Paul in Romans 11 is so clear about the topic of foreknowledge. Purposely, Paul is out to convey the message of hope to chosen class in comparisons to the Gentiles. His message is profound; amidst the finite sight, God has the infinite sight. When Elijah was complaining about his ministry, God answered vividly by saying "I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal." In His foreknowledge, God does offer what He deems best for humanity and in the case of Elijah it was, message of hope at times of hopelessness.
Paul elaborates that, in God’s sight men are called and chosen by grace and not by works. Often at times we like Elijah want to see by deeds what others are doing so that we can classify them as Christians. Elijah wanted to sight full see prophets at work, but God knows who belongs to Him and this is due to the unmerited favor that He has given to all humanity that He foreknew in advance.
The aspect of the called is also featured in this passage by Paul. He quotes by saying’ “What the people of Israel sought so earnestly they did not obtain. The elect among them did, but the others were hardened…” The term used here in ‘the elect” not all who were of the seed of Abraham are sure Children of God, but only the elect are, and these are the ones God foreknew. I get challenged at times to realize that God even has hardened others not to receive the word, but because He is Sovereign, He does what He opt is good for humanity.
The message of Paul to the Gentiles seems stern; “For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.” He is trying to make them not to take their salvation for granted, because even the chosen Nation of Israel has some who have not been considered as the elect. Salvation is vividly portrayed as God’s business and not by anybody is dealings. He foreknows the ones who shall be in the lot of the elect.
Romel Charles Doctrine of Salvation Reflection #11 Wednesday, November 12, 2008
In “Ellen White on Salvation,” Whidden talks about the significance and meaning of 1888. He reveals that Ellen White went on many strenuous preaching tours in support of Justification because later on it was revealed that there were many people even ministers that were struggling with the understanding of Justification. They were also struggling with the idea that they had a great work to do themselves before they can come to Christ thinking that Jesus will come in at the very last moment of their struggle and give them help by putting the finishing touch to their life work. To me it is amazing to see ow the understanding of Justification has grown because if we had not gone through the struggle and grew from it then we would still be stuck on works. Jan Paulsen had a powerful sermon in the fact that he went as deeply as possible into the understanding of Salvation as time would allow for a sermon. Paulsen gives the subjective and objective dimensions of Salvation but goes into the true core of Salvation, Faith. He says, “Faith's obedience is not different from the obedience of the law. The fallacy of Judaism, however (and legalism in general), was that it used the law to establish its own righteousness. The Jews tried by keeping the law to project their own worthiness (their own righteousness). And their performance became a means of boasting and self-centeredness. The basic attitude was fundamentally wrong! For the attitude of faith is the very opposite of boasting! Faith does not take credit for its obedience, for it has nothing in itself to boast about.” Romans 11 continues with the idea of the remnant of God whether it is national Israel of spiritual Israel. Paul references Elijah when he said, “Elijah—how he appealed to God against Israel,” referring to national Israel. Paul then goes on to reveal that there are those that are ingrafted in. They “have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root.” Paul clearly states that the new Israel is now the spiritual Israel that includes JEws and Gentiles.
Reflections paper: Week Ten Doctrine of Salvation: Comments on chapter “Perfection before 1888” Woodrow Whidden
The subject of perfection has always been a controversial one, and I’m thankful we have Ellen White to clarify some points. In her writings, perfection has many times been used interchangeably with sanctification but primarily it’s perceived as a goal one needs to reach, the goal of sanctification. Like any other goal, her position was that yes, we can overcome sin fully and entirely, through Christ because He made a way for us. There are many references in scripture that mention “blamelessness” as something God is encouraging in our lives. God wouldn’t encourage something that we couldn’t possibly achieve. Some of the qualities of perfection are full surrender and consecration to God, an active effort on our part, meaning that it’s not something that we can attain passively but ultimately, its God’s work in our lives as we cooperate with him in surrendering our lives to Him. Many people have claimed perfection, Ellen White states that none should claim perfection and those who claim are actually far from being perfect. In Romans 11, Paul seems to be cautioning the Gentiles not to be boastful about being included in the salvation. He states he has been made a minister to the Gentiles yes, but God has not totally given up on the Jewish people. He desires to provoke them to jealousy, hoping for their salvation with everyone else who believed. They were cut off because of unbelief. Since they were the original olive tree and the gentiles were grafted in, it’s easier to accept them back basically, into the plan of salvation. Our class discussion was on atonement, which can be described in two parts, Objective and Subjective. Objective atonement is what Christ did for us on the cross and Subjective atonement refers to what He continues to do in us, as He influences us for the good of our salvation.
Reflections paper: Week Ten Doctrine of Salvation: Comments on chapter “Perfection before 1888” Woodrow Whidden
The subject of perfection has always been a controversial one, and I’m thankful we have Ellen White to clarify some points. In her writings, perfection has many times been used interchangeably with sanctification but primarily it’s perceived as a goal one needs to reach, the goal of sanctification. Like any other goal, her position was that yes, we can overcome sin fully and entirely, through Christ because He made a way for us. There are many references in scripture that mention “blamelessness” as something God is encouraging in our lives. God wouldn’t encourage something that we couldn’t possibly achieve. Some of the qualities of perfection are full surrender and consecration to God, an active effort on our part, meaning that it’s not something that we can attain passively but ultimately, its God’s work in our lives as we cooperate with him in surrendering our lives to Him. Many people have claimed perfection, Ellen White states that none should claim perfection and those who claim are actually far from being perfect. In Romans 11, Paul seems to be cautioning the Gentiles not to be boastful about being included in the salvation. He states he has been made a minister to the Gentiles yes, but God has not totally given up on the Jewish people. He desires to provoke them to jealousy, hoping for their salvation with everyone else who believed. They were cut off because of unbelief. Since they were the original olive tree and the gentiles were grafted in, it’s easier to accept them back basically, into the plan of salvation. Our class discussion was on atonement, which can be described in two parts, Objective and Subjective. Objective atonement is what Christ did for us on the cross and Subjective atonement refers to what He continues to do in us, as He influences us for the good of our salvation.
Reflection Paper#11 (Week Ending November 08, 2008) (Sheldon Smith) In chapter twelve of Whidden’s book Ellen White and Salvation, I found some very insightful comments made by Ellen White regarding Justification and our standing before God. White’s view of justification was very holistic before and after the years of Minneapolis. She indicated that God loves the sinner even when the sinner would have confessed his or her sin and falls back into sin. I like the fact where she mentioned that we cannot carry our burdens by ourselves but Jesus can help us with our burdens. For the forgiven sinner who falls, she emphasized the fact that Jesus promises the sinner that “if we sin we have an Advocate with the father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” I also like the idea regarding objective justification that was brought across in the book. Whidden indicated that E.G. White always emphasized the fact that sinners ought to continuously behold Christ and to accept his saving work on our behalf. Another important point that was brought out in the book was the fact that Justification always runs parallel to or concurrently with sanctification. I was happy to come across this since the statement concurs with my research regarding justification and sanctification as critical elements in the salvation process. In Romans 11, Paul highlights the fact that Israel has lost its rite as God’s chosen people to be His representative as a result of their unbelief and consequently, as branches, they are broken off the vine. However, the Gentiles who choose to accept Him are grafted into the vine. However they are warned not to boast since just as how the original branches (Israel) were broken off, the same thing can happen to them. I like verse 23 where Paul indicated that even though Israel has been broken off, they can be grafted in again if they do not continue in unbelief. In the BRI article, Jan Paulsen addresses justification by faith and the dynamism that is attached to it. I liked the way he dealt with the element of faith in his discourse and the fact that our salvation process is both subjective and objective but faith is an integral part of both. He highlights the fact that faith does not save, neither does faith justify, but it is the instrument for receiving what the Lord has offers. Justification by faith he indicated is not an objective legal justification, it is dynamic. For Ellen White, Paulsen stated that her view of justification was a dynamic, life-changing, living experience. Paul’s approach in his letters was similar in that, the indicative of justification is always followed by the imperative of the life of faith that emerges from it.
In his article, “Salvation by Faith” Jan Paulson explains the biblical defintion and understanding of salvation by faith as identified in the writings of Paul in the Bible. Going along with our theme in class Paulson seems to have a bigger model that is more holistic in it’s approach. For example, Paulson talks about objective and subjective faith. Objective faith is faith that is obtained through the knowledge of Jesus and results in the confession that Jesus is Lord. In other words, this is really what we discussed in class when we talk about what Christ has done for us. We don’t know what Christ has done for us unless we have objective information. Then there is subjective faith which is what God is doing in us. Paulson explains this as growing in the trust of God. There have been camps that have pitched there tents on either side of this argument but Paulson takes the position that we must have both sides of salvation by faith in order for it to be complete. For faith is objective in that it descdribes what God has done for us, but doesn’t just stop there but must include God moving in us. Chapter 12 in Whidden’s book is also a good example of Ellen White having a bigger model. In the discussion of objective and subjective salvation Whidden presents White as attempting to balance the two ideas. She will not lean overly one way because of her mature view on the topic. Throughout this semester we’ve been challenged to have a bigger model and I think I’m finally understanding it! Because salvation is such a huge topic the model needs to be big enough not to neglect one aspect of something that may be true. This is because our God is so big that He in many ways He can’t be nailed down.
In his article, “Salvation by Faith” Jan Paulson explains the biblical defintion and understanding of salvation by faith as identified in the writings of Paul in the Bible. Going along with our theme in class Paulson seems to have a bigger model that is more holistic in it’s approach. For example, Paulson talks about objective and subjective faith. Objective faith is faith that is obtained through the knowledge of Jesus and results in the confession that Jesus is Lord. In other words, this is really what we discussed in class when we talk about what Christ has done for us. We don’t know what Christ has done for us unless we have objective information. Then there is subjective faith which is what God is doing in us. Paulson explains this as growing in the trust of God. There have been camps that have pitched there tents on either side of this argument but Paulson takes the position that we must have both sides of salvation by faith in order for it to be complete. For faith is objective in that it descdribes what God has done for us, but doesn’t just stop there but must include God moving in us. Chapter 12 in Whidden’s book is also a good example of Ellen White having a bigger model. In the discussion of objective and subjective salvation Whidden presents White as attempting to balance the two ideas. She will not lean overly one way because of her mature view on the topic. Throughout this semester we’ve been challenged to have a bigger model and I think I’m finally understanding it! Because salvation is such a huge topic the model needs to be big enough not to neglect one aspect of something that may be true. This is because our God is so big that He in many ways He can’t be nailed down.
In his article, “Salvation by Faith” Jan Paulson explains the biblical defintion and understanding of salvation by faith as identified in the writings of Paul in the Bible. Going along with our theme in class Paulson seems to have a bigger model that is more holistic in it’s approach. For example, Paulson talks about objective and subjective faith. Objective faith is faith that is obtained through the knowledge of Jesus and results in the confession that Jesus is Lord. In other words, this is really what we discussed in class when we talk about what Christ has done for us. We don’t know what Christ has done for us unless we have objective information. Then there is subjective faith which is what God is doing in us. Paulson explains this as growing in the trust of God. There have been camps that have pitched there tents on either side of this argument but Paulson takes the position that we must have both sides of salvation by faith in order for it to be complete. For faith is objective in that it descdribes what God has done for us, but doesn’t just stop there but must include God moving in us. Chapter 12 in Whidden’s book is also a good example of Ellen White having a bigger model. In the discussion of objective and subjective salvation Whidden presents White as attempting to balance the two ideas. She will not lean overly one way because of her mature view on the topic. Throughout this semester we’ve been challenged to have a bigger model and I think I’m finally understanding it! Because salvation is such a huge topic the model needs to be big enough not to neglect one aspect of something that may be true. This is because our God is so big that He in many ways He can’t be nailed down.
In his article, “Salvation by Faith” Jan Paulson explains the biblical defintion and understanding of salvation by faith as identified in the writings of Paul in the Bible. Going along with our theme in class Paulson seems to have a bigger model that is more holistic in it’s approach. For example, Paulson talks about objective and subjective faith. Objective faith is faith that is obtained through the knowledge of Jesus and results in the confession that Jesus is Lord. In other words, this is really what we discussed in class when we talk about what Christ has done for us. We don’t know what Christ has done for us unless we have objective information. Then there is subjective faith which is what God is doing in us. Paulson explains this as growing in the trust of God. There have been camps that have pitched there tents on either side of this argument but Paulson takes the position that we must have both sides of salvation by faith in order for it to be complete. For faith is objective in that it descdribes what God has done for us, but doesn’t just stop there but must include God moving in us. Chapter 12 in Whidden’s book is also a good example of Ellen White having a bigger model. In the discussion of objective and subjective salvation Whidden presents White as attempting to balance the two ideas. She will not lean overly one way because of her mature view on the topic. Throughout this semester we’ve been challenged to have a bigger model and I think I’m finally understanding it! Because salvation is such a huge topic the model needs to be big enough not to neglect one aspect of something that may be true. This is because our God is so big that He in many ways He can’t be nailed down.
Comments on Kolia Afamasaga’s 11th Reflection Paper
Your reflection paper cleared my mind. I appreciate that. I want to make comments on two things. First one is about atonement. “Scripture and Ellen White that while there is a distinction between the objective and subjective atonement but they are not separated.” Yes, there is distinction but they cannot function without the other. And the other point is that “the Bible is cleared that we are sinful by nature and we can never reach the perfection of nature, only God is perfect in nature.” This is a quite tough topic but you boldly spoke out your conclusion and I liked it. As the article says, both Greek words do not mean sinless state. We are endlessly closer to God.
Comments on Kolia Afamasaga’s 11th Reflection Paper
Your reflection paper cleared my mind. I appreciate that. I want to make comments on two things. First one is about atonement. “Scripture and Ellen White that while there is a distinction between the objective and subjective atonement but they are not separated.” Yes, there is distinction but they cannot function without the other. And the other point is that “the Bible is cleared that we are sinful by nature and we can never reach the perfection of nature, only God is perfect in nature.” This is a quite tough topic but you boldly spoke out your conclusion and I liked it. As the article says, both Greek words do not mean sinless state. We are endlessly closer to God.
Paul in Romans 11 is so clear about the topic of foreknowledge. Purposely, Paul is out to convey the message of hope to chosen class in comparisons to the Gentiles. His message is profound; amidst the finite sight, God has the infinite sight. When Elijah was complaining about his ministry, God answered vividly by saying "I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal." In His foreknowledge, God does offer what He deems best for humanity and in the case of Elijah it was, message of hope at times of hopelessness.
Paul elaborates that, in God’s sight men are called and chosen by grace and not by works. Often at times we like Elijah want to see by deeds what others are doing so that we can classify them as Christians. Elijah wanted to sight full see prophets at work, but God knows who belongs to Him and this is due to the unmerited favor that He has given to all humanity that He foreknew in advance.
The aspect of the called is also featured in this passage by Paul. He quotes by saying’ “What the people of Israel sought so earnestly they did not obtain. The elect among them did, but the others were hardened…” The term used here in ‘the elect” not all who were of the seed of Abraham are sure Children of God, but only the elect are, and these are the ones God foreknew. I get challenged at times to realize that God even has hardened others not to receive the word, but because He is Sovereign, He does what He opt is good for humanity.
The message of Paul to the Gentiles seems stern; “For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.” He is trying to make them not to take their salvation for granted, because even the chosen Nation of Israel has some who have not been considered as the elect. Salvation is vividly portrayed as God’s business and not by anybody is dealings. He foreknows the ones who shall be in the lot of the elect.
Reflection 12 This week’s lecture was very helpful to my understanding of what we have been reading in Romans. I really appreciated Dr. Hanna’s explanation of those chapters. Though he did not give definite answers to all of the issues in Romans 9-11, the discussion definitely cleared a few of my previously written questions up a bit. The 12th chapter of Romans was much more simple for me to grasp. Paul sorts of sums up the chapter in the first couple verses where he talks about offering ourselves as living sacrifices. This chapter is a balance for all of the anti law language in Romans, which of course Paul has always been careful to temper and balance as he went along. It discusses what our lives will look like when we allow God to rule our lives. Thus this chapter talks about what God’s sanctification accomplishes in our lives including forming one body in the church and loving each other. There is a lot of practical advice in this chapter. I found this chapter in Whiddon’s book to largely be showing that Ellen White did not change her positions on Salvation after 1888. However, I did find the section about the seemingly perplexing statements to be interesting. I really liked the statement at the end of that section that these statements “were certainly forceful expressions of her ongoing delicate balance that sought to hold together merit and obedience, faith and works, law and gospel as the mutually complementary (not contradictory) essentials of salvation.” This reminds me of our need to be willing to openly look at the way seemingly contradictory Biblical statements work together and not fight against each other. Ellen White had a bigger model. Finally, I read the BRI document by Rodriguez about problems with Universal Justification. I found it to be largely a restatement of other articles on this subject by him and didn’t find anything new to comment on.
Tiago Baltazar Reading Reflection Paper 12 THST 540 – 11/16/08
In the thirteenth chapter of Whidden's book, I felt that the subject from the previous chapter was being explored deeper. I believe since 1888, Ellen White's biblical balance when she talks about justification and sanctification has been clear,. I understand that some details must be explained more accurately, which happens in the following years, but the correct essence is already there. I recognize Whidden's research work as being very detailed and meaningful, and I am sure it lays the much necessary foundations for the coming study of perfection. This week's BRI article on “Salvation comprises both God's gift and His claim upon our life” is, in my opinion, a complement to the one from last week. I enjoyed the holistic perspective presented in this article. Despite that fact that it might sound simplistic, there are two citations that I believe that resume the essence of this article “To see and accept what Christ has done for us is to know what He wishes to do through us” as well as the phrase that concludes the article: “To reject the judgement according to works, then, would be to reject the totality of God's redemptive intention. The Christ of the cross never leaves a person where He found him. The Christ of the cross always says to the one He justifies, "Take up the cross, and follow me." The judgement tests and witnesses to this reality.” This last concept seems to me a very poignant expression of the message left in the Scriptures. Romans 12 is to me a call to humility. Paul is very expressing in inviting each one of us to a peaceful state of being; Paul invites to an analysis of how selfish we are and how do we look at ourselves. This chapter is a call to humility and to community-centred life rather than self-centred. It sounds to me like a very intimate advice from Paul, going to the core of human nature and challenging that same nature to surrender itself to a complete transformation into God's image.
Reflections paper: Week Twelve Doctrine of Salvation
In Woodrow Whidden’s book was a continuation of the discussion on Ellen White’s view on Perfection, this time in light of the closing events in earth’s history. I was blessed to read about a question I have always struggled with, which, what does Ellen White really mean when she says God’s people will live without an intercessor during the time of trouble. What kind of perfection do they have? He showed that they are said to be perfect because they are no longer living with cherished sin or committing overt sins, “sins that are deliberately or willfully performed.” Ellen White stated that those who cherish sinful desires will not be saved, so that would imply that those who will be saved do not cherish sinful desires and therefore are considered perfect, able to live without an intercessor. We need a intercessor when we sin. After the close of probation, people would have made their decision as to who they will follow, Christ or Satan. So those who have chosen Christ will not be cherishing their sins but have absolute abhorrence for sin but that doesn’t mean that they don’t have human weaknesses anymore, they still have vile bodies and those vile bodies will be transformed at the second coming. These weaknesses will not be because of cherished sin and until Jesus comes, we will still need His sustaining power throughout our lives, but He just wont be interceding for sin, because we will hate sin. I was thankful for that understanding. Romans 12 talked about the new life in Christ for both Jews and Gentiles. It is related to chapter 11 thus it uses the word “therefore” in the first verse. In chapter 11, after addressing the Gentiles quite a bit, cautioning them on boasting because of having been grafted or accepted in the plan of salvation, it closes with him talking about how all have been shown mercy, the remnant, both Jews and Gentiles, and so the call to have a renewed mind and not conforming to the world and the presentation of the bodies as living sacrifice is to all who desire to be saved, the remnant, just as we discussed in class, spiritual Israel made up of both Jews and Gentiles. That transformation determines how one conducts his or her life in this world, things like keeping peace with all man, not being vengeful and not being overcome by evil but overcoming evil with good. This is basically the life of a transformed person belonging to the remnant. The BRI reading seemed to emphasize the same point, discussing Rom 3: 21-24, showing that all have sinned in not singling out any particular group of people but all people, Jews and Gentiles have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified by the gift of grace through faith. God’s salvation is inclusive, for He is not a respecter of man.
The article written by Jan Paulsen and Romans 11 both talk about the importance of faith and how we need to stand by it. beginning of the article Jan Paulsen said that without faith nothing can happen and faith itself is both objective and subjective. "faith is not specific not just religious feeling or a pious attitude." he also says; "It is important that due recognition be given to this subjective aspect of faith. For faith is not just the collection of the right theological information or historical data; nor, for that matter, is it the establishment of a convincing display of doctrines. These are all part of faith but by no means the sum of it." I agree with his points and we Christians need to have better understanding of what faith is.
When Paul says all Israel will be saved, I understood as the whole Israel, the whold nation until Dr. Hanna explained it as the spiritual Israel. All (spiritual) Israel will be saved and within the Spiritual Israel there are Gentiles and national Israel.
All the spiritual Israel will be saved, and we too will be saved, if we remain faithful and call on the name of the Lord in the end. Romans 11:20-21 "Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant bu be afraid. For if God did not spare the natural branches he wil not spare you either." If we remain faithful and stand by faith we will not break away from God.
Laurentiu Roman Reflection Paper 11 THST 540 – 11/19/08
In the article written by Edward Heppenstall, “Some Theological Considerations of Perfection” the question is if we can achieve perfection here on earth. My answer is no, if we refer to human nature perfection. Sanctification is presented as an accomplished event (1Cor. 6:11; Col. 3:9-10) and as a continuing process (Eph. 4:15-16). We are sanctified in Christ but our condition is far from perfect because we still sin and we won't be perfected until Jesus returns (1Thes. 5:23-24). There is a constant development toward sanctification and increasing knowledge and love of God. Ellen White said that “The Christian life is a battle and a march. In this warfare there is no release; the effort must be continuous and persevering.” If we are sanctified in this life it means that the sin was already eradicated from this world and from us. Although Ellen White is talking about one kind of perfection in this life, and that one is the character perfection and this one can not be achieved instantaneous, is the work of a life. In Whidden book, chapter twelve “Justification after Minneapolis” is presented the idea that faith and works are never separated, and I agree with this. Our good works do not justify us, so it is not our good works that produce our salvation, God give us our salvation as we cooperate with Him. These works are not actions that we do in order to be saved, they are actions and attitudes that grow out of our fellowship with the Holy Spirit, “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Eph. 2:10). In fact God has prepared these good works for us and only in Christ Jesus are we enabled to perform these good works. Ellen White said that “genuine faith can not exist without corresponding works. The experience of Abraham is presented. "Seest thou," he says, "how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?" Thus genuine faith does a genuine work in the believer. Faith and obedience bring a solid, valuable experience.” In Romans 12 apostle Paul appeals to our will. God calls us to make a choice about the way that we live for Him, and that we are able to offer ourselves to God as He works His mercy in us. Then Paul is talking about love which must be sincere without hypocrisy because it is not a real love. We must be patient in times of trouble because difficult times do not excuse us when we abandon hope or patience. Trials do not excuse a lack of love or a lack of willingness to do His work. More than this we must bless those who persecute us. And we don’t even know what means persecution for real. I think this means perfection. Being willingly to do this from a pure heart and working every moment it means perfection.
Laurentiu Roman Reflection Paper 12 THST 540 – 11/19/08
In the article written by Edward Heppenstall, “Some Theological Considerations of Perfection” the question is if we can achieve perfection here on earth. My answer is no, if we refer to human nature perfection. Sanctification is presented as an accomplished event (1Cor. 6:11; Col. 3:9-10) and as a continuing process (Eph. 4:15-16). We are sanctified in Christ but our condition is far from perfect because we still sin and we won't be perfected until Jesus returns (1Thes. 5:23-24). There is a constant development toward sanctification and increasing knowledge and love of God. Ellen White said that “The Christian life is a battle and a march. In this warfare there is no release; the effort must be continuous and persevering.” If we are sanctified in this life it means that the sin was already eradicated from this world and from us. Although Ellen White is talking about one kind of perfection in this life, and that one is the character perfection and this one can not be achieved instantaneous, is the work of a life. In Whidden book, chapter twelve “Justification after Minneapolis” is presented the idea that faith and works are never separated, and I agree with this. Our good works do not justify us, so it is not our good works that produce our salvation, God give us our salvation as we cooperate with Him. These works are not actions that we do in order to be saved, they are actions and attitudes that grow out of our fellowship with the Holy Spirit, “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Eph. 2:10). In fact God has prepared these good works for us and only in Christ Jesus are we enabled to perform these good works. Ellen White said that “genuine faith can not exist without corresponding works. The experience of Abraham is presented. "Seest thou," he says, "how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?" Thus genuine faith does a genuine work in the believer. Faith and obedience bring a solid, valuable experience.” In Romans 12 apostle Paul appeals to our will. God calls us to make a choice about the way that we live for Him, and that we are able to offer ourselves to God as He works His mercy in us. Then Paul is talking about love which must be sincere without hypocrisy because it is not a real love. We must be patient in times of trouble because difficult times do not excuse us when we abandon hope or patience. Trials do not excuse a lack of love or a lack of willingness to do His work. More than this we must bless those who persecute us. And we don’t even know what means persecution for real. I think this means perfection. Being willingly to do this from a pure heart and working every moment it means perfection.
Reflection Paper#12 (Week Ending November 15, 2008) (Sheldon Smith) In Romans chapter 12, Paul seems to make a transition from sorting out the Israelites and Gentiles with regard to their physical and spiritual calling and their purpose within the previous eleven chapters to a pinnacle where he is now encouraging spiritual Israel (the church which includes both Jews and Gentiles), to serve God wholeheartedly and to live peaceably together with each other. He does this highlighting the fact that individuals should serve the church with whatever gifts they possess and even more than that, they should show love for one another. Rodriguez identifies some problems with legal justification which I deem to be true. What came across my mind as I read the problems that he identified was the fact that if legal justification were true, and that all have been redeemed through Christ’s death, the doctrine of Christ’s atoning work in the sanctuary would make no sense and for individuals living on earth, we could just live as we please since Jesus paid it all and we are saved in Him. What appealed to me this week in a significant sense was the statement in Whidden book made by Ellen White where she stated that “If we were perfect, we wouldn’t need a savior.” The reason this appealed to me was the fact that many times individuals within and without the Adventist church profess or purport the doctrine of perfectionism. However, it is clear from the Bible and Ellen White’s writing that one cannot become perfect by any merits of oneself. The only perfection we have is as a result of us abiding constantly in the merits of Christ. This can only be done through continual confession, dying to sin and faith in the “Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world and ever liveth to make intercession for us.” There was another point that E.G. White made regarding justification and sanctification. She said that the two, even though they are distinguishable should not be separated. And as I read and did my research in this area, one person made the comment that justification and sanctification are like “Siamese twins.”
verse 9 is such a powerful and distinct promise. "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. You can find two things in this verse that have been debated in prior verses. "confess with you mouth" = (works) "believe in your heart" = (faith) Both of these; faith and works, work together unto righteousness. Then verse 10 gives the reason of what we found in verse 9. We are justified through our belief and we are saved through our confession. Then this is concluded in 13 "for, "everyone who calls on the name of the Lrd will be saved." I just love Romans 10 It is our salvation model and foundation. Why would God give such instructions on how to be saved if He had predestined us in the Calvinistic way? If I make up my mind that I'm going to break up with my girlfriend from the beginning of our relationship, I will probably not give her directions on how to win me over. Maybe thats a stretch of an illustration, but that is how my mind works.
Reflection Paper #12 In Roman 12 the Apostle Paul is appealing to the Christians to live transformed lives. This life is a total reversed from their previous life before they found Christ. This new lifestyle includes the total surrender of selves to God. He also mentioned that each believer, God gave them gifts to be used for His service. This is significant, because Paul is reminding Christians that Christ saved them from their sins, and so they ought to respond in a life of service. In serving God their new lifestyle will be enriched and they will no longer conform to the ways of the world. It is not a work of services as a mean of salvation but a life of obedience in respond to God’s saving grace. In this chapter the Apostle ruled out any idea of being passive in a relationship between the sinner and his Savior. In the 13th chapter of Whidden’s book, the emphasis is on the Ellen White’s Gospel balance on justification after the Minneapolis saga. It is clearly indicated that Ellen White never separated the objective justification from the subjective justification. To Ellen White Christ’s righteousness is active in the soul of the believer to produce righteous acts and obedience life. This is significant to my understanding on the subject of salvation, because it shows that justification does not end at the repentance and the forgiveness but overlapping with sanctification. This is really inline with our last class discussion that Christ’s atonement continues after the Cross and into His high priestly ministry. Christ is still our mercy’s seat and our covering. Another fascinating part of our lecture is how we see the bigger model of what Paul is saying about “Israel being saved.” Although, it is true that Paul kind of contradicting himself but using the bigger model with understanding of what Paul is mentioning in other chapters helps us. Paul is seeing the saved Israel as Spiritual Israel with the inclusion of both the Jews and the Gentiles. This model is really important because it takes us away from the Jews believing that in the end time God will save all Israel, which does not supported by Scripture. And it is also show that God is interest in everyone, the Jews and the Gentiles, for He is a loving God. BRI article “Salvation by Faith” by Pastor Jan Paulsen really laid out the Biblical perspective of Faith. Paulsen emphasized the Objective and Subjective dimensions of faith. It clarify the true meaning of faith, not just believing but also living it out in the life of obedience. Paulsen expanded on Ellen White’s comments that “faith includes not only belief but trust.” These dimensions of faith indicated that faith is not only something that is internal [believing of the mind] but also external through practical godliness. This is becomes clearer when faith is discuss on the context of obedience. This is a very balance view on faith and that is how the Apostle Paula and the Apostle James alluded to faith that works, faith involves obedience to the person of Jesus. Faith is not qualified as biblical faith if it only believes without practical living of faith.
Class was interesting today. I somehow knew that Elder Paulson would present a controversial subject and wasn't surprised that the reaction of the class brought out an almost argumentative tension from Kevin. He surely speaks his mind doesn't he. It doesn't impress me that he can quote texts or page and citation from Ellen White when it is clear that he wishes to prove his point and win an argument to show that his viewpoint is right over whatever anyone else believes. I appreciate his passion towards this, but it was said in class that people have explored this perfection subject til they've split churches right down the middle.
