith in Him. His perfect humanity is that which all His followers may possess, if they will be in subjection to God as He was. {AG 230.6} Our Saviour is a Saviour for the perfection of the whole man. He is not the God of part of the being only. The grace of Christ works to the disciplining of the whole human fabric. He made all. He has redeemed all. He has made the mind, the strength, the body as well as the soul, partaker of the divine nature, and all is His purchased possession. He must be served with the whole mind, heart, soul, and strength. Then the Lord will be glorified in His saints in even the common, temporal things with which they are connected. "Holiness unto the Lord" will be in the inscription placed upon them. {AG 230.7}
Gal. 5:16 through Gal. 5:26 (KJV) 16This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
1 John 3:2 through 1 John 3:10 (KJV) 2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. 4Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 5And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 6Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. 7Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 10In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. I don’t think there is any need to try to explain any of these passages. They are all clear in and of themselves. And to be frank, they go contrary to Mr. Heppenstalls proposal on perfection.
Whidden Chapter 15—Perfection and Closing events This chapter was better than the one I read from the BRI. However, it has created more questions in my mind than anything.
In the chapter Whidden tries to point out two different schools of interpretation on perfection, especially during the time of trouble. After reading these articles on perfection, I am challenged to study the issue deeper.
It seems to me that there are two ditches that people are falling into around this subject of perfection. Some become so legalistic about it that they turn perfectionism into some sort of a grotesque monster. They are constantly picking at this and that going around claiming perfection when they are the most enslaved people you will ever meet. The other ditch is sort of a casual ditch. It doesn’t really stir you up at all when you consider it. It is almost like reading something that puts you to sleep. It seems to say “So you have sins? Great, so does everyone else and God is a big daddy who will dab your sinfulness away, but don’t worry, because He doesn’t require you to stop sinning, he just requires you to become mature.
I am not going to say that Whidden has fallen into either one of those ditches, because I cannot honestly show if he has or not. I do know that I have some questions that need to be answered through my own study of Scripture and the writings of Ellen White. I am not satisfied with Whidden’s synopsis of Ellen Whites teachings on the subject. It seems like something is missing.
I need to search more on this subject. So, that is one good thing about this chapter.
What wondrous love and freedom we have in God! It is wonderful to note that as children of the King we are free moral beings, and not mere automatons. God has created us so that even in eternity we will still have this freedom. This freedom however will be employed in total commitment to God for "affliction shall not rise a second time"(Nah.1:9). As immortal beings we shall not desire to sin, for we would have had 6000 years as sufficient evidence of the wickedness of sin and the righteousness of God. Man will determine by the power of Christ never to sin again. We will experience the fullest expression of God’s love and sovereignty (Dan 4:35; Rev 4:11; Prov.21:1).
This sovereignty is not arbitrary, for God values our freedom. This is evidenced by the fact that we are all innately wired with the power to choose. This freedom to choose is very vital to God, who, even though sovereign, does not impose his will upon his children for he values their willing obedience much more. God values the inherent integrity of significant human freedom, that he will not force his created moral agents to perform actions that they do not freely desire to perform or manipulate the natural environment in such a way that their freedom of choice is destroyed. This is the God whom we have come to love and serve. He is one who is sovereign yet considerate. In His sovereignty, God has predestined that all men “be conformed to the image of His son (Rom.8:29,30), to be adopted as children ,and to obtain an inheritance ( Eph.1:4,5,11, 12). Our subjective response to this offering will indicate whether or not we will be truly conformed to his will. So we have a role to play in the plan of salvation. Our decision matters and it has eternal significance. May we all respond to this great gift offered to us by the sovereign God, and be change from glory to glory.
Week 13 Reflections Romans 13 EGW = Justification After Minneapolis —Maintaining Gospel Balance BRI = Some Theological Considerations of Perfection - Edward Heppenstall
Paul in chapter 13 discusses the sovereignty of God and the ministry of those whom he appoints to be leaders in our community (faith and society). That submission to their leadership is like how he applies his teaching of submission both to God and authorities. Here he presents a balance between decision and action. The results are always for the good of those who keeps balance. Obedience and submission met face to face. Ellen White's understanding of justification by faith was quite fully expressed by 1888, further developments were made manifest towards its maturity in the following years. At times her ideas seemed conflicting to each other but if taken from her understanding of justification by faith in Jesus, she’s just trying to make a balanced presentation of the relationship of justification and sanctification (obedience). The late 1890s and the first three years of the new century witnessed a greater emphasis on the importance of obedience in relationship to justification. It was this expression that presented the most puzzling statements in Ellen White's literature on justification. In a birds eye view I perceived that she’s now moving to the next level of salvation experience, which is towards the restoration of God’s image in man through daily manifestation of Christ in life.
Heppenstall hinted on the importance of growth in the Christian life as he said: “…the purpose of God in the life is spiritual maturity under all circumstances. Christ gave Himself to save us, the Holy Spirit to live in the believer that he might rise and grow to this Christian maturity.” This maturity is progressive as he believes that sanctification is a work of a lifetime. He pointed out that there is always a level higher than us in our walk with Christ. Using the terms teleios and katartizo he implies that both are the works of God in our lives for our perfection. In terms of the close of probation there is a personal and corporate decision factor, and since its our relationship with Jesus that would assure us of salvation, the fear of the close of probation should not hinder us but rather motivate us to move forward to God’s goal in our lives, an ever growing faith and trust in Him. This growing faith is our only surety of overcoming at the appointed time of trouble. Knowing the Scriptures by heart will sustain such growing faith in God.
Week 14 Reflection Romans 14 – EGW - Perfection Before 1888 BRI – Some thoughts on Original Sin – Gerald Pfandl, Ph.D
In chapter 14 Paul continued his message on the importance of submission wherein being judgmental needs no place within the community of believers. What is important for him is to remain in the Lord and do all things for his glory. Let us leave the work of judging to God who knows the contents of everyone’s heart, mind and soul. The last verses on this chapter makes a good summary of what he’s trying to say to wit: Romans 14:19-23 “19 Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. 21 It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. 22 Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. 23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.”
For Ellen White, perfection was just about synonymous with sanctification. For her this is the goal of sanctification. In her thought justification and sanctification need to be distinguished, but not separated. The same goes for sanctification and perfection. She defined perfection as seemingly absolute and attainable in this life by penitent sinners through Jesus' example and grace. But there were distinguishing and qualifying characteristics in her understanding of perfection! One needs to have a full surrender of the will to God, an active effort as required in obedience of the laws of God, manifest the dynamic fruits of sanctification, an attitude of progressive, ever growing perfection , maintain a balance of faith and obedience, watchfulness on the tendencies to sin, and not equate feelings and impressions as to define perfection and specially believers should manifest unity, humility and patience.
Dr. Gerald Pfandl in his 22 page study on the “Original Sin” concluded that unlike the teaching of the original proponents, we were born with a sinful nature with a bent to commit or make sins but by God’s grace we can overcome. In this body with its sinful nature we shall remain until Jesus comes and makes all things new. We, on the other hand have not inherited the guilt of Adam but the tendencies to commit sin thereby necessitating that we all need a saviour as Jesus said: ”...no one can come to the Father but by Me.” For Adventist, sin is a separation from God so the antidote for sin is having a close relationship with God made possible through the reading and hearing of the Word and the ministration of the Holy Spirit in one’s life.
Week 15 Reflections Romans 15 - EGW - Perfection and Closing Events BRI - Why Did Jesus Die? How God Saves Us - George W. Reid
As Paul continued to admonish those in the faith he remained persistent on the idea not being judgmental but loving and helpful in that those within the faith community “who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.” For him this is what’s pleasing in the sight of the Lord for He also did the same while He was on earth.
Ellen White in preparing for the coming of the Lord never used “fear” as a motivating factor but she understood the "shortness of time" as a legitimate motivation for believers to perfect characters that would stand the scrutiny of the pre-Advent judgment, the rigors of the time of trouble, and the awesome presence of Jesus at His appearing. In the process of developing her theology on salvation she used the doctrine of “Investigative Judgment” as a spring board to present the importance of justification and sanctification which would prepare them for the fast approaching day of the time of Jacob’s trouble. At that time we shall be standing before God without a Mediator in Jesus but the perfect work He has done in our lives, presented as a “spot-free” white robe of his righteousness. The purpose of which was to “lead the people of God to renounce Satan and his temptations. . . . The last conflict will reveal Satan to them in his true character, that of a cruel tyrant, and it will do for them what nothing else could do, uproot him entirely from their affections" (RH, Aug. 12, 1884; OHC 321). Reid in his article pointed out that “it was our God who initiated our rescue, who reached out to us.” He further discussed that “in Christ our sin was judged and condemned. God's righteous nature remains intact and its violation dispatched. While we stood like wide-eyed children, He reconciled us, now to shower the benefits upon us who accept Him in faith.” To be reconciled is the first step, to live with God is the process of obtaining the goal of restoring “the lost image of God” in our lives.
Week 16 Reflection Romans 16 EGW - Perfection After 1888
The parting words of Paul is given to urge the faithful believers to guard the purity of the truth they have received. As he said in v. 17- 20 : “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. 19 For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. 20 And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Unity and not division is the fruit of righteousness found among those born in the Lord Jesus through the Holy Spirit. I was glad that Paul ended his theology in unity for that’s what’s God all about as they are ONE in heaven. I pray that this would be the real picture of our church at present.
Ellen White as she continues to explore perfection as achieving God’s highest standard not by our own works but the heart work of Jesus in our lives through the ministering of the Holy Spirit who is the means of achieving such goal. The author further emphasized that “the judgment and the close of probation are proper motivators for character perfection, but extremists who wanted to go beyond character perfection into nature perfection were sharply rebuked. It is quite apparent that Ellen White did not want the perfectionistic implications of the judgment and the close of probation developed any further than she had taken them in The Great Controversy. The delicate balance between justification and sanctification was a constant given throughout her entire ministry, but her teaching, with its ongoing emphasis on character transformation, is most aptly summed up as "the persistent path to perfection." Even during the period of her greatest accent on objective justification, such emphasis was always the stepping-stone to the ultimate prize—the reflection of the perfect character of Jesus in Christian experience.
Justification: Christ's life and death must be accounted to believers all the way, not just at the beginning of Christian experience. In other words, justification is always concurrent with sanctification. Justification is defined as God's act in declaring penitents to be free from condemnation with which they are enable to live a life like Christ, fully acceptable before God in full submission to do his will and obey his commandments.
Perfection: Perfection is a progressive work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer who lives a reckoned life in the blood of Jesus, who sees his dynamic growth in faith as relative perfection, deciding to live life in loving obedience and no willful sinning in preparation for the sealing which becomes our surety of victory in the time of trouble, found sinless clothed in the righteousness of Christ before the Father and constantly growing progressively by the grace of God, daily. That while we are still in this body of sin, Christ will perfectly recreate us anew when he comes again.
In this article, Angel Rodriguez tackles the issue of the relationship between Adam and the rest of humanity in the writings of EG White. The thing that interests me is that it is not written as a theology article, but as a polemic against another position. Although he seems to go to some effort to disguise the nature of the article, he clearly has a score to settle. The major issue addressed is the “in-Adam” motif championed by some in the 1888 Study Committee camp. He emphasizes that Adam passed on sin, not because every human was physically present and sinning with him, but because he could not pass on a human nature that he doesn’t possess. Although I haven’t read deeply into the 1888 “in-adam” motif, but based on Rodriguez’s caricature of it, I cannot understand how the it can be supported. It seems to me that in order for all to be present in Adam, there would have to be some kind of metaphysical phenomenon that takes place, which could possibly conflict with other beliefs. I acknowledge that reading about this doctrinal understanding from the other side would make it sound at least a bit more plausible, but Rodriguez sets it up as a highly unbelievable idea. There is one quote from this article that really challenged my thinking. “Through Christ human freedom was preserved allowing human beings to exercise their God-given power of choice.” This idea that one of Christ’s objectives as our Savior was to protect our freedom of choice is an interesting one. As I have done evangelism, I’ve felt compelled to give an interest a hard-sell on an aspect of truth. But by hard-selling what I have to offer, am I wresting their freedom of choice from them? How do I respect the freedom of choice, yet help people understand the importance of our message?
Christ Saved the Human Race by Ángel Manuel Rodríguez
The more articles I read on the issues of salvation, the more I stand with Dr. Hanna on the fact that we need to expand our perspective to develop a larger model of what salvation is all about. This is a well-thought-out article by Rodriguez that illuminates the statement that Jesus saved the world at the cross. I agree on his major point that we can’t say that legal justification happened at the cross, although it seems that he is so bent on proving that point that he doesn’t give full credit to what Christ did do at the cross. I realize that this is not the intent of Rodriguez or BRI, since there are other articles that exalt Christ’s work on the cross, the nature of this article makes it appear as if Rodriguez wants to minimize the work of Christ so as to avoid the idea of legal justification. I don’t claim to know the solution to the debate, but I weary of the back-and-forth in which both sides have some important things to contribute to the discussion.
Justification by Faith and Judgment According to Works by Ivan T. Blazen
This article has opened my eyes and helped me to bring balance to the ideas stated in the title. I have grown out of a theological tradition that has emphasized Justification by faith to the point that it has seemed that behavior is of no concern to God. As I have looked at the fruit of that theology, I’ve struggled to find how it matched up with the truth in Scripture. Blazen brings out the beautiful counterbalance between justification by faith and judgment by works. In fact, when understood rightly, they seem like guardrails on the road of the theology, preventing anyone from going too far off the track on one side or the other. It is powerful to think that judgment by works is what keeps justification by faith from turning into cheap grace. And justification by faith keeps judgment by works from becoming legalism. In reality, the faith and works, the justification and sanctification go arm in arm as the Christian grows. This would seem to argue against the idea that justification and sanctification come at different times. Instead, it would seem that justification and sanctification progress together in the life of the individual. This article and perspective have really helped me establish my thinking more clearly.
There are a number of things that impress me about Ellen White’s treatment of salvation. First, she seemed to have an amazingly balanced view of what salvation meant. Secondly, she was careful to emphasize that which people need to hear in the time. Whidden’s statement that 45% of all of her writings on justification were penned between 1888 and 1892 is telling. It isn’t that she didn’t believe in justification before or after that, but it was critical that the doctrine be clarified and sharpened at that point in time. Third, her emphasis in doctrinal development seems to be for practical good. She didn’t seem to engage in doctrinal argument simply for argument’s sake. Instead, she encouraged a process that would enrich the spiritual lives of those involved. There are a lot of things that we can draw from this. First, balance is important. Second, it is okay to emphasize one aspect of salvation or another at a given time because it is need. However, it is always important to come back to the holistic balanced view. Of course we can learn a lot from the statements of Ellen White. But I think we can learn just as much from the manner in which she engaged the doctrinal debates.
It is clear that Ellen White never separated faith and works in the experience of salvation. They were always closely related. One thing that I noticed in this chapter is that there seemed to be a lot of language that suggested that sanctification came as a response to justification. To be honest, I have to wrestle with this language a little bit. I can definitely see where those statements come from, but I also can’t help but think that they come simultaneously. Justification comes at the moment that true faith in Christ is experienced. If I were to define faith, I would suggest that true faith is believing in something enough to align your life with it. As such, sanctification would be happening the instant that faith is realized. Granted, there is no way that sinful humans can live up to the standards of God without divine intervention. But when a sinner exercises faith, Christ comes to abide in that individual and empower change. While sanctification is a process that takes a lifetime, it seems to me it would begin to happen simultaneously with justification.
In the book Ellen White on Salvation, one of the problems of the Minneapolois Conference was the law of Galatians 3: 19-25. Some of the debaters interpreted the law that Paul talked about in this text as the moral law, while others believed it to be the ceremonial law. The other issue was whether or not the fourth horn of the ten horns on the symbolic beast of Daniel 7 was the Huns or the Alemanni. It doesn’t seem to me to be spiritual for debates to arise out of those who are supposed to be presenting the Word of God to non-believers and believers alike. This in my estimation gives an incorrect view of the Spirit of God. It also seems that the Minneapolis participants missed out on deep heart searching and fastening and prayer before presenting their views at the conference. This in my estimation is not very salvific for the new believers, the onlookers or the participants, themselves. Sadly to say, many of our conferences (presidents), if not all of them, I believe do not engage in fasting and prayer before choosing someone to hire in pastoral or other positions. This seems to highlight the position that Paul had in Romans 10 when he spoke about the righteousness of the Israelites. Paul wish for them was that they would be saved. He was particularly graceful of the passion they had of God. However, there passion; hence, zeal for God was without knowledge. Because they did not fully submit themselves to the righteousness of God, they in turn established their own righteousness, deceiving themselves by thinking that it was of God. Paul moves from this incident and talks about Christ being the end of the law. Evidently, the righteousness that the Israelites established seems to be hinting on the idea that it was the way in which they interpreted the law, much like the participants of the Minneapolis Conference. Paul lets all of us know that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believes. Whether or not it’s the ceremonial law or the moral law, Christ is the end of it all. The ceremonial law pointed to Christ for the people during Moses’ time and afterwards until Christ’s crucifixion. The moral law much like the ceremonial law is kept and/or obeyed in faith. Regardless of which law it represents, it all points or pointed to Christ in which we all have salvation.
Whitten in chapter 11 of his book explains the significance and meaning of the Minneapolis Conference and 1888. Although the topics and subjects of the conference had major proponents for different views, the main undergirding issue of it all was doctrinal confusion over justification. Heartbroken about the fact, Ellen White stated “many have lost sight of Jesus. They needed to have their eyes directed to His divine person, His merits, and His changeless love for the human family” (TM, 92). Jesus never throws His people away even when they venture off course. Many times when we try to gain understanding about some Scripture or some misinterpreted or misunderstood text we make it a debate instead of a conversation. After we are not able to agree upon a certain issue, we automatically condemn those who views are different from ours to hell. It seems as if we forget that they are still God’s people also. Paul asks a question in Romans 11 “Have God cast away His people (Jews)?” After asking the question, Paul answers it “NO!” He says “I am a Jew.” The truth is that some of us will and are going to turn away from Christ but other of us are going to stay with Him come what may. Many of the believers at the Minneapolis Conference, like those of today, are truly and earnestly seeking the favor of God. My thought is that many who claim to be seeking God come with their eyes shut and their ears closed so that they do not know when God is talking to them because they have already made up their minds that their views and opinions are right and don’t want to hear anything to the contrary. I agree with Whitten that doctrinal confusion about salvation leads to a period of spiritual dryness and unintentional legalistic discouragement. Even with this, God’s salvation is still open to them but they will have repent and seek God for themselves and stop hanging on to their own righteousness. God’s people have not fallen beyond recovery. God’s purpose is to make salvation available to everyone.
In chapter 12 – Justification After Minneapolis, Whitten opens up with some new insights about Ellen White’s understanding about justification, which should help us to better understand the subject. He first starts with the topic about the relationship between faith and works, the law and gospel and with the expression that sinners are saved from sin not in sin. There are many disturbing ideas that a lot people have about faith and works, especially. I remember I belong to a church that had a member who claimed to have a lot of faith. The problem I had with her was that she kept a lot of confusion in the church. Many people claim to be something they are not or claim to have something they don’t possess. After a brief introduction of this point, Whitten goes into Christ’s merits and what it does for us. Paul in Romans 12 admonishes us to give our bodies to God as a living sacrifice. Although this maybe done with our wholeness and truthfulness of heart, Whitten brings out that it is on acceptable by Christ’s merits. When we try to do this on our own, it is nothing more than self-righteousness. Paul finishes his phrase by stating that is a very small thing to give our bodies as a living sacrifice to Him after we consider what Christ has done for us. We can only present ourselves as a living sacrifice to God by shunning the evil customs and practices of the world. The truth is that we can only present ourselves as a living sacrifice by allowing God to transform us into new people by changing the way we think. It is only by allowing God to transform us (the way we think) can we come to know His will for us and know how good and pleasing and how perfect His will really is. Whitten goes on to tell us that Christ’s merits makes up for our deficiencies. Many of us recognize that God has given us the ability to do many things well. However, we are sometimes called upon to do things that we aren’t particularly good at doing. Not only does that, we sinful creatures sometimes not always be victorious over our sinful natures. Although the loyal and penitent children of God fall back into sin after we have been forgiven, our deficiencies are made up by Christ’s imputed righteousness. Whitten also introduces fending off Satan’s taunting accusation. There is nothing we can do in and of ourselves to the rebuttal of the enemy accusations, they in my estimation are true, except they have been covered or made up by Christ’s merits. Therefore, the enemy’s accusations are not directed toward us per se but at Christ but he has come and found nothing in Christ. Paul said that we should overcome evil with good. The only good that we have is that we are covered by Christ’s merits. This, to me, seems to suggest that it’s not us who are overcoming but it is Christ in us who is overcoming. That’s salvific.
In BRI document “Some Theological Considerations of Perfection,” Edward Heppenstall sheds some interesting light about Christian perfection. The document in so many words states that Christian perfection is growing in grace and in the image of Christ. It is a hungering and thirsting for the righteousness of Christ, even and/or especially if the person commits a wrongful act. In short, Christian perfection is having an Enoch-like attitude. The closer we get to Christ the more unworthy we see we are. Those who use the expression “I ain’t perfect” or “no one is perfect” is limiting God, calling Him a liar, and are finding excuses not to change. What many people misunderstand about the subject is that Christian perfection doesn’t mean that one will not sin. It means that the person is forever yearning and seeking Christ’s righteousness (to be Christ-like). In chapter 13 of the book, Whitten states that the believer becomes a partaker of the divine nature when-and by reason of the fact that-he exercises faith in Christ, His atoning sacrifice. This is an act of justification imputation; hence, made righteous. Therefore it is (Christian) perfection. Many believe that perfection is not attainable here on earth. If this was the case, the Bible writers especially Paul wouldn’t admonish us to be obedient. In order to attain Christian perfection, love has to exist in the seekers heart. We must love God and our neighbor. Love fulfills the law. We (believers) are to obey the laws of the land except when they conflict with the laws of God. The idea that’s wrapped up in attaining Christian perfection is that we must allow Christ to take control of us and stop thinking of ways to indulge our evil desires, as Paul states in Romans 13.
In chapter 14 of Ellen White on Salvation, Whidden talks about Ellen White’s teaching on salvation and/or perfection. In her view, perfection, justification, and sanctification were all interrelated. However, they all needed to be distinguished from each other but not separated. Ellen White’s goal of perfection was that we can fully and entirely overcome every sin, every evil temper and every temptation. The BRI document states that original sin is: (a) inherited guilt and (b) inherited stain. The inherited stain refers to our sinful passions, to our tendencies or propensities to sin. Although we inherited “original sin,” (guilt and stain) from Adam as the BRI document brought out, we can and must overcome everything that is not of Christ. In my understanding, Ellen White was saying that if we allow Christ to live in and hearts and cover us with His righteousness, then we can attain perfection. However, it is possible for one not to attain perfection. Not to attain perfection is to come out of Christ’s covering and shun away, at least at times, the hungering and the desire to be drawn close to Him. Perfection, according to Ellen White must be obtained this side of probation. There is no excuse for indulging in sin. Although we have inherited sin passions and propensities to sin, we must through the grace of Christ fully overcome. In order to attain perfection, the believer must fully surrender himself/herself to Christ. He/She must make an active effort to attain it and be obedient. The idea that many have about perfection is that it’s absolute, meaning that the person never commits another wrong act, never have another wrong thought, and never say anther wrong thing. This is highly misleading and disqualifies those who God has called perfect as perfect. Many people fail to realize that perfections don’t mean the person will not transgress, it means that the person does not indulge in transgression; hence, excuse or cherish sin. Paul in Romans 14 says that if we live, we should live in the Lord and that if we die, we should die in the Lord. This in my estimation is (Christian) perfection, to live and/or to die in the Lord.
According to Whidden in chapter 15, Ellen White believed that the shortness of time will be the incentive for people to seek righteousness and make Christ our friend. During the investigative judgment and the time of trouble, people will be living without a mediator on their behalf. Before this time occurs, people will already have made up in their hearts and minds whose side they are going to be on. I believe those who have made up in their hearts and minds to follow Christ all the way will be those who have attained perfection. Therefore, when the mediator is drawn away from the earth; hence, mankind, it will be impossible for them to turn back and stop following Christ. These, in my estimation, will be the ones who receive the latter rain. The BRI document states that “Before a watching universe God demonstrated once for all how far He would go to make possible redemption of lost sinners.” It is our duty as Christ’s followers to do the same. We should in some respect live to please other people as Paul said in Romans 15. Christ didn’t live to please Himself but what He done He did for us. In this chapter Paul uses the words “full of goodness.” This goodness is not something we arbitrarily receive. It is the goodness of God that has caught hold and taken control of our hearts. It is the goodness that has lead to the attainment of perfection. During the investigative judgment and the close of probation, those who have already made up in their hearts to follow Christ have removed all restraints on evil. The saints (those who have attained perfection) will still have a faith where their characters will not falter. Their phrase and/cliché will be “even if heaven is not promised I will not do this great thing and sin against my God” for it will be impossible for them to turn back and recant.
According to Whidden in chapter 15, Ellen White believed that the shortness of time will be the incentive for people to seek righteousness and make Christ our friend. During the investigative judgment and the time of trouble, people will be living without a mediator on their behalf. Before this time occurs, people will already have made up in their hearts and minds whose side they are going to be on. I believe those who have made up in their hearts and minds to follow Christ all the way will be those who have attained perfection. Therefore, when the mediator is drawn away from the earth; hence, mankind, it will be impossible for them to turn back and stop following Christ. These, in my estimation, will be the ones who receive the latter rain. The BRI document states that “Before a watching universe God demonstrated once for all how far He would go to make possible redemption of lost sinners.” It is our duty as Christ’s followers to do the same. We should in some respect live to please other people as Paul said in Romans 15. Christ didn’t live to please Himself but what He done He did for us. In this chapter Paul uses the words “full of goodness.” This goodness is not something we arbitrarily receive. It is the goodness of God that has caught hold and taken control of our hearts. It is the goodness that has lead to the attainment of perfection. During the investigative judgment and the close of probation, those who have already made up in their hearts to follow Christ have removed all restraints on evil. The saints (those who have attained perfection) will still have a faith where their characters will not falter. Their phrase and/cliché will be “even if heaven is not promised I will not do this great thing and sin against my God” for it will be impossible for them to turn back and recant.
In chapter 14 of Ellen White on Salvation, Whidden talks about Ellen White’s teaching on salvation and/or perfection. In her view, perfection, justification, and sanctification were all interrelated. However, they all needed to be distinguished from each other but not separated. Ellen White’s goal of perfection was that we can fully and entirely overcome every sin, every evil temper and every temptation. The BRI document states that original sin is: (a) inherited guilt and (b) inherited stain. The inherited stain refers to our sinful passions, to our tendencies or propensities to sin. Although we inherited “original sin,” (guilt and stain) from Adam as the BRI document brought out, we can and must overcome everything that is not of Christ. In my understanding, Ellen White was saying that if we allow Christ to live in and hearts and cover us with His righteousness, then we can attain perfection. However, it is possible for one not to attain perfection. Not to attain perfection is to come out of Christ’s covering and shun away, at least at times, the hungering and the desire to be drawn close to Him. Perfection, according to Ellen White must be obtained this side of probation. There is no excuse for indulging in sin. Although we have inherited sin passions and propensities to sin, we must through the grace of Christ fully overcome. In order to attain perfection, the believer must fully surrender himself/herself to Christ. He/She must make an active effort to attain it and be obedient. The idea that many have about perfection is that it’s absolute, meaning that the person never commits another wrong act, never have another wrong thought, and never say anther wrong thing. This is highly misleading and disqualifies those who God has called perfect as perfect. Many people fail to realize that perfections don’t mean the person will not transgress, it means that the person does not indulge in transgression; hence, excuse or cherish sin. Paul in Romans 14 says that if we live, we should live in the Lord and that if we die, we should die in the Lord. This in my estimation is (Christian) perfection, to live and/or to die in the Lord.
Ellen White on Salvation- Chapter 14 Romans Chapter 14. Ellen White’s view of justification was clearly stated in the preceding chapters. Whidden now leads us to understand Mrs. White’s view of perfection. According to him she saw that sanctification often defined perfection, but at the same time perfection was always the goal of sanctification. For Mrs. White, perfection is not merely the ability to do or live without blunder, but overcoming and being victorious over evil. ‘God desires unswerving obedience,’ she states, Christ is the one who gives us enabling power to do the father’s will. Christ while he was on earth relied completely on the Father for strength as he encountered the challenges with the enemy. ‘Perfection and holiness were not Christ’s only goal, but also the means of success in carrying out the principles.’ Whidden hastened to add that in her comments of Matthew 5:48 that clearly state what she believed- “perfection was thus defined as both a goal and a relative experience that consists of pressing toward the goal.” Her hallmarks of the subject were Matthew 5:48 and adding the following statement- Holiness and purity of heart was the great subject of the teachings of Christ. In Roman 14 the Apostle Paul shares the principles of the two laws with us-the law of liberty and the law of love. Paul emphasizes that we have neither authority nor responsibility to judge anyone. We have a responsibility to keep high standards in accordance with our call as believers.
Ellen White on Salvation- Chapter 15 (Perfection and Closing Events). Romans Chapter 15. Many understand Mrs. White statement regarding the saints standing before God sinless to mean that there will be no need of a mediator in Christ to represent them. Such a notion is understood by proponents of character perfection to be evidence supporting her viewpoint on the subject. She never saw fear as a motivating factor for perfection, but as a motivational factor for sanctification. She saw close correlation between the cleansing of the sanctuary ministry and the perfection of character. As I read the following statement I found great joy in knowing that one day, sin will not matter to the righteous- After the close of probation personal salvation of the redeemed will no longer be in question: they have been sealed with the seal of the living God. Sometimes, interesting and meaningful facts such as this are learnt and then forgotten, but as I read this statement it speaks volume to the Christian who is suffering tremendously and then will at that time be finally liberated from the weight of sin forever. The Apostle Paul is the minister to the Gentiles. In Romans chapter 15, the Apostle calls for care and support among members. His admonishing and appeal perhaps sprung from the way the new converts were being treated by those within and outside of the cell churches. He informs his audiences that their responsibility toward each other is to treat each other just as Christ would treat each one. In this passage Paul spoke pastorally and demonstrated profound pastoral care that is relevant for the church today. As leaders we can learn significant lessons both in communication with our parishioners and fellow believers, as well as peers.
Chapter 15 of the book ‘Ellen White on Salvation’.
Perfection and closing events.
The subject who is under consideration in chapter 15 of the book ‘Ellen white on salivation’, is one of the most misunderstood and confusing issues in the theological arena today. Whenever the term Perfection is mentioned the theological eyes blow rises up immediately. One the greatest question that comes up there and then is that, how can a sinful man be perfect? How does that perfection happen in the context of the sinful nature of man? Is it as a result of fear of the last day events? If so is this perfection genuine? Ellen white is challenging a most complex issue as far as the nature of man is concern. The great theologian, Paul says in the book of Romans that, sin entered in the world through one man. Through that sin death found out away to destroy life in human beings and creation at large. For each one of us found him or herself a sinner not by committing sin as Adam did but by virtue of birth. So the question remains can a sinful man be absolutely perfect? Can he stand before God without a mediator and be safe? I concur with Ellen White’ view that, a sinful man cannot be absolutely sinless as longer he is in this body of sin. Even though, she has sense in her elaboration as how this happens, such that it qualifies one to be acceptable before God as a perfect being yet in this sinful flesh. She says that, a person can be victorious over self on a day. That is to say, that particular person is practicing sanctification. For sanctification is daily business or a life time work. Paul qualifies that idea by saying that “I die daily.” Further White says that, when God counts one a perfect person, he does it in a sense that, he no longer cherishes sin in his life or commits overt sin deliberately or willfully planned. This is the perfection that she meant and advocates for all believers to cherish.
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“Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back my soul shall have no pleasure in him” (Hebrew 10:38). An examination of Ellen White’s writing on how she viewed justification by faith before 1888 has borne much fruit. It was very evident that Mrs. White’s understanding of justification by faith became very evident as she was called upon to quell the crisis of 1888. She maintained then that justification is pardon and acceptance, and is not merited to the believer because of their obedience. This distinction is very important as many were teaching that we could “do” certain things to merit acceptance by Christ. So it was important that the point be made that our acceptance is based totally on the life and death of Christ which are legally and judicially accounted to us.
Whidden seems to be very definitive in this regard for he is fearful of being labeled as “legalistic perfectionism.” He showed that there were certain keys elements of Ellen White’s pre-1888 understanding of Justification by faith alone. She was very clear according to Whidden that faith and works should not be separated, and of Christian assurance. She strongly believed that the Christian experience has to do with a constant looking away from self and total dependence upon Christ. It is therefore necessary that the Christian attitude be one of antagonism towards sin. God then is the one who justifies the sinner, and there is nothing that the sinner can do to merit this pardoning.
Paul seems to be in a sorrowful state for the Jews in Romans 9. It now appears that not all of Abraham’s seed were children of the promise. The Apostle now discovers that God will have mercy upon whom he will, for he is potter, and he can do what he wishes with the clay. This is a thought provoking perspective. How could God reject the Jews, and include the Gentiles as heir to the promise? It does not seem to add up and worse yet it appears so Calvinistic on the surface. What must we do with this passage? I strongly believe that Paul here is making the salient point that the Lord does have a choice. This choice will allow him to have mercy and pardon on whom he wishes. The inference drawn in verse 16 from God’s words to Moses is that the bestowal of certain privileges does not depend on man’s will or exertion but on the wisdom of God, who knows what is best and who “silently, patiently” works “out the counsels of His own will” (Ed 173).
The author of Justification at the cross emphasizes that in Rom 5:12-19 the event of the cross is an act of divine grace. The manifestation of this gift has as its only objective the human race. Through Christ God provided enough grace to save the whole human race, since the time of Adam to the end of mercy. But this gift must be accepted in order to be ours. The gift is justification by faith and those who accept it are the "many" who are in Christ through faith in him. This perspective brings an interesting balance to this weeks issue and helps the reader to understand that the Just truly must live by faith!
Extreme thinking
Romans 9 seems to be ringing "Calvinistic" in many of my colleague’s ears. I wonder what Calvinistic thinking would mean when carried to the extreme.
One might say that Christ on the cross was for naught. I mean if God has complete sovereignty, then why Calvary? Calvary almost seems to be a matter of sincerity and not of necessity.
Commenting on:
• BRI Doc: “Justification by Faith and Judgment According to Works”
• Romans 9, Class notes
• Whidden: Justification by Faith—Before 1888, Ch. 9
Materials Read: (1) Comments on the "In Adam/In Christ" Motifs, (2) Salvation, the Great Controversy Theme, Closing Events, and the Law, and (3) Romans 7
Although the above materials were read, my comment will largely be a response to the “In Adam/In Christ” document of the 1888 Study Committee. While reading the above material, I came to the conclusion that the 1888 Study Committee made an important point. I, for one, am under the impression that we not were in Adam when he disobeyed but we are in Adam after the disobedience. My point is that we have inherited Adam’s nature after his disobedience. I further believe that if Adam had remain faithful and obedient that his offspring would have inherited his obedient and faithful traits as well. My understanding is that he passed his disease to his offspring. In this sense, I can see why the committee suggests that we were in Adam. Although the committee didn’t say so, it seems as if Adam was pregnant with his descendants when he disobeyed and the disease he had he passed to us. Looking at it from this perspective, I can see us being in Adam in that we inherited his nature.
Is it possible for us to have been in Christ when He was on the cross? My answer is yes. However, not in the sense that we were literary in Christ but in the sense that Christ had each person in His mind and heart while He was on the cross, from the first man created to the last person to be born. The phrases that the study committee uses are excellent but their explanation and understanding of their presentations seems to come more from a human knowledge than from spiritual guidance. At the same time, I believe that we as students of the Bible and Christian learning should build on the foundation of what the study committee has laid and dig deeper as we continue to expand on the model of salvation as we view things wholistically.
Reflection 7
Romans 7-
E.G.W - The Atonement
BRI - How Perfect Is "Perfect" Or Is Christian Perfection Possible? (Ed Heppenstall)
Paul continued his line of thought that after being dead to sin and alive to God, sinners turned believers are given the chance to be united to Christ for righteousness by using the analogy of marriage and the law that binds it. Death legally/automatically parts a surviving individual from the dead one which means freedom and liberty to the alive. Being therefore made dead to the Law through the body of Christ we are now free to be united in Christ to bear the fruits of righteousness (7:4) not to forget that this was all God’s initiative for us to respond. At this point I believe that Paul kept his view of salvation so positive just to encourage us to decide to be totally dependent on God for our salvation (justification-sanctification-glorification) and start living a new life in His service rather than Satan. The Law he says is not sin but exposes it rather through the revealed/acted evil desires in man. It seems to me that Paul pictures the human body as a vessel either for good or bad depending as to who has powerfully influenced the person in it. The person (mind) becomes like the influencing power as it decides to be so, therefore becoming a slave to it. Sin as it influences the person kills the “will power/power of choice” of the person from which state Christ came to free us all and enabled us again to choose as free being whether to be slave to righteousness or sin again. In verses 18-23, it looks like Paul was talking about old sinful habits as sin and not necessarily the choice, indirectly saying that sin has its own will in man, hope I am wrong.
I have a dilemma on verse 25 on the phrase “I myself” “auvto.j evgw.” “I alone” do the serving and not the influencer? PLEASE HELP!
Dr. Edward Heppenstall made this dilemma of mine quite resolved. He made me understand that perfection means differently between God and man. He clearly said that though we’ve been saved by grace it doesn’t necessarily mean that we’ve been stripped off of our sinful nature. This idea was birth on the doctrine of complete and constant dependence on God for perfection and victory until we shall all be changed in the resurrection day. Our God of freedom will defeat his main principle of “freedom of choice” should he eradicate sin completely from us today without us exercising our freedom to choose either to surrender or not. God has the power to do so, but he chooses not to. Our perfection and righteousness and victory over sin depend on our relationship with God, Christ and the workings of the Holy Spirit in our lives. As he wrote: “God's method of salvation is not eradication of a sinful nature, but the counteraction of divine power through the Holy Spirit. Only by the continual counteracting presence of the Holy Spirit is it possible to be victorious over sin and the sinful nature within us.”
Mrs. White’s stand on Christ’s substitutionary atonement at the cross nailed it down for me. God seeks justice and yet out of His loving mercies provided us grace to pay for our sins even the death of His only Son. We have nothing to pay for our sins, Christ gave Hi life to pay it. This grace becomes our if we receive it by faith. All three authors spoke clearly about the balance interplay of justice and grace, and they’re all God’s gift.
Dan Ocampo
Submission for Week 9
Justification and the Cross by Ángel Manuel Rodríguez
Chapter 10 EGW on Salvation
Romans 9
Sorry for this being late but both my husband and I were not feeling well this weekend.
The article for this week was a long study on Romans 5. Basically when everything boiled down it said the same thing that several of the other articles said. Jesus did not save everyone but made it available to everyone. They then have to accept it. What I did find facinating was the history of Ellen White after the 1888 conference. Most of it I already knew but I was not so clear on what the Holiness movement was permoting. They were saying that perfection of both character and flesh was possible here on this earth and from what I could tell they were saying that if that is the case they would be translated without going through death. I do find it interesting that Ellen White said that we could have perfection of Christian character but then says that through Christ’s sacrifice we are perfectly forgiven. That makes it sound to me as if she is really talking about being perfectly forgiven as the way we are perfected. Something that I was wondering about is the idea that in the end time we will have to be perfect (not sinning ever). I have heard some say that only those who have gotten to this perfectly sinless state will be saved in the last days. I don’t know all of the history but I wonder if some of this idea came out of the Holiness movement. I would welcome any thoughts that you all have on this issue. Thanks and until my next submission have a blessed week.
