Response to posting by Andre Anderson (4th Response Posting)
I like the vivid imagery that you used in describing Jesus’ work in saving us. I am reminded of the text that says “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). Even though sometimes some people consider themselves too sinful to be in a relationship with God, it is never the case in which God Himself wants to be separated from them. God is truly awesome in that He saves even unto the uttermost. Secondly, I like the statement that “the One who made us allowed Himself to become marred, so that we could see His love for us even with our flaws.” It is amazing how God’s love is manifested in this great exchange. He took upon Himself the due penalty of our sins. When we look to Jesus we can’t help but appreciate the extreme love that He has for us. – James W. Dieujuste
Quigley Morris assignment #4 Colossians 2 ; 6 As he have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him. Paul was writing to the Colossians, he is still exhorting them to be consistant in Christ, to beware of philosophy and vain traditions, worshipping of angels and legal ceremonies which are ended in Christ. These people had accepted the message by the preaching of Epaphras and they had kept the faith. But there was a little mixed theology creeping in to the community of believers and here Paul was calling them to get back to their first religious believe. While the apostle rejoices with them in the measure of faithfulness they already have, he kindly but firmly admonishes them to hold on to it. Realizing the attack on the community of believers he reminded them of their first love and remains faithful to the gospel they first accepted. This seems to be the common theme by many of the Apostles who were moving from place to place. Peter faced the same problem with different groups of believers, he address some believers on the subject of sufferings. It was common for the new believers to be carried away by different customers or religious beliefs. The apostles made it their responsibility to keep them abreast on the matter of Christ likeness. This same practice is maintained here as Paul remind the Colossians of their responsibility to their faith in Christ. Christ Jesus the Lord is three titles of the Messiah gather within themselves the fullness of his position and function. His mission as Savior is embodied in the name of Jesus Christ; suggest his Messianic office and Lord. His identification with in some instances at lease the yahweh of the Old Testament. He encourages them to walk in the truth they knew; that mean to believe in the gospel and live their lives in full view of unbelievers as a servant of the mighty God. This example could only be seen as members live according to the gospel they accepted. It also mean to conduct oneself; Paul urges the believers to keep on continuously conducting themselves and their affairs within the sphere marked out by their trust in Jesus doing only what he would do and interesting themselves exclusively in the things that would please him. The goal of the believers was to live for Christ and be an example to the unbelievers so that they too can accept the gospel. It was through this channel they were suppose to reach out to the different groups of people who felt that they were ungodly. It required the group to live for each other and for Christ every one reflecting the image of God to the fullest. Many times when different groups of believers were in trouble they were reminded of their devotion to the gospel and what is expected of them in their religious lives.
Nelson, you wrote some really powerful words in your blog. One small sentence that really jumped out at me was this, "Through Christ there has been a transformation that comes by faith through grace in Jesus Christ that qualifies the discarded to be able to be considered for the eternal trip."
I really appreciated the imagery that the word "discarded" brought to my mind. To think that i should be discarded. I am discarded material, but Jesus still considers me. My comment may be a little elementary, but thanks.
I always enjoyed the question, "Why did God create Satan if he knew..." when i was a pastor. Those kids will always ask the hardest questions. Kabah responded in a very well written paper suggesting, "But God is not like us! Once He decided to create, no real or potential force would force Him to alter His plans. Otherwise, the fear of sin would have defeated Him before He created anything. God decided not to change His plan but confront the problem of sin and evil and resolve it once and for all through His Son. And He did! Perhaps that's what happened. Who knows? I certainly don't."
I thought this was a great answer. God is so transparent that once he even had the thought to create, he did it so he wouldn't change his plan. I basically wanted to affirm Kabah on the response to the tough question.
Assignment #4: Monergy and Synergy in the writing of Paul. We have learnt 7 Aspects of the wholistic view of the plan of salvation – Foreknowledge – Predestination – Calling – Justification – (Sanctification) – Glorification (Romans 8:28-30). However the whole gospel can be summarized in only two aspects of the Gospel and this two aspects are obvious in the writings of the apostle Paul. These two are aspects are implicitly expressed in the 2 terms that we learned in class about how God worked with the cosmos. 1. Monergy or what I call the Indicative of the Gospel. 2. Synergy or what I call the Imperative of the Gospel. • Monergy/Indicative is part of salvation that God acted alone without any of our part. These acts of God are: Foreknowledge, Predestination, Calling, Justification (forgiveness, reconciliation, adoption, etc). Though acted alone in this aspect of the gospel but our part is to accept the perfect and complete acts of God by faith. (Eph 2:8) • The monergy/or the indicative acts of God demand for synergy. These acts of God are Sanctification and Glorification. Though salvation is all of God, but this part demands our willingness to be used by God and act in harmony with the will of God by trusting His trustworthiness demonstrated in the monergy or the indicatives. Paul in his epistles is outlines according to this two aspects of the Gospel. In Romans he details the indicatives or the monergy of the Gospel in the first eleven chapters. Then in chapter 12 we find the transitional “therefore” from the indicatives to the imperatives for righteous or sanctified living. The two epistles that we were required to read for this course are also written following this pattern. Ephesians 1 – 3 is about the imperatives of the gospel. Then chapter 4 to 6 are the imperatives. Colossians 1 to 2 are also the about the indicatives and chapter 3 to 4 are the imperatives. I believe Jesus understood this aspects of the gospel. When He forgave the woman accused of committing adultery in John 8:11 he says, “Neither do I condemn you...” That’s monergy, but that’s not all. Part of His saying was “… but go and sin no more,” and that is the imperative or the synergy. I can assume that Jesus forgave the woman and demanded her to go and keep the law. Jesus said in John 15:4,5 that we cannot do anything without Him and Paul clarify it by saying “I can do all things with Christ that strengthen me” (Phil 4:13) so what Jesus’ grace demanded the woman was to live a life that is in synergy with Jesus. That’s why synergic aspect of the Gospel can never save us because human merits is there. Ellen G White’s book “Faith and Works” has this underlying principles. We accept the indicatives/monergy of Jesus by faith and that become an incentive in our willingness to synergy with Jesus to fulfill His divine will in us. A new life by our willingness to be in harmony with Jesus is a greatest testimony that the world would see. Because Dr Hanna that the whole cosmos (world) is designed to be an interpreter of the things of God. (p.117). So despite of the distortion caused by sin, being in synergic with Jesus through His Spirit will make us an epistle for Jesus in this world (2 Cor.3:3).
Assignment #3: A life of Sanctification or Christian Perfection. Can a bad tree produce good fruits? Jesus used a lot of lessons from nature to illustrate the Christian life. Matthew 7:18 “A good tree cannot produce bad fruit nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.” Jesus is making a statement here, “ A sinner cannot live righteous.” The natural fruits of our hearts is evil and even our best effort or our righteousness is filthy rags in the presence of God (Is 64:6). Jesus in the same sermon on the Mountain told His disciples the kind of righteousness that heaven required in contrast of the highest righteousness that was demonstrated at Jesus time, the self-righteousness of the Pharisees and said, “… unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and the Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt.5:20). What is the kind of righteousness that God enquires for heaven? Edward Heppenstall in his article stated it is the righteousness of Christ that we accept by faith. Angel M Rodriguez in his article on “Justification and the Cross” says that this righteousness was made available for Christians at the Cross of Christ. According to his analysis of Rom. 5… two aspects of righteousness are Justification (v.18) and Sanctification (made righteous v.19). Dr Hanna p.82 refers to this righteousness as a perfect divine righteousness that our nature will finally possess at the end of the plan of salvation. To live a sanctified life or a life of Christian perfection is to have a righteousness of Christ (Philippians 3:8,9). To have this righteousness is to have a relationship with Jesus (John 15:4,5) and allow Christ to live in you through the Spirit. Paul testified in his life of sanctification “I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life that I live which now I live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and give Himself up for me.” Gal.2:20 How do we live a life of Christian Perfection? Paul says, by faith! It is Righteousness by Faith in the trustworthiness of God. The cross did not eradicate the sinful nature but suppress it by the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom 6:14). It’s is inside there till it is fully restored at the Second Coming of Christ (1 Corin.15:53,54). Christian perfection is not a point of our Christian walk where we will reach perfectionist and become sinless, rather it is our growth in grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ and become spiritually matured in our character where we become sin less and less because we learn to have our will be in harmony with the Holy Spirit. Part of the Gift of grace that was made available at the cross was the Holy Spirit, and it is given to every child of God (Gal 4:6). The promise of the H.S was to be with us and in us (John 14:16,17). A sanctified life is full of internal conflicts (Gal 5:17. But if we allow the Spirit to do His work in us (Rom 8:13) we will grow into the likeness of Jesus by focusing of him and not ourselves or our problems.