The BRI documents and the book on Whidden both deal with this topic, but one word that I haven't read or heard mentioned is the idea of "blamelessness". I believe that when perfection is thought of in those terms, it would clear up alot of misunderstandings about what status believers who overcome finally attain. Daniel for instance could be a prime example of someone who overcame (1:8), yet in his confessional prayer in chapter nine, he claims "we have sinned". Daniel's supplication doesn't rest on the fact that he's overcome, but that the nation, including himself, are rebels and God's righteousness is called on "for thine own sake".
Yes, we are to endeavour to endure temptation, but perfection as a status is a great deception. Especially when facing them on our own and the emphasis on victory, from the sinful nature, can only lead to pride and selfishness.
Salvation is possible because of God's lovingkindness towards rebels. Rebels who appear blameless as they stand in the shadow of the cross. Just as Paul stated in 1 Cor. 1:8 and we also have to remember that God uses this term of Abraham. Colossians 1:22 is another good usage of anegkletos.
So in the whole scope, I fear that the controversy of how God's people will stand without a mediator is a fearful aspect which has driven some dedicated folk to passionately seek out how this will "work" in the end of time.
I take hope in the fact that Christ is my righteousness.
This week’s reading materials are mostly related to justification. First in Whidden’s book, it shows that how those hot issued concepts were developed after Minneapolis. Ellen White emphasized on obedience now. Her conclusion is as usual we are justified by faith. Describing it, she is just emphasizing the process which is obedience. She said, “no one can be saved in disobedience.” This is true. How can a man be saved if he doesn’t want to listen to God? I felt that Ellen White just wanted everything to be balanced and she felt that she focused on faith alone little bit much so now she focused on the importance of obedience. As for me, doctrine is of course important but if people don’t have new birth experience they will just fight only for doctrines. The more important thing is to apply them into our lives. Rodriguez talks about legal universal justification. Legal universal justification means that “all human beings come into the world legally saved.” This undermines the Bible. So Rodriguez uses in Christ/ in Adam motif to explain this. His conclusion is righteousness by faith. Of course we get grace of God but it comes through our faith. But in this article, this Ellen White’s phrase made me think which is “Through faith we receive the grace of God; but faith is not our Savior.” When we focus on faith alone we often forget Christ. Without Christ, faith itself is nothing. Roman 13 is talking about government. It seemed that it is not related to commandments or justification but it is. Paul says in verse 8, “Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.” So don’t try to obey the law with your effort because if you don’t have love in your mind it is impossible to keep them. Here Paul focuses on true law. In the class, I was cleared what true Israel means in Romans. With that clear concept on Israel, I could solve many difficult verses in the book.
In his article Angiel Rodriguez talks about legal universal justification. I must say that this is a topic that I’ve never considered, I never knew this discussion existed. Yet in reading the article I can’t help but ask why some would take such a radical view. Although I am a theologian in training even I can see that such a view that indicates that all humanity is legally and universally justified is not biblical. What are the affects of such a view? Doesn’t this view support predestination? It would seem to me that it would because basically everybody in this view tends to be saved (unless I’m misinterpreting the meaning of the term). The other question I have though about legal universal justification is that if when born we received God’s justfication then why doesn’t Jesus identify all humanity as his children? Throughout the gospels Jesus not one time calls those who do not exhibit faith in Him His children. If they were universally justified then why doesn’t Jesus recognize this? The more I read Whitten’s book the more I have a deeper appreciation for the ministry of Ellen White. Again Whitten consistently shows Ellen White’s balance between justification and sanctification. In her thinking the two were not separate but linked together. She did not lean excessively to a doctrine of salvation by the merit of imparted righteousness while at the same time not denying the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. If I’m right, this is really the holistic beauty of Adventist Theology and an important contribution that is made. This balance made by Ellen White is portrayed in the Adventist Doctrine of the Sanctuary. In this teaching we understand that Christ is working on our behalf even now in the heavenly sanctuary. In fact our prayer after our sin are made acceptable only because Christ imparts his righteousness to them. I’m unsure whether Protestant theology has such an understanding when dealing with imputed righteousness. This balance is then seen throughout Rom 12 but particularly verses 1 and 2. In them Paul encourages the believers to present their bodies and living sacrifices so that they can prove what is good and acceptable. Then Paul quickly reminds them however that their righteousness really isn’t good enough. He tells them in verse 3 not to think of themselves highly. So in these verses and throughout the rest of the chapter it becomes clear that Paul is also attempting to have an balanced holistic view when it comes to objective and subjective justification.
Reflection Paper #12 The class discussion last week was very informative and reviewed some crucial points that we often over look when studying scripture. I’m learning to pay attention to every word that I read now, and appreciate the meaning and the context of every word. For example, we spent a lot of time discussing the meaning of “Israel” in Romans 9. It was a good exercise for us. We haven’t discussed the Old Testament in great detail, therefore, it was worthwhile to analyze the meanings of certain words from the Old Testament and frame the New Testament vocabulary in harmony with the Old Testament. In addition, the article by Rodriguez was a good review of the topics we’ve discussed throughout the semester. I can see the problems legal universal justification delineated by Rodriguez. Again, the model of salvation must be bigger than what legal universal justification suggests. Next, in Whidden’s book, we see a vivid picture drawn of what our prayers and works really look like when we attempt to offer them up to God. In addition, the controversy surrounding Ellen White’s statement “‘by perfect obedience to the requirements of God’s holy law,’ man is justified” is an interesting one. However, I do believe that if we study the book of James and Romans one can make an argument in support of her abovementioned statement. I believe that both Paul and James made some valid points regarding justification that were both consistent and contradictory with one other in a similar fashion as the one mentioned in this chapter of Whidden’s book. Romans 12, is one of my favorite passages in the Bible, because it provides the framework for healthy relationships with our fellow brethren. The text also talks about how we should treat each other and how to live in this world. The language and the tone of message found in Romans 12 reminded me of the messages Jesus would teach.
Reflection # 8 After numerous articles dealing with the topic of Universal Legal Justification and Being ‘In Christ’ or ‘in Adam’; this article really delved into Romans chapter 5. I appreciate how the author took the chapter a verse or two at a time and then explained them, even if he did get into the Greek once in a while! I guess what I hadn’t really seen before, and what the author brought out, is how Paul spoke so much about how death was universal. Paul spoke about how death was the result of Adam’s action, and death was universal, coming to every individual who would live on the earth after. It was interesting how the author pointed out the not everybody was ‘in Adam’ when Adam sinned, necessitating some sort of dualistic view of human nature; but rather again the results of Adam’s sin was universal and permanent. Now I hadn’t thought about this before, but the author pointed out how if the argument of all mankind being in Adam when he sinned, would then lead to all mankind being in Christ when he died. Then this would mean that we all participated in our salvation process by bearing our own sins in Christ, throwing the substitutionary atonement out the window. Also in the theme of following an argument through to the end, the author also brought another argument out that I liked. He pointed out that if we accept the concept of universalism, it results in the condition that we find ourselves as a result of Adam’s sin as unavoidable and permanent. However following that argument through leads to us finding ourselves in a condition of benefiting from what Jesus has accomplished as unavoidable and permanent, negating our choice. Some good points from that article. From Whidden’s book in chapter 9, there are a couple aspects of Justification by faith that I would like to touch on. He used the ‘safety net’ expression to talk about how the net under a tight rope walker is the ‘imputed’ righteousness of Christ. At first I was bother by this analogy. I imagined he was saying that every believer has to go at it alone and then if they fall, Christ will catch them. But as I pondered it more, it’s true that Christ will catch us if we fall, no problem there. But then I followed his logic as he explained how the believer who is learning the Christian walk will only fall as far as Christ’s ‘imputed’ righteousness, which is what ultimately saves us anyways. So after some thought I followed what he was saying and appreciated it. I would like to end with one quote that says, “We can do nothing, absolutely nothing, to commend ourselves to divine favor.”
Romans Ch. 8 Whidden Ch. 9 BRI: Justification and the Cross
Reflection # 9 I hadn’t noticed this before, but as Paul begins writing in Romans 9:1-5, he has ‘great sorrow’ because his people the Israelites have been so blessed and favored by God in so many ways, but have ended up mostly rejecting God. Paul is so sorrowed and has such ‘unceasing anguish’ that he expresses what Moses expressed, that he wishes he could be cut off from God instead of the others. But then at the end of verse 5 Paul mentions Christ and his tone changes and it seems like he again experiences all that it means to know his Lord and Savior, high and lifted up, and finishes by saying Amen! It’s just great, Paul maybe had a touch of discouragement, but when focused again on Christ, he simple is overwhelmed and praises Jesus! Within this chapter are the familiar verses used by people who try to make God a deterministic ruler who arbitrarily chooses whom he will save and destroy, using the example of Jacob and Esau. From our discussion in class earlier, it’s easy to see that God still “bears with great patience the objects of his wrath”. Couple this together with ample evidence elsewhere in scripture it’s plain enough to see that God allows people to choose for or against him. Although at a surface reading, I guess it’s easy enough to see how people would readily believe in an arbitrary and deterministic God. How about this BRI article, quite long indeed! But I believe that I made it. I read some ‘word plays’ that I hadn’t heard before. Such as speaking about the topic of faith and works, the author said that there are the two extremes of “working for justification or the justified not working”, consequently both being denied by Paul, as he brought out. I also had never heard the “righteousness by faith, not righteousness by fate” expression before either. I appreciated how the author pointed out that it is only by “beholding Him and seeing the inseparable connection between His saviourhood and lordship can we rightly explain the relationship between justification and judgment, faith and works. As Christ cannot be divided, so these realities that relate to Him cannot be separated from each other. Through the power of the Spirit faith always leads to fruit in the lives of the justified.” This again sums up what we discuss in class, that the process of salvation is both to precious and complex to simply reduce it to a few words. And on the other hand it’s simple enough to be a gift to all. Truly the work of God!
Romans Ch. 9 Whidden Ch. 10 BRI: Justification by Faith and Judgment According to Works
Comments on Laurentiu Roman’s 12th reflection paper
In this class, I have been clearing my thoughts on many subjects and I am sure that what I am believing is true now. First, you mentioned “Sanctification is presented as an accomplished event (1Cor. 6:11; Col. 3:9-10) and as a continuing process (Eph. 4:15-16).” Actually, sanctification is mystery for humans beings to understand so this is I think the best way to explain the concept. Another point that I liked is that “constant development toward sanctification and increasing knowledge and love of God.” When we grow up to God we should love God more and more.
Reflection # 10 I quite enjoyed this reading assignment for this week. It had the common theme of Justification by faith running through all of it. A couple aspects of Justification were address, such as universal Legal Justification (again), and justification by works (or salvation by works). Reading from the BRI article, I wasn’t aware that the verses from Romans 3 had ever been used to try and support the idea of everybody being justified ‘in Adam’. Once again the author points out the words ‘In Adam’ are never found anywhere in the whole book of Romans. Furthermore I found it quite amusing how the author mentioned that “There is no reference in the context to Adam and there is no need to introduce him here.” Just keep him out of here he’s saying! The author does go on to present ample evidence from the text that when Paul says that “all are justified”, it is referring to a present action to the believer, not a historical universal action of Christ on the cross. Whidden makes a comment in his chapter that I feel is almost a little derogatory. He is addressing how R.J. Weiland has written extensively regarding the 1888 GC, and says that “it appears that the positions of Wieland and his admirers have missed the central point of the whole 1888 emphasis”, emphasis supplied. Now I have no problem with the case he is presenting, but I am questioning his use of the word ‘admirers’. To use that word seems to me that Whidden is lowering his scholarly standard to achieve his point. I feel he achieved his point well enough without resorting to elaborate on other people’s feelings of Weiland, whether he encouraged that support or not. Anyways, I did enjoy reading about Mrs. White’s great emphasis on Justification by faith. But more so, how people would 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.” She had no problem emphasizing Justification by faith because she knew that if it was properly and biblically taught the ‘law would take care of itself” Paul says in Romans 10: 4 that ‘Christ is the end of the law’. If only more people could find themselves at the foot of cross, seeing Jesus there and all that it could mean for them!
Reflection # 11 I so very much enjoyed the BRI article that was for this reading. To me it was like a devotional reading. It spoke so much about the joy that is available from experiencing justification in Jesus Christ. The author brought out how “In the matter of salvation there are two basic indisputable facts: (1) God is just, and (2) we are not.” And that is so much the truth, yet there seems to be such a striving within us as humans that leads us to believe that there must be something that we must contribute in order to experience salvation, or at least that’s what I had experienced in my life, and didn’t even know I was doing it at first. It was not until in my life when I experienced the incredible joy that comes from knowing Jesus Christ, and experiencing his Justification, that everything really came into focus. And actually then was time when there started to be huge victories in my life. So yes I believe whole heartedly in a transforming faith, but is it possible that often times people are urged to have the transforming before having Jesus? Within my short experience of pastoring, I talked to people who were on such a shaky relationship with Jesus, because they were measuring their connection with Jesus by their external actions, or usually the lack of them. Yet when I would ask them about their relationship with Jesus, there really was none, there wasn’t any love experience that had happened, and all they could talk about was external actions and where they were continually falling. And so I wonder, do we sometimes error in our presentation of the gospel, is it possible that we expect external performance to soon in a believer’s life? Again, I totally believe in the intimate connection of Justification and Sanctification as brought out in the article, yet it is my belief that any external correction of action ultimately must come from a changed thought process that has been molded and guided by the incredibly love of Jesus by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Any other correction of external action would be in my estimate building on the sand and sooner or later you will implode upon yourself, realizing that you no longer have the power to continue the façade. It is impossible for there not to be any change in a person when Jesus becomes their Lord and Savior, and like the author mentions concerning this “The change in posture is radical: it involves a turning away from self, and a focusing on Christ. We abandon our achievement scorecards and confess that at the end of day only Christ's achievement matters.” From the chapter in Whidden’s book, I really like the analogy of the street car and the bus. Whidden mentioned how literally, none of us have enough in our “tanks”, but must we must be “trolley cars all the way to the kingdom-every moment and mile of the way!” Romans chapter 11 involved dealt with spiritual and national Israel. What I really enjoyed and learned a lot about was the discussion of how some people believe that there will be a spiritual Israel that is taken away, and then the national Israel will get a 2nd chance. I had always heard about this, but didn’t fully understand how they tried to support their belief. As for me, I’m thankful to be a branch supported by the root!
Romans Ch. 11 Whidden Ch. 12 BRI: Salvation by Faith
Reflections paper: Week Thirteen Doctrine of Salvation
Chapter 16 of “Ellen White on Salvation” further discussed about her views on Perfection, showing how she was consistent in her approach to character perfection as a high goal that God would have us attain to. She was also consistently clear that this was the work of God in our being, a life time process, as we become more and more like Jesus. Her motivation in this position and strong rebuke of extreme views was to have God’s people “rely upon the merits of Jesus as s sin pardoning Savior”, as the foundation of victory over sin. Jan Paulson’s article in the BRI was on how it is by faith that we are saved. He addressed the fact that faith is both objective and subjective, objective in that it makes what Christ did for mankind real, His death on the cross, His resurrection and His Lordship over us, and subjective in that if focuses on the transformational power that it has for the life of the Christian, it makes us desire a better life and to seek to become like Christ. He showed how faith is closely related to obedience and hope, which are some to the elements that bring transformation to our lives as Christian. Faith does not do away with the need to obey the laws of God. This ties in with Romans 13, which addresses the need to obey even the authorities on earth, touching how they are put in place and ordained by God to rule over mankind. A Christian saved by faith will be a good citizen of the land and will live in accordance to the principles that are set to govern society, of course as long as they are in accordance to the higher law of God. Chapter 13 summarized obedience to the law as loving your neighbor as yourself, a principle which encompasses all God’s laws touching our relationship with each other as humans, the last six of the ten commandments. In our class discussion we talked about the international gospel of peace, further building on the point that salvation was not meant for the Jews only but for the Gentiles also. It is an international gospel to be preached and lived by an international remnant.
Reflections paper: Week Thirteen Doctrine of Salvation
Chapter 16 of “Ellen White on Salvation” further discussed about her views on Perfection, showing how she was consistent in her approach to character perfection as a high goal that God would have us attain to. She was also consistently clear that this was the work of God in our being, a life time process, as we become more and more like Jesus. Her motivation in this position and strong rebuke of extreme views was to have God’s people “rely upon the merits of Jesus as s sin pardoning Savior”, as the foundation of victory over sin. Jan Paulson’s article in the BRI was on how it is by faith that we are saved. He addressed the fact that faith is both objective and subjective, objective in that it makes what Christ did for mankind real, His death on the cross, His resurrection and His Lordship over us, and subjective in that if focuses on the transformational power that it has for the life of the Christian, it makes us desire a better life and to seek to become like Christ. He showed how faith is closely related to obedience and hope, which are some to the elements that bring transformation to our lives as Christian. Faith does not do away with the need to obey the laws of God. This ties in with Romans 13, which addresses the need to obey even the authorities on earth, touching how they are put in place and ordained by God to rule over mankind. A Christian saved by faith will be a good citizen of the land and will live in accordance to the principles that are set to govern society, of course as long as they are in accordance to the higher law of God. Chapter 13 summarized obedience to the law as loving your neighbor as yourself, a principle which encompasses all God’s laws touching our relationship with each other as humans, the last six of the ten commandments. In our class discussion we talked about the international gospel of peace, further building on the point that salvation was not meant for the Jews only but for the Gentiles also. It is an international gospel to be preached and lived by an international remnant.
Tiago Baltazar Reading Reflection Paper 13 THST 540 – 11/25/08
After reading the first chapter of Whidden on the issue of perfection -- I am looking forward too see his ideas develop in following chapters. I enjoyed reading this analysis of perfection, as it is something I agree with, and as far as I have studied, I believe it also appears perfectly biblical. Much could be said about this chapter, and there are several points that I think that should be taken into consideration by our church. There are, however, three issues pointed out by Whidden that I think are calling us to deep reflection, not just personally but also as the collective church and civilization we are: Unity, Humility and Patience. Whidden was extremely accurate in the distinction of these three issues, these are, to me, the same principles that Jesus tries to impart to his disciples. I also believe that we should be searching more diligently for these, not only as individuals but also as the body of Christ. The last BRI document on the series of Justification and Assurance of Salvation was an objective conclusion to these issues. I enjoyed to read the clarification on the bonding ties between the Investigative Judgement and the Final Judgement. While reading Romans 13, I enjoy how Paul gives a practical dimension to love as in its social and moral expressions. And that explanation of love seems to me to be the essence of this chapter, for all the other things mentioned are consequences of loving one another. Even though this chapter is not as poetic as 1Cor 13, I see in it a complementarity to it. At the same time it is interesting how Paul explains the concept of law in this chapter, it resembles the explanation given in previous chapters about the moral law, and can be also an aid to understanding it.
Tatiana Perez RP #8 When reading the article on Justification and the Cross by Angel Manuel Rodriguez, I was reminded again at how useful learning greek can really be when studying the passage. I was really impressed at his ability to get to the true meaning and intent of the texts when studying the greek and the context. I had no idea that this passage (Rom. 5:12-21) could create such theological controversy just by the way different people interpret it. But I like the authors interpretation of it and solid biblical exegesis. I feel that I can understand better now the relationship between Adam, and how his sin affected everyone, and Jesus, and how his sacrifice affects us all too. What's amazing to me is that Adam's sin was far reaching enough that no human being can escape from the results of sin (death) or the fallen human nature, but what Christ did for us is even more powerful and far reaching than what Adam did. Christ's sacrifice was enough to cover the sins of everyone who ever lived and more, and yet, so many people will not take advantage of this free gift and will reject His offer of eternal life. I see here another example of God's overabounding love and man's foolishness. The chapter on "The Nature of Christ and Salvation" was also very insightful. It helped to explain more to me the controversy that exists, particularly, in the SDA Church regarding the nature of Christ when he was here on earth. A part of me just wants to say, "does it really matter?" But when I read this chapter I can understand more why it does really matter how we understand Christ's divinity. Some people say that Jesus had the same fallen nature as we have, and therefore He can understand exactly what it's like for us to be tempted. Others argue that Christ was more like Adam, before his fall, and this makes sure that he was indeed sinless when he died. I like the way that the author confronts the controversy. He studied what Ellen White's position on the subject was and tries to come with a balanced conclusion. It seems that the most important thing to Ellen White was not so much how she defined the nature of Christ, but how we interpret it when it comes to justification by faith and our salvation. She emphasized how we need to depend more on Christ and not ourselves. We need to depend, not only on his death for our justification, but also on his life and resurrection. Romans 8 has always been my favorite chapter from the book of Romans. It seems to me to be the central message of the whole book. Here it seems to come to a conclusion on our justification by faith when it starts out saying, "Therefore there is now no condemnation to those who are hid in Christ by faith." Whenever I'm struggling with forgiveness and my assurance of salvation, this is always a good chapter for me to read. Another part of the chapter that I really like is in verses 26 and 27, when it talks about the Holy Spirit putting into words our deepest thoughts and emotions. This gives me comfort when I don't know what to say in my prayers, but want to talk to God about what's on my heart. Finally, the last part of the chapter is a very famous passage because of the beautiful message it carries. "What can separate us from the love of God?"... This passage is another one of my favorites in the whole Bible and brings a beautiful message of hope of God's love for us.
Reflection Paper #13 In Roman 13 the Apostle Paul is appealing to the Christians to live in harmony with those who are in authority. This subject that is encouraged by the Apostle indicated that we ought to submit to government because it was God who put them in charge of nations. The Apostle then moved to the topic of love in relation to the law. Loving other people is the fulfillment of God’s law. This has great significant because law and love go hand in hand. It is one way of claiming to love God but if one lives a life of disobedience to God’s law, does not have a genuine love. Here the Apostle take the position that God’s law is still valid as he put Jesus’ saying to “love your neighbor as yourself” alongside God’s law. The Apostle is urging the Christians to love one another because Christ is soon to appear in clouds of glory. To the Apostle, it is the right thing to do as Christians are awaiting Christ’s soon returns they ought to practice true love. The expectation of Jesus’ return was in times of the Apostle and it is ever closer than then as we seen signs been fulfilled before our own eyes. So, the validity of the Apostle’s advice to cast off all the sins that are holding us back but put on the armor of light and this armor of light is Jesus Christ. In the 14h chapter of Whidden’s book, the emphasis is on the Ellen White’s teaching on perfection before 1888. It is amazing how her understanding of Perfection is so balanced with Scripture. Ellen White’s perfection differed from the Wesleyans; her understanding of perfection has distinguishing qualities. I believed these qualities made her position on perfection easy to understand. When she talks about the absolute attainable of perfection in our characters, she was referring to total surrender to God’s will, active effort that is required on behalf of an individual and perfection is a fruit of sanctification that is progressive. It is interesting how said that “no one is to claim perfection.” This indicated that while her understanding of perfection is attainable but it cannot be attained on this side of glorification. Ellen White’s perfection is never absolute, that tried to do away from cherishing sin but surrender to God. It’s a Christian experience that can never be like that of Jesus. She even claimed that Jesus is the only ONE that is perfect. BRI article by Gerhard Pfandl “Some Thoughts on Original Sin” discusses the progressive understanding of the original sin. This subject is considered very important because it can affect our understanding of Christ’s nature. It is comforting to know that Ellen White’s had contributed to the correct understanding of Adventist on this subject. The original sin is the understanding of how Adam’s sin affect the human race. We are deprived of being good but tendencies to evil are our nature. Therefore, we are sinners by nature but not mere wrong doing. This understanding of the original sin helps us to know that everyone is in need of Christ’s as our Savior. This understanding also helped me to understand about the international nature of the gospel as we discussed in class. The Apostle Paul often relate to the gospel as the international peace, this peace we need as an answer to the international problem of sins. This unique view on the gospel from the Apostle Paul’s writing is very important because the original sin of Adam had affected the whole human race. But the gospel of Jesus Christ, through His obedience brought this peace between man and God again.
In the article "Justification in Romans 3:21-24", We read an analysis on the passage regarding what kind of justification or "righteousness from God" the Bible is talking about. The beautiful message that Paul brings to us talks about the hope that we can have as christians in being justified through faith in Jesus. In contrast with the past life of condemnation from sin and breaking the law, we can all have hope of forgiveness and a new life. And this hope belongs to everyone alike, both jews and gentiles. We all have sinned, but we all can receive righteousness as a gift, even when we don't deserve it. But this is not a universal justification that doesn't need faith. In order to receive this free gift we need to believe in Christ and have faith in his redemption and grace. This passage gives me hope because it reminds me of the wonderful promise of forgiveness of sins and justification by faith. I just pray that God may help me to trust in Him and in Jesus as my Savior. Chapter 10 of "Ellen White on Salvation" talks about her ministry after the Minneapolis General Conference session in 1888, particularly regarding her ministry in speaking and writing about salvation, justification and sanctification, and what position did she take in response to the different movements that were going on in the church. Between the years 1888 to 1902, Ellen White seemed to emphasize more the topic of salvation, and it was the period of greatest importance for her on this issue. This was greatly influences by the Minneapolis session and it's aftermath, her project on the "Life of Christ" and all the writings that came from that, and the different movements in the church, particularly the "Receive Ye the Holy Ghost" movement. During the 1888 GC session, when there was a controversy between Waggoner, Jones and the church leaders, Mrs. White strongly supported the former stance on Justification by Faith. But when these popular speakers, along with other evangelists, started to emphasize perfection of the spirit and the body, and their message about receiving the Holy Spirit, she strongly opposed their extreme views. She wrote many pages regarding the correct way to view perfection, justification and sanctification. Though sometimes, throughout the years, she seemed to emphasize justification or sanctification, all in all she always seemed to want to reach a balance between the two. I think that her consistency and strength to stick to her beliefs in what God had revealed to her is proof of her reliability regarding these topics. In Romans 10 Paul addresses the issue of the Jews and their problem with the gospel. Many jews had grown up believing that because they were of the lineage of Abraham, as long as they kept the laws, they would be saved. But here Paul points to the erroneous beliefs that they have and how much they need the good news of the gospel just as much as the gentiles (for there is no difference between them in the eyes of God). But unfortunately, most jews were very stubborn and clung to their old ways. I'm sure that Paul's heard was aching when he wrote this. I pray that I'm not like the jews, stubbornly clinging to their traditions and beliefs, but open and humble to receive Christ.
Tatiana Perez RP #11 In the book "Ellen White on Salvation" chapter 12 deals with the issue of justification after 1888 in the ministry of Ellen White. First of all, when Waggoner presented his speach on justification by faith in Christ, she heartily supported his message and said that she had also promoted these ideas in her ministry. Though previously in her ministry the subject of justification was mentioned, it was not so explicit as in the years following 1888. However we can see that she promoted the life of Christ and this message always in an implicit way at least. But after 1888 it seems that she woke up to the need to really emphasize this message to the people more than ever before. We can see by the sermons she gave and her writings that she had a great burden to share with all believers the need to trust in Christ righteousness for our justification, and not in any merits that we might have. It seemed that with all the legalism and other erroneous teachings that occurred during those years, the message was well timed. It brought hope to many believers of that time, as it continues to do today. I think that today there continues to be a great need for emphasizing the message of justification by faith. And the article "Salvation by Faith" by Jan Paulsen goes right along with these lines. In this message that he gave years ago he clearly emphasized the need for us to have faith in Christ for our justification as well as for our sanctification. This faith is both objective and subjective. But let us not think that just because we have faith in Christ there is no need to emphasize obedience. On the contrary, true faith brings about true obedience. This faith also gives us hope for the future. When we look to God for our hope of salvation and place our trust in Him, He brings about the good work in us. It is not by our merits or by keeping the law, but because of Christ and his sacrifice for us that we can have such a precious gift as eternal life and reconciliation with God. Pr. Jan Paulsen gives a beautiful presentation and exposition on this subject reminding us the need for us to put our faith completely in our Lord. His 3 concluding remarks on what we need to do are very good too. He concludes with what God expects of us: 1) A commitment and surrender to Him that is unqualified and wholehearted; 2) a people who keep looking to Christ; 3) a people who are firmly established in the knowledge and practice of Christ's way of life. I think this message should always be the center of our sermons to all the brethren. Romans 11 starts with a hopeful message to the Jewish nation. In the previous chapter Paul explained the spiritual problem of the jews and their need for the gospel. Here he speaks of the hope that there exists for the jews, just like for him. They too can receive Christ and be saved. He then explains how the gentiles have become a part of God's people, but warns that they should be careful and not get proud, or else the same thing can happen to them that happened to the unbelieving jews. And finally Paul speaks about the spiritual Israel that includes all who believe in Christ as their Savior and put their hopes in Him. This good news reaches to all of us. I thank God because I'm reminded of the hope that exists for all of us frail human beings. All we need is to put our faith, hope and trust in Him.
The article titled "Some Problems with Legal Universal Justification" is a follow up of some previous articles, especially the one "Comments on the 'In Christ/In Adam' Motifs". Here Angel Manuel Rodriquez outlines eight problems regarding this. It seems that some people have erroneously come to a conclusion that there is another type of justification which is attributed to all human beings when Christ dies, just like Adam's sinful nature was passed on to all humans. These eight problems with this belief are as follows: 1) Legal universal justification separates God's justifying act from the reception of the gift of the Spirit, or the new birth. 2) Legal universal justification implies that all human beings come into the world legally saved, pardoned, justified; from God's perspective they are not lost. 3) Legal universal justification is a threat to the biblical teaching of the nature of humans. 4) Legal universal justification misunderstands and misuses the Pauline phrase "in Christ". 5) Legal universal justification creates serious theological problems through its understanding of the "in Christ" formula. 6) Legal universal justification undermines the biblical teaching that CHrist bore our sins and their penalty on the cross. 7) Universal legal justification introduces a non-biblical understanding of Christ's substitutionary death. 8) Universal legal justification tends to see faith as a threat to Christ's objective work of salvation. Though I don't know much about legal universal justification, it is clear to me that this is an erroneous view of justification from the Biblical perspective. But I think that I will have to read more on the subject to understand all that it implies. In chapter 12 of the book "Ellen White on Salvation" the author continues to talk about the message on salvation that Mrs. White spoke about, especially in the aftermath of the 1888 GC. Here we see how, even though the message was the same before and after 1888, there was definitely more emphasis on certain messages. When it came to the issue on perfection and our frailty as humans to keep the law and obey, Mrs. White emphasizes Christ's love and patience toward us sinful creatures. His continuing mediation for us in the heavenly sanctuary is also often pointed to to explain how God deals with us. To me there seems to be a very hopeful message here. With all the pressure of being "perfect" and not sinning once we have been justified and accepted Christ in our lives, though we should, as a natural outpouring of our love for God, do our best to do what is right and obey Him, yet God knows that we are weak ,sinful human beings and has infinite patience with us. I like the picture she presents with Christ as our mediator in the most holy place, constantly praying for us and making intercession for us. I am reminded in this chapter that, even when I err, God still loves me and continues to be with me. Especially if I err unknowingly or am deceived, He works to draw me to Him. I think that a lot of times we are very hard on ourselves and have high expectations. And then, when we fall, we become discouraged. But with this view of a loving Savior working constantly on our behalf, I know there is no need for us to feel helpless. All we need to do is return to God once more and ask for forgiveness of our sins, and we can have the assurance that we will be forgiven and accepted. Chapter 12 of Romans was very good for me. I enjoyed it and the insight that Paul gives on how we, as christians, should live our lives. First he introduces the chapter with our reasonable service--presenting ourselves as living sacrifices to God. Then, he talks about how we are all one body in Christ, which seems to wrap up his point on this from the previous chapter. But I like what he says here when he explains that each part of the body has a different function and one needs all the different parts in order for the whole body to function properly. When I think about this, it makes me think how I need to see what my unique spiritual gifts are and use those to honor God. I don't need to try to be like somebody else, and wish I had their gifts and qualities in order to serve God better. The best way that I can serve God is to use my particular gifts for His glory. And then Paul gives some wonderful advice on how we should lead our lives. For example, I really like when he says, "Love each other sincerely, not hypocritically." This chapter is full of good advice that I want to go back to to refresh my memory and apply them to my life.