Comment on BRI "Why Did Jesus Die? How God Saves Us" by George Reid
APPEASEMENT?: JESUS AND GOD HAVE DIFFERNT WILLS IN GETHSEMANE?????
I found this article very well done. I like how he admitted the positives of the more liberal views (i.e. Jesus is our example) but did not stop there. He also tackled head on some of our old assumptions like "In Christ's death is no hint of the Saviour's effort toe win the favor of the Father.... rather than responsponding to God's demand, it was done at God's initiative." (p.3) "Jesus came not to appease, but to cancel guilt and cleanse sinners." (p.3).
One question I have with the above quotes is about Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane. Jn 3:16 definitly suggests God's initiative 'that He gave His only son...' (i.e. God and Jesus are on the same team, not Jesus convincing God to not burn humans in hell). BUT, Gethsemane does seem to be a struggle between Jesus' will and God the Father's will: "yet not MY WILL but YOUR WILL be done." I don't know if that suggests appeasement or not, but there is definitly some tension there. That is not a cut and clean - Father/Son 100% same page (wow - that sentence looks blasphemous), BUT the Bible says that Jesus struggled with that in the garden during his final hours. How do we take that? It doesn't have to be 'appeasement' but there is something there in Gethsemane that I wish Reid had gone into. If you have any ideas, please let me know.
REFLECTION ON CHAPTER 9 OF THE BOOK ELLEN G WHITE ON SALVATION.
Basically chapter nine is about Justification by faith and its’ challenges. This subject is one of the cardinal doctrines of salvation. It is hardly inseparable from sanctification and glorification .The challenge posed a danger which made, Ellen G white to respond before the 1888 meeting to be held at Minneapolis. One of the problems was that some argued that, if justification is purely by faith alone, then keeping of the law is of no value. They had evidence that even the true believers don’t manifest the works of obedience. Indeed I strongly dispute this argument .For according to Paul, in Romans 12:7 says that, “the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good.” Also in he continues to say in Romans 3:31, that “Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.” So this teaching was biblically incorrect. In addition , Ellen G White writes that” faith must be sustained by Works, the doers of Works are justified before God” To give more biblical evidence, this is what the father our of faith Abraham did by coming out of Haran. Calvinism was another challenge. For Calvin remarked that “once saved always saved.” Also I strongly disagree with Calvin, for salvation is in three phases according to the bible, hence it is past, present and future.
Ellen G White also denounces this teaching as unbiblical. She even goes further by saying that it is dangerous to say that “I am saved.” Even though I disagee with her as well because If one cannot give a testimony, then what kind of salvation can one claim? .Throughout the scripture, there are several incidents where all who were saved had to give a very strong testimony in favour of christ and his gospel. Therefore I fear that if there is no testmony, then salvation may not be complete.
REFLECTION ON CHAPTER 9 OF THE BOOK ELLEN G WHITE ON SALVATION.
Basically chapter nine is about Justification by faith and its’ challenges. This subject is one of the cardinal doctrines of salvation. It is hardly inseparable from sanctification and glorification .The challenge posed a danger which made, Ellen G white to respond before the 1888 meeting to be held at Minneapolis. One of the problems was that some argued that, if justification is purely by faith alone, then keeping of the law is of no value. They had evidence that even the true believers don’t manifest the works of obedience. Indeed I strongly dispute this argument .For according to Paul, in Romans 12:7 says that, “the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good.” Also in he continues to say in Romans 3:31, that “Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.” So this teaching was biblically incorrect. In addition , Ellen G White writes that” faith must be sustained by Works, the doers of Works are justified before God” To give more biblical evidence, this is what the father our of faith Abraham did by coming out of Haran. Calvinism was another challenge. For Calvin remarked that “once saved always saved.” Also I strongly disagree with Calvin, for salvation is in three phases according to the bible, hence it is past, present and future.
Ellen G White also denounces this teaching as unbiblical. She even goes further by saying that it is dangerous to say that “I am saved.” Even though I disagee with her as well because If one cannot give a testimony, then what kind of salvation can one claim? .Throughout the scripture, there are several incidents where all who were saved had to give a very strong testimony in favour of christ and his gospel. Therefore I fear that if there is no testmony, then salvation may not be complete.
Reflection #9
Justification by Faith – Before 1880
Romans Chapter 9
Sister White stated:” The Lord has shown me that the message of the third angel must go, and be proclaimed to the scattered children of the Lord, but it must not be hung on time. I saw that some were getting a false excitement, arising from preaching time; but the third angel's message is stronger than time can be. I saw that this message can stand on its own foundation and needs not time to strengthen it; and that it will go in mighty power, and do its work, and will be cut short in righteousness.”
This warning against connecting the third angel's message and time setting was given in a vision of June 21, 1851. It is a direct reference to Bates' 1851 expectation.
For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth. Rom. 9:28.
In Romans 9:28-10:3 Paul explains Israel’s mistake: they pursued righteousness by their own self-effort rather than by faith. They sought to establish their own works-based righteousness rather than seeking righteousness in the way Jesus had established it. In Romans 10:4-15, Paul makes clear God’s prescribed way to obtain righteousness. True righteousness is not based on human obedience to a set of rules -- true righteousness is based solely on faith (10:6).
E.G.White writes Faith and Works should never be separated. “Faith will never save you unless it is justified by works.”
“Faith must be sustained by works; the doers of the work are justified before God.’
Jeff Carlson
Doctrine of Salvation
Comment #3
"Christ Saved the Human Race" by Angel Rodriguez
Romans 4
Widden Chapter 4
The article was obviously written in a polemic manner. I appreciate the hair splitting of theologians but do get a little tired of our dissecting of beauty. We don’t often stand back and shut our mouths and let ourselves be blown away by the beauty of what God has done for us.
I think I finally made a connection that I had not made before. The author’s explanation about redemption really hit me. “Notice, first, that by redeeming us, by paying the price for the redemption of the human race, Christ has now the right to rescue us from the enslaving power of Satan. Second, that is necessary because Satan is unwilling to let his captives go free; he does not acknowledge Christ's legal right. He is the jailor and he is still demanding that a price be paid, possibly to him, for their liberation. But he has no right to make that claim because they do not belong to him. Third, God is the creditor and He determined how redemption was to be accomplished. A price was to be paid but it was to be paid through the Son of God. Fourth, he came as a Redeemer for the human race and defeated Satan. Finally, the saving efficacy of the redemption that Christ accomplished is for "all who should accept Him as their Saviour." There is no need for anyone to be "enslaved by Satan;" Christ stands before us, ready to liberate us from power of the enemy.”
When I claim the blood of Jesus I am simply stating the price that was paid for me by God and letting Satan know that I am owned by God. Satan has no right no keep me from walking free.
I don’t know why this hit me more than other explanations but it did.
Whidden points out that James White, near the end of his life, started “yearning” for Christ and urged ministers to “preach Christ more.” I think it is important to make sure that we have a correct understanding of the doctrines we preach and to correct others when they are clearly off. I think there is another side that we have missed for the most part however. We “get it right” in a cold hard factual sort of way and leave it at that. When I really am hit by the reality, grandness and beauty of what Christ has done for me and the whole world it breaks me down. I don’t think that Christ will force His love on anyone, He is not a rapist like I heard someone once say. But to make this footnote the focus so often and take the fact that He has utterly filled the gap between us and God and make it the afterthought is not only a tragedy but I think morally wrong. Just like Abraham every person has to exercise faith to experience the full benefits of salvation but God has already paid the price for every person that has ever or will ever exist. This idea motivates me to do evangelism more than anything else.
The thought that everyone is already free and any chains that are holding them are only there because they either want them or because they are ignorant about the fact of their freedom makes me what to tell them. Maybe we would have more members doing evangelism and more of our evangelistic endeavors actually produce fruit if we kept this reality in front our people rather than the dwelling on issues of much smaller consequence.
Jeff Carlson
Doctrine of Salvation
Comment #4
"Comments on 1 Timothy 4:10" by Angel Rodriguez
Romans 5
Widden Chapter 5
“If we use that translation in 1 Tim 4:10 the interpretational problems disappear: "Because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, that is, of those who believe." The phrase "all men" would then mean "all sorts of people," possibly Jews and Gentiles, who accept Christ. There is no need to introduce in the text the idea of universalism or of a legal universal salvation which has no immediate effect on the final destiny of the individual.”
This is a good explanation. However, I wonder if it was the intent of the preacher to whom Mr. Rodriguez is responding to introduce universalism into the text. Mr. Rodriguez goes on to say exactly what I can imagine most any Adventist preacher would mean, “Christ's substitutionary atonement is universal in its extent but, because of the freedom God has given to humans, it is limited in its salvific effect.”
Romans 5 says that God reconciled us while we were still sinners. I think we can get a little to either/or when the idea might be both/and. Did Christ die for the whole world whether they accept it our not? Sure. I think most anyone would accept that idea. Do we need to accept it to receive the full benefits? Sure. Again I don’t see anything groundbreaking here.
Whidden points out that Ellen White’s doctrinal statements were not develop in isolation but in the context of other doctrinal ideas. One of these is the Great Controversy. One of the main ideas of this is the idea that God is both just and merciful at the same time. He reveals this in that He provides mercy for the whole world through His death while at the same time requiring a response to His offer to allow the person to receive the full benefits of that gift. When we look at salvation through this lens it make pretty clear sense to me.
Jeff Carlson
Doctrine of Salvation
Comment #5
"In Adam/In Christ Motifs" by Angel Rodriguez
Romans 6
Widden Chapter 6
These articles are beginning to become a little redundant. I think this guy’s ideas are backed biblically but they are pretty surface and it seems that he might be fighting paper tigers. Maybe I’m overstating my opinion but there comes a point when you make your point and you can stop. I don’t feel like there is much to respond to here since it’s the same thing over and over.
“Not everybody was at the same time in Christ at the cross, as that theory teaches. Paul wrote, "Greet Andronicus and Junias . . . they were in Christ before I was" (Rom 16:7). In order to be in Christ we have to make a personal decision.” If he means that to receive the benefits of salvation you have to make a decision then I agree with him. Romans 6 seems to be clear that we are “in Christ” when we receive baptism. We receive it after the fact. We were not actually there with Him. I think this have been made abundantly clear by him and in the Bible. However, I think the Bible also makes it clear that God reconciled us to Him before baptism, before conversion, before faith, and then maybe even before birth though it is not until our choice that we experience it fully. I think these guys need a bigger model.
“If we were in Christ when he died for our sins, paying the penalty for our sins, then we died in him. He did not die for me! I actually died on the cross for my own sins! I was not saved through Jesus; I saved myself through Jesus!” I don’t think this stands up to logic. Of course we weren’t there saving ourselves. The Bible says that we were there with Him, through faith and baptism. I don’t see a problem here except that these guys are apparently too either/or.
I think it is important to remember that, like Whidden says, that we are damaged goods and that the cross is the answer. However it works we need to remember to accept it whether we understand it completely or agree with each other completely.
Commenting on: 2007 11/07 class notes
Dr. Hanna mentioned a question – Why does God give us 1000 years of rest? And in this time, God gives us the right to judge Satan himself. The interesting part is that God does not pass the judgment on Satan himself. Could this be because the jury is to be a jury of peers?
And since the son nor the Father have ever sinned they can’t be on the jury. What do you think?
Jeff Carlson
Doctrine of Salvation
Comment #6
"Dynamics of Salvation”
Romans 7
Widden Chapter 7
Romans chapter seven is probably one of the most quoted sections of the Bible. “I do what I don’t want to do and I don’t do what I want to do.” We have all experienced this and most of us experience this daily I am sure. We all long to be more than we are, at least at moments in our lives. Salvation is the process of putting us back the way we were supposed to be in the first place, saving us from the nightmare we live in. I really enjoyed the article Dynamics of Salvation. It was well written and not only captured the beauty of salvation I think but also really gave some fresh insights.
The part I enjoyed most was the way they unpacked the salvific vocabulary. I had never noticed the significance of the inclusion of all those words.
Justification: Legal (Court of Law)
Reconciliation: Human Relations
Forgiveness: Financial Transactions
Adoption: Family Relationships
Sanctification: Personal Status - Set Apart
God made sure that He provided all these snapshots of what salvation is to make sure we are each able to be impacted in a powerful way. The problem is that we often take one of these and make it THE one and exclude the others. It was very nice to see how Whidden brought out that Ellen White’s understanding of salvation was very wide and inclusive of aspects of all the major classes Christian salvation ideologies while avoiding the unbiblical aspects of each. She had a bigger model! I think we would be safer if we followed suit.
Comments on
Romans 6:1-4
1What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life
How can we die to sin? It seen that Paul thought that we died to sin when we were baptized, but we still sin after baptism, so how this concepts can be harmonize. Paul states also that we most die with Jesus to get a new life as He did, is Jesus who brings us to a new life and is very important to abide in Christ every day, join the experience of salvation daily.
Looks impossible live without sin, Paul himself struggled with the problem of been failure, trying to do good, but his flesh wanted to evil, however the secrets of a successful spiritual life is born every day in Jesus, understanding that we depend in His grace to survive the battle against the enemy.
Jeff Carlson
Doctrine of Salvation
Comment #7
"How Perfect Is "Perfect" Or Is Christian Perfection Possible?” by Edward Heppenstall
Romans 8
Widden Chapter 8
“One of the hindrances to living the Christian life successfully is failure to understand what the Bible teaches on the nature of sin and perfection.”
I know that I have experienced this very powerfully in my life. When I understood perfection as sinlessness I worked very hard but didn’t really get anywhere except depressed, judgmental and anxious. The ironic thing is that my striving for moral purity made me ethically sub par! And out of the three areas that we are called grow in – morally, doctrinally and ethically – the one that Jesus said was the “most” important was ethics. If you are morally and doctrinally correct and you are a jerk you are in danger of being booted out. However if you don’t have the other two figured out perfectly but you have your ethics straight it seems to me that the Bible says you are on the right track.
This doesn’t mean that morals and doctrine are unimportant; it is that if my morals and doctrine make me unethical I need to take a serious look and where I am. I would say the same about the other two as well. We need a bigger model.
I also really liked the thoughts about Christ and temptation in Whidden’s book. I agree with him that for us to say that Christ was just like me or that Christ needs to have been just like me to be able to help me really breaks down under scrutiny. So Jesus was a child molester? He would need to be if that logic is solid for Him to be able to help one. Or we would need to make a list of sins that Jesus was tempted with and those He wasn’t for us to know which ones He can help us with. When we define sins as merely actions then we have this problem. But if we define sin in the Biblical sense and say that sin is the temptation to act individually on you own apart from God, then we do not. When was the last time you had to deny your divinity? His temptation was so much stronger than ours that He can understand the feelings we experience when we are pulled to do something apart from God. Divinity under the hood: what an awesome description!
“The doctrine of sinless perfection leads to the conclusion that both Christ and the Holy Spirit are unnecessary once this state of eradication of the sinful nature is reached.” We need to make sure we define our vocabulary in a proper fashion!
“Justification by Faith and Judgment According to Works”
By: Ivan Blazen
“We need to be clear: Justification and assurance of salvation are not achieved by human works or by faith plus human works. Justification and assurance come only by the all-sufficient work of Jesus Christ as Saviour.”
Here Ivan Blazen puts forth the argument that works are a response, not a requirement for salvation. This is a clear distinction for which there were probably other Adventist theologians tried to pin “universalism” on him.
Chapter 11 on Ellen White on Salvation
“For Ellen White, Minneapolis was not primarily about perfection, better relations among ministers, points of prophetic interpretation, or even the nature of Christ’s humanity. Minneapolis was primarily a great turning point in the intensity and further clarity of her expressions of justification by faith” (pg. 87).
The years surrounding 1888 had the church spinning, trying to figure out the relationship between justification and sanctification. In Minneapolis, Mrs. White made the clearest declaration of objective justification that our church had seen to date. It’s amazing that some in our church (that are EGW fanatics) still hold pre-1888 beliefs, when Mrs. White seemed to make it so clear.
Romans 10
“Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes” (vs. 4).
Paul continues his rebuke of the children of Israel who follow the law, without recognizing the fulfillment of the law, and the ultimate salvation that is found through faith in Christ.
Week 8 Reflections
Paul - Romans 8
EGW - The Nature of Christ and Salvation
BRI - Justification and the Cross
I could imagine Paul jumping up and down with his hands hanging up in the air praising the Lord while saying: “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1) Such is the joy and assurance of someone who knows how it feels to be a prisoner in the bondage of sin in contrast to the freedom in Christ Jesus.
Sometimes this is my problem, since I grew up in an Adventist Christian family and Church community I guess I am still waiting for this feeling to be a personal experience. Is it possible that Paul had this experience later in his life too, like while in prison? He talks about us being identified with the Holy Spirit (that is dwelling in us) thereby enabling us to live and to do spiritual things and belong to God. So for Paul the presence of the Holy Spirit in our live marks our freedom from sin and the dilemma he referred to in chapter 7:21-25. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”(Romans 8:14)
Although saved from the bondage of sin, Paul still waits for the redemption of the body from this world of sin (v.23) as part of the hope that ends to life eternal. In verse 30 he talked about the process of salvation showing different stages of salvation action on the part of God. Predestined – Called – Justified – Glorified. In all of them a decision is made by both parties, God initiates the call, the called ones responded in each stage resulting to a bonded eternal relationship.
While we are given a hint by Paul of the reality of living as humans with a Holy Spirit in us, Ellen White on the other hand talked about the bi-nature of Christ as follows, "Man cannot define this wonderful mystery—the blending of the two natures. . . . It can never be explained." But she wrote: "Christ could have done nothing during His earthly ministry in saving fallen man if the divine had not been blended with the human."
Two words, identity and uniqueness representing the bi-nature of Christ were misunderstood by many theologians because of their mistake in trying to separate the two when they actually shouldn’t. Her terms “affected by sin but not infected with it” clearly tells me that Christ’s sins were imputed (our sins) but not performed. As human he prayed “not my will but Thine be done” is his secret power how to overcome the greatest temptation of humans, him included which as the author wrote, the “key temptation for Christ was the same as it is for all humans—the desire to go it alone and depend upon self rather than divinely imparted power from above.” Surrender, submission is key to our victorious Christian walk with God in the Spirit.
Angel Manuel Rodriguez on his article did a spectacular scholarly study on the Justification by faith and the Cross. Boiling it down it was a gift of God to received by faith by all who desires it. Linking this with my discussion above, just as Christ came down to our level fully decided to live after the will of the Father under the guidance of the Holy Spirit becomes our best model how to live a sin overcoming Christian life, that is to live a life after the will of the Father with the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. I believe that just as Christ, while on earth had that bi-nature and live a powerful, successful holy life, acceptable before the Father, that too is possible to all who who walks after the same manner.
Dan Ocampo
Week 10 Submission
Romans 10
EGW on Salvation ch. 10
Article: Some Problems with Legal Universal Justification
This week reading was rather interesting. I was rather surprised at some of the things that Ellen White had to say in this chapter. I think the one that was the most astounding for me was, “It is significant that Ellen White (no mean defender of the law herself) was not deterred by such suspicions of anti-law sentiments. It was in this context that she made her startling challenge to the law partisans to ‘let the law take care of itself. We have been at work on the law until we get as dry as the hills of Gilboa…. Let us trust in the merits of Jesus’ (1888 Materials 557).” What a statement. I think that often we think that the law can save us and we forget to remember that it shows us how much that we need God. Only by connection with Him do we have any hope of Salvation. This is reflected in Romans 10:4, “Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.”
The article was a lot of the same issues over again. Point 8 was the only one that I really focused on as giving some new insight. I think that often we forget that God gives us faith that it is the only way that we are able to respond to Him. It is not our faith that we are using to reach out to Him it is His faith in us. If we understand this then faith can no longer be viewed as a meritorious work but as God working out His will in us. We are willing He is able.
Submission # 10
In Romans 10 Paul shows a great deal of love the Jews in verse 1, the ones who were his enemies. He says that they were ignorant of God’s righteousness. I think as pastors and leaders we need to help people so that they don’t have a zeal not according to knowledge. It can be easy to present doctrines without the gospel. As we train and encourage people to share their faith; we also need to help them understand the character of God. The context here in Romans 10 seems to say that God is a great giver, he wants to give us righteousness. We don’t come up with the righteousness on our own. We need to help others have a clear picture of God!
I want more faith. Romans 10:17 makes it simple that we can increase our faith by spending time with the Word of God. Pray for me that I can follow through on my desire to spend more quality time in the Bible. Eph. 2:8 says that we are saved by grace through faith. This tells me that there is a connection between the Bible and salvation. This is something that we could add more to the discussion of salvation. “The Word of God is living and powerful.” Hebrews 4:12.
The argument of what the tenth horn represented in the argument right before the 1888 conference seems to be majoring in minors to me. I think that the devil tries to get us caught in little things at times so that we miss the big picture. We should watch out for this trap. I thought it was interesting how Ellen White had the life of Christ project put together. It does not lessen my belief that she was a prophet because I believe that God works in ways different than our own. I think that it sad that the leaders of the church rejected Jones and Waggoner for their message about Righteousness by Faith because they were quarrelling with them about another issue to start with. That is a lesson for us to hear people out for what they can bless us with, even our enemies.
Articles Read: “Justification and the Cross” by Ángel Manuel Rodríguez
Romans 10
Ellen White On Salvation, Chapters 11.
I would like to piggy-back on our last class discussion. I raised the point that conversion must take place in a moment and as Dr. Hanna indicated. He prefers to think of it as both a process and moment. Except that we are saying the same thing just in a different manner I think that if you are filling a cup with water then the cup is only “filled” when you pass a certain point. Of course, there was the process of filling the cup but BEFORE you reached that point then you cannot say that you had a “full” cup of water.
This might be a pretty scientific and mechanical way of looking at conversion but I think that even though someone may take some time to “make up their mind” to follow Jesus there is a POINT when they “give in”, “surrender”, “say yes” or whatever term is used when that person has decided. This is the way in which I see that a POINT is reached that tips the balance in the conversion favor.
Again, the very reason why a larger model of salvation is needed is because any model/metaphor will fall short in some way—that’s just the nature of language when trying to describe something as complex and mysterious as salvation. Paul himself uses many models such as justification, reconciliation, sanctification, salvation history and the apocalyptic models. Within each of these models he describes salvation in a different way. For example in Paul’s “apocalyptic model” we are only really saved when Jesus returns and we are physically resurrected. In the mean time we still “groan” and await our salvation.
I would also like to take up the question on the security of the universe after the final judgment. The BIG question is what would be different about the universe after the fall than before the fall. WE can think of some obvious things such as no one knew what sin was like and all the baleful results. Only “one pulse of harmony” beat through the entire universe. So in a human way of thinking, the little child doesn’t know what “hot” means until they disobey the parent and touch the hot stove. But how can the creatures that never sinned know what sin is like anyway? Don’t we say that the angels will have to fold their wings when we sing the song of Moses and the Lamb? Why? Because they never know the joy that our salvation brings since they never sinned.
This is indeed a mystery. If we ever can think of an answer we would then follow with the question of why could God make the universe just as secure in the first place. In my feeble mind I don’t think that its a matter of sin not arising a second time but there will be no mercy for any creature who sinned like Lucifer did because they’ll be suddenly destroyed. In this sense, it will be as the Hebrews tells us, “For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,” (10:26)
In this sense I could understand that should sin “arise a second time” then instant judgment would be administrated. In this way God would be justified in destroying sin right away because there is no need for sin to be played out so the universe can see that God’s way is best anymore.
At least those are my meager human way of looking at this great theme. But I must admit that “now we see through a glass darkly”.
Ellen White on Salvation chapter 9.
Romans 9
Bri: Some Theological Considerations of Perfection
Many people have misconstrued God’s foreknowledge as his pre-appointed will. In other words because God reveals how a future event will happen they are of the view that this is how he willed it. Case in point, in Romans chapter 9:10 -16 Paul seems to suggest that God elected Jacob and rejected Esau before they were born and reached the age where they are able to choose between right and wrong. Clearly, we know that Paul is not teaching the Calvinistic view that some persons are accepted to be saved and some are rejected to be lost because this decision is not up to the person but up to God.
Therefore, what we must always bear in mind is that God is omniscient, he is all-knowing and because of this, he is able to see into the future and tell the things that will happen before they come to fulfillment. This does not mean then that because God reveals what will happen in the future makes it is His will. As we look at Esau and Jacob, God saw in the future that Jacob would use the freedom of choice given him to follow Him. On the contrary, God foresaw that Esau would use that same freedom of choice given him to reject Him. Therefore, it was not that God determined that Jacob should be saved and Esau be lost. Hence in this case God was just revealing what would take place because of his foreknowledge and not a prescription of what should happen.
I am not here negating the fact that some future events that God reveals are not His pre-determined will. Take for example, God revealed to the Patriots and Prophets that in the future Jesus would come as the savior of the world and certainly this was His pre-determined will. Thus there are some future events that are prescriptive, it is God’s will that they happen regardless of choices or conditions and there are some things that God reveal will happen but it was not His will that they happen. Again as it regards the situation of Esau and Jacob God was revealing the destination of the two brothers based on their choice and not how He determined it to be.
Dale Baker
“The Significance and Meaning of Minneapolis and 1888
BRI: Justification in Rom. 3:21-24
Romans 10
The Minneapolis meetings of 1888 had varied impact of the attendees after the meetings. For Ellen White she had a stronger commitment in presenting the truth about Christ in a clearer way. As a result of the meetings she never denied the high goals of sanctification and perfection. Furthermore after the meetings she became more concerned about. Giving a message to the church; where she encouraged the believers to quit trying to merit salvation by good works and obedience to law and accept the wonderful forgiveness of Jesus that is made manifest in there obedience to all the commandments of God.
For Ellen White, during and after the 1888 meetings, she wanted to lift up Jesus. She wanted to lift Him up as our sin bearer and pardoner, our redeemer and friend. We could ask the question, what is it that we are lifting up today? Are we lifting up Christ or are we lifting up opinions and views when it comes on to salvation. I believe that salvation should be explained in simple yet profound ways, that all can understand and appreciate the blessings that it brings.
I am particularly happy from this weeks BRI reading that God does not have or practice favoritism. Both Christians and non- Christians need the grace of God in their life. This is one thing that makes us equal. Sometimes many people believe that God has grand children, especially people in the high positions in the church. But we all have to come to the realization that we all are in need of grace, we all need to exercise faith in the grace that God has granted unto us. Furthermore, we see clearly in Romans 8 that Israel rejected the gospel when it was presented to them. Is it possible that we today are rejecting the gospel like Israel, in the things that we do and our way of thinking?
“Beautiful feet”
Rom 10:15 How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!
Why can’t I consider the feet of all who share the good news of Jesus Christ beautiful? Shouldn’t a ministry whether it is mainline and GC supported or independent and on the fringe be considered beautiful?
After reading the report though – I am not sure if all feet are created equal. I refer to the areas of agreement and disagreement on the “Primacy of the Gospel Committee – Report.”
Agreement:
Emphasis on the Saving Merits of Jesus. We agree that God unconditionally made provision for the salvation of all.
This is Justification and imputation at it’s best – no problem here.
And then there is disagreement from BRI toward 1888:
Disagreement
Rejection of Universalism. We reject universalism, defined as the belief that every person will be saved independent of personal commitment to the Lord.
And so now there is a difference in the feet – I’m not talking about the difference between the left and right. I’m talking about the walking path of the beautiful feet that bring the good news.
I had sided easily with BRI when I read
10:9That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.”
And easily thought to myself that the beautiful feet of the 1888 committee were losing luster – but then I noticed what the text didn’t say. It didn’t say that that those who don’t “confess Jesus is Lord” is lost.
Hmmm… what am I supposed to do with that?
Commenting on:
• BRI Doc: “Primacy of the Gospel Committee - Report”
• Romans 10, Class notes
• Whidden: Whidden: Ministry After Minneapolis 1888-1902, Ch. 10
Based on knowledge?
I began the report with great interest when I learned that the 1888 study committee and GC reps formed a committee to study and learn from each other. There was even a section in the report where the two groups had areas of agreement. And then the report turns tone by writing, “we appeal to it to adopt the pattern of what is described as a supportive ministry.”
I understood that line to be understood as, stop calling yourselves part of the church. You are disruptive and unless you think and support the system more like us – the 1888 should rightly be considered unharmonious and outsiders.
I can here the GC reps “testify(ing) about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge.” (Rom 10:9).
I wonder how EG would have felt about these happenings. Whidden’s description of EG and her understanding of salvation seemed to come out of a similar environment. Jones and Wagoneer almost being ganged up on by the official leaders of the church. Well… we know what happened there. The mighty roar of leaders fell to a call for repentance and re-examination.
Maybe – there is room for more discussion, for more agreements, or for another independent influential ministry.
Commenting on:
• BRI Doc: “Primacy of the Gospel Committee - Report”
• Romans 10, Class notes
• Whidden: Ministry After Minneapolis 1888-1902, Ch. 10
Ellen White on Salvation: Chapter 10: Ministry after Minneapolis-1888-1902
BRI Document: Some Theological Considerations of Perfection by Edward Heppenstall
As I contemplated the reading for this week, I thought for a moment how far we have come in our understanding of salvation. Truly the “path of the just is like a shining light that shines more and more unto a perfect day.” Whidden in the chapter under consideration opened to the view the many challenges we have faced regarding our understanding of salvation. The author showed how after 1888, we saw a refinement and clarification in the writings of Ellen White on salvation. It is pertinent to note at the outset that her understanding during this turbulent period was balanced, and faithful to scripture. She believed that any holiness teaching that is forwarded must not be excessively emotional, and must involve an understanding of objective justification.
The issue of perfection was a pertinent subject during 1888-1902 crises. Ellen White remained resolute in her understanding declaring that “all may now obtain holy hearts, but it is not correct to claim in this life to have holy flesh.” This statement is very important as it cut to the core of the issue that was the bone of contention at that time. We can be mature, and should endeavor to grow up to the full measure, in favor of God and man. Spiritual maturity is a great need of every believer, and God is calling us to a deeper walk with him.
Heppenstall seems to be on the same wave length as he looks at two pertinent Greek terms Teleios (maturity) and Katartizo( fully equip) in his BRI article. Heppenstall argues and rightly so that the purpose of God in the life of the believer is spiritual maturity in all circumstances. While there is no finality in perfection, the believer can be mature in Christ. It is my desire to be perfected in him, how about you?
May we discuss the issues of salvation with the maturity that Christ desires.
Week Ten
Heather Barbian
Romans 10: Paul begins by talking about the Israelites Zeal and how he wishes that they may be saved. Their zeal is misguided, “Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.” My favorite section is when Paul says that anyone who calls on God is saved and will not be put to shame. Paul says, “That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame… Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved”. Because of the necessity of knowing and calling on Jesus it is important to send messengers to tell others about righteousness by faith through Christ. One statement I found intriguing was when Paul quotes Isaiah saying, “I was found by those who did not seek me;
I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me.”
Whidden, Woodrow W. “Chapter Ten: Ministry After Minneapolis, 1888-1902” from: Ellen White on Salvation. Berrien Springs: R&H Catalog Service.
In this fifteen year period there are three important events that occurred; the Minneapolis General Conference Session, the “Life of Christ” writing Project and the “Receive Ye the Holy Ghost” movement. Issues like the moral law of Galatians, the ten horns of the symbolic beast of Daniel, perfectionism and the Holy Flesh movement were pressing issues in which Ellen White dealt with issues of salvation in a balanced way.
Rodríguez, Ángel Manuel. “Justification and the Cross” http://www.adventistbiblicalresearch.org/documents/Rom%205_12-21.htm
This article discusses Rom 5:12-21 a controversial section in scripture that needed an in depth analysis. Rodríguez believes that Paul is contrasting the universal result of how sin entered the world through Adam with the universal solution Christ had on the Cross. He finds that Paul “is not arguing that the way sin came into the world parallels the way the gift of God came into the world.” Adam was the reason sin entered the world because he was the first man and when he sinned he corrupted his genetics in a way since he “could not pass on to his descendants what he did not posses, the result of his sin was death and sin for all members of the human race”. This passage does not imply that we are in Adam when we sin or that we are guilty of Adams sin. What we did receive from Adam was a separation from God of which we can no longer fight sin without. The point of this passage then is that Christ is the universal solution to sin and restores communion with God.
Romans 9
There are a number of things that entered my thoughts as I read this chapter, but the one part that stood out to me perhaps most of all is the end of the chapter…verses 30 through 33. Paul writes, “What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; As it is written, Behold, I lay in Zion a stumblingstone and rock of offense: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” Paul’s words clearly teach us that righteousness comes by faith in Jesus and not by works of the law. Paul explains why God has made the plan of salvation in such a manner earlier in verse 16… “So then it is not of him that wills nor of him that runs, but of god that shows mercy.” This in no wise means that we are free to sin, instead we are free and empowered to obey God’s law…by faith alone.
Romans 10
Vv 1-3
"Brethren, My heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God."
This is so applicable to us today. We seem to have such a problem, just like Israel did, with submitting ourselves to God's righteousness, instead it seems as though we are ever in the danger of setting up our own righteousness, which of course isn't righteous in the slightest. Again Paul tells it clearly...the righteousness of God's is ours by faith. But we must be submitted to it. "Faith comes by hearing, hearing by the Word of God." v17 So again we must be submitted to God's Word and His standard of what is right instead of our own. The frightening thing is, we will automatically attempt to set up our own Kingdom if we fail to submit ourselves to God's Word... and His righteousness. Praise God for Paul's ministry.
Week 9
In addition to comments on Romans 9…
Whidden’s CH 9 “Justification by Faith”
BRI’s Some Theological Considerations of Perfection
by Edward Heppenstall
So there are two Greek words in the NT used for our English word “perfection”. “Teleios” and “Katartizo” are the two Greek words used to express “perfection”.
“Teleios” means “to reach for a goal” or a “purpose”…to an “end”.
“Katartizo” means “to be fully equipped” for service in the work of the church and in the cause of God.
Heppenstall’s brief Greek study was encouraging. I appreciated Heppenstall’s article for the most part. Perfection, of course, has long been a controversy in our church, but I thought he did a good job to show how the “perfect” Christian simply is the one that is ever reaching out to Jesus…ever growing, ever maturing in his/her walk of faith with the Lord.
The only thing that really bothered me about Heppenstall was his repeated effort to establish that God’s people in the end would not necessarily be without sin. While I agree with him and Ellen White that we will never be able to “say” I am free from sin. That doesn’t mean that we aren’t to prepare our hearts in this antitypical Day of Atonement…I’m just not comfortable with his efforts to establish that God will save us in sin. It’s my understanding that one of Satan’s original claims was that God’s law could not be kept. In addition to this, Heppenstall quotes from the NEB and the RSV text which is puzzling to me, especially the NEB, but none the less, it is what it is…two translations that clearly are ecumenical in their scope, following the Catholic tradition.
The BRI is consistent in its left of center views, but I suppose you have to be, in order to be considered “scholastic”.
“Whidden CH 9 Justification by Faith”
So Ellen White’s view of Justification matured over the years according to Whidden. On the one hand, the teaching of justification by faith, when taught as it should be, sometimes sounds like cheap grace, making the law of God void. Whidden explains that the reason for this is the reality that not one of the works of obedience manifested in the Christian ever merits salvation.
And then on the other hand, a more balanced approach to Justification by Faith may sound like perfectionism. Whidden explains that the reason for this is that true forgiveness is the key to obedience and all true victory over sin.
Whidden explains that our “receiving God’s forgiveness in justification is always accompanied by submission to His Lordship!” The result of this submission is the bearing of “fruit” or “strict obedience to the Lord’s will.” Adding, “we are not saved in sin but from it.” AMEN God help us all!
Ellen White’s quotes to support this understanding of Justification by Faith:
“Faith must be sustained by works; the doers of the work are justified before God”
(2T 167)
“He continued his strict and self-denying life, not now as the ground, but the result of faith; not the root, but the fruit of holiness.”
(GC 256)
“Those who accept Christ, and in their first confidence say, I am saved, are in danger of trusting to themselves.” (COL 155)
“We cannot answer the charges of Satan against us. Christ alone can make an effectual plea in our behalf…” (5T 472)
“The moment you surrender yourself wholly to Him in simple faith, Jesus accepts you, and encircles you in His arms of love. He holds you more firmly than you can grasp Him” (RH, July 22, 1884)
Week 10
In addition to comments on Romans 10...
Whidden’s CH 10 “Ministry After Minneapolis 1888-1902”
I really admire Ellen White for the way she handled the whole 1888 controversy. After being shipped off to Australia, she didn’t fret or get angry, but instead she fixed her attention on Jesus Christ, with the help of her assistant, Marian Davis, writing “Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing”… “The Desire of Ages”…and “Christ’s Object Lessons”.
This is a lesson to me in the face of anything the devil throws at me.
BRI’s “Comments on 1 Timothy 4:10 by Ángel Manuel Rodríguez.
I agree with Rodriguez’ summary of salvation in Jesus…“On the cross God made provision for the salvation of every human being but only those who through faith accept the gift of salvation through Christ will be saved. Christ's substitutionary atonement is universal in its extent but, because of the freedom God has given to humans, it is limited in its salvific effect.” I know that if you mention “provision” to an 1888 person they get really upset. I wonder if the issue isn’t something different…like Christological issues…or I wonder if one group is more focused on “faith” and the other is more focused on “faith and works” as the means of salvation.
I agree with you Tim, I want more faith too! Romans 10:17 is one of my favorite verses. It amazes me how simple it is to know Jesus and yet how difficult it is for us to stay in the word of God. We’re constantly bombarded with distractions of all sorts, but praise God, he is willing and able to save to the uttermost, all who come to Him, through His Son Jesus Christ. I will pray for you once I’m done typing these responses. Please pray for me as well. Man I agree with you again in your assessment that we need to add the importance of Bible study in growing our faith. May God ground us in His Word...may we not get lost in the many debates and arguments. God bless you brother!
Ray I liked how you explained that we need a larger model of salvation because there are multiple models that Paul uses to communicate what Jesus has done for us…justification, reconciliation, sanctification, salvation history and the apocalyptic models…I can appreciate a larger model, as long as it is biblical, but my concern is that sometimes a wholistic, larger model is the last thing we need to adopt. Sometimes it represents an antagonistic effort to adopt false doctrine. May God guide us by His Holy Spirit as we endeavor to maintain purity of doctrine in these last days. As for the question on the security of the universe after the final judgment….whew! that’s a deep question man. In my limited understanding, our living in the full presence of God will remove any desire whatsoever for sin. Blessings!
Materials read: The Dynamics of Salvation (BRI document); Ellen White on Salvation: Sin, the Human Condition, and Salvation (Woodrow W. Whidden II); and Romans 6
There may be a meshing of the above read materials with chapter 7. However, I found the reading to be very inspirational. Although inspirational, I found a few things that are questionable in both of the non-biblical readings, at least from my point of view. The BRI document states that “the cross alone is our salvation.” I, for one, am in opposition of this statement. To say that the cross alone is our salvation seems to be suggesting that Christ’s birth, His perfect life, and His shedding of blood in the Garden of Gethsemane is of no effect. If Christ had not lived a perfect life, if He had sinned even in thought, He could not have been our Savior. Furthermore, I am under the conviction that if Christ had died in the Garden of Gethsemane after He had shed blood, He could still have been our Savior. In my understanding, the plan of salvation required the Son of God to live a perfect life, to shed blood, and to die. “Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission (forgiveness).” I believe that the cross was to show the world that He (Christ) was willing to do whatever it took to save us and to show us that He went farther than what was necessary for our salvation.