Quigley Morris Assignment # 4 Colossians 2 ; 6 As he have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him. Paul was writing to the Colossians, he is still exhorting them to be consistant in Christ, to beware of philosophy and vain traditions, worshipping of angels and legal ceremonies which are ended in Christ. These people had accepted the message by the preaching of Epaphras and they had kept the faith. But there was a little mixed theology creeping in to the community of believers and here Paul was calling them to get back to their first religious believe. While the apostle rejoices with them in the measure of faithfulness they already have, he kindly but firmly admonishes them to hold on to it. Realizing the attack on the community of believers he reminded them of their first love and remains faithful to the gospel they first accepted. This seems to be the common theme by many of the Apostles who were moving from place to place. Peter faced the same problem with different groups of believers, he address some believers on the subject of sufferings. It was common for the new believers to be carried away by different customers or religious beliefs. The apostles made it their responsibility to keep them abreast on the matter of Christ likeness. This same practice is maintained here as Paul remind the Colossians of their responsibility to their faith in Christ. Christ Jesus the Lord is three titles of the Messiah gather within themselves the fullness of his position and function. His mission as Savior is embodied in the name of Jesus Christ; suggest his Messianic office and Lord. His identification with in some instances at lease the yahweh of the Old Testament. He encourages them to walk in the truth they knew; that mean to believe in the gospel and live their lives in full view of unbelievers as a servant of the mighty God. This example could only be seen as members live according to the gospel they accepted. It also mean to conduct oneself; Paul urges the believers to keep on continuously conducting themselves and their affairs within the sphere marked out by their trust in Jesus doing only what he would do and interesting themselves exclusively in the things that would please him. The goal of the believers was to live for Christ and be an example to the unbelievers so that they too can accept the gospel. It was through this channel they were suppose to reach out to the different groups of people who felt that they were ungodly. It required the group to live for each other and for Christ every one reflecting the image of God to the fullest. Many times when different groups of believers were in trouble they were reminded of their devotion to the gospel and what is expected of them in their religious lives.
Iakopo responds to Haron Matwetwa Assignment #2 “The righteousness that saves”
Thanks you for the insight about the divine righteousness that saves from the book of Romans. I just want to add that this divine righteousness is not new, but it was revealed by the law first before Jesus demonstrated it in His earthly life and ministry (Rom 10:4) The righteousness that the law pointed men to was fulfilled and embodied in Jesus Christ. And Jesus told His disciples that the righteousness of the scribe and Pharisees was not the kind that saves (Matt 5:20). And you are absolutely right about the kind of righteousness that heaven requires. Thanks
Edgardo Rivas Blog #4 “Thanks Adam and Thanks Jesus” Because of what happened in the garden of Eden we are now having much difficulties to reach our God in heaven. His decision affected all of us in 2010. But thanks be to God that there was hope for the human race. Through Christ we have sanctification and justification. These are both salvation and it is only through Jesus our Lord. Sanctification we can say, was before and after the fall. If Adam would not have sinned he still would have to grow in sanctification. Sanctification is what Christ is doing for us in the present time. He is the one that has accomplishes this and not ourselves. Sanctification is imparted to us by Jesus. Though we are not perfect jet or sinless we can still say that we are the saints of God working our way to perfection in Christ. We must understand that we are sanctified and being and will be if we keep ourselves to Jesus. Sanctification is related to justification and to glorification. It is salvation, righteousness by faith. These three have a close relationship and one can’t be separated from the other. You see when I accept Jesus as my Savior justification takes place. God has been working that in me. As I walk in my Christian life, a life of good and righteousness I am being sanctified. This process will last all eternity. It does not end at the 2nd coming. When Jesus comes with shout of acclamation and with the trumpet of God then glorification takes place. This too will be trough out all eternity. I don’t stop the process of justification or sanctification at the 2nd coming or the process of glorification. Through all eternity we will be growing in grace and knowledge. So who are the one that are called to be part of this eternal elite? The answer is all who come to acknowledge God and follow in his footsteps. Let me give you a rundown of how it happens. In his infinite wisdom God foresees that people will accept him. And those that he has foreseen for him (those that willingly accept him and those that decide to obey him and hear his voice calling) he predestines. This is not predestination as we have commonly known. It means God’s purpose. It is not that God closes doors. You see God gives all humanity an opportunity to repent. He puts before us two doors. One door is life and the other is death. It is up to the person to choose which door he wants to enter into. Some decide life while others decide death in spite of God’s calling. But while they are in this life if they turn back to God he would listen and save them. The others continue to walk the life of a saint of God. These people then are named the “called”. They have heard the gospel and repented and gave their life to Jesus. The called ones the go through the process of justification and sanctification and when Jesus returns they are glorified. The purpose of God is that all may be saved but not all will accept his calling. There is synergy working here as well as monergy. Synergy is because men and God work together in some areas that pertain to man’s response to God. Monergy is because God works salvation without the help from man.
Adelina's reflection on "Faith and works". Thanks for reminding me the balance gospel. Faith and works or Grace and Law are always the two aspects of the whole gospel. Faith and Grace are the basis of salvation and works and law are the fruits or result of our salvation. Remember Jesus' saying to the woman in Jon 8:11 "Neither do I condemn you" - that's grace. He continued by saying "but go and sin no more" - the imperative of grace.That's the awesome gospel.
Wilking Jen Assignment #1 "Sin and Salvation" It is a good and a broad understanding on sin and salvation. It was a risk that God took to create man with a freedom of choice but that's true love giving man a freedom to choose for or against God. God also took another risk in justifying a sinner. So the whole universe is focuing on us for the vindication of God's saving acts by living a transforming and victorious lives.
Lolmac Lawrence - Assignment #1 on Reconciliation: This term for salvation is very meaningful to me and makes me more appreciative of the mighty acts of God in salvation. From a human's point of view, it is a guity party that initiates reconciliation. But God, the righteous and holy Creator took the initiative to reconcile to His quilty creation of humanity and the universe. That's a powerful motivation!!!
Assignment #4 Reflecting on M. Hanna’s Ch. 6 The Theme of the Bible is Jesus
I really appreciated reading this chapter of The Cosmic Christ. It is as though Adventist theologians have become afraid of a thorough-going Christology as though it would diminish the law or obedience or all the other aspects of salvation that we typically like to emphasize. Perhaps it is the risk of sounding too Barthian but I believe that there is an important truth there. Without Christ the plan of salvation would be: nothing. I agree that if Christ is the centerpiece of our salvation then He must also be the theme of the Bible. Notice I didn’t say ‘only theme’ but He is ‘the’ theme. Dr. Hanna comments on the three perspectives offered in Scripture: relations among the Trinity; the place of Christ (hierarchy?); and the relation between divinity/humanity. The first relationship between the members of the Trinity Dr. Hanna describes as a mutual indwelling. This is a fascinating and mysterious thought. Does He mean that they are inside of each other literally? I think it was Calvin who said that the Trinity share the divine essence. That they would all share a divine nature seems reasonable as we all share a human nature. But there is a further oneness between the Father and the Son, one that is glorious. When Jesus was on earth, He pleaded with the Father to once again experience the same glory that He had prior to coming to earth incarnated. “And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was” (John 17:5). It reminds me of volunteer youth pastors who would come to my country for a year to serve. Many of them would get homesick and long to go home. I bet there are quite a few people like that here at the seminary. People who say to their parents or loved ones on the phone: “I long to come back and for things to be the way they used to be!” Can we imagine Jesus asking God to come home again so that they could get back to the way they were. Remember that Barbara Streisand song, “Memories, light the corners of my mind… they way we were.” I can hear the personal nature of the divinity crying out in such human like terms. Longing must come from God. It has to, or else why would He long for you and me to the extent that He does. That He would go through everything He did just to save us so we can be together. One of the big mysteries for me is trying to wrap my mind around Jesus being fully human and yet sinless. I know He did it. The Bible says so and I believe it. But I look forward to knowing more one day about what this sinlessness looks like. Sometimes I think of people as like rotten fruit that looks all smooth and shiny and inviting on the outside but on the inside there is decay, rottenness. Yet Jesus didn’t have that. If we are made then in God’s image, did Jesus become the image that we became after sin when He incarnated? Will He return to that glorious image that He longed for? The Bible teaches us that we are going to be fully restored into His image. “till we all come into the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect humanity, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13). We are to be like Christ. He is going to share something of Himself with us for eternity! This is amazing and wonderful and something to truly look forward to.
The concept of the cosmic Christ that has been discussed has revealed and highlighted aspects of God. While there are some obvious and familiar connections we can make regarding salvation we can also see that God not only participates within His creation but also enjoys the work in it. Reading the chapter of.... in Steps to Christ has provided additional commentary on the manner in which God functions with the creation. This reflection is primarily based on the attitude seen by God as discussed in class and written by Ellen White in Steps to Christ. While it may seem that a trans-cosmic Christ would find no need to interact with creation (cosmic) we know that God is in a sense longing for that interaction. Ellen White described the work of Christ in our lives as one that brings him joy. THe service and constant love that Christ demonstrates in his commitment shows that earth is able to benefit from the service of God. It may seem that a humanity which has rebelled against God and destroyed His creation would be a frustration and inconvenience to Christ. Instead, we must recognize that the cosmic Christ experiences pleasure in his working in our life. So many times I find myself wondering how we can ever find unconditional joy when we serve our fellow brothers. I appreciated that Ellen White noted that we would be able to experience similar joy if we allow God to fill our lives with His love. Too often we seem to force ourselves in to doing noble works and displaying "love" to the people we serve. While the work is positive it can never create or substitute that kind of love we can experience from a relationship with God. It is great that we have the affirmation that we will be able to experience the joy and practice selfless works because of the love filling our lives. What I take away from this reading is the reality that the love of God can be replicated in our lives if we live in harmony with Christ. Forcing or feeling obligation to serve and "love" will not produce the same fruits in our lives that Christ loves can.