Reflection 13 I really enjoyed the different discussions on perfection recently. I have always felt uneasy about both sides of this argument, that we can reach absolute perfection and that we can never be perfect. As I read the two articles on perfection this week, I found that there really is a balance. First, the Whiddon chapter on Ellen Whites’ views of perfection pointed out that she makes many statements about our need for total perfection. This is a challenge to us and was a response to those who say that perfection is impossible. But she also said that we need perfection in our realm, which Whiddon pointed out was not the same as God’s perfection and was only a relative perfection. Therefore, Ellen White did not go so far to say that we will every reach absolute sinless perfection. She instead focused on attitude and submission and reliance on Jesus. But she does not let us off the hook to feel that as long as we accept Jesus we can live however we want. Sin is serious and God does call us to perfection. I see the balance in her position. The BRI document on perfection leaned more toward the side of emphasizing the fact that we will never reach sinless perfection. It had a lot of very good information about the words and pointed to perfection as maturity and equipping. That is important. I also really liked what they had to say about the close of probation not as a time of sinless perfection, but as a time of complete decision, there will be no turning back. And that people reach the close of their probations all the time by making their choices for good or evil absolute. This helped me understand my own thought on the Biblical teachings. I liked the points about grace being necessary always. They did not go soft on sin in their view either though, thus showing their alignment with the Bible and Ellen White’s balanced position on perfection. It is possible to an extent, but we can never claim to have arrived at it until glory. Romans chapter 13 does not say as much about salvation as many of the previous chapters, but it does talk about obeying the law, both the civil authority law is in keeping with God’s will and loving is keeping of God’s law. I think that we can be reminded in this section that truly the goal of salvation is perfection, meaning obedience to God’s law. Paul does not expect Christians to stop keeping the law, that is part of our salvation experience.
We are yet to discover the dynamics of salvation because we perceive that we are still sinners without hope. But I like “ The Dynamics of Salvation" in its attempt to put the record straight on what we believe against the general notion. Sin has made us to desperate such that we can we see no hope of our salvation. God made it possible for us to claim salvation but when Satan is our side we cannot manage. That is why this document is important as we seek to understand the mystery of salvation. God initiated this project of salvation but still we are not ready to move forward. Those who accept the invitation while will start a new life in Christ. He has reconcile is back to God so we have excuse to remain in sin. His price on the cross ashamed Satan to date and we have no reason to follow the devil. Roman 9 appears to portray God as a failure and one who does not kept the promise to his people but I can see the vindication of the righteousness of God. God has always kept the promises he has to us but sin has made it to appear that he does not. This chapter presents some cases which we may doubt God but his sovereignty and our salvation is clearly depicted. Whidden once writes on what transpired after the Minneapolis conference. To me I can see the devil working but surprising the controversial issue brought more understanding on the subject of salvation. I like the stand Ellen white took otherwise the church will have been deeply divided.
As the last reflection paper, this week’s articles and other reading materials sum up all things I have learned so far in this semester and summarize most of the concepts. The idea of perfection became clearer to me reading Whidden’s book. She had a complete and comprehensive doctrine of perfection. She mentioned, “The Son of God was faultless. We must aim at this perfection and overcome as He overcame.” It sounds like we can be perfect as Christ. But in another part, she also mentioned, “the closer one comes to Christ..there will be a greater realization of sinfulness, and the penitent one will have no desire to claim perfection.” So my conclusion on this topic is that we human beings are not even qualified to talk about perfection. I read two articles, Why Did Jesus Die? How God Saves Us and Some Thoughts on Original Sin. The former article is about Christ’s death and the latter one is about general concepts of salvation. The article about Christ’s death has a concept of ransom. That idea is simple and well known but I felt His gracious one more time. Romans 14 is about eating with especial background but this chapter is relater to other reading materials as well. The last verse says, “but he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.” All behaviors and thoughts should be based on faith only. Without faith we can be closer to God. Whatever we do and think that should lead us to God.
Tiago Baltazar Reading Reflection Paper 14 THST 540 – 12/01/08
I enjoyed how the Whidden explained perfection, and the differences from the classic views on perfectionism views. I also appreciated the explanations that he provided on the controversial statements of Ellen White. They are very coherent and logical interpretations not only according to EGW's writings, but also interpretations that are according to the Scriptures. It is much easier to understand the purpose behind EGW's statements, when studied along the concept of end of probation time, as well as character demands by the time Jesus comes back. This chapter sets the details that the previous didn't, giving not only a big picture of perfection but defining also the vital details needed for a sound understanding of perfection in the Scriptures and EGW's work. The article on Justification in Romans 3:21-24 by Rodríguez, is a very helpful way of showing the universality of Justification by Faith. He shows that justification is not limited to a human limit but is open to all who believe. It is a concise exegesis that builds solid support for the biblical perspective. In Romans 14, Paul emphasizes the need to live constantly in the awareness of the presence of God and how that inhibits from judging one another. I enjoy how Paul calls us to a community way of living, being held as responsible for the things that we do and how they affect others around us. I also enjoy they way in which Paul challenges us to have our own well defined opinion, according to our faith. In my opinion, Paul is inviting us to a God-like way of living, where we regard first and foremost God as well as the people that live among us.
It is Adam who admitted the devil to take charge and what followed was the disaster. This actually made him to loose the heavenly privileges. In the article Adam and the Human Race in the Writings of E. G. White by Angel Manuel Rodríguez he clearly spells out how he was separated from God . I concur with him how we have loosed so much because of the slain relationship with God. Ellen white did a noble for us to understand how far we are from God and we are supposed to go back Him by only recognizing His work in us through the Jesus Christ. Actually the Minneapolis was a great boast to the church although it appeared to divide the church. That is why according to Whidden, Ellen White termed it as a great incentive to uplift Christ as sin-pardoning Redeemer. She supported all the idea although later she was accused of belittling what was discussed. Actually there is no evidence as such. Romans chapter 10 emphasizes man’s responsibility of praying, submitting, believing and confess. Man is called to hear and believe the gospel (10:14-17). God does the saving but man must do the believing. When a person is really saved he will have a concern and desire and burden for the salvation of others. He will see others as lost men and women who desperately need Christ. He shares the desire of His God and Savior. When a person receives Christ as Savior he also receives Him as Lord because that is exactly who He is!
In an article Justification and the Cross by Ángel Manuel Rodríguez Justification is an image, used to interpret the significance of Christ's death, taken from the court of law. Indeed we will not have succeeded by our own means but Christ demonstrated it and paid what will not have managed. The cross of Jesus should serve as a monument to remind us that we have to do what is required of our side because Christ did a big portion. Although the 1888 conferences sparked of concern about justification Whidden confirms that we cannot separate faith and work. I agree that by doing so we cannot claim justification. This is actually confirmed by Ellen White that if Christ will be working in us then it means we will do good works. God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew (Romans11). Paul’s question makes sense as at this point in Romans. Still there is room for restoration. The fact that Paul has come to faith in Jesus as Messiah as a Jew proves that there are some Jews who have been chosen by God and who have embraced the gospel .The fact that Paul can’t figure out God makes him glorify God all the more. When we understand some of the greatness of God, we worship Him all the more passionately.
Reflections paper: Week Fourteen Doctrine of Salvation
Whidden II concluded his book on examining Ellen White’s position on salvation by making a sound interpretation of her views, especially on the meaning of perfection. He showed that she believed that faith and obedience have an important role in one’s salvation, faith in the merits of Christ and obedience to his principles as a sign of acceptance of the saving merits of Christ. He showed how her views on perfection have a balanced outline that features six levels of experience, starting off with one being reckoned perfect by faith and on account of the faithfulness of Christ, leading on to a dynamic growth into His likeness through loving obedience to His will, with no cherished sin. This continual victory over known sin will lead people to be sealed for the time of trouble, where there will be no premeditated sin or a recollection of sins not repented off, however, God’s saints will have a deeper sense of their weakness as human beings. The fullest sense of perfection is at glorification when Christ comes to claim his own from this world, when those who are holy remain holy still and those who are wicked remain wicked still. The BRI article I read also dwelt on perfection, highlighting the two words or concepts of perfection that are presented in the writings of Paul, one being the perfection denoting “Christian maturity” and the second denoting the aspect of being “fully equipped” for the fulfillment of God’s will. All the goals of perfection can only be achieved when we depend on the merits of Christ. Ellen White says, “In all our helpless unworthiness we must trust in the merits of the crucified and risen Savior. None will ever perish while they do this. (Patriarchs and Prophets, 202, 203) The article also dwelt on the kind of perfection the saints will have during the time of trouble, alluding to the fact that after the close of probation, the saints will be living without an intercessor, and that was explained to mean that Christ would have finished His work interceding for sin, so the saints at this time will not be committing premeditated sin, or sin that needs to be confessed, but they also will not be claiming perfection, instead, they will have a deep sense of the unworthiness and weakness. Romans 14 I believe, was a continuation of the subject of the life that one lives in Christ. This chapter is misunderstood to suggest the eradication of the Sabbath, the disparaging of the vegetarian diet or to destroy the distinction between clean and unclean meats but its actually not talking about that. What Paul is addressing is the judgmental spirit that on other believers practices, pertaining to fasting and the keeping of certain Jewish ceremonies. This subject is related to the matter of eating food offered to idols related to the Corinthians. Stronger believers understood that idols are nothing so the food offered to them would not affect them, but some of weaker faith would find that a stumbling block and Paul is cautioning the believers to be considerate of one another faith and not judge each other pertaining to food. They all understand that unclean meats are not to be part of their practice, and the Sabbath observance was not even an issue among the believers. This is what I understood from my reading.
Reflections paper: Week Fourteen Doctrine of Salvation
Whidden II concluded his book on examining Ellen White’s position on salvation by making a sound interpretation of her views, especially on the meaning of perfection. He showed that she believed that faith and obedience have an important role in one’s salvation, faith in the merits of Christ and obedience to his principles as a sign of acceptance of the saving merits of Christ. He showed how her views on perfection have a balanced outline that features six levels of experience, starting off with one being reckoned perfect by faith and on account of the faithfulness of Christ, leading on to a dynamic growth into His likeness through loving obedience to His will, with no cherished sin. This continual victory over known sin will lead people to be sealed for the time of trouble, where there will be no premeditated sin or a recollection of sins not repented off, however, God’s saints will have a deeper sense of their weakness as human beings. The fullest sense of perfection is at glorification when Christ comes to claim his own from this world, when those who are holy remain holy still and those who are wicked remain wicked still. The BRI article I read also dwelt on perfection, highlighting the two words or concepts of perfection that are presented in the writings of Paul, one being the perfection denoting “Christian maturity” and the second denoting the aspect of being “fully equipped” for the fulfillment of God’s will. All the goals of perfection can only be achieved when we depend on the merits of Christ. Ellen White says, “In all our helpless unworthiness we must trust in the merits of the crucified and risen Savior. None will ever perish while they do this. (Patriarchs and Prophets, 202, 203) The article also dwelt on the kind of perfection the saints will have during the time of trouble, alluding to the fact that after the close of probation, the saints will be living without an intercessor, and that was explained to mean that Christ would have finished His work interceding for sin, so the saints at this time will not be committing premeditated sin, or sin that needs to be confessed, but they also will not be claiming perfection, instead, they will have a deep sense of the unworthiness and weakness. Romans 14 I believe, was a continuation of the subject of the life that one lives in Christ. This chapter is misunderstood to suggest the eradication of the Sabbath, the disparaging of the vegetarian diet or to destroy the distinction between clean and unclean meats but its actually not talking about that. What Paul is addressing is the judgmental spirit that on other believers practices, pertaining to fasting and the keeping of certain Jewish ceremonies. This subject is related to the matter of eating food offered to idols related to the Corinthians. Stronger believers understood that idols are nothing so the food offered to them would not affect them, but some of weaker faith would find that a stumbling block and Paul is cautioning the believers to be considerate of one another faith and not judge each other pertaining to food. They all understand that unclean meats are not to be part of their practice, and the Sabbath observance was not even an issue among the believers. This is what I understood from my reading.
Laurentiu Roman Reflection Paper 12 THST 540 – 12/03/08
In Ángel Manuel Rodríguez, “Some Problems with Legal Universal Justification” the main idea is that we are saved because we are saved when we come into the world, because we were in Christ when he died for us on the cross. There are some problems with this idea. First the meaning of the words “in Christ” are wrong interpreted here. It is true that we are saved, but because of Jesus not because of us. And if we accept this idea it means that Christ saved us but we also contributed to this because we were “in Christ’ when He died, which means also that we have shared with Him the substitutionary death, idea which contradict the Bible when it says that Christ alone bore our sins on the cross . Chapter 12 from Romans is talking about how to live the Christian life. Apostle Paul appeals to our will to accept God calls and to make a choice about the way that we live for Him. Bible says that our will must bring the body as a living sacrifice to God. The body is a good servant, but not a good master. Also the idea of love and patience is mentioned here. Love with hypocrisy is not real love and difficult times do not excuse us when we abandon hope or patience, difficult times also do not excuse a lack of love or willingness to do His work. Chapter 12 and 13 from Whidden book talks about the fact that we can not obey the law because we are sinful but Christ character stands in our character place and because of this we are accepted as if we do not have sinned, and His merits makes our obedience acceptable. Faith is not only a mental quality, and always faith is related to the obedience to the law.
Reflection Paper#12 (Week Ending November 15, 2008) (Sheldon Smith) In Romans chapter 12, Paul seems to make a transition from sorting out the Israelites and Gentiles with regard to their physical and spiritual calling and their purpose within the previous eleven chapters to a pinnacle where he is now encouraging spiritual Israel (the church which includes both Jews and Gentiles), to serve God wholeheartedly and to live peaceably together with each other. He does this highlighting the fact that individuals should serve the church with whatever gifts they possess and even more than that, they should show love for one another. Rodriguez identifies some problems with legal justification which I deem to be true. What came across my mind as I read the problems that he identified was the fact that if legal justification were true, and that all have been redeemed through Christ’s death, the doctrine of Christ’s atoning work in the sanctuary would make no sense and for individuals living on earth, we could just live as we please since Jesus paid it all and we are saved in Him. What appealed to me this week in a significant sense was the statement in Whidden book made by Ellen White where she stated that “If we were perfect, we wouldn’t need a savior.” The reason this appealed to me was the fact that many times individuals within and without the Adventist church profess or purport the doctrine of perfectionism. However, it is clear from the Bible and Ellen White’s writing that one cannot become perfect by any merits of oneself. The only perfection we have is as a result of us abiding constantly in the merits of Christ. This can only be done through continual confession, dying to sin and faith in the “Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world and ever liveth to make intercession for us.” There was another point that E.G. White made regarding justification and sanctification. She said that the two, even though they are distinguishable should not be separated. And as I read and did my research in this area, one person made the comment that justification and sanctification are like “Siamese twins.”
Reflection Paper#13 (Week Ending November 22, 2008) (Sheldon Smith) Based on what I read from Paul this week, I realize that the Bible is indeed good for the Greek, the Jew and the Gentile! I like the fact that the Bible is all inclusive and the counsels outlined by Paul in chapter 13 of Romans is indicative of that fact. In that, it points out individual’s relationship with each other (not just Christians) and how people should relate to those that are in authority. I like the way Paul sums up the chapter by highlighting that the fulfilling of the law boils down to love. With that in mind, he awakens believers to a sense of purpose and duty by giving them and us a wake up call. I like the the way Heppenstall dealt with the issue of perfection. Some of the theology is new to me but are scriptural. In particular, I like the biblical platform that he laid regarding the use of perfection in the bible. It is the first time that I’ve really seen it being explained in that light. I’ve always heard perfection being spoken of as either a mature state in our Christian experience or a sinless state that humans reach prior to Christ’s second coming. However, Heppenstall drove home the hammer when he stated that if any human reached a “sinless” state before Christ’s coming, then that person would’nt have any need for God’s grace. For me, that was the punch line of the reading. Based on my reading in Whidden’s book on E.G. White for this week, Ellen White seems to concur with Heppenstall or vice versa. What I noticed though was that even though Ellen White emphasized perfection, she qualified what she meant by perfection and two aspect that was mentioned by the author is that of active effort and full surrender which are critical for perfection. She also emphasized the fact that the believers “perfect state” will not negate temptation. I also like the idea that perfection is interlinked with sanctification and justification. To me, it means that just as how sanctification is a lifetime even, likewise perfection. On a personal note, I believe that one can be perfect as long as that person abides in Christ. However, I think the issue of perfection will be settled when “this mortal shall put on immortality.” Even then, I don’t think that bodily perfection will be ended. I also think that individuals who are revealed – their knowledge will grow onto full perfection throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity.
Reflection Paper #14 Roman 14 is that kind of chapter in the Bible that raises a lot of questions in the mind of the reader. But the Apostle here is emphasizing the important of treating one another in love. In our faith, love must be exercised but not judgmental of others. I believed what the Apostle is saying is that the Law of liberty and the law of love go hand in hand. What the Apostle is advising the Christians is that, judging is God’s prerogative and not ours. These advices from the Apostle are very important as Christians are to accept one another despites differences of believes in what the Apostle called “doubting things.” In the chapter 15th of Whidden’s book, it is fascinating to learn of Ellen White’s understanding of perfection and closing of events. Whidden’s explained that Ellen White believed in perfection of character, and those will be sealed during the time of trouble. Though this view of perfection is rather complex but Ellen White’s biblical understanding of it helps us to know that God wants His children to shun entertaining sin in their lives. It is comforting to know, that Jesus’ experienced can help us to see that we can also be victorious through the work of the Holy Spirit. BRI article by Larry J Cane “Analysis of the Doctrine of Universal “Legal” Justification.” This article shed lights on the subject of Universality of justification based on Rom 3: 23, 24. Interestingly, it reflected back to 1888 when this subject first discussed in Adventist circle by Waggoner. The conclusion of this article showed that justification is both subjective and objective therefore, universal legal justification is lacks a scriptural origin. God took the initiative in seeking and has done a lot in seeking man to be saved but the deficiency is on our part. Failing to see and acknowledge what God had done. This conclusion is rightly so, because God never force His will upon man, though He has not lacked for seeking man to save but man in his freedom to choose either to accept God’s saving grace or not.
Reflection 14 Romans 14 is an interesting chapter when looked at from the perspective of salvation. Paul is talking about practical Godliness and how to deal with things that aren’t specifically wrong in the Bible or where we can disagree with each other. His point is not to get so dogmatic about our opinions that we cause others to stumble. That means that those who are inclined to be liberal on what they eat or drink or possibly even think about certain things, they must be careful to not make a brother fall because of their more liberal seeming actions. But it also says that those who feel that some things are wrong, being more conservative, need to follow their convictions, but it does not say they have to press their convictions on others. I think this goes along with what Dr. Hanna has talked about getting along and not fighting about small aspects of salvation. The chapter says that we can agree to disagree, but we must look at our actions and make sure that we are not causing others to stumble. I have seen people on both sides of the arguments in Adventism who cause other to stumble by their views. I want to take the Apostle Paul’s advice and hold to what the Bible says, but on matters of personal conscious, to not cause others to stumble. I appreciated the talk on perfection which Whiddon presented in his views. He presents statements of Ellen White that seem to go along with both sides of the perfection argument. I believe that he does a reasonably good job of putting the two ideas together. Ellen White makes enough comments on both sides that someone from either side could bring enough evidence to prove their side, that says to me that she is really balanced between the two. Whiddon did a good job of showing how the people at the time of the close of probation will be perfect and how they will not be perfect. The BRI document about what Jesus did on the cross was an interesting look at the different ideas of what Jesus did by dying for us. I appreciated Dr. Reed showing all the different options and how all the theories have some truth, but they are too small and therefore do not really show us the true picture of what happened at the cross. It gave a bigger model.
Reflection Paper #13 Whidden’s summary on Ellen White’s stance on perfection was very insightful. The goal of sanctification is perfection, but in our churches and dialogues with Christian friends, I’ve often heard that perfection was impossible. However, Ellen White taught that “perfection of intelligence and a purity of character but a little lower than the perfection and purity of angels” is possible. Furthermore, she taught that the work of perfection is constant, always in progress; those who have perfected their character would not know that they have. We need to understand that perfection of character has many facets. By beholding Jesus daily, He will reveal to us our character flaws and the Holy Spirit will provide us with the strength to overcome these infirmities. In Heppenstall’s article, he mentioned some of the same points mentioned by Whidden. I appreciated Heppenstall’s article a great deal, because it forced us, as ministers, to reflect on our goals for our local church congregations. We often think about the weekly routines and rituals we are called to carryout in order to maintain the attendance of our church members, but the spiritual growth of our members needs to be the focal point of our existence as a church. I’m tired of seeing dysfunctional churches with the same members having the same character issues year after year. Perfection is a maturing process, and if our members are stagnant then that’s an indication that more needs to be done with that member. Just like school, the administrator expects that a 1st grader will progress to a higher level, and if he or she doesn’t then more resources are used to help advance that student a long the way. Next, Romans 13, proposes that we respect the government and the laws of this land. I wonder if Paul contemplated governments that were abusive in nature and corrupt. Should America not interfere with the governments of other countries such as Iraq?
Tatiana Perez RP #6 In the article "The Dynamics of Salvation" we see the results, at least up to date, of the conclusion that the Righteousness by Faith Consultation committee came up with when they attempted to explain how salvation works from an Adventist point of view. And, even though we could never completely understand how God works out our salvation, yet it is a good study to do in order to attempt to understand the mysteries of God more. The article has six basic stages that salvation occurs. the first talks about humanity's desperate need. And these are 4 basic needs: 1) we stand condemned before God; 2) we are alienated from our true selves; 3) we are alienated also from one another; 4) we are alienated from the created world. These basic problems that we have lead us to our need of God and His salvation. Section 2 is titled, "The Divine Initiative". And here it explains how God comes and looks for us in our fallen state to offer us the good news of salvation. Section 3 is titled, "The Human Response to Grace". Here it explains how we have a choice as to how to respond to God's offer of salvation. But He never forces upon us the decision. If we do desire to receive this free gift of grace, we must do it by faith. Section 4 describes the new status that we have in Christ when we accept this gift of salvation. And here we see different terms to help describe what happens: justification, reconciliation, forgiveness, adoption, and sanctification. And of course this new status involves an active, growing relationship with Him. When we have this transformation inevitably we have a new life in Christ spoken about in section 5. The different aspects of this new life are in: 1) new birth; 2) restoration; 3) growth; 4) grace and faith; 5) assurance; 6) praise. Each part describes how these dimensions become a part of our daily way of life. And the final section is, "The Consummation". Here we see a grand finale which will occur when Christ returns again to take us to heaven and destroy all evil. This glorification is the ultimate hope that we can have as christians. I thought this article was pretty good in trying to explain the dynamics of salvation. But at the same time, it seems to me that there is so much more that could be said about salvation that it takes eternity to really study and understand this subject. Chapter 6 of the book, "Ellen White on Salvation", is titled,"Sin, the Human Condition, and Salvation". Here the author tries to explain how Ellen White saw these themes interrelating to each other. We know that for Mrs. White, the concept "original sin" did not exist. She believed that humans have a fallen nature, but not so fallen that they are helpless to choose to follow God or not. She did believe that we have free will to choose God or not. She didn't believe in the term "original guilt" either. Though she did write how we do suffer from guilt as a result of our sins. But she did believe that our sins and sinfulness are so strong that we need God to initiate and give us a call in order for us to wake up to His love and offer of salvation. She also believed that our depravity is so strong that we need Christ's merits every step of the way in order to make it to heaven. I agree with Ellen White's position on these issues and think that she really has a wonderful way of explaining salvation to us. Chapter 6 of Romans states that we can be dead to sin, and free from it's controlling power. But this does not give us license to sin. In fact quite the opposite, we should be free to be slaves of Christ, and choose to follow Him, instead of following our own sinful tendencies (which we are no longer slaves of). I think this chapter gives a good balance to us as christians because it reminds us to not take for granted God's gift of grace. But shows us a better way to live, and what should be our loving response to His gift, namely, a life of obedience to Christ.
Edward Heppenstall wrote the 7th article titled:"How Perfect is 'Perfect' Or is Christian Perfection Possible? Here he deals with the issue of perfection in the Christian life. He says that one of the man problems in the christian growth is a misunderstanding of biblical perfection. Here perfection does not mean sinlessness. Instead it means a person who is wholeheartedly dedicated to God and to growing more in his relationship with God each day. Here it explains that with our fallen natures, in this world we will never reach sinlessness. In fact, we can never hope to overcome, especially on our own, our sinful nature and tendencies. However we can be perfect when we are committed to Christ and continually depend on Him every step of the way. In fact, if we do believe that we can be sinless, then we declare that there could be a time when we don't need Christ's grace or the Holy Spirit's help anymore. And this is obviously contrary to biblical teachings. So, we need to live "by grace alone", depending only on Christ, and not on our own efforts, to obtain true perfection. I really like this article. I think it explains very clearly the issue of perfection. I think this is a message that our church needs to hear more often, because it seems to me that many times we are in danger of falling into the trap of being discouraged in our walk with God because we see our failings and sins and seem so far from perfection. Or, the other extreme would be to be proud of our seemingly perfect achievements. The chapter titled "The Atonement" speaks about what Ellen White's stand on the atonement of Christ was like. Some early church founders thought that the atonement only applied to Christ's intercession in the heavenly sanctuary on our behalf. But Ellen White clearly stated that not only was the atonement applied here, but also to the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. This means that His atonement can help us in the process of justification as well as sanctification. Within the adventist church there are three main theories that have emerged regarding how to interpret Ellen White's theology regarding atonement. The three are: The Moral Influence Theory, The Satisfaction Theory, and The Penal-Substitutionary Theory. The author seems to lean towards the last theory as the one most closely describing what Ellen White believed. In her writings was a definite balance between mercy and justice, and her views of atonement shaped her concept of justification by faith. I did not realize that there were so many different views on Atonement and Ellen White's position on this. But I can see how even one change in understanding can affect the whole understanding of salvation. But after reading this chapter I could get more of an understanding of how serious the penalty of sin is and how Christ paid that penalty. And I see more my need to depend on Him for my salvation. In Romans 7 we read about the law and its effect on the sinner. By the law we know what is sin, and the law is just. But thanks to our new life in Christ, we are no longer under the law that condemns us, but are under the law of grace. However this does not free us from the influence of our sinful human nature. I really appreciate how Paul describes the conflict between our sinful natures and our desire to do what is right. I can really relate to his struggle. It gives me hope because I feel that, if Paul went through this struggle, then I guess its normal for me to also and there is hope that I can too receive forgiveness of sins and help from God. I realize more my need of Christ and dependence on Him.
I have read the above comments in part. I have not read them all, but believe that I have a fairly good understanding of them. I grew up as an SDA and am a current student of the Bible. I have neither Light nor Truth, but only Beliefs and Understandings. I especially like to look to Romans 8:29 as a very important ingredient in building my relationship with 'Our Father'. In my study of the Bible it has become clear that it is going to be God that will get me into Heaven, not my ability to understand and communicate (make it through) the 'maze', which is what I have concluded what is being discussed realy is. As to perfection, I used to believe that that was impossible for we humans. When I studied Matthew 5 I was very supprised and felt good about the level of completeness that is found there. The first (approx) 20 verses giving assurances to all of us who have various problems. Then the rest of the chapter describing how he invites us to think, understand, and act. Then when I got to verse 48 I did what I often do, and that is change the words around so that they become more powerful, without changing the message. Some may believe that I have changed the message here, but I invite you to see if there might be a possiblity that they could be true. "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect". This is the KJV translation. I tried this: 'If you do these things, you will be deemed (stipulated) to be perfect, even as your Father which is in Heaven is Perfect'. Wouldn't it be something, if we could just make a decision to follow the admonition of Jesus, and that is all that is expected of us. No, we will not be able to get that from researching what others have said, which I guess that is what the classroom requires. I thank God that I do not have to sit there, although to sit at the feet of Dr. Hannah is something that I have enjoyed. I am glad that I am saved and that God did not seperate himself from us when we decided to follow the advisary. These are the thoughts of a lay person who loves to study the Bible. If there is a Bible Study going on the campus which is open to the community, I would appreciate an invitation. Thank You!
Reflection Paper #14 After reading Ch. 15 of Whidden’s book, I felt like I had a clear picture of the level of perfection we are to have in order to be glorified when Christ comes. The idea that perfection is obtained when we no longer cherish sin or commit overt sins was crystal clear. However, I don’t understand why those that are sealed have to experience the time of trouble. I read that section “God’s Purpose for Time of Trouble” twice, but I was not persuaded that experiencing this ordeal in the future will make one more faithful. I’m reminded of Job’s experiences, and I never felt that what Job experienced was fair. On the other hand, I understand that God will use whomever He wants to further His plan of salvation. Next, the research paper written by Dr. Pfandl was comprehensive and thorough. Sin is a serious topic and the root to the evil in this world. Unfortunately, sin is an inherited disposition. As I read each section of Dr. Pfandl’s paper, I started to feel like we’re doomed! However, Jesus Christ is the answer to the sin issue and through His strength we shall overcome. In the context of Jesus’ humanness, did Christ also have this inherited disposition to sin? If the answer is yes, then how was Christ able to overcome? I feel like we’ve studied this topic already in Whidden’s book, but Dr. Pfandl has sparked my attention to this matter for greater understanding of the nature of Christ. Was Christ ever separated from God while He was on the earth in the same manner in which Adam was separated from God after sin entered the world? Finally, Romans 14 was a problem text for me in the past. I’ve heard non-Adventists friends use this text to argue that it doesn’t matter whether you go to church on Saturday, or Sunday, and that all meat is good. However, if we look at the deeper meaning of the passage and place the passage in its proper context, Paul is trying to open the doors of the church to the Gentiles. In addition, I believe he is trying to teach Christians to allow the Holy Spirit to convict the hearts of man, and not condemn the Gentiles before it happens.