Also, in the book Ellen White on Salvation, Woodrow Whidden II, commenting on the Moral Influence Theory, writes that “It is God’s just love, not some mushy mercy, that saves from eternal death.” While this statement seems to be concrete, it also seem to talk down on those who have an elementary understanding of salvation and the atonement, just like many, if not all of us. I am under the conviction that Christ’s death is a manifestation of God’s love to the world. I am also under the conviction that His (Christ’s) death was a requirement of God’s justice. However, I don’t believe that He had to go to the cross to do so. I am convinced that mercy has something to do with our salvation. The Bible states that it is by the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed. If someone can, please help broaden my understanding of the BRI document and the quote from the book. You may respond to this comment on the blog or send me an email at moten@andrews.edu or motenwayne@yahoo.com.
Materials read: Romans 7; Ellen White on Salvation: The Atonement (Woodrow Widden II); BRI Document – How Perfect is “Perfect” or is Christian Perfection Possible?
I feel as that I have gain a better understanding of the word “perfect/perfection” as it relates to people in the context of holiness. The BRI document brings out the fact that many people misunderstand the idea of perfection. The fact is that many are under the impression that when the Bible speaks of perfect that it means the person who it (Bible) is referring to had completely overcome sin. I agree with the document that the Bible doesn’t express the idea that the person has become sinless when it mentions that he was perfect. It, according to my understanding, expresses the idea that the person has total dependence upon Christ to strive to overcome sin. The idea of sinless perfection seems to be prevalent in the Adventist circle. Old and new Adventist believers alike are taught this by the phrase “there is no sin going to heaven.” Whereas this is true, it can also be discouraging if not explained correctly and produce in a person the idea that they have to become sinless before they are approached by death. The Bible gives the idea, the document states it, and I concur that it is the procession of one’s life covered by Christ’s righteousness that determines whether or not he/she is an overcomer. As long as this world is tainted by sin, there is, in my opinion, a slim possibility for someone not to commit, at one time or another, any wrong deed or thought or word; in short to live a sinless perfect life. The verse where many become confused is Matthew 5:48 where is says, “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (NKJV). Many take this text to mean that they have to literary be perfect like God is perfect. In my estimation, Romans 8:1 really opens up a clearer understanding of what it means to be perfect. Those who are in Christ Jesus are not declared to be wrong and they are led by the Holy Spirit.
There are great discussions over the pre/post fall theory of Christ’s nature. Many of us don’t realize that Christ is past finding out. However, I, for one take the view that Dr. Hanna brought out in class: Christ was like Adam before the fall (He was sinless) and He was like Adam after the fall (He suffered the handicaps that sin produced).
Materials read: Romans 8; (Whidden II) Ellen White on Salvation: The Nature of Christ and Salvation; Justification and the Cross (BRI document)
In the BRI document, a lot of Greek verbs and their meanings are given in order to help its readers come to a plausible understanding of the Romans 5:12-21. The document goes back into refuting the idea of “in Adam/in Christ.” It seems that the study committee has misunderstood the concept of justification by faith. The conflict with the above text is that death is passed on to all because in Adam all sinned. This idea is seemingly preposterous. I appreciate the way the author used the Greek and other materials to better help the readers understand what Paul was/is saying. However, if it’s true that death passed on to all because all sinned in Adam, it is also true that we were aware of their sins and knowingly and willingly participated in them before we were born. The author of the document (Angel Manuel Rodriguez) brought out the point that the problem with the text is in Rom. 5:12, “because all sinned.” However, the phrase is in no wise stating that Paul meant that death is passed on to all because all sinned. Although there is a text that says “my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge,” a person is only guilty of sin when he/she is conscience about whatever it is that he/she is committing is wrong. There are numerous of examples in the Bible of babies dying. David’s first child with Bathsheba was struck down with sickness and died. What sin did this child commit? Also, the killings that Herod the Great, the supercilious empty headed king did to the children who were two years old and younger because he trying to Jesus seems to, in my estimation, refute the idea. According to the study committee, everyone will die since death and sin came in Adam. The Bible never teaches that everyone will die. Again, there is a mistake in understanding biblical texts and teachings. Enoch and Elijah are two who the Bible tells us for sure didn’t die, at least not physically.
I think the study committee overlooks the words of Ellen White. If a person is justified, it is because he/she has distaste for sin although he/she might slip and fall into it. His/her confidence and faith is totally wrapped up in Jesus and his/her desire is to be obedient to Him come what may.
Reading chapter 9 EGW’s stand on “Justification by Faith – Before 1888” I can’t help it but praise the Lord for her progressive attitude and understanding of the subject with clear discernment of possible dangers on the part of the saved to take faith as a license to sin. It was comforting to know that as long as a sinner is sincerely penitent and turned loyalty to God completely with a heart’s desire to obey Him perfectly, despite the flaws, mistakes and shortcomings, God is willing to count it righteousness because of Jesus’ imputed merits in the sinner. Ellen White was completely aware that it’s God and God alone who reads the heart. Praise God for the safety nets He has provided to support those whom He redeemed. Indeed, justification is not a license to sin rather and privilege to obey God whole heartedly and genuinely.
Paul in chapter 9 mentioned this: “What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? Certainly not! 15 For He says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion."
16 So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.
This indeed is a great vision of who God is and how he treats us. And again at the end of the chapter he said that there is only one reason why won’t be able to benefit from the mercy and grace of God and that is by entering not by faith. “30 What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; 31 but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. 32 Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. 33 As it is written: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, and whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”
Ivan T. Blazen in his article “Justification by Faith and Judgment According to Works” wrote that “An apparent tension stands between God's act in justifying us by faith and the idea that He will consider our works in judging us.” He clearly pictures the roles revelation and reason take. Revelation enlightens and reason puts it into practice. For him faith could mean full surrender to God’s will (judgment), gift and claim. Faith he said “acts.” Since we all shall stand before God’s judgment throne one day, why not chose to live a happy life of complete submission and in harmony with his will?
I like what Blazen said: “Justification grants assurance, but judgment guards it.” The power of choice plays a vital role in the keeping of the gift of salvation in the hands of the saved sinner. That’s the kind of a freedom we have inherited from Christ who freed us from the bondage of inability to choose. Even though we have already pledged our allegiance to Christ for loyalty and obedience, still we have the choice not to continue at our own expense. We choose to have Lord over us or not. I love the way this indivisible character of Christ as both Saviour and Lord/Master was described in the following:
He comes to us in love-in the light and strength of it He asks that we be loving.
He comes to us in mercy-in the joy and power of it He asks that we be merciful.
He comes to us in forgiveness-He asks that we be forgiving.
He comes to us in kindness-He asks that we be kind.
He comes to us in gentleness-He asks that we be gentle.
He comes to us in sacrifice-He asks that we live sacrificially.
He comes to us as our servant-He asks that we serve others.
"As Saviour and Lord, Christ judged sin at the cross, justifies the sinner by faith, and judges the justified by works."
Daniel Ocampo
Jeff Carlson
Doctrine of Salvation
Comment #8
"Justification and the Cross” by Angel Manuel Rodriguez
Romans 9
Whidden Chapter 9
I like how Whidden summed up Ellen White’s teaching of Justification: “It is my firm conviction that Ellen White taught a powerfully, objective doctrine of justification, but one that does not tolerate willful, premeditated, easy-come-easy-go attitudes toward sin.”
I think we are often very fearful that if we really let people feel forgiven they will go smoke crack, buy prostitutes and eat too much cheese. I’m really pretty sure, from my own experience, that when we really help people understand the greatness of sin and the greatness of what Christ had to do and was willing to do to counteract sin and buy them back that they will be more inclined and more able to kick sin out of their lives than if fear and uncertainty are the motivators.
Angel Rodriguez points out, “Paul is not saying that the work of Christ paralleled in some way what Adam did. He is in fact contrasting the two in order to show that what Christ performed was greater and more meaningful than what Adam brought as a result of his sin.”
What Jesus did was huge. I think when we spend more time dwelling on that than on the evils of sin – which is also important in its own time – we will have a lot more healthy church members.
Paul said, “It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.”
Romans 10
EGW 10
BRI 10
In Romans 10 Paul once again discusses his struggle on how to win his fellow Jews to believe in Jesus and be said through faith. He discussed through questions the importance and urgency of going or sending people to share the gospel to all people (Jews or Greeks alike). With all simplicity and generosity he declared in verse 13 that "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." But the natural effects of sin in this case, being stubborn, prevents especially the Jews in accepting much more practice faith in Jesus Christ. He quoted Isaiah to stress his point that salvation is a free gift to those who humbly seek it by faith. He wrote: "I was found by those who did not seek Me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for Me." 21 But to Israel he says: "All day long I have stretched out My hands To a disobedient and contrary people." This last quotation really touched my heart how patient God has been to Israel and with us and how stubborn his love for us is, it just doesn’t cease.
Ellen White on chapter 10 “Ministry After Minneapolis 1888-1902” it was mentioned that this period following 1888 witnessed extraordinary emphasis, refinement, and clarification on her understanding and meaning of salvation. Events, projects, and situations and topics like Righteousness by Faith, The life of Christ, and the extreme Adventist Pentecostalism all have helped shaped her understanding of the salvation theme. She kept her views and presentations well balanced despite of the facts that those who were in the leadership were sometimes hostile to her. But the topic Righteousness by Faith has the most significant influence on her.
Angel Manuel Rodriquez had a comparative discussion of two opinions in Romans 3 on Justification. He wrote: “The contrast is between a time of sin and condemnation and a new reality, the "now" of salvation history inaugurated by Jesus.” In this articles he has proven through careful exegesis that “there is only one way out of the human predicament, namely, justification by faith to "all" who believe.” He also emphasized it firmly that Paul is not introducing a new type of justification that is legal and universal independent of a faith-commitment to Jesus. That, according to Rodriguez, “would be Eisegesis.” How easy it could really be for a student to inject personal opinions to a certain text thereby reflecting one’s own bias rather than what the author meant on the text.
Dan Ocampo
Reflection # 10
God is not the author of confusion. So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Rom 10:17 (KJV)
Hermeneutics is the science and art of deriving meaning. Its goal is to "rightly divide the word of truth." To achieve balance and avoid distortion is the objective.
Mrs. White strenuously protested against the abuse and misuse of her writings by some of the compilation makers of her own day. In 1901 she wrote that:
Many men take the testimonies the Lord has given, and apply them as they suppose they should be applied, picking out a sentence here and there, taking it from its proper connection, and applying it according to their idea. Thus poor souls become bewildered, when could they read in order all that has been given, they would see the true application, and would not become confused. Much that purports to be a message from Sister White, serves the purpose of misrepresenting Sister White, making her testify in favor of things that are not in accordance with her mind or judgment. . . . Please let Sister White bear her own message. 1SM, pp. 44, 45 (from Ms. 21, 1901).
The continuation of the practice
of using scripture and spirit of prophecy writings out of context to prove a point is evident today; however prayer and submission to the Holy Spirit will help the reader to receive the intended message from the Lord.
Earl
Reflection #10
Chapter 11 Whidden, BRI Justification in Romans 3:21-24 by: Ángel Manuel Rodríguez and chapter10 of Romans
Upon reflecting on this week reading assignments the issue between the balance of justification by faith versus justification by works again is in the spotlight. Whidden in this chapter speaks about the impact that the 1888 Minneapolis general conference had in the ministry of Mrs. White. It is clear that a major bell was wrung awakening Mrs. White because according to this week chapter 45% of all her writing on justification spanning her 45 years of ministry took place within four years following the meeting of 1888. I guess I could understand why due to the conflict and turmoil within the church that polarized believers between the two camps of justification by faith versus works. Like with most issues, people tend to lose equilibrium and become extreme and the Adventist church was no different in regard to this issue. Mrs. White was intentional in her campaign with strong counsel against those who tried to do away with the law based on the argument that we are justified by Jesus merits through faith in him alone and not by our work in obeying his laws. Roman 10 also deals with this issue stating that justification is available to all who believe and have faith both Jew and Gentile alike. This could imply the release from the law and dependence on faith only to be justified, instead of the laws followed by the Jews. These points are further solidified by the BRI document on Romans 3: 21-24 outlining the gift God made available to us because of our short coming and failure to compile to his rules. But the danger in all of this in my opinion is that the sin have made us concentrate to much on the minor things of life and distracted us just enough to take our eyes off the real prize Jesus. It is because of divisions like these unity between believers and God cannot be accomplished and thus demonstrate more than ever the importance of Jesus sacrifice on the cross and his second coming.
Comment in response to Geraldine
I agree with your points on misinterpretation of scripture to prove individual agenda are very true which is contributing to a state of confusion within the church. But scripture also states that in the last days we will have imitators and imposters and we must depend on a very personal connection with God in order to prevent deception. And like you I would love to see unity and togetherness within the church but we know that things must get worst before they improve at Jesus second coming until then we must hold fast and trust only in God and not man.
“Some Thoughts on Original Sin”
By: Gerhard Pfandi
This article is a survey of the doctrine of original sin. This article goes through Christian history, stating what various theologians thought about original sin. In the end, Pfandi concludes that Adventists today generally define sin as “a lack of conformity to the will of God, either in act or state.” Adding “state” in the sentence points out that even babies who die before they can think or act for themselves need a Savior.
Chapter 12 on Ellen White on Salvation
“On the one hand, she shied away from a doctrine of salvation by the merit of imparted righteousness. On the other, she did not want to deny the powerful internal workings of God’s Spirit, who makes Christ’s righteousness real in our experience of salvation” (pg. 106).
This chapter shows how Ellen White, after making strides in the area of justification leading up to 1888, also balanced her views with a healthy dose of sanctification. This balance can be confusing, and it can also provide a realization that Ellen White understands what James professes, that faith works.
Romans 11
As discussed in class, this chapter continues Paul’s clarifying writing of what it means to be a true “spiritual Israel,” not merely “national Israel.”
comment on:
Christ Saved the Human Race
Ángel Manuel Rodríguez
As I understood by reading this article, it seen that many believe in the universal justification, which conceive the idea that Jesus with His sacrifice saved the whole world. What Jesus did was provide salvation for all in the world who accept it; before Jesus die Satan has the dominion of the world, by sin the human became slave of the enemy, Mat. 4:8,9 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me."
There was a price to paid to rescue the human race from the chains of the sin, Jesus paid that price at the cross giving His own live, giving to every human the opportunity to be save. We are not save automatically by His justification at the cross, but we must accept what He did for us by faith.
Romans 12 starts out challenging people to present their bodies as a living sacrifices. The word therefore in verse 1 made me to look back at the end of chapter 11. Paul concluded that chapter saying, “For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.” This verse tells me that we are alive because of Christ and we are created for Him. This idea seems to favor the 1888 camp. Romans 12:3 tells me that there is a humbling that should accompany salvation. In verse 4 Paul talks about Chirstians all being a part of the same body. This illustration of a body seems to say to me that it is easier for a person to be saved among a group of other believers rather than as an isolated Christian.
Romans 12:9-21 gives a very practical list of ways that a person who is saved should reate to others. I am challenged by the way that it encourages us to give preference to others rather than focusing so much on our own lives.
Reading the BRI article about Problems with Universal Legal Justification leaves me with some questions. If people are legally justified by God, why is it that they have to at the same time be transformed by the Spirit. Can God save a person and work with them through their struggles until they can give up whatever it is that they are struggling with? The article says that faith is placed in opposition to grace by the 1888 group. I agree that we need both faith and grace. The biggest deal in this article seems to be the disagreement about what faith means. When it comes down to it, I think that both groups say you need to accept God’s grace one way or another. There is the disagreement over whether a person is saved or lost before that. I think that we as pastors should make the kingdom of God attractive and easy to enter; while at the same time calling people to present their bodies to God as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).
Romans 9
Whidden’s Chapter 9
According to Whidden Mrs. White’s notion of justification matured progressively. Moreover, her interest
in the subject accelerated after the Minneapolis encounter. He does highlight that sometimes the
simplistic notion of genuine justification sometimes causes one to think of it as cheap grace. Whidden
highlights that while works and grace are the compliments of Salvation, not one of our works of
obedience manifested in the Christian’s life ever merit salvation.
True forgiveness Whidden argues is the key to obedience and all true victory over sin. On no occasion in
the Christian’s life is forgiveness in justification ever granted without the accompanying of one’s
submission to God. Whidden highlights that Christ never saved anyone in sin, but fom sin. The natural
submission results in the bearing of ‘fruits’ Ellen White therefore held that one’s faith must be
accompanied by works because the doers of works are justified before God.
Christ alone justifies us, our response does not make us more righteous but opens an avenue that we
might be blessed. Writing in the Review and Herald July 22, 1884 Mrs. White reiterates- The moment
you surrender yourself wholly to Christ in simple faith, Jesus accepts you, and encircles you in His arms
of love. He holds you more firmly than you can grasp Him. Does this means then that when a perfect
Savior holds a weak sinner, the sinner ‘cannot be plucked from His grasp’ and is saved forever?????
Articles Read: Whidden: The significance and Meaning of 1888; Romans 11,
The reading this week in the book “Ellen White on Salvation” explored , and shed some light on the significance and meaning of what transpired at the 1888 General conference , and its meaning to Ellen White. It was evident from the reading that:
• Ellen White was never an advocate for the abolition of the authority of the law, and the redeemed person’s obligation to grace.
• There was a very balanced and clear understanding on the subject of justification, before, during and after 1888 in her writings.
• Prior to 1888, she spoke of justification by faith as the “matchless charms of Jesus.”
• Ellen White believed and preached the need for uplifting Christ as our sin pardoning savior, and at the same time emphasizing obedience to his precepts.
It is very clear from the writings of Ellen White that she was balanced in her understanding of justification by faith. She was very clear on what her thoughts on Jones and Waggoner’s treatment of the subject was. This observation is noteworthy as some have thought she was in support of all the views that these two men proposed.
I am thankful that here writings reflect a balanced perspective on this most important subject, and not a lopsided view.
Another issue that demands a balanced and Wholistic view is Paul’s treatment of the remnant in Romans 11. In this profound chapter Paul highlights the fact that a remnant of Israel will be saved. He illustrates this perspective by highlighting Elijah’s statement after Israel had apostatized. Elijah though that he was the only one left, when God reminded him that he had 7000 who had not bowed the knee to Baal. Similarly, the present remnant (Gentiles) spoken of in the passage were elected according to grace. The Gentiles who, unlike the sleeping Jews, embraced God’s free gift of salvation. They were grafted into the Christ, and were accepted as His children. Paul in this chapter proceeded to charge the Gentiles not to boast about it, for God’s grace and mercy is extended to both Jew and Gentiles. Why? For all Israel will be saved. God’s intent is to save both Jew and Gentile in his kingdom. So, the obvious question then is who will constitute Israel in the last days?
Ellen White on Salvation chapter11
Romans 9-11
Bri: Justification and the Cross” by Angel Manuel Rodriguez
I was very moved by Doc. Hanna’s model on Israel and the remnant. As I reread Romans chapters 9, 10 and 11, I have found the model to be Biblical and comprehensive. Truly, the precedence or platform for these chapters as Doc. Hanna pointed out is Paul’s effort to distinguish who is a true Israelite in God’s sight and what the salvation of all Israelites really entail. Paul argues that not because a person is a born Israelite is proof that he or she is converted, thus he says “For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel,” (Rom. 9:10). There are clear parallel tones between chapters 9-11 and chapter 2, in chapter 2: 25-29 the apostle postulates that a Jew by natural decent and one who has been circumcised is not necessarily a true Jew. Therefore, he points out that for a natural Jew who has been circumcised to be considered a true Jew such a person must be faithful to God. Interestingly, even from chapter 2 Paul has been showing that “not all Jews are Jews.”
In chapter 9:6 Paul makes mention of two Israels as our professor pointed out one is national Israel and the other is spiritual Israel. The spiritual Israel is made up of true Israelites from national Israel and gentiles who have attained to God’s righteous through Christ. Paul brings clarity to this fact in 11: 17-25 by emphasizing that some of the natural branches (unconverted national Israelites) were broken off leaving the spiritual branches (converted national Israelites). He reveals that the gentiles who have attained to God’s righteousness replaced the broken off unconverted national Israelites who have sort after their own righteousness. Hence, the apostle is clear that the national converted Israelites and the converted gentiles are those who make up spiritual Israel. In this light, a gentile who is not an Israelite by descent has become an Israelite through the acceptance of Christ righteousness. Therefore, a spiritual Israelite according to Paul is one whose life is in harmony with God’s way of righteousness be it Jew or gentile. In chapter 2 he makes a similar point that a Jew by natural descent who has received the circumcision of the heart likewise a gentile are those who are spiritual Jews and are true Jews.
As it regards to the salvation of all Israel I agree with Doc. Hanna that this is in reference to spiritual Israel and not national Israel. Again, I agree with him based on 9:29 that for all Israel to be saved spiritual Israel that is it will be accomplished through Jesus the Deliverer in 11:26 working through the spiritual remnant of Israel mention in 9:29.
Articles Read: “Salvation by Faith” by Jan Paulsen
Romans 11
Ellen White On Salvation, Chapter 12.
Within the complexity of the theological arguments of Paul in Romans its so easy to get thrown off course and think that Paul is actually saying the opposite of what he is trying to teach. It’s interesting that after his passage on “predestination” he states further in Romans 11:22,23:
“Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again.”
Here he states plainly that the gentiles who don’t continue in the faith could be cut off and the cut-off Jews could repent and be grafted in again. Except the teacher of predestination would hold that those who return and those who continue were destined already then Paul is showing that continuance is important to salvation. As we discussed early in this semester, there are several text that show that we must keep going on to the order to be saved, so there is no great revelation here. It’s just that for me if Paul was teaching that God made one person for destruction and the other for salvation then even if they were broken off or returned would not make any difference in their final reward.
I found Jan Paulson sermon to be very intriguing as well. I’ve addressed the Pauline struggle in a prior post as being post-conversion before but I found this quote from Ellen White used by Paulson to agree with this position:
"The Christian will feel the promptings of sin, for the flesh lusteth against the Spirit; but the Spirit striveth against the flesh, keeping up a constant warfare. Here is where Christ's help is needed. Human weakness becomes united to divine strength, and faith exclaims, 'Thanks be to God, . . . [He gives] us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ' (1 Cor 15:57)" (The Sanctified Life, pp 92, 93).
Here Ellen White describes the struggle that the Christian will go through because the flesh is still alive. The paradox of the “more secure / saved” a Christian is the more unsaved they will feel really speaks to the matter of justification by faith. If we were saved by our works then the closer we come to Jesus the more secure we’ll feel in our salvation but the opposite is really true. I look at this as the more we understand what Christ did for us on the cross of Calvary the more we realize how incapable we are to pay that price.
It’s an appreciation that many, if not all, young parents get when they look back on what their parents went through for them. We often take our parents for granted until we become parents ourselves. Until we get a fuller picture of Calvary then we can take a lot for granted.
Pualson also mentioned Mary Magdalene response to Jesus as being the “works response” of the true Christian. He doesn’t work harder to be saved but because he realizes how much Jesus has done for him. The great paradox of the real champions of righteousness by faith is that they seem to work harder than anyone else! Paul and the great reformer Martin Luther comes to mind. Paul could list all the things that he suffered for the gospel and declare that no other apostle worked as hard as eh did. Just think about the champion of righteousness by faith WORKING harder than anyone else.
I like the way how Paulson puts it:
And justification has to do with our relationship and our legal standing before God. Somehow, wonderfully, we who are rightly guilty and deserve to die are being saved by God who chooses to declare us not guilty! In the words of Ellen White: "When God pardons the sinner, remits the punishment he deserves, and treats him as though he had not sinned, He receives him into divine favor, and justifies him through the merits of Christ's righteousness" (ibid., p. 389; italics supplied).
However, we are not to think that God has gone soft on sin. It is not sin that God justifies! The involvement of God in Jesus Christ on the cross is sufficient answer to that. Christ died in my place and satisfied the unchangeable requirements of the law of the universe of God.
The cross! The cross!! The cross!!! I think that here lies the answers to our most difficult questions.
Commenting on Jeffs' Posting
I am in agreement with you that we should focus more on what Christ has done for man because this is the key for forming a loving relationship with Him, which will virtually give victory over sin. Be fore God gave the Israelites the law at Mount Sinai; He reminded them that He was the One who delivered them. Their contemplation on this fact was design that in love for God did for them they would keep His commandments. Thus as we ruminate upon what Christ has done for us at the cross such love will certainly lead us to love and be faithful to Him.
Whidden Chapter 10
Roman 10 And Gerhard Phandl BRI Article on Nature of Sin
The period 1888-1902 marks a very significant moment in the history of the Seventh-day Adventist
church. For certain it was the most remarkable period that Mrs. White wrote mostly regarding the
subject of Salvation; more than any other time of her ministry. Perhaps the issues occurring during this
period hastened her necessity to communicate more on the subject. Leading up to and subsequent to
the General Conference there were many controversial issues brought up and discussed. G.I Butler and
Uriah Smith on one side and E.J. Waggoner and A.T Jones on the other side, the issue on hand was
Galatians 3:19-25- One side argued the law mentioned in Galatians was the ceremonial law not the
moral law and the other group argued vice versa. I can imagine this led Ellen to further study as well as
prayer seeking clarity on the subject as the discussion involved the hierarchy of the church.
At the session Waggoner was strongly supported by Mrs. White. While she was not directly involved in
the pros or cons, Ellen White was led to solidify her beliefs regarding the subject once the disagreement
was over. Prior to 1888 reference made by Ellen White to holiness has always been negative as she felt
that the holiness teachings undermine the authority of God’s law. However as Whidden concludes this
chapter he noted that “through all the years, whether justification or sanctification was getting the
accent or emphasis in her ministry, Ellen White always sought balance in her presentations.
Romans 11
Whiddens Chapter 11
Many have always questioned the significance of the Minneapolis 1888 encounter to various factions in
the Seventh-day Adventist Church today. While the full effects are unknown, it is clear that significant
salvific issues were raised at that session. Enough issues were raised to cause many to change their
course of thought and behavior, even to bring to a crisis issues that needed to be addressed in the
process of discussing Salvation. If nothing else was accomplished, most members were advised ‘to quit
trying to merit salvation by good works and obedience to the law and accept the wonderful forgiveness
of Jesus that is made manifest. Many contend that while Ellen White was only subsequently involved in
the discussions of 1888 her involvement was not doctrinal but experiential. After the events of 1888 and
before her departure to Australia, Mrs. White spent a lot of time sharing and clarifying concepts
regarding justification by faith.
In the 11th chapter of Romans Paul expresses that the unbelief of the Jews has paved the way for the
preaching of the gospel to the Gentiles and for their easier acceptance of it outside the context of Jewish
culture. Through his mission to the Gentiles Paul also hopes to fill his fellow Jews with jealousy. Hence he
hastens to fill the entire Mediterranean world with the gospel. Once all the Gentile nations have heard the
gospel, Israel as a whole is expected to embrace it. This will be tantamount to resurrection of the dead,
that is, the reappearance of Jesus Christ with all the believers at the end of time.
Dale Baker
BRI: “Salvation by Faith”
Ellen White: Justification after Minneapolis- From Late 1888 to 1892
Week after week we wrestle with topic of salvation. We see varying perspective on the topic which at times has spark much discussion. The topic under discussion for this week from the BRI has put forward the discussion that salvation is by faith. I believe that there are times we miss this important point, that it is not what we can do to save ourselves, rather it is all about what God can do through us be the faith we demonstrate in His gift of salvation. As expressed by EG White "It is not enough to believe about Christ; we must believe in Him” GW 261. It is vital for us to understand that it is not an intellectual faith that is needed to take hold of salvation. Our faith must embrace Christ as our savior.
Furthermore, we see that many times believers pray and still feel as though there prayers have not been answered, but we need to realize that, it’s not about us but Christ, and his righteousness that covers our prayers. Many times we could relieve ourselves from undue burden if we will but trust Christ to His word. It is ever a refreshing thing to know that the righteousness of Christ covers all our sinful tendencies, so that we can take hold of His grace and love.
Article Read:
• “Christ Saved the Human Race”
by Ángel Manuel Rodríguez
In his article, Mr. Rodriguez sought to debunk the belief that Ellen White’s statements supported legal justification of the whole human race. There are many who believe that when Jesus died on the cross he paid the penalty for the entire human race and that everyone in the world was now justified and brought into a right relation with God. The only way one could be lost is if he/she willfully and persistently rejected God’s saving grace. However, this is not what the Bible teaches nor what Ellen White taught. Believing in a legal justification of the entire human race would then mean salvation is not “offered” to us but given to us. It would mean that everyone is on their way to heaven unless they willfully and persistently reject it. Salvation then would not be a free gift that we receive by choice but rather a gift given even if we did not want it. However, it is my understanding that both the Bible and Ellen White support salvation being a free gift that we have to exercise our will and reach out and take before it can be applied to our lives.
Ellen White’s statement, "If fallen human beings will consent to become sons and daughters of God in willing obedience, they will become one with Christ,” makes it clear that salvation is consensual. God never forces himself upon us. As sinful human beings, our redemption is already provided for by Jesus’ death on the cross, but we have to consent to it before actually receiving it. This is the work which is required on our part in order to receive salvation.
Article Read:
• “Comments on 1 Timothy 4:10”
by Ángel Manuel Rodríguez
1 Timothy 4:10 Paul states “For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, specially of those that believe.” The last part of this text does not refer to a legal universal salvation of all men, but rather only to those (“specially”) who have accepted God’s free gift of salvation. I like Manuel Rodríguez’s explanation of this text because he hits it on the head when he says [God is the Savior of all in the sense that He desires "all men to be saved." Then, the phrase "specially of those who believe" would designate those who have accepted the offer of salvation by faith in Christ. In other words, God desires all to be saved and has done everything necessary to save them, but He is the actual Savior of those who believe.] I further agree with Rodríguez’s notation of the word “savior” being a noun and not a verb. Thus, ". . . God, who is the Savior of all men," and not “. . . God, who saved all men.” Savior interpreted as a noun means that Jesus is the only and exclusive instrument of salvation for the human race, not that he has already saved the entire race, but that he has made salvation possible and available to the entire race. He is the only one able to do this. There is no other way accessible to human beings through which their relationship with God could be restored. Rodríguez summarizes this phrase as follows “Christ's substitutionary atonement is universal in its extent but, because of the freedom God has given to humans, it is limited in its salvific effect.” I couldn’t summarize it better than this!
Article Read:
• “Comments on the "In Adam/In Christ" Motifs”
by Ángel Manuel Rodríguez
The terms “In Adam/In Christ” no doubt can be confusing when one thinks of the possible ways it can be understood. I never gave it much thought until now. The idea of legal universal justification can be understood if every human being was simultaneously present in Christ at the moment he died on the cross. However, the Bible does not teach this. If I were to reflect on these two phrases I would say “In Adam” meant having the sinful nature of Adam after the fall. I view it as an allegorical phrase similar to saying “in the weakness of the flesh”. Since Adam was the father of the human race who plunged the whole race into sin, we use his name as representing the ways and propensities of our fallen nature. “In Christ” then would mean just the opposite. Since Christ had a sinless nature and is the one and only redeemer of the world, we use his name to represent the ways of righteousness and propensities of Christ’s unfallen nature. “In Adam” then means operating naturally with our inherent fallen human nature. “In Christ” means operating according to the principles of Christ’s kingdom as a result of allowing Christ to change our sinful tendencies.
Article Read:
• “The Dynamics of Salvation”
by the Review and Herald® Publishing Association
This was a long article, but worth the reading. The story of our salvation and the dynamics which make it possible are humbling indeed. In every part of the story of our salvation we see that God has taken the initiative in saving us. We cannot do anything on our own but by faith accept God’s grace. The article paints a true picture of our sinful nature, stressing that we are condemned before God, alienated from our true selves, from one another and from the created world. By nature we operate on the principles of achievement – the reward should match the performance – but the good news is that God does not deal the same way with us; for God is generous in His love, extravagant beyond our comprehension. He seeks to recreate in us his image that has been marred due to sin. It is a lifetime process, one in which God not only seeks to change our outward sinful actions, but even more the desires of the heart from which our actions spring. He is a patient God, striving with us even when we succumb to temptation and fall again into sin.
It was encouraging to read that “though at times we are overcome by temptation, we are not cast off, because we still have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous (1 John 2:1), who is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (chap. 1:9). We remain members of the divine family. It is not the occasional good deed or misdeed but the general trend of the life that indicates the direction in which we are moving-whether we have become rebels at heart again or are still standing in the relationship of faith.” This statement is one of reassurance because as sinners we all have done even that which we have purposed we would not do. We have fallen prey to Satan’s temptations over and over again, but as servants of Christ we have a new attitude towards sin and sinning, such that “even if we slip and fall, our sins are not entirely like those of the unredeemed. The acts may seem identical from an external viewpoint, but the inner attitude toward them is radically different. The nonbeliever is at home in sin, unmindful of its consequences and of God, and often in deliberate rebellion against His law. When the believer sins, he hates his sin and sinning, because it was the cause of the death of his Savior, and he does not want to crucify the Son of God again.” I found this statement to be true as I apply it to myself. I do not feel at home in sin, but when I do sin, I hate it and truly seek to find God’s forgiveness and his help in overcoming my natural desires for sin.
Article Read:
• “How Perfect Is "Perfect" Or Is Christian Perfection Possible?”
by Edward Heppenstall
This idea of perfection is one which have eluded me for a while. It was only last year I really understood what Christian perfection really meant. Since I didn’t know better I was one of those who defined perfection solely as the absence of sinful deeds. Of course, when defined as such, one only looks at the outer man as the determining factor of perfection. What about the heart and the desires? We often forget about the inner man, but it is the inner man, where the seat of our desires reside, which God seeks to change. This is embedded in our nature and no matter how good a show we can put up on the outside, God knows our hearts and the real desires and wishes we harbor. So it is impossible to become perfect in the sense of not ever committing a sin again. When we speak of Christian perfection we are really referring to spiritual maturity. One who is perfect is not one who never sins, but one who is whole in response to God; one whose heart and mind are committed to Christ; one who is perpetually living in Christ growing every day more and more into his character. So “yes” Christian perfection is possible, but sinless perfection is not.
Romans Chapter 6, BRI-The Dynamics of Salvation and Whidden Chapter 7-Atonement
Romans chapter six can be divided into three sections: Dead to Sin, Alive to God and Slaves to Righteousness. Verse 23 concludes and summarized the chapter by saying that the penalty for sin is death, but there is a contrast, that is; the gift of God is eternal life. This gift is Jesus’ death and atonement. If a man pays this wage for his own sins, he dies and the chance to gain access to God and eternal life is lost. This leaves God with three alternatives: He could simply let each person die for his sins. He could, like an indulgent grandfather, overlook sin and grant mankind access to Him, all the while hoping for the best. As His holy justice demanded, He could allow the death of another to substitute for the payment of sin for the sinner who wanted access to Him and met the conditions. But this last choice, the one God chose, presented another problem. The substitute had to be a sinless human being, since God cannot die and only a man who lived a sinless life would qualify, because if the substitute sinned, his death would pay only for his own sins. In addition, this person had to be of such importance and stature in his own right that his vicarious death to pay for other men's sins would never have to be repeated. Once this substitute gave his life, it would apply to all mankind for all time.
For salvation to be realized by an individual he/she must accept the following: Man stands condemned before God. Man is alienated from our true self and from one another. Man is alienated from God the creator. Thus God took the initiative to make restoration available, man must then respond to God’s love and grace in order to be saved.
Rudolph Sterling
Romans 7, BRI-How Perfect Is "Perfect" Or Is Christian Perfection Possible? And Whidden 8
The Word Perfect has a broad range of meaning in the dictionaries. The Oxford English Dictionary gives fifteen different meanings for the noun with numerous sub-meanings. Included are the following: thoroughly made or formed, fully accomplished, completely prepared, in the state of compete excellence, free from any flaw or imperfection of quality, of supreme moral excellence or righteous, and fully answering to what a name implies. Although these definitions begin to give a feel for the meaning of the word, the scriptures themselves must be the final authority for the meaning of a word. First of all, we can know with assurance that the word perfect does not refer to sinlessness. Hebrews 2:10 speaks of Jesus Christ being made “perfect through sufferings” and Hebrews 5:9 speaks of Him “being made perfect” through the things He suffered. Since Christ was always sinless, He could not have been made sinless. Therefore the word speaks of something other than sinlessness.
\two questions should be asked of Romans 7. One; is this the description of the Christian? And Two; is Romans 7 a normal Christian life? Some may want to answer no; and say it must be taken as an expression of periodic, occasional, rather than constant, defeat. Perhaps Paul’s emphasis is on the sensitivity to sin which the mature believer feels, a sensitivity which increases as one is being conformed to the image of Christ. In other words, whereas Paul may be describing defeat in the Christian life, it is not total defeat.
I've struggled with living in Romans 7 and not feeling worthy to "advance to" Romans 8. I know I'll fall short, and God knows it too, yet He is faithful and true to His word and the salvation given by His grace. We should sabotage our relationship with the Lord by wallowing in unworthiness. As Paul lamented, "O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God, through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Rudolph Sterling
Reflection #11
Ellen G. White saw the church in the same crisis that it remains at this present time.
To some there remains the concern as to the roots of the doctrinal misconceptions about justification and an obvious failure to experience what the doctrine sought to describe.
Following Minneapolis, Ellen White never denied the high goals of sanctification and perfection. But the major theme of her ministry was a message to the church that believers were to quit trying to merit salvation by good works and obedience to the law and accept the wonderful forgiveness of Jesus that "is made manifest in obedience to all the commandments of God."
She would go on to contend that "many had lost sight of Jesus. They needed to have their eyes directed to His divine person, His merits, and His changeless love for the human family" (TM 92).
During a sermon she urged the people to "plead the blood of a crucified and risen Saviour by living faith, that pardon may be written opposite our names" (RH, Dec. 18, 1888).
This state of affairs provided sure evidence that the remnant people as a whole were not yet ready for the final seal of divine approval needed to protect them against the punitive judgment of the last plagues.
In 1851 Ellen G. White stated frankly that most of the Sabbatarian Adventists were not ready for the final events. They dwelled too long on "little trials," "picking at straws," she said, and were motivated too much by self-justification. She heard this heavenly rebuke of God's people: "Sabbathkeepers will have to die to self, die to pride and love of approbation. . . . Those who profess His name are not ready."
James White, adding his voice to that of his wife, warned that many who professed the truth were not real Bible Christians. Evidencing a significant turn in the self-understanding of the emerging movement, he identified Sabbathkeeping Adventists with the Laodicean church of Revelation 3. He urged that the remnant church be "stripped from self-righteous views and feelings," that it recognize its own need for thorough repentance. Like Daniel of old, James White confessed: "We, as a people, have evidently rested down upon the theory of truth, and have neglected to seek Bible humility, Bible patience, Bible self-denial, and Bible watchfulness, and sacrifice, Bible holiness, and the power and gifts of the Holy Ghost. . . . Hence it is said, 'And knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked' [Rev. 3:17]. What a condition!"TM 87,88.