Cyril “The Theme of the Bible is Jesus” Jesus’ divinity, even though subject to questions by some of His own people of His day, is essential to Christianity. Hanna sees the relationship within the Trinity as providing some crucial insights into understanding Jesus’ divinity. To him, the revelation of Jesus’ divinity is consistent with the witness of the Old Testament, and is not simply a New Testament phenomenon. Additionally, there is a unique social relationship within the Trinity as, based upon Scripture, each divine being mutually indwells each other. At the same time, Jesus is also human. This is indeed an integral aspect of the mystery of Godliness. Interestingly enough, unlike other human beings, Jesus was completely free from sin. Now this fact has led to considerable debate among Christians. How could He be fully sinless while at the same time be fully human? Even though Hanna does not make this point in his work, Millard Erickson has provided me with a rather crucial insight regarding Jesus humanity. He considers Jesus’ human nature as being “true humanity” because “sin is not part of the essence of human nature….” The human nature we possess is “not pure human nature. The true humanity created by God has in our case been corrupted and spoiled.” Thus, “Jesus is not only as human as we are; he is more human.” Because of the fall being human means being sinful; however, there is a difference with regard to Jesus. He was able to be human and sinless at the same time. His humanity, as Erickson said, is “true humanity.” We must never take the aberration that we have become because of sin and try to make it into what God has originally designed us to be. God does not want us to be estranged from Him. However sin creates a gaping chasm between God and humanity. In that light, Jesus was able to span the chasm. How was He able to do so you may ask? He did it by being fully human and fully divine at the same time. He was human enough to suffer for our sins. He was human enough to “become sin for us.” He was human enough to be “touched with the feelings of our infirmities.” He was human enough to die. At the same time, however, He was also divine enough to be the perfect sacrifice. He was divine enough to save hopeless, helpless humanity from sin. He was divine enough to lay down His life and take it up again. He was divine enough to return to heaven from where He originally came. And He is divine enough to be “sitting at the right hand of the Father to make intercession for us.” I am indeed truly grateful for who Jesus is. I am also grateful for what He has done. Were it not for the fact that He was the God-Man, that mysterious coming together of humanity and divinity, salvation would not have been possible. Thankfully, however, He came, He lived, He died, He rose, He ascended, He is making intercession and one day soon He is going to return. At that time the work of salvation would be complete. And as the songwriter says: What a day that will be, When my Jesus I shall see, And I look upon His face, The One who saved me by His grace; When He takes me by the hand, And leads me through the Promised Land, What a day, glorious day that will be.
Total Victory Promised Assignment #4 One of the most debated question in the Christian world is: Is possible to live without sinning? I don’t know what your answer would be to this question but I would like to share my opinion with the knowledge that I have gathered in Dr Hanna’s class. Even before the foundations of the earth were laid there was a plan of salvation in place. Christ had to come and die for the fallen humanity. Paul says that the wages of sin is death. Sin brought death and so Christ came to die in our place. The question that comes into our minds is is it possible then to live without sin since Christ died?. The Bible promises and assures us of total victory in Christ Jesus. Hebrews 7:25 says ‘Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them’’ in this text Paul suggests that we are saved to the uttermost. The text Romans instead of saying we may conquer, it assures that we can be “more than conquerors” Romans 8:37. Instead of being told that we can just triumph, we are told that we may “always triumph” 2 Corinthians 2:14. Instead of promising whatever we might ask to help us in our spiritual battles, the Bible says He will give us “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” Ephesians 3:20. And the verse just prior to that one clearly guarantees that we may “be filled with all the fullness of God” Many of these promises are too vast for our human minds to comprehend fully, but surely they are intended to impress us with the magnitude of God’s resources in our behalf. If the language sounds exaggerated it is only because we are too feeble in faith and too weak in the flesh to believe such purity and sanctification could ever be fulfilled in us. We tend to trust our feelings quicker than the Word of God. Is it important to believe the promises exactly as they read? Yes, because it is only through those promises that deliverance can be accomplished. “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” 2 Peter 1:4. Notice that it is “by these” that we escape the corruption of sin. What are “these”? The promises of God. The sequence of victory is plainly marked out in this fantastic text. By faith in the promise we become a partaker of the divine nature, and through the power of that new nature in us we are able to escape the corruption of sin. In other words, everything depends on the surrender and commitment of one’s self to the indwelling Spirit of Christ. “Without me,” Jesus said, “you can do nothing” John 15:5. Equally important is the inspired comment of Paul, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” Philippians 4:13. That little expression “all things” is the key to victory for every one of us. Let it be known to us that the death of Christ at the cross brought us victory. When we accept Christ who was predestined to die we are justified and set right with Him and though justification by faith we are assured of to live a victorious life in Him as we await our glorification
Reaction to Wilking 's 4th article, "How to be am overcomer."
I was encouraged to read your post as you battle to understand the meanings of salvation and the works of Christ in the life of the believer. The journey that you take to seek for a deeper understanding of the things of God is just as rewarding as when you actually arrive at the response. There are many who have these same struggles you describe but are too apathetic and complacent to do anything about it. I thank God for your determination and pray you seek the answers that you find.
Reflection – Thanks Adam and Thanks Jesus from Edgardo Rivas I like your topic it is very attractive and it also give the readers a positive approach. I also appreciated you used not a long passage but you can summarize the main keys elements (Foresee, predestination, Call, Justification, Sanctification and Glorification) in Salvation. You explained it very clear but not long. It is very good for the modern people to read. Thanks you !
Assignment #4- The works of Christ: a lifelong project.
After finishing the reading and listening to all of the presentations that everyone has given, I am convinced that understanding how God works in our lives is a matter that you could spend years on. There are so many angles and perspectives that you could explore; so many venues to travel that you could spend an entire lifetime learning about this stuff. Dr. Hannah I believe was correct when he said that we are barely skimming the surface of these deep matters and that only through a better understanding, can we begin to bridge the misunderstanding that sometimes exists when discussing these things.
Over the centuries, the “works of Christ” have has been a subject of debate. Take, for example, the sequential chart that we have been working with over the course of the semester. People will argue on every point on that continuum. Foreknowledge, predestination, justification, sanctification, glorification; ever single point can be overemphasized and argued over. Calvinism and Armenianism debate over foreknowledge and predestination, among other points. Within Adventism, the issues of involved in last generation theology emphasize justification, sanctification and glorification in their debates to better understand how “God is vindicated in the universe.”
I think that you can go on and on; waxing eloquently about the different types of ways that Christians disagree over the works of Christ. As a matter of fact, the reason why there are so many denominations, beliefs and creeds is specifically because of the many views that groups of people have to explain the works of Christ. You don’t have to go very far to see this concept in action. In a few weeks we will see another obvious example of how is played out in the General Conference sessions. More than likely, we will have the usual pickers outside the convention center in Atlanta, voicing their disagreement with some aspect of our theology. It happens all the time.
Now, the reason that I believe that these kinds of situations take place is because, as humans, we have the frequent tendency to compartmentalize and explain every aspect and facet of our beliefs. From a theological standpoint, once we view one aspect of the works of Christ as more important than the others and relegate the rest to secondary issues, we begin to have an imbalanced view of the works of Christ. The problem with most Christian denominations, including our own, is that we are primarily not interested in finding out where we are wrong and where others have more insight than us. Many times, we are simply interested in prove why we are right. When two groups of people are more concerned about talking TO rather than WITH each other, you can be sure that debates and schisms will follow.
In order to foster a greater understanding between the many different views, I believe that we should first acknowledge that no one person can be either completely right, nor can they be completely wrong. Everyone has good points in their theology that deserve praise. Even Universalists should be credited for their belief that God’s power is great enough to save even those people who may never have heard the Gospel. This idea is biblical and espoused on many times in the bible. I specifically think of Romans 1 to back up this claim. Granted, even though Universalists take this point to extremes, the point remains, ever viewpoint has its merits. I pray that God would help me first and foremost to recognize this fact in the times I get frustrated with another’s point of view.
The second realization we must have is that we ourselves need to become accustomed to thinking about salvation and the works of Christ in a more holistic manner than we have previously been doing. Rather than isolating justification, sanctification or glorification, we need to broaden the scope of salvation to examine how each point works in relation to another. If there is one thing that this semester has taught me, is that salvation if a very involved process both by God’s actions towards us and in our response towards God. Synergy is the word that we used to describe this process.
If we can begin to share with our people the comprehensive view that salvation and atonement carries, we would go a great deal in helping to reconcile the discord that not only exists within our own church, we would go a great deal to foster the understanding Adventism has to the rest of Christianity and ultimately, we could go a long way in establishing bridges of communication between Christians and non-Christians! It has been said that no one ever converted to Christianity by losing an argument and if we continue to treat our defense of what we hold to be true as attacks on our faith rather than engage others in understanding dialogue, it will take a VERY long time to finish the great commission that Jesus set for us.
In conclusion, this class has been an immense benefit to not only my understanding of the works of Christ in the cosmos, it has helped me to open my mind to the way others think in their own understanding of salvation. We ultimately need patience and an understanding of salvation to help lead other along this road. I am very excited for the future of our church and Christianity if our future pastors go through a class like this that teaches them to think outside of their comfort zone and reason outside of the box. We can all learn from each other!
Assignment # 3 The Liquid & Juice Analogy of Synergy.