The Dynamics of Salvation article provides comprehensive guidelines in our salvation Before we can accept the good news, we must recognize our desperate need. We must see that we can do nothing to restore ourselves to God, or to improve our evil nature: our condition is hopeless. To such poverty-mental, physical, spiritual-God's salvation comes. The good news of the Bible is that God has taken the initiative to save us. He comes to us in our lostness, offering salvation in all its abundance. God's righteousness encompasses the sweep of our needs: it leads us from guilt to justification, from sinfulness to sanctification, from alienation to restoration and on to glorification. It brings about the decisive change from slavery to sin to new life in Christ, from bondage in fear to joy in the Spirit. Salvation is from the Lord Although people were confused about what happened in the c ongress, God was still using Ellen to put the records straight. She emphasized the importance of obedience in relationship to justification and I actually agree with Whidden in chapter 13 in stressing this point because it was possible for people to avoid obedience and pretend tat all is good. This is the chapter (Romans 12) of great appeal and persuasions. He has done a good job and here God calls us to make a choice about the way that we live for Him. We should exercise our spiritual gifts in the body of Christ; but He warn us about pride that often arises from those who regard themselves as spiritually gifted. We should remember that spiritual giftedness does not equal spiritual maturity. But further I like how paul touches the every aspect of human life. I think chaper poses a challenge to us on how to live alife worth to be imitated by others.
Salvation by Faith by Jan Paulsen gives an in depth illustration about salvation by Faith.It is not enough to believe about Christ; we must believe in Him. The only faith that will benefit us is that which embraces Him as a personal Saviour; which appropriates His merits to ourselves" Faith The only faith that will benefit us is that which embraces Him as a personal Saviour. To have faith means to find and accept the gospel treasure, with all the obligations which it imposes involves obedience-obedience to a Person (Jesus Christ) and to the message that comes from Him. Finally, let us remember Paul's words in Romans 10:17: "Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ." The answer to a frail faith lies neither in works of duty nor in self-condemnation for our many shortcomings, but in feeding on the Word of God. Perfection implies that one has repented and now a new person. As we know him he requires us to remain perfect as He is, since we are aware of what he has done to us. I agree of what Whidden (chapter 14) writes of Ellen White about perfection. She correctly states that we cannot obtain perfection if we don’t have patience, and this is accompanied by humility and unity. Romans 13 is a very difficult passage to evaluate. Shall we abide by a tyranny government or what? I think we many times misunderstood the concepts here. Paul instructed Christians to show love to their enemies. One should live at peace with all, and if wronged, should not seek vengeance, because vengeance is the Lord’s. How, then, does God exercise this vengeance that is his alone? As shown above, Paul answers this question in Romans 13: All good Christians can do is to have faith in his will, and follow the instructions given through Jesus and the apostles. We have been instructed to love our enemies, not take revenge, leave vengeance with God, and overcome evil with good. Sometimes it might be difficult to follow these commandments, but we must have the attitude of Jesus on the eve of his crucifixion:
Whidden II in Chapter 15 presents how perfection will a challenge to Gods’s people at end. Life is short but we must be ready to obtain perfection these times. Christ will never leave but will always be on our side. The close of probation will never prevent scare us because already we have already attained perfection during the time of trouble. I like the statement by Ellen white that the key issue is what to do with the sinful desire that is cherished by many. Now I also agree with Ellen White that obedience will remain a key factor in this time of trouble. Some Theological Considerations of Perfection by Edward Heppenstall supports the ideas of whidden that the Bible teaches that the true Christian will grow both in grace and toward the image of our Lord Jesus Christ. This implies that we cannot do it by our selves but Christ in to do it if we accept him. He continually hungers and thirsts after righteousness. There is an earnest unashamed quest for spiritual holiness which eventually will be provided by Christ. Romans 14 is both an intriguing and challenging chapter, much misunderstood and abused. In my opinion, Romans 14 gives instructions to people who conscientiously disagree about what God instructs them to do, and, consequently, the passage speaks to us when we find ourselves in the same predicament. In stead of common unity in diversity based on a misunderstanding and perversion of Romans 14, the truth must be boldly presented and error exposed. Love and patience must be shown to the "weak," but they must be urged and taught to grow. Sure, there will be division from time to time
Tiago Baltazar Reading Reflection Paper 15 THST 540 – 12/07/08
Whidden's two last chapters are extremely insightful on the writings of Ellen White. I have enjoyed Whidden's research throughout this book; what drew my attention the most was the definition of perfection. Even though this book is very helpful in defining Justification as well as the Atonement, among other salvation related themes, Perfection seems to be a theme that not only has a vital importance to the personal Christian growth, but can that also be distinctive of our theology, as opposed to others who advocate perfectionism or other distorted views of perfection. In this sense, I very much appreciated the summary of perfection noted in the six points found in the last chapter. Jan Paulsen dissects justification and sanctification in his article “Salvation by Faith”. In this article I enjoyed how Paulsen explains the subjective and objective dimensions of faith. I appreciated the fact that Paulsen acknowledges that we very often misuse this concept of faith, for it should translated by faithfulness rather than faith in some of the verses we often quote as fundamental pillars for our doctrines. I believe this is a point that hasn't been deeply investigated, and that is in need of more study, for it has the potential to correct our approach to faith. The last two chapters of Romans, besides featuring the doxology as well as all the greetings sent by Paul, feature, in my opinion, a new invitation to a life of service and a community-centred life. As I said in relation to previous chapters, it seems to me that Paul is addressing the importance of a life in community where one does not live by or for himself but for and by the others around him, using for that the example of Jesus Christ and how He lived a life of service for the entire time He was on this Earth. Paul explores in these last chapters of Romans the practicality that comes with true love, going beyond the theoretical towards a much more applicable and evident love, and true demonstration of a Christian character.
Chapter 1of the book, “Ellen White on Salvation”, is a kind of introduction to the whole book by Woodrow Whidden. He raises an important issue among Adventists, though. He speaks about the controversies that exist among our brethren regarding her views on different issues and how often people will take a quote out of context to defend their position, or after you’ve developed an understanding of something, someone will go and change that viewpoint. The sad thing is that this often leads to theological controversies and divisions among the church. The author says that two of the main subjects that have caused controversy is justification by faith and perfection. And ironically enough, he points out how one of the main characteristics of perfection is unity, which we often don’t see in our church. I like Whidden’s initiative and method to try and study these subjects in order to reach some valid conclusions on these controversial topics. I think that his work here can be very valuable to the SDA Church. The article, “Adam and the Human Race in the Writings of Ellen G. White,” talks about how Mrs. White viewed and wrote about the relationship between Adam and all other people, and how his sin affected the world. We can see clearly that, though Adam was holy and sinless, once he sinned, everything changed. His character became weak and sinful, and he passed on this fallen nature to all of his descendants. He writings don't say that his descendants are responsible for his sin, but that we suffer the consequences too. Even nature, the animals, trees and everything in it, seemed to inherit this rebellious tendency. As a consequence, the world has been under misery ever since. Our only hope is in Christ Jesus. Because He came and overcame sin, we can, through Him, overcome sin too. This article serves a good purpose of clarifying E. White's position on this issue, because of the misunderstandings that have existed regarding our relationship with Adam and his sin. Romans 1 is an introduction to the book. Paul states his authority in writing the book and in addressing the romans in Jesus' name. After the initial greetings, he states his desire to visit Rome again and the brethren there. And then he says a very beautiful statement, “I am not ashamed of the gospel”. I think that this is powerful because in his time, being a christian wasn't very popular. In fact it was cause for persecution. Yet, he knew the power of the gospel and wasn't afraid to share it with others. I think that we, who live in a predominantly christian environment, can't really grasp the significance of this phrase. But I hope that, when the time comes, I too can say, like Paul, that I'm not ashamed of the gospel and am willing to stand up for my beliefs in Jesus no matter what. Then Paul goes on to point out the sins of the gentiles. It goes to show us that he wasn't afraid to confront and correct where there was need. But at the same time, I like how, in the context of the whole book, he does it with love and a great hope for them in Christ.
In chapter 2 of “Ellen White on Salvation” the author talks about E. White’s early experiences with conversion, sanctification and perfection. It seems that as a young girl and adolescent, she went through her own spiritual struggle. At one point she gave her life to God and was baptized, but then struggled again with the desire to be sanctified. When, in obeying God to pray in public, she received great peace and joy in her life, it seems that she never again had any mayor struggles with her assurance of salvation. Some say that she went through the Methodist belief of holiness or the second conversion. But we know that, with her consequent dealings with fanatical groups on holiness and perfection, she didn’t think that one could attain sinlessness here on earth, until the second coming of Christ. I like this chapter because, in seeing that Ellen White struggled with her salvation, I feel reassured that it is ok to struggle with one’s own salvation as well. I can see how God was with her and guided her through until she found resolution. I also like the last statement in the chapter speaking about perfection. It says, “Perfection was not to be claimed as some sinless accomplishment, but rather sought as a way of life that would see believers grown in grace until they received the finishing touch of sinlessness at glorification.” The article, “Analysis of the Doctrine of Universal 'Legal' Justification”, deals with the issue of a false doctrine that has been misunderstood since the 1888 GC session that emphasized justification. This doctrine of a universal legal justification says that there is a second kind of justification, apart from justification by faith. This second kind of justification says that, in a sense, when Christ died on the cross for all human beings, He imparted this justification to all, whether the individuals have accepted Him or not. And this is the basis for the blessings we enjoy today. The article has taken the main scriptural passages and studied them to show that in reality there is no biblical basis for such a belief. There is only one kind of justification, and that is by faith in Jesus Christ. In other words, for us to receive justification, we have to accept Him as our Savior and put away our sins. I don't think that I had been much aware of this doctrine until recently. So I was able to know more about some false beliefs that have been circulating around. I'm glad that this issue is being addressed in our church, and that sound, biblical conclusions are put forth. This is another example for me about how dangerous it is to take a passage of scripture out of context and how important it is for us to know our Bibles in order to not be deceived by these false teachings. In Romans 2 Paul now talks about the errors of the Jews. In a sense jewish people have more responsibility toward God because they received more light, and the 10 commandments of God. And this very thing has caused many of them to have spiritual pride and to not accept the Messiah. He also points out that circumcision saves no one, and that they should not depend on the outer works and inheritance to fool them into thinking that this would merit their salvation. I think that this is a danger that many christians face today. Because they do what's right and follow the rules, some think that they will be saved. But we need to be careful to not develop spiritual pride, and always stay humble before God.
Chapter 3 of the book by Woodrow Whidden talks about the decade before the memorable 1888 general conference session. Ellen White dealt more with the subject of justification by Faith. She also had to deal with many people who were going to extremes and becoming fanatics. For example, there was one man who spoke against her, saying that she believed in salvation through the law. But she confronted him saying that she had never once taught or wrote that. She claimed that we could only be saved through the merits of Jesus. On the other hand, accepting Jesus as our savior, did not excuse sin. She had a constant balance between grace and works. I think that this is very admirable, because it seems that sometimes this balance is hard to keep. She was also able to defend her position and ministry among a lot of opposition. I think that it is so important for us to learn of her and keep that balance between justice and mercy. The article, “Christ Saved the Human Race,” was written by Angel Manuel Rodriguez. Here he speaks specifically about the writings and view of Ellen White regarding Jesus' salvation in relation to the whole human race. This seems to be a follow up to the previous article, which deals with the false belief of a universal legal justification. In this article, the author shows that Ellen White believed that Christ died for the whole human race, but only those who accepted Him as their savior would ultimately be able to benefit from this sacrifice and be justified. He also gives 5 points regarding Ellen White's view on Christ's redemption on the cross. They are: 1) all (people) belong to Christ through creation and redemption; 2) Christ has the deed of possession; 3) Christ paid the price as a gift to us; 4) through redemption Christ gained the right to rescue us; 5) Christ ransomed us by taking our sins on Him. This article is very informative and brings about the central issue regarding Jesus' sacrifice for us and justification. Romans 3 continues to talk about the twisted way of thinking that many people, not only jews, have, and how we need to correct them. So he explains how all have sinned and deserve death, but it is only through justification by faith in Christ that we have hope of salvation. There is nothing in ourselves that we can really boast about. But all our reason for “boasting” should be in Christ and His love and righteousness. I think this chapter is good at helping us put our pride where it should be and to point us to the Savior. There is hope in Paul's message, that is in justification by faith. And he continues to develop this theme in the rest of the book.
The article, “Comments on 1 Timothy 4:10,” deals with the misinterpretations and misunderstandings of this text because of the problems in translating it. The way the text reads would make it seem that all people are saved, but some are saved more especially. And of course we know that this cannot be. The author deals with the different misinterpretations and then studies the text in its context, based on Paul's theology. The conclusion given here is that the correct understanding of this text would be that God has given provision for all people to be saved. In fact He really wants all to be saved. But we have free choice, and only those who choose to follow Him and accept that provision, will ultimately be saved. It seems to me that many of these false interpretations come from people who would like to find an excuse to sin and also feel like they're going to be saved at the same time. We need to be careful of this and always uphold our high calling. The 4th chapter of “Ellen White on Salvation” talks about the personal experiences of Ellen White and her husband James. They longed to be more like Christ and have a loving attitude always. Towards the end of James' life, he felt more impressed that they should be focusing more on Christ in their messages to the brethren and preach more about justification by faith. This really influenced Ellen and contributed to her message as well. Though Mrs. White never claimed to be perfect, she did always strive to be, relying always on God for help. Though we can see that her views and interpretations about justification and perfection did develop over the years, the one constant that we can see is her emphasis in relying always on God. This view into the lives of God's prophet and instrument, and into her family life as well, helps me to see her more as a regular human being. The only difference was her continuing desire to follow after God and imitate Christ. I really like this view of her and helps me to see that, even though I'm not perfect and make mistakes, there is hope for me if I just continue to look for Jesus and rely on Him. Romans 4 talks about Abraham and the way in which he was justified. With the jews claiming that they could be saved just because they were of the seed of Abraham, I think it was important that Paul bring out this issue of how Abraham was saved. And then he goes to explain that essentially, we need to do the same as he did, in order to be saved. Abraham trusted in God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. We also need to trust in God, not ourselves or our merits, in order to be saved. Of course, now we have more light and understanding than Abraham had. But in principle, it's the same thing. We can all have the hope of salvation by trusting and believing in God.
The article, “Comments on the 'In Adam/In Christ' Motifs”, is another example of the clear, biblical explanation of a theological concept by Angel Manuel Rodriguez. The phrase 'in Adam' has caused a misunderstanding of the meaning of Paul with some people. It is not an easy concept to explain, and shouldn't be taken too literally. 'In Adam' doesn't mean that all people were somehow 'in' him when he sinned, and therefore his sin is also attributed to us. We suffer the consequences of his sin, but are not responsible for his actions. To be 'in Adam' means that we are all his descendants and have suffered the consequences of sin along with him, but we are only responsible for our own sins. To be 'in Christ' doesn't mean that we were somehow in Him and died with Him on the cross. Instead, this term means that we have accepted Him as our Lord and Savior and are christians. I can see that we need to be careful about how to understand certain passages and always study things in the context of the whole Bible and it's teachings. This clarification is also very useful for me in my studies. I also like the added note at the bottom of the phsychology of the hebrew thinking regarding the group and the individual. It's very helpful when studying the Bible. Chapter 5 of the book by Whidden is titled, “ Salvation, the Great Controversy Theme, Closing Events, and the Law”. Here he deals with these different themes and how they are interrelated in the writings of Ellen White. Her central theme was always the proper relationship of law ans grace against the backdrop of the great controversy. In her writings she explains Satan's 3 charges against God, and how He has been able to answer to these charges. Then we read about the closing events and the saints of that time, and how the law of God needs to be kept. But she always presents a perfect balance between justice and mercy in God. Reading this chapter reminds me of what depth of insight Ellen White had in the deep issues about God and christianity. I want to continue to read her writings to learn more about God and His great love for us. Romans 5 has so many good verses that I don't know which one I like best. The description of how we can have access to God through Jesus, the positive side of trials, how Christ died for us, even before we knew Him, and so on, are all beautiful reminders of the love of God and how he works out our salvation. The latter part of this chapter deals with the comparison of Adam and Christ. What I really like here is the description that Christ's sacrifice was more than enough to save all humanity, to those who accept Him. I wish that all of humanity would accept Jesus and His free offer of salvation.
Reflection 12 the section on "some problems with Legal Universal Justification" by Angel Manuel Rodriguez is a confusing topic for me. He says "The Bible makes clear that every one who is born into this world of sin is in need of the Savior. We are by nature children of wrath; we deserve to die. Eph 2:3. 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." We were born into this earth as sinner and the gift of salvation is free, but when do we receive the gift of salvation? Can newborn babies receive the gift of salvation if the baby dies soon after the birth? I am in way questioning the SDA theology or other theologies. If I read other theologies it makes sense and if I read SDA's theology it also makes sense as well. all in all I believe that salvation is the divine plan of God, and i don't think we can ever understand fully. I just pray that as i'm studying about salvation it is the Holy Spirit who leads me to believe which direction to take.
S. Michael Olaye Blog 7 In the BRI article, “How Perfect is Perfect or is Christian Perfection Possible?” the author defines what it really means to be perfect in the biblical meaning of the word. I liked this article because many members do not completely understand this topic. Also, many understand this topic but cannot put it into practice. Perfection has never meant that the follower must be sinless. Perfection in the Bible teaches that we must always believe in Jesus Christ who died for our sins and never leave His side. The closer we come to Christ, the more we realize our shortcomings. This is perfectly demonstrated in Romans 7: 24-8:2. Paul in this passage realizes that flesh will always be in constant battle with the Spirit. He states earlier in the chapter that we are slaves sold into sin. In Phillipians 3: 12-14, Paul states that we are running a course that is set before us and pressing towards our high calling in the Lord Jesus Christ. Whidden speaks of what Ellen White understood atonement to mean. The wrath that God has is the other side of the coin for salvation extended to those who believe. This was the cost of Jesus dying on our sins. When Jesus climbed up Mt. Calvary, He committed the greatest atonement of the entire human race and gave us the possibility of salvation
S. Michael Olaye Blog #8 The BRI article “Some Thoughts on Original Sin” by Dr. Pfandl gives a brief survey on how Adventist interprets original sin. There is a difference between what the Calvinist and Catholics understand the original sin to be. They understand that we inherit sin from Adam and Eve and that we are predetermined to hell unless we have interaction with Jesus in some type of way. We Adventists, on the other hand, belief that original sin is some type of condition that we are bent towards sin instead of helplessly doomed to hell. In Romans 8, Paul tells us that we are more than conquerors. This says a lot because if it said that we were mere conquerors, then we would actually have something to do with our sinful state. But Paul says that we are more than conquerors meaning that we win in an unconventional way. In this case, we win by God’s grace. The idea of original sin misconstrues the role of God’s grace in the Christian life. Whidden discusses the nature of Christ while He ministered here on earth. He tries to display the fact that Ellen White discussed several dynamics of Christ nature throughout her sixty-year writing ministry. This to me is one of the mysteries that we will spend eternity learning.
Reflection Paper #15 Roman 15 the Apostle Paul reminded the Gentiles of their relationship to God through Jesus Christ. And he urges them to have in them the mind of Jesus, that He humbled himself and became a servant so that the truth may receive by them. Paul said in v8, 9 that Jesus became a servant to “confirm the promises made to the fathers, and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy.” This is a unique statement by Paul coz it reflected that the gospel was promised of Jesus Christ ought to be a gospel to the world. Final chapter of Romans was the Apostle’s final commendation and greetings for the believers and reminded them of the gospel of Christ. In the chapter 16th and 17th chapter of Whidden’s book, he revealed Ellen White’s view of Justification and Sanctification in relation to Perfection. A justified life can have victory over sin is through the merit of Christ. Its interesting to know from her pen that “Our sanctification is God’s object in all His dealing with us. He has chosen us from eternity that we may be holy.” The final chapter spelled out Mrs. White balanced view of salvation. Though often misinterpreted by people but Mrs. White’s view of salvation is biblical. God gave Mrs. White’s great understanding on salvation for the purpose of educating His church with the true meaning of salvation. The world needs to knowledge about the precious gospel of Jesus Christ. In return for that love, man will live a life according to God’s will. BRI article by Angel Rodriguez “Adam and the Human Race in the Writings of E. G. White” shed Mrs. White’s view on the “in Adam” concept that is wrongly interpreted. Rodriguez revealed Mrs. White’s understanding of the issue is that because of Adam’s sin, the whole world inherited sinful nature. Adam’s disobedience cause the major problem to humanity but he accepted the gift of God. This is a fascinating concept however Rodriguez claimed we weren’t shared in Adam’s sin because we were not there but the effect of his sin affected us by nature. It is the consequences of the world’s first father affected the whole world and in need of a Savior.
Roman 15 is I believe that summary of Romans and Paul concludes what he believes and gives advice to church. Even though the background of chapter 15 is not happy, he gives specific advice as well as general one. Whidden talks about another perfection this week. So far I have learned what perfection is and what all the elements mean in salvation context. But I don’t think I have applied them into my life. This reflection may be the last one for me so I just want to focus on how I have been doing in the class and in my life. I have always talked about things about God not Him. I tried to have more knowledge to look smarter and better pastor. But Paul says, in Rom 15:2, “Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.” I had wrong motivation in studying. I should’ve learned for others’ good but I did for myself. Thinking this, I got discouraged, but Paul gave me another verse, in Rome 15:4, “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” I can still have hope because I have the Bible and the Holy Spirit.
On the BRI site, the first topic talks about -ADAM AND THE HUMAN RACE.It is so funny how everything happens at the right time. When God created man, He had good plans for man, but man failed God in the disobedience at the gardedn of eden. God created man at His own image and thought it could be a wise idea it He gave man dominion over everything in earth. He infact put man on the garden of eden, to enjoy all that was there, except the tree, only one tree that God wanted to be left. Insted of adam listening to the instructions of God, he listened to the instrictions of satan and losr all. Though adam lost all, Jesus had mercy on him and came to dies on behalf of man so that If human race listens to teh voice of the Lord, shall be saved and so to inherit the kingdom.
The first chapter of chapter of the book of the book or Romans talks about how Gods wrath will be on those that know what God wants them to do, but they never do it. Romans 1:18"The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men.." God offered alternative when we fell, if we dont take it, it is upon us.
Ellen white asks a very important Qustion in the first chapter of Book-Salvation. She asks a very good question "How shall we proceed? It is only be the power of God that we shall make it. From the calss discussions, we will not make it by our strenght, but by daily surrendering to the blood of Jesus, who will strengthen us.
The article on BRI on "Universal-legal- Justification, was very interesting. It clearly illustrated the fact that, even though Christ died for us all, not all shall be saved.What is universal, is His death. He died on the cross for all(the entire human race).It is clear that, though Christ died for all, not all accept Him. For those who accept His death and follow Him, they shal inherit the kingdom. For those who refuse the offer, they will not be forced to go to heaven against their desire and so shall perish.
The second chapter in the Ellen White book-Salvation, deals with how Ellen herself delt with the issue of conversion and sactification. At her conclusion, she discovered that sanctification is not a work of a moment, but that os a life time. "Perfection was not to be claimed as some sinless accomplishment, but rather sought as a way of life that would see believers grow in grace until they receive the finishing touch of sinlessness at glorification" It is good that Ellen white discoved that, and she continually shares with us the fact that we are renewed daily by His powers.
The second chapter of the book of Romans warns us not to judge others, for we too shall be judged by our Father in heaven. It warns christians to stand firm as they teach others, so that those they teach shall not go to heaven , leaving them here.
In class, we all saw that, salvation is individualistic-every individual decides to, or not to be saved, but Jesus is availble to all(He is universal).
The article on "Christ died for human race" on the BRI, was very interesting.It supports the fact that, Christ sacrificed all the comfort in heaven and came here on earth to die, so that the human race may receive salvation; in the sene that now there is hope for all who came to Christ "He paid the ramson required as the result of Adam's fall and saved the world in the sense that now there is hope for all who come to christ , and receive him as their personal savior."
In the book 'Salvation', the thirs chapter, Ellen White continued to express her understanding of perfection in a way that clearly differentiated her teaching from the Wesleyan view.She powerfully empasised on justification by faith alone-Christ justifies by faith, a point that even James White empasised.
The third chapter of Romans, show how God is faithfull to His children.Though all all have sined, it is the through Jesus that we shall be made Just. Romans 3:20" Therefore, no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law.."
In class, we discussed that we shal not make it to heaven by our own powers, but by His grace.
On the BRI, the article on"Comment on 1Tim 4:10", was good for a discussion. It showed me that, people can read one text, but all will have a different interpretation all together. We all have our own interpretation of what we read, but may God help us to have the intended meaning, deep down our hearts. According to the article, many think that, if Jesus died, all we have to do is believe that He died and that is it. Mear believing, shall not take us anywhere. If we believe without doing anything that He told us to do, how safe are we in the Kingdom? It is only those who beleive and do according to His will that shal be saved. In Romans chapter4, Abraham not only believed in God, but also walked accarding to the will of God. When he was told to sacrifice his only son, Abraham was ready. He was ready to give all that he had, and was obedient even to the point of sacrificing his own son, if that was what God wanted him to do. Are we willing to do what God tells us to d even if it means loosing all that we have?
In the fourth chapter of the book of salvation, Ellen white belives that is is only God who can transform us. If we yield to His saving power, then He can do great things. "..no changes in social status, geography, denominational growth, or advances in doctrinal sophistication and expression would change her constant empasis on God's great transforming power"
It is all about God, He is the one who does it all, if we permit Him.
On the BRI, the article on "Comments on _In Adam/In Christ", was very argumentative.It argues for the fact that,it is through Adam that sin entired to the earth, to the human race,and so through adam, all were supposed to die since death is the wages of sin. God told man that If he eats the middle tree, he shall for sure die, and so, in Adam, there is death. What about in Christ? Though we were supposed to die after we sin, Christ came to die on our behalf on the cross
Those who believe in Him, shall never perish, but have everlasting life. So, in Adam, there is death, but in Jesus, there is hope, there is life. Romans chapter 5, empasizes the same consept that, it is trough Jesus, that we will have eternity, never to die gain. It is trough one man that sin entered the earth, and through one man, we have salvation, if we accept the gift anf do according to His will. Ellen white says in chapter 5 of book 'salvation' that Jesus provides mearcy and this mercy was provided for Christ's death- a death given for the just forgiveness of doomed sinners. It is only Christ who will take our doom way .
It was interesting to study article on-The Dynamic of salvation, on the BRI.Sin itself is dynamic, for we do not understand why we continually sin daily,regardless of the fact that we are christians. Sometimes i wonder if we can just do the right thing over and over again without doing any evil. Since sin is something we can never comprehend, we need the blood of Jesus to save us daily. Sinfull as we were, it is a mystry that Christ came and died for us on the cross. Though we were yet sinners, Christ died for us, and that itself is mystry. What shall we do then? If sinfull as we are somone offered to come and die for us? We should appreciate and surrender all out will to Him so that He can save us.
In chapter 6 of the book of Salvation, Ellen white confirms that when we sin, we trasgress God's will. We are inclined to sin as human beings, becouse we inherit the sinful nature from our for fathers. She says "the effect of sin are so pervasive that we need Gods' convicting, calling, converting, justifying and empowering grace at every advancing step in our experience of salvation." That is why the book of Romans chapter 6 supports the fact that we are alive only in christ. Whithout christ, we are dead for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord-Romans 6: 23.
In class, we learnt that, those God called, will be justified by grace.
The article on the BRI whether perfection can be obtained by christians, was very insighting to me. By ourselves, we can never attain it. We are too limited, and our best is just rugs befor the Lord.We cannever do anything or achive anything on our own. What about when Christ is the center of our Lives, does it make a difference?
Ellen White comments in chapter seven concerning atonement that "It was used to express all that the Trinity has done, is doing and will do to reconcile siiner" Our eternal life demanded that of Son of God to die on our behalf. Chapter seven of the book of Romans, deals with the fact that we struggle with sin each and everyday. Paul wondwers if he will ever win victory over sin. Roman 7:24 "What a wretched man i am! who will rescue me from this body of death? Paul concludes that, It is only God who will save him. In class we learnt that our sinful nature shall be trasformed by His blood and full tranformation and glorification shall be accomplished when christ caome to take us home.
Romans 8:1 "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jessu". It is through the blood of Jesus that we are Justified. We are more than conquerors in Jesus christ.Paul is confident in Jesus and he says that nothing shall separate him from the blood of Jesus. We ar justified, not by ouw own effort, but by the blood of the lamb.
The BRI article on -Justification by the Cross, also supports the fact that it is only through the cross, that we shall make it. The cross made it possible for us to be justified. Non of us is worth anything, but Jesus makes everything possible, and that is why Paul bosts that in Christ, all is possible.
, Ellen White deals with the subject -The nature of Christ, and salvation, and she addresses the issue of Christology.She accepts the fact that dealing with the nature of Christ is the most challanging thing she can do.For her, it was challanging to connect the relationship between Christ's human nature and Christian perfection. It is the loving nature of Christ that made it possible for Him to came and die for us on the cross, hence we are justified freely, by His death on the cross.
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Romans 11
Paul in Romans 11 is so clear about the topic of foreknowledge. Purposely, Paul is out to convey the message of hope to chosen class in comparisons to the Gentiles. His message is profound; amidst the finite sight, God has the infinite sight. When Elijah was complaining about his ministry, God answered vividly by saying "I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal." In His foreknowledge, God does offer what He deems best for humanity and in the case of Elijah it was, message of hope at times of hopelessness.