The primary concern of God’s people in the final days should be: Thus the third angel
conveys also the urgent call to all seekers of God to choose Jesus as personal Lord and Savior
and to remain loyal to Him through the final crisis. Jesus alone "rescues us from the coming
wrath" (1 Thess. 1:10).
In Romans 11, there is much discussion about “grafting.” The Gentile graft is by faith through the goodness of God. The Jews will be grafted in upon belief. When God’s love and mercy is shown forth by Christians there is hope for both Jew and Gentile to be saved.
Romans 8, BRI- Justification and the Cross and Whidden chapter 9
To justify is to declare righteous; to make one right with God. Justification is God declaring those who receive Christ to be righteous, based on Christ’s righteousness being imputed to the accounts of those who receive Christ. Romans 5:18-19 sums it up well: "Yes, Adam's one sin brought condemnation upon everyone, but Christ's one act of righteousness makes all people right in God's sight and gives them life. Because one person disobeyed God, many people became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many people will be made right in God's sight." Why is this pronouncement of righteousness so important? "Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us" (Romans 5:1). It is because of justification that the peace of God can rule in our lives. It is because of justification that believers can have assurance of salvation. It is justification that enables God to begin the process of sanctification and glorification.
Where justification is a legal declaration that is instantaneous, sanctification is a process. Where justification comes from outside of us, from God, sanctification comes from God within us by the work of the Holy Spirit in accordance with the Bible. In other words, we contribute to sanctification through our efforts. In contrast, we do not contribute to our justification through our efforts.
Justification releases one from the seemingly trap of Romans 7 and allow him to be free in Romans 8. One is no longer condemned by the law of sin but now lives in the law of the spirit.Does this mean that those justified by grace can sin as much as they want? Not at all. Romans 6:1-2 says, "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer in it?" Ellen White points out that justification is closely related to the attitude of the believer towards sin. In other words justification does not allow for a man to be saved in his sins but rather to save him from his sin.
Rudolph Sterling
Articles: Romans 12; Whidden: Justification after Minneapolis-Gospel Balance; BRI: Comments on 1 Tim 4:10
It became very evident from the reading that Ellen White was very inclusive in her teachings regarding justification after Minneapolis. Whidden showed this to be true by examining how she saw faith and work after Minneapolis. She saw these two concepts as being inseparable. This fact is evidenced by her using certain key terms such as:”Christ merits make up for own deficiencies,” “God’s willingness to pardon.” These views coveyed how she saw justification after 1888.She strongly believed that objective justification is needed by believers all the way through their experience. She also believed that “justification runs parallel to or concurrently with sanctification.”
So we could safely say that Ellen White had an inclusive and broad model of salvation. This is encouraging as we wrestle this semester with how we can develop a model that is so big, yet faithful to scriptures. Isn’t it encouraging to note that while the believer is experiencing sanctification God’s work of justification is still available to him? For me this is great news. This is why it is imperative for all believers to present their bodies as “living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God.” So as the believer is justified, and is walking in the light of the word he/she will daily conform to the principles of Christ, and this experience with Christ will lead him into eternal life.
On another issue that is very much related to salvation in 1 Tim 4: 10, Paul seems to convey to the surface reader that there are those who are “specially” saved. This passage has been a sore point for many, but I am happy for the clarification shed on the matter by Rodriquez in his article. Upon closer examination of the word “malista” used in the passage has revealed that the word could be translated as “above all” also. So the passage becomes even clearer when a proper understanding of the word is examined. Christ has made the provision for all men to be saved, and all who believe and accept him will be saved.
Dale Baker
BRI: Some Problems with Legal Universal Justification
Whidden: Justification After Minneapolis- Gospel Balance
The scriptures declared clearly that we are justified by faith in Jesus. But is this a universal justification? Of a truth if it were then when would the reception of the gift of the Spirit take place. The Spirit in the life of the believer must be active based on the response that the individual give to accept Him in there lives. At the time of our birth we were in need of the savior. Thus unlike what the legal justification teaches we do not all come into the world saved and justified. Justification is something that must be accomplished through faith in Christ and His once and for all sacrifice.
If it was a case that we were all saved when we were born, then as Whidden has suggested in the reading that no one with an intelligent knowledge of God’s will can be saved in disobedience would be of naught. We are saved says Ellen White only through Christ by faith. It is only by Christ merit that our obedience is made possible and acceptable to God. It is only through Christ merit that makes up for our deficiencies. Thus we need to understand that had it not been for Christ we would be bound for death.
Many times salvation would seem so complex as if we cannot receive it by Gods grace. I believe that as ministers we have the mandate to teach preach and tell about Gods gift of grace to this world in the simplest of ways.
Romans 9, BRI- Justification by Faith and Judgment According to Works & Whidden chapter 10
Romans 9 is intricately related to Romans 8 and 11 and There are about three related problems addressed in this section: The converted Jew might still have lingering doubts and questions about the annulling of the law, the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's family and the end of the Jewish theocratic system. So these three chapters relate to very real problems for Christians both Jews and Gentiles in the first century.
In Romans Chapter Nine shows Paul's concern for his brethren, teaches, the Jewish nation had a principle place in God's overall plan for the redemption of man. When their status as a privileged nation changed, some of them apparently thought this meant they were shunned or slighted by God. Paul emphasize that God had not been unfaithful to Israel. The change from the old to the new did not mean that "the word of God has taken no effect." It meant that now, physical lineage or blood wasn't the basis of fellowship with God.
Romans 9:14-19 stresses the danger of thinking that God's choices and God's plan wasn't right. "What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? Certainly not!" Paul then establish that God's choice to include all men in his family is God's business. God raised up individuals and nations for His own purpose (verses 15-18), and man has no right to find fault with this.
In. 9:30-33 Paul reasoned: "What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law.
It is important to bear in mind according to BRI article that, As Saviour and Lord, Christ judged sin at the cross, justifies the sinner by faith, and judges the justified by works. Judgment is inevitable and is measured by works. Therefore although one is saved through faith in Jesus Christ one is judge by works or the deeds of the law.
Rudolph Sterling
Romans 10, BRI- Justification in Romans 3:21-24 and Whidden Chapter 11
In Romans 10 Paul identifies a problem that is, there were many Jews who were deeply involved in their religion. They had zeal that wasn’t backed by knowledge. Paul here points out that zeal doesn't make up for ignorance. We need to know God's ways and respond by accepting His ways. These Jews, many of them, had zeal without knowledge. Another issue in the chapter is here Paul states that Christ was the "end of the law," This is not to say that Christ abolished the moral law but rather that Christ is the end of the law of sin. Sin no longer has dominion because Christ defeated it at the cross.
The old system depended upon keeping the law; to be justified that way, one would need to perfectly perform the demands of that law. With "the righteousness of faith," one receive God’s gifts; and respond to God's grace and love as conveyed perfectly by His Son. It must be noted that there is obedience in both systems. One must respond to the gospel. Notice, faith comes by hearing the word of God. This is a universal principle. The gospel is universal. Paul is dealing with this in this section of the Roman epistle. He is stressing the fact that the rejection of Israel as a nation from having any further covenant, as a nation, with God, had not affected in any manner the status of Jews as individuals, who, exactly like all others, are called to enjoy the privileges of redemption in the Lord Jesus Christ.
In Galatians 3: 21-24 Paul argues that God saves all who believes. All have sinned and have fallen short but only those who believe and exercise faith in Jesus would be saved. I agree with BRI that the main emphases of the passage is; All alike may receive this righteousness by faith and none has any claim to it on the ground of merit; for all alike, Jews as well as Gentiles, have sinned, and receive righteousness as a free gift altogether undeserved.
Rudolph Sterling
Eric Ollila
Reflections on Readings
Romans 7
BRI Doc: Salvation by Faith
Romans 7:
I read Romans 7 today and decided to read E.J. Waggoner’s comments on it as well. I thought he had some good points about who the first and second husband’s are referring to in the chapter (see vs 4). He points out that in this chapter the first part gives an illustration and then repeats the illustration by applying it.
The illustration is that of a woman who is bound to her husband by the law. The same law that binds her to her husband also “allows” her to be free to get another husband if the first husband dies.
Waggoner states that “While the law will not allow the woman to be united to two husbands at the same time, it will allow her to be united to two in succession. It is the law that allows her, and it is the law who unites her. The same law that unites her to the first husband, also allows her to be united to the second, after that the first is dead.” (Waggoner on Romans, p. 23).
Then the application. Rom. 7:4 says “Wherefore my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ: that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.”
Who the two husbands are can be figured out by starting with the second one first. The one who is raised from the dead is Christ. Christ is the “other” husband. So, who is the first husband?
Romans 6 answered this question, asserts Waggoner. Then Romans 7:5 is quoted “for when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.”
Romans 6:6 tells us that when we are crucified with Christ, our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” For he that is dead is freed from sin.
The first husband, therefore is the flesh. The old man. When the old man is crucified, the body of sin is destroyed. “In the first place we are joined to sin—the sinful flesh.” We cannot serve two masters. We cannot serve the flesh and Christ. But, when the flesh dies, we can be united with Christ.
But then, we come to the point of “What does it mean by our being dead to the law by the body of Christ?” Waggoner points out that this is where our illustration fails. Just like types fail when trying to typify Christ. Moses is a type, but so also is David, and Solomon, and Aaron, and Melchisidec. All of these are types, but not one perfectly represents the complete divine truth about Christ for only Christ is the perfect fulfillment in all particulars. So likewise, the illustration for our point breaks down.
I think this is very powerful to view that our old man becomes crucified and then we become “united” with Christ in a new life. It is a marriage that is new and refreshing.
BRI Document: Salvation by Faith by Jan Paulsen
I thought Jan Paulsen’s article did a nice job of keeping a balance on the subject of Justification by faith.
“With this newness in Christ there comes a tremendous sense of freedom. Freedom from guilt. But there is also a freedom with respect to sin itself; not in the sense that sin-or the defeats that accompany it-is gone, but a freedom from the compulsion to sin. We are free from the attractiveness of sin. The way of sin no longer brings that prurient fulfillment it once did. Wrote Ellen White: "When we are clothed with the righteousness of Christ, we shall have no relish for sin; for Christ will be working with us. We may make mistakes, but we will hate the sin that caused the sufferings of the Son of God" (Selected Messages, Book 1, p. 360).
This is what it means to live "according to the Spirit" (Rom 8:4). This is the state of the person who has given himself wholly to Jesus Christ.”
I particularly appreciate this quote in light of a couple of comments that have been made in our class discussions about the experience of salvation. And the article also explains further that “This powerful assurance notwithstanding, there is still an ongoing struggle with sin and waywardness. Why? Does it suggest that my relationship with God is not what I thought it was? that I am in fact lost, a spiritual failure?
In our zeal for the Lord, we sometimes draw hasty conclusions that produce needless anxiety and threaten Christian experience. We may draw encouragement from these statements by Ellen G. White: "The nearer we come to Jesus, and the more clearly we discern the purity of His character, the more clearly shall we see the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and the less shall we feel like exalting ourselves" (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 561).
And again: "There can be no self-exaltation, no boastful claim to freedom from sin, on the part of those who walk in the shadow of Calvary's cross. . . . Those who live nearest to Jesus discern most clearly the frailty and sinfulness of humanity, and their only hope is in the merit of a crucified and risen Saviour" (The Great Controversy, p. 471).
The most important question in life is How do I stand with God? And of the answer, many sincere and serious Christians are not sure. We look at our own lives and feel that it is not a pretty sight! We see a string of failures and shortcomings, and as a consequence our whole style of Christian living becomes cramped, weighted down with a feeling of guilt, overwhelmed by a sense of hopelessness and discouragement.
It would be well to read again, thoughtfully, Philippians 3:12-14, where the Inspired Word tells us to learn to forget that which is behind and reach for that which is ahead-to press on toward the goal in Christ Jesus. And we should remember that these words come immediately after Paul has said that the only righteousness worth having is that which comes from faith in Christ Jesus.”
I appreciate the picture Paulsen paints for us. God does indeed create a hatred for sin in our lives. Yet, we still struggle with other sins. God didn’t drive all of the heathen nations out of Canaan at once for Israel, lest the wild animals would take over. It’s the same with us. God drives sin out of our lives as we are able to occupy the new and clear ground. When we get built up and strong in that new ground, He drives out some more sin and thus we gain more territory of victory in our lives. There’s no room for boasting. There is a tension. This is the life of progressing in the Christian way. We journey closer and closer to Jesus (hopefully) every day. Sometimes we stumble, but we look to Jesus and He picks us up. We forget those things which are behind us. We reckon, we count ourselves to be dead unto sin, but alive unto Jesus Christ our Lord. We press toward the goal in Christ Jesus.
It’s beautiful. And, its really a living illustration of what it means to have vision in your life. God wants us all to have the vision of Jesus Christ imprinted in our minds eye, so that wherever we go and whatever we do and whatever we see—we see Jesus Christ, we live Jesus Christ, we become conformed to Jesus Christ, we are His and He is ours.
Romans 11, BRI- Salvation by Faith and Whidden chapter 12
The eleventh chapter of Romans begins with a question: "Has God cast away His people?" Certain circumstances and attitudes generated this inquiry. Christ came and the apostle Paul preached Him as the Messiah, the crucified Savior who is "the end of the law," (10:4). There were some Jews who believed this and obeyed the gospel; others who persisted in unbelief. There were Gentiles who became Christians, and in the "mix" of Jews and Gentiles plus the change from the old to the new covenant. Some Jews apparently entertained the impression that God had cast away His people; that He had pushed the whole nation aside.
Paul denied this. "I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin." Paul offers himself as a witness or personal case: Paul wants them to understand that salvation in Christ is handled by God on an individual basis, not national. The change; the inclusion of Gentiles in God's family, and the end of the law, were troublesome matters for people who had been raised under the Mosaic system. Hence, the question came up, and Paul answered, No, God has not utterly rejected the Israelites
Did God accept the Jew into the Kingdom of Christ on the basis of his genealogy? No. By His grace, the gospel was given and when individuals hear, believe and obey - they become part of the "remnant according to God's gracious choice." Again Paul emphasizes, some accepted the call of the gospel, while others were only hardened and did not obey (Rom. 11:7-10). The "election of grace" is not a national matter but an individual matter, and some individuals reject the gospel; because of their unbelief and choice of disobedience, they are rejected.
Individuals are saved by grace through faith in Christ. One must look to Christ as the object of his faith and one must also subject one’s self to Christ in obedience.
Rudolph Sterling
Romans 12, BRI- Some Problems with Legal Universal Justification & Whidden chapter 13
Romans 12 begins with “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God”. Romans 12:1-2 is the connecting link between the doctrinal and practical, or the faith and works sections of Romans. This does not mean that faith is not important, for there is always a direct link between doctrine and duty. God's code regulates our conduct. True conversion to Christ always results in changed character. This simply says that how we live is the result of what God has done through Christ for us. Paul says that God has provided grace and forgiveness, which justifies us; which impels us to live for the Lord. This is obedience. Ellen White emphasizes the importance of obedience in relationship to justification.
Like Ellen White our understanding of the relationship between justification without merits and the work of the Christian is progressive, however a good starting point is to understand that faith without works is dead. Man is justified in an instant but character building demands work over time for according to Ellen White’s understanding righteousness is infused in us unmeritorious and righteousness begets righteousness through practice and exercise. The BRI states that “It is true that because of Christ we do not have to die, but that does not mean that we were already legally saved or justified before or when we were born.” Well, in view of a large model, justification is promise and is available to everyone before birth (from the foundation of the world) but, at some point during his lifetime one must extend an effort to accept justification and do the work of righteousness.
Rudolph Sterling
Article Read:
• “Justification and the Cross”
by Ángel Manuel Rodríguez
This article pointed out that Adam’s sin was unique in the history of the human race in terms of its consequences or results. Adam’s sin was the opening wedge that was needed to introduce sin to our whole world. The metaphor of sin crouching at the door of the world waiting for someone to open the door and let him in is a powerful metaphor. Sin does not travel alone, it always has its companion “death”, thus sin and death make an inseparable duo. Rom 5:12-21 tells us that sin entered the world by one man’s actions and thus by that action death also entered. Though we did not share in Adam’s sin, we share in the results of his sin. We all experience the result or the consequence of what the one did. Accordingly, the actions of one man, Jesus Christ, will make it possible for “all” to experience the result of his saving grace. It was also interesting to learn that Christ's act of grace provided more grace than was needed to deal with the problem created by Adam's trespass. The provision was greater or larger than the need, and reveals God's generosity. Thus, the gift was greater than the trespass. Praise God for his abundant grace!
Article Read:
• “Justification by Faith and Judgment According to Works”
by Ivan T. Blazen
Blazen’s compilation of articles is quite long indeed. One of the topics dealt with in this compilation was that Salvation comprises both God's gift and His claim upon our lives. In trying to reconcile justification and judgment of works we find that the two are inseparable. Salvation comes by God’s grace only, a free gift of God. The believer lays hold on salvation by believing in and accepting God’s grace. There is nothing more for salvation to occur. However, God’s grace is such that it works to change the believer’s heart and ways. A changed heart and changed ways are manifested in the life of the believer and is evident for others to see. Such a change produces good works in the believer’s life, works not necessary for salvation, but works done as a result of receiving salvation. I like Blazen’s summation, “what we receive in Christ determines what we do for Christ. The gift of Christ can be passed on only when it has been experienced;” and so our work for Christ grows out of our experience with Christ.
The question of “what is true faith” is another question that arose from this article. It is understood that God's righteousness, which is provided for all through Jesus Christ, is personally efficacious only by faith. But what is the basic significance of this faith? In Romans 4:19-21 the elements of true faith emerge clearly as Paul speaks of Abraham and his faith. Notwithstanding Abraham's great age and the barrenness of Sarah's womb, "no distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God." In contrast to distrust, Abraham was "fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised." Rather than disbelieving as a result of the apparent hopelessness of the situation, Abraham believed that the word of God expressed in His promise was the ultimate reality for him, and this caused him to grow "strong in his faith." Put another way, Abraham did "not live by bread alone," that is, by empirical reality, "but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4).
Article Read:
• “Justification in Romans 3:21-24”
Ángel Manuel Rodríguez
Rom 3.21-24 states: "But now a righteousness from God, apart from the law, has been made know, to which the Law and the Prophets testified. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." In these verses Paul makes it clear that something better than the law has been made available for our salvation. The law is ineffective to save us, but faith in Jesus Christ is able to save. Furthermore, this salvation is made available to everyone who would believe, Jew or Gentile, there is no difference because everyone has sinned and we are all in need of divine grace. Human sin has had and continues to have an impact on the spiritual life of all humans, for we all "fall short of the glory of God." The Greek represents this as a present and continuous condition of human beings. Human beings were created to give glory to God, their maker. Thus when we fall short of his glory, we fail to exhibit that 'being-like-God' for which we were created. But thank God for his grace, given through Jesus Christ, because through Him once again the glory of God can be reflected in us.
Article Read:
• “Salvation by Faith”
Jan Paulsen
Jan Paulsen’s 1988 sermon to the Annual Council in Nairobi, Kenya proved quite refreshing to read. In presenting how God makes us right with him Paulsen breaks down the various aspects of salvation. The basic building block is faith, of which there are both an objective and a subjective dimension. Faith is not just accepting a specific belief about Jesus Christ, but it also calls for accepting a specific belief in Jesus Christ. It is not just the mere consent of the intellect, but it is belief rooted in the heart. Thus it requires us to get personal and place our trust in Jesus as well as believe. Faith can also be viewed as obedience. Faith as obedience expresses itself in surrender, in looking to Jesus Christ, and in living according to His wishes. As such, it is obedience to a call. It is by accepting the obligation to live a life of discipleship that faith becomes obedience. Faith also brings hope. It was interesting to learn that faith itself does not save, faith does not justify, but it is the “instrument” for receiving what the Lord offers. It is the instrument through which our salvation comes. Some people try to use the instrument of works and deeds to earn salvation, but it is only through the instrument of faith that salvation comes. The Lord wants to give us forgiveness and a new way of life in the Holy Spirit. Faith in Christ is the only way.
A thin line between Faith and Obedience
It’s not easy for me to see the line between faith and obedience. Even Jan Paulsen in his sermon, “Salvation by Faith” makes a case for this line. He writes, “Faith's obedience is not different from the obedience of the law but Judaism, used the law to establish its own righteousness.”
I can understand what he means but the line is not clearly visible. And maybe that what it’s about. The line is the constant struggle between myself wanting to lead my own life and the spirit leading my life. Paulsen continues to write: “Faith is not simply looking at a distant, historical Jesus. Rather, it is responding to His invitation to "follow me." It’s a struggle to balance on that thin line.
The thin line continues – I had always thought prior to this class that justification, sanctification were two different time points but now they seem to exist within and without each other’s timeline. And if I am having trouble with this concept – it is no wonder that I am having trouble with the difference between faith and obedience.
And so I think that Paul also wrestled with the line. The line is what kept or cut off the branches from the olive tree in Rom 11. And oh how he wished that his people, Israel, would be brought to envy and be saved with part of the responsibility given to the newly grafted in believers (Rom 11:30-32). And so boasting is never allowed because of Israel, we can become and because we are they can become again part of the olive tree.
Where is the definition of the line then? Is it the eradication of sin? I think not, and maybe Paulsen is right in saying that God offer of the ministry of the Holy Spirit over my bent sinful nature is God’s goal.
Commenting on:
• BRI Doc: “Salvation by Faith”
• Romans 11, Class notes
• Whidden: The Significance and Meaning of Minneapolis and 1888
Article Read:
• “Some Problems with Legal Universal Justification”
Ángel Manuel Rodríguez
I have not given this topic of “Legal Universal Justification” a significant amount of thought until now. From what I knew about it I knew it was not a true teaching which the Bible upheld. This article has opened my eyes to see the various problems inherent in this view. This view implies that all human beings come into the world legally saved, pardoned, and justified; and from God's perspective they are not lost; but the Bible makes it clear that every one who is born into this world of sin is in need of the Savior. Legal universal justification also teaches that the whole human race was present in Adam when he sinned and because of that, we sinned when he sinned, and now his sin is our sin. However, the Bible does not attribute Adam’s sin as our sin. It does attribute the results of Adam’s sin to us, but not Adam’s original sin itself. Because of Adam’s trespass, sin and death has passed on to us and our propensity for sin has greatly increased. Universal legal justification does not view justification as coming through faith, but by grace alone, thus faith is perceived as a meritorious act which has no role in the way God justifies us, thus is unnecessary. These and other problems we encounter with the view of legal universal justification poses a threat to what the Word of God really teaches and also to our own soul salvation.
Article Read:
• “Some Theological Considerations of Perfection”
by Edward Heppenstall
I really appreciate Edward Heppenstall’s article on perfection because it not only gave us a true definition of Christian perfection, but Heppenstall took it a step further and discussed the issues pertaining to Christian perfection in light of probation and the time of Jacob’s trouble. Christian perfection is not the same as sinless perfection. The latter implies a condition where man spiritually arrives and is no longer sinful. However, the Bible teaches that such a time arrives only at the second coming of Christ, not before. As long as we’re living on this earth, we will always be sinful, not having arrived as yet. So then, what does Christian perfection mean? Paul uses the word perfection quite frequently when referring to spiritually mature Christians in contrast to those who remain spiritual babes. He declares that it should be the aim of every Christian minister to bring his flock to perfection, that is, to full maturity of Christian character, since God has provided the gifts to achieve this mature stage in life.
Another definition of the word means to be “fully equipped” for service in the work of the church and in the cause of God. Heppenstall goes on to make the point that at the close of probation, God’s spirit would no longer be working to turn men and women’s hearts from their sins. However, to those who have been surrendering to God all along and allowing his Holy Spirit to guide them they will continue to be led and guided by God’s Spirit. They would have matured spiritually and pledged their allegiance to be loyal to God. God seals their decision and continues to give them his grace and spirit to keep them strong. They have not arrived spiritually to a state of sinless perfection, but they are considered perfect in the sight of God due to their spiritual growth, their faith being anchored in him and their continued allegiance to him.
I read the Sermon presented at the 1888 Message Mini-Conference, Meadow Vista Seventh-day Adventist Church, Meadow Vista, California, on Sabbath morning, December 30, 2006 by Paul E. Penno, who is pastor of the Hayward Seventh-day Adventist Church, Hayward, California.
He said that is wrong to believe that “God only forgives a person who believes in Him. God has forgiven the ungodly as a class who were corporately in Christ Jesus when He died upon His cross, but He does not forgive them individually until they believe in Christ.”
But is ok to think that “ God’s love manifested in the justification of the ungodly is both general
(corporate) and particular (individual). He has given justification of life to the unbeliever as well as the believer both corporately and individually. But to the believer who has made his calling and election sure by faith, God bestows justification by faith and they are born again to a life of His creating. Unbelievers do not enjoy the blessing of justification by faith—the new birth—because they do not choose to believe His promise. Hence they do not enjoy the blessing of a personal understanding of the forgiveness of their sins by an all-merciful God.”
I noticed that Penno make to kind of justification. One is the Justification by faith which is different from the justification that was given to the whole humanity in Jesus death and resurrection. If is so, which one is better? It seems to me that Penno said that justification by faith is the one who give you the new birth status, but if this is the case, then, what is the benefit of the universal justification when Jesus die?
It seems to me that Penno wants to be “holistic” (maybe as Dr Hanna) with his two concepts of justification but he seems to not provided accurate really what really justification is.
This is a response to the BRI article title, “"The Dynamics of Salvation."The article is divided in six main sections: Humanity's desperate need, the divine initiative, the human response to grace, the new status in Christ, the new life in Christ and the Consummation. It is a good soteoreologic panorama based our traditional and common SDA model of salvation. I mean the sequence from Justification, sanctification and then Glorification. But what would happen if we apply Dr Hanna holistic model to this article? It seems to me that some sections would be overlapping specially the sections of new status in Christ, the new life and the consummation.
I have founded that it is not ease task to apply our class salvation model to some articles as this one. First, to visualize justification, sanctification and glorification in a present, past, future in the same time is complicated. It is like going back and forth in a same argument. I hope to get more confidence in explaining this model.
Materials read: Ellen White on Salvation, Chpt.9; Romans 9; and BRI Document, “Justification by Faith and Judgment According to Works”
Reading the above material brought out some very interesting points and opened up some new insights to me concerning salvation. Some questions that came to mind were “Is a person only justified by faith and faith alone?,” “Is a person only judged by the work that’s done by him or her?” and “Where does keeping the law stand if a person is justified purely by faith?” These are just a few of the questions that I had when considering the reading. However, the first and the last question is where my interest lies. I have heard it over and over that justification is by faith and faith alone. If this is a true statement then the law (Ten Commandments) is obsolete. Paul said that no one knows sin apart from the law. Therefore, if someone is guilty of breaking the law, then he or she, in my opinion will not be justified by faith but condemned by the law. My reasoning is that if justification is purely by the faith a person has then God in some way or another is totally out of the picture. If justification if purely by faith, then we are the justifiers in and of our own selves. Personally, I believe that a person cannot have true faith in God apart from the law. Besides, in my opinion, a person’s works tells the type of faith he or she has and his or her faith cannot be apart from the law. Therefore, if justification is purely by faith and a person’s faith makes the law obsolete; then, in my estimation God is divided and Scripture is contradictory. Paul asked the question “Does faith makes the law void?” He then answers “No! it establishes the law.” In other words, a person who has faith will obey the law. I concur with Paul.
Week 12 Submission
In Romans 11 it is interesting how Paul compares the remnant at his time to the remnant during the time of Elijah. In the time of Elijah it was a remnant that was invisible. Paul seems to be implying that that the remnant was invisible at his time too. And the remnant was chosen – by grace. I like the point that Paul is making in Romans 11:17-18 that none of the branches should try to boast over each other. There seems to be a good amount of arrogance in our Adventist church because we have the truth. I think the message in verse 18 applies to us: “You do not support the root, but the root supports you.”
One time I met a gentleman at a church potluck. This was my first time talking with this man. He asked me about my life. Later on in the conversation he belittled me while talking to others because I had not left the church “to see what the world has to offer.” He was saying that those who have left the church and come back are superior to those who have stayed in the church. I think that we need to see the danger in whatever trap that we could fall into about thinking we are better than others. A big temptation is to compare ourselves with others instead of comparing ourselves with Christ. He is our example and the One who makes the playing field even for everyone.
It is interesting that Wieland and others tried to say that the main point of the 1888 meetings is the nature of Christ. I did not realize that there was not any teaching about objective justification before 1888. This seems to be a turning point in the history of how our church has viewed salvation. I am inspired to understand and experience more of “the assurance of His marvelous acceptance through Christ’s justifying merits” (Whidden 98).
“Adam and the Human Race in the Writings of E. G. White”
By: Angel Manuel Rodriguez
“There are no traces in the writings of E. G. White of the idea that the human race was present "in Adam" and that when he sinned every one of us sinned because we were in some realistic way present in him. Neither do we find in her writings the idea that the sin of Adam was imputed to the human race.”
Does anyone outside of our denomination care about this subject? Why has it taken up so much of our time and theological thinking (if we’re outward/missionary focused)?
Chapter 13 on Ellen White on Salvation
“While Ellen White’s understanding of justification by faith was quite fully expressed by 1888 (especially between 1883 and 1888), the four years immediately following Minneapolis was the period of full maturity” (pg. 114).
Following a bigger emphasis on justification (around 1888), Ellen White also had an emphasis on “character development.” It is a hard balance to keep, but we must read Ellen White’s writings in a balanced perspective of objective justification and character development to understand her best.
Romans 12
“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others” (vs. 4-5).
This is a great verse to describe a key element of community—living with one another and appreciating each other for the other’s strengths. However, just because someone has strengths doesn’t mean that he or she is best fit for whatever the job is. As I heard once, “The church has many members in its body, but you don’t want the rear end doing the thinking for the church.”
Article Read:
• “Some Thoughts on Original Sin”
by Gerhard Pfandl, Ph.D.
This article on original sin, though a lengthy one, was well worth reading. The meaning and implications of the term original sin has undergone various changes over the years beginning with the church fathers and coming down to our current day. I believe as Adventists we are quite fortunate to have had guidance through the insight of Ellen White. It is through her inspiration we are able to settle on a truly biblical understanding of the nature of sin. The definition of sin as “the transgression of the law” is the most popular definition to date. However this definition implies that sin only involves breaking the law; and if we were to stop breaking the law we would then be considered sinless. Dr. Pfandl’s article brought out the fact that in addition to sin being a wrong act, it is also man’s state of being. From Adam we have inherited a sinful nature. All men are born self-centered, not God-centered. It is this nature which entices us to commit individual sinful actions, unless it is controlled by the Holy Spirit.
The underlying cause of our sinful state is our separation from God; and just like our first parents hid themselves after they sinned, man has been hiding from God ever since. Sin has caused the whole human organism to become deranged – the mind is perverted, the imagination corrupted, and the flesh is weak. According to Ellen White, sin has so degraded the faculties of the soul so much so that temptations find an answering chord within our human heart, and our feet turn imperceptibly toward evil. WOW!
It is also interesting to note that sin cannot be viewed as simply a physiological or biological problem. Trying to locate sin or the transmission of sin genetically misses the real problem for sin is not something which can be found in a gene or transmitted genetically. It is not something physical, but rather spiritual.
Article Read:
• “Why Did Jesus Die? How God Saves Us”
by George W. Reid, Former Director Biblical Research Institute
This article got me thinking about God’s love and what it really looks like. We often hear that God is love; and we often read how God manifested his love towards us by giving up his one and only son to die for us; but the commitment involved in such a proposition is something I don’t think we give much thought to. George Reid’s article mentions that love has become an almost shapeless word because it is often tied to sentiment and sometimes even confused with a religious feeling. The Bible however, in its use of the word, shows love as a power word, not just a soft fuzzy feeling. Reid’s article states that “love is aggressive – God at work tracking us down to help us.” I read this and was reflective for a while thinking about the many opportunities I’ve passed up to track others down to help them. Sometimes we think we’ve had enough of a certain person and life would be better for us if we just left them alone. However, in defining love as a principle, Ellen White states “God's love is an unshakable commitment, inviolable, a predisposition in our favor that cannot be discouraged. Divine love-there is no way to shake it or deter it. It is a relentless pursuit by a God eager to help, one who never gives up.” In striving to become like Christ, shouldn’t we seek to exhibit such a relentless pursuit of others as Christ did of us – even others who have wronged us repeatedly? God help us to understand the true meaning of love!
Jeff Carlson
Doctrine of Salvation
Comment #9
"Justification by Faith and Judgment According to Works” by Ivan T. Blazen
Romans 10
Whidden Chapter 10
I really appreciated the article by Blazen. His statements about justification and judgment clearly show how both can exist together and both are important and need each other.
“Justification contradicts the concept that humans cannot make it in the judgment or that they make it by themselves.”
“Judgment according to works guards the doctrine of the justification of the ungodly from meaning the justification of ungodliness.”
The idea of the judgment is something that looms large in any Adventist’s mind and understanding how to relate to it here and now is one of the most important questions for the SDA psyche. We often fall into extremes so that we can achieve some peace. We either just kind of ignore the whole thing with the idea that God will take care of it and that I really don’t have anything to do with it. The other choice seems to be to live in constant fear that we will sin and that there is some demon – or Jesuit- behind every bush.
I don’t think that either is healthy or completely Biblical. We need to be able to accept parts of both ideas and the tension that exists there because that is the reality. I have found a lot of peace knowing that while God does enable me to live a holy life and expects me to do that, it is still His righteousness that will get me though the Judgment and not anything I do. Paul talks in Romans about people who are very sincere but not in the right place because they are trying to establish their own righteousness and don’t submit to the righteousness of God. While we are supposed to attempt to live outside of sin it is always in the context of God’s righteousness and not our own.
Blazen also points out that, “while the Bible says we shall be judged according to our works, it does not teach we shall be justified on account of our good works.”
freddy
Why Did Jesus Die?
How God Saves Us
George W. Reid, Former Director
Biblical Research Institute
In this article it is analyzed why did Jesus die for us, and pretend to make clear the dough regarding how God save us. The way to illustrate this is, is using the metaphor in which the human race have a big debt impossible to be paid, the life is not enough to cancel it. By doing good works, or living a moral live don’t help in anything related to the debts, no human effort or merit could be credit to it, but Jesus in the cross die for us and His supreme sacrifice is good enough to cancel the debts of every human being.
His grace covered it all; by accepting his grace we become debt free, everything is paid off by the blood of Jesus. Nevertheless many still rejecting the gift of love offered in Calvary, but God unconditional love remain available to whoever wants to accept it.
How God save us: # 2
George W. Reid, Former Director
Biblical Research Institute
By sending Jesus into the dark world God give continuation to His salvation plan. Is He who reach the lost, is God who initiate the search for the lost as the Bible says in revelation 3:20 “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” Is God wonderful love that rescue us and open the opportunity of salvation to human being.
It was in the original plan and God accomplish His promise of sending His son to die for the world. So God bought us through the blood of Jesus, the wrath of God were satisfied in Jesus sacrifice, and that complete the divine requirement of saving the sinners. John 3:17, 18 says “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.”
Romans 13 BRI- Some Theological Considerations of Perfection and Whidden chapter 14
There seem to be three good lessons in the 13th chapter of Romans; here the apostle enlarges more upon his precepts than he had done in the foregoing chapter, finding them more needful to be fully pressed. Lessons in: subjection to lawful authority, justice and love to our brethren, sobriety and godliness in ourselves. We are here taught how to conduct ourselves towards the higher powers, intimating their authority, including not only the king as supreme, but all inferior magistrates under him; not just the persons that are in that power, but the place of power itself, or the office of the power.
It is important to note that Paul did not exclude anyone, (Let every soul be subject). Every soul--every person, not excluding the clergy, who call themselves spiritual persons. Don’t get Paul wrong, not that our consciences are to be subjected to the will of any man for It is God's prerogative to bind conscience, and we must render to God the things that are God's and to Caesar’s his.
The question is should we obey because of the danger we run ourselves into by resistance? (Paul says they bear the sword) Or should we obey because we respect the office? What if the rules are incongruent to our Christian belief? If obedience to God is voluntary why should subjection to the magistrates be mandatory for Christians?
On the issue of perfection let me ask this question; if we can be perfect, that is sinless in this life why would we need to change from corruption to incorruption at the second coming of Christ? I agree with those who purport that perfection in the New Testament is maturity and the equipping for service.
Rudolph Sterling
Romans 14, BRI- Some Thoughts on Original Sin and Whidden Chapter 15
Romans 14 is about maintaining unity in the midst of the type of diverse situations such as those Paul describes in this context, and the attitudes and conduct which will either bring about this unity or destroy it. Those who have been justified by faith should consider this is a serious responsibility. One such responsibility is dealing with divergent views, for example some could eat all things while others ate only herbs (14:2-3) and there were those who esteemed one day above another while some regarded all days alike (14:5-6). Paul called some of these brethren “weak” (14:1-2; 15:1) and others he said were “strong” (15:1), but God accepted those in both groups. Most of the times it is not the differences themselves that does the damage but the mismanagement of those differences.
Another responsibility is to be united. Paul puts emphases on receiving the weak in faith that is a welcome that is accompanied by a special interest on the part of the receiver. He further gives admonitions to follow after things which make for peace, and things whereby we may edify one another (14:19) and that with one accord ye may with one mouth, glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (15:6). Paul obviously wanted the Romans united.
Original Sin is one of the core theological reasons that a Christian cannot embrace the theory of evolution. Regardless of the scientific issues that now plague the evolutionary belief system, the whole message of Christianity starts with mankind’s fall from paradise into death through Adam’s sin. With evolution, we envision millions and millions of years of death, decay and disease before Adam even came on the scene. However, this picture is not consistent with the “very good” earth created by God. More importantly, as one can thoroughly investigate, death before sin is theologically inconsistent with the rest of Christian doctrine. The justification of Jesus' life and death is predicated on the existence of Adam and the forbidden fruit he and Eve ate. Therefore I ask without the original sin, who needs to be redeemed? Without Adam's fall into a life of constant sin terminated by death, what purpose is there to Christianity?
Original Sin is the genetic defect we all inherited from Adam and Eve. Through this genetic defect we all inherited death (both physical and spiritual) and were separated from God. Through Jesus Christ, we all have the ability to conquer this genetic defect (sin and death) and be reconnected to God eternally.
Rudolph Sterling
Dale Baker
Rom 13
In the book of Romans 13 especially verse 11 I see here Paul bringing in a new dimension of salvation. He declares ‘and that knowing the time, that now is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we first believe.’ This to me is showing that there is going to be a consummation of our salvation at the coming of Christ. The preceding verses to 11, Paul demonstrated the way in which the people of God are to live, and relate to the state. He demonstrated to the importance of the law. Surely, it is love for one another that is the fulfilling of the law, showing them that this is true religion. In fact Ellen White states that “Righteousness is love, and love is the light and the life of God. The righteousness of God is embodied in Christ. We receive righteousness by receiving Him.” {MB 18.1}
Paul then further moves to encourage the believers in the following verses how they are to love. He encourages them to put off the works of darkness. Put away sin and take up the light of Christ. He is encouraging them to experience their salvation. He encourages them to make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lust thereof.
Article read: Romans 13
"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God."
The apostle challenges, and commands the attention of his readers in this book. Romans chapter 13 is encouraging believers to fulfill the duties that are required of them. There are some who argue that God approves of the conduct of certain civil authorities. But Paul is here emphasizing that it is the Christians's duty always to submit to government,so long as they are being led by God.