This is partially a comment reflecting on the chapter in Steps to Christ entitled Growing Up Into Christ, and partially a model that represents the monergy and the synergy of salvations work. I will start with the reflection and then venture on to explain the model. Ellen White follows the example of Christ and points to the many “pictures” in nature that illustrate the relationship that Christ desires to have with us. Some of these pictures point beyond what we as believers have acknowledged as the union between Christ and the believer to a fuller model. This union is in many ways a mystery, and is best illustrated through nature which came directly from the creator’s hand. I believe nature provides the best illustrations because although to a great extent nature can be searched out, to a greater extent still; there is a mystery about nature that science still continually peers into. So nature adequately illustrates what may be understood while still maintaining the mystery that ought to be maintained as an actual part of union that we are seeking to illustrate. The grace of Christ has been compared to “an atmosphere… as real as the air which circulates around the globe. All who choose to breathe this live-giving atmosphere will live and grow up into the stature of men and women in Christ Jesus.” The grace is also compared, Biblically, like the relationship between the vine and the branches. Ellen White repeatedly highlights the words of Jesus “without me you can do nothing.” As I contemplate these words; I remember a controversial, “bigger model” statement that was made in class. ‘In a certain sense, people cannot even sin, without God.’ This is true because God continues to hold all things together and grant life to both the just and the unjust. Therefore, the sinner, you not have the power to sin, apart from God. God grants all the power of choice, and the power of choice is essential for a free being to choose sin. This leads me into further considerations that I had while reading this chapter. I wonder, if there was a sense in which Christ not only redeemed those who choose to accept the gift of redemption, but rather redeemed all of humanity. And if this is the case, then those who are lost are lost not because they had not been redeemed, but because they failed to remain in that redemption. Those who would be lost would be those who freely chose not to breathe in the atmosphere of grace. The model of synergy that I considered was one involving juice and liquid. Now we know the body needs liquid to survive. Let us consider what God has done as being water. What we do, can be considered powdered juice mix. Now, without God, our powder juice mix, no matter how much we will it, is not liquid. It cannot enable the body to survive. However, God asks us to partner with Him in the process of salvation, or in this model survival. He asks us to be mixed in with the water that He provides. In fact, we can’t freely choose to be mixed in with the water without Him offering the choice and then mixing us in. Salvation is the survival of the body. And the water is the work of God that is self sufficiently what is necessary. And God, by His loving design, and in order to maintain free will, asks us to help make that water sweet by adding our choice of juice mix.
Total Victory Promised Assignment #4 One of the most debated question in the Christian world is: Is possible to live without sinning? I don’t know what your answer would be to this question but I would like to share my opinion with the knowledge that I have gathered in Dr Hanna’s class. Even before the foundations of the earth were laid there was a plan of salvation in place. Christ had to come and die for the fallen humanity. Paul says that the wages of sin is death. Sin brought death and so Christ came to die in our place. The question that comes into our minds is is it possible then to live without sin since Christ died?. The Bible promises and assures us of total victory in Christ Jesus. Hebrews 7:25 says ‘Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them’’ in this text Paul suggests that we are saved to the uttermost. The text Romans instead of saying we may conquer, it assures that we can be “more than conquerors” Romans 8:37. Instead of being told that we can just triumph, we are told that we may “always triumph” 2 Corinthians 2:14. Instead of promising whatever we might ask to help us in our spiritual battles, the Bible says He will give us “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” Ephesians 3:20. And the verse just prior to that one clearly guarantees that we may “be filled with all the fullness of God” Many of these promises are too vast for our human minds to comprehend fully, but surely they are intended to impress us with the magnitude of God’s resources in our behalf. If the language sounds exaggerated it is only because we are too feeble in faith and too weak in the flesh to believe such purity and sanctification could ever be fulfilled in us. We tend to trust our feelings quicker than the Word of God. Is it important to believe the promises exactly as they read? Yes, because it is only through those promises that deliverance can be accomplished. “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” 2 Peter 1:4. Notice that it is “by these” that we escape the corruption of sin. What are “these”? The promises of God. The sequence of victory is plainly marked out in this fantastic text. By faith in the promise we become a partaker of the divine nature, and through the power of that new nature in us we are able to escape the corruption of sin. In other words, everything depends on the surrender and commitment of one’s self to the indwelling Spirit of Christ. “Without me,” Jesus said, “you can do nothing” John 15:5. Equally important is the inspired comment of Paul, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” Philippians 4:13. That little expression “all things” is the key to victory for every one of us. Let it be known to us that the death of Christ at the cross brought us victory. When we accept Christ who was predestined to die we are justified and set right with Him and though justification by faith we are assured of to live a victorious life in Him as we await our glorification
Response to Pohlmarc: I appreciate your comment, and how you are trying to expound upon the realization that our efforts will ultimately lead to failure, when we try to do Christ work in our lives. Is it possible that we do not have a power to sin, but we just lack the discipline of obedience? God grants us the choice, He also gives us the tools and methods to practice. However, I believe that God does not authorize our sin. Sin is an abomination of God, and He wants nothing to do with it, except rid us from the burden of SIN.
A. BRI Documents. The combination of class discussions and reading assignment has been very helpful to me. It was helpful to have done several lectures on justification, sanctification and even glorification before reading some documents in BRI category. I was impressed by the way the author of the article, “Some Problems with Legal Universal justification.” Ángel Manuel Rodríguez has carefully addressed the issues involved in this rather strange doctrine. It is almost inconceivable that some people would labor to destroy the very foundations of the Christian faith. It is disturbing to think that any sinner can be justified without the justifying act of God. Keeping the Holy spirit outside of the equation to me, is like committing spiritual suicide. I agree with Rodriguez as he writes “those who have been legally justified, the whole human race, have not been baptized by the sanctifying presence of the Spirit in their lives; they know nothing about the new birth.” It seems that proponents of this kind of justification, do not give faith any chance. Even the “in Christ motif” is misused and the plan of salvation misrepresented. The claim that when Christ died every human being who has been and will be born on this planet was present in Christ when he died and that they all were legally justified, then those who are not yet born have already been justified, seems to put the entire plan of salvation in jeopardy. This raises a number of questions. If that was or is so, why did Jesus have to die? Who needs Christ at any time in human history? Everybody is already justified, born or unborn. No wonder the author uses a more educational approach as if to teach the subscribers to such a doctrine ,what the Bible plainly teach about this matter. “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. I think the article makes a good read just for the sake of knowing how some people in the world can think and believe things which are way off from the true biblical teachings. B. The Cosmic Christ of Scripture chapts. 7 & 8. It was refreshing to read this book and see the way the author has presented the Writings of Ellen White in a more positive way in regards to her position on the nature of Christ and the fact that we are saved by grace and not by keeping the law. Making Ellen White speak for herself, I believe was a more effective approach to the issue in question. Of course the debate about whether or not Jesus Christ was of one substance possessing the same attributes, has lasted for centuries. However, Ellen white approaches it with fresh insights, which makes the study of it a delight and motivation to understand better the nature of our Lord Jesus Christ. This study as presented in the writing of Ellen White, sets a very important stage on which to discuss the reading of the book of the cosmos. The insights from science should help us in our understanding of certain truths of the Bible. The idea that the Bible and science should not be divorced is a noble one. The mention of the fact that Ellen White had a vision about the orion, and that she saw an open, is quite interesting. Nature has a lot to teach us. It is an important book from which we can read and learn a lot more. The emphasis on a wholistic approach to theology makes a lot of sense when the discussion like the nature of Christ and the reading of the book of cosmos come together as it is in this book. I think whatever book is read, it is important to realize that God is the creator of everything and that He is the one who sustains everything.
What’s worse, working for justification, or abandoning any works at all because you feel like you will never make it? This is one of the questions posed by author Ivan T. Blazen in the article Justification by Faith and Judgment According to Works. It would seem to me that this is a discussion worth pondering. Generally speaking and I hope I may not be the only one that falls into these categories. However, throughout moments of my life there have been times where for the purpose of praise and accolades, I have worked to make myself feel better about life in those moments when perhaps I may have been off the right track. In a real genuine sense I have felt the need to do more in the gospel work to get God to forgive me for my own shortcomings. Yet, in doing so, there is a critical assertion that I now understand that perhaps I may have made. By working to get into the good books of God without being motivated by faith, I may have hurt myself more than restoring my place in the eyes of God. There is an assertion that by working although not driven by faith to act because of all that God has done for me it negates the fact that true repentance is better than works without remorse. Furthermore my actions may have also demonstrated my own misguided theology that says that there are different levels of grace. Therefore when I am prompted to works because my perception of my own sins, sins that feel unreachable even by God without my own works. Further contemplation has led me to believe that what I am really saying is that there are things that God will only forgive me for based on my own works. That is just one side of the discussion, the other perspective is that if I am stuck I should therefore give up. People that hold to this perspective will also be held accountable for their own thoughts on how low the blood of Jesus reaches. The question then is how low will God go? This is why the doctrine of justification by faith needs to be clearly understood even if other church doctrines may not be adequately understood. Being justified takes the attention of what I must do to be saved and places its attention on the one who has justified us while we were yet sinners. God’s righteousness and salvation through Jesus is not a situational. When he justified us at Calvary, He did not itemize the various issues that humanity goes through. And yes I understand that the wages of sin is death, however, Jesus made sure that what he did for us on the cross could not be worked for lest we get tired. And yet the arm of love through the cross of Jesus for the redemption of those who he foreknew would give up. Justification is the second and third parachute just in case you fall and the first trip wire fails God will and can still catch you. People that work for it do not understand, that what Jesus has for us we could not begin to pay for, and for those that give up too easily, what he has is free. The faith we need can be strengthen through daily prayer and bible study, yet it is the strength that God gives that gives us the ability to fight or rest so God can complete the work that he has started in us. God has given us everything that we need to be saved, but there is no way to be justified without getting to know the justifier. We must guard our eyes and ears lest we fall into temptation, because it is the enemies plan to work us so hard that we give up. Wouldn’t be a shame to have given everything this world has to offer up and yet not accept the fact that Jesus paid it all. Like the song writer says,” only trust, only trust He will see you through”.