Paul elaborates that, in God’s sight men are called and chosen by grace and not by works. Often at times we like Elijah want to see by deeds what others are doing so that we can classify them as Christians. Elijah wanted to sight full see prophets at work, but God knows who belongs to Him and this is due to the unmerited favor that He has given to all humanity that He foreknew in advance.
The aspect of the called is also featured in this passage by Paul. He quotes by saying’ “What the people of Israel sought so earnestly they did not obtain. The elect among them did, but the others were hardened…” The term used here in ‘the elect” not all who were of the seed of Abraham are sure Children of God, but only the elect are, and these are the ones God foreknew. I get challenged at times to realize that God even has hardened others not to receive the word, but because He is Sovereign, He does what He opt is good for humanity.
The message of Paul to the Gentiles seems stern; “For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.” He is trying to make them not to take their salvation for granted, because even the chosen Nation of Israel has some who have not been considered as the elect. Salvation is vividly portrayed as God’s business and not by anybody is dealings. He foreknows the ones who shall be in the lot of the elect.
Romel Charles
Doctrine of Salvation
Reflection #11
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
In “Ellen White on Salvation,” Whidden talks about the significance and meaning of 1888. He reveals that Ellen White went on many strenuous preaching tours in support of Justification because later on it was revealed that there were many people even ministers that were struggling with the understanding of Justification. They were also struggling with the idea that they had a great work to do themselves before they can come to Christ thinking that Jesus will come in at the very last moment of their struggle and give them help by putting the finishing touch to their life work. To me it is amazing to see ow the understanding of Justification has grown because if we had not gone through the struggle and grew from it then we would still be stuck on works. Jan Paulsen had a powerful sermon in the fact that he went as deeply as possible into the understanding of Salvation as time would allow for a sermon. Paulsen gives the subjective and objective dimensions of Salvation but goes into the true core of Salvation, Faith. He says, “Faith's obedience is not different from the obedience of the law. The fallacy of Judaism, however (and legalism in general), was that it used the law to establish its own righteousness. The Jews tried by keeping the law to project their own worthiness (their own righteousness). And their performance became a means of boasting and self-centeredness. The basic attitude was fundamentally wrong! For the attitude of faith is the very opposite of boasting! Faith does not take credit for its obedience, for it has nothing in itself to boast about.”
Romans 11 continues with the idea of the remnant of God whether it is national Israel of spiritual Israel. Paul references Elijah when he said, “Elijah—how he appealed to God against Israel,” referring to national Israel. Paul then goes on to reveal that there are those that are ingrafted in. They “have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root.” Paul clearly states that the new Israel is now the spiritual Israel that includes JEws and Gentiles.
Reflections paper: Week Ten
Doctrine of Salvation:
Comments on chapter “Perfection before 1888”
Woodrow Whidden
The subject of perfection has always been a controversial one, and I’m thankful we have Ellen White to clarify some points. In her writings, perfection has many times been used interchangeably with sanctification but primarily it’s perceived as a goal one needs to reach, the goal of sanctification. Like any other goal, her position was that yes, we can overcome sin fully and entirely, through Christ because He made a way for us. There are many references in scripture that mention “blamelessness” as something God is encouraging in our lives. God wouldn’t encourage something that we couldn’t possibly achieve. Some of the qualities of perfection are full surrender and consecration to God, an active effort on our part, meaning that it’s not something that we can attain passively but ultimately, its God’s work in our lives as we cooperate with him in surrendering our lives to Him. Many people have claimed perfection, Ellen White states that none should claim perfection and those who claim are actually far from being perfect.
In Romans 11, Paul seems to be cautioning the Gentiles not to be boastful about being included in the salvation. He states he has been made a minister to the Gentiles yes, but God has not totally given up on the Jewish people. He desires to provoke them to jealousy, hoping for their salvation with everyone else who believed. They were cut off because of unbelief. Since they were the original olive tree and the gentiles were grafted in, it’s easier to accept them back basically, into the plan of salvation.
Our class discussion was on atonement, which can be described in two parts, Objective and Subjective. Objective atonement is what Christ did for us on the cross and Subjective atonement refers to what He continues to do in us, as He influences us for the good of our salvation.
Reflections paper: Week Ten
Doctrine of Salvation:
Comments on chapter “Perfection before 1888”
Woodrow Whidden
The subject of perfection has always been a controversial one, and I’m thankful we have Ellen White to clarify some points. In her writings, perfection has many times been used interchangeably with sanctification but primarily it’s perceived as a goal one needs to reach, the goal of sanctification. Like any other goal, her position was that yes, we can overcome sin fully and entirely, through Christ because He made a way for us. There are many references in scripture that mention “blamelessness” as something God is encouraging in our lives. God wouldn’t encourage something that we couldn’t possibly achieve. Some of the qualities of perfection are full surrender and consecration to God, an active effort on our part, meaning that it’s not something that we can attain passively but ultimately, its God’s work in our lives as we cooperate with him in surrendering our lives to Him. Many people have claimed perfection, Ellen White states that none should claim perfection and those who claim are actually far from being perfect.
In Romans 11, Paul seems to be cautioning the Gentiles not to be boastful about being included in the salvation. He states he has been made a minister to the Gentiles yes, but God has not totally given up on the Jewish people. He desires to provoke them to jealousy, hoping for their salvation with everyone else who believed. They were cut off because of unbelief. Since they were the original olive tree and the gentiles were grafted in, it’s easier to accept them back basically, into the plan of salvation.
Our class discussion was on atonement, which can be described in two parts, Objective and Subjective. Objective atonement is what Christ did for us on the cross and Subjective atonement refers to what He continues to do in us, as He influences us for the good of our salvation.
Reflection Paper#11 (Week Ending November 08, 2008) (Sheldon Smith)
In chapter twelve of Whidden’s book Ellen White and Salvation, I found some very insightful comments made by Ellen White regarding Justification and our standing before God. White’s view of justification was very holistic before and after the years of Minneapolis. She indicated that God loves the sinner even when the sinner would have confessed his or her sin and falls back into sin. I like the fact where she mentioned that we cannot carry our burdens by ourselves but Jesus can help us with our burdens. For the forgiven sinner who falls, she emphasized the fact that Jesus promises the sinner that “if we sin we have an Advocate with the father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” I also like the idea regarding objective justification that was brought across in the book. Whidden indicated that E.G. White always emphasized the fact that sinners ought to continuously behold Christ and to accept his saving work on our behalf. Another important point that was brought out in the book was the fact that Justification always runs parallel to or concurrently with sanctification. I was happy to come across this since the statement concurs with my research regarding justification and sanctification as critical elements in the salvation process.
In Romans 11, Paul highlights the fact that Israel has lost its rite as God’s chosen people to be His representative as a result of their unbelief and consequently, as branches, they are broken off the vine. However, the Gentiles who choose to accept Him are grafted into the vine. However they are warned not to boast since just as how the original branches (Israel) were broken off, the same thing can happen to them. I like verse 23 where Paul indicated that even though Israel has been broken off, they can be grafted in again if they do not continue in unbelief.
In the BRI article, Jan Paulsen addresses justification by faith and the dynamism that is attached to it. I liked the way he dealt with the element of faith in his discourse and the fact that our salvation process is both subjective and objective but faith is an integral part of both. He highlights the fact that faith does not save, neither does faith justify, but it is the instrument for receiving what the Lord has offers. Justification by faith he indicated is not an objective legal justification, it is dynamic. For Ellen White, Paulsen stated that her view of justification was a dynamic, life-changing, living experience. Paul’s approach in his letters was similar in that, the indicative of justification is always followed by the imperative of the life of faith that emerges from it.
Kurtley Knight
Reflection #11
11/12/08
In his article, “Salvation by Faith” Jan Paulson explains the biblical defintion and understanding of salvation by faith as identified in the writings of Paul in the Bible. Going along with our theme in class Paulson seems to have a bigger model that is more holistic in it’s approach. For example, Paulson talks about objective and subjective faith. Objective faith is faith that is obtained through the knowledge of Jesus and results in the confession that Jesus is Lord. In other words, this is really what we discussed in class when we talk about what Christ has done for us. We don’t know what Christ has done for us unless we have objective information. Then there is subjective faith which is what God is doing in us. Paulson explains this as growing in the trust of God. There have been camps that have pitched there tents on either side of this argument but Paulson takes the position that we must have both sides of salvation by faith in order for it to be complete. For faith is objective in that it descdribes what God has done for us, but doesn’t just stop there but must include God moving in us.
Chapter 12 in Whidden’s book is also a good example of Ellen White having a bigger model. In the discussion of objective and subjective salvation Whidden presents White as attempting to balance the two ideas. She will not lean overly one way because of her mature view on the topic. Throughout this semester we’ve been challenged to have a bigger model and I think I’m finally understanding it! Because salvation is such a huge topic the model needs to be big enough not to neglect one aspect of something that may be true. This is because our God is so big that He in many ways He can’t be nailed down.
Reflection #11
11/12/08
In his article, “Salvation by Faith” Jan Paulson explains the biblical defintion and understanding of salvation by faith as identified in the writings of Paul in the Bible. Going along with our theme in class Paulson seems to have a bigger model that is more holistic in it’s approach. For example, Paulson talks about objective and subjective faith. Objective faith is faith that is obtained through the knowledge of Jesus and results in the confession that Jesus is Lord. In other words, this is really what we discussed in class when we talk about what Christ has done for us. We don’t know what Christ has done for us unless we have objective information. Then there is subjective faith which is what God is doing in us. Paulson explains this as growing in the trust of God. There have been camps that have pitched there tents on either side of this argument but Paulson takes the position that we must have both sides of salvation by faith in order for it to be complete. For faith is objective in that it descdribes what God has done for us, but doesn’t just stop there but must include God moving in us.
Chapter 12 in Whidden’s book is also a good example of Ellen White having a bigger model. In the discussion of objective and subjective salvation Whidden presents White as attempting to balance the two ideas. She will not lean overly one way because of her mature view on the topic. Throughout this semester we’ve been challenged to have a bigger model and I think I’m finally understanding it! Because salvation is such a huge topic the model needs to be big enough not to neglect one aspect of something that may be true. This is because our God is so big that He in many ways He can’t be nailed down.
Reflection 11
11/12/08
In his article, “Salvation by Faith” Jan Paulson explains the biblical defintion and understanding of salvation by faith as identified in the writings of Paul in the Bible. Going along with our theme in class Paulson seems to have a bigger model that is more holistic in it’s approach. For example, Paulson talks about objective and subjective faith. Objective faith is faith that is obtained through the knowledge of Jesus and results in the confession that Jesus is Lord. In other words, this is really what we discussed in class when we talk about what Christ has done for us. We don’t know what Christ has done for us unless we have objective information. Then there is subjective faith which is what God is doing in us. Paulson explains this as growing in the trust of God. There have been camps that have pitched there tents on either side of this argument but Paulson takes the position that we must have both sides of salvation by faith in order for it to be complete. For faith is objective in that it descdribes what God has done for us, but doesn’t just stop there but must include God moving in us.
Chapter 12 in Whidden’s book is also a good example of Ellen White having a bigger model. In the discussion of objective and subjective salvation Whidden presents White as attempting to balance the two ideas. She will not lean overly one way because of her mature view on the topic. Throughout this semester we’ve been challenged to have a bigger model and I think I’m finally understanding it! Because salvation is such a huge topic the model needs to be big enough not to neglect one aspect of something that may be true. This is because our God is so big that He in many ways He can’t be nailed down.
Reflection 11
11/12/08
In his article, “Salvation by Faith” Jan Paulson explains the biblical defintion and understanding of salvation by faith as identified in the writings of Paul in the Bible. Going along with our theme in class Paulson seems to have a bigger model that is more holistic in it’s approach. For example, Paulson talks about objective and subjective faith. Objective faith is faith that is obtained through the knowledge of Jesus and results in the confession that Jesus is Lord. In other words, this is really what we discussed in class when we talk about what Christ has done for us. We don’t know what Christ has done for us unless we have objective information. Then there is subjective faith which is what God is doing in us. Paulson explains this as growing in the trust of God. There have been camps that have pitched there tents on either side of this argument but Paulson takes the position that we must have both sides of salvation by faith in order for it to be complete. For faith is objective in that it descdribes what God has done for us, but doesn’t just stop there but must include God moving in us.
Chapter 12 in Whidden’s book is also a good example of Ellen White having a bigger model. In the discussion of objective and subjective salvation Whidden presents White as attempting to balance the two ideas. She will not lean overly one way because of her mature view on the topic. Throughout this semester we’ve been challenged to have a bigger model and I think I’m finally understanding it! Because salvation is such a huge topic the model needs to be big enough not to neglect one aspect of something that may be true. This is because our God is so big that He in many ways He can’t be nailed down.
Comments on Kolia Afamasaga’s 11th Reflection Paper
Your reflection paper cleared my mind. I appreciate that. I want to make comments on two things. First one is about atonement. “Scripture and Ellen White that while there is a distinction between the objective and subjective atonement but they are not separated.” Yes, there is distinction but they cannot function without the other.
And the other point is that “the Bible is cleared that we are sinful by nature and we can never reach the perfection of nature, only God is perfect in nature.” This is a quite tough topic but you boldly spoke out your conclusion and I liked it. As the article says, both Greek words do not mean sinless state. We are endlessly closer to God.
Comments on Kolia Afamasaga’s 11th Reflection Paper
Your reflection paper cleared my mind. I appreciate that. I want to make comments on two things. First one is about atonement. “Scripture and Ellen White that while there is a distinction between the objective and subjective atonement but they are not separated.” Yes, there is distinction but they cannot function without the other.
And the other point is that “the Bible is cleared that we are sinful by nature and we can never reach the perfection of nature, only God is perfect in nature.” This is a quite tough topic but you boldly spoke out your conclusion and I liked it. As the article says, both Greek words do not mean sinless state. We are endlessly closer to God.
Ref #11
Romans 11
Paul in Romans 11 is so clear about the topic of foreknowledge. Purposely, Paul is out to convey the message of hope to chosen class in comparisons to the Gentiles. His message is profound; amidst the finite sight, God has the infinite sight. When Elijah was complaining about his ministry, God answered vividly by saying "I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal." In His foreknowledge, God does offer what He deems best for humanity and in the case of Elijah it was, message of hope at times of hopelessness.
Paul elaborates that, in God’s sight men are called and chosen by grace and not by works. Often at times we like Elijah want to see by deeds what others are doing so that we can classify them as Christians. Elijah wanted to sight full see prophets at work, but God knows who belongs to Him and this is due to the unmerited favor that He has given to all humanity that He foreknew in advance.
The aspect of the called is also featured in this passage by Paul. He quotes by saying’ “What the people of Israel sought so earnestly they did not obtain. The elect among them did, but the others were hardened…” The term used here in ‘the elect” not all who were of the seed of Abraham are sure Children of God, but only the elect are, and these are the ones God foreknew. I get challenged at times to realize that God even has hardened others not to receive the word, but because He is Sovereign, He does what He opt is good for humanity.
The message of Paul to the Gentiles seems stern; “For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.” He is trying to make them not to take their salvation for granted, because even the chosen Nation of Israel has some who have not been considered as the elect. Salvation is vividly portrayed as God’s business and not by anybody is dealings. He foreknows the ones who shall be in the lot of the elect.
Reflection 12
This week’s lecture was very helpful to my understanding of what we have been reading in Romans. I really appreciated Dr. Hanna’s explanation of those chapters. Though he did not give definite answers to all of the issues in Romans 9-11, the discussion definitely cleared a few of my previously written questions up a bit.
The 12th chapter of Romans was much more simple for me to grasp. Paul sorts of sums up the chapter in the first couple verses where he talks about offering ourselves as living sacrifices. This chapter is a balance for all of the anti law language in Romans, which of course Paul has always been careful to temper and balance as he went along. It discusses what our lives will look like when we allow God to rule our lives. Thus this chapter talks about what God’s sanctification accomplishes in our lives including forming one body in the church and loving each other. There is a lot of practical advice in this chapter.
I found this chapter in Whiddon’s book to largely be showing that Ellen White did not change her positions on Salvation after 1888. However, I did find the section about the seemingly perplexing statements to be interesting. I really liked the statement at the end of that section that these statements “were certainly forceful expressions of her ongoing delicate balance that sought to hold together merit and obedience, faith and works, law and gospel as the mutually complementary (not contradictory) essentials of salvation.” This reminds me of our need to be willing to openly look at the way seemingly contradictory Biblical statements work together and not fight against each other. Ellen White had a bigger model.
Finally, I read the BRI document by Rodriguez about problems with Universal Justification. I found it to be largely a restatement of other articles on this subject by him and didn’t find anything new to comment on.
Tiago Baltazar
Reading Reflection Paper 12
THST 540 – 11/16/08
In the thirteenth chapter of Whidden's book, I felt that the subject from the previous chapter was being explored deeper. I believe since 1888, Ellen White's biblical balance when she talks about justification and sanctification has been clear,. I understand that some details must be explained more accurately, which happens in the following years, but the correct essence is already there. I recognize Whidden's research work as being very detailed and meaningful, and I am sure it lays the much necessary foundations for the coming study of perfection.
This week's BRI article on “Salvation comprises both God's gift and His claim upon our life” is, in my opinion, a complement to the one from last week. I enjoyed the holistic perspective presented in this article. Despite that fact that it might sound simplistic, there are two citations that I believe that resume the essence of this article “To see and accept what Christ has done for us is to know what He wishes to do through us” as well as the phrase that concludes the article: “To reject the judgement according to works, then, would be to reject the totality of God's redemptive intention. The Christ of the cross never leaves a person where He found him. The Christ of the cross always says to the one He justifies, "Take up the cross, and follow me." The judgement tests and witnesses to this reality.” This last concept seems to me a very poignant expression of the message left in the Scriptures.
Romans 12 is to me a call to humility. Paul is very expressing in inviting each one of us to a peaceful state of being; Paul invites to an analysis of how selfish we are and how do we look at ourselves. This chapter is a call to humility and to community-centred life rather than self-centred. It sounds to me like a very intimate advice from Paul, going to the core of human nature and challenging that same nature to surrender itself to a complete transformation into God's image.
Reflections paper: Week Twelve
Doctrine of Salvation
In Woodrow Whidden’s book was a continuation of the discussion on Ellen White’s view on Perfection, this time in light of the closing events in earth’s history. I was blessed to read about a question I have always struggled with, which, what does Ellen White really mean when she says God’s people will live without an intercessor during the time of trouble. What kind of perfection do they have? He showed that they are said to be perfect because they are no longer living with cherished sin or committing overt sins, “sins that are deliberately or willfully performed.” Ellen White stated that those who cherish sinful desires will not be saved, so that would imply that those who will be saved do not cherish sinful desires and therefore are considered perfect, able to live without an intercessor. We need a intercessor when we sin. After the close of probation, people would have made their decision as to who they will follow, Christ or Satan. So those who have chosen Christ will not be cherishing their sins but have absolute abhorrence for sin but that doesn’t mean that they don’t have human weaknesses anymore, they still have vile bodies and those vile bodies will be transformed at the second coming. These weaknesses will not be because of cherished sin and until Jesus comes, we will still need His sustaining power throughout our lives, but He just wont be interceding for sin, because we will hate sin. I was thankful for that understanding.
Romans 12 talked about the new life in Christ for both Jews and Gentiles. It is related to chapter 11 thus it uses the word “therefore” in the first verse. In chapter 11, after addressing the Gentiles quite a bit, cautioning them on boasting because of having been grafted or accepted in the plan of salvation, it closes with him talking about how all have been shown mercy, the remnant, both Jews and Gentiles, and so the call to have a renewed mind and not conforming to the world and the presentation of the bodies as living sacrifice is to all who desire to be saved, the remnant, just as we discussed in class, spiritual Israel made up of both Jews and Gentiles. That transformation determines how one conducts his or her life in this world, things like keeping peace with all man, not being vengeful and not being overcome by evil but overcoming evil with good. This is basically the life of a transformed person belonging to the remnant.
The BRI reading seemed to emphasize the same point, discussing Rom 3: 21-24, showing that all have sinned in not singling out any particular group of people but all people, Jews and Gentiles have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified by the gift of grace through faith. God’s salvation is inclusive, for He is not a respecter of man.
Reflection 11
The article written by Jan Paulsen and Romans 11 both talk about the importance of faith and how we need to stand by it. beginning of the article Jan Paulsen said that without faith nothing can happen and faith itself is both objective and subjective. "faith is not specific not just religious feeling or a pious attitude." he also says; "It is important that due recognition be given to this subjective aspect of faith. For faith is not just the collection of the right theological information or historical data; nor, for that matter, is it the establishment of a convincing display of doctrines. These are all part of faith but by no means the sum of it." I agree with his points and we Christians need to have better understanding of what faith is.
When Paul says all Israel will be saved, I understood as the whole Israel, the whold nation until Dr. Hanna explained it as the spiritual Israel. All (spiritual) Israel will be saved and within the Spiritual Israel there are Gentiles and national Israel.
All the spiritual Israel will be saved, and we too will be saved, if we remain faithful and call on the name of the Lord in the end. Romans 11:20-21 "Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant bu be afraid. For if God did not spare the natural branches he wil not spare you either." If we remain faithful and stand by faith we will not break away from God.
Laurentiu Roman
Reflection Paper 11
THST 540 – 11/19/08
In the article written by Edward Heppenstall, “Some Theological Considerations of Perfection” the question is if we can achieve perfection here on earth. My answer is no, if we refer to human nature perfection. Sanctification is presented as an accomplished event (1Cor. 6:11; Col. 3:9-10) and as a continuing process (Eph. 4:15-16). We are sanctified in Christ but our condition is far from perfect because we still sin and we won't be perfected until Jesus returns (1Thes. 5:23-24). There is a constant development toward sanctification and increasing knowledge and love of God. Ellen White said that “The Christian life is a battle and a march. In this warfare there is no release; the effort must be continuous and persevering.” If we are sanctified in this life it means that the sin was already eradicated from this world and from us. Although Ellen White is talking about one kind of perfection in this life, and that one is the character perfection and this one can not be achieved instantaneous, is the work of a life.
In Whidden book, chapter twelve “Justification after Minneapolis” is presented the idea that faith and works are never separated, and I agree with this. Our good works do not justify us, so it is not our good works that produce our salvation, God give us our salvation as we cooperate with Him. These works are not actions that we do in order to be saved, they are actions and attitudes that grow out of our fellowship with the Holy Spirit, “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Eph. 2:10). In fact God has prepared these good works for us and only in Christ Jesus are we enabled to perform these good works. Ellen White said that “genuine faith can not exist without corresponding works. The experience of Abraham is presented. "Seest thou," he says, "how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?" Thus genuine faith does a genuine work in the believer. Faith and obedience bring a solid, valuable experience.”
In Romans 12 apostle Paul appeals to our will. God calls us to make a choice about the way that we live for Him, and that we are able to offer ourselves to God as He works His mercy in us. Then Paul is talking about love which must be sincere without hypocrisy because it is not a real love. We must be patient in times of trouble because difficult times do not excuse us when we abandon hope or patience. Trials do not excuse a lack of love or a lack of willingness to do His work. More than this we must bless those who persecute us. And we don’t even know what means persecution for real. I think this means perfection. Being willingly to do this from a pure heart and working every moment it means perfection.
Laurentiu Roman
Reflection Paper 12
THST 540 – 11/19/08
In the article written by Edward Heppenstall, “Some Theological Considerations of Perfection” the question is if we can achieve perfection here on earth. My answer is no, if we refer to human nature perfection. Sanctification is presented as an accomplished event (1Cor. 6:11; Col. 3:9-10) and as a continuing process (Eph. 4:15-16). We are sanctified in Christ but our condition is far from perfect because we still sin and we won't be perfected until Jesus returns (1Thes. 5:23-24). There is a constant development toward sanctification and increasing knowledge and love of God. Ellen White said that “The Christian life is a battle and a march. In this warfare there is no release; the effort must be continuous and persevering.” If we are sanctified in this life it means that the sin was already eradicated from this world and from us. Although Ellen White is talking about one kind of perfection in this life, and that one is the character perfection and this one can not be achieved instantaneous, is the work of a life.
In Whidden book, chapter twelve “Justification after Minneapolis” is presented the idea that faith and works are never separated, and I agree with this. Our good works do not justify us, so it is not our good works that produce our salvation, God give us our salvation as we cooperate with Him. These works are not actions that we do in order to be saved, they are actions and attitudes that grow out of our fellowship with the Holy Spirit, “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Eph. 2:10). In fact God has prepared these good works for us and only in Christ Jesus are we enabled to perform these good works. Ellen White said that “genuine faith can not exist without corresponding works. The experience of Abraham is presented. "Seest thou," he says, "how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?" Thus genuine faith does a genuine work in the believer. Faith and obedience bring a solid, valuable experience.”
In Romans 12 apostle Paul appeals to our will. God calls us to make a choice about the way that we live for Him, and that we are able to offer ourselves to God as He works His mercy in us. Then Paul is talking about love which must be sincere without hypocrisy because it is not a real love. We must be patient in times of trouble because difficult times do not excuse us when we abandon hope or patience. Trials do not excuse a lack of love or a lack of willingness to do His work. More than this we must bless those who persecute us. And we don’t even know what means persecution for real. I think this means perfection. Being willingly to do this from a pure heart and working every moment it means perfection.
Reflection Paper#12 (Week Ending November 15, 2008) (Sheldon Smith)
In Romans chapter 12, Paul seems to make a transition from sorting out the Israelites and Gentiles with regard to their physical and spiritual calling and their purpose within the previous eleven chapters to a pinnacle where he is now encouraging spiritual Israel (the church which includes both Jews and Gentiles), to serve God wholeheartedly and to live peaceably together with each other. He does this highlighting the fact that individuals should serve the church with whatever gifts they possess and even more than that, they should show love for one another.
Rodriguez identifies some problems with legal justification which I deem to be true. What came across my mind as I read the problems that he identified was the fact that if legal justification were true, and that all have been redeemed through Christ’s death, the doctrine of Christ’s atoning work in the sanctuary would make no sense and for individuals living on earth, we could just live as we please since Jesus paid it all and we are saved in Him.
What appealed to me this week in a significant sense was the statement in Whidden book made by Ellen White where she stated that “If we were perfect, we wouldn’t need a savior.” The reason this appealed to me was the fact that many times individuals within and without the Adventist church profess or purport the doctrine of perfectionism. However, it is clear from the Bible and Ellen White’s writing that one cannot become perfect by any merits of oneself. The only perfection we have is as a result of us abiding constantly in the merits of Christ. This can only be done through continual confession, dying to sin and faith in the “Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world and ever liveth to make intercession for us.”
There was another point that E.G. White made regarding justification and sanctification. She said that the two, even though they are distinguishable should not be separated. And as I read and did my research in this area, one person made the comment that justification and sanctification are like “Siamese twins.”
Romans 10
verse 9 is such a powerful and distinct promise. "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. You can find two things in this verse that have been debated in prior verses. "confess with you mouth" = (works) "believe in your heart" = (faith) Both of these; faith and works, work together unto righteousness. Then verse 10 gives the reason of what we found in verse 9. We are justified through our belief and we are saved through our confession. Then this is concluded in 13 "for, "everyone who calls on the name of the Lrd will be saved."
I just love Romans 10 It is our salvation model and foundation. Why would God give such instructions on how to be saved if He had predestined us in the Calvinistic way? If I make up my mind that I'm going to break up with my girlfriend from the beginning of our relationship, I will probably not give her directions on how to win me over. Maybe thats a stretch of an illustration, but that is how my mind works.
Reflection Paper #12
In Roman 12 the Apostle Paul is appealing to the Christians to live transformed lives. This life is a total reversed from their previous life before they found Christ. This new lifestyle includes the total surrender of selves to God. He also mentioned that each believer, God gave them gifts to be used for His service. This is significant, because Paul is reminding Christians that Christ saved them from their sins, and so they ought to respond in a life of service. In serving God their new lifestyle will be enriched and they will no longer conform to the ways of the world. It is not a work of services as a mean of salvation but a life of obedience in respond to God’s saving grace. In this chapter the Apostle ruled out any idea of being passive in a relationship between the sinner and his Savior.
In the 13th chapter of Whidden’s book, the emphasis is on the Ellen White’s Gospel balance on justification after the Minneapolis saga. It is clearly indicated that Ellen White never separated the objective justification from the subjective justification. To Ellen White Christ’s righteousness is active in the soul of the believer to produce righteous acts and obedience life. This is significant to my understanding on the subject of salvation, because it shows that justification does not end at the repentance and the forgiveness but overlapping with sanctification. This is really inline with our last class discussion that Christ’s atonement continues after the Cross and into His high priestly ministry. Christ is still our mercy’s seat and our covering. Another fascinating part of our lecture is how we see the bigger model of what Paul is saying about “Israel being saved.” Although, it is true that Paul kind of contradicting himself but using the bigger model with understanding of what Paul is mentioning in other chapters helps us. Paul is seeing the saved Israel as Spiritual Israel with the inclusion of both the Jews and the Gentiles. This model is really important because it takes us away from the Jews believing that in the end time God will save all Israel, which does not supported by Scripture. And it is also show that God is interest in everyone, the Jews and the Gentiles, for He is a loving God.
BRI article “Salvation by Faith” by Pastor Jan Paulsen really laid out the Biblical perspective of Faith. Paulsen emphasized the Objective and Subjective dimensions of faith. It clarify the true meaning of faith, not just believing but also living it out in the life of obedience. Paulsen expanded on Ellen White’s comments that “faith includes not only belief but trust.” These dimensions of faith indicated that faith is not only something that is internal [believing of the mind] but also external through practical godliness. This is becomes clearer when faith is discuss on the context of obedience. This is a very balance view on faith and that is how the Apostle Paula and the Apostle James alluded to faith that works, faith involves obedience to the person of Jesus. Faith is not qualified as biblical faith if it only believes without practical living of faith.
Class was interesting today. I somehow knew that Elder Paulson would present a controversial subject and wasn't surprised that the reaction of the class brought out an almost argumentative tension from Kevin. He surely speaks his mind doesn't he. It doesn't impress me that he can quote texts or page and citation from Ellen White when it is clear that he wishes to prove his point and win an argument to show that his viewpoint is right over whatever anyone else believes. I appreciate his passion towards this, but it was said in class that people have explored this perfection subject til they've split churches right down the middle.
The BRI documents and the book on Whidden both deal with this topic, but one word that I haven't read or heard mentioned is the idea of "blamelessness". I believe that when perfection is thought of in those terms, it would clear up alot of misunderstandings about what status believers who overcome finally attain. Daniel for instance could be a prime example of someone who overcame (1:8), yet in his confessional prayer in chapter nine, he claims "we have sinned". Daniel's supplication doesn't rest on the fact that he's overcome, but that the nation, including himself, are rebels and God's righteousness is called on "for thine own sake".