The question then is how do we know when a power is not of God? This might seem like a simple question, but it becomes even more complex, when all the issues involved are bombarding us.
I believe that the powers that be when subject to God must be obeyed.We must also bear in mind that the ruling power is entrusted to men by God, according to His own purposes for man's welfare.It should also be noted that their continuance in power, or their fall from authority, is in His hands.
So then God is the in ultimate control of all things, and all powers should be subject to Him.
Articles Read: “Justification by Faith and Judgment According to Works” by Ivan T. Blazen
Romans 12
Ellen White On Salvation, Chapter 13.
I want to continue the discussion question that I raise in class and allow for some further reflection on this matter of the human and divine element of salvation.
I find that many times when the questions of "justification by faith" and "works" are discussed some extreme views can be taken because the proponent is trying to defend a position that may be threatened by another view. Case in point: Paul comes out very strongly against the Jews because they thought that works would save them but he came out just as hard against the Galatians who thought that works were not necessary and they could live morally lax lives.
We see the same trend in the writings of the reformer Martin Luther as well. He holds to the view that human will is totally impotent and man cannot even choose to follow God.
Now here is difficulty for me: I know that God created man. Man fell into sin and is now ‘damaged goods’. He runs away from God and hides instead of seeking God out. God must take the initiative to save man. So we cannot even choose to follow God without God’s help because we are all captives of Satan.
But even if I cannot choose to follow God I can choose to give God my choice. In other words, I can surrender my will to God. If God does everything for me then where does my choice come into the picture? I think that it is a false assumption to think that since God created man and give him life that anything that man does has to be ultimately attributed to God. This would means that God created evil!
My understanding is that we are all free moral agents. God gave us a choice and He determined the options (life and death) but the choice must be mines. If God saved me without my input then he knocked the door down instead of stand at the door and knock and now becomes a robber instead.
The only thing that we can give to God that he didn’t give us in the first place is our choice to love him or not. Love cannot be forced. And it’s really foolish to say that God loves himself through me. I must do the loving.
But some may argue that God was the one who gave me the capacity to love which is true, but ability to love and loving are two separate things. The same way that my birthday gifts from my kids were brought with my own money, I provided the funds but the choice of gift I cannot claim as my own.
Now I can fully understand the burden of those who want to emphasize that salvation is 100% God and it is. The sinner brings nothing to the table. (Nothing to the cross I bring, Simply to the cross I cling.) So I’m not saved by my bringing or my clinging, not even my coming—it’s all God. But what separated me from the man who refused to come was MY CHOICE to come. God has a self-imposed attribute that respects human freedom.
'Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. (Rev. 3:20)
God imparts the strength to open the door but he “cannot” open the door because He has placed the latch on the inside. A latch that no power in heaven or earth can open except me. What an honor bestowed by the Creator!!
Week Eleven
Heather Barbian
Romans 11: In this chapter Paul covers topics related to the remnant of Israel, the grafting of Gentiles and the branches of Israel and all of Israel will be saved including Gentiles. My favorite section in this chapter is verses 17-21, “If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, do not boast over those branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, "Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in." Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.” I think this is important to remember so that we do not fall into the same trap as the Israelites.
Whidden, Woodrow W. “Chapter Eleven: The Significance and Meaning of Minneapolis and 1888” from: Ellen White on Salvation. Berrien Springs: R&H Catalog Service.
In this chapter Whidden stressed Ellen White’s balanced view of salvation and how Minneapolis was a “turning point in the intensity and further clarity, of her expressions of justification by faith.” She did not downplay the law or our obligations to obedience or Justification. What is important is that she focused on what people needed to hear at that time. I find this important to anyone who is ministering to a person or group.
Paulsen, Jan. Salvation by Faith. From a Sermon presented at the 1988 Annual Council, Nairobi, Kenya (East Africa), by Jan Paulsen, then president of the Trans-European Division; now General Conference vice-president. http://www.adventistbiblicalresearch.org/documents/Salvation%20by%20Faith.htm
This article discusses salvation by faith in terms of justification and sanctification. Paulsen seeks to answer the questions; what is faith and what does it mean to believe? It is important not to fall into the trap of asking what does God do and what do I do? Instead we should view salvation as a process that begins and ends with faith. Faith is both objective and subjective and deals with obedience and hope. Then Paulsen discusses Galatians 2:15-16, legal justification, growing in Christ and God’s requirements for his people. In this section I liked the idea of looking to Christ, he said, “Righteousness by faith means to look continually and exclusively to the risen Lord. Look away, and hope is gone.”.
“The Renewing of your Mind” (rom 12:2)
The Renewing of your Mind - As if to say that my mind was being degraded over time and brought down through the influences of life in general. And what in general life is brings the mind down: high-mindedness (oxy-moronic – don’t you think?), hypocrisy-laden love, non-diligence and haughty.
And here’s the kicker – after all the hard work of getting rid of these things – it makes no never-mind. I mean if I could somehow manage to have my mind renewed and be without the aforementioned list, you can still count on not counting yourself as holy and acceptable to God.
Why? Because there is no good work(s), subjective or reactive, that “merit” salvation. In the preferred words of Hannah, the faithful works may be considered conditions, but they certainly don’t merit much outside of an occasional “thank-you”, or “you shouldn’t have” from a reciprocating neighbor. It is only the work of Christ that merits salvation.
Christ’s meritorious works are certainly the keys to victory for the renewed mind, but the renewed mind + it’s consequence-ing is not salvation. What goes on in the believer is good, but not good enough!
But please don’t let it stop here. Oh yeah – and about the “conditional” faith that brings about works. Well, please understand that salvation was made universally “in Christ” is null unless the subjective condition of faith is fulfilled in the person that is granted salvation.
Commenting on:
•BRI Doc: “Salvation by Faith”
•Romans 12, Class notes
•Whidden: Justification After Minneapolis — From Late 1888 to 1892, chapter 12
Week Twelve
Heather Barbian
Romans 12: I see Romans chapter twelve as admonitions to Christians. It talks about offering, thinking, transforming, loving, hating, blessing, rejoicing, mourning, praying, honoring and serving. This chapter outlines our responsibilities to God and others. A troublesome passage in this section is when it says, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” How can we overcome evil when we know that doing good is heaping burning coals on their head? This verse seems out of context to me. It just seems so dark when the motive behind a “good” action is revenge. Now one can argue that this is not meant to be a motive but can it be seen in any other way? Isn’t this what the person is thinking when they are doing a good action in this context?
Whidden, Woodrow W. “Chapter Twelve: Justification After Minneapolis: from late 1888 to 1892” from: Ellen White on Salvation. Berrien Springs: R&H Catalog Service.
This chapter contrasts Ellen White’s pre and post Minneapolis “conceptions of justification”. Some important points are that she never separated faith and works, meaning that we are saved from sin but not in it, justification is a requirement of God’s justice and that there is a relationship between sanctification and justification.
Ivan T. Blazen, Justification by Faith and Judgment According to Works. http://www.adventistbiblicalresearch.org/documents/justification%20by%20faith.htm.
This article discusses the confusing Pauline paradox of justification by faith and judgment by works. He writes that we have assurance in justification and judgment. He writes, “While those who remain committed to Christ need have no fear of God's judgment or anxiety concerning salvation, three things, at least, are clear from these judgment passages. (What is said here will be clarified in later articles and set in relation to God's rich salvation.) 1. Christians, all those justified by faith, come into the judgment. 2. The judgment is made according to their works.” The key in this article is that the works that are judged are Christ’s and not our own.
In this article Dr. Angel Manuel Rodriguez, analyze the formal position of the 1888 Study Committee about the phrase ‘In Adam/In Christ’. The principal view of the committee tells us that we were in Adam when he committed the first sin, and his sin is also my sin. This comprehension is similar to Augustine’s. He thought that all of Adam’s descendants were in him and when he sinned they also sinned with Adam. Dr. Rodriguez shows clearly that according to the Bible every person is an indivisible self-conscious unity of life. For him the 1888 Study Committee has not clearly stated what they mean by their realistic understanding of this phrase. He comments: “If what they mean is that the ‘seed’ of our lives was in Adam, that is to say, that we are his descendants, then, they are closer to truth.” But it doesn’t seem to be their understanding. In this article we also find the idea that because Christ was the second Adam… “the whole human race was in Christ when he died on the cross. In Adam we were all sinners; in Christ we were all, the totally of the human race, legally saved and justified.” This idea brings a least three difficult. First tells us that everybody will be saved. Second it denotes that everybody east at the same time in Christ at the cross, something that is not true and no biblical. And third and more import, if we were in Christ when he died for our sins, it can be understood as that we died for our dies and we do not have a necessity of a savior. We are our own savior. I found his article very interested I think that Dr. Rodriguez is very right is his affirmations.
Week Thirteen
Heather Barbian
Romans 13: This chapter is about obedience to government and how to live in the understanding of the times. I read verses two and three and I really disagreed, it says, “Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong.” My problem is that God upholds all governments corrupt and good. How can I believe that God is putting dictators like Hitler in power when they are evil and they do terrorize righteous people? I believe that governments do at times reward evil and corruption and punish those who are good.
Whidden, Woodrow W. “Chapter Thirteen: Justification After Minneapolis Maintaining Gospel Balace” from: Ellen White on Salvation. Berrien Springs: R&H Catalog Service.
This chapter emphasizes Ellen Whites mature view of justification after Minneapolis. Hw writes, “For Ellen White there is never a meritorious infusion of righteousness, but righteousness certainly is active in the soul of the believer to beget righteous acts and character.” She also believed that there was no saving action a person could do but that our salvation is in Christ.
Rodríguez, Ángel Manuel. Some Problems with Legal Universal Justification. http://www.adventistbiblicalresearch.org/documents/Legal%20Univ%20Just-Problems.htm.
This article outlines eight problems with legal universal justification. It separates God's justifying act (objective) from the reception of the gift of the Spirit and/or the new birth (subjective). It implies none are lost and everyone is saved and therefore undermines the work of the cross. This teaching is not true to the biblical teaching of human nature or the meaning of in Christ. Rodriguez also finds that it, “introduces a non-biblical understanding of Christ's substitutionary death”. Lastly faith is seen as a threat to salvation since it is seen as human work.
This article explains the second part of this verse. ‘Because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.’ Dr. Angel Manuel Rodriguez asks some important question in order to understand better this difficult verse. ‘How can everybody be saved and at the same time have a group that is specially saved? What does ‘especially’ means? Does it mean that the others did not deserve to be saved and yet they are also going to be saved? The fist thing that we learn about this passage is that the term ‘Savior’ means here ‘Benefactor’. This word means that God provides for the needs of all people. One important though that we need to keep on our minds is that on the cross God made provision for the salvation of every human being but only those who through faith accept the gift of salvation through Christ will be saved. Secondly, the word ‘especially’ which in Greek is ‘malista’ can be translated by ‘especially, mostly, above all’. Recent studies shows that it could be rendered into English as “that is , in other words’ etc…
Romans 15, BRI- Why Did Jesus Die? How God Saves Us and Whidden Chapter 16
There are a number of striking issues in chapter 15 of Romans two of which I will mention. 1. Paul states that they must bear the infirmities of the weak. We are to build up each and please our neighbor. Paul is not here saying to be men pleaser but rather we should not be selfish, we should take into consideration of our brethren's weakness and infirmity. Paul’s reason for this is because Christ did not please Himself. 2. Paul prayers for the Romans and desire of a share in their prayers. Paul here demonstrates the need for intercessory prayer. He prayed that they might be filled with all joy and peace in believing. Joy in God, peace of conscience, both arising from a sense of our justification. Also we must pray for ourselves but we should solicit the prayers of others.
1n discussing Christ sacrifice as payment, I think very important to ask the question; who got the check and why? Why is Christ sacrifice for sin seen as a payment of a debt owed to someone or something?
Not only does some not understand concept of salvation is a free gift from God I get the feeling that some would prefer to work for it, and some attempts to do so. They feel if they work for it is more valuable. They seem to suffer from what I call “the anything free or cheap is inferior syndrome” therefore not only do they work but they work hard. As far as I understands it salvation is neither free nor cheap, it does not cost me anything simply because it is a gift. It is oxymoronic to pay for a gift. Other think they are only worthy of salvation after they have attained perfection (sinlessness) if we could attain perfection (sinless) the we could die for our own sin, we die anyway, but our death is not sufficient to atone for sin because atonement requires a perfect, spotless sacrifice, offered in just the right way. Jesus, the one perfect God-man, came to offer the pure, complete and everlasting sacrifice to remove, atone, and make eternal payment for our sin.
Rudolph Sterling
nJeff Carlson
Doctrine of Salvation
Comment #10
"Justification in Romans 3:21-24” Angel Manuel Rodriguez
Romans 11
Whidden Chapter 11
Having a correct picture of justification seems to be vital in experiencing the full benefit of redemption. Whidden points out that this was the core of 1888. Ellen White clearly supported Jones and Waggoner’s position on this point while avoiding other ideas they held. It is interesting that a full half of her writing on the subject was done in the four years after this event. Though she does not show any new development on the subject from her earlier writings she does evidence, by her emphasis, that it became evident to her that it was what the church needed to hear.
The need for justification is because we are not able on our own to build our own righteousness outside of God’s. Rodriguez points out that, “the fundamental reason why there is no ‘distinction’ or favoritism on the part of God is that—the gar ('for") is explicative—‘all sinned and are falling short of the glory of Christ.’” We are broken at the core. One of my friends had it explained to her in counseling in a powerful way. She has always had a problem really accepting the idea that she needs forgiven since she is a perfectionist and really lives pretty well. Her counselor responded, “What would you do if you could walk out this door and have no social or religions norms to follow? What would you want to do if you would not get in trouble for doing it or lose face for doing it? That is who you are!” It hit her like a ton of bricks because like all of us she is broken at the core and is “good” because she “has to be.”
Rodriguez also states, “In 1:18-32 he described the sinfulness of the gentiles and in 2:1-29 he described the condition of the Jews who, although having the law, did not keep it and the law itself condemned them as sinners.” This really caught my attention and I noticed something that I really had not before. The Jews were really proud of the fact that God had given them the Law. The irony is that the Law was what condemned them since they were unable – just like the rest of us – to keep it. I think we as Adventists do this as well. We are very proud of the “light” we have. We don’t “really” realize that since we know about it we are held accountable to it – and the reality is that there is no way that any of us have been able to keep the Sabbath absolutely perfectly or be completely true to the principles of health or live with the proper mind-set that we should knowing we live in the days of the final great Judgment! We are therefore more guilty than Christians who really don’t know about these realities! The things we take pride in are ironically the things that condemn us.
I’m glad I am a Seventh-day Adventist and I’m “proud” of our theological understanding of the Bible. However we need to remember that just like the Jews in Paul’s time we need justified no matter how much better we understand reality than those around us – maybe even more!
Jeff Carlson
Doctrine of Salvation
Comment #11
"Salvation by Faith” by Jan Paulsen
Romans 12
Whidden Chapter 12
Whidden stated, “The judgment not only motivated character transformation, but did so by giving assurance that the faithful could find acceptance in Christ.” I think this is the most important thing that I have ever learned in my Christian experience: I love because Jesus first loved me. I am able to grow, not because of the pressure of the Law but in the safety of God’s acceptance.
Paulsen states in reference to Romans 1 that, “It envisions someone who can be trusted or relied on. And because he is trustworthy.” I don’t think this is correct. I think the power of grace is that it is given to you when you are not trustworthy and this calls trust out of you. Paulsen also quotes Romans 1.5, “to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith." Obedience comes from faith and faith is trusting that God gives you what you don’t deserve.
I like how Paulsen quoted John Stott to provide the balance to this idea of objective justification: "Justification is not a legal fiction in which a man's status is changed, while his character remains untouched. Verse 17: We are 'justified in Christ.' That is, our justification takes place when we are united to Christ by faith. And someone who is united to Christ is never the same again. Instead, he is changed. It is not just his standing before God which changed; it is he himself-radically, permanently changed."
He also states that, “In Paul's approach, the indicative of justification is always followed by the imperative of the life of faith that emerges from it…To be born, then, is not a goal in itself. Rather, we receive the opportunity to live.” We are saved from the inability to live the way we were created to live in the first place and salvation places us in a place where we can do that. So we can be justified completely apart from our actions but that justification necessarily leads to a changed life which reflects Christ character.
“Why Did Jesus Die? How God Saves Us
By: George W. Reid
“Along the way Jesus paid our ransom and freed us, the captives of sin. Along the way He showed how God loves. But there is much more. Real understanding comes when we come to grips with the desperate nature of our sin problem and how God must deal with rebellion running loose in His universe.”
One question: If “real understanding” of salvation comes when we come to grips with the desperate nature of our sin problem, how do we keep from becoming self-centered, naval-gazing Christians who care about their own personal morality more than the plight of their fellow human beings? (Obviously it’s not an either/or option, but when I look around at Evangelicalism as a whole . . . as Dr. Phil would say, “How’s that workin’ out for you?”)
Chapter 17 on Ellen White on Salvation
“For Ellen White, salvation was the persisting path to personal character perfection. All her theological resources were brought to bear on this central theme, and no aspect of her instruction was lacking in its doctrinal and practical applications” (pg. 156).
I found this quote interesting, following some of the chapters on Ellen White’s major emphasis on righteousness by faith . . .
Romans 16
“Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known . . .”
It is amazing that Paul uses the word “mystery” here in talking about the proclamation of Jesus Christ. Then, for him to say that it’s been “revealed.” There is no doubt that Paul gives us great insight on the significance of the person and work of Christ—but he also has given us so much tension in Christianity (faith/works, etc.). From a general observation of Christianity—it still seems as if much of the “mystery” that he dealt with, we are still trying to figure out! And maybe that’s okay . . .
Jeff Carlson
Doctrine of Salvation
Comment #12
"Some Problems with Legal Universal Justification” by Angel Manuel Rodriguez
Romans 13
Whidden Chapter 13
Rodriguez makes a good case against universalism. I still wonder if he is fighting paper tigers however. I really doubt that anyone in the Adventist Church really believes this in the first place. One article might have sufficed. I think he might be beating a dead horse here – though he does beat it really well.
He said, “Legal universal justification separates God's justifying act from the reception of the gift of the Spirit, or the new birth.” I agree that any salvation idea that takes away the choice of humans is not Biblical. I think the Bible is pretty clear that we have to make a choice somewhere along the journey to experience salvation in its fullness.
He also said, “Legal universal justification implies that all human beings come into the world legally saved, pardoned, justified; from God's perspective they are not lost.” Here is where I think he and the 1888 people might be yelling past each other. I’m sure that the 1888 doods don’t believe that every human will be saved even if they don’t accept the offer. And I’m sure this dood doesn’t think that the offer isn’t already on the table even if people don’t accept the offer. It seems a little like Luther and Zwingli all over again. They were so close in their beliefs it was ridiculous but they found the little hair of wording that was different and fought battles over it. Garbage.
For me the semantics do make a difference and so I understand the debate. However it might be great for both “sides” to listen a little closer to each other.
The ideas of Romans 13 really have nothing to do at all with anything here so I’m not going to try to make them fit. However, there is one homiletically twisted usage of a verse in this chapter that caught my eye: The verse that talks about our salvation being closer than it was before. I think that rather than fighting about how far salvation is from lost people we should focus on how close it is…closer than they even know! That makes me want to tell them!
Articles Read: “Comments on the "In Adam/In Christ" Motifs” by Ángel Manuel Rodríguez
Romans 13
Ellen White On Salvation, Chapter 14.
It’s interesting to see how from chapter 12 onwards Paul switches from his great theological arguments to the practical application of the message of justification by faith. In chapter 13 Paul becomes very practical—pay your taxes, obey the speed limit, pay your credit card debt—without the practical side of life being affected by our theological beliefs then our beliefs amount to little.
The great paradox of Paul being such a hard worker for the gospel sake is always striking to me. Many people tend to think that “salvation by faith” is a message of “resting in Jesus” but look at how hard Paul WORKED—the father of the message of “not saved by works”.
The great paradox of the Christian life is that the more see how much we DON’T have to work the more we will want to do the good works and glorify our father in heaven. We are really free slaves. Jesus has freed us from sin and so we want to work for him for the rest of our lives.
Rodriguez discusses the “in Adam/in Christ” motif and his arguments are biblically sound. Life came from Adam as well as sin but to think that humanity was physically or mystically in Adam when he sinned is a dangerous idea. The Bible speaks of Adam as being the “son of God”, would this mean that Adam was in Christ? Or was Christ in Adam because he came through Adam’s line?
The 1888 committee’s view that we were all in Adam takes the doctrine of salvation by faith to it’s very extreme. This would mean tat Adam sinned for us and Jesus died for us canceling Adam’s sin. So the same way we inherit Adam’s guilt we cal all inherit Christ’s righteousness.
Sometimes I wish I were born perfect like Adam was created and had his choice to make rather than being born as a sinner but the “most righteous” created being, Lucifer, sinned in the presence of God, so being born righteous doesn’t mean that the choice to reject God has been removed from me. This is where I think the 1888 committee is trying to compensate for the fact that we are all born as sinners into the world even before we could make conscious moral decisions. The only act that could make up for this fact is the universal objective justification of all of Adam’s children. But the question is where will this leave Adam? He had a conscious choice to make, his children didn’t.
Of course Paul argues that we are sinners even though we didn’t sin after the similitude of Adam. So we are still responsible for our sins. We can neither blame Adam for all our foibles nor claim, “the devil made me do it”. We still sin by choice.
And even if you argue for the weakness of the human will, Jesus promises that he will not give us more than we can bear. So we do not sin because of pressure but because of choice—sounds like the same situation like Adam to me!
May we experience salvation daily.
Articles Read: “Comments on the "In Adam/In Christ" Motifs” by Ángel Manuel Rodríguez
Romans 13
Ellen White On Salvation, Chapter 14.
It’s interesting to see how from chapter 12 onwards Paul switches from his great theological arguments to the practical application of the message of justification by faith. In chapter 13 Paul becomes very practical—pay your taxes, obey the speed limit, pay your credit card debt—without the practical side of life being affected by our theological beliefs then our beliefs amount to little.
The great paradox of Paul being such a hard worker for the gospel sake is always striking to me. Many people tend to think that “salvation by faith” is a message of “resting in Jesus” but look at how hard Paul WORKED—the father of the message of “not saved by works”.
The great paradox of the Christian life is that the more see how much we DON’T have to work the more we will want to do the good works and glorify our father in heaven. We are really free slaves. Jesus has freed us from sin and so we want to work for him for the rest of our lives.
Rodriguez discusses the “in Adam/in Christ” motif and his arguments are biblically sound. Life came from Adam as well as sin but to think that humanity was physically or mystically in Adam when he sinned is a dangerous idea. The Bible speaks of Adam as being the “son of God”, would this mean that Adam was in Christ? Or was Christ in Adam because he came through Adam’s line?
The 1888 committee’s view that we were all in Adam takes the doctrine of salvation by faith to it’s very extreme. This would mean tat Adam sinned for us and Jesus died for us canceling Adam’s sin. So the same way we inherit Adam’s guilt we cal all inherit Christ’s righteousness.
Sometimes I wish I were born perfect like Adam was created and had his choice to make rather than being born as a sinner but the “most righteous” created being, Lucifer, sinned in the presence of God, so being born righteous doesn’t mean that the choice to reject God has been removed from me. This is where I think the 1888 committee is trying to compensate for the fact that we are all born as sinners into the world even before we could make conscious moral decisions. The only act that could make up for this fact is the universal objective justification of all of Adam’s children. But the question is where will this leave Adam? He had a conscious choice to make, his children didn’t.
Of course Paul argues that we are sinners even though we didn’t sin after the similitude of Adam. So we are still responsible for our sins. We can neither blame Adam for all our foibles nor claim, “the devil made me do it”. We still sin by choice.
And even if you argue for the weakness of the human will, Jesus promises that he will not give us more than we can bear. So we do not sin because of pressure but because of choice—sounds like the same situation like Adam to me!
May we experience salvation daily.
It doesn’t hurt to know that Christ’s work merit salvation. For this is truth, the question that seems to continually come up wether it is by Whidden or BRI is how intimately is the involvement between Christ’s meritorious works and is followers character development. Does our character development have anything to do with salvation?
"Those only who through faith in Christ obey all of God's commandments will reach the condition of sinlessness in which Adam lived before his transgression. They testify to their love of Christ by obeying all His precepts" (MS 122, 1901, in 8 MR 98, 99).
Even Whidden didn’t have the best time explaining the aforementioned. He explains that she was dealing with a separate movement that was pushing the idea of “believe, only believe.”
And so we can see that BRI and the 1888 committee are dealing with nothing new. They are only carrying on the issues that were expressed over a 100 years ago.
I understand that this and other issues are important. But I’m almost embarrassed to think that I may have to explain the issue of salvation on Christ work alone OR with the conditions of OR “plus” the works of the believer merit salvation is still not solved in our denomination after 100 years of diligent study to my sibling that is already leery about my move from the Catholic church to SDA.
Maybe the answer could be quicker coming if we could get our brains from both sides of the salvation train tracks and have respectful dialogue.
Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Rom 13:7
Commenting on:
• BRI Doc: Reid, George W., “Why Did Jesus Die? How God Saves Us”
• Romans 13, Class notes
• Whidden: Justification After Minneapolis —Maintaining Gospel Balance, chapter 13
Week 11 Reflections
Romans 11
E.G. White - The Significance and Meaning of Minneapolis and 1888
BRI - Salvation by Faith by Jan Paulsen
Paul in Roman 11 discussed here a remnant according to the election of grace (v.5). To him the remnant is known as all Israel (believers in Christ both jews and Gentiles). He futher warned for boasting because of grafting but rather if those who receive grace for salvation then they also should show mercy to the Jew in order for them to be saved. This he said in Romans 11:28-32 Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30 For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, 31 even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. 32 For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all.
In 1888 Minneapolis Conference there was doctrinal confusion in the church which involved subjects that had to do with salvation—especially justification by faith. And Ellen White would spend the next three years in extensive travels, seeking to clarify the issues of Minneapolis. Roughly 45 percent of the entire mass of her writings was recorded between December 1888 and December 1892. Ellen White was uniting her efforts with Jones and Waggoner in terms of the subject justification by faith (objectively) in strenuous tours to promote the good news of the sin-pardoning Saviour. Minneapolis was certainly an inspiration to a great call for Christ-centered ministry in the setting of justification by faith. To her the message of justification by faith is the message of the third angel in verity.
For her, Minneapolis was a great incentive to uplift Christ as the sin-pardoning Redeemer. She did not downgraded subjects related to obedience. But she clearly sounded a clarion note that God's people will not be able to move forward in their Christian experience unless they have a clear view of the assurance of His marvelous acceptance through Christ's justifying merits.
In his sermon preached in 1988 in Nairobi Kenya, Jan Paulsen has made a clear presentation of a “bigger model” of salvation by faith, wherein he included both the objective and subjective parts of it which he believes is also the stand of Mrs. White. Simply put, in salvation God offers and humans respond by acceptance and full surrender to the requirements of the offer. He summed it up by saying that God expects of His people a commitment and surrender to Him (for belongingness), to keep looking to Jesus Christ to receive a living, expanding principle in the heart for the continuance of the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives until they become like Christ, and to be firmly established in the knowledge and practice of Christ’s way of life. To Paulsen baptism or rebirth is not the goal but the new life found and lived in Christ is it.
Dan Ocampo
This Comment is for the Week of Oct 28-Nov 3, 2007.
By Eric L. Ollila
Whidden’s “The Nature of Christ and Salvation
Whidden’s comments about Ellen White’s view on the Nature of Christ seem to be pretty balanced in my opinion. I have personally found his observations to be true in regards to those individuals who emphasize the different aspects of Christ’s nature to the exlusion of the other. It seems the bottom line issue for those who want to emphasize one aspect of Christ’s nature to the exclusion of the other is that some where along the way, they both don’t want to accept Christ fully because of what His real nature means in terms of our responsibility if we accept it as it really is.
In other words, if we truly accept Christ’s nature as it is really taught in Scripture, then what it practically means for all humanity is “we have no excuse” for staying in our current condition. We have no excuse if we are lost, we have no excuse if we can’t gain the victory over sin in our lives, and we have no excuse if we just simply do not want a ruling authority other than ourselves in our lives. Because Christ’s combined human and divine nature teaches that we can and must accept Him as God and as Lord and as Master of our lives. It means that we cannot have any other god’s before Him. It means that Jesus Christ alone is to have our highest and most earnest affections and everything and everyone else besides is secondary to Him.
It means that He does have a right to interfere and intervene in our lives and He has a right to invade our privacy. He as God has a right to give us things and to take them away without our permission. And while He has all those rights simply because He is God, His full humanity teaches us that He has the right to confront us with our sin issues. He has a right to tell us that the way we are living is not right and that we need to give it up. He has a right to tell us that we should not think those certain thoughts, or go to those forbidden places, or to hang out on or in the ground of the enemy. He also has the right to hold us accountable for those sins that we are not willing to give up. He has the right to confront us in the judgment regarding those sins that we have not gotten the victory over. Because He has told us that without Him we can do nothing, but with Him we can do all things.
I like the balance. Christ’s nature is such that it makes the carnal heart very uncomfortable. Christ’s nature is such that it makes sin appear as it really is and it also shows us that there is no excuse for compromising on this earth. Christ resisted sin unto blood, yea death, even the death of the cross. We too, in Christ’s strength are to resist sin in our very lives and in this world. And this is made possible because Christ took the very nature that He took. One that leaves humanity in all of its essence and condition without excuse for living out of harmony with God’s will.
Week 12 Reflections
Romans 12
EGW - Justification After Minneapolis —From Late 1888 to 1892
BRI - Some Problems with Legal Universal Justification - Ángel Manuel Rodríguez
Paul after warning the new Christians to be self cautious about the privilege of salvation received by faith and grafted to the main tree at the cost of those cut off due to unbelief, proceeds to admonish them to have a renewed mind and put their faith in action. For Paul this is the goal of the salvation’s work in man – the freedom to do what we ought to do (service) to help us keep our focus on God and those he loves (server included) through service in humility and love as seen in Jesus. This is now salvation by faith in real action.
Ellen White became more stronger in her presentation of as others would term it “Christ’s objective salvation” unto those who with all their hearts wants to follow and obey him. In saying that when we give and do our best obedience God is willing to impute in us the “merits of Christ” and if we err He is very willing to forgive. This chapter showed me a certainty of my salvation in Christ, like the author said is like a safety net to those who fall.
Angel Rodriguez gave a great analysis of the problems of universal legal justification (objective) which is not exactly what Ellen White was stressing about. Here he exposed how unbiblical and illogical is this teaching, it’s like a forced salvation for all, like it or not, you’re saved. According to the Scripture, we receive justification only by faith. "The New Testament does not teach the extremes of righteousness by works or righteousness by fate, but righteousness by faith. Unlike that objective imputation of Christ’s merits on our whole hearted but frail obedience, what God is doing is He accepts us because we have decided and are already in Christ.
Daniel Ocampo
Reflection 12
Remnant is to be defined in terms of a quality of life and faith, and not just in terns of membership in any religious organization. Reference was made to “proleptic remnant” in the sense that its members will be absorbed in the eschatological polarization into the final remnant, the true remnant of God.
The remnant as a historical entity is shown for the first time in the story of Joseph. Joseph in Gen.45:1 tells his brothers that God has preserved them for a remnant on earth.
The historical remnant, generally Israelites who survived such calamities as war, captivity, pestilence, and famine, and whom God in mercy spared to continue to be His chosen people. Gen.45:7.
The remnant – “the ones left” were the bearers of the promises of God and the hope for the preservation of the nation. The preservation was not based on the goodness of any individual but on God’s gracious and abundant love.
Elijah was informed by God in l Kings 19:18 that a faithful remnant was reserved.
The remnant in the New Testament, are identified with Jesus and His message of salvation.
Paul applies the term to the Jews of his day, who individually accepted Christ as the Messiah.
Now it was as members of the Christian church, and no longer as Jews, that they had right to this title. In Rom. 11:5 Paul speaks of these Christian Jews as “a remnant according to grace.”The remnant of Rev 12:17 are the group of God’s faithful ones, the remnant of that long and worthy line that has survived the fierce onslaughts of Satan down through the history of Christian times, particularly the darkness, persecution, and error of the Middle Ages.
Adventist are considered remnant from the text Revelation 12:17. Commandment keeping, particularly because of the fourth commandment which is a sign of loyalty and differentiates them from others.
In Rev.19:10, the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy.
Ellen G. White acknowledges that it is composed only of faithful members and unfaithful followers of Jesus. She said in the last days, as with ancient Israel, there will be those who are not willing to submit to the teaching of the Spirit and God. She makes reference to the remnant in the SDA church who are true in the word. Of remnant in Babylon she says: God has his instruments everywhere else. Only the Lord knows who they are, but at the end they will be visible as they become part of God’s eschatological remnant. They are the faithful remnant in Babylon.
The eschatological remnant will be fully developed when those who came out of Babylon join the historical, visible and faithful.
In Romans 12: 1 we are admonished with these words: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
Jesus himself asked this question in Luke 18:8 …”When the son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” From the words of Wesley: “ The faith I want is “a sure trust and confidence in God that through the merits of Christ, my sins are forgiven, and I reconciled to the favor of God…I want that faith which none can have without knowing that he hath it; for whosoever hath it, is ‘freed from sin, the whole ‘body of sin is destroyed’ in him.”
Romans 12
From Rom.1-11 Paul has been explaining that a person receives righteousness by faith. However, in chapter 12 he now presents the pragmatic application of this doctrine. The apostle carefully explains that righteousness by faith is not only imputed but also imparted. In other words, righteousness by faith not only involves forgiveness of sins but also new way of lifestyle and practice that harmonizes with God will. Another way of saying this is that righteousness by faith constitutes not only reconciliation but also transformation of life. Therefore, righteousness by faith does not allow one to be conformed to this world and its patterns but brings about a renewal of mind. It does encourage lawlessness but a life of obedience to the will of God.
Additionally, Paul appeals to the mercies of God to encourage obedience among those who have been justified by faith. Believers are to ruminate on God’s great compassion in lovingly giving His Son to die for sinners, to forgive sinners and to accept them in fellowship with Him. Contemplation upon the goodness of Christ is one of the key essentials in the doctrine of salvation because when one does this he or she cannot but recognize that God is good, merciful and loving. The recognition of such a fact motives the believer to fall in love with God and out of love for Him commit his or her body as a living sacrifice holy and acceptable on to God. Furthermore, Ellen White encourages that an hour of contemplation on the life of Christ especially the closing events will bring us in closer a communion with Him. Let us remember that by beholding we will become change.
Romans 12
From Rom.1-11 Paul has been explaining that a person receives righteousness by faith. However, in chapter 12 he now presents the pragmatic application of this doctrine. The apostle carefully explains that righteousness by faith is not only imputed but also imparted. In other words, righteousness by faith not only involves forgiveness of sins but also new way of lifestyle and practice that harmonizes with God will. Another way of saying this is that righteousness by faith constitutes not only reconciliation but also transformation of life. Therefore, righteousness by faith does not allow one to be conformed to this world and its patterns but brings about a renewal of mind. It does encourage lawlessness but a life of obedience to the will of God.
Additionally, Paul appeals to the mercies of God to encourage obedience among those who have been justified by faith. Believers are to ruminate on God’s great compassion in lovingly giving His Son to die for sinners, to forgive sinners and to accept them in fellowship with Him. Contemplation upon the goodness of Christ is one of the key essentials in the doctrine of salvation because when one does this he or she cannot but recognize that God is good, merciful and loving. The recognition of such a fact motives the believer to fall in love with God and out of love for Him commit his or her body as a living sacrifice holy and acceptable on to God. Furthermore, Ellen White encourages that an hour of contemplation on the life of Christ especially the closing events will bring us in closer a communion with Him. Let us remember that by beholding we will become change.
Jeff Carlson
Doctrine of Salvation
Comment #13
"Some Theological Considerations of Perfection” by Edward Heppenstall
Romans 14
Whidden Chapter 14
Heppenstall states, “Since the Bible exhorts the believer in every age again and again to "be perfect," then obviously the experience it advocates is not something which lies beyond the experience of those to whom the Word was addressed. It must be possible within the framework of the Christian life here on earth, otherwise there would be no point to the Bible writers urging perfection upon believers.” I really appreciate this. I do get tired of SDAs who focus on perfection so much that they become tense, anxious, judgmental and just plain uncomfortable to be around. However if we are not able to be “perfect” than what a terrible joke Christianity is! If we are unable to keep from buying into the lies that Satan throws at us than God would be the biggest jerk in the universe for asking us to do just that. However I agree with Heppenstall that we are able to do what God asks.
Whidden agrees in his book that Ellen White also clearly made this point. We are able to be “perfect.” What does this mean?
Heppenstall again makes a great point that too many SDAs miss: “The only valid meaning to the words "perfect" and "perfection" is that which the Bible gives to it. It is therefore imperative that we study to grasp, as far as possible the Scriptural meaning and use of perfection and avoid arbitrary interpretations of our own.” He then goes on to make the point that being “perfect means a few different things but never does it mean sinless in the sense that we are free from our nature until glorification.
One of the biggest idea of perfection seams to be maturity. We are perfect in that we are mature in our faith. I think that Paul’s picture of Christianity in Romans 14 is a perfect – no pun intended – example of this maturity. I can go some places and eat some things that would scar another Christian’s consciences but for me they are no problem because of who I am – and it’s not sin! However, being a mature Christian I am willing to give up some of my freedom for the sake of a brother or sister who would truly be damaged by my actions. I think we can all grow in this area.
We Christians who are able to live very free like Paul need to realize that our actions effect other and are viewed very serious by God. On the other hand, Christians we are not as able to do some of the things I am able to need to learn to stop trying to force everyone to fit into their experience. They need to realize that if they have a hard time hearing a song with a beat because it reminds them of the time they were in prostitution and smoked crack that this does not translate across the board!
This is one of the tensions of Christian community and is a challenge. Its natural to want to split up and avoid the “other side”. However, tension, though it is uncomfortable, is a very positive thing depending on how one responds to it. When we are together and learning to be grown by the tension rather than avoid it we will start to experience the unity that God said would be the mark of true Christianity. If we can’t worship together then what right do we think we have of desiring Heaven?! There will be no SDA section in Heaven. There will be no “independent ministries” section in Heaven. And there will be no “regional” section in Heaven! I hope that does not get interpreted in a wrong way but I just really have a burden for unity in our Church and hope we are able to grow together rather than keep splitting off into our own little groups and missing the opportunity to grow as more mature Christians and more mature people in general. Ok, I’m going to stop before I get in trouble! Peace…
Romans 13
In Romans 13 explains that God has established all authority and that they are to be obeyed. They are many leaders who are not Christians and have set forth rules to be fallowed and Paul says that these rules are to be obeyed even though a ruler might not be a follower of Christ. However, this raises a critical question, which is what if the rules are in conflict with God’s, will? Certainly, Paul is not here saying that there is no limit to this obedience, when the rules are congruent with God’s will then they are to be obeyed. However, when they conflict with God’s purposes the Christian is to obey God rather than man.
Another thing that Paul brought out in this chapter is that the Christian is not to owe any man any thing. He is not here saying that a Christian should not barrow a loan, or take out a car on installment plan. Rather his point here is that as Christian we are to pay our debts to society. The child of God according to Paul owes the continuing debt of love to everyone he or she comes in contact; the Christian owes the world gospel to the wise as well as the unwise. He must be continuously paying this debt.