“Should faith and works purchase the gift of salvation for anyone, then the Creator is under obligation to the creature. Here is an opportunity for falsehood to be accepted as truth. If any man can merit salvation by anything he may do, then he is in the same position as the Catholic to do penance for his sins. Salvation, then, is partly of debt, that may be earned as wages. If man cannot, by any of his good works, merit salvation, then it must be wholly of grace, received by man as a sinner because he receives and believes in Jesus. It is wholly a free gift. Justification by faith is placed beyond controversy. And all this controversy is ended, as soon as the matter is settled that the merits of fallen man in his good works can never procure eternal life for him.” Faith & Works p. 19’ This is the eye catcher for me “Justification is wholly of grace and not procured by any works that fallen man can do.”
what are the terms & conditions for justification? Taste and see that the Lord is good! (Psalm 34.8) For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love to those who honor and relate to Him as God (Psalm 103.11) You will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in Me will not be disappointed (Isaiah 49.23) He who has the Son has real life and he who doesn't have the Son doesn't have real life (I John 5.12) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation--the old is gone, the new is here! (II Corinthians 5.17)
Peace with God through justification enables us to anticipate God’s great future, = hope for the future, + present. Because the here and now is far from an image of God’s kingdom. Not only do we fail in our discipleship, we face disappointments and opposition. He forms character in the justified disciple. He uses the trials that we inevitably face as his justified people to shape our lives and to fortify that hope we have:
Through faith in Him [Jesus] we may approach God with freedom and confidence (Ephesians 3.12) To everyone who welcomed Him by trusting in who He was and what He did, he granted the right to relate to God as intimate children [and not just creatures or citizens or whatever] (John 1.12) For God loved this world so much that He gave His unique Son, that whoever trusted in that Son would not experience the final consummation of death in all its forms and degrees, but rather have that life which is characterized by stability, fullness, and eternity (John 3.16)
Assignment Continued "Terms & Conditions with Benefits"
The terms of this oneness between God and man in the great covenant of redemption were arranged with Christ from all eternity. The covenant of grace was revealed to the patriarchs.”
And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. (Verses 3-5)
The covenant of grace is not a new truth, for it existed in the mind of God from all eternity. This is why it is called the everlasting covenant. The plan of redemption was not conceived after the fall of man to cure the dreadful evil; the apostle Paul speaks of the gospel, the preaching of Jesus Christ, as "the revelation of the mystery, which hath been kept in silence through times eternal, but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known unto all the nations unto obedience of faith." Signs of Times
Through justification, God may make his Church into a sign and foretaste of his kingdom, but the world doesn’t always like that. Nevertheless, we are the ones with the certain future. Because of hope, we have reason to hang on in there when the going gets tough. God shapes us and in forming our character through endurance, he uses the suffering inflicted on us to make us more ready for his coming kingdom. The justifying God even uses evil against itself to promote good. So if we are justified by faith in Jesus Christ, we have every reason to push on and discover that God is using the pressure to make us into diamonds.
We must enter this relationship as persons, with the first personal act of any positive relationship -- trust.
In Response to Motives & Motifs-Cyril: Cyril I really appreciate how you discussed "In Adam". I was expecting for you to insert the quote of Ellen White, where she says in Heaven Adam will see the gravity of his sin, I believe it would have brought another level to your blog!
In Response to Fuao Iakopo Assignment #3: A life of Sanctification or Christian Perfection: Thank you so much for the message of hope! This blog caught my attention, because of the opening question; Can a bad tree produce good fruit? Could we also say that yes, a bad tree can produce good fruit with necessary cultivating? Isn't that in essence which is happening with us, Jesus Christ is cultivating our spirit so that we can no longer be a manufacture of sin?
IN Response to Quigley Morris By Grace Through Faith: I enjoyed reading your blog, and I thank you for your time to develop your thoughts. "It is through the act of presenting ourselves to Him that we are saved not that faith is the means of our salvation but simply the channel. It is like turning on the light in your house, when you flip the swish you have not created electricity but you have provided the medium for it to flow." Have we in fact created of faith? Do we not all receive the same measure of faith? Who then is the Creator of faith? Our Heavenly Father exemplifies GRACE by fostering a faith within us.
In response to Neil "What was Lucifer after?" I understand from your blog, your thought process on what Satan was after. I also question, how could perfect beings, who have existed in the Presence of God, fall? Lucifer was very convincing, and yes we know that he wanted to be included in the Creation. If Lucifer had been involved in the creation of the animals, he then might been viewed as an animal god. Your blog posed an excellent question, when did Lucifer's motives change to wanting a fallen Savior, rather than to be worshiped?
Response to Assignment #4 Reflecting on M. Hanna’s Ch. 6 The Theme of the Bible is Jesus: KBlue I anticipated your blog to address the indwelling of Christ, and the Holy Spirit within us. Ephesians 3:17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love. For Paul to say that Christ LIVES in us or DWELLS in us indicates that this is not an occasional choice, what are your thoughts?
In your response in assignment #1, you connected sin to death basing your argument from Romans 3:23. I have read your article with appreciation of your simple and clear language and that needs to be used when explainning the gospel of the cross. Its true that sin is the cause of death but Jesus is the reason for life. without Him we are doomed. thanks once again.
Assinment #4; Ephesians: 2: 2-10 A STUDY OF EPHESIANS 2:8-10 Ephesians 2:8-10 being the climax of Paul's discussion of Regeneration, verse.10 is the climax of 2:8-10. It is not a mere appendix to verse 8-9. If verse.8 and verse. 9 are like two hedges, a positive and a negative, which mark out or define the path that leads to salvation, then v. 10 is the path itself. This is the goal toward which the whole passage leads. We are his workmanship. This great affirmation of the place of good works in the Christian life begins where v. 9 left off: with the denial that they can ever be a means of salvation. That we are His workmanship is the final climactic reason why salvation by works is impossible. It is not just that we are spiritually dead and therefore incapable of true good works (in a spiritually acceptable sense) until after we come to Christ. One of the most basic and prevalent misunderstandings of Christianity is that it is something we do. The average person thinks that a Christian is someone who goes to church, lives by the golden rule, etc. This assumption is hard to shake. Even after conversion many Christians think far too much in terms of what they do (or don't do). But the whole biblical emphasis is radically contrary. The first fact about the Christian is not what he does, but what God has done and is doing. He has chosen, predestined, redeemed, called, forgiven, has changed and is changing, has regenerated and will raise. The word translated "workmanship" is the Greek poiema which means handiwork, craftsmanship. In English it becomes the word "poem." A poem is the most carefully crafted kind of literature, into which goes every device and all the artistry of the author. It would therefore not be illegitimate to paraphrase this verse by saying that "You are God's masterpiece." After Jesus Christ himself, we as members of Christ's body are the fullest statement of God's creative and redemptive heart that he ever plans to make. We are becoming a trophy of his mercy, a reflection of his glory, a showpiece of his grace. When he brings us to perfection at the return of Christ, the whole universe will look at us in order to understand God by what he has made. We were created unto good works. We cannot be saved by works, but we are saved for works. Is this a paradox? No. We must simply learn to distinguish cause from effect. Good works are the ripples in the pond of life when the stone of grace is thrown into the soul by God. Salvation by works would be like a pond trying to ripple itself. Salvation without works is a theoretical impossibility also. Therefore, we can neither be saved by works nor without works. They are necessary, not as cause but as effect; not as reason but as result; not as ground but as the gratitude which motivates a changed life. Their total absence is evidence therefore of a false profession and an unsaved soul. What then is the nature of good works, of the works for which we were saved, of the works that please God? First, they must be covered by the blood of Christ. The service of believers is offered not as meritorious but as the tokens of gratitude and the fruits of grace. Second, they have a specific and definite character; they are not just anything we think would be "good." They were "prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." God has definite ideas what they should be. Third, they must be in accordance with Scripture. Not every impulse of compassion that flows from our own wisdom is necessarily good. Fourth, they are not one-time occurrences but constitute a lifestyle. They were prepared beforehand "that we should walk in them Fifth, truly good works must have as their motive, aim, and effect the glory of God. Jesus himself said, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Mat. 5:16).
One important insight that I gained in this class was how we are to understand the works of Christ. We have learned in the class with extensive discussion that Christ is “Trans-cosmic” Christ. In the Old Testament, priests are described as anointed, kings are described as anointed. They were the types of true Anointed One, the Messiah, and Israelites were waiting for Him to come. Jews, as well as Samaritans were eagerly waiting for the One who will save them from their situations. An interesting point is that when it comes to the New Testament, the word Christ, anointed one, is used only to refer to Jesus, although there were many false messiahs at that time. Bible writers recognized that there is and will be no Christ, except Jesus of Nazareth. Jews are still looking for the one to come, but there will be none for He has already come. Then what about us? We are also looking for the One who will save us from our sufferings. Where can we find Him? How can we come to Jesus when He has already risen to heaven? Jesus said that the Bible is written about Himself (Luke 24:44) and the Scripture testify about Him (John 5:39). Through the Scripture, we can come to Him. Even in Jesus’ time, He encouraged His people to read the Scripture in order to understand God. Not only through the Scripture, but we can visually experience Him though God’s miracles. As we have learned, those are His creation, sustaining, and intervening in our lives. These are not only for past, but we are now experiencing them, and we will further experience in the future. Jesus covers all, space wise and time wise. And He covers all people of all time. He was the first light and He is the everlasting light for all. We learned that He is not of cosmos; but He is light of cosmos. Not only He is the light of the cosmos, but He became part of the cosmos. Again, His physical flesh was the light of the world 2000 years ago, but now the Scripture is the light and the lamp to our feet (Ps 119:105). Is Jesus part of the cosmos or is He separate from the cosmos? As we have learned in the class, we must have wide view, and not narrow view. We must think deep and consider all, rather than giving a quick answer to finalize the matter. The answer is both. Jesus is distinct from the cosmos, but also closely related to the cosmos.
I appreciated you writings, "Total Victory Promised." Yes, those questions are one of the most debated questions, especially in SDA. I think you made a good point on your paper.