Yes, we are to endeavour to endure temptation, but perfection as a status is a great deception. Especially when facing them on our own and the emphasis on victory, from the sinful nature, can only lead to pride and selfishness.
Salvation is possible because of God's lovingkindness towards rebels. Rebels who appear blameless as they stand in the shadow of the cross. Just as Paul stated in 1 Cor. 1:8 and we also have to remember that God uses this term of Abraham. Colossians 1:22 is another good usage of anegkletos.
So in the whole scope, I fear that the controversy of how God's people will stand without a mediator is a fearful aspect which has driven some dedicated folk to passionately seek out how this will "work" in the end of time.
I take hope in the fact that Christ is my righteousness.
REFLECTION PAPER # 12
This week’s reading materials are mostly related to justification. First in Whidden’s book, it shows that how those hot issued concepts were developed after Minneapolis. Ellen White emphasized on obedience now. Her conclusion is as usual we are justified by faith. Describing it, she is just emphasizing the process which is obedience. She said, “no one can be saved in disobedience.” This is true. How can a man be saved if he doesn’t want to listen to God? I felt that Ellen White just wanted everything to be balanced and she felt that she focused on faith alone little bit much so now she focused on the importance of obedience. As for me, doctrine is of course important but if people don’t have new birth experience they will just fight only for doctrines. The more important thing is to apply them into our lives.
Rodriguez talks about legal universal justification. Legal universal justification means that “all human beings come into the world legally saved.” This undermines the Bible. So Rodriguez uses in Christ/ in Adam motif to explain this. His conclusion is righteousness by faith. Of course we get grace of God but it comes through our faith. But in this article, this Ellen White’s phrase made me think which is “Through faith we receive the grace of God; but faith is not our Savior.” When we focus on faith alone we often forget Christ. Without Christ, faith itself is nothing.
Roman 13 is talking about government. It seemed that it is not related to commandments or justification but it is. Paul says in verse 8, “Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.” So don’t try to obey the law with your effort because if you don’t have love in your mind it is impossible to keep them. Here Paul focuses on true law.
In the class, I was cleared what true Israel means in Romans. With that clear concept on Israel, I could solve many difficult verses in the book.
Reflection #12
11/19/08
In his article Angiel Rodriguez talks about legal universal justification. I must say that this is a topic that I’ve never considered, I never knew this discussion existed. Yet in reading the article I can’t help but ask why some would take such a radical view. Although I am a theologian in training even I can see that such a view that indicates that all humanity is legally and universally justified is not biblical. What are the affects of such a view? Doesn’t this view support predestination? It would seem to me that it would because basically everybody in this view tends to be saved (unless I’m misinterpreting the meaning of the term). The other question I have though about legal universal justification is that if when born we received God’s justfication then why doesn’t Jesus identify all humanity as his children? Throughout the gospels Jesus not one time calls those who do not exhibit faith in Him His children. If they were universally justified then why doesn’t Jesus recognize this?
The more I read Whitten’s book the more I have a deeper appreciation for the ministry of Ellen White. Again Whitten consistently shows Ellen White’s balance between justification and sanctification. In her thinking the two were not separate but linked together. She did not lean excessively to a doctrine of salvation by the merit of imparted righteousness while at the same time not denying the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. If I’m right, this is really the holistic beauty of Adventist Theology and an important contribution that is made. This balance made by Ellen White is portrayed in the Adventist Doctrine of the Sanctuary. In this teaching we understand that Christ is working on our behalf even now in the heavenly sanctuary. In fact our prayer after our sin are made acceptable only because Christ imparts his righteousness to them. I’m unsure whether Protestant theology has such an understanding when dealing with imputed righteousness.
This balance is then seen throughout Rom 12 but particularly verses 1 and 2. In them Paul encourages the believers to present their bodies and living sacrifices so that they can prove what is good and acceptable. Then Paul quickly reminds them however that their righteousness really isn’t good enough. He tells them in verse 3 not to think of themselves highly. So in these verses and throughout the rest of the chapter it becomes clear that Paul is also attempting to have an balanced holistic view when it comes to objective and subjective justification.
Reflection Paper #12
The class discussion last week was very informative and reviewed some crucial points that we often over look when studying scripture. I’m learning to pay attention to every word that I read now, and appreciate the meaning and the context of every word. For example, we spent a lot of time discussing the meaning of “Israel” in Romans 9. It was a good exercise for us. We haven’t discussed the Old Testament in great detail, therefore, it was worthwhile to analyze the meanings of certain words from the Old Testament and frame the New Testament vocabulary in harmony with the Old Testament.
In addition, the article by Rodriguez was a good review of the topics we’ve discussed throughout the semester. I can see the problems legal universal justification delineated by Rodriguez. Again, the model of salvation must be bigger than what legal universal justification suggests. Next, in Whidden’s book, we see a vivid picture drawn of what our prayers and works really look like when we attempt to offer them up to God. In addition, the controversy surrounding Ellen White’s statement “‘by perfect obedience to the requirements of God’s holy law,’ man is justified” is an interesting one. However, I do believe that if we study the book of James and Romans one can make an argument in support of her abovementioned statement. I believe that both Paul and James made some valid points regarding justification that were both consistent and contradictory with one other in a similar fashion as the one mentioned in this chapter of Whidden’s book.
Romans 12, is one of my favorite passages in the Bible, because it provides the framework for healthy relationships with our fellow brethren. The text also talks about how we should treat each other and how to live in this world. The language and the tone of message found in Romans 12 reminded me of the messages Jesus would teach.
Reflection # 8
After numerous articles dealing with the topic of Universal Legal Justification and Being ‘In Christ’ or ‘in Adam’; this article really delved into Romans chapter 5. I appreciate how the author took the chapter a verse or two at a time and then explained them, even if he did get into the Greek once in a while! I guess what I hadn’t really seen before, and what the author brought out, is how Paul spoke so much about how death was universal. Paul spoke about how death was the result of Adam’s action, and death was universal, coming to every individual who would live on the earth after. It was interesting how the author pointed out the not everybody was ‘in Adam’ when Adam sinned, necessitating some sort of dualistic view of human nature; but rather again the results of Adam’s sin was universal and permanent.
Now I hadn’t thought about this before, but the author pointed out how if the argument of all mankind being in Adam when he sinned, would then lead to all mankind being in Christ when he died. Then this would mean that we all participated in our salvation process by bearing our own sins in Christ, throwing the substitutionary atonement out the window.
Also in the theme of following an argument through to the end, the author also brought another argument out that I liked. He pointed out that if we accept the concept of universalism, it results in the condition that we find ourselves as a result of Adam’s sin as unavoidable and permanent. However following that argument through leads to us finding ourselves in a condition of benefiting from what Jesus has accomplished as unavoidable and permanent, negating our choice. Some good points from that article.
From Whidden’s book in chapter 9, there are a couple aspects of Justification by faith that I would like to touch on. He used the ‘safety net’ expression to talk about how the net under a tight rope walker is the ‘imputed’ righteousness of Christ. At first I was bother by this analogy. I imagined he was saying that every believer has to go at it alone and then if they fall, Christ will catch them. But as I pondered it more, it’s true that Christ will catch us if we fall, no problem there. But then I followed his logic as he explained how the believer who is learning the Christian walk will only fall as far as Christ’s ‘imputed’ righteousness, which is what ultimately saves us anyways. So after some thought I followed what he was saying and appreciated it. I would like to end with one quote that says, “We can do nothing, absolutely nothing, to commend ourselves to divine favor.”
Romans Ch. 8
Whidden Ch. 9
BRI: Justification and the Cross
Reflection # 9
I hadn’t noticed this before, but as Paul begins writing in Romans 9:1-5, he has ‘great sorrow’ because his people the Israelites have been so blessed and favored by God in so many ways, but have ended up mostly rejecting God. Paul is so sorrowed and has such ‘unceasing anguish’ that he expresses what Moses expressed, that he wishes he could be cut off from God instead of the others. But then at the end of verse 5 Paul mentions Christ and his tone changes and it seems like he again experiences all that it means to know his Lord and Savior, high and lifted up, and finishes by saying Amen! It’s just great, Paul maybe had a touch of discouragement, but when focused again on Christ, he simple is overwhelmed and praises Jesus!
Within this chapter are the familiar verses used by people who try to make God a deterministic ruler who arbitrarily chooses whom he will save and destroy, using the example of Jacob and Esau. From our discussion in class earlier, it’s easy to see that God still “bears with great patience the objects of his wrath”. Couple this together with ample evidence elsewhere in scripture it’s plain enough to see that God allows people to choose for or against him. Although at a surface reading, I guess it’s easy enough to see how people would readily believe in an arbitrary and deterministic God.
How about this BRI article, quite long indeed! But I believe that I made it. I read some ‘word plays’ that I hadn’t heard before. Such as speaking about the topic of faith and works, the author said that there are the two extremes of “working for justification or the justified not working”, consequently both being denied by Paul, as he brought out. I also had never heard the “righteousness by faith, not righteousness by fate” expression before either.
I appreciated how the author pointed out that it is only by “beholding Him and seeing the inseparable connection between His saviourhood and lordship can we rightly explain the relationship between justification and judgment, faith and works. As Christ cannot be divided, so these realities that relate to Him cannot be separated from each other. Through the power of the Spirit faith always leads to fruit in the lives of the justified.”
This again sums up what we discuss in class, that the process of salvation is both to precious and complex to simply reduce it to a few words. And on the other hand it’s simple enough to be a gift to all. Truly the work of God!
Romans Ch. 9
Whidden Ch. 10
BRI: Justification by Faith and Judgment According to Works
Comments on Laurentiu Roman’s 12th reflection paper
In this class, I have been clearing my thoughts on many subjects and I am sure that what I am believing is true now.
First, you mentioned “Sanctification is presented as an accomplished event (1Cor. 6:11; Col. 3:9-10) and as a continuing process (Eph. 4:15-16).” Actually, sanctification is mystery for humans beings to understand so this is I think the best way to explain the concept.
Another point that I liked is that “constant development toward sanctification and increasing knowledge and love of God.” When we grow up to God we should love God more and more.
Reflection # 10
I quite enjoyed this reading assignment for this week. It had the common theme of Justification by faith running through all of it. A couple aspects of Justification were address, such as universal Legal Justification (again), and justification by works (or salvation by works).
Reading from the BRI article, I wasn’t aware that the verses from Romans 3 had ever been used to try and support the idea of everybody being justified ‘in Adam’. Once again the author points out the words ‘In Adam’ are never found anywhere in the whole book of Romans. Furthermore I found it quite amusing how the author mentioned that “There is no reference in the context to Adam and there is no need to introduce him here.” Just keep him out of here he’s saying!
The author does go on to present ample evidence from the text that when Paul says that “all are justified”, it is referring to a present action to the believer, not a historical universal action of Christ on the cross.
Whidden makes a comment in his chapter that I feel is almost a little derogatory. He is addressing how R.J. Weiland has written extensively regarding the 1888 GC, and says that “it appears that the positions of Wieland and his admirers have missed the central point of the whole 1888 emphasis”, emphasis supplied. Now I have no problem with the case he is presenting, but I am questioning his use of the word ‘admirers’. To use that word seems to me that Whidden is lowering his scholarly standard to achieve his point. I feel he achieved his point well enough without resorting to elaborate on other people’s feelings of Weiland, whether he encouraged that support or not.
Anyways, I did enjoy reading about Mrs. White’s great emphasis on Justification by faith. But more so, how people would 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.” She had no problem emphasizing Justification by faith because she knew that if it was properly and biblically taught the ‘law would take care of itself” Paul says in Romans 10: 4 that ‘Christ is the end of the law’. If only more people could find themselves at the foot of cross, seeing Jesus there and all that it could mean for them!
Romans Ch. 10
Whidden Ch. 11
BRI: Justification in Romans 3:21-24
Reflection # 11
I so very much enjoyed the BRI article that was for this reading. To me it was like a devotional reading. It spoke so much about the joy that is available from experiencing justification in Jesus Christ. The author brought out how “In the matter of salvation there are two basic indisputable facts: (1) God is just, and (2) we are not.” And that is so much the truth, yet there seems to be such a striving within us as humans that leads us to believe that there must be something that we must contribute in order to experience salvation, or at least that’s what I had experienced in my life, and didn’t even know I was doing it at first. It was not until in my life when I experienced the incredible joy that comes from knowing Jesus Christ, and experiencing his Justification, that everything really came into focus. And actually then was time when there started to be huge victories in my life. So yes I believe whole heartedly in a transforming faith, but is it possible that often times people are urged to have the transforming before having Jesus? Within my short experience of pastoring, I talked to people who were on such a shaky relationship with Jesus, because they were measuring their connection with Jesus by their external actions, or usually the lack of them. Yet when I would ask them about their relationship with Jesus, there really was none, there wasn’t any love experience that had happened, and all they could talk about was external actions and where they were continually falling. And so I wonder, do we sometimes error in our presentation of the gospel, is it possible that we expect external performance to soon in a believer’s life? Again, I totally believe in the intimate connection of Justification and Sanctification as brought out in the article, yet it is my belief that any external correction of action ultimately must come from a changed thought process that has been molded and guided by the incredibly love of Jesus by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Any other correction of external action would be in my estimate building on the sand and sooner or later you will implode upon yourself, realizing that you no longer have the power to continue the façade.
It is impossible for there not to be any change in a person when Jesus becomes their Lord and Savior, and like the author mentions concerning this “The change in posture is radical: it involves a turning away from self, and a focusing on Christ. We abandon our achievement scorecards and confess that at the end of day only Christ's achievement matters.”
From the chapter in Whidden’s book, I really like the analogy of the street car and the bus. Whidden mentioned how literally, none of us have enough in our “tanks”, but must we must be “trolley cars all the way to the kingdom-every moment and mile of the way!”
Romans chapter 11 involved dealt with spiritual and national Israel. What I really enjoyed and learned a lot about was the discussion of how some people believe that there will be a spiritual Israel that is taken away, and then the national Israel will get a 2nd chance. I had always heard about this, but didn’t fully understand how they tried to support their belief. As for me, I’m thankful to be a branch supported by the root!
Romans Ch. 11
Whidden Ch. 12
BRI: Salvation by Faith
Reflections paper: Week Thirteen
Doctrine of Salvation
Chapter 16 of “Ellen White on Salvation” further discussed about her views on Perfection, showing how she was consistent in her approach to character perfection as a high goal that God would have us attain to. She was also consistently clear that this was the work of God in our being, a life time process, as we become more and more like Jesus. Her motivation in this position and strong rebuke of extreme views was to have God’s people “rely upon the merits of Jesus as s sin pardoning Savior”, as the foundation of victory over sin.
Jan Paulson’s article in the BRI was on how it is by faith that we are saved. He addressed the fact that faith is both objective and subjective, objective in that it makes what Christ did for mankind real, His death on the cross, His resurrection and His Lordship over us, and subjective in that if focuses on the transformational power that it has for the life of the Christian, it makes us desire a better life and to seek to become like Christ. He showed how faith is closely related to obedience and hope, which are some to the elements that bring transformation to our lives as Christian. Faith does not do away with the need to obey the laws of God.
This ties in with Romans 13, which addresses the need to obey even the authorities on earth, touching how they are put in place and ordained by God to rule over mankind. A Christian saved by faith will be a good citizen of the land and will live in accordance to the principles that are set to govern society, of course as long as they are in accordance to the higher law of God. Chapter 13 summarized obedience to the law as loving your neighbor as yourself, a principle which encompasses all God’s laws touching our relationship with each other as humans, the last six of the ten commandments.
In our class discussion we talked about the international gospel of peace, further building on the point that salvation was not meant for the Jews only but for the Gentiles also. It is an international gospel to be preached and lived by an international remnant.
Reflections paper: Week Thirteen
Doctrine of Salvation
Chapter 16 of “Ellen White on Salvation” further discussed about her views on Perfection, showing how she was consistent in her approach to character perfection as a high goal that God would have us attain to. She was also consistently clear that this was the work of God in our being, a life time process, as we become more and more like Jesus. Her motivation in this position and strong rebuke of extreme views was to have God’s people “rely upon the merits of Jesus as s sin pardoning Savior”, as the foundation of victory over sin.
Jan Paulson’s article in the BRI was on how it is by faith that we are saved. He addressed the fact that faith is both objective and subjective, objective in that it makes what Christ did for mankind real, His death on the cross, His resurrection and His Lordship over us, and subjective in that if focuses on the transformational power that it has for the life of the Christian, it makes us desire a better life and to seek to become like Christ. He showed how faith is closely related to obedience and hope, which are some to the elements that bring transformation to our lives as Christian. Faith does not do away with the need to obey the laws of God.
This ties in with Romans 13, which addresses the need to obey even the authorities on earth, touching how they are put in place and ordained by God to rule over mankind. A Christian saved by faith will be a good citizen of the land and will live in accordance to the principles that are set to govern society, of course as long as they are in accordance to the higher law of God. Chapter 13 summarized obedience to the law as loving your neighbor as yourself, a principle which encompasses all God’s laws touching our relationship with each other as humans, the last six of the ten commandments.
In our class discussion we talked about the international gospel of peace, further building on the point that salvation was not meant for the Jews only but for the Gentiles also. It is an international gospel to be preached and lived by an international remnant.
Tiago Baltazar
Reading Reflection Paper 13
THST 540 – 11/25/08
After reading the first chapter of Whidden on the issue of perfection -- I am looking forward too see his ideas develop in following chapters. I enjoyed reading this analysis of perfection, as it is something I agree with, and as far as I have studied, I believe it also appears perfectly biblical. Much could be said about this chapter, and there are several points that I think that should be taken into consideration by our church. There are, however, three issues pointed out by Whidden that I think are calling us to deep reflection, not just personally but also as the collective church and civilization we are: Unity, Humility and Patience. Whidden was extremely accurate in the distinction of these three issues, these are, to me, the same principles that Jesus tries to impart to his disciples. I also believe that we should be searching more diligently for these, not only as individuals but also as the body of Christ.
The last BRI document on the series of Justification and Assurance of Salvation was an objective conclusion to these issues. I enjoyed to read the clarification on the bonding ties between the Investigative Judgement and the Final Judgement.
While reading Romans 13, I enjoy how Paul gives a practical dimension to love as in its social and moral expressions. And that explanation of love seems to me to be the essence of this chapter, for all the other things mentioned are consequences of loving one another. Even though this chapter is not as poetic as 1Cor 13, I see in it a complementarity to it. At the same time it is interesting how Paul explains the concept of law in this chapter, it resembles the explanation given in previous chapters about the moral law, and can be also an aid to understanding it.
Tatiana Perez
RP #8
When reading the article on Justification and the Cross by Angel Manuel Rodriguez, I was reminded again at how useful learning greek can really be when studying the passage. I was really impressed at his ability to get to the true meaning and intent of the texts when studying the greek and the context. I had no idea that this passage (Rom. 5:12-21) could create such theological controversy just by the way different people interpret it. But I like the authors interpretation of it and solid biblical exegesis. I feel that I can understand better now the relationship between Adam, and how his sin affected everyone, and Jesus, and how his sacrifice affects us all too. What's amazing to me is that Adam's sin was far reaching enough that no human being can escape from the results of sin (death) or the fallen human nature, but what Christ did for us is even more powerful and far reaching than what Adam did. Christ's sacrifice was enough to cover the sins of everyone who ever lived and more, and yet, so many people will not take advantage of this free gift and will reject His offer of eternal life. I see here another example of God's overabounding love and man's foolishness.
The chapter on "The Nature of Christ and Salvation" was also very insightful. It helped to explain more to me the controversy that exists, particularly, in the SDA Church regarding the nature of Christ when he was here on earth. A part of me just wants to say, "does it really matter?" But when I read this chapter I can understand more why it does really matter how we understand Christ's divinity. Some people say that Jesus had the same fallen nature as we have, and therefore He can understand exactly what it's like for us to be tempted. Others argue that Christ was more like Adam, before his fall, and this makes sure that he was indeed sinless when he died. I like the way that the author confronts the controversy. He studied what Ellen White's position on the subject was and tries to come with a balanced conclusion. It seems that the most important thing to Ellen White was not so much how she defined the nature of Christ, but how we interpret it when it comes to justification by faith and our salvation. She emphasized how we need to depend more on Christ and not ourselves. We need to depend, not only on his death for our justification, but also on his life and resurrection.
Romans 8 has always been my favorite chapter from the book of Romans. It seems to me to be the central message of the whole book. Here it seems to come to a conclusion on our justification by faith when it starts out saying, "Therefore there is now no condemnation to those who are hid in Christ by faith." Whenever I'm struggling with forgiveness and my assurance of salvation, this is always a good chapter for me to read. Another part of the chapter that I really like is in verses 26 and 27, when it talks about the Holy Spirit putting into words our deepest thoughts and emotions. This gives me comfort when I don't know what to say in my prayers, but want to talk to God about what's on my heart. Finally, the last part of the chapter is a very famous passage because of the beautiful message it carries. "What can separate us from the love of God?"... This passage is another one of my favorites in the whole Bible and brings a beautiful message of hope of God's love for us.
Reflection Paper #13
In Roman 13 the Apostle Paul is appealing to the Christians to live in harmony with those who are in authority. This subject that is encouraged by the Apostle indicated that we ought to submit to government because it was God who put them in charge of nations. The Apostle then moved to the topic of love in relation to the law. Loving other people is the fulfillment of God’s law. This has great significant because law and love go hand in hand. It is one way of claiming to love God but if one lives a life of disobedience to God’s law, does not have a genuine love. Here the Apostle take the position that God’s law is still valid as he put Jesus’ saying to “love your neighbor as yourself” alongside God’s law. The Apostle is urging the Christians to love one another because Christ is soon to appear in clouds of glory. To the Apostle, it is the right thing to do as Christians are awaiting Christ’s soon returns they ought to practice true love. The expectation of Jesus’ return was in times of the Apostle and it is ever closer than then as we seen signs been fulfilled before our own eyes. So, the validity of the Apostle’s advice to cast off all the sins that are holding us back but put on the armor of light and this armor of light is Jesus Christ.
In the 14h chapter of Whidden’s book, the emphasis is on the Ellen White’s teaching on perfection before 1888. It is amazing how her understanding of Perfection is so balanced with Scripture. Ellen White’s perfection differed from the Wesleyans; her understanding of perfection has distinguishing qualities. I believed these qualities made her position on perfection easy to understand. When she talks about the absolute attainable of perfection in our characters, she was referring to total surrender to God’s will, active effort that is required on behalf of an individual and perfection is a fruit of sanctification that is progressive. It is interesting how said that “no one is to claim perfection.” This indicated that while her understanding of perfection is attainable but it cannot be attained on this side of glorification. Ellen White’s perfection is never absolute, that tried to do away from cherishing sin but surrender to God. It’s a Christian experience that can never be like that of Jesus. She even claimed that Jesus is the only ONE that is perfect.
BRI article by Gerhard Pfandl “Some Thoughts on Original Sin” discusses the progressive understanding of the original sin. This subject is considered very important because it can affect our understanding of Christ’s nature. It is comforting to know that Ellen White’s had contributed to the correct understanding of Adventist on this subject. The original sin is the understanding of how Adam’s sin affect the human race. We are deprived of being good but tendencies to evil are our nature. Therefore, we are sinners by nature but not mere wrong doing. This understanding of the original sin helps us to know that everyone is in need of Christ’s as our Savior. This understanding also helped me to understand about the international nature of the gospel as we discussed in class. The Apostle Paul often relate to the gospel as the international peace, this peace we need as an answer to the international problem of sins. This unique view on the gospel from the Apostle Paul’s writing is very important because the original sin of Adam had affected the whole human race. But the gospel of Jesus Christ, through His obedience brought this peace between man and God again.
Tatiana Perez
RP #10
In the article "Justification in Romans 3:21-24", We read an analysis on the passage regarding what kind of justification or "righteousness from God" the Bible is talking about. The beautiful message that Paul brings to us talks about the hope that we can have as christians in being justified through faith in Jesus. In contrast with the past life of condemnation from sin and breaking the law, we can all have hope of forgiveness and a new life. And this hope belongs to everyone alike, both jews and gentiles. We all have sinned, but we all can receive righteousness as a gift, even when we don't deserve it. But this is not a universal justification that doesn't need faith. In order to receive this free gift we need to believe in Christ and have faith in his redemption and grace. This passage gives me hope because it reminds me of the wonderful promise of forgiveness of sins and justification by faith. I just pray that God may help me to trust in Him and in Jesus as my Savior.
Chapter 10 of "Ellen White on Salvation" talks about her ministry after the Minneapolis General Conference session in 1888, particularly regarding her ministry in speaking and writing about salvation, justification and sanctification, and what position did she take in response to the different movements that were going on in the church. Between the years 1888 to 1902, Ellen White seemed to emphasize more the topic of salvation, and it was the period of greatest importance for her on this issue. This was greatly influences by the Minneapolis session and it's aftermath, her project on the "Life of Christ" and all the writings that came from that, and the different movements in the church, particularly the "Receive Ye the Holy Ghost" movement. During the 1888 GC session, when there was a controversy between Waggoner, Jones and the church leaders, Mrs. White strongly supported the former stance on Justification by Faith. But when these popular speakers, along with other evangelists, started to emphasize perfection of the spirit and the body, and their message about receiving the Holy Spirit, she strongly opposed their extreme views. She wrote many pages regarding the correct way to view perfection, justification and sanctification. Though sometimes, throughout the years, she seemed to emphasize justification or sanctification, all in all she always seemed to want to reach a balance between the two. I think that her consistency and strength to stick to her beliefs in what God had revealed to her is proof of her reliability regarding these topics.
In Romans 10 Paul addresses the issue of the Jews and their problem with the gospel. Many jews had grown up believing that because they were of the lineage of Abraham, as long as they kept the laws, they would be saved. But here Paul points to the erroneous beliefs that they have and how much they need the good news of the gospel just as much as the gentiles (for there is no difference between them in the eyes of God). But unfortunately, most jews were very stubborn and clung to their old ways. I'm sure that Paul's heard was aching when he wrote this. I pray that I'm not like the jews, stubbornly clinging to their traditions and beliefs, but open and humble to receive Christ.
Tatiana Perez
RP #11
In the book "Ellen White on Salvation" chapter 12 deals with the issue of justification after 1888 in the ministry of Ellen White. First of all, when Waggoner presented his speach on justification by faith in Christ, she heartily supported his message and said that she had also promoted these ideas in her ministry. Though previously in her ministry the subject of justification was mentioned, it was not so explicit as in the years following 1888. However we can see that she promoted the life of Christ and this message always in an implicit way at least. But after 1888 it seems that she woke up to the need to really emphasize this message to the people more than ever before. We can see by the sermons she gave and her writings that she had a great burden to share with all believers the need to trust in Christ righteousness for our justification, and not in any merits that we might have. It seemed that with all the legalism and other erroneous teachings that occurred during those years, the message was well timed. It brought hope to many believers of that time, as it continues to do today.
I think that today there continues to be a great need for emphasizing the message of justification by faith. And the article "Salvation by Faith" by Jan Paulsen goes right along with these lines. In this message that he gave years ago he clearly emphasized the need for us to have faith in Christ for our justification as well as for our sanctification. This faith is both objective and subjective. But let us not think that just because we have faith in Christ there is no need to emphasize obedience. On the contrary, true faith brings about true obedience. This faith also gives us hope for the future. When we look to God for our hope of salvation and place our trust in Him, He brings about the good work in us. It is not by our merits or by keeping the law, but because of Christ and his sacrifice for us that we can have such a precious gift as eternal life and reconciliation with God. Pr. Jan Paulsen gives a beautiful presentation and exposition on this subject reminding us the need for us to put our faith completely in our Lord. His 3 concluding remarks on what we need to do are very good too. He concludes with what God expects of us: 1) A commitment and surrender to Him that is unqualified and wholehearted; 2) a people who keep looking to Christ; 3) a people who are firmly established in the knowledge and practice of Christ's way of life. I think this message should always be the center of our sermons to all the brethren.
Romans 11 starts with a hopeful message to the Jewish nation. In the previous chapter Paul explained the spiritual problem of the jews and their need for the gospel. Here he speaks of the hope that there exists for the jews, just like for him. They too can receive Christ and be saved. He then explains how the gentiles have become a part of God's people, but warns that they should be careful and not get proud, or else the same thing can happen to them that happened to the unbelieving jews. And finally Paul speaks about the spiritual Israel that includes all who believe in Christ as their Savior and put their hopes in Him. This good news reaches to all of us. I thank God because I'm reminded of the hope that exists for all of us frail human beings. All we need is to put our faith, hope and trust in Him.
Tatiana Perez
RP #12
The article titled "Some Problems with Legal Universal Justification" is a follow up of some previous articles, especially the one "Comments on the 'In Christ/In Adam' Motifs". Here Angel Manuel Rodriquez outlines eight problems regarding this. It seems that some people have erroneously come to a conclusion that there is another type of justification which is attributed to all human beings when Christ dies, just like Adam's sinful nature was passed on to all humans. These eight problems with this belief are as follows: 1) Legal universal justification separates God's justifying act from the reception of the gift of the Spirit, or the new birth. 2) Legal universal justification implies that all human beings come into the world legally saved, pardoned, justified; from God's perspective they are not lost. 3) Legal universal justification is a threat to the biblical teaching of the nature of humans. 4) Legal universal justification misunderstands and misuses the Pauline phrase "in Christ". 5) Legal universal justification creates serious theological problems through its understanding of the "in Christ" formula. 6) Legal universal justification undermines the biblical teaching that CHrist bore our sins and their penalty on the cross. 7) Universal legal justification introduces a non-biblical understanding of Christ's substitutionary death. 8) Universal legal justification tends to see faith as a threat to Christ's objective work of salvation. Though I don't know much about legal universal justification, it is clear to me that this is an erroneous view of justification from the Biblical perspective. But I think that I will have to read more on the subject to understand all that it implies.