Romans 14
Thoughts on subjective and objective justification by faith
Doc. Hanna’s presentation on subjective justification last class was very profound and inspiring; it has helped me to better understand the relationship between objective and subjective righteousness by faith. Nevertheless, I have a few thoughts of my own. The law of God is eternal as God Himself. Grace, which means love, mercy, kindness and benevolence, are all qualities of God’s character they have ever been apart of who God is, therefore grace I would conclude is eternal as God. Paul says since the giving of the law at Sinai grace much more abounds, clearly, the apostle is not saying that this was the first time that the law was introduced because sin entered our planet long before Sinai and sin is the transgression of the law. The point I really want to make here though is that wherever and whenever the law was abounding grace was also. The law has ever been therefore abounding grace also has ever been, even before sin entered the universe and our planet abounding grace was already in existence. It was not God’s intention for any of His creatures to sin. However, He objectively provided abounding grace so that if they should ever sin by subjectively accepting His grace they would be restored to Him. The objective abounding grace here does not automatically save sinners who have fallen into sin; it is when sinners subject themselves to God’s objective grace that they experience God’s salvation.
Week Fourteen
Heather Barbian
Romans 14: This chapter is about the weak and the strong. I have always found this chapter interesting because it deals with very Adventist issues like the sacred days and food issues. Verse 6 says, “He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.” Also the most important section is verses 13-15 which says that there is no unclean food and we should not destroy the work of God for food, “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died.” Here is would seem that we should eat whatever is in front of us in order to not offend others. Pork chops anyone?
Whidden, Woodrow W. “Chapter Fourteen: Perfection Before 1888” from: Ellen White on Salvation. Berrien Springs: R&H Catalog Service.
This chapter is dealing with Ellen White’s statements on perfection relating to salvation before 1888. Her usage of perfection is synonymous with the term sanctification. It is also important that we should not separate justification and sanctification but distinguish them. Perfection is an active effort and not a passive activity. Also a believer never cherishes or excuses sin and their perfection is not absolute. Sanctification is enabled by God’s grace, Spirit and the word.
Heppenstall, Edward. Some Theological Considerations of Perfection
http://www.adventistbiblicalresearch.org/documents/perfection%20Heppenstall.htm
This section is on perfection and the New Testament word for perfection is Teleios. Paul uses this term contrasting mature Christians with “spiritual babes”. Another word for perfection is the Greek word “katartizo” which means “fully-equipped”. Heppenstall writes that our idea of perfection has stemmed from a wrong idea of the cleansing of the sanctuary. He writes, “The doctrine of sinless perfection is often based on this false interpretation of the "cleansing" of the sanctuary and the final atonement. If sinless perfection is to be realized by saints at the close of probation, then original sin must also be eradicated.”
I have realized the need for a bigger model this semester as I have been reading, studying, and attending class on the doctrine of salvation. This class has helped me see the elements of salvation in a more complete way, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it makes it easier to understand.
The majority of the time I want to understand a belief or narrow down what I believe I would find places where the Bible speaks on the situation that would more or less fit into what I already knew to be right. But I am beginning to understand that the more I focus on a certain area in the Bible such as salvation my focus doesn’t become narrower in the sense that I can explain it with a few texts, although I can because some texts explain what one has to do to have salvation in what appears to be the only thing that is required for salvation. For example Romans 10:13 says “those who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.” But there are many more texts that include faith, hope, works, etc, as requirements for salvation also.
On the other hand, my focus has become broader because there are quite a few texts that speak of salvation in different terms such as those I mentioned above that include faith, hope, works, etc. And this is the point I am making in this post is that I am now seeing the need for a bigger model of salvation as the Bible presents it to be. What Jesus did on the cross is enough, and yet there is more to salvation than just the cross. I suppose I already knew that but I put that more in separate categories such as sanctification, justification, and so on rather than seeing them so closely linked to continuing salvation.
Romans 12
Whidden- Ellen White on Salvation
The Apostle Paul commences the story of the new life of the believer by expounding on
the necessity for the individual to be wrapped up and tied up in relationship in Christ in
order for progressive development to occur. In Romans Chapter 12 Paul commences
with the individual- his or her obligation after being called. Then the Apostle moves to
community – be good to all men, love peace and walk humbly, He proceeds to inform
his audience that it is of necessity to have unity and the importance of being apt
witnesses for Christ- ambassadors for the Kingdom of God. Everyone has some gift that
can be used for the benefit of the community.
Our individual giftedness is for the harmonious growth and giftedness of the community
‘When the instruction on justification through faith is correctly grasped, the possessor of
a gift will understand that it is not an instrument of self-aggrandizement. Possession of a
gift is not an index to quality of faith. Rather, the gift is a challenge to faithful use.’
The Apostle then ventures (14-21) into the crux of the matter: ‘God has justified
believers, it is not necessary for them to take justice into their own hands by taking
vengeance. God will ultimately deal justly with all, including those who inflict injury on
the believers. This question of personal rights as a matter of justice prepares the way
for more detailed consideration of the state as adjudicator.’
According to Whidden Ellen believed that faith and works were never separated. Her
view is that the two must go together and this view is corroborated by the Bible. It is not
our works but Christ’s merits who make our sacrifices acceptable. As we are presented
before God Christ makes up for our deficiencies. In fact, nothing that we do is able to
stand before God as worthy. The atoning work of Jesus as Messiah provide keys of
victory that we may be able to be victorious over sin also.
Romans 12
Whidden- Ellen White on Salvation 12
The Apostle Paul commences the story of the new life of the believer by expounding on
the necessity for the individual to be wrapped up and tied up in relationship in Christ in
order for progressive development to occur. In Romans Chapter 12 Paul commences
Garfield Browne
with the individual- his or her obligation after being called. Then the Apostle moves to
community – be good to all men, love peace and walk humbly, He proceeds to inform
his audience that it is of necessity to have unity and the importance of being apt
witnesses for Christ- ambassadors for the Kingdom of God. Everyone has some gift that
can be used for the benefit of the community.
Our individual giftedness is for the harmonious growth and giftedness of the community
‘When the instruction on justification through faith is correctly grasped, the possessor of
a gift will understand that it is not an instrument of self-aggrandizement. Possession of a
gift is not an index to quality of faith. Rather, the gift is a challenge to faithful use.’
The Apostle then ventures (14-21) into the crux of the matter: ‘God has justified
believers, it is not necessary for them to take justice into their own hands by taking
vengeance. God will ultimately deal justly with all, including those who inflict injury on
the believers. This question of personal rights as a matter of justice prepares the way
for more detailed consideration of the state as adjudicator.’
According to Whidden Ellen believed that faith and works were never separated. Her
view is that the two must go together and this view is corroborated by the Bible. It is not
our works but Christ’s merits who make our sacrifices acceptable. As we are presented
before God Christ makes up for our deficiencies. In fact, nothing that we do is able to
stand before God as worthy. The atoning work of Jesus as Messiah provide keys of
victory that we may be able to be victorious over sin also.
Garfield Browne-Romans 12
Whidden- Ellen White on Salvation 12
The Apostle Paul commences the story of the new life of the believer by expounding on
the necessity for the individual to be wrapped up and tied up in relationship in Christ in
order for progressive development to occur. In Romans Chapter 12 Paul commences
with the individual- his or her obligation after being called. Then the Apostle moves to
community – be good to all men, love peace and walk humbly, He proceeds to inform
his audience that it is of necessity to have unity and the importance of being apt
witnesses for Christ- ambassadors for the Kingdom of God. Everyone has some gift that
can be used for the benefit of the community.
Our individual giftedness is for the harmonious growth and giftedness of the community
‘When the instruction on justification through faith is correctly grasped, the possessor of
a gift will understand that it is not an instrument of self-aggrandizement. Possession of a
gift is not an index to quality of faith. Rather, the gift is a challenge to faithful use.’
The Apostle then ventures (14-21) into the crux of the matter: ‘God has justified
believers, it is not necessary for them to take justice into their own hands by taking
vengeance. God will ultimately deal justly with all, including those who inflict injury on
the believers. This question of personal rights as a matter of justice prepares the way
for more detailed consideration of the state as adjudicator.’
According to Whidden Ellen believed that faith and works were never separated. Her
view is that the two must go together and this view is corroborated by the Bible. It is not
our works but Christ’s merits who make our sacrifices acceptable. As we are presented
before God Christ makes up for our deficiencies. In fact, nothing that we do is able to
stand before God as worthy. The atoning work of Jesus as Messiah provide keys of
victory that we may be able to be victorious over sin also.
Romans 14
Thoughts on subjective and objective justification by faith
Doc. Hanna’s presentation on subjective justification last class was very profound and inspiring; it has helped me to better understand the relationship between objective and subjective righteousness by faith. Nevertheless, I have a few thoughts of my own. The law of God is eternal as God Himself. Grace, which means love, mercy, kindness and benevolence, are all qualities of God’s character they have ever been apart of who God is, therefore grace I would conclude is eternal as God. Paul says since the giving of the law at Sinai grace much more abounds, clearly, the apostle is not saying that this was the first time that the law was introduced because sin entered our planet long before Sinai and sin is the transgression of the law. The point I really want to make here though is that wherever and whenever the law was abounding grace was also. The law has ever been therefore abounding grace also has ever been, even before sin entered the universe and our planet abounding grace was already in existence. It was not God’s intention for any of His creatures to sin. However, He objectively provided abounding grace so that if they should ever sin by subjectively accepting His grace they would be restored to Him. The objective abounding grace here does not automatically save sinners who have fallen into sin; it is when sinners subject themselves to God’s objective grace that they experience God’s salvation.
In understanding salvation one must take into account the size of the sin problem. To me it is very complex itself. For one, how did a perfect being become sinful? Two, there are many ways to describe sin, a few examples are missing the mark, separation from God, breaking the law, etc. Then there is the question of our sinful nature, sins we commit by commission or omission, and how sin has affected the whole universe. I have only touched on the obvious observations and known things about sin. Sin is a big problem so salvation must be able to save the universe from every type of sin there is and from sin itself.
Sin is beyond our control, we need a Savior to conquer what we cannot. It is strange that we can sin and destroy ourselves but we can’t save ourselves. And yet the Bible is clear that we can do some things in regards to salvation. One is believe in Jesus and two is to confess and believe and you will be saved, these are two examples of what part that we play. One of the hard things to understand is that while we can do this, Ellen White says it is with Christ’s help that we oppose sin in (SC 48), so while Christ helps us to overcome, we are still sinners. Just because Christ helps us to overcome doesn’t make us sin free. We have yet to put on the immortality that will be given to us when Christ comes again. In a way we have salvation but in another way our salvation is yet to come, when Christ comes a second time.
Garfield Browne
Whidden -After Minneapolis- Gospel Balance-Chapter 13
Romans 13
It is interesting to look back at the Minneapolis encounter, metaphorically moving away from the trees that we, in the 21st century can now see the 1888 forest. I am sure that there were accusations of error hurled at some of those proponents like Mrs. White who supported Jones and Waggoner’s theory of righteousness by faith. As one peruses the writings of Mrs. White during that period of upheaval, he or she is sure to have encountered statements which appear to be inconsistent with the theology of the SDA church.
It is well to note that while many of the pioneers’ understanding of justification was not all well developed by the time of Minneapolis; it is clear that Mrs. White’s theology was solidified after years of seeking clarification. Post-Minneapolis era brought a paradigm shift in balance as a greater emphasis was placed on the importance of obedience in relationship to justification.
Paul’s concerns in Romans 13 have always caused me concern. If God appoints all authority then God, it would be fair to say, is responsible for the actions of wicked men placed in authority. I simply do not believe God appoints all human authority. I concur with the notion that laws that do not contradict God’s word must be obeyed, however, I do not believe God intended for us to obey unjust laws. If God expected us to obey and respect all authority, then there would not be a story of the three Hebrew boys. My opinion finds support in the writings of Ellen G White. For the history tells us when she learns of the call to return run away slaves from the South, she appealed to SDA communities not to return the salves- contrary to the law of the land. I do agree that we must conduct ourselves in a manner that represents the Kingdom of God.
Romans 8:21 speaks of creation being set free. Normally when I think of salvation it is in the context of the Divine and human. But the Bible has given us a glimpse of salvation that includes more than humans. Creation has suffered with us from the beginning of sin.
The ground was cursed because of Adams sin. Animals were now sacrificed to atone for humanities sin, pointing to the ultimate atonement in Christ. The Bible says that the creation groans, and I wonder if the earthquakes, land slides, volcanoes, etc, are a part of the creation groaning and waiting to be set free from corruption. Its lot it seems is tied to man, when man fell the earth was thrown into sin, and when man was redeemed and Christ comes again, He will eventually make all things new. Humanities dominion over the earth was taken by Satan and it took the sacrifice of Christ to get it back.
What an awesome God to die for us even when we messed up the beautiful innocent things God created. If creation is groaning for salvation how much more should we want to be saved?
Week 13 Submission
The first thing that jumped out at me in Romans 13 is that God is the One who appoints the authorities. The question that came to mind is ‘what about the evil authorities?’ God appoints people but doesn’t force them to do justice. This is where the doctrine of free will helps me to understand partly how there has been rulers who are evil through history and reconcile that with Romans 13:1.
When the rulers punish people for God, it shows me the importance of discipline in life. Discipline is needed because we are all sinners. Consequences come along with sin. Like with parents, spare the rod and spoil the child. Also with God, whom God loves He disciplines (Hebrews 12). God disciplines people because He knows they need it. This is part of the process that helps people to be saved.
In Romans 13 Paul talks a lot about how love is the fulfillment of the law. This takes us back to Romans 2 where Paul says that the doers of the law will be justified. Love is spontaneous and natural. This is why we cannot love in order to be saved. In Matthew 25 the sheep did not realize that they were doing good to Jesus, they just did good and loved others.
Whidden talked about after 1892 Ellen White returned more to an emphasis on sanctification from justification. He compared this with James warning which seems counter to Paul that faith without works is dead. It makes sense that Ellen White did not want people to think that faith is only a mental assent as pointed out by Whidden. We should not teach that either. It seams to me that Ellen White kept a balance of a faith that works by love. What really hit home to me was the point made that prayerless work will be of no avail. Without the merits of Christ the work is done in our own strength; in other words it is done in vain. Wow! I need to pray more.
Romans 11
Salvation is by grace and not works (vv5,6) “What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks? But the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded. Just as it is written ‘God has given them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see and ears that they should not hear, to this very day.” (7,8) So God is the One and only Arbiter of Revelation. No degree may qualify us to receive the Revelation of Jesus Christ, instead God reveals Himself to whom He pleases. He’s certainly given us instructions as to how we are to search the scripture and how we are privileged to grow closer to Him as we grow in our knowledge of Him. But the problem Israel had, might be the same problem we struggle with today in the SDA church. Israel had long established itself in religion…their hearts had drifted far away from God’s heart. They worshipped with their mouths, but their hearts were empty. God withdrew His Spirit from them after repeatedly offering a new probation…but time and time again the majority of Israel slighted God’s efforts to turn them back to Him. Therefore He gave them over to a “spirit of stupor”…oh that we will not have any part in an “entitlement religious experience” and if we do, may we repent and enter into a humble, devout experience as we connect our hearts to Jesus moment by moment unto eternity. God reveals Himself to those who seek Him diligently (Hebrews 11:6) to those who seek Him with all their heart. (Jeremiah 29:13) May we continue to seek Him with the whole heart...otherwise regardless of our profession we will be blind and deaf just as the Pharisees were in Christ’s day.
Romans 12
“Living Sacrifices to God”
Paul prescribes Holiness to us in the opening two verses of chapter 12. How does Holiness happen? 1. “By the mercies of God” 2. “present your bodies as a living sacrifice” 3. as “holy and acceptable to God which is your reasonable service.” 4. “Do not be conformed to this world” 5. “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” …why? 6. “that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Whidden Chapter 12 “Justification after Minneapolis – From Late 1888 to 1892”
“When He sees men lifting the burdens, trying to carry them in lowliness of mind, with distrust of self and with reliance upon Him,” the sinner’s “defects are covered by the perfection and fullness of the Lord our righteousness.” Such humble believers are “looked upon by the Father with pitying, tender love; He regards such as obedient children, and the righteousness of Christ is imputed unto them.” (1888 Materials 402)
I love this quote from Ellen White. God knows our form…He knows our hearts, when we come to Him in humility of heart confessing our sin, He places the perfect merits of His blood in our behalf. This process of growing in the Christian experience gives us a greater hatred for sin and a greater love for Jesus. If God wants to not only impute perfect righteousness to me, but impart it to me as well, who am I to say He can’t…God can impart perfect righteousness to man if He so desires. My role is to reject the world and in turn simply fix my attention…my heart…my thoughts on Him and His Word. Whether its impute or impart…justify or sanctify…God does what He wants regardless of theological bantering from one group or another.
Romans 13
“Submit to Government”
In Verses 1-7 Paul makes it clear that we are to submit ourselves to civil authorities as they have been appointed by God Himself! That’s difficult to swallow when you’re so opposed to everything a leader stands for. But God knows what He is doing…God’s Kingdom has never been of this world, but in Heaven. Who He puts into position is up to Him, not us. Our focus is to “love” our neighbor as ourselves. 2007 is an interesting time to be alive, “let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” Romans 13:13,14
Whidden Chapter 13 “Justification After Minneapolis…Maintaining Gospel Balance”
“No sin can be committed by man for which satisfaction has not been met on Calvary. Thus the cross, in earnest appeals, continually proffers to the sinner a thorough expiation…as you come with humble heart, you find pardon, for Christ Jesus is the sacrifice for the sins of the world…a daily and yearly typical atonement is no longer to be made, but he atoning sacrifice through a mediator is essential because of the constant commission of sin….Jesus presents the oblation offered for every offense and every shortcoming of the sinner.” (1SM 343,344)
“The religious services, the prayers, the praise, the penitent confession of sin ascend from true believers as incense to the heavenly sanctuary, but passing through the corrupt channels of humanity, they are so defiled that unless purified by blood, they can never be of value with God. They ascend not in spotless purity, and unless the Intercessor, who is at God’s right hand, presents and purifies all by His righteousness, it is not acceptable to God. All incense from earthly tabernacles must be moist with the cleansing drops of the blood of Christ. He holds before the Father the censor of His own merits, in which there is no taint of earthly corruption. He gathers into this censer the prayers, the praise, and the confessions of His people, and with these He puts His own spotless righteousness. Then, perfumed with the merits of Christ’s propitiation, the incense comes up before God wholly and entirely acceptable. Then gracious answers are returned. “Oh, that all may see that everything in obedience, in penitence, in praise and thanksgiving, must be placed upon the glowing fire of the righteousness of Christ. The fragrance of this righteousness ascends like a cloud around the mercy seat.” (1 SM 343,344)
This quote is awesome! Another great one that I found in this 13th chapter of Whidden’s book is one out of Christian Service 263: “The work of God is to be carried on to completion by the cooperation of divine and human agencies. Those who are self-sufficient may be apparently active in the work of God; but the censer of the angel that stands at the golden altar before the rainbow-circled throne, they would see that the merit of Jesus must be mingled with our prayers and efforts, or they are as worthless as was the offering of Cain. Could we see all the activity of human instrumentality, as it appears before God, we would see that only the work accomplished by much prayer, which is sanctified by the merit of Christ, will stand the test of the judgment. When the grand review shall take place, then shall ye return and discern between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not.”
It’s all about Jesus, may we simply lift Him higher in higher in all that we do. We are nothing apart from Him, we have nothing apart from Him. May God ever keep us at the foot of the cross of our dear Savior Jesus Christ.
Romans 14
“The Law of Liberty”
14:1 “Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to dispute over doubtful things.”
So we shouldn’t build theological models off of textual nuances? I don’t think so.
It’s unfortunate to see the SDA church in so much dissension. May we ever be mindful of not only our own experience with God, but our witness to others, even to the weak. May we be humble and careful not to upset their faith.
14:7 “For none of us lives to himself, and on one dies to himself.”
We all have a part in the Plan of Restoration…none of us lives in a vacuum, instead our lives directly impact others around us, whether we want them to or not. We would do well to consider this in theological circles, as we so often walk on thin ice in my opinion, spending too much time on questionable things and too little time on the essentials such as Jesus Christ and Him crucified…His Suffering on the Cross…His Atoning sacrifice.
14:12,13 “So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.”
May we all walk humbly before our Creator and our Redeemer. He has made us and He has Redeemed us. May we remember that everyone is worth the blood of Jesus. May I remember that.
Understanding salvation in terms of the past, present, and future has been a helpful tool in my understanding of salvation and has encouraged me to not put limits on aspects of salvation in regards to time and space that I might have otherwise done. I am not saying that there are not limits but I now see salvation in a more complete way.
In some ways I think that I already thought in this way or believed this but wasn’t sure how to put it into words or a model. The class, along with the handout on salvation in the past, present, and future is a step in that direction.
This makes sense to me because God is not limited in time or space. Salvation extends before the cross, at the cross, and after the cross, and has to do more than just with the cross. This presents salvation as a process more than just a one time event and guards against the idea of once saved always saved. And I believe it shows how loving God is by wanting the best for us and willing to work with us, teach us, and help us grow and become more like Him. At times I wish God would just make me perfect in an instant and I wouldn’t have to go through the hard work of change but that is my weakness coming through.
Salvation is not cheap and seeing salvation as a process is also a safeguard against cheap grace because it requires in us growth and change. So yes I have been saved if I choose, I am saved if I choose, and I will be saved if I choose. Instead of seeing salvation in one aspect of time and space I am now seeing it as a process throughout history.
I have been wrestling with the objective and subjective aspects of salvation for a while now. In trying to understand it better I gave an attempt at looking at it in this way: If God had not died for me no matter what I did, I would not be saved. But no matter what I do others can be saved because of what God did.
In other words, the objective reality for me is that God acted and because He acted by dieing on the cross we all have the opportunity to be saved. From my understanding this had to happen no matter what for humanity to have eternal life. On the other hand the subjective reality says even if I wanted to be saved (considering I could want such a thing), and chose to be saved but God had not provided a way for salvation it wouldn’t matter what I wanted or did to be saved.
This helps me understand where the weight of salvation lies. It lies within God’s hand. Yes, there is a subjective part to it, in that I meet conditions for salvation, but no matter what I decide, God has already made the way of salvation open for me and others. Salvation is ultimately much bigger than me and my decision, but it doesn’t make my decision to accept Christ any less important, it points more to God’s goodness. If it wasn’t for the objective side of salvation I wouldn’t be able to respond with the subjective side.
Whidden’s section on perfection has improved my understanding of Ellen White’s statements on perfection and helped me to put perfectionism in a more proper light. I found the statement on page 146 to sum it up well for me: “beyond character perfection into nature perfection.” While the Holy Spirit is developing a “perfect” character in us, we will not have our sinful nature taken away until Christ comes again and gives us new bodies. The book explained how perfectionism becomes fanaticism when people take perfection to extremes and think they are no longer sinless and demand this from others, when the Bible is clear that we will not be made sinless until Christ comes again.
Even if we attained perfect characters here on earth, the book explained that those that had perfect characters would not know it or exclaim it to others. This is a source of encouragement to me because growing up in Adventism I have been affected negatively by people that believe in a perfect remnant before Christ comes again. It took all the joy out of being a Christian to live under scrutiny like that. I pity people that believe this to a point of fanaticism, it is very damaging.
But to know that Christ is perfecting our characters through the Holy Spirit and that we are in a process towards perfection by which God gives us the power to receive and one day our natures will be changed to perfect is a testament to our loving God, not an all or nothing “do this to be perfect or you are going to hell.”
Reflection 13
The Biblical research Institute continues to list the 27 fundamental beliefs. Perhaps they will update this to include, number 28, a hope that is encouraging to any Christian’s spiritual journey: “Growing in Christ.” It is so astoundingly important, that I added it for the sake of prayerful contemplation. There is a wide array of scriptures to feast upon. The very first Ps 1:1,2. I thought how wonderful the advice and blessings of those two verses, but then my disappointment that vs.3 was omitted. I’ll add it because it is such a beautiful metaphor--a tree that is flourishing and will not wither and whatsoever we do shall prosper...to the glory of God. May you be as blessed as I was when I discovered this gem, # 28 “Growing in Christ.”
Fundamental belief: "Growing in Christ:"
By His death on the cross Jesus triumphed over the forces of evil. He who subjugated the demonic spirits during His earthly ministry has broken their power and made certain their ultimate doom. Jesus' victory gives us victory over the evil forces that still seek to control us, as we walk with Him in peace, joy, and assurance of His love. Now the Holy Spirit dwells within us and empowers us. Continually committed to Jesus as our Savior and Lord, we are set free from the burden of our past deeds. No longer do we live in the darkness, fear of evil powers, ignorance, and meaninglessness of our former way of life. In this new freedom in Jesus, we are called to grow into the likeness of His character, communing with Him daily in prayer, feeding on His Word, meditating on it and on His providence, singing His praises, gathering together for worship, and participating in the mission of the Church. As we give ourselves in loving service to those around us and in witnessing to His salvation, His constant presence with us through the Spirit transforms every moment and every task into a spiritual experience. (Ps 1:1, 2; 23:4; 77:11 12; Col 1:13, 14; 2:6, 14, 15; Luke 10:17-20; Eph 5:19, 20; 6:12-18; 1 Thess 5:23; 2 Peter 2:9; 3:18; 2 Cor. 3:17, 18; Phil 3:7-14; 1 Thess 5:16-18; Matt 20:25-28; John 20:21; Gal 5:22-25; Rom 8:38, 39; 1 John 4:4; Heb 10:25.)
Kefa Matena
ROMANS CHAPTER 6
THE END OF SLAVERY TO SIN
Paul says that when we were baptized we were baptized into Christ’s death and buried with Him in His death (vs. 3,4) This means that the old person whom we used to be was crucified with Christ (v.6). This crucifixion abolishes what Paul calls “the body of sin”. Paul uses the term body to refer to the to the whole person. The body of sin is the whole person oriented to sin and ruled by it. It is that old orientation that is crucified in baptism so that the new Christian can instead be oriented to Christ and His values. This death frees the Christian from the domination of sin (vs. 7) and is possible because Christ died to sin once and for all, our death or crucifixion with His death.
The past crucifixion of our old selves with Christ has implication for the present, which Paul sums up in verse 4 “we were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the death through the glory of the father, we too may live a new life”.
Our death to an old way of life and identification with Christ has a goal, a new way of life oriented to Christ. This new way of life frees us from slavery to sin (vs. 6)
Christ’s resurrection demonstrates His power and ultimate victory over death. Death no longer has mastery over Christ (vs. 9). In hope, this victory is ours. We have not yet received Union with Him makes it certain that we will be united with Christ in His resurrection as well (vs. 5). This promise is in the future tense, but it is certain. Paul is careful consistently to use the future tense when he speaks of our resurrection. But it is a future that grows out of and his guaranteed by the experience we already have with Christ.
This promise of the future, help motivate us to accept the challenges that Paul gives for the present. After all, if our bodies are destined for resurrection with Christ, think how inappropriate it would be to hand them over as instruments of sin, which is in opposition to the God of life-who raised Jesus and promises to raise us with Him. Shall we sin? The answer is no, because our solidarity with Christ, symbolized in baptism, shows it is unthinkable we died to the old, sinful way of life whom we were baptized in union with Christ, we now live in a new atmosphere of union with Him, and we share in the certainty of being united with Him in resurrection as well.
ROMANS CHAPTER 6
THE END OF SLAVERY TO SIN
Paul says that when we were baptized we were baptized into Christ’s death and buried with Him in His death (vs. 3,4) This means that the old person whom we used to be was crucified with Christ (v.6). This crucifixion abolishes what Paul calls “the body of sin”. Paul uses the term body to refer to the to the whole person. The body of sin is the whole person oriented to sin and ruled by it. It is that old orientation that is crucified in baptism so that the new Christian can instead be oriented to Christ and His values. This death frees the Christian from the domination of sin (vs. 7) and is possible because Christ died to sin once and for all, our death or crucifixion with His death.
The past crucifixion of our old selves with Christ has implication for the present, which Paul sums up in verse 4 “we were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the death through the glory of the father, we too may live a new life”.
Our death to an old way of life and identification with Christ has a goal, a new way of life oriented to Christ. This new way of life frees us from slavery to sin (vs. 6)
Christ’s resurrection demonstrates His power and ultimate victory over death. Death no longer has mastery over Christ (vs. 9). In hope, this victory is ours. We have not yet received Union with Him makes it certain that we will be united with Christ in His resurrection as well (vs. 5). This promise is in the future tense, but it is certain. Paul is careful consistently to use the future tense when he speaks of our resurrection. But it is a future that grows out of and his guaranteed by the experience we already have with Christ.
This promise of the future, help motivate us to accept the challenges that Paul gives for the present. After all, if our bodies are destined for resurrection with Christ, think how inappropriate it would be to hand them over as instruments of sin, which is in opposition to the God of life-who raised Jesus and promises to raise us with Him. Shall we sin? The answer is no, because our solidarity with Christ, symbolized in baptism, shows it is unthinkable we died to the old, sinful way of life whom we were baptized in union with Christ, we now live in a new atmosphere of union with Him, and we share in the certainty of being united with Him in resurrection as well.
Matena kefa
CHAPTER 8
LIFE IN THE SPIRIT
Pau begins Romans 8 with the liberating promise that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Several verses explain the basis for the promise and make the promise real by contrasting two kinds of life, life in the flesh and life in the Spirit.
Remember that Paul did make a reference to this life in flesh and spirit in the previous chapter. The law is powerless to save because of the flesh (vs. 3). The person who lives according to the law of sin and death has the mind set on the things of the flesh (vs. 5), which leads to death (vs. 6). In fact, those who live by the flesh are enemies of God, because of their rebellion against God (vs. 7). They do not obey God’s law (vs. 7); indeed, they cannot obey God’s law (vs. 8). They are on a collision course with death (vs. 13). In Romans 7 he showed us that not even the holy, just, and good law could do anything about it. But now he spells out the alternative, life in the spirit. The work of the spirit is internal, rather than external. Life is the spirit has to do with the inner self at its deepest level, not merely outward actions. The spirit has to do with life rather than death, and with the future rather than this age. The spirit already brings the kind of life that will characterize eternal life. The spirit is the assurance that the promised future will come. The spirit brings community rather than alienation.
In the new system of life in the spirit, God spends His own son, in the likeness of sinful flesh, as a sin offering, to condemn sin in the flesh (vs.3). The just requirements of the law are fulfilled in those who live by the spirit (vs. 4). They have their mind set on the things of the spirit (vs. 5), which lead to life and peace (vs. 6 God’s spirit (vs.9), indeed, Christ Himself (vs. 10) dwells in them. Even though their bodies are still mortal, their spirits are a live on account of righteousness (vs. 10), and they will be raised from the dead (vs. 11). We become God’s children (vs. 14).
According to Paul Christ came as a sacrifice to condemn sin from within human flesh and make victory over sin and death our victory. This gives as a new orientation and a new destiny. Our lives ae now oriented to God. Our minds are set on what the spirit desires of the flesh. The entire focus of our lives is different, for the spirit gives as new values.
The new mind set means a new destiny that leads to life and peace (vs. 6). And even though we continue to live in a World of evil with bodies subject to death, we are already connected to the source of life-giving power, which assures our victory over death and the ultimate resurrection of the body.
Matena kefa
CHAPTER 9
GOD, THE JEWS AND GENTILES
Paul begins this chapter 9 with a poignant, personal lament that flows from the depth of his soul. It seems a sincere confession of great sorrow and unceasing anguish. The agenda for this sorrow is the condition of his own people, Israel, who for the most part God refused to accept the messiah.
This seems unbelievable to Paul, given that Israel had been blessed in so many ways. To confirm his longing that they saved, he wanted ahead and listed the many blessings that Israelites’ had enjoyed all through the ages.
Paul’s attitude, however, is not one of judgment or condemnation; rather he wished to cut of from Christ if his fellow Jews could not be included in salvation. Paul goes ahead to make some arguments for our notice in the book of (Hosea 1:10; 2:23) where Hosea was asked to marry a prostitute who gave birth to children “not loved” and “not my people”. This symbolized Israel’s rejection of God in Hosea’s days, but God made the promise that these children, representing rebellious Israel, could be called “my people” and “loved”. He sees in these names evidence that God will reach out beyond Israel and embrace those Gentiles who were not His people, In other words, God’s ability to include rebellious Israelites justifies His inclusion of Gentiles as well.
What can we say then? Can it really be that the Gentiles, who didn’t pursue righteousness, attained, and the Jews, who did pursue it, didn’t attaint? Paul says yes and gives us two reasons:-
First, Israel pursued it by works, not by faith, second they stumbled oven the stumbling stone. He Paul quotes from (Isaiah 8:14; 28:16), one that points to God’s causing the rebellious Israelites to stumble over a stumbling stone and the other that points to God’s trustworthiness as the temple cornerstone.
The Jews problem is that they have made a stumbling stone of Christ instead of putting their trust in Him. Is there any hope for them? Paul will have lots to say about it as we continue ahead.
Matena Kefa
CHAPTER 10
WHY ISRAEL FAILED
Paul begins this chapter with yet another heartfelt expression of his concern for his people, the Jews. His desire and prayer for them is that they be saved. This section is permeated with Paul’s personal concern for his people and with his affirmation that God has not forgotten them. Yet Paul can’t ignore the fact that there is a problem. He has no doubt that the Jews are zealous for God. One could think that their real combined with God’s promise would be sufficient for their salvation, but Paul sees a problem nevertheless.
The Jews real for God was not based on knowledge. This failure in knowledge wasn’t merely ignorance of some theoretical proposition or doctrine. It was a failure to understand the source of righteousness and to focus their efforts and zeal in the right direction. Paul says in verse 3, “since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness”. This seems to be an incredible accusation. If they were zealous for God, how did they fail to see His righteousness and seek their own?
Paul seems to see two problems in their understanding that led the Jews to miss God’s righteousness. First, they failed to recognize that their election and special position as God’s people were gifts of God’s grace. Paul makes this clear with his examples of Isaac and Jacob in Roman 9. Israel was tempted to understand her role in terms of a night based on being a descendant of Abraham. But election is always a matter of grace. Second, Israel was tempted to understand its own righteousness in exclusive terms and forgot that God was concerned for all people. Whenever they forgot the universal nature of God’s grace, they were tempted to boast and try to make righteousness their private passion. The problem was that Israel did not pursue righteousness on the basis of faith. Faith is always a response to God’s grace. Israel couldn’t seek righteousness on the basis of faith unless she understood that her very status as God’s people was a gift of grace. And the response of faith is open to all, because God is gracious to all. Therefore, exclusiveness and separatism could only thwart the quest for the righteousness.
Matena Kefa
ROMANS CHAPTER 11
GOD HAS NOT REJECTED ISRAEL
In this chapter Paul as a case to contend with in regard to the people of Israel where according to his feelings are his people for he identity remains with him He is a living proof that God hasn’t rejected Israel, for he is an Israelite sent to proclaim the good news of God’s grace.
He Paul moves back in Israelite history to Elijah ( 1 Kings 19:10). When Elijah appealed to God against Israel, he was sure that he was the only Israelite left who hadn’t bowed the knee to Baal and forsake God. But God told him there were actually seven thousand. Paul concludes that in his day, as well, God as a remnant. This remnant was chosen by grace (11:5). In other words, this remnant has nothing to boast about. Those who are part of the remnant are purely a matter of grace. This is a truth we should keep in mind whenever we think about the concept of the remnant. Being part of the remnant is not a matter of privilege. God always calls a remnant by His grace for a purpose.
In Paul’s day, this remnant proved that God had not forsaken Israel. It is time that most of Israel had rejected the message of grace through Christ, but even that was part of God’s plan. Paul refers to Deuteronomy 29:4, Isaiah 29:10, and Psalms 9:22,23 to show that it was God who had blinded Israel (11:7-10). Why would God do not part of the remnant) are lost forever? Paul answers ahead to reveal how the hardening of Israel is part of the amazing plan God has to show mercy to all. The Jews transgression had opened the door for salvation to go to the Gentiles as well.
When Israel sees the experience of the gospel in the Gentiles, she will become jealous and will come to God and be restored (vss. 11,12). So the NO of the Jews leads to the YES of the Gentiles, which in turn, through jealousy, leads to the yes of the Jews as well. This is the plan of God. Paul can rejoice that the Jews transgression means riches for the World.
Kefa matena
ROMANS CHAPTER 12
A LIVING SACRIFICE
Paul here is doing much more than merely saying, rather he is saying therefore in the light of God’s mercy and grace, here is the appropriate way to respond. He is trying to show us the life that follows from a true understanding of God’s grace. The logical, reasonable outgrowth of accepting God’s grace for allis a holistic response trust for God and love for others, which Paul calls a living sacrifice.
Paul appeals to the brothers in Rome on the basis of God’s mercy to live as people of God.
Paul in his argument refers to the whole person; the whole becomes a living sacrifice that pleases God by appreciating His grace and showing love for His children. Presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice is the logical, reasonable response to God’s grace. Paul’s appeal for his request is to the mercies of God. This is the logical response to the mercy that God has shown us in Christ. Yet its also a response that is holistic and internal, not merely an external act.
All of this makes it clear that for Paul the present age is an evil age ruled by Satan and rulers who oppose God. But Paul call Christians to begin living even now in a new way. Even though they are in this World, they already live according to the values and goals of a new age, for live according to the values and goals of a new age, for their minds are already focused on God’s Kingdom. By responding positively to God’s grace, their minds are reshaped according to God’s will. Even though the World is still the present evil age, Christians already experience the new age of God’s Kingdom because their minds are focused on God’s values. This is only possible because the mind is renewed by God’s spirit. Only when the mind is set on the spirit and what the spirit desires can it be renewed and transformed so that it comes to think in a new way. The renewed mind, in turn, leads to new action.
Matena Kefa
CHAPTER 13
CHRISTIANS AND GOVERNMENT
No authority exists except that which God has established. If these authorities are established by God, then to rebel against them is to rebel against God, and to do this is to bring judgement on oneself. Paul is affirming that governments exist by God’s authority. He does not say whether this means governments in ground of specific governments are ordained by God, but that does not really make a difference in the flow of the argument. The idea is that Christians are to submit to them, and to do otherwise is to resist God and violet His will.
No one would want to live in a situation of anarchy; therefore Christians have a practical reason as well for submitting to civil governments and rulers.
Christians should submit to governments to a void punishment. Since we noted that governments are instituted by God, then, submission is more than just a practical matter, it is a matter of Christian principles as well. Internal commitment to God should motivate the Roman Christians to submit to the governing authorities.
Paul goes ahead to give specific examples of such submission. Christians are to give or pay taxes, because the authorities are God’s servants who give their full time to governing, hence they deserve to be paid for their work, and these comes through taxes.
Finally Paul summarizes in verse 7 with a general command followed by four specific. The Roman Christians are to pay everyone they owe, whether that debt be taxes, revenue, respect or honor.
Matena Kefa
ROMANS CHAPTER 14
THE WEAK AND THE STRONG
Paul brackets this section with the command to accept each other. In this Chapter he admonishes the strong to accept each other. In this Chapter he admonishes the strong to accept the weak; verse 3 reminds both that God has accepted all of them and 15:7 admonishes both to accept each other as Christ accepted them. To accept means to welcome fully and have fellowship with someone. The only other time Paul uses it is in Philemon 17 when he pleads with Philemon to accept the runaway slave Onesimus even as he would accept Paul.