The works of Christ - Assignment #4 Why Christ did not come under Levi and Aaron Priesthood? Part #2 The tribe of Levites and Aaron came from Abraham. Although the Levites tribes was the only one that God choose to offer the sacrifices for the people, Christ could not come under the Levites priesthood because Abraham payed tithes to Melchisedek. If Christ came under Levites Priesthood, Christ would be inferior and incapable to die for humanity. Moreover, Levites and Aaron came from Abraham’s seed who were working only for the Jewish people. Christ has to come under Melchisedek, a type of Christ. Melchizedek, who is said to have been "without beginning of days, nor the end of life, but made like unto the Son of God." (Heb. 7:3) All of chapter 7 in the letter to the Hebrews clearly demonstrates that there is only one who qualifies for that priesthood, and that is Jesus Christ, who "does not have beginning of days nor end of life." He is Eternal God, Immanuel, who became a man to offer the Ultimate Sacrifice, Himself, as the payment for our sins. Melchizedek is presented in Genesis as the one who "brought forth bread and wine, and he was the priest of the most high God" to whom Abraham gave tithes. The name Melchizedek means the "King of Righteousness." He was introduced as the King of Salem, Salem meaning "Peace" - an early name of Jerusalem, where David later ruled as the King, and where the Messiah is to come to be the final King of Kings and Lord of Lords to all of Abraham’s seed. "Thus the Old Testament closes with the announcement that God in His judgment ‘will suddenly come to His temple to purify the priest (Mal. 3:1-3). God was determined to preserve His human priests until the appearance of His true priest, Jesus Christ." In fact, the office of priest was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The Son of God became a man (Heb.2:9-14) so that He might offer Himself as a sacrifice ‘once to bear the sins of many’ (9:28). Hence, there is no longer a need for priests to offer a sacrifice to atone for man’s sin. A permanent sacrifice has been made by Jesus Christ through His death on the Cross." When Christ died on the Cross of Calvary, God ripped the veil of the temple, "from top to bottom" (Matt. 27:51). That veil had separated men from God (where only priests could have entered after ceremonial cleansing), now there is no more a veil, allowing all believers access to Him through Jesus Christ, abolishing the old Aaronic priesthood and making all true believers in Christ His "royal priesthood, an holy nation" to "offer sacrifices of praise to God continually...giving thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15). As there was only one high priest at a time in Israel, we have only one High Priest now Jesus the mediator of the New Covenant, who does not need to be replaced like the old high priest, who because of death, had to be replaced. He lives forever, making intercession for us. He has the Priesthood "that does not pass from one to another". (Hebrews 7:24) In sum, Jesus came not after the order of Aaron, but after the order of Melchisedeck to finish transgression, to make an end of sin and purge it away. the Priests under the law after the order of Aaron, could not do this though they made use of blood, they sprinkled the sacrifice with blood, but they could not cleanse the soul from sin; however, Christ comes, He is a Priest and offers a sacrifice for all, and He offers up Himself, and by that one offering He has forever perfected them that are sanctified; He does it effectually. There never were other Melchizedek priests! Jesus Christ alone is our High Priest. He is our Prophet, Priest and soon coming King. Wasn’t that excellent!
The works of Christ - Assignment #4 Why Christ did not come under Levi and Aaron Priesthood? Part #2 The tribe of Levites and Aaron came from Abraham. Although the Levites tribes was the only one that God choose to offer the sacrifices for the people, Christ could not come under the Levites priesthood because Abraham payed tithes to Melchisedek. If Christ came under Levites Priesthood, Christ would be inferior and incapable to die for humanity. Moreover, Levites and Aaron came from Abraham’s seed who were working only for the Jewish people. Christ has to come under Melchisedek, a type of Christ. Melchizedek, who is said to have been "without beginning of days, nor the end of life, but made like unto the Son of God." (Heb. 7:3) All of chapter 7 in the letter to the Hebrews clearly demonstrates that there is only one who qualifies for that priesthood, and that is Jesus Christ, who "does not have beginning of days nor end of life." He is Eternal God, Immanuel, who became a man to offer the Ultimate Sacrifice, Himself, as the payment for our sins. Melchizedek is presented in Genesis as the one who "brought forth bread and wine, and he was the priest of the most high God" to whom Abraham gave tithes. The name Melchizedek means the "King of Righteousness." He was introduced as the King of Salem, Salem meaning "Peace" - an early name of Jerusalem, where David later ruled as the King, and where the Messiah is to come to be the final King of Kings and Lord of Lords to all of Abraham’s seed. "Thus the Old Testament closes with the announcement that God in His judgment ‘will suddenly come to His temple to purify the priest (Mal. 3:1-3). God was determined to preserve His human priests until the appearance of His true priest, Jesus Christ." In fact, the office of priest was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The Son of God became a man (Heb.2:9-14) so that He might offer Himself as a sacrifice ‘once to bear the sins of many’ (9:28). Hence, there is no longer a need for priests to offer a sacrifice to atone for man’s sin. A permanent sacrifice has been made by Jesus Christ through His death on the Cross." When Christ died on the Cross of Calvary, God ripped the veil of the temple, "from top to bottom" (Matt. 27:51). That veil had separated men from God (where only priests could have entered after ceremonial cleansing), now there is no more a veil, allowing all believers access to Him through Jesus Christ, abolishing the old Aaronic priesthood and making all true believers in Christ His "royal priesthood, an holy nation" to "offer sacrifices of praise to God continually...giving thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15). As there was only one high priest at a time in Israel, we have only one High Priest now Jesus the mediator of the New Covenant, who does not need to be replaced like the old high priest, who because of death, had to be replaced. He lives forever, making intercession for us. He has the Priesthood "that does not pass from one to another". (Hebrews 7:24) In sum, Jesus came not after the order of Aaron, but after the order of Melchisedeck to finish transgression, to make an end of sin and purge it away. the Priests under the law after the order of Aaron, could not do this though they made use of blood, they sprinkled the sacrifice with blood, but they could not cleanse the soul from sin; however, Christ comes, He is a Priest and offers a sacrifice for all, and He offers up Himself, and by that one offering He has forever perfected them that are sanctified; He does it effectually. There never were other Melchizedek priests! Jesus Christ alone is our High Priest. He is our Prophet, Priest and soon coming King. Wasn’t that excellent!
Assignment #4 – “Immanuel” Christ has many titles that convey His character and His person. The Bible says that when Christ was born the Angels proclaimed that He should be called Immanuel meaning “God with us”. To me this is not a simple title but it contains profound meaning. It juxtaposes God (divinity) with us (humanity). God is above us and superior to us. We are beneath Him and inferior, and the fact that He condescended to our level is no simple feat. No other god, no other religion (as far as I know) has a God who is so in love with His people that He leaves Glory to be with them. As Dr. Hanna mentioned this week, Ellen White says that God emptied heaven for the salvation of man. Risking Heaven itself and His throne. Both Ephesians and Colossians speak heavily of Christs descent into the cosmos to reconcile us back to God. “God with us” also reminds me of what Dr. Hanna said this week, in that not only in the big scheme of things is Christ involved but daily through the process of sanctification Christ is with us. Salvation is not something that I carry in my pocket (again as Dr. Hanna would say). My salvation is in Christ as long as I am with Him I am saved Christ is with me. Salvation does not put me into a position where we could do without Jesus. “God with Us” to me at least, is a theologically loaded statement and title. It implies also that this is not the norm. God should not be with us, we messed up, we are the sinners but God who is Sovereign of His own volition and His own free will ventured into the cosmos with a dangerous, reckless plan, that would seem like mission impossible for any other person. “God with Us” also speaks to synergy in some ways as well, in that God does not leave us to work for our salvation to try to procure it on our own. For the truth is we cannot do it. And so God works with us together, as Romans 8:28 exemplifies. “God with us” also speaks to God’s creation, both us and nature. 1 Corinthians 15:28 states that when all things will be subdued unto Christ, God will then be all and in all. This means that God wants at-one-ment with His creation and wants to be involved and connected to creation, what He deems as deserving of His love and power. Ive always loved this title it has brought me comfort in trying times and still continues to do so. But it has taken on even more meaning as it pertains to the study of the cosmic and transcosmic Christ!
In Response to Alta-The works of Christ - Assignment #4Why Christ did not come under Levi and Aaron Priesthood? Alta I gather from you blog that you have put careful time and consideration to this topic! I appreciate the effort, I have a question stating that Jesus Christ the New High Priest replaced the Old High Priest with the New Covenant. Do you think this would be used as support to other Christian Churches that believe because of Christ's work we have been released of the Old Covenant, and the Ten Commandments? Was Jesus completing the work of a High Priest when He was in the Flesh here on Earth? Is there a point where Christ is not operating in the Cosmic in His Trans-Cosmic Authority and duties?
Did justification happen all at once? When did it occur? These are the common questions that are presented in the Adventist Church. "But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5 to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.(Gal 4.4)
It is often preached that Justification occurred when Jesus was Born. If justification occurred then at the moment of Jesus' Birth, then were the dead prior to His birth dead to sin, and dead to Jesus? Are they now covered by Jesus Christ? These are all valid questioning, however the foundation is off base. Because there was a Salvation Plan before sin even occurred all of Earth was Justified. When the plan was implemented all of the Cosmos saw the plan, and watched to see how it played out. The Salvation Plan has more significance to the Unfallen because they have witnessed Jesus in His Trans-Cosmic nature. Our imagination leaves gaps, and holes to our mental processing of the full scope of Jesus' Nature.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures. James 1:17, 18
"and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished- 26 he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus." (Rom 3.24ff)
Now, grace is a very strange word to the modern world. It actually has a basic meaning of 'undeserved or unearned favor, as a kindness-gift.' The concept is a very active one (unlike 'peace' which is a more passive word). This 'favor' smiles at us, acts on our behalf in history, forms the basis for all of our dealings with our God. It is undeserved in that we could never earn or deserve God's active, positive involvement in our lives, for our good and welfare. It has a warm connotation to it, of kindness and tenderness and loving and gentleness and hearty friendship. It is not a legal term, like 'peace' or 'forgiveness.' It's not like 'doing someone a favor' but rather 'she was favored with beauty and wit, from childhood.' The consequence of this is that we are in a spotlight of God's positive workings in history. We have been singled out as targets for His good and kind working. (You and I will spend many, many millennia exploring this grace...and never fathom the bottom of it!)