In chapter 12 of the book "Ellen White on Salvation" the author continues to talk about the message on salvation that Mrs. White spoke about, especially in the aftermath of the 1888 GC. Here we see how, even though the message was the same before and after 1888, there was definitely more emphasis on certain messages. When it came to the issue on perfection and our frailty as humans to keep the law and obey, Mrs. White emphasizes Christ's love and patience toward us sinful creatures. His continuing mediation for us in the heavenly sanctuary is also often pointed to to explain how God deals with us. To me there seems to be a very hopeful message here. With all the pressure of being "perfect" and not sinning once we have been justified and accepted Christ in our lives, though we should, as a natural outpouring of our love for God, do our best to do what is right and obey Him, yet God knows that we are weak ,sinful human beings and has infinite patience with us. I like the picture she presents with Christ as our mediator in the most holy place, constantly praying for us and making intercession for us. I am reminded in this chapter that, even when I err, God still loves me and continues to be with me. Especially if I err unknowingly or am deceived, He works to draw me to Him. I think that a lot of times we are very hard on ourselves and have high expectations. And then, when we fall, we become discouraged. But with this view of a loving Savior working constantly on our behalf, I know there is no need for us to feel helpless. All we need to do is return to God once more and ask for forgiveness of our sins, and we can have the assurance that we will be forgiven and accepted.
Chapter 12 of Romans was very good for me. I enjoyed it and the insight that Paul gives on how we, as christians, should live our lives. First he introduces the chapter with our reasonable service--presenting ourselves as living sacrifices to God. Then, he talks about how we are all one body in Christ, which seems to wrap up his point on this from the previous chapter. But I like what he says here when he explains that each part of the body has a different function and one needs all the different parts in order for the whole body to function properly. When I think about this, it makes me think how I need to see what my unique spiritual gifts are and use those to honor God. I don't need to try to be like somebody else, and wish I had their gifts and qualities in order to serve God better. The best way that I can serve God is to use my particular gifts for His glory. And then Paul gives some wonderful advice on how we should lead our lives. For example, I really like when he says, "Love each other sincerely, not hypocritically." This chapter is full of good advice that I want to go back to to refresh my memory and apply them to my life.
Reflection 13
I really enjoyed the different discussions on perfection recently. I have always felt uneasy about both sides of this argument, that we can reach absolute perfection and that we can never be perfect. As I read the two articles on perfection this week, I found that there really is a balance.
First, the Whiddon chapter on Ellen Whites’ views of perfection pointed out that she makes many statements about our need for total perfection. This is a challenge to us and was a response to those who say that perfection is impossible. But she also said that we need perfection in our realm, which Whiddon pointed out was not the same as God’s perfection and was only a relative perfection. Therefore, Ellen White did not go so far to say that we will every reach absolute sinless perfection. She instead focused on attitude and submission and reliance on Jesus. But she does not let us off the hook to feel that as long as we accept Jesus we can live however we want. Sin is serious and God does call us to perfection. I see the balance in her position.
The BRI document on perfection leaned more toward the side of emphasizing the fact that we will never reach sinless perfection. It had a lot of very good information about the words and pointed to perfection as maturity and equipping. That is important. I also really liked what they had to say about the close of probation not as a time of sinless perfection, but as a time of complete decision, there will be no turning back. And that people reach the close of their probations all the time by making their choices for good or evil absolute. This helped me understand my own thought on the Biblical teachings. I liked the points about grace being necessary always. They did not go soft on sin in their view either though, thus showing their alignment with the Bible and Ellen White’s balanced position on perfection. It is possible to an extent, but we can never claim to have arrived at it until glory.
Romans chapter 13 does not say as much about salvation as many of the previous chapters, but it does talk about obeying the law, both the civil authority law is in keeping with God’s will and loving is keeping of God’s law. I think that we can be reminded in this section that truly the goal of salvation is perfection, meaning obedience to God’s law. Paul does not expect Christians to stop keeping the law, that is part of our salvation experience.
We are yet to discover the dynamics of salvation because we perceive that we are still sinners without hope. But I like “ The Dynamics of Salvation" in its attempt to put the record straight on what we believe against the general notion. Sin has made us to desperate such that we can we see no hope of our salvation. God made it possible for us to claim salvation but when Satan is our side we cannot manage. That is why this document is important as we seek to understand the mystery of salvation. God initiated this project of salvation but still we are not ready to move forward. Those who accept the invitation while will start a new life in Christ. He has reconcile is back to God so we have excuse to remain in sin. His price on the cross ashamed Satan to date and we have no reason to follow the devil.
Roman 9 appears to portray God as a failure and one who does not kept the promise to his people but I can see the vindication of the righteousness of God. God has always kept the promises he has to us but sin has made it to appear that he does not. This chapter presents some cases which we may doubt God but his sovereignty and our salvation is clearly depicted.
Whidden once writes on what transpired after the Minneapolis conference. To me I can see the devil working but surprising the controversial issue brought more understanding on the subject of salvation. I like the stand Ellen white took otherwise the church will have been deeply divided.
REFLECTION PAPER # 13
As the last reflection paper, this week’s articles and other reading materials sum up all things I have learned so far in this semester and summarize most of the concepts. The idea of perfection became clearer to me reading Whidden’s book. She had a complete and comprehensive doctrine of perfection. She mentioned, “The Son of God was faultless. We must aim at this perfection and overcome as He overcame.” It sounds like we can be perfect as Christ. But in another part, she also mentioned, “the closer one comes to Christ..there will be a greater realization of sinfulness, and the penitent one will have no desire to claim perfection.” So my conclusion on this topic is that we human beings are not even qualified to talk about perfection.
I read two articles, Why Did Jesus Die? How God Saves Us and Some Thoughts on Original Sin. The former article is about Christ’s death and the latter one is about general concepts of salvation. The article about Christ’s death has a concept of ransom. That idea is simple and well known but I felt His gracious one more time.
Romans 14 is about eating with especial background but this chapter is relater to other reading materials as well. The last verse says, “but he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.” All behaviors and thoughts should be based on faith only. Without faith we can be closer to God. Whatever we do and think that should lead us to God.
Tiago Baltazar
Reading Reflection Paper 14
THST 540 – 12/01/08
I enjoyed how the Whidden explained perfection, and the differences from the classic views on perfectionism views. I also appreciated the explanations that he provided on the controversial statements of Ellen White. They are very coherent and logical interpretations not only according to EGW's writings, but also interpretations that are according to the Scriptures. It is much easier to understand the purpose behind EGW's statements, when studied along the concept of end of probation time, as well as character demands by the time Jesus comes back. This chapter sets the details that the previous didn't, giving not only a big picture of perfection but defining also the vital details needed for a sound understanding of perfection in the Scriptures and EGW's work.
The article on Justification in Romans 3:21-24 by Rodríguez, is a very helpful way of showing the universality of Justification by Faith. He shows that justification is not limited to a human limit but is open to all who believe. It is a concise exegesis that builds solid support for the biblical perspective.
In Romans 14, Paul emphasizes the need to live constantly in the awareness of the presence of God and how that inhibits from judging one another. I enjoy how Paul calls us to a community way of living, being held as responsible for the things that we do and how they affect others around us. I also enjoy they way in which Paul challenges us to have our own well defined opinion, according to our faith. In my opinion, Paul is inviting us to a God-like way of living, where we regard first and foremost God as well as the people that live among us.
It is Adam who admitted the devil to take charge and what followed was the disaster. This actually made him to loose the heavenly privileges. In the article Adam and the Human Race in the Writings of E. G. White by Angel Manuel Rodríguez he clearly spells out how he was separated from God . I concur with him how we have loosed so much because of the slain relationship with God. Ellen white did a noble for us to understand how far we are from God and we are supposed to go back Him by only recognizing His work in us through the Jesus Christ.
Actually the Minneapolis was a great boast to the church although it appeared to divide the church. That is why according to Whidden, Ellen White termed it as a great incentive to uplift Christ as sin-pardoning Redeemer. She supported all the idea although later she was accused of belittling what was discussed. Actually there is no evidence as such.
Romans chapter 10 emphasizes man’s responsibility of praying, submitting, believing and confess. Man is called to hear and believe the gospel (10:14-17). God does the saving but man must do the believing. When a person is really saved he will have a concern and desire and burden for the salvation of others. He will see others as lost men and women who desperately need Christ. He shares the desire of His God and Savior. When a person receives Christ as Savior he also receives Him as Lord because that is exactly who He is!
In an article Justification and the Cross by Ángel Manuel Rodríguez Justification is an image, used to interpret the significance of Christ's death, taken from the court of law. Indeed we will not have succeeded by our own means but Christ demonstrated it and paid what will not have managed. The cross of Jesus should serve as a monument to remind us that we have to do what is required of our side because Christ did a big portion.
Although the 1888 conferences sparked of concern about justification Whidden confirms that we cannot separate faith and work. I agree that by doing so we cannot claim justification. This is actually confirmed by Ellen White that if Christ will be working in us then it means we will do good works.
God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew (Romans11). Paul’s question makes sense as at this point in Romans. Still there is room for restoration. The fact that Paul has come to faith in Jesus as Messiah as a Jew proves that there are some Jews who have been chosen by God and who have embraced the gospel .The fact that Paul can’t figure out God makes him glorify God all the more. When we understand some of the greatness of God, we worship Him all the more passionately.
Reflections paper: Week Fourteen
Doctrine of Salvation
Whidden II concluded his book on examining Ellen White’s position on salvation by making a sound interpretation of her views, especially on the meaning of perfection. He showed that she believed that faith and obedience have an important role in one’s salvation, faith in the merits of Christ and obedience to his principles as a sign of acceptance of the saving merits of Christ. He showed how her views on perfection have a balanced outline that features six levels of experience, starting off with one being reckoned perfect by faith and on account of the faithfulness of Christ, leading on to a dynamic growth into His likeness through loving obedience to His will, with no cherished sin. This continual victory over known sin will lead people to be sealed for the time of trouble, where there will be no premeditated sin or a recollection of sins not repented off, however, God’s saints will have a deeper sense of their weakness as human beings. The fullest sense of perfection is at glorification when Christ comes to claim his own from this world, when those who are holy remain holy still and those who are wicked remain wicked still.
The BRI article I read also dwelt on perfection, highlighting the two words or concepts of perfection that are presented in the writings of Paul, one being the perfection denoting “Christian maturity” and the second denoting the aspect of being “fully equipped” for the fulfillment of God’s will. All the goals of perfection can only be achieved when we depend on the merits of Christ. Ellen White says, “In all our helpless unworthiness we must trust in the merits of the crucified and risen Savior. None will ever perish while they do this. (Patriarchs and Prophets, 202, 203)
The article also dwelt on the kind of perfection the saints will have during the time of trouble, alluding to the fact that after the close of probation, the saints will be living without an intercessor, and that was explained to mean that Christ would have finished His work interceding for sin, so the saints at this time will not be committing premeditated sin, or sin that needs to be confessed, but they also will not be claiming perfection, instead, they will have a deep sense of the unworthiness and weakness.
Romans 14 I believe, was a continuation of the subject of the life that one lives in Christ. This chapter is misunderstood to suggest the eradication of the Sabbath, the disparaging of the vegetarian diet or to destroy the distinction between clean and unclean meats but its actually not talking about that. What Paul is addressing is the judgmental spirit that on other believers practices, pertaining to fasting and the keeping of certain Jewish ceremonies. This subject is related to the matter of eating food offered to idols related to the Corinthians. Stronger believers understood that idols are nothing so the food offered to them would not affect them, but some of weaker faith would find that a stumbling block and Paul is cautioning the believers to be considerate of one another faith and not judge each other pertaining to food. They all understand that unclean meats are not to be part of their practice, and the Sabbath observance was not even an issue among the believers.
This is what I understood from my reading.
Reflections paper: Week Fourteen
Doctrine of Salvation
Whidden II concluded his book on examining Ellen White’s position on salvation by making a sound interpretation of her views, especially on the meaning of perfection. He showed that she believed that faith and obedience have an important role in one’s salvation, faith in the merits of Christ and obedience to his principles as a sign of acceptance of the saving merits of Christ. He showed how her views on perfection have a balanced outline that features six levels of experience, starting off with one being reckoned perfect by faith and on account of the faithfulness of Christ, leading on to a dynamic growth into His likeness through loving obedience to His will, with no cherished sin. This continual victory over known sin will lead people to be sealed for the time of trouble, where there will be no premeditated sin or a recollection of sins not repented off, however, God’s saints will have a deeper sense of their weakness as human beings. The fullest sense of perfection is at glorification when Christ comes to claim his own from this world, when those who are holy remain holy still and those who are wicked remain wicked still.
The BRI article I read also dwelt on perfection, highlighting the two words or concepts of perfection that are presented in the writings of Paul, one being the perfection denoting “Christian maturity” and the second denoting the aspect of being “fully equipped” for the fulfillment of God’s will. All the goals of perfection can only be achieved when we depend on the merits of Christ. Ellen White says, “In all our helpless unworthiness we must trust in the merits of the crucified and risen Savior. None will ever perish while they do this. (Patriarchs and Prophets, 202, 203)
The article also dwelt on the kind of perfection the saints will have during the time of trouble, alluding to the fact that after the close of probation, the saints will be living without an intercessor, and that was explained to mean that Christ would have finished His work interceding for sin, so the saints at this time will not be committing premeditated sin, or sin that needs to be confessed, but they also will not be claiming perfection, instead, they will have a deep sense of the unworthiness and weakness.
Romans 14 I believe, was a continuation of the subject of the life that one lives in Christ. This chapter is misunderstood to suggest the eradication of the Sabbath, the disparaging of the vegetarian diet or to destroy the distinction between clean and unclean meats but its actually not talking about that. What Paul is addressing is the judgmental spirit that on other believers practices, pertaining to fasting and the keeping of certain Jewish ceremonies. This subject is related to the matter of eating food offered to idols related to the Corinthians. Stronger believers understood that idols are nothing so the food offered to them would not affect them, but some of weaker faith would find that a stumbling block and Paul is cautioning the believers to be considerate of one another faith and not judge each other pertaining to food. They all understand that unclean meats are not to be part of their practice, and the Sabbath observance was not even an issue among the believers.
This is what I understood from my reading.
Laurentiu Roman
Reflection Paper 12
THST 540 – 12/03/08
In Ángel Manuel Rodríguez, “Some Problems with Legal Universal Justification” the main idea is that we are saved because we are saved when we come into the world, because we were in Christ when he died for us on the cross. There are some problems with this idea. First the meaning of the words “in Christ” are wrong interpreted here. It is true that we are saved, but because of Jesus not because of us. And if we accept this idea it means that Christ saved us but we also contributed to this because we were “in Christ’ when He died, which means also that we have shared with Him the substitutionary death, idea which contradict the Bible when it says that Christ alone bore our sins on the cross .
Chapter 12 from Romans is talking about how to live the Christian life. Apostle Paul appeals to our will to accept God calls and to make a choice about the way that we live for Him. Bible says that our will must bring the body as a living sacrifice to God. The body is a good servant, but not a good master. Also the idea of love and patience is mentioned here. Love with hypocrisy is not real love and difficult times do not excuse us when we abandon hope or patience, difficult times also do not excuse a lack of love or willingness to do His work.
Chapter 12 and 13 from Whidden book talks about the fact that we can not obey the law because we are sinful but Christ character stands in our character place and because of this we are accepted as if we do not have sinned, and His merits makes our obedience acceptable. Faith is not only a mental quality, and always faith is related to the obedience to the law.
Reflection Paper#12 (Week Ending November 15, 2008) (Sheldon Smith)
In Romans chapter 12, Paul seems to make a transition from sorting out the Israelites and Gentiles with regard to their physical and spiritual calling and their purpose within the previous eleven chapters to a pinnacle where he is now encouraging spiritual Israel (the church which includes both Jews and Gentiles), to serve God wholeheartedly and to live peaceably together with each other. He does this highlighting the fact that individuals should serve the church with whatever gifts they possess and even more than that, they should show love for one another.
Rodriguez identifies some problems with legal justification which I deem to be true. What came across my mind as I read the problems that he identified was the fact that if legal justification were true, and that all have been redeemed through Christ’s death, the doctrine of Christ’s atoning work in the sanctuary would make no sense and for individuals living on earth, we could just live as we please since Jesus paid it all and we are saved in Him.
What appealed to me this week in a significant sense was the statement in Whidden book made by Ellen White where she stated that “If we were perfect, we wouldn’t need a savior.” The reason this appealed to me was the fact that many times individuals within and without the Adventist church profess or purport the doctrine of perfectionism. However, it is clear from the Bible and Ellen White’s writing that one cannot become perfect by any merits of oneself. The only perfection we have is as a result of us abiding constantly in the merits of Christ. This can only be done through continual confession, dying to sin and faith in the “Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world and ever liveth to make intercession for us.”
There was another point that E.G. White made regarding justification and sanctification. She said that the two, even though they are distinguishable should not be separated. And as I read and did my research in this area, one person made the comment that justification and sanctification are like “Siamese twins.”
Reflection Paper#13 (Week Ending November 22, 2008) (Sheldon Smith)
Based on what I read from Paul this week, I realize that the Bible is indeed good for the Greek, the Jew and the Gentile! I like the fact that the Bible is all inclusive and the counsels outlined by Paul in chapter 13 of Romans is indicative of that fact. In that, it points out individual’s relationship with each other (not just Christians) and how people should relate to those that are in authority. I like the way Paul sums up the chapter by highlighting that the fulfilling of the law boils down to love. With that in mind, he awakens believers to a sense of purpose and duty by giving them and us a wake up call.
I like the the way Heppenstall dealt with the issue of perfection. Some of the theology is new to me but are scriptural. In particular, I like the biblical platform that he laid regarding the use of perfection in the bible. It is the first time that I’ve really seen it being explained in that light. I’ve always heard perfection being spoken of as either a mature state in our Christian experience or a sinless state that humans reach prior to Christ’s second coming. However, Heppenstall drove home the hammer when he stated that if any human reached a “sinless” state before Christ’s coming, then that person would’nt have any need for God’s grace. For me, that was the punch line of the reading.
Based on my reading in Whidden’s book on E.G. White for this week, Ellen White seems to concur with Heppenstall or vice versa. What I noticed though was that even though Ellen White emphasized perfection, she qualified what she meant by perfection and two aspect that was mentioned by the author is that of active effort and full surrender which are critical for perfection. She also emphasized the fact that the believers “perfect state” will not negate temptation. I also like the idea that perfection is interlinked with sanctification and justification. To me, it means that just as how sanctification is a lifetime even, likewise perfection.
On a personal note, I believe that one can be perfect as long as that person abides in Christ. However, I think the issue of perfection will be settled when “this mortal shall put on immortality.” Even then, I don’t think that bodily perfection will be ended. I also think that individuals who are revealed – their knowledge will grow onto full perfection throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity.
Reflection Paper #14
Roman 14 is that kind of chapter in the Bible that raises a lot of questions in the mind of the reader. But the Apostle here is emphasizing the important of treating one another in love. In our faith, love must be exercised but not judgmental of others. I believed what the Apostle is saying is that the Law of liberty and the law of love go hand in hand. What the Apostle is advising the Christians is that, judging is God’s prerogative and not ours. These advices from the Apostle are very important as Christians are to accept one another despites differences of believes in what the Apostle called “doubting things.”
In the chapter 15th of Whidden’s book, it is fascinating to learn of Ellen White’s understanding of perfection and closing of events. Whidden’s explained that Ellen White believed in perfection of character, and those will be sealed during the time of trouble. Though this view of perfection is rather complex but Ellen White’s biblical understanding of it helps us to know that God wants His children to shun entertaining sin in their lives. It is comforting to know, that Jesus’ experienced can help us to see that we can also be victorious through the work of the Holy Spirit.
BRI article by Larry J Cane “Analysis of the Doctrine of Universal “Legal” Justification.” This article shed lights on the subject of Universality of justification based on Rom 3: 23, 24. Interestingly, it reflected back to 1888 when this subject first discussed in Adventist circle by Waggoner. The conclusion of this article showed that justification is both subjective and objective therefore, universal legal justification is lacks a scriptural origin. God took the initiative in seeking and has done a lot in seeking man to be saved but the deficiency is on our part. Failing to see and acknowledge what God had done. This conclusion is rightly so, because God never force His will upon man, though He has not lacked for seeking man to save but man in his freedom to choose either to accept God’s saving grace or not.
Reflection 14
Romans 14 is an interesting chapter when looked at from the perspective of salvation. Paul is talking about practical Godliness and how to deal with things that aren’t specifically wrong in the Bible or where we can disagree with each other. His point is not to get so dogmatic about our opinions that we cause others to stumble. That means that those who are inclined to be liberal on what they eat or drink or possibly even think about certain things, they must be careful to not make a brother fall because of their more liberal seeming actions. But it also says that those who feel that some things are wrong, being more conservative, need to follow their convictions, but it does not say they have to press their convictions on others. I think this goes along with what Dr. Hanna has talked about getting along and not fighting about small aspects of salvation. The chapter says that we can agree to disagree, but we must look at our actions and make sure that we are not causing others to stumble. I have seen people on both sides of the arguments in Adventism who cause other to stumble by their views. I want to take the Apostle Paul’s advice and hold to what the Bible says, but on matters of personal conscious, to not cause others to stumble.
I appreciated the talk on perfection which Whiddon presented in his views. He presents statements of Ellen White that seem to go along with both sides of the perfection argument. I believe that he does a reasonably good job of putting the two ideas together. Ellen White makes enough comments on both sides that someone from either side could bring enough evidence to prove their side, that says to me that she is really balanced between the two. Whiddon did a good job of showing how the people at the time of the close of probation will be perfect and how they will not be perfect.
The BRI document about what Jesus did on the cross was an interesting look at the different ideas of what Jesus did by dying for us. I appreciated Dr. Reed showing all the different options and how all the theories have some truth, but they are too small and therefore do not really show us the true picture of what happened at the cross. It gave a bigger model.
Reflection Paper #13
Whidden’s summary on Ellen White’s stance on perfection was very insightful. The goal of sanctification is perfection, but in our churches and dialogues with Christian friends, I’ve often heard that perfection was impossible. However, Ellen White taught that “perfection of intelligence and a purity of character but a little lower than the perfection and purity of angels” is possible. Furthermore, she taught that the work of perfection is constant, always in progress; those who have perfected their character would not know that they have. We need to understand that perfection of character has many facets. By beholding Jesus daily, He will reveal to us our character flaws and the Holy Spirit will provide us with the strength to overcome these infirmities.
In Heppenstall’s article, he mentioned some of the same points mentioned by Whidden. I appreciated Heppenstall’s article a great deal, because it forced us, as ministers, to reflect on our goals for our local church congregations. We often think about the weekly routines and rituals we are called to carryout in order to maintain the attendance of our church members, but the spiritual growth of our members needs to be the focal point of our existence as a church. I’m tired of seeing dysfunctional churches with the same members having the same character issues year after year. Perfection is a maturing process, and if our members are stagnant then that’s an indication that more needs to be done with that member. Just like school, the administrator expects that a 1st grader will progress to a higher level, and if he or she doesn’t then more resources are used to help advance that student a long the way.
Next, Romans 13, proposes that we respect the government and the laws of this land. I wonder if Paul contemplated governments that were abusive in nature and corrupt. Should America not interfere with the governments of other countries such as Iraq?
Tatiana Perez
RP #6
In the article "The Dynamics of Salvation" we see the results, at least up to date, of the conclusion that the Righteousness by Faith Consultation committee came up with when they attempted to explain how salvation works from an Adventist point of view. And, even though we could never completely understand how God works out our salvation, yet it is a good study to do in order to attempt to understand the mysteries of God more. The article has six basic stages that salvation occurs. the first talks about humanity's desperate need. And these are 4 basic needs: 1) we stand condemned before God; 2) we are alienated from our true selves; 3) we are alienated also from one another; 4) we are alienated from the created world. These basic problems that we have lead us to our need of God and His salvation. Section 2 is titled, "The Divine Initiative". And here it explains how God comes and looks for us in our fallen state to offer us the good news of salvation. Section 3 is titled, "The Human Response to Grace". Here it explains how we have a choice as to how to respond to God's offer of salvation. But He never forces upon us the decision. If we do desire to receive this free gift of grace, we must do it by faith. Section 4 describes the new status that we have in Christ when we accept this gift of salvation. And here we see different terms to help describe what happens: justification, reconciliation, forgiveness, adoption, and sanctification. And of course this new status involves an active, growing relationship with Him. When we have this transformation inevitably we have a new life in Christ spoken about in section 5. The different aspects of this new life are in: 1) new birth; 2) restoration; 3) growth; 4) grace and faith; 5) assurance; 6) praise. Each part describes how these dimensions become a part of our daily way of life. And the final section is, "The Consummation". Here we see a grand finale which will occur when Christ returns again to take us to heaven and destroy all evil. This glorification is the ultimate hope that we can have as christians. I thought this article was pretty good in trying to explain the dynamics of salvation. But at the same time, it seems to me that there is so much more that could be said about salvation that it takes eternity to really study and understand this subject.
Chapter 6 of the book, "Ellen White on Salvation", is titled,"Sin, the Human Condition, and Salvation". Here the author tries to explain how Ellen White saw these themes interrelating to each other. We know that for Mrs. White, the concept "original sin" did not exist. She believed that humans have a fallen nature, but not so fallen that they are helpless to choose to follow God or not. She did believe that we have free will to choose God or not. She didn't believe in the term "original guilt" either. Though she did write how we do suffer from guilt as a result of our sins. But she did believe that our sins and sinfulness are so strong that we need God to initiate and give us a call in order for us to wake up to His love and offer of salvation. She also believed that our depravity is so strong that we need Christ's merits every step of the way in order to make it to heaven. I agree with Ellen White's position on these issues and think that she really has a wonderful way of explaining salvation to us.
Chapter 6 of Romans states that we can be dead to sin, and free from it's controlling power. But this does not give us license to sin. In fact quite the opposite, we should be free to be slaves of Christ, and choose to follow Him, instead of following our own sinful tendencies (which we are no longer slaves of). I think this chapter gives a good balance to us as christians because it reminds us to not take for granted God's gift of grace. But shows us a better way to live, and what should be our loving response to His gift, namely, a life of obedience to Christ.
Tatiana Perez
RP #7
Edward Heppenstall wrote the 7th article titled:"How Perfect is 'Perfect' Or is Christian Perfection Possible? Here he deals with the issue of perfection in the Christian life. He says that one of the man problems in the christian growth is a misunderstanding of biblical perfection. Here perfection does not mean sinlessness. Instead it means a person who is wholeheartedly dedicated to God and to growing more in his relationship with God each day. Here it explains that with our fallen natures, in this world we will never reach sinlessness. In fact, we can never hope to overcome, especially on our own, our sinful nature and tendencies. However we can be perfect when we are committed to Christ and continually depend on Him every step of the way. In fact, if we do believe that we can be sinless, then we declare that there could be a time when we don't need Christ's grace or the Holy Spirit's help anymore. And this is obviously contrary to biblical teachings. So, we need to live "by grace alone", depending only on Christ, and not on our own efforts, to obtain true perfection. I really like this article. I think it explains very clearly the issue of perfection. I think this is a message that our church needs to hear more often, because it seems to me that many times we are in danger of falling into the trap of being discouraged in our walk with God because we see our failings and sins and seem so far from perfection. Or, the other extreme would be to be proud of our seemingly perfect achievements.
The chapter titled "The Atonement" speaks about what Ellen White's stand on the atonement of Christ was like. Some early church founders thought that the atonement only applied to Christ's intercession in the heavenly sanctuary on our behalf. But Ellen White clearly stated that not only was the atonement applied here, but also to the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. This means that His atonement can help us in the process of justification as well as sanctification. Within the adventist church there are three main theories that have emerged regarding how to interpret Ellen White's theology regarding atonement. The three are: The Moral Influence Theory, The Satisfaction Theory, and The Penal-Substitutionary Theory. The author seems to lean towards the last theory as the one most closely describing what Ellen White believed. In her writings was a definite balance between mercy and justice, and her views of atonement shaped her concept of justification by faith. I did not realize that there were so many different views on Atonement and Ellen White's position on this. But I can see how even one change in understanding can affect the whole understanding of salvation. But after reading this chapter I could get more of an understanding of how serious the penalty of sin is and how Christ paid that penalty. And I see more my need to depend on Him for my salvation.
In Romans 7 we read about the law and its effect on the sinner. By the law we know what is sin, and the law is just. But thanks to our new life in Christ, we are no longer under the law that condemns us, but are under the law of grace. However this does not free us from the influence of our sinful human nature. I really appreciate how Paul describes the conflict between our sinful natures and our desire to do what is right. I can really relate to his struggle. It gives me hope because I feel that, if Paul went through this struggle, then I guess its normal for me to also and there is hope that I can too receive forgiveness of sins and help from God. I realize more my need of Christ and dependence on Him.
I have read the above comments in part. I have not read them all, but believe that I have a fairly good understanding of them. I grew up as an SDA and am a current student of the Bible. I have neither Light nor Truth, but only Beliefs and Understandings. I especially like to look to Romans 8:29 as a very important ingredient in building my relationship with 'Our Father'. In my study of the Bible it has become clear that it is going to be God that will get me into Heaven, not my ability to understand and communicate (make it through) the 'maze', which is what I have concluded what is being discussed realy is. As to perfection, I used to believe that that was impossible for we humans. When I studied Matthew 5 I was very supprised and felt good about the level of completeness that is found there. The first (approx) 20 verses giving assurances to all of us who have various problems. Then the rest of the chapter describing how he invites us to think, understand, and act. Then when I got to verse 48 I did what I often do, and that is change the words around so that they become more powerful, without changing the message. Some may believe that I have changed the message here, but I invite you to see if there might be a possiblity that they could be true. "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect". This is the KJV translation. I tried this: 'If you do these things, you will be deemed (stipulated) to be perfect, even as your Father which is in Heaven is Perfect'. Wouldn't it be something, if we could just make a decision to follow the admonition of Jesus, and that is all that is expected of us. No, we will not be able to get that from researching what others have said, which I guess that is what the classroom requires. I thank God that I do not have to sit there, although to sit at the feet of Dr. Hannah is something that I have enjoyed. I am glad that I am saved and that God did not seperate himself from us when we decided to follow the advisary. These are the thoughts of a lay person who loves to study the Bible. If there is a Bible Study going on the campus which is open to the community, I would appreciate an invitation. Thank You!
Reflection Paper #14
After reading Ch. 15 of Whidden’s book, I felt like I had a clear picture of the level of perfection we are to have in order to be glorified when Christ comes. The idea that perfection is obtained when we no longer cherish sin or commit overt sins was crystal clear. However, I don’t understand why those that are sealed have to experience the time of trouble. I read that section “God’s Purpose for Time of Trouble” twice, but I was not persuaded that experiencing this ordeal in the future will make one more faithful. I’m reminded of Job’s experiences, and I never felt that what Job experienced was fair. On the other hand, I understand that God will use whomever He wants to further His plan of salvation.