God accepts all his people by grace. If the first part of Romans makes any point at all, it is that all of us have been accepted by God’s grace. Accepted Christians are to become accepting Christians, even accepting of those who may hold different practices and opinions.
Paul was willing to leave room for a good bit of Christian freedom when it came to matters such as this, but this was never freedom from sin. Had Paul felt that the issue or issues under dispute in Rome were crucial matters of a person’s relationship to God or others, he would not have spoken in this way. When he wrote to the Corinthians about matters of sexual immortality in the Church he did say that each should be fully convinced in his or her own mind. He gave clear definite instructions about what had to be done. Nor did he tell the Galatians , who were being tempted to return to salvation by works of the law, that each should be fully convinced in his or her own mind. Freedom is not the freedom to sin. But there are legitimate differences among Christians with regard to Both I practice and opinion. And on such matters Christians must be willing to respect each other, not merely tolerating each other, but fully accepting each other.
Matena Kefa
ROMANS 15
PAUL’S PLANS FOR MINISTRY
As we began studying this book of Romans Paul told us that he had received grace and apostleship from God to call the Gentiles to the obedience of faith. Paul at end of Romans amplifies the meaning of this ministry by using the analogy of a priest in the temple offering sacrifices to God for the people. Most of us have never watched a priest slaughtering an animal as a sacrifice to God, but most of Paul’s readers in Rome had. Paul puts a new twist on this familiar picture. His priesthood isn’t carried out in a temple, but in market places, synagogues, and homes in cities throughout the Mediterranean world. And his sacrifice or offering to God isn’t animals, but people, Gentiles, and thankfully, he doesn’t slaughter them, he tells them the good news of God’s grace and makes them part of God’s covenant people. This is Paul’s offering to God, and he prays that it will be an acceptable offering.
Paul’s always saw his ministry as a ministry to Gentiles. Peter was an apostle to the Jews, Paul to the Gentiles (Galatians 2:8). Paul says that he led the Gentiles to obey god and was even given signs and miracles through the power of the spirit to accomplish this task. Here he adds that what God had done through him for the Gentiles was his only conversation, and his glory was only in Christ.
All of this made Paul a unique blend of a Pastor and evangelist. He was dearly an evangelist who liked to plow a new ground and build new foundations. He wanted to go where no one else had been. Paul stayed with congregations to build them up. His sending co-workers back to check up on his congregations’ shows that he had a pastor’s heart too. Actually the dual focus on plowing new grounds and old grounds were cultivated created a desire always for Paul to travel and encourage them as they continue in the ministry.
Matena kefa
ROMANS CHAPTER 7
THE ROLE OF THE LAW
Paul uses three illustrations to make his message about the law in this specific chapter. An illustration from marriage where he makes it clear that he doesn’t mean that the law, cease to help us or we disregard it and break it as we wish. Paul is not antinomian. He clearly says hence that we died to the law through the body of Christ that we might belong to another, “to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God. The experience of belonging to God or Christ and bearing fruit for God can hardly be one of violating the law.
Paul uses the idea of flesh and spirit, which in the course of my study into the chapter I will labour to clarify.
When we are controlled by flesh (7:5) the law was an external, written code (vs.6) to which we belonged. In this situation, the law not only pointed out our sin; it even aroused our sinful passions so that we bore fruit for death. In other words, we acted in ways that led to death. In the new situation, we died to the law so that we might belong to Christ and serve in a new way, no longer with the law as the external code, at once both condemning us and egging us on toward more sin, but now serving by the spirit so that good fruits for God is produced from our relationship with Him. Being released from the law is being released from this old relationship with to the law as a written code.
Paul is to him concerned about the law and not the I which as been interoperated differently. According to Paul some characteristics are worthy our attention. Sin is living in the flesh (vs. 17); the person is prisoner of the law of sin at work within his members (vs. 23); the person is a “wretched” person (vs. 24) and in his flesh is a slave to the law of sin (vs. 25). This doesn’t sound like Christian experience. On the other hand, the one living this experience delights in God’s law in the mind (vs. 25). Paul as used three illustrations to teach about the law. The illustration concerning marriage (vs. 1-6) has pointed out to us that we died to the law in order to be united with Christ so that we can serve God in a new way through the spirit. The illustration abut the tenth commandment (vs. 7-13) as taught us that the law is good, but that sin can take advantage of our weakness and use the law is good, but that sin can take advantage of our weakness and use the low to increase sin. The final illustration from human experience (vss. 14-25) as shown us that the gap between our expectations fro ourselves and the reality of our lives affirms that the problem is not the law; it is with us.
The problem is me, what is the solution? Who can rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God-through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:19-22 describes a freedom and a slavery. One can be a slave to sin and have freedom from righteousness or be a slave to righteousness and be free from sin. Sinning results in further lawlessness and righteousness results in sanctification, it doesn’t go on to say further righteousness but sanctification. And the outcome of this righteousness which results in sanctification will be eternal life.
This passage that Dr. Hanna has expounded on helps to describe the bigger model of salvation that scripture presents. Not only is salvation just righteousness, or sanctification, or eternal life in Jesus Christ. Salvation also has to do with being a slave to righteousness, salvation also has to do with sanctification, and it also has to do with eternal life.
I appreciate how Dr. Hanna has explained the text that we are free from sin, we are justified, slaves to righteousness, we are producers of fruit as a result of sanctification, and we are heading for eternal life, glorification.
In one sense this makes sense that salvation encompasses this and more. But in another sense it is hard to wrap my mind around because I am a sinner that still struggles with sin. Even when I choose to be enslaved to righteousness sin sometimes prevails. So was I actually enslaved to righteousness and free from sin, how does that work?
And this leads me to Paul again when he speaks of the struggle going on inside of him and realizes his loss and hopelessness and proclaims thanks to Jesus for saving him. This further illustrates the whole of salvation, salvation is a process but it is also something that God must help us through, it can’t be done on ones own. Even though I choose to be enslaved to righteousness it still takes an act of God to save me.
Calvinists and Armenians both can draw out Biblical support for their view and as I read the texts that speak of God’s sovereignty and then of the divine/human relationship in the context of salvation it appears there is a conflict that is hard to reconcile. How can salvation be something that God does and provides, yet I have to do something to get it, but what I do doesn’t gain me salvation?
To me Calvinism takes the easy way out by proclaiming salvation is all up to God, I don’t believe that this is responsible to the Gospel and humanity. Neither would it be correct to say that we can gain salvation only by our faith, perseverance, or works. The Bible portrays salvation including what God has done, is doing, and will do, along with conditions that humans are to meet.
Both Calvinists and Armenians are at fault here. If one neglects the human conditions of salvation a lot of the Bible is thrown out, but if one only adheres to the human conditions for salvation more scripture is thrown out. Scripture must not be neglected even if we don’t understand what it means or it goes contrary to what we think or believe to be right even when we got that thought or belief from the Bible.
This is something I am learning and it has been a struggle for me. What do I do with scripture that doesn’t seem to fit into what I believe? I found that patience is a must and that I don’t have to have all the answers. Some answers have been given to me through study and some I don’t have. But in dealing with my beliefs and others it is good to be patient and study rather than just adhering to what one wants to and not addressing the scripture that doesn’t seem to fit.
Here is my attempt to explain the issue(s) between the 1888 committee and the BRI. As I understand it the 1888 committee says that justification exists for me apart from my exercise of faith. Christ died for me whether I accept that or not.
The BRI has issues with how that belief is stated because they believe that people could mistake that as Universalism or that it could lead to Universalism and the Bible doesn’t teach that everyone will be saved just because justification exists apart from the exercise of faith.
The 1888 committee says that justification then becomes subjective when I exercise faith to receive the justification already existing. BRI says that objective justification means Christ is our justification in Himself so when faith in Christ is exercised it is subjective.
Both of these models seem to be about the same. Neither one appears to be contradicting what the Bible says so it seems to be an issue that goes beyond truth. In fact their arguments leave out much more about salvation, yet they spend time on only a few aspects of it.
I enjoyed reading Romans 14. It seems that Paul who is sometimes hard to understand is talking in easier terms and language here in chapter 14. In the context of class I asked myself what does this chapter have to do with salvation? The chapter speaks of not judging one another for we all will stand before the judgment seat of God. Instead of causing heartache on our brothers and sisters and judging them we should be active in not putting stumbling blocks in the way of them.
The Bible says not to destroy with your food him for whom Christ died. It is an error on our part to judge our brothers and sisters and therefore destroy the one who Christ died for. We may thing it is a good thing to hold one to our standard when it is actually evil.
As I have learned throughout this semester salvation is a process and we are not all at the same points in that process (thankfully it is also something God does for us and we are saved because of God at any time in that process). But as we learn and grow and are likened more and more onto Christ we will mature in our understanding and walk with Christ. And as I understand it we are not to be judging others in their process but should be active in not causing them to stumble. In a way we are looking out for one another rather than competing, testing, and judging one another.
Reflection 14
Does what I eat or drink or my attitude cause someone to stumble? Do we judge ourselves superior because of this wonderful health message and other truths?
In Romans 14, Paul addressed churches divided concerning the eating of meat. One group is considered to be weak in the faith. This one criticizing the other group and accusing them of behavior that calls into question their status as Christians. The stronger group accuses the weaker group of possessing prejudices that undermine their faith. This is similar to situations in the church today even with division and distrust of the 1888 Committee and The BRI over doctrinal differences. There is certainly no unity and singleness of purpose and probably much of which is unjustified. The unity that Paul writes about is relevant to the Church including the 1888 Committee and BRI.
One of the big issues is the eating of anything one desires and the eating of meat or not eating of meat. Since the weak do not eat meat, the strong think it is acceptable to eat whatever pleases them. There is mentioned also the setting aside of special days for religious purposes. The weak considering the sacredness of one day over another. The strong might say something like this: “Every Day Of the week Is The Sabbath,” because to them every day is the same.
Another concern is the drinking of wine, the type of behavior that might cause someone to stumble. And the weak perhaps refrained from drinking while the strong thought it ok. Different views suggest that the weak were legalist which Paul encountered previously. Or modern day SDA legalist who believe the keeping of certain rules in your own strngth is necessary to be saved.
The main issue was eating meat sacrificed to idols. It appears we might need a bigger model to include /clarify the dispute over holy days. Paul is not concerned with who is right or who is wrong, but with unity--because to him these issues not worth fighting over. The condescending attitude of the strong group in condemning the weak showed little love and selfishness. He rebukes the weak for their being judgmental. So we are left with the weak in faith and the strong thinking that their faith gives them the right to do as they please. Whether the weak grew up with a Jewish background and the strong a Gentile Christian background;Therefore if we stand or fall, the judging should be left to the righteous judge, as each is convinced in their own minds.
Isa. 45:23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
CHRISTIAN UNITY
This reminds me of a parable short but true,
I hope and pray it will make a lasting impression upon you;
I stood at a window looking out one day,
Watching the squirrels as they did run and play.
They jumped about from limb to limb,
Seemed that they were aware of me watching them.
I noticed something else on the limb of that tree;
There a bird’s nest lay skillfully made for all to see.
The squirrels saw it too as they continued to play;
They carefully avoided it so that it could stay.
Ps. 133:1; Matt. 8:20
The respect that these tiny creatures had for other’s rights & property,
Moved my heart with a tremendous amount of glee;
I sadly exclaimed turning from the window that day,
Lord, too bad humans can’t act that way.
And then my mind recalled these words spoken by the King of Kings as He said:
“The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man
Hath not where to lay His head.”
Makes you wonder about the constant struggle for acquisition of
so much material things;
without Christ, only unfulfilled dreams this lifestyle always brings.
lCor.1:10; James 4:8; Matt.22:37-40 Spirit of prophecy writes about unity that everyone should pursue;
Drawing nigh unto God, Drawing nigh unto one another.
God commanded this principle of love for me and for you.
One way to accomplish this at home, church, anywhere
Is to reflect upon the cross and Jesus hanging there;
If we should wound by words or deeds,
We must quickly ask forgiveness and be sensitive to other’s needs.
Only through heartfelt prayer, confession, repentance & forsaking of sin,
Surrendering the will to God daily can we have a right relationship with all men.
Then we can receive power to love our enemies as God did command,
Willing to walk and talk together hand joined with hand.
When Jesus was questioned about the great commandment in the law;
Jesus said: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all
thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with
all thy mind.This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like unto it, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets;”
In Matt.22: 37-40 these two commandments are written without a flaw.
In conclusion, we must fast and pray,
To obtain unity and keep the devil away;
We must spend time studying words inspired from above,
For that's a true determining factor of how much we really love.
Copyright©1999 byGeraldineC O’Neal
Reflection 15
On the subject of perfection and closing events, Ellen White felt it important to write of the importance of developing characters that would stand the scrutiny of the pre-advent judgment and the time of trouble which will be a time like none ever in this earth’s history. For any to feel that they can make it without Christ is a state of falsehood and great deception.
Ellen G. White declared that "the shortness of time is frequently urged as an incentive for seeking righteousness and making Christ our friend." But she went on to urge that "this should not be the great motive with us; for it savors of selfishness." She then asked: "Is it necessary that the terrors of the day of God should be held before us, that we may be compelled to right action through fear?" Her forthright answer was that "it ought not to be so." This statement was made prior to 1888.
Despite the rather frightening descriptions of the awfulness of the close of probation, the time of trouble, and the day of Christ's personal appearing (GC 613-652), she could urge the "love, mercy, and compassion" of Jesus as one who will "walk with" believers and "fill" their "path with light."
Complementing the theme of love (not fear) as the great motive, were numerous statements urging that now—"today"—is the time of preparation for the trying times ahead. Typical of such expressions is the following:
Sister White wrote: "Live the life of faith day by day. Do not become anxious and distressed about the time of trouble, and thus have a time of trouble beforehand. Do not keep thinking, `I am afraid I shall not stand in the great testing day.' You are to live for the present, for this day only. Tomorrow is not yours. Today you are to maintain the victory over self.
I don’t know any better way to sum up what I think should be the motivating factor, than to share the lyrics from a song by Jonathan Butler: ‘Falling In Love With Jesus.”
Falling in love with Jesus
Falling in love with Jesus
Falling in love with Jesus
Was the best thing I ever, ever done
(verse 2)
In His arms I feel protected
In His arms never disconnected (no no)
In His arms I feel protected
There's no place I'd rather rather be.
The Means of Perfection
The means of perfection received only one noticeable development after 1888—a strong emphasis on the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. Though this was not a new theme, it is clear that Minneapolis unleashed a veritable flood of statements to the effect that the Holy Spirit is the great bearer of power to transform lives into the image of Christ's perfection
I will conclude my reflection with the words of Jesus in John 15:5 ……”For without me ye can do nothing.”
Best wishes Seminarians as we “follow on to know the Lord.” Have A Blessed Holiday!
Jeff Carlson
Doctrine of Salvation
Comment #14
"Some Thoughts on Original Sin” by Gerhard Pfandl
Romans 15
Whidden Chapter 15
The debate over original sin, I think, is present because on it hinges another question: what are we morally capable of now? I attended the Questions on Doctrine Conference a couple of months ago and was surprised by the vehemence that some people brought to the discussion – mostly from one “side.” I do understand how people can be passionate about the subject since basically the entirety of Christianity is affected by the theology of the idea.
According to Pfandl, “In Rabbinic thinking man is created with a good impulse (yetzer ha-tov) and an evil impulse (yetzer ha-ra) which struggle for control of the person.” I think we as Adventists generally buy into a similar belief. However, the two sides of the argument in the church are illustrated by the following authors: Priebe says sin is not as much about who we are but what we choose; Heppenstall states that our bent human nature has been inherited from an original source, Adam and Eve, and this is what he calls Original Sin.
With all the argument I still think Ellen White was pretty clear where she stood on the subject. “In our present fallen state all that is needed is to give up the mind and character to its natural tendencies…At its very source human nature was corrupted…Every sin committed awakens the echoes of the original sin…There is in his nature a bent to evil, a force, which, unaided, he cannot resist…In order to understand this matter aright, we must remember that our hearts are naturally depraved, and we are unable of ourselves to pursue a right course…Temptations from without find an answering chord within the heart.”
I think the problem with people who want to accept a view of human nature and original sin that allows us to achieve perfection as in sinlessness in this life is that their view of sin is too small and their view of perfection is too small as well. For them sin seems to go as deep as what we eat and say and perfection seems to be wrapped up in eating the right things and not saying the wrong things. However, Whidden says, “Ellen White is quite consistent in her concept that for the faithful, perfection is always a consciously receding horizon – even during the time of trouble.”
I think that when we start to get a view of how huge sin is and how drastically it has infected this world and our nature and also how huge the goal of “perfection” is that we will start to realize how impossible it is. The reality is that we are broken and are not even able to do any real good unless God fixes us.
Like Ellen White presented, we are able to be “perfect” but that doesn’t mean that we will get rid of our nature until God comes – even during the time of trouble. I know, for myself, that believing that perfection is something that I can really never reach - in the way that I will have my sinful nature until Christ comes and even after that I will continue to grow forever - does not discourage me. It actually gives me hope because it presents a God who is so much bigger than me and a reality that I am supposed to be that is so much beyond who I am that it is exciting that God makes it possible for me to grow to that height. It is so much bigger than not eating cheese and that is exciting.
Jeff Carlson
Doctrine of Salvation
Comment #15
"Why Did Jesus Die? How God Saves Us.” By George W. Reid
Romans 16
Whidden Chapter 16
I really appreciated this article. I liked how Reid pointed out the danger in trying to force metaphors – in reference to the ransom metaphor - to say something they were not intended to say. You can make a metaphor support anything you want. I can say, “the tree has one trunk and many branches and this is just like marriage. I can have unity in diversity. I have many women I love but the love I share with them all is united like the branches that all come down to the same trunk.” Obviously that is garbage but it “makes sense”. We need to be careful with metaphors. Just because it “makes sense” doesn’t mean that it is representative of a true reality. You need something normative.
In the same vein, I think we often miss the beauty of a reality by tearing it apart to understand it more. The idea of Jesus ransoming us is a perfect example. Who did He pay? How much did He pay? Did He pay for someone who doesn’t accept it? Who cares?! We fight and argue and miss the whole point that God bought us! From who? What does it really matter in the big scheme? I am free to belong to God and experience the joy of that or live a life of death. Reid really put it eloquently: “Love is aggressive: God at work tracking us down to help us. Love is a principle, Ellen White says. How can that be? The answer is that God's love is an unshakable commitment, inviolable, a predisposition in our favor that cannot be discouraged. Divine love-there is no way to shake it or deter it. It is a relentless pursuit by a God eager to help, one who never gives up. In this sense God is love.” Also, “In amazement we stand aside, watching as He takes it up in our behalf. He "gave himself up for us" (Eph. 5:2) and "offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins" (Heb. 10:12). God "sent his Son to be the expiation for our sins" (1 John 4:10).”
This is the beauty. It’s great to defend our ideas but we need to make sure that we are not supporting erroneous ideas with bad metaphors or trying to pull more out than they were intended to give us. Also, we need to make sure that we don’t miss the beauty for the argument.
Read: Sin, the Human Condition, and Salvation; Romans 6 & "How Perfect is 'Perfect' or is Christian Perfection Possible?
The author of the BRI article made some very good points. The reminder that the closer one comes to Christ the greater the realization of their sins become to them. This is so true. This realization would cause anyone to be in a constant state of dispair that they never measure up.
This of course brings up the point that "perfection" would better be termed "maturity" that we are in the process of becoming more "mature" in our relationship with Christ.
Of course the point of us growing up in Christ is realizing more and more each day our utter dependence upon Him alone for our salvation.
Romans 5
The Bible present God as all almighty He is above all, Omnipresent, Creator of heaven and earth, He possess complete soberany over the universe. However He gave to His creatures the gift of freedom and the way of human used free will, brought into the world evil and for consequence death.
As Paul states in Romans 5:12 “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned” Adam sin opened the door in which sin came into this world and now humanity inherit death.
God did not left behind the world because it was stained by sin; He has a plan of salvation for the human kind in which by his merciful grace everyone who accepts it can inherit forgiveness and eternal life. Paul declared “Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men” vs. 18.
Through Adam we inherit death, by Jesus eternal life.
God grace and human freedom
The gift of freedom play a big role in this cosmic conflict, so God took such risk of having the possibility of sin; instead of His creatures have a lack of freedom. It is clear that things went wrong but at the end God’s character will be vindicated and all things clear.
Know humans used freedom for good and bad choices; the exercise of freedom may soften or hardens their hearts, by the daily experiences they encounter, God is giving opportunities to win them back before they go too far.
The first coming of Jesus has demonstrated the heavenly interest for the wicked world.
John 3:15,16 say "that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[f] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life"
Read: Whidden chapter 7; BRI "Why did Jesus Die? How God Saves Us by George Reid and Romans 7.
It is very difficult for us to understand just exactly what Christ gave up when He died on the cross. To believe as some that Christ's death on the cross was simply to show us the Love of God is an insult to Jesus and to God.
The very fact that God's justice had to be met and that the only way for it truly happen was for God to take the punishment we deserve upon Himself is an awesome thought. Also that because Christ was willing to do so His relationship with the Father would be forever changed. It is difficult for us to imagine.
Comment on
Analysis of the Doctrine of
Universal "Legal" Justification
Larry J. Kane
Jesus death on the cross brought redemption and opportunity of salvation to the whole world, isn’t mean that everybody is already save by universal salvation, but an open door for anyone who accept God’s plan of salvation. The Bible says “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:17, so God interest for the lost is stated very clear in His word. Jesus death and resurrection open the gates of grace and this abundant grace is made available to anyone.
On the other hand, I understand that salvation is up to God, His is the originator of salvation and it is a gift of grace to the sinner, as Paul declares, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8; so we cannot own salvation by any means, because we are evil, with sinful nature and is God who initiated the search for us
Read: Whidden Chapter 8; BRI "Some Thoughts on Original Sin" and Romans 8.
To me our thoughts or discussions on exactly what the original sin is (if there is such a thing --according to the author-- there is debate) helps us to understand the nature of Christ.
For myself I believe that Christ came with all the effects of a fallen physical nature (human) but that His spiritual nature was fully pre-fall (divine). Some would argue, as Whidden states, that Christ would not be able to identify with us if that were the case.
I have never had a drink of alchol, does that mean that I cannot minister to an alcholic? That would lead a pastor to feel that to effectively minister to all different people that he should try all of these various things, alchol, drugs, lying, stealing, etc. Then and only then could he help people struggle with those issues. That is ridiculous.
Like Whidden says, Jesus had the temptation of using His divinity in defense against the devil a temptation that you and I never had nor will we ever.
We as Christians should realize that we are far from the true understand of sin. Ellen G. White said: "We must remember that our hearts are naturally depraved and we are unable of ourselves to pursue a right course" (IHP 163). In her understanding she is not promoting "totally depravity" but "original sin" given to us from Adam. What I understand is that, yes we are born with a natural tendency to sin but we still have the opportunity to accept the salvation given to us by God, that would be consider "free will", but at the same time have a choice to deny God's salvation. Sin does not take away my will to accept Jesus or not. Guilt is what we have received from our first father but this is not an excuse to continue sinning.
Read Whidden chapter 9; Salvation by Faith (sermon by Jan Paulson) and Romans 9.
Romans 9 has always been an interesting chapter. I remember trying to explain to one of my members that in verse 17 and 18 when refering to the hardening of Pharoah's heart that God did not indeed harden Pharoah's heart.
God gave Pharoah the opportunity to confess faith in God throughout the ten plagues. Each time Pharoah refused to acknowledge God as rightful ruler, Pharoah himself hardened his own heart by rejecting the Holy Spirit. By a surface reading of Romans 9 it can appear that God chooses who will be saved and who will be lost. However we see in the very first verses of chapter 9 where Paul acknowledges that many Israelites had turned away from God even though as a Nation they had been choosen as God's special people. Therefore we see the freedom of choice even within God's special election.
comment on salvation by faith
the apostle Paul says, that we are justified by faith “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Rom 5:1. It seems to me also that we have to do something, in order to please God and that is the exercise of faith, it has a place in the plan of salvation and it cannot be ignore.
If faith was not necessary in order to be saved, then the concept of universal salvation can take place and the entire world can inherit the eternal life. However Jesus talks about separation between the saved and the lost, so there is a remarkable difference in who believes and who doesn’t.
on the article I found this quote that is very intesting.
"When God pardons the sinner, remits the punishment he deserves, and treats him as though he had not sinned, He receives him into divine favor, and justifies him through the merits of Christ's righteousness. The sinner can be justified only through faith in the atonement made through God's dear Son. . . . No one can be justified by any works of his own. He can be delivered from the guilt of sin, from the condemnation of the law, from the penalty of transgression, only by virtue of the suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ. Faith is the only condition upon which justification can be obtained, and faith includes not only belief but trust." (Selected Messages, Book 1, p. 389)
how God grace and human freedom come together?
Regarding salvation Jesus said in John 3:18 “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.” Faith plays an essential part on how salvation is received.
The way that I think these concepts come together, is that God in His immense power and infinite love, gave us the gift of salvation, in exchange of our faith, we respond with gratitude and accept by faith His merciful grace. However, we can chose not to belief and God’s power and love do not force us to belief. This is a personal decision in which God and humans being come into a relationship and both work together through the process of sanctification.
Read Widden chapter 10; BRI "Some Problems with Legal Universal Justification", Romans 10.
I have a question, Romans 10 verse 13 says "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? and How can they believe in the one of whom they have not herd? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news?"
What about those throughout the history of the world who have not heard the message of God? How does this relate to what Paul says in Romans 2:14?
Read Whidden chapter 11; BRI "The Dynamics of Salvation"; Romans 11.
The article, "Dyamics of Salvation" I thought was one of the best of the BRI articles that we had to read. It presented salvation in a clear and straightforward manner.
Whidden's chapter on the 1888 conference gave some history and explaination of the issues involved that I found helpful. The explanation on Ellen White's view on justification by faith both prior and after 1888 were insightful.
Romans 16 Whidden chapter 17
I like the way Paul’s ends the epistle to the Romans in that he was very specific and personal in his greetings and thanks to fellow believers. In Romans 16:20 Paul writes “And the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you”. (NAS) In light of all that Paul has admonish in the book of Romans he is now telling the believers that the ultimate goal of salvation will soon be fulfilled, for God will soon crushed Satan. Although we have already been saved in Christ we are not yet saved because we are still living under sinfull conditions. Seems as if the whole salvation process is not complete until satan if filally crushed. However in the mean time one needs to avoid those who will seek to destroy our faith in Jesus and the same time we should give attention to those who seek to encourage our faith in Jesus Christ.
Whidden:
I appreciate what whidden points out about Ellen white’s openness in her struggle with the whole concept of justification and perfection as they relate to salvation. It is note-worthy that in her struggle with the issues Ellen White stayed with the scripture. If Ellen White who receives instruction from God in vision seeks to be in sync with scripture should we do the same?
Rudolph Sterling
With all the information that I have received this semester the difficult part is putting it together without having fully digested it. But here goes: How divine sovereignty and human freedom are related in the Biblical doctrine of salvation.
From the Bible we have texts that present salvation as having to do with God’s initiative, work, grace, love, etc and we also have texts that present salvation as having to do with humanities initiative, work, faith, etc. The question is how are these related and work together?
If God had not provided a way of salvation for us, it would not matter what we did to receive salvation, even if we had faith (if that was possible) we would not be able to be saved. But since God did provide a way for salvation we have the opportunity to be saved, even though not all will be saved. To me the objective side of salvation lies with God providing the way for salvation, we cannot save ourselves so we need God to provide salvation apart from anything we do because what we do does not matter if God did not provide a way for salvation.
But because God did provide a way for salvation what we do does matter, although what we do has nothing to do with God providing that salvation for us, this was something God did for us out of all the great things He was, is, and will be. In other words there are conditions that we meet for the salvation that God has provided by His grace (the subjective part of salvation). These conditions are part of a process of salvation that God works in us. Until Christ comes again and makes us perfect we will at no time in the process of salvation be perfect before Christ comes again. But that does not mean that we are not saved while in the process of being saved because Christ saved all who are in the process of salvation and we are all in different places in our walk with Christ/the process of salvation (?).
The class presentation on Romans 5 helped explain the human divine relationship in salvation. What I understand from the class about chapter 5 is that we have a part to play in salvation (subjective) and this is presented at the beginning of chapter 5 and as the chapter goes on it presents the part that God plays in salvation (objective) without discrediting the part that we play. Both are important, but we must remember that what we do does not merit the salvation that is available but it is in response to what God has provided for those who are willing to fulfill the conditions. But that does not mean that we have a checklist that we must complete to receive this salvation because God has already provided it.
This is still hard to put into words I think the best I can do right now is to say that salvation is a process and we have an opportunity to participate in the process of salvation but at no time during the process of salvation are we not saved if we don’t complete the process here on earth because Christ has died to save all of those that are anywhere in the process of salvation whether they are at the beginning, middle, or end. What is important is to be in the process of salvation and accept what God has done, is doing, and will do for us.
Since the deadline is past, I will just note that I read, BRI articles, "Justification in Romans 3:21-24", "Some Theological Considerations of Perfection" and "Christ Saved the Human Race"; Also Whidden chapter 12; and Romans 12-16;
Since this is my last posting and I don't know if anyone will read this I will share some of my overall views about this class.
I guess you could say that my background is rather unique to this topic in this sense. When I was 11 years old I went to spend the weekend with my mother, sister and step-father at one of his friend's house. It ended up being the home of Robert Wieland (the same one that Whidden mentions on page 89). My step-father and Robert Wieland's son were roommates in college and so my step-father had become quite good friends with his roommates parents. Now granted at the time I had no idea who Robert Wieland was. I especially had no idea that he was at odds with the church leadership over "1888" (I also had no idea what that was either). Through the years I have been given multiple books from my step-father written by Robert Wieland. I still have not read them as school as a way of providing its own reading material.
Fast forward to the summer of 1994 at the Chesapeake campmeeting in Hagerstown, Maryland. I was busy working in the earliteen department during campmeeting so I was unable to go to the adult meetings. My mother however bought a series of tapes of the evening speaker who happened to be Jack Sequira. She sent the tapes with me that August when I went as a student missionary to the Marshall Islands. I was on what they call an "outer island." In other words it was just 3 student missionaries living in a one room plywood house, teaching elementary school. There was no running water, no electricity, and also no Adventist church. I did however have a tapeplayer that ran on batteries. Craving for anyone who spoke English other than us we listened to those tapes of Jack Sequira over and over that year. It was during that year listening to those tapes that I felt like I understood the gospel for the first time in my life. It was the first time that I began to see the sacrifice that Christ did for me on the cross. Another big impact on me was reading through the Desire of Ages again.
When I became a pastor, one of my dreams was to one day have Jack Sequira do a week of prayer at my church. That dream became a reality in the fall of 2003. For almost a week Jack Sequira stayed at our house and held meetings in the evening at the church and did worships at our school. He even cooked for us (the hotest curry I have ever had in my life!).
I was suprised when I came to Andrews last year and heard some people making comments (from students not teachers)about Jack Sequira and that what he was teaching wasn't biblical. This was new to me, I had never heard him say anything that wasn't biblical to me. I even had a friend of mine say that after hearing Jack Sequira that he thought it was okay for pre-marital relationships. I was shocked, I never got that impression at all. I never got the idea from Sequira that because of grace that we are able to do whatever we want to. I began to question whether I had missed something seriously wrong. I began to ask myself if Sequira was saying something that I had missed.
This brings me to this class. All semester we have heard about the disagreement between the BRI and the 1888 committee. During that time we have read articles from the BRI and how Angel Rodriguez puts the BRI position quite bluntly, but we never read anything from the other point of view. We have only looked at the 1888 committee through the eyes of the BRI.
For me, this class has showed me more than anything that our church is divided on the issue of salvation, which I think is sad. For myself I'm not willing to say one side is right and the other side is wrong. Obviously, there is alot more studying that I need to do. So I appreciate the eye opener. Yet, at the same time if we are going to spend so much time focusing on an apparent disagreement within our church on such a critical issue as salvation wouldn't make since to look at both sides without looking at one side only through the eyes of the opponent? And then weigh it against scripture to see what is correct. I guess this is where I felt frustrated with this assignment and I let it slide till the very end, which will impact my grade negatively. That's not an excuse, just reality. After awhile I had a really hard time commenting on the BRI articles because they started to all say the same just at different pitches. Anyway, I'll stop now. If anyone does read this--we can enjoy that God makes the ultimate decision and I look forward to being in heaven with both sides and being able to study it through eternity and being able to ask God Himself how it all works--this great mystery of salvation.
Happy Holidays!
Romans 9
Even after this class Paul is still very challenging to me with some of his comments. Some verses are the most strong and beautiful in the Bible, other ones are quite a challenge to me. I am still wanting to not just take the 'challenging ones', meaning the ones I don't agree with, and find some logical loop hole. Specifically, I don't want to miss read him if he suggests predestination, but since I don't believe in predestination, to explain it away like some others do with the Sabbath (and I've heard some very logical, well though out arguments against the Sabbath, the only problem is that is not what the text is saying.) Still here Romans 9, in the context of Essau and Pharaoh, I'm not sure those stories really support predestination to Hell. First, are we sure that Essau will not be saved? Second, I looked into Pharaoh hardening his heart, and the text says Pharaoh hardened his own heart 7 times, where God only hardened it 4 times (these 4 times being after Pharaoh hardened his heart several times). Also, in vs 22, the famous 'prepared for destruction' starts with "WHAT IF...", and seems to say that even IF God did that, we would have no right to judge Him. You tell me if this is sticking to the text or if I'm working out logical loop holes to support my present Theology. It just seems that if we look closer and study a bit we don't need to arrive a deterministic conclusions. I await your feedback.
Romans 10 - How simple is Salvation
I know in this class there were many times when my head started to spin over the complexity of Salvation. There are so many angles and issues to relate to each other and it got very abstract at times as we 'wrestled with a bigger model.' Rm 5 and 9 stand out to me as discussions that got me spinning a little. However, look at Romans 10, how simple it spells out Salvation for us! "If you confess... believe.. you will be saved" vs 9 and
"whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" vs 13! It's good to dig into the 'deep things', but it is also incredibly refreshing to come back up the surface of the simplicity of the good news. Salvation is simple, salvation is free!
Rm 11 - kindness and severity
Something we have had to grapple with alot in DOS is the grappling with seemingly opposite ideas and making room for both of them so long as they were Biblical. With regard to the 'grafting in' and 'grafting out' of branches, I love vs 22 that states "behold then the kindness AND severity of God..." It reminds of the Chronicles of Narnia where Aslan is good but terrible at the same time. I remember reading the MSG translation of Romans and it jumped out at me how Eugene Peterson worded it: "God is kind, but He is not soft." I think as we continue to minister in our churches as leaders, we have to find that balance of courage to make the right, and sometimes tough calls, and the kindness to make sure we are redemptive and grace filled at the same time. If that challenge doesn't drive you to your knees, I don't know what will.
Rm 16
The conclusion to Romans for me is a very blessedly un-circular section of a book that is very challenging to understand. The phrase 'obedience of faith' seems to be an awesome way to summarize much of what is drawn out in earlier chapters. Paul repeatedly states that we are not saved by works, yet there is clear indications that the law and works still matter to Paul. Paul calls it a mystery, and to be honest, I kind of wish he had been less mysterious in his earlier descriptions. Of course, if the Bible were completely simple to understand, then perhaps we would mistake God to be completely simple to understand, that would be very misleading! That phrase of 'obedience of faith' is one thing from this class that for will will serve as a great hermeneutic to understand earlier complex arguments of Paul.
Well, have a great Christmas break all, and remember "the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet." v20.
It is necessary for the purpose of this essay to define what is meant by divine sovereignty and human freedom. I see “divine sovereignty” as meaning God’s absolute power to do whatever he pleases, except contradict Himself. In other words, as the bible plainly states, “God cannot lie.”(Titus 1:2) Whatever he does is therefore righteous and good for he cannot do evil. “Human freedom” is a gift given to man by God whereby he can choose between two options: obey God or refuse to obey. With these definitions in mind we can then proceed to evaluate what the bible teaches on this subject.
The big question that we are immediately faced with is how can we have a model of salvation that emphasizes God’s action while maintaining man’s moral consciousness and ability to choose? To emphasize God’s action seems to take away man’s freedom and to emphasize man’s freedom seems to exclude all divine co-operation.
The entire bible is replete with text that calls on man to choose whom he will serve. (e.g. Joshua 24:15; Romans 10:1) On the other hand, there are several other passages that seem to indicate that postlapsarian man, unaided by the Holy Spirit, is not able to choose righteousness. (Jeremiah 13:23; Isaiah 65:1; Romans 8:7,8; Matthew 12:34) So it follows that if man’s will has been so damaged by sin that he cannot even choose to serve God (Romans 2:4), then how can man be saved?
To make God wholly responsible for mans’ salvation is to remove human will and place God in a deterministic role which the scriptures do not support. At the same time, man is helpless to even seek God but naturally runs away from God instead. Paul tells us that the Jews who sought after righteousness according to the law did not find it, where as the gentiles who didn’t, attained it. (Romans 9:30) This would indicate that, left to himself, man will always choose to disobey God.
The bible doesn’t address the issue of “free will” directly and we can only deduce this from the moral obligation placed upon man to do right. But if we can assume that a part of the idea of man being made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) would include the ability to choose, then Genesis 9:6 indicates than even fallen man is still in the image of God and has free will. Other texts infused with a similar idea are: “He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end” (Ecclesiastes 3:11), and “That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world”. (John 1:9, italics mines)
A very difficult passage in Paul is Romans 9:14-23 which makes God appear arbitrary in choosing Jacob over Esau and Moses over Pharaoh. Paul was conscious of this conclusion because he asks, “Why does he still find fault?” (9:19) But on closer examination Paul reverses the table by showing that the Gentiles who were not originally chosen became the chosen, whereas the Jews were rejected. Paul is definitely not arguing for predestination here but shows the mercy of God in “choosing” the undeserving (Jews)—i.e. his grace (undeserved favor).
The bible is as strong on the fact that “all” are unrighteousness (Genesis 6:5; 8:21; Psalms 14:2-3; 2 Chronicles 6:36; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Isaiah 64:6; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:9-10.23; 6:23; Ephesians 2:1-3) as on the fact that salvation is available to “all” and “whosoever”, but it requires a human response ( John 3:16; 2 Peter 3:9, John 12:32, John 3:18,19). This would indicate that the provision for man’s salvation has been made but man must also, through the aid of the Holy Spirit, reach out in faith and grasp the divine hand.
God is always pictured in the Bible as wooing man, standing at the door and knocking, pleading, calling, warning, loving and striving, but never as coercing or forcing human decisions. Coercion is the method of an opposite kingdom—that of Satan. Instead of forcing man’s will, Jesus becomes a servant instead, exchanging power for a place of humility and condescension. (Philippians 2:6-8)
In fact, God respects human choice so much that he preferred to offer his Son as a sacrifice rather than violate human freedom. Of course this characteristic of God is self-imposed because he has no higher power to be accountable to above his own moral government based on love. But here is a Lover who respects the ‘rights’ of the object of his affection choice to say, “No.” What amazing love!