Week #4 . The assurance of our salvation. The central theme I got for the whole of this week is that our or let me particularize to myself is that my salvation is an assured deal,no power nor principality that will confuse me from the insight I got from this course the {woc].jesus’s main a genda for us who are living is to give us eternal life.we are predestined to go to heaven as in the book of john 14 says that do not be troubled belief in me for in my fathers house are many mansions if it were not so I could have not told you. When we accept jesus as our personal saviour we enable the process of the monergy and synergy of God to work in us.after many class presantations most participants agreed the concept of the cosmic and transcosmic work of christ in the cosmos.the other thing which captured my mind was the ascendind zigzay growth ,we grow in christ. we are in christ the we cant I gnore thethe whole process leading us to acomplete salvation that is waiting for us-justification, santifaction,and grolyfication.i liked the conclussion from dr hanna as we were crossing the course that our focus should be keeping the main thin the main thing least should we loose get lost.
Response to Joshua Woods’s refection I loved the way Joshua approach is concerned with the point of someone resist to listen from God’s will that revelation of God through nurture would be the solution for him. This when refusing to listen to God we separate from Him and we make a bridge of miles but one of the natural things would bring us closer to God for instance when one is thirst and need to take water to solve his passion then that person would come to know that water was made by God and it is one of the many ways that we can see God and appreciate his presence. I agree that nurture speaks a lot than what we could say to people. Nurture has more power to concise us too come closer to God. The science people have gone far away rejecting God but I think they have something special to learn about God when they deal with nurture and probably that could be one of the best ways to get interaction with them about God. Though not all may come to admit and acknowledge about God but this approach would make a way for the Holy Spirit to get some of them to acknowledge God and creation
There is a popular science fiction show that is featured on ABC, where there was a man made caused epidemic on October 6, 2009 and everyone passed out, and was able to see into there future for 2 minutes and 17 seconds on the day of April 29, 2010. The premise of the show is how would you react if you knew just a little bit of your future. How would you make the plans in your life to make sure that you were in the right place, right time, to ensure that you would see the experience what you saw into the future.
The one thing that the show brings up that there are an infinite number of routes to that one day. One man had calculated over 1000 different possibilities, but certain outcomes were necessary in order for the "future" to occur as they have seen.
We as Christians believe that we know the important scene. We believe the Revelation that John transcribed, how have our lives been changed by what he saw? We have choices, but do we make every intention to do what is necessary to make sure we operate within our justification.
Do we deliberately make choices to ensure that we will be counted as the sheep? Or are we completely focused on the wrong things, that we have misapplied Scripture, and have been caring out the prophetic words, of false teaching. This class has helped me to see the error in my ways, and that we as Christians should not be afraid to ask questions, and even receive questions about our answers.
Our beliefs should be ever affirming rather than, discussing the "hot topics", we need to get back to the basics, the fundamentals of Christianity. What do we believe? Where did we get off track with the complexity of Christ Work on our behalf?
We know the ending, but me need to me focused on the way we get to that ending, where every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. The work of Christ has such a powerful impact on the cosmos. There is so much at stake and we need to carry our responsibility, and continue to search the Scripture and continue to facilitate our growth in knowledge.
Emmanuel Ngussa Bohole #4 I am cured from the probes of holiness while working with God after coming up with a new outlook of what it all mean working together with God. Well our working together with God does not accomplish our salivation. 1 Corinthian 3:6-9. Paul uses these words ‘’ God to be all in all ‘’ as a figurative language or a way of expressing God’s harmony between man and Himself (Synergy). When we respond to him that is our integral part and our response to his call becomes positive because of that love which reflects in us. We seek the missing aspect of love when we respond to his call and still by his faith we get convicted to be justified. However we do not stop there we work by love as we wait for the hope of glorification. This hope for glorification is determined by the way we use the fore knowledge of God which is his will prescriptive in the sense that God prefer us to choose life but also God permit death if we decide to go to that way. Now why could one of us misunderstand the prescriptive (Will) or explanation of God’s wills that God through Jesus he took himself to be everything even to the point of death that we might be in life in him. Here I got one important thought to share and that is this ‘’ internal life the preferred, prescribed way of our journey to glorification’’ We are called in hope for this internal life, internal death is not our call for eternity. I am not ashamed to say that those who are willing to respond in love and be reconciled by God will be in relationship with Him and are covered. To be covered does not mean that we continue to sin or get persuasion to sin by the coverage of God even though Jesus has enough justification in him in the past present and future still working together with him is an important part for our salvation and that does not impute us holier people except God himself. There is always a danger of rejecting good did or keeping the law that we shall pretend holier but that is not our case. We do not because holy by keeping the law. But by faith salvation is credited to us it is not ours , we only get is by grace as a gift and not by being holy or working together with God even though it is important that we corporate with God.
Wow, that was from the heart and powerful. I wasn't aware that people protested outside of the GC sessions, but it doesn't surprise me. Outsiders with agendas pop up randomly inside our churches, so why not show up at our biggest meetings? I too am thankful for this class and the knowledge that God has given Dr. Hanna to share with us.
Assignment 4: “It is finished” an invitation for synergy.
There is a consensus among all Christians that the most important moment of Jesus Christ and history of salvation is Cross at Calvary. And at Calvary one sentence from His mouth, “It is finished” has been a watershed for all generations from the past to the end and even for whole universe. Because of this amazing event at Calvary, God’s foreknowing, predestination, calling, justification, sanctification, and finally glorification all of these process could find its own position to stand.
Unfortunately, however, some people have been misunderstood the word, “it is finished.” They are thinking that Jesus Christ fulfilled all the requirements for our salvation and that’s it. There is no other space we can do for the salvation. Of course, it is true that Jesus Christ only can satisfy the requirements for our salvation. So, Luke says clearly in the book of Acts that Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved (Acts 14:12). On the other hand, however, John says in the book of John that For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). John also agrees that the way we can have eternal life is from only Jesus Christ, God’s one and only Son. At the same time, he also speaks of our faith for that salvation, saying “whoever believes in him...” He clearly says, somehow, there are some parts we have to participate for the salvation. In other words, the event on the Cross at Calvary is not the ending point for the plane of salvation. For me it seems like an invitation for the people, saying, “I’m faithful on the covenant which was made between you and Me.” “As I have been faithful to you even that is revealed clearly on the Cross, you should be faithful unto me.”
Cross of Jesus Christ is the essential for the Christianity and its faith. Cross is the center of the plan of salvation. Without Cross of Christ, all the theological concept can’t find its own position to stand. Therefore, Cross of Christ and His word, “it is finished,” should be the foundation of Monergy and Synergy at the same time. Paul clearly speaks of the notion that monergy and synergy are kind of two sides of the same coin. They go together in Paul’s theology of salvation. He speaks of monergy, saying “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will” (Eph 1:11). He says God is working alone for the salvation. And at the same time, he speaks of synergy, saying “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”(Rom 8:28). And in Corinthians, he continuously speaks of synergy, “we are God's fellow workers” (1 Cor 3:9). We are workers together(Greek: synego) with God. And Paul mentions some elements, such as faith, love, and hope in the sense of synergy. According to him, we have been justified through faith (Rom 5:1) and hope for glorification doesn’t disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Rom 5:5; Gal 5:6). If we are trying to decide either monergy and synergy for salvation, we will be in trouble. Neither approach will be the biblical truth. Biblical approach is standing on the good balance between of them.
Response 4 to John A. Coaxum Thank you for the notion that “God is with us” is not a simple announcement. Rather it juxtaposes God (divinity) with us (humanity). I never thought about this short sentence in this way before. God is not just with us, but He lowered himself, putting him on the same level with us. It really seems like very powerful to me.
And also the thought that with Christ all heavenly blessings came to the earth with Him was touching my heart as amazing blessing that I can’t find in this world at all. I noticed that the blessing could be found only in Christ who became cosmic Christ. Thank you for your writing.
In Response to Jeon, Kyoung Chun said... Assignment 4: “It is finished” an invitation for synergy.
Is it finished? When will we know that the Work of Christ is completed? What I understood in class that even in Heaven there will be a process of glorification, and justification will still be happening. What was Jesus making reference too when He said it is finished. Was He speaking in respect to His Cosmic work that had to be completed? I believe that Scripture and Spirit of Prophecy support that Jesus as the Trans-cosmic God, as He was entering the Cosmos He refrained from performing Trans-Cosmic Work. “Ye are laborers together with God.” That is just why He gave us Jesus. He gave His only begotten Son to come down to this world, lay aside His glory, and clothe His divinity with humanity. He came here to bear all the trials that every human soul will bear, and far ahead, because according to His glorious character were His temptations such as the human soul can understand but little about. The Plan of Salvation is complete, but the process is still underway...We are continually Justified
Reflections on Steps to Christ (Part 1) Reading Steps to Christ is refreshing and enlightening no matter how many times one reads it, at least that has been my experience. I am here reflecting on the first four chapters, just to limit myself for the sake of this post. I have to say that the book is one of my favorites in many respects but more so in terms of spiritual formation. God’s Love for Man The first line of the first paragraph takes us back to the idea of a trans-cosmic Creator who broke into the cosmos and revealed himself to his creation through creation and revelation – Dr Hanna calls these two, the Book of Inspiration and the Book of Creation. Ellen White states that nature and revelation alike testify of God's love. The chapter continues on to show how the love of God for humanity is evident even though sin entered the world. Every act of God is an act of love for Adam’s lost race. There is an unrelenting quality in the love of God that just won’t let the sinner go. Love so amazing! The Sinner’s Need The author states that once humanity sinned it was practically impossible for us to escape from the pit of sin. Our hearts are evil and we cannot change them. “Education, culture, the exercise of the will, human effort, all have their proper sphere, but here they are powerless. They may produce an outward correctness of behavior, but they cannot change the heart; they cannot purify the springs of life. There must be a power working from within, a new life from above, before men can be changed from sin to holiness.” With this statement Ellen White shakes the foundation for many a Christian’s view of spiritual formation. It seems that what passes for righteousness is nothing more than a modification of behavior and the point being made here is that the work of Jesus in a soul is to transform that person from within. A logical question that arises is the question of how much of that transformation is solely on Jesus and how much, if any, is on us. This is essentially a question of the synergy and monergy that we discussed in class. I will not attempt to answer any questions here but they are worth asking. Where does monergy start and where does it stop in this process? Where does synergy come in, or does it? Does any of the two have a stopping point in the Christian’s life? Since the statement declares that the exercise of the will or human effort is futile in this respect what do we make of the “whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely,” of Rev 22:17 KJV? The key point here is that the sinner’s only hope is in the work of Jesus for and in them. Repentance Repentance is pitched here the condition under which a sinner can come to Jesus through whom only is harmony with God possible. By way of definition Ellen White says, “Repentance includes sorrow for sin and a turning away from it,” and then she adds, “We shall not renounce sin unless we see its sinfulness; until we turn away from it in heart, there will be no real change in the life.” Clearly here is synergistic language. Repent is what a sinner must do. Question is how much of that repentance depends on God or does any of it depend on God since it is what the sinner must do to be united with Christ then reconciled with God? Ellen White further clarifies, saying that repentance is only true as it is the result of the sinner’s response to the influence of the Spirit of God. In other words repentance in the Bible is a process that does not begin with the sinner but with God and is never complete without the cooperation of the sinner.
Confession Ellen White here couples confession with forsaking sin insisting that the two must go together or the confession is not acceptable. She says confession “should be heartfelt and freely expressed,” by this she means that none is to be forced to confess when they have no real sense of the heinousness of their sin. She concludes the chapter on this note: “The humble and broken heart, subdued by genuine repentance, will appreciate something of the love of God and the cost of Calvary; and as a son confesses to a loving father, so will the truly penitent bring all his sins before God. And it is written, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.”
(Note: Dr. Hanna, I thought I posted this on Friday but it didn’t show up for some reason. Maybe I missed the security code. Please be merciful!)
First, an observation. Dr. Hanna quoted a pair of comments (p.86, 87) which clearly teach a Divine Godhead/Trinitarian concept, and yet leaders in our church (including James White himself!) were still strongly anti-Trinitarian for many decades. I just can’t help but wonder how they managed to deny the Sovereignty of one (or more) members for so long without ending up on the receiving end of a “Dear Brother T.” letter.
Now, on to real business. I find it interesting that the readings in The Cosmic Christ of Scripture seems to perfectly correlate with readings my from Scripture for every other reflection. This final reflection, based on chapters 7-9, Colossians 3-4, and some Biblical Research Institute documents all once again bounce back to the theme of deepening our relationship with Christ after we’ve accepted Him as our Savior.
It would likely shock and bewilder the average Christian to realize one truth about His human nature: “He exercised in His own behalf no power that is not freely offered to us. (p. 94, DoA p. 24)” It sounds so unbiblical when you see it written out like that. Isn’t this the same Jesus who turned water into wine at a wedding feast? Isn’t this the same Christ who rebuked the storm on the sea so He could go back to sleep without His disciples bugging Him? Pointing out these exceptions and objections ignores a holistic approach that we’ve been learning. While Christ also did those miracles, He also taught that if we were to say to a mountain that it should go into the sea and truly believe that it will happen, it WILL happen (Mark 11:23). Christ said that His disciples were going to receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them, the same Spirit that came upon Christ at the beginning of His ministry (Acts 1:8, Luke 3:22). It’s time to stop settling for accomplishing nothing for God’s Kingdom simply because we’re human and Jesus was still divine. After four weeks of studying God’s love for us and just what He’s gone through to redeem us, it’s time to put away the questions and the doubts, and take hold of the power God has granted us.
The Apostle Paul describes some very practical aspects of that power in Colossians 3-4. Don’t only go out and try to move mountains and multiply fish, get rid of the mountains in your own life! Stop getting angry, lying, cheating, lusting, or wrapping yourself up in greed and pride (3:5-9). Show mercy, kindness, patience, humility, and forgiveness (3:12-17). Treat your family right (3:18-25). You can and WILL do all of these things because of the power of God which dwells in you by His Spirit, and it’s time to actually do them.
Some might try and argue that this emphasis is legalism and justification by works. “We’re saved by faith and faith alone;” the battle cry of many Christians (including some Adventists). Mr. Blazen’s article on justification includes a beautiful refutation of that idea. “Faith is a reaction to God's initial action and promise.” Our life and lifestyle should be a reflection of our relationship with God, not what we perceive to be the entry point. It is because we’re so loved by God that we can and must strive to set aside bad things (public sins against others as well as private sins between myself and God).
In response to Andre's blog 4 I think you did a good job in being personal and honest. You made a good point on the need to have a faith relationship with Jesus and pointing out the need for us to do a better job in teaching the subject of justification by faith. I think to a great degree we have considered from a narrow view perspective and I think Dr Hanna did a good job in insisting on the need to look at issues in a holistic way. i am persuaded to believe that once we are able to approach the subject from a holistic point of view much fruit will be reaped. However, I am confused by these last lines, "We must guard our eyes and ears lest we fall into temptation, because it is the enemies plan to work us so hard that we give up. Wouldn’t be a shame to have given everything this world has to offer up and yet not accept the fact that Jesus paid it all. Like the song writer says,” only trust, only trust He will see you through”. What are you saying here? I am wondering how this ending fits the rest of your post, I would appreciate an explanation on this because you just lost me there brother.
Works of Christ: Assignment # 4: “Synergistic Proof: Is it working?”
Paul writes in Colossians 3: 1&2 "Therefore IF you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth." This statement by Paul calls those who have been raised in Christ to act in a certain way. It opens the way for some philosophical questions. Id this a call to everyone or only to those who have been raised in Christ? If it were a call to only those who have been raised in Christ, assuming the exclusion of some, then one could be lead to ask are not the same requirements placed on those who have not been raised. Such a question would cite for support Ecclesiastes 12:13 "The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person." If then the requirement is one that rests upon all, who then is Paul really talking to? Have ALL indeed been raised up in Christ? One model that supports this thought would find an answer to some of the puzzling questions that would follow further on in Colossians chapter 3. Undoubtedly one of the questions that would follow is; if all have been raised in Christ, why then are some lost? Why does the wrath of god fall upon some, if all have been raised in Christ? Paul notes in Colossians 3: 5-6 that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of men becayse of things he admonishes them to consider themselves dead to. Things such as "immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry." It would seem that being raised in Christ does not take away the freedom to choose to hold on to these things. However, if one chooses to hold on to them, they will experience the wrath of God as children of Disobedience. So the proof of Synergy. Some would say that if we can or are able to work synergistically that is proof that we have been chosen before hand irresistably by God. One could ask if some have been chosen irresistably (and some not), why does God (who is not willing that any should perish) call all men to "keep His commandments. I believe the proof that is found in synergy rather is that which can be explained as such. We can prove that we have chosen to work with God by exercisign the power he has given us to shun the evil desires we "once walked in"(Col 3:7). Therefore the burden of proof is not placed on God. He has done all and has shown that He is eternally willing to continue doing all. The burden of proof rests on us. Will we follow?
Response to: Neil Gordon WOC Assignment # 3 My Questions?????
As I read your experience and think back on my own, one thing I'm amazed at is the fact that God uses "tension" (something Dr. Hanna mentioned in class) to teach and we need to preserve that tension. I though about this because God does indeed use everything; words, people, creation, the entire Cosmos to reveal Himself. We could then be tempted to think, since it's all Good, then ANY ONE THING is good by itself right. The tension I find in this and in my (possibly our) experience is that even if we know everything about one small thing (something I'm comming to even doubt is possible) we often call ourselves experts and venture to teach the world how we have discovered "THE WAY". When in truth and in fact, we can't know fully the way. And yet, we know enough of the way and have the privilege even now to keep searching the way. Jesus says "I am the way the truth and the life..." John 14:6. I just find it amazing (as you do) that we can't know everything and yet we can come to know and reveal the one in whom everything is.
Reflection #3 on the Branch Davidians/shepherd’s Rod – Who are They, by George Reid
I must confess that, although it is definitely not the first time I heard/read about the Davidians, it intrigued me deeply to realize, following their history as exposed in this article, how great can be the damage of misunderstanding the Scripture. The various passages upon which they have dwelled more, and which have been interpreted to mean something contrary to the rest of the Bible, became tools unto perdition. And there is something in me that is asking at this moment, Do we even realize the great responsibility that rests upon our shoulders to represent God’s word properly? And also, how can we guard ourselves to not attain similar results for our souls and for others’ souls? Well, this blog is not meant to offer answers, but rather I am sharing my anxiety if you wish, in reference to how the Word of God can be such a destructive tool when misused and misunderstood.
And I must say that I myself am on a journey of understanding how to correctly interpret the Bible, and I think one of the challenges more people face is on how they should apply the Bible for themselves