Next, the research paper written by Dr. Pfandl was comprehensive and thorough. Sin is a serious topic and the root to the evil in this world. Unfortunately, sin is an inherited disposition. As I read each section of Dr. Pfandl’s paper, I started to feel like we’re doomed! However, Jesus Christ is the answer to the sin issue and through His strength we shall overcome. In the context of Jesus’ humanness, did Christ also have this inherited disposition to sin? If the answer is yes, then how was Christ able to overcome? I feel like we’ve studied this topic already in Whidden’s book, but Dr. Pfandl has sparked my attention to this matter for greater understanding of the nature of Christ. Was Christ ever separated from God while He was on the earth in the same manner in which Adam was separated from God after sin entered the world?
Finally, Romans 14 was a problem text for me in the past. I’ve heard non-Adventists friends use this text to argue that it doesn’t matter whether you go to church on Saturday, or Sunday, and that all meat is good. However, if we look at the deeper meaning of the passage and place the passage in its proper context, Paul is trying to open the doors of the church to the Gentiles. In addition, I believe he is trying to teach Christians to allow the Holy Spirit to convict the hearts of man, and not condemn the Gentiles before it happens.
The Dynamics of Salvation article provides comprehensive guidelines in our salvation Before we can accept the good news, we must recognize our desperate need. We must see that we can do nothing to restore ourselves to God, or to improve our evil nature: our condition is hopeless. To such poverty-mental, physical, spiritual-God's salvation comes. The good news of the Bible is that God has taken the initiative to save us. He comes to us in our lostness, offering salvation in all its abundance. God's righteousness encompasses the sweep of our needs: it leads us from guilt to justification, from sinfulness to sanctification, from alienation to restoration and on to glorification. It brings about the decisive change from slavery to sin to new life in Christ, from bondage in fear to joy in the Spirit. Salvation is from the Lord
Although people were confused about what happened in the c ongress, God was still using Ellen to put the records straight. She emphasized the importance of obedience in relationship to justification and I actually agree with Whidden in chapter 13 in stressing this point because it was possible for people to avoid obedience and pretend tat all is good.
This is the chapter (Romans 12) of great appeal and persuasions. He has done a good job and here God calls us to make a choice about the way that we live for Him. We should exercise our spiritual gifts in the body of Christ; but He warn us about pride that often arises from those who regard themselves as spiritually gifted. We should remember that spiritual giftedness does not equal spiritual maturity. But further I like how paul touches the every aspect of human life. I think chaper poses a challenge to us on how to live alife worth to be imitated by others.
Salvation by Faith by Jan Paulsen gives an in depth illustration about salvation by Faith.It is not enough to believe about Christ; we must believe in Him. The only faith that will benefit us is that which embraces Him as a personal Saviour; which appropriates His merits to ourselves" Faith The only faith that will benefit us is that which embraces Him as a personal Saviour. To have faith means to find and accept the gospel treasure, with all the obligations which it imposes involves obedience-obedience to a Person (Jesus Christ) and to the message that comes from Him. Finally, let us remember Paul's words in Romans 10:17: "Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ." The answer to a frail faith lies neither in works of duty nor in self-condemnation for our many shortcomings, but in feeding on the Word of God.
Perfection implies that one has repented and now a new person. As we know him he requires us to remain perfect as He is, since we are aware of what he has done to us. I agree of what Whidden (chapter 14) writes of Ellen White about perfection. She correctly states that we cannot obtain perfection if we don’t have patience, and this is accompanied by humility and unity.
Romans 13 is a very difficult passage to evaluate. Shall we abide by a tyranny government or what? I think we many times misunderstood the concepts here. Paul instructed Christians to show love to their enemies. One should live at peace with all, and if wronged, should not seek vengeance, because vengeance is the Lord’s. How, then, does God exercise this vengeance that is his alone? As shown above, Paul answers this question in Romans 13: All good Christians can do is to have faith in his will, and follow the instructions given through Jesus and the apostles. We have been instructed to love our enemies, not take revenge, leave vengeance with God, and overcome evil with good. Sometimes it might be difficult to follow these commandments, but we must have the attitude of Jesus on the eve of his crucifixion:
Whidden II in Chapter 15 presents how perfection will a challenge to Gods’s people at end. Life is short but we must be ready to obtain perfection these times. Christ will never leave but will always be on our side. The close of probation will never prevent scare us because already we have already attained perfection during the time of trouble. I like the statement by Ellen white that the key issue is what to do with the sinful desire that is cherished by many. Now I also agree with Ellen White that obedience will remain a key factor in this time of trouble.
Some Theological Considerations of Perfection by Edward Heppenstall supports the ideas of whidden that the Bible teaches that the true Christian will grow both in grace and toward the image of our Lord Jesus Christ. This implies that we cannot do it by our selves but Christ in to do it if we accept him. He continually hungers and thirsts after righteousness. There is an earnest unashamed quest for spiritual holiness which eventually will be provided by Christ.
Romans 14 is both an intriguing and challenging chapter, much misunderstood and abused. In my opinion, Romans 14 gives instructions to people who conscientiously disagree about what God instructs them to do, and, consequently, the passage speaks to us when we find ourselves in the same predicament. In stead of common unity in diversity based on a misunderstanding and perversion of Romans 14, the truth must be boldly presented and error exposed. Love and patience must be shown to the "weak," but they must be urged and taught to grow. Sure, there will be division from time to time
Tiago Baltazar
Reading Reflection Paper 15
THST 540 – 12/07/08
Whidden's two last chapters are extremely insightful on the writings of Ellen White. I have enjoyed Whidden's research throughout this book; what drew my attention the most was the definition of perfection. Even though this book is very helpful in defining Justification as well as the Atonement, among other salvation related themes, Perfection seems to be a theme that not only has a vital importance to the personal Christian growth, but can that also be distinctive of our theology, as opposed to others who advocate perfectionism or other distorted views of perfection. In this sense, I very much appreciated the summary of perfection noted in the six points found in the last chapter.
Jan Paulsen dissects justification and sanctification in his article “Salvation by Faith”. In this article I enjoyed how Paulsen explains the subjective and objective dimensions of faith. I appreciated the fact that Paulsen acknowledges that we very often misuse this concept of faith, for it should translated by faithfulness rather than faith in some of the verses we often quote as fundamental pillars for our doctrines. I believe this is a point that hasn't been deeply investigated, and that is in need of more study, for it has the potential to correct our approach to faith.
The last two chapters of Romans, besides featuring the doxology as well as all the greetings sent by Paul, feature, in my opinion, a new invitation to a life of service and a community-centred life. As I said in relation to previous chapters, it seems to me that Paul is addressing the importance of a life in community where one does not live by or for himself but for and by the others around him, using for that the example of Jesus Christ and how He lived a life of service for the entire time He was on this Earth. Paul explores in these last chapters of Romans the practicality that comes with true love, going beyond the theoretical towards a much more applicable and evident love, and true demonstration of a Christian character.
Tatiana Perez
RP #1
Chapter 1of the book, “Ellen White on Salvation”, is a kind of introduction to the whole book by Woodrow Whidden. He raises an important issue among Adventists, though. He speaks about the controversies that exist among our brethren regarding her views on different issues and how often people will take a quote out of context to defend their position, or after you’ve developed an understanding of something, someone will go and change that viewpoint. The sad thing is that this often leads to theological controversies and divisions among the church. The author says that two of the main subjects that have caused controversy is justification by faith and perfection. And ironically enough, he points out how one of the main characteristics of perfection is unity, which we often don’t see in our church. I like Whidden’s initiative and method to try and study these subjects in order to reach some valid conclusions on these controversial topics. I think that his work here can be very valuable to the SDA Church.
The article, “Adam and the Human Race in the Writings of Ellen G. White,” talks about how Mrs. White viewed and wrote about the relationship between Adam and all other people, and how his sin affected the world. We can see clearly that, though Adam was holy and sinless, once he sinned, everything changed. His character became weak and sinful, and he passed on this fallen nature to all of his descendants. He writings don't say that his descendants are responsible for his sin, but that we suffer the consequences too. Even nature, the animals, trees and everything in it, seemed to inherit this rebellious tendency. As a consequence, the world has been under misery ever since. Our only hope is in Christ Jesus. Because He came and overcame sin, we can, through Him, overcome sin too. This article serves a good purpose of clarifying E. White's position on this issue, because of the misunderstandings that have existed regarding our relationship with Adam and his sin.
Romans 1 is an introduction to the book. Paul states his authority in writing the book and in addressing the romans in Jesus' name. After the initial greetings, he states his desire to visit Rome again and the brethren there. And then he says a very beautiful statement, “I am not ashamed of the gospel”. I think that this is powerful because in his time, being a christian wasn't very popular. In fact it was cause for persecution. Yet, he knew the power of the gospel and wasn't afraid to share it with others. I think that we, who live in a predominantly christian environment, can't really grasp the significance of this phrase. But I hope that, when the time comes, I too can say, like Paul, that I'm not ashamed of the gospel and am willing to stand up for my beliefs in Jesus no matter what. Then Paul goes on to point out the sins of the gentiles. It goes to show us that he wasn't afraid to confront and correct where there was need. But at the same time, I like how, in the context of the whole book, he does it with love and a great hope for them in Christ.
Tatiana Perez
RP # 2
In chapter 2 of “Ellen White on Salvation” the author talks about E. White’s early experiences with conversion, sanctification and perfection. It seems that as a young girl and adolescent, she went through her own spiritual struggle. At one point she gave her life to God and was baptized, but then struggled again with the desire to be sanctified. When, in obeying God to pray in public, she received great peace and joy in her life, it seems that she never again had any mayor struggles with her assurance of salvation. Some say that she went through the Methodist belief of holiness or the second conversion. But we know that, with her consequent dealings with fanatical groups on holiness and perfection, she didn’t think that one could attain sinlessness here on earth, until the second coming of Christ. I like this chapter because, in seeing that Ellen White struggled with her salvation, I feel reassured that it is ok to struggle with one’s own salvation as well. I can see how God was with her and guided her through until she found resolution. I also like the last statement in the chapter speaking about perfection. It says, “Perfection was not to be claimed as some sinless accomplishment, but rather sought as a way of life that would see believers grown in grace until they received the finishing touch of sinlessness at glorification.”
The article, “Analysis of the Doctrine of Universal 'Legal' Justification”, deals with the issue of a false doctrine that has been misunderstood since the 1888 GC session that emphasized justification. This doctrine of a universal legal justification says that there is a second kind of justification, apart from justification by faith. This second kind of justification says that, in a sense, when Christ died on the cross for all human beings, He imparted this justification to all, whether the individuals have accepted Him or not. And this is the basis for the blessings we enjoy today. The article has taken the main scriptural passages and studied them to show that in reality there is no biblical basis for such a belief. There is only one kind of justification, and that is by faith in Jesus Christ. In other words, for us to receive justification, we have to accept Him as our Savior and put away our sins. I don't think that I had been much aware of this doctrine until recently. So I was able to know more about some false beliefs that have been circulating around. I'm glad that this issue is being addressed in our church, and that sound, biblical conclusions are put forth. This is another example for me about how dangerous it is to take a passage of scripture out of context and how important it is for us to know our Bibles in order to not be deceived by these false teachings.
In Romans 2 Paul now talks about the errors of the Jews. In a sense jewish people have more responsibility toward God because they received more light, and the 10 commandments of God. And this very thing has caused many of them to have spiritual pride and to not accept the Messiah. He also points out that circumcision saves no one, and that they should not depend on the outer works and inheritance to fool them into thinking that this would merit their salvation. I think that this is a danger that many christians face today. Because they do what's right and follow the rules, some think that they will be saved. But we need to be careful to not develop spiritual pride, and always stay humble before God.
Tatiana Perez
RP # 3
Chapter 3 of the book by Woodrow Whidden talks about the decade before the memorable 1888 general conference session. Ellen White dealt more with the subject of justification by Faith. She also had to deal with many people who were going to extremes and becoming fanatics. For example, there was one man who spoke against her, saying that she believed in salvation through the law. But she confronted him saying that she had never once taught or wrote that. She claimed that we could only be saved through the merits of Jesus. On the other hand, accepting Jesus as our savior, did not excuse sin. She had a constant balance between grace and works. I think that this is very admirable, because it seems that sometimes this balance is hard to keep. She was also able to defend her position and ministry among a lot of opposition. I think that it is so important for us to learn of her and keep that balance between justice and mercy.
The article, “Christ Saved the Human Race,” was written by Angel Manuel Rodriguez. Here he speaks specifically about the writings and view of Ellen White regarding Jesus' salvation in relation to the whole human race. This seems to be a follow up to the previous article, which deals with the false belief of a universal legal justification. In this article, the author shows that Ellen White believed that Christ died for the whole human race, but only those who accepted Him as their savior would ultimately be able to benefit from this sacrifice and be justified. He also gives 5 points regarding Ellen White's view on Christ's redemption on the cross. They are: 1) all (people) belong to Christ through creation and redemption; 2) Christ has the deed of possession; 3) Christ paid the price as a gift to us; 4) through redemption Christ gained the right to rescue us; 5) Christ ransomed us by taking our sins on Him. This article is very informative and brings about the central issue regarding Jesus' sacrifice for us and justification.
Romans 3 continues to talk about the twisted way of thinking that many people, not only jews, have, and how we need to correct them. So he explains how all have sinned and deserve death, but it is only through justification by faith in Christ that we have hope of salvation. There is nothing in ourselves that we can really boast about. But all our reason for “boasting” should be in Christ and His love and righteousness. I think this chapter is good at helping us put our pride where it should be and to point us to the Savior. There is hope in Paul's message, that is in justification by faith. And he continues to develop this theme in the rest of the book.
Tatiana Perez
RP #4
The article, “Comments on 1 Timothy 4:10,” deals with the misinterpretations and misunderstandings of this text because of the problems in translating it. The way the text reads would make it seem that all people are saved, but some are saved more especially. And of course we know that this cannot be. The author deals with the different misinterpretations and then studies the text in its context, based on Paul's theology. The conclusion given here is that the correct understanding of this text would be that God has given provision for all people to be saved. In fact He really wants all to be saved. But we have free choice, and only those who choose to follow Him and accept that provision, will ultimately be saved. It seems to me that many of these false interpretations come from people who would like to find an excuse to sin and also feel like they're going to be saved at the same time. We need to be careful of this and always uphold our high calling.
The 4th chapter of “Ellen White on Salvation” talks about the personal experiences of Ellen White and her husband James. They longed to be more like Christ and have a loving attitude always. Towards the end of James' life, he felt more impressed that they should be focusing more on Christ in their messages to the brethren and preach more about justification by faith. This really influenced Ellen and contributed to her message as well. Though Mrs. White never claimed to be perfect, she did always strive to be, relying always on God for help. Though we can see that her views and interpretations about justification and perfection did develop over the years, the one constant that we can see is her emphasis in relying always on God. This view into the lives of God's prophet and instrument, and into her family life as well, helps me to see her more as a regular human being. The only difference was her continuing desire to follow after God and imitate Christ. I really like this view of her and helps me to see that, even though I'm not perfect and make mistakes, there is hope for me if I just continue to look for Jesus and rely on Him.
Romans 4 talks about Abraham and the way in which he was justified. With the jews claiming that they could be saved just because they were of the seed of Abraham, I think it was important that Paul bring out this issue of how Abraham was saved. And then he goes to explain that essentially, we need to do the same as he did, in order to be saved. Abraham trusted in God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. We also need to trust in God, not ourselves or our merits, in order to be saved. Of course, now we have more light and understanding than Abraham had. But in principle, it's the same thing. We can all have the hope of salvation by trusting and believing in God.
Tatiana Perez
RP #5
The article, “Comments on the 'In Adam/In Christ' Motifs”, is another example of the clear, biblical explanation of a theological concept by Angel Manuel Rodriguez. The phrase 'in Adam' has caused a misunderstanding of the meaning of Paul with some people. It is not an easy concept to explain, and shouldn't be taken too literally. 'In Adam' doesn't mean that all people were somehow 'in' him when he sinned, and therefore his sin is also attributed to us. We suffer the consequences of his sin, but are not responsible for his actions. To be 'in Adam' means that we are all his descendants and have suffered the consequences of sin along with him, but we are only responsible for our own sins. To be 'in Christ' doesn't mean that we were somehow in Him and died with Him on the cross. Instead, this term means that we have accepted Him as our Lord and Savior and are christians. I can see that we need to be careful about how to understand certain passages and always study things in the context of the whole Bible and it's teachings. This clarification is also very useful for me in my studies. I also like the added note at the bottom of the phsychology of the hebrew thinking regarding the group and the individual. It's very helpful when studying the Bible.
Chapter 5 of the book by Whidden is titled, “ Salvation, the Great Controversy Theme, Closing Events, and the Law”. Here he deals with these different themes and how they are interrelated in the writings of Ellen White. Her central theme was always the proper relationship of law ans grace against the backdrop of the great controversy. In her writings she explains Satan's 3 charges against God, and how He has been able to answer to these charges. Then we read about the closing events and the saints of that time, and how the law of God needs to be kept. But she always presents a perfect balance between justice and mercy in God. Reading this chapter reminds me of what depth of insight Ellen White had in the deep issues about God and christianity. I want to continue to read her writings to learn more about God and His great love for us.
Romans 5 has so many good verses that I don't know which one I like best. The description of how we can have access to God through Jesus, the positive side of trials, how Christ died for us, even before we knew Him, and so on, are all beautiful reminders of the love of God and how he works out our salvation. The latter part of this chapter deals with the comparison of Adam and Christ. What I really like here is the description that Christ's sacrifice was more than enough to save all humanity, to those who accept Him. I wish that all of humanity would accept Jesus and His free offer of salvation.
Reflection 12
the section on "some problems with Legal Universal Justification" by Angel Manuel Rodriguez is a confusing topic for me.
He says "The Bible makes clear that every one who is born into this world of sin is in need of the Savior. We are by nature children of wrath; we deserve to die. Eph 2:3. 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." We were born into this earth as sinner and the gift of salvation is free, but when do we receive the gift of salvation? Can newborn babies receive the gift of salvation if the baby dies soon after the birth?
I am in way questioning the SDA theology or other theologies. If I read other theologies it makes sense and if I read SDA's theology it also makes sense as well. all in all I believe that salvation is the divine plan of God, and i don't think we can ever understand fully. I just pray that as i'm studying about salvation it is the Holy Spirit who leads me to believe which direction to take.
S. Michael Olaye
Blog 7
In the BRI article, “How Perfect is Perfect or is Christian Perfection Possible?” the author defines what it really means to be perfect in the biblical meaning of the word. I liked this article because many members do not completely understand this topic. Also, many understand this topic but cannot put it into practice. Perfection has never meant that the follower must be sinless. Perfection in the Bible teaches that we must always believe in Jesus Christ who died for our sins and never leave His side. The closer we come to Christ, the more we realize our shortcomings.
This is perfectly demonstrated in Romans 7: 24-8:2. Paul in this passage realizes that flesh will always be in constant battle with the Spirit. He states earlier in the chapter that we are slaves sold into sin. In Phillipians 3: 12-14, Paul states that we are running a course that is set before us and pressing towards our high calling in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Whidden speaks of what Ellen White understood atonement to mean. The wrath that God has is the other side of the coin for salvation extended to those who believe. This was the cost of Jesus dying on our sins. When Jesus climbed up Mt. Calvary, He committed the greatest atonement of the entire human race and gave us the possibility of salvation
S. Michael Olaye
Blog #8
The BRI article “Some Thoughts on Original Sin” by Dr. Pfandl gives a brief survey on how Adventist interprets original sin. There is a difference between what the Calvinist and Catholics understand the original sin to be. They understand that we inherit sin from Adam and Eve and that we are predetermined to hell unless we have interaction with Jesus in some type of way. We Adventists, on the other hand, belief that original sin is some type of condition that we are bent towards sin instead of helplessly doomed to hell.
In Romans 8, Paul tells us that we are more than conquerors. This says a lot because if it said that we were mere conquerors, then we would actually have something to do with our sinful state. But Paul says that we are more than conquerors meaning that we win in an unconventional way. In this case, we win by God’s grace. The idea of original sin misconstrues the role of God’s grace in the Christian life.
Whidden discusses the nature of Christ while He ministered here on earth. He tries to display the fact that Ellen White discussed several dynamics of Christ nature throughout her sixty-year writing ministry. This to me is one of the mysteries that we will spend eternity learning.
Reflection Paper #15
Roman 15 the Apostle Paul reminded the Gentiles of their relationship to God through Jesus Christ. And he urges them to have in them the mind of Jesus, that He humbled himself and became a servant so that the truth may receive by them. Paul said in v8, 9 that Jesus became a servant to “confirm the promises made to the fathers, and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy.” This is a unique statement by Paul coz it reflected that the gospel was promised of Jesus Christ ought to be a gospel to the world. Final chapter of Romans was the Apostle’s final commendation and greetings for the believers and reminded them of the gospel of Christ.
In the chapter 16th and 17th chapter of Whidden’s book, he revealed Ellen White’s view of Justification and Sanctification in relation to Perfection. A justified life can have victory over sin is through the merit of Christ. Its interesting to know from her pen that “Our sanctification is God’s object in all His dealing with us. He has chosen us from eternity that we may be holy.” The final chapter spelled out Mrs. White balanced view of salvation. Though often misinterpreted by people but Mrs. White’s view of salvation is biblical. God gave Mrs. White’s great understanding on salvation for the purpose of educating His church with the true meaning of salvation. The world needs to knowledge about the precious gospel of Jesus Christ. In return for that love, man will live a life according to God’s will.
BRI article by Angel Rodriguez “Adam and the Human Race in the Writings of E. G. White” shed Mrs. White’s view on the “in Adam” concept that is wrongly interpreted. Rodriguez revealed Mrs. White’s understanding of the issue is that because of Adam’s sin, the whole world inherited sinful nature. Adam’s disobedience cause the major problem to humanity but he accepted the gift of God. This is a fascinating concept however Rodriguez claimed we weren’t shared in Adam’s sin because we were not there but the effect of his sin affected us by nature. It is the consequences of the world’s first father affected the whole world and in need of a Savior.
Reflection Paper #14
Roman 15 is I believe that summary of Romans and Paul concludes what he believes and gives advice to church. Even though the background of chapter 15 is not happy, he gives specific advice as well as general one.
Whidden talks about another perfection this week. So far I have learned what perfection is and what all the elements mean in salvation context. But I don’t think I have applied them into my life. This reflection may be the last one for me so I just want to focus on how I have been doing in the class and in my life. I have always talked about things about God not Him. I tried to have more knowledge to look smarter and better pastor. But Paul says, in Rom 15:2, “Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.” I had wrong motivation in studying. I should’ve learned for others’ good but I did for myself. Thinking this, I got discouraged, but Paul gave me another verse, in Rome 15:4, “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” I can still have hope because I have the Bible and the Holy Spirit.
On the BRI site, the first topic talks about -ADAM AND THE HUMAN RACE.It is so funny how everything happens at the right time. When God created man, He had good plans for man, but man failed God in the disobedience at the gardedn of eden. God created man at His own image and thought it could be a wise idea it He gave man dominion over everything in earth. He infact put man on the garden of eden, to enjoy all that was there, except the tree, only one tree that God wanted to be left. Insted of adam listening to the instructions of God, he listened to the instrictions of satan and losr all. Though adam lost all, Jesus had mercy on him and came to dies on behalf of man so that If human race listens to teh voice of the Lord, shall be saved and so to inherit the kingdom.
The first chapter of chapter of the book of the book or Romans talks about how Gods wrath will be on those that know what God wants them to do, but they never do it. Romans 1:18"The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men.." God offered alternative when we fell, if we dont take it, it is upon us.
Ellen white asks a very important Qustion in the first chapter of Book-Salvation. She asks a very good question "How shall we proceed? It is only be the power of God that we shall make it. From the calss discussions, we will not make it by our strenght, but by daily surrendering to the blood of Jesus, who will strengthen us.
The article on BRI on "Universal-legal- Justification, was very interesting. It clearly illustrated the fact that, even though Christ died for us all, not all shall be saved.What is universal, is His death. He died on the cross for all(the entire human race).It is clear that, though Christ died for all, not all accept Him. For those who accept His death and follow Him, they shal inherit the kingdom. For those who refuse the offer, they will not be forced to go to heaven against their desire and so shall perish.
The second chapter in the Ellen White book-Salvation, deals with how Ellen herself delt with the issue of conversion and sactification. At her conclusion, she discovered that sanctification is not a work of a moment, but that os a life time. "Perfection was not to be claimed as some sinless accomplishment, but rather sought as a way of life that would see believers grow in grace until they receive the finishing touch of sinlessness at glorification" It is good that Ellen white discoved that, and she continually shares with us the fact that we are renewed daily by His powers.
The second chapter of the book of Romans warns us not to judge others, for we too shall be judged by our Father in heaven. It warns christians to stand firm as they teach others, so that those they teach shall not go to heaven , leaving them here.
In class, we all saw that, salvation is individualistic-every individual decides to, or not to be saved, but Jesus is availble to all(He is universal).
The article on "Christ died for human race" on the BRI, was very interesting.It supports the fact that, Christ sacrificed all the comfort in heaven and came here on earth to die, so that the human race may receive salvation; in the sene that now there is hope for all who came to Christ "He paid the ramson required as the result of Adam's fall and saved the world in the sense that now there is hope for all who come to christ , and receive him as their personal savior."
In the book 'Salvation', the thirs chapter, Ellen White continued to express her understanding of perfection in a way that clearly differentiated her teaching from the Wesleyan view.She powerfully empasised on justification by faith alone-Christ justifies by faith, a point that even James White empasised.
The third chapter of Romans, show how God is faithfull to His children.Though all all have sined, it is the through Jesus that we shall be made Just. Romans 3:20" Therefore, no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law.."
In class, we discussed that we shal not make it to heaven by our own powers, but by His grace.
On the BRI, the article on"Comment on 1Tim 4:10", was good for a discussion. It showed me that, people can read one text, but all will have a different interpretation all together. We all have our own interpretation of what we read, but may God help us to have the intended meaning, deep down our hearts. According to the article, many think that, if Jesus died, all we have to do is believe that He died and that is it. Mear believing, shall not take us anywhere. If we believe without doing anything that He told us to do, how safe are we in the Kingdom?
It is only those who beleive and do according to His will that shal be saved. In Romans chapter4, Abraham not only believed in God, but also walked accarding to the will of God. When he was told to sacrifice his only son, Abraham was ready. He was ready to give all that he had, and was obedient even to the point of sacrificing his own son, if that was what God wanted him to do. Are we willing to do what God tells us to d even if it means loosing all that we have?
In the fourth chapter of the book of salvation, Ellen white belives that is is only God who can transform us. If we yield to His saving power, then He can do great things. "..no changes in social status, geography, denominational growth, or advances in doctrinal sophistication and expression would change her constant empasis on God's great transforming power"
It is all about God, He is the one who does it all, if we permit Him.
On the BRI, the article on "Comments on _In Adam/In Christ", was very argumentative.It argues for the fact that,it is through Adam that sin entired to the earth, to the human race,and so through adam, all were supposed to die since death is the wages of sin. God told man that If he eats the middle tree, he shall for sure die, and so, in Adam, there is death.
What about in Christ?
Though we were supposed to die after we sin, Christ came to die on our behalf on the cross
Those who believe in Him, shall never perish, but have everlasting life.
So, in Adam, there is death, but in Jesus, there is hope, there is life.
Romans chapter 5, empasizes the same consept that, it is trough Jesus, that we will have eternity, never to die gain. It is trough one man that sin entered the earth, and through one man, we have salvation, if we accept the gift anf do according to His will.
Ellen white says in chapter 5 of book 'salvation' that Jesus provides mearcy and this mercy was provided for Christ's death- a death given for the just forgiveness of doomed sinners. It is only Christ who will take our doom way .
It was interesting to study article on-The Dynamic of salvation, on the BRI.Sin itself is dynamic, for we do not understand why we continually sin daily,regardless of the fact that we are christians. Sometimes i wonder if we can just do the right thing over and over again without doing any evil. Since sin is something we can never comprehend, we need the blood of Jesus to save us daily.
Sinfull as we were, it is a mystry that Christ came and died for us on the cross. Though we were yet sinners, Christ died for us, and that itself is mystry. What shall we do then? If sinfull as we are somone offered to come and die for us? We should appreciate and surrender all out will to Him so that He can save us.
In chapter 6 of the book of Salvation, Ellen white confirms that when we sin, we trasgress God's will. We are inclined to sin as human beings, becouse we inherit the sinful nature from our for fathers. She says "the effect of sin are so pervasive that we need Gods' convicting, calling, converting, justifying and empowering grace at every advancing step in our experience of salvation."
That is why the book of Romans chapter 6 supports the fact that we are alive only in christ. Whithout christ, we are dead for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord-Romans 6: 23.
In class, we learnt that, those God called, will be justified by grace.
The article on the BRI whether perfection can be obtained by christians, was very insighting to me. By ourselves, we can never attain it. We are too limited, and our best is just rugs befor the Lord.We cannever do anything or achive anything on our own.
What about when Christ is the center of our Lives, does it make a difference?
Ellen White comments in chapter seven concerning atonement that "It was used to express all that the Trinity has done, is doing and will do to reconcile siiner" Our eternal life demanded that of Son of God to die on our behalf.
Chapter seven of the book of Romans, deals with the fact that we struggle with sin each and everyday. Paul wondwers if he will ever win victory over sin. Roman 7:24 "What a wretched man i am! who will rescue me from this body of death?
Paul concludes that, It is only God who will save him.
In class we learnt that our sinful nature shall be trasformed by His blood and full tranformation and glorification shall be accomplished when christ caome to take us home.
Romans 8:1 "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jessu". It is through the blood of Jesus that we are Justified. We are more than conquerors in Jesus christ.Paul is confident in Jesus and he says that nothing shall separate him from the blood of Jesus. We ar justified, not by ouw own effort, but by the blood of the lamb.
The BRI article on -Justification by the Cross, also supports the fact that it is only through the cross, that we shall make it. The cross made it possible for us to be justified. Non of us is worth anything, but Jesus makes everything possible, and that is why Paul bosts that in Christ, all is possible.
, Ellen White deals with the subject -The nature of Christ, and salvation, and she addresses the issue of Christology.She accepts the fact that dealing with the nature of Christ is the most challanging thing she can do.For her, it was challanging to connect the relationship between Christ's
human nature and Christian perfection.
It is the loving nature of Christ that made it possible for Him to came and die for us on the cross, hence we are justified freely, by His death on the cross.
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