Whidden chapter 9; BRI—Justification and the Cross;
Eric Ollila
Whidden chap. 9:
This chapter emphasized a great point, namely that “it is both [Christ’s] life and death that justify the penitent believer.” Pg 77. It truly is Christ’s merits that make our obedience acceptable. This is powerful when struggling with temptation. Meditating upon Christ’s pure and spotless life and by faith grasping that pure life as standing in my place before the Father has been a tremendous comfort. Picturing the Father looking at me and only seeing Jesus’ spotless character in my stead is a precious thought.
On the same token, it is also very encouraging to think of Christ’s victory as our victory as well. This truth has given me strength to resist many a temptation when it seemed like it was going to be overwhelming, contemplating Jesus in the wilderness resisting the enemy’s suggestion to feed Himself after starving for so long. But, Christ resisted and He clung to the promises. Receiving that victory as my victory when I am in the middle of being tempted to do something wrong, has given me the strength to resist.
BRI—Justification and the Cross
Dr. Rodriguez makes an interesting point when he says that “the idea that every human being was in Adam when he sinned is totally foreign to the passage under consideration. To argue that when Adam sinned we all sinned because we were in him is to introduce in the Bible a wrong understanding of human nature.”
This is an interesting point to me, because I have often wondered about the teaching that says every human was in Adam when he sinned. The way I have heard it expressed almost makes it seem like in Adam all sinned. It almost seems to suggest that we indeed are responsible for the sin that Adam committed. But, that is not true. We are not responsible for Adam’s sin. God told Moses this when he wanted to be blotted out of the book of life for the sins of his people Israel. God told him “whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book. (Ex. 32:32). Each individual person is responsible for their own sins.
However, with this said, there seems to be a certain truth about the idea that in Adam, all of his offspring were in him as well, like the trees in the acorn. But, I am just not sure how far do you take that concept?
The reason I say this is because all of the human race is “in” Christ in a certain sense. It is a very real sense as well, because the Bible says “in Him all things consist.” Colossians. But at the same time, we are not “in Him” so much that it nullifies the need for excercising faith in Him in order to receive what He has done for us. So, it seems when dealing with Adam and us being in him, there could be a certain sense in which we are all “in him” as well, but it is not so far that we could actually be held responsible for his sin. We have experienced the results of his sin and the consequences of them, but we have not “committed his sin.”
“Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” The question of how divine sovereignty and human freedom are related is a question that tends to be difficult for the human mind to grasp, especially since we are sinful. The very nature of sin is to tie us up, to bind us and to bring us into bondage. “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” And again
“…for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.”
Our opening text seems to suggest that wherever God is not, liberty or freedom is lacking, but where God is, that is indeed where liberty can be found. So, when we ask the question of how divine Sovereignty and human freedom are related in Salvation, we can say that without the divine Sovereignty of God there could be no human freedom. Human freedom is utterly dependant upon God and because God is sovereign, and that is what God must be, you cannot have human freedom without God’s sovereignty.
So, what is liberty? Read Galatians 5. First, it would be well to explain that when Paul in Galatians refers to being “under the law” he is talking about being under the condemnation of the Law. To illustrate, suppose the posted speed limit in a residential area is posted at 35 miles per hour. One day, coming home from work, you are in a hurry to see your family so you drive 45 miles per hour. When the police man pulls you over and gives you a ticket, you are under the law. However, given the same scenario, but this time you did not drive 45 miles per hour, but you drove 35 miles per hour and not one minutia over, you are not under the law. The law does not condemn you.
This is what it means when Paul is saying “you are not under the law” if you are led by the Spirit. Why? Because, when you are led by the Spirit you are in harmony with the law. There is no law against love, joy, peace, self control, etc. There is only a law against adultery, fornication, wrath, envy, etc. Thus when you commit adultery, you are under the law, but when you walk in the Spirit and produce love, joy, peace, etc you are not under the law.
With this in mind, we turn back to liberty. Liberty is living in the Spirit. Liberty is being enabled by the Spirit to walk in the Law of Liberty—in other words it is obeying the law. It is living in the Spirit to such a degree that you do not obey the lusts of the flesh. You are not controlled by sin. Liberty is not yielding to sin, but yielding to righteousness. As the Psalmist declared “I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.”
If liberty exists where the Spirit is (for where the Spirit is, there is liberty), and if while walking in the Spirit one does not fulfill the desires of the flesh, and the things of the flesh are things like adultery, fornication, uncleanness…wrath, strife…envyings, murders…and such like, then it is logical to conclude that any person who does not have the Spirit is not experiencing liberty.
Thus to answer the question as to how does God’s sovereignty and human freedom relate to each other in Salvation, we have to conclude that humanity does not have freedom apart from God. Apart from God, humanity is brought into slavery to self and sin and ultimately the devil. Salvation then cannot be fulfilled in the life of a person who is not willing to walk in the Spirit. That person chooses to remain in bondage to sin. Therefore, that person does not have liberty.
Eric Ollila
Whidden chapter 10 & BRI
“While we cannot claim perfection of the flesh, we may have Christian perfection of the soul. Through the sacrifice made in our behalf, sins may be perfectly forgiven.” 2 SM 32.
It amazes me how many different kinds of false teachings have been presented in the history of Christianity. This chapter, really got me thinking about things such as AT Jones and EJ Waggoner and Kellogg. The fact that these men, who were used by God is such mighty ways, all went astray is a sobering thought. What I have taken from this chapter is the need to stay close to God and to seek the balance. Naturally, we all tend to be unbalanced in some way or another. But, if we stick close to the Lord, we can stay balanced.
The quote that was given regarding obtaining “Christian perfection of the soul.” This has to be one of the most encouraging thoughts that I can think of for sinners. The mere fact that we are not stuck where we are at, that through Christ we can indeed have pure and holy hearts is exciting.
BRI-Some Theological Considerations of Perfection
Edward Heppenstall
This article by Edward Heppenstall has left me sort of puzzled. It would probably do well for me to read it a couple more times just to be sure I am understanding what he is trying to say, but because of time, what I understand him to be saying is that there is no such thing as reaching “sinlessness” on this planet. He does admit that we can become mature Christians, but he claims that we cannot become sinless. This is what I have gotten from this article.
If this is really what he is saying, if I have correctly understood him, then I have major problems with what he is proposing. From here all I will do is quote from Scripture and from the writings of Ellen White quotes that give me reasons to question Mr. Heppenstall’s position.
If we cannot overcome sin on this planet, then what do we do with the following passages???
“Through faith in Christ, every deficiency of character may be supplied, every defilement cleansed, every fault corrected, every excellence developed, ye are complete in Him.” Education, pg 257.
“Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11
“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.” Matt. 5:48
Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creation, old things are passed away, behold all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
“Perfection of character is based upon that which Christ is to us. If we have constant dependence on the merits of our Saviour, and walk in His footsteps, we shall be like Him, pure and undefiled. {AG 230.3} Our Saviour does not require impossibilities of any soul. He expects nothing of His disciples that He is not willing to give them grace and strength to perform. He would not call upon them to be perfect if He had not at His command every perfection of grace to bestow on the ones upon whom He would confer so high and holy a privilege. . . . {AG 230.4} Our work is to strive to attain in our sphere of action the perfection that Christ in His life on the earth attained in every phase of character. He is our example. In all things we are to strive to honor God in character. . . . We are to be wholly dependent on the power that He has promised to give us. {AG 230.5}
Jesus revealed no qualities, and exercised no powers, that men may not have through faith in Him. His perfect humanity is that which all His followers may possess, if they will be in subjection to God as He was. {AG 230.6}
Our Saviour is a Saviour for the perfection of the whole man. He is not the God of part of the being only. The grace of Christ works to the disciplining of the whole human fabric. He made all. He has redeemed all. He has made the mind, the strength, the body as well as the soul, partaker of the divine nature, and all is His purchased possession. He must be served with the whole mind, heart, soul, and strength. Then the Lord will be glorified in His saints in even the common, temporal things with which they are connected. "Holiness unto the Lord" will be in the inscription placed upon them. {AG 230.7}
Gal. 5:16 through Gal. 5:26 (KJV)
16This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
1 John 3:2 through 1 John 3:10 (KJV)
2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
4Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 5And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 6Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. 7Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 10In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
I don’t think there is any need to try to explain any of these passages. They are all clear in and of themselves. And to be frank, they go contrary to Mr. Heppenstalls proposal on perfection.
Whidden Chapter 15—Perfection and Closing events
This chapter was better than the one I read from the BRI. However, it has created more questions in my mind than anything.
In the chapter Whidden tries to point out two different schools of interpretation on perfection, especially during the time of trouble. After reading these articles on perfection, I am challenged to study the issue deeper.
It seems to me that there are two ditches that people are falling into around this subject of perfection. Some become so legalistic about it that they turn perfectionism into some sort of a grotesque monster. They are constantly picking at this and that going around claiming perfection when they are the most enslaved people you will ever meet. The other ditch is sort of a casual ditch. It doesn’t really stir you up at all when you consider it. It is almost like reading something that puts you to sleep. It seems to say “So you have sins? Great, so does everyone else and God is a big daddy who will dab your sinfulness away, but don’t worry, because He doesn’t require you to stop sinning, he just requires you to become mature.
I am not going to say that Whidden has fallen into either one of those ditches, because I cannot honestly show if he has or not. I do know that I have some questions that need to be answered through my own study of Scripture and the writings of Ellen White. I am not satisfied with Whidden’s synopsis of Ellen Whites teachings on the subject. It seems like something is missing.
I need to search more on this subject. So, that is one good thing about this chapter.
What wondrous love and freedom we have in God! It is wonderful to note that as children of the King we are free moral beings, and not mere automatons. God has created us so that even in eternity we will still have this freedom. This freedom however will be employed in total commitment to God for "affliction shall not rise a second time"(Nah.1:9). As immortal beings we shall not desire to sin, for we would have had 6000 years as sufficient evidence of the wickedness of sin and the righteousness of God. Man will determine by the power of Christ never to sin again. We will experience the fullest expression of God’s love and sovereignty (Dan 4:35; Rev 4:11; Prov.21:1).
This sovereignty is not arbitrary, for God values our freedom. This is evidenced by the fact that we are all innately wired with the power to choose. This freedom to choose is very vital to God, who, even though sovereign, does not impose his will upon his children for he values their willing obedience much more. God values the inherent integrity of significant human freedom, that he will not force his created moral agents to perform actions that they do not freely desire to perform or manipulate the natural environment in such a way that their freedom of choice is destroyed. This is the God whom we have come to love and serve. He is one who is sovereign yet considerate.
In His sovereignty, God has predestined that all men “be conformed to the image of His son (Rom.8:29,30), to be adopted as children ,and to obtain an inheritance ( Eph.1:4,5,11, 12). Our subjective response to this offering will indicate whether or not we will be truly conformed to his will. So we have a role to play in the plan of salvation. Our decision matters and it has eternal significance.
May we all respond to this great gift offered to us by the sovereign God, and be change from glory to glory.
Week 13 Reflections
Romans 13
EGW = Justification After Minneapolis —Maintaining Gospel Balance
BRI = Some Theological Considerations of Perfection - Edward Heppenstall
Paul in chapter 13 discusses the sovereignty of God and the ministry of those whom he appoints to be leaders in our community (faith and society). That submission to their leadership is like how he applies his teaching of submission both to God and authorities. Here he presents a balance between decision and action. The results are always for the good of those who keeps balance. Obedience and submission met face to face.
Ellen White's understanding of justification by faith was quite fully expressed by 1888, further developments were made manifest towards its maturity in the following years. At times her ideas seemed conflicting to each other but if taken from her understanding of justification by faith in Jesus, she’s just trying to make a balanced presentation of the relationship of justification and sanctification (obedience).
The late 1890s and the first three years of the new century witnessed a greater emphasis on the importance of obedience in relationship to justification. It was this expression that presented the most puzzling statements in Ellen White's literature on justification. In a birds eye view I perceived that she’s now moving to the next level of salvation experience, which is towards the restoration of God’s image in man through daily manifestation of Christ in life.
Heppenstall hinted on the importance of growth in the Christian life as he said: “…the purpose of God in the life is spiritual maturity under all circumstances. Christ gave Himself to save us, the Holy Spirit to live in the believer that he might rise and grow to this Christian maturity.” This maturity is progressive as he believes that sanctification is a work of a lifetime. He pointed out that there is always a level higher than us in our walk with Christ. Using the terms teleios and katartizo he implies that both are the works of God in our lives for our perfection. In terms of the close of probation there is a personal and corporate decision factor, and since its our relationship with Jesus that would assure us of salvation, the fear of the close of probation should not hinder us but rather motivate us to move forward to God’s goal in our lives, an ever growing faith and trust in Him. This growing faith is our only surety of overcoming at the appointed time of trouble. Knowing the Scriptures by heart will sustain such growing faith in God.
Daniel Ocampo
Week 14 Reflection
Romans 14 –
EGW - Perfection Before 1888
BRI – Some thoughts on Original Sin – Gerald Pfandl, Ph.D
In chapter 14 Paul continued his message on the importance of submission wherein being judgmental needs no place within the community of believers. What is important for him is to remain in the Lord and do all things for his glory. Let us leave the work of judging to God who knows the contents of everyone’s heart, mind and soul. The last verses on this chapter makes a good summary of what he’s trying to say to wit: Romans 14:19-23 “19 Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. 21 It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. 22 Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. 23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.”
For Ellen White, perfection was just about synonymous with sanctification. For her this is the goal of sanctification. In her thought justification and sanctification need to be distinguished, but not separated. The same goes for sanctification and perfection. She defined perfection as seemingly absolute and attainable in this life by penitent sinners through Jesus' example and grace. But there were distinguishing and qualifying characteristics in her understanding of perfection!
One needs to have a full surrender of the will to God, an active effort as required in obedience of the laws of God, manifest the dynamic fruits of sanctification, an attitude of progressive, ever growing perfection , maintain a balance of faith and obedience, watchfulness on the tendencies to sin, and not equate feelings and impressions as to define perfection and specially believers should manifest unity, humility and patience.
Dr. Gerald Pfandl in his 22 page study on the “Original Sin” concluded that unlike the teaching of the original proponents, we were born with a sinful nature with a bent to commit or make sins but by God’s grace we can overcome. In this body with its sinful nature we shall remain until Jesus comes and makes all things new. We, on the other hand have not inherited the guilt of Adam but the tendencies to commit sin thereby necessitating that we all need a saviour as Jesus said: ”...no one can come to the Father but by Me.” For Adventist, sin is a separation from God so the antidote for sin is having a close relationship with God made possible through the reading and hearing of the Word and the ministration of the Holy Spirit in one’s life.
Daniel Ocampo
Week 15 Reflections
Romans 15 - EGW - Perfection and Closing Events
BRI - Why Did Jesus Die? How God Saves Us - George W. Reid
As Paul continued to admonish those in the faith he remained persistent on the idea not being judgmental but loving and helpful in that those within the faith community “who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.” For him this is what’s pleasing in the sight of the Lord for He also did the same while He was on earth.
Ellen White in preparing for the coming of the Lord never used “fear” as a motivating factor but she understood the "shortness of time" as a legitimate motivation for believers to perfect characters that would stand the scrutiny of the pre-Advent judgment, the rigors of the time of trouble, and the awesome presence of Jesus at His appearing.
In the process of developing her theology on salvation she used the doctrine of “Investigative Judgment” as a spring board to present the importance of justification and sanctification which would prepare them for the fast approaching day of the time of Jacob’s trouble. At that time we shall be standing before God without a Mediator in Jesus but the perfect work He has done in our lives, presented as a “spot-free” white robe of his righteousness. The purpose of which was to “lead the people of God to renounce Satan and his temptations. . . . The last conflict will reveal Satan to them in his true character, that of a cruel tyrant, and it will do for them what nothing else could do, uproot him entirely from their affections" (RH, Aug. 12, 1884; OHC 321).
Reid in his article pointed out that “it was our God who initiated our rescue, who reached out to us.” He further discussed that “in Christ our sin was judged and condemned. God's righteous nature remains intact and its violation dispatched. While we stood like wide-eyed children, He reconciled us, now to shower the benefits upon us who accept Him in faith.” To be reconciled is the first step, to live with God is the process of obtaining the goal of restoring “the lost image of God” in our lives.
Daniel Ocampo
Week 16 Reflection
Romans 16
EGW - Perfection After 1888
The parting words of Paul is given to urge the faithful believers to guard the purity of the truth they have received. As he said in v. 17- 20 : “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. 19 For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. 20 And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Unity and not division is the fruit of righteousness found among those born in the Lord Jesus through the Holy Spirit. I was glad that Paul ended his theology in unity for that’s what’s God all about as they are ONE in heaven. I pray that this would be the real picture of our church at present.
Ellen White as she continues to explore perfection as achieving God’s highest standard not by our own works but the heart work of Jesus in our lives through the ministering of the Holy Spirit who is the means of achieving such goal. The author further emphasized that “the judgment and the close of probation are proper motivators for character perfection, but extremists who wanted to go beyond character perfection into nature perfection were sharply rebuked. It is quite apparent that Ellen White did not want the perfectionistic implications of the judgment and the close of probation developed any further than she had taken them in The Great Controversy.
The delicate balance between justification and sanctification was a constant given throughout her entire ministry, but her teaching, with its ongoing emphasis on character transformation, is most aptly summed up as "the persistent path to perfection." Even during the period of her greatest accent on objective justification, such emphasis was always the stepping-stone to the ultimate prize—the reflection of the perfect character of Jesus in Christian experience.
Daniel Ocampo
Reflection on Chapter 17
What Does It All Mean?
Ellen White’s Views:
Justification:
Christ's life and death must be accounted to believers all the way, not just at the beginning of Christian experience. In other words, justification is always concurrent with sanctification. Justification is defined as God's act in declaring penitents to be free from condemnation with which they are enable to live a life like Christ, fully acceptable before God in full submission to do his will and obey his commandments.
Perfection:
Perfection is a progressive work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer who lives a reckoned life in the blood of Jesus, who sees his dynamic growth in faith as relative perfection, deciding to live life in loving obedience and no willful sinning in preparation for the sealing which becomes our surety of victory in the time of trouble, found sinless clothed in the righteousness of Christ before the Father and constantly growing progressively by the grace of God, daily. That while we are still in this body of sin, Christ will perfectly recreate us anew when he comes again.
Daniel Ocampo
In this article, Angel Rodriguez tackles the issue of the relationship between Adam and the rest of humanity in the writings of EG White. The thing that interests me is that it is not written as a theology article, but as a polemic against another position. Although he seems to go to some effort to disguise the nature of the article, he clearly has a score to settle. The major issue addressed is the “in-Adam” motif championed by some in the 1888 Study Committee camp. He emphasizes that Adam passed on sin, not because every human was physically present and sinning with him, but because he could not pass on a human nature that he doesn’t possess. Although I haven’t read deeply into the 1888 “in-adam” motif, but based on Rodriguez’s caricature of it, I cannot understand how the it can be supported. It seems to me that in order for all to be present in Adam, there would have to be some kind of metaphysical phenomenon that takes place, which could possibly conflict with other beliefs. I acknowledge that reading about this doctrinal understanding from the other side would make it sound at least a bit more plausible, but Rodriguez sets it up as a highly unbelievable idea.
There is one quote from this article that really challenged my thinking. “Through Christ human freedom was preserved allowing human beings to exercise their God-given power of choice.” This idea that one of Christ’s objectives as our Savior was to protect our freedom of choice is an interesting one. As I have done evangelism, I’ve felt compelled to give an interest a hard-sell on an aspect of truth. But by hard-selling what I have to offer, am I wresting their freedom of choice from them? How do I respect the freedom of choice, yet help people understand the importance of our message?
Christ Saved the Human Race by Ángel Manuel Rodríguez
The more articles I read on the issues of salvation, the more I stand with Dr. Hanna on the fact that we need to expand our perspective to develop a larger model of what salvation is all about. This is a well-thought-out article by Rodriguez that illuminates the statement that Jesus saved the world at the cross. I agree on his major point that we can’t say that legal justification happened at the cross, although it seems that he is so bent on proving that point that he doesn’t give full credit to what Christ did do at the cross. I realize that this is not the intent of Rodriguez or BRI, since there are other articles that exalt Christ’s work on the cross, the nature of this article makes it appear as if Rodriguez wants to minimize the work of Christ so as to avoid the idea of legal justification. I don’t claim to know the solution to the debate, but I weary of the back-and-forth in which both sides have some important things to contribute to the discussion.
Justification by Faith and Judgment According to Works by Ivan T. Blazen
This article has opened my eyes and helped me to bring balance to the ideas stated in the title. I have grown out of a theological tradition that has emphasized Justification by faith to the point that it has seemed that behavior is of no concern to God. As I have looked at the fruit of that theology, I’ve struggled to find how it matched up with the truth in Scripture. Blazen brings out the beautiful counterbalance between justification by faith and judgment by works. In fact, when understood rightly, they seem like guardrails on the road of the theology, preventing anyone from going too far off the track on one side or the other. It is powerful to think that judgment by works is what keeps justification by faith from turning into cheap grace. And justification by faith keeps judgment by works from becoming legalism. In reality, the faith and works, the justification and sanctification go arm in arm as the Christian grows. This would seem to argue against the idea that justification and sanctification come at different times. Instead, it would seem that justification and sanctification progress together in the life of the individual. This article and perspective have really helped me establish my thinking more clearly.
Ellen White on Salvation Ch. 11—Whidden
There are a number of things that impress me about Ellen White’s treatment of salvation. First, she seemed to have an amazingly balanced view of what salvation meant. Secondly, she was careful to emphasize that which people need to hear in the time. Whidden’s statement that 45% of all of her writings on justification were penned between 1888 and 1892 is telling. It isn’t that she didn’t believe in justification before or after that, but it was critical that the doctrine be clarified and sharpened at that point in time. Third, her emphasis in doctrinal development seems to be for practical good. She didn’t seem to engage in doctrinal argument simply for argument’s sake. Instead, she encouraged a process that would enrich the spiritual lives of those involved. There are a lot of things that we can draw from this. First, balance is important. Second, it is okay to emphasize one aspect of salvation or another at a given time because it is need. However, it is always important to come back to the holistic balanced view. Of course we can learn a lot from the statements of Ellen White. But I think we can learn just as much from the manner in which she engaged the doctrinal debates.
Ellen White on Salvation Ch. 12—Whidden
It is clear that Ellen White never separated faith and works in the experience of salvation. They were always closely related. One thing that I noticed in this chapter is that there seemed to be a lot of language that suggested that sanctification came as a response to justification. To be honest, I have to wrestle with this language a little bit. I can definitely see where those statements come from, but I also can’t help but think that they come simultaneously. Justification comes at the moment that true faith in Christ is experienced. If I were to define faith, I would suggest that true faith is believing in something enough to align your life with it. As such, sanctification would be happening the instant that faith is realized. Granted, there is no way that sinful humans can live up to the standards of God without divine intervention. But when a sinner exercises faith, Christ comes to abide in that individual and empower change. While sanctification is a process that takes a lifetime, it seems to me it would begin to happen simultaneously with justification.
In the book Ellen White on Salvation, one of the problems of the Minneapolois Conference was the law of Galatians 3: 19-25. Some of the debaters interpreted the law that Paul talked about in this text as the moral law, while others believed it to be the ceremonial law. The other issue was whether or not the fourth horn of the ten horns on the symbolic beast of Daniel 7 was the Huns or the Alemanni. It doesn’t seem to me to be spiritual for debates to arise out of those who are supposed to be presenting the Word of God to non-believers and believers alike. This in my estimation gives an incorrect view of the Spirit of God. It also seems that the Minneapolis participants missed out on deep heart searching and fastening and prayer before presenting their views at the conference. This in my estimation is not very salvific for the new believers, the onlookers or the participants, themselves. Sadly to say, many of our conferences (presidents), if not all of them, I believe do not engage in fasting and prayer before choosing someone to hire in pastoral or other positions. This seems to highlight the position that Paul had in Romans 10 when he spoke about the righteousness of the Israelites. Paul wish for them was that they would be saved. He was particularly graceful of the passion they had of God. However, there passion; hence, zeal for God was without knowledge. Because they did not fully submit themselves to the righteousness of God, they in turn established their own righteousness, deceiving themselves by thinking that it was of God. Paul moves from this incident and talks about Christ being the end of the law. Evidently, the righteousness that the Israelites established seems to be hinting on the idea that it was the way in which they interpreted the law, much like the participants of the Minneapolis Conference. Paul lets all of us know that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believes. Whether or not it’s the ceremonial law or the moral law, Christ is the end of it all. The ceremonial law pointed to Christ for the people during Moses’ time and afterwards until Christ’s crucifixion. The moral law much like the ceremonial law is kept and/or obeyed in faith. Regardless of which law it represents, it all points or pointed to Christ in which we all have salvation.
Whitten in chapter 11 of his book explains the significance and meaning of the Minneapolis Conference and 1888. Although the topics and subjects of the conference had major proponents for different views, the main undergirding issue of it all was doctrinal confusion over justification. Heartbroken about the fact, Ellen White stated “many have lost sight of Jesus. They needed to have their eyes directed to His divine person, His merits, and His changeless love for the human family” (TM, 92). Jesus never throws His people away even when they venture off course. Many times when we try to gain understanding about some Scripture or some misinterpreted or misunderstood text we make it a debate instead of a conversation. After we are not able to agree upon a certain issue, we automatically condemn those who views are different from ours to hell. It seems as if we forget that they are still God’s people also. Paul asks a question in Romans 11 “Have God cast away His people (Jews)?” After asking the question, Paul answers it “NO!” He says “I am a Jew.” The truth is that some of us will and are going to turn away from Christ but other of us are going to stay with Him come what may. Many of the believers at the Minneapolis Conference, like those of today, are truly and earnestly seeking the favor of God. My thought is that many who claim to be seeking God come with their eyes shut and their ears closed so that they do not know when God is talking to them because they have already made up their minds that their views and opinions are right and don’t want to hear anything to the contrary. I agree with Whitten that doctrinal confusion about salvation leads to a period of spiritual dryness and unintentional legalistic discouragement. Even with this, God’s salvation is still open to them but they will have repent and seek God for themselves and stop hanging on to their own righteousness. God’s people have not fallen beyond recovery. God’s purpose is to make salvation available to everyone.
In chapter 12 – Justification After Minneapolis, Whitten opens up with some new insights about Ellen White’s understanding about justification, which should help us to better understand the subject. He first starts with the topic about the relationship between faith and works, the law and gospel and with the expression that sinners are saved from sin not in sin. There are many disturbing ideas that a lot people have about faith and works, especially. I remember I belong to a church that had a member who claimed to have a lot of faith. The problem I had with her was that she kept a lot of confusion in the church. Many people claim to be something they are not or claim to have something they don’t possess.
After a brief introduction of this point, Whitten goes into Christ’s merits and what it does for us. Paul in Romans 12 admonishes us to give our bodies to God as a living sacrifice. Although this maybe done with our wholeness and truthfulness of heart, Whitten brings out that it is on acceptable by Christ’s merits. When we try to do this on our own, it is nothing more than self-righteousness. Paul finishes his phrase by stating that is a very small thing to give our bodies as a living sacrifice to Him after we consider what Christ has done for us. We can only present ourselves as a living sacrifice to God by shunning the evil customs and practices of the world. The truth is that we can only present ourselves as a living sacrifice by allowing God to transform us into new people by changing the way we think. It is only by allowing God to transform us (the way we think) can we come to know His will for us and know how good and pleasing and how perfect His will really is.
Whitten goes on to tell us that Christ’s merits makes up for our deficiencies. Many of us recognize that God has given us the ability to do many things well. However, we are sometimes called upon to do things that we aren’t particularly good at doing. Not only does that, we sinful creatures sometimes not always be victorious over our sinful natures. Although the loyal and penitent children of God fall back into sin after we have been forgiven, our deficiencies are made up by Christ’s imputed righteousness.
Whitten also introduces fending off Satan’s taunting accusation. There is nothing we can do in and of ourselves to the rebuttal of the enemy accusations, they in my estimation are true, except they have been covered or made up by Christ’s merits. Therefore, the enemy’s accusations are not directed toward us per se but at Christ but he has come and found nothing in Christ. Paul said that we should overcome evil with good. The only good that we have is that we are covered by Christ’s merits. This, to me, seems to suggest that it’s not us who are overcoming but it is Christ in us who is overcoming. That’s salvific.
In BRI document “Some Theological Considerations of Perfection,” Edward Heppenstall sheds some interesting light about Christian perfection. The document in so many words states that Christian perfection is growing in grace and in the image of Christ. It is a hungering and thirsting for the righteousness of Christ, even and/or especially if the person commits a wrongful act. In short, Christian perfection is having an Enoch-like attitude. The closer we get to Christ the more unworthy we see we are. Those who use the expression “I ain’t perfect” or “no one is perfect” is limiting God, calling Him a liar, and are finding excuses not to change. What many people misunderstand about the subject is that Christian perfection doesn’t mean that one will not sin. It means that the person is forever yearning and seeking Christ’s righteousness (to be Christ-like).
In chapter 13 of the book, Whitten states that the believer becomes a partaker of the divine nature when-and by reason of the fact that-he exercises faith in Christ, His atoning sacrifice. This is an act of justification imputation; hence, made righteous. Therefore it is (Christian) perfection. Many believe that perfection is not attainable here on earth. If this was the case, the Bible writers especially Paul wouldn’t admonish us to be obedient. In order to attain Christian perfection, love has to exist in the seekers heart. We must love God and our neighbor. Love fulfills the law. We (believers) are to obey the laws of the land except when they conflict with the laws of God. The idea that’s wrapped up in attaining Christian perfection is that we must allow Christ to take control of us and stop thinking of ways to indulge our evil desires, as Paul states in Romans 13.
In chapter 14 of Ellen White on Salvation, Whidden talks about Ellen White’s teaching on salvation and/or perfection. In her view, perfection, justification, and sanctification were all interrelated. However, they all needed to be distinguished from each other but not separated. Ellen White’s goal of perfection was that we can fully and entirely overcome every sin, every evil temper and every temptation.
The BRI document states that original sin is: (a) inherited guilt and (b) inherited stain. The inherited stain refers to our sinful passions, to our tendencies or propensities to sin. Although we inherited “original sin,” (guilt and stain) from Adam as the BRI document brought out, we can and must overcome everything that is not of Christ. In my understanding, Ellen White was saying that if we allow Christ to live in and hearts and cover us with His righteousness, then we can attain perfection. However, it is possible for one not to attain perfection. Not to attain perfection is to come out of Christ’s covering and shun away, at least at times, the hungering and the desire to be drawn close to Him. Perfection, according to Ellen White must be obtained this side of probation. There is no excuse for indulging in sin. Although we have inherited sin passions and propensities to sin, we must through the grace of Christ fully overcome. In order to attain perfection, the believer must fully surrender himself/herself to Christ. He/She must make an active effort to attain it and be obedient. The idea that many have about perfection is that it’s absolute, meaning that the person never commits another wrong act, never have another wrong thought, and never say anther wrong thing. This is highly misleading and disqualifies those who God has called perfect as perfect. Many people fail to realize that perfections don’t mean the person will not transgress, it means that the person does not indulge in transgression; hence, excuse or cherish sin. Paul in Romans 14 says that if we live, we should live in the Lord and that if we die, we should die in the Lord. This in my estimation is (Christian) perfection, to live and/or to die in the Lord.
According to Whidden in chapter 15, Ellen White believed that the shortness of time will be the incentive for people to seek righteousness and make Christ our friend. During the investigative judgment and the time of trouble, people will be living without a mediator on their behalf. Before this time occurs, people will already have made up in their hearts and minds whose side they are going to be on. I believe those who have made up in their hearts and minds to follow Christ all the way will be those who have attained perfection. Therefore, when the mediator is drawn away from the earth; hence, mankind, it will be impossible for them to turn back and stop following Christ. These, in my estimation, will be the ones who receive the latter rain.
The BRI document states that “Before a watching universe God demonstrated once for all how far He would go to make possible redemption of lost sinners.” It is our duty as Christ’s followers to do the same. We should in some respect live to please other people as Paul said in Romans 15. Christ didn’t live to please Himself but what He done He did for us. In this chapter Paul uses the words “full of goodness.” This goodness is not something we arbitrarily receive. It is the goodness of God that has caught hold and taken control of our hearts. It is the goodness that has lead to the attainment of perfection. During the investigative judgment and the close of probation, those who have already made up in their hearts to follow Christ have removed all restraints on evil. The saints (those who have attained perfection) will still have a faith where their characters will not falter. Their phrase and/cliché will be “even if heaven is not promised I will not do this great thing and sin against my God” for it will be impossible for them to turn back and recant.
According to Whidden in chapter 15, Ellen White believed that the shortness of time will be the incentive for people to seek righteousness and make Christ our friend. During the investigative judgment and the time of trouble, people will be living without a mediator on their behalf. Before this time occurs, people will already have made up in their hearts and minds whose side they are going to be on. I believe those who have made up in their hearts and minds to follow Christ all the way will be those who have attained perfection. Therefore, when the mediator is drawn away from the earth; hence, mankind, it will be impossible for them to turn back and stop following Christ. These, in my estimation, will be the ones who receive the latter rain.
The BRI document states that “Before a watching universe God demonstrated once for all how far He would go to make possible redemption of lost sinners.” It is our duty as Christ’s followers to do the same. We should in some respect live to please other people as Paul said in Romans 15. Christ didn’t live to please Himself but what He done He did for us. In this chapter Paul uses the words “full of goodness.” This goodness is not something we arbitrarily receive. It is the goodness of God that has caught hold and taken control of our hearts. It is the goodness that has lead to the attainment of perfection. During the investigative judgment and the close of probation, those who have already made up in their hearts to follow Christ have removed all restraints on evil. The saints (those who have attained perfection) will still have a faith where their characters will not falter. Their phrase and/cliché will be “even if heaven is not promised I will not do this great thing and sin against my God” for it will be impossible for them to turn back and recant.
In chapter 14 of Ellen White on Salvation, Whidden talks about Ellen White’s teaching on salvation and/or perfection. In her view, perfection, justification, and sanctification were all interrelated. However, they all needed to be distinguished from each other but not separated. Ellen White’s goal of perfection was that we can fully and entirely overcome every sin, every evil temper and every temptation.
The BRI document states that original sin is: (a) inherited guilt and (b) inherited stain. The inherited stain refers to our sinful passions, to our tendencies or propensities to sin. Although we inherited “original sin,” (guilt and stain) from Adam as the BRI document brought out, we can and must overcome everything that is not of Christ. In my understanding, Ellen White was saying that if we allow Christ to live in and hearts and cover us with His righteousness, then we can attain perfection. However, it is possible for one not to attain perfection. Not to attain perfection is to come out of Christ’s covering and shun away, at least at times, the hungering and the desire to be drawn close to Him. Perfection, according to Ellen White must be obtained this side of probation. There is no excuse for indulging in sin. Although we have inherited sin passions and propensities to sin, we must through the grace of Christ fully overcome. In order to attain perfection, the believer must fully surrender himself/herself to Christ. He/She must make an active effort to attain it and be obedient. The idea that many have about perfection is that it’s absolute, meaning that the person never commits another wrong act, never have another wrong thought, and never say anther wrong thing. This is highly misleading and disqualifies those who God has called perfect as perfect. Many people fail to realize that perfections don’t mean the person will not transgress, it means that the person does not indulge in transgression; hence, excuse or cherish sin. Paul in Romans 14 says that if we live, we should live in the Lord and that if we die, we should die in the Lord. This in my estimation is (Christian) perfection, to live and/or to die in the Lord.
Ellen White on Salvation- Chapter 14
Romans Chapter 14.
Ellen White’s view of justification was clearly stated in the preceding chapters. Whidden now leads us to understand Mrs. White’s view of perfection. According to him she saw that sanctification often defined perfection, but at the same time perfection was always the goal of sanctification. For Mrs. White, perfection is not merely the ability to do or live without blunder, but overcoming and being victorious over evil. ‘God desires unswerving obedience,’ she states, Christ is the one who gives us enabling power to do the father’s will. Christ while he was on earth relied completely on the Father for strength as he encountered the challenges with the enemy. ‘Perfection and holiness were not Christ’s only goal, but also the means of success in carrying out the principles.’ Whidden hastened to add that in her comments of Matthew 5:48 that clearly state what she believed- “perfection was thus defined as both a goal and a relative experience that consists of pressing toward the goal.” Her hallmarks of the subject were Matthew 5:48 and adding the following statement- Holiness and purity of heart was the great subject of the teachings of Christ.
In Roman 14 the Apostle Paul shares the principles of the two laws with us-the law of liberty and the law of love. Paul emphasizes that we have neither authority nor responsibility to judge anyone. We have a responsibility to keep high standards in accordance with our call as believers.
Ellen White on Salvation- Chapter 15 (Perfection and Closing Events).
Romans Chapter 15.
Many understand Mrs. White statement regarding the saints standing before God sinless to mean that there will be no need of a mediator in Christ to represent them. Such a notion is understood by proponents of character perfection to be evidence supporting her viewpoint on the subject. She never saw fear as a motivating factor for perfection, but as a motivational factor for sanctification. She saw close correlation between the cleansing of the sanctuary ministry and the perfection of character. As I read the following statement I found great joy in knowing that one day, sin will not matter to the righteous- After the close of probation personal salvation of the redeemed will no longer be in question: they have been sealed with the seal of the living God. Sometimes, interesting and meaningful facts such as this are learnt and then forgotten, but as I read this statement it speaks volume to the Christian who is suffering tremendously and then will at that time be finally liberated from the weight of sin forever.
The Apostle Paul is the minister to the Gentiles. In Romans chapter 15, the Apostle calls for care and support among members. His admonishing and appeal perhaps sprung from the way the new converts were being treated by those within and outside of the cell churches. He informs his audiences that their responsibility toward each other is to treat each other just as Christ would treat each one. In this passage Paul spoke pastorally and demonstrated profound pastoral care that is relevant for the church today. As leaders we can learn significant lessons both in communication with our parishioners and fellow believers, as well as peers.
Masimba Thomas
Chapter 15 of the book ‘Ellen White on Salvation’.
Perfection and closing events.
The subject who is under consideration in chapter 15 of the book ‘Ellen white on salivation’, is one of the most misunderstood and confusing issues in the theological arena today. Whenever the term Perfection is mentioned the theological eyes blow rises up immediately. One the greatest question that comes up there and then is that, how can a sinful man be perfect? How does that perfection happen in the context of the sinful nature of man? Is it as a result of fear of the last day events? If so is this perfection genuine? Ellen white is challenging a most complex issue as far as the nature of man is concern. The great theologian, Paul says in the book of Romans that, sin entered in the world through one man. Through that sin death found out away to destroy life in human beings and creation at large. For each one of us found him or herself a sinner not by committing sin as Adam did but by virtue of birth. So the question remains can a sinful man be absolutely perfect? Can he stand before God without a mediator and be safe? I concur with Ellen White’ view that, a sinful man cannot be absolutely sinless as longer he is in this body of sin. Even though, she has sense in her elaboration as how this happens, such that it qualifies one to be acceptable before God as a perfect being yet in this sinful flesh. She says that, a person can be victorious over self on a day. That is to say, that particular person is practicing sanctification. For sanctification is daily business or a life time work. Paul qualifies that idea by saying that “I die daily.” Further White says that, when God counts one a perfect person, he does it in a sense that, he no longer cherishes sin in his life or commits overt sin deliberately or willfully planned. This is the perfection that she meant and advocates for all believers to cherish.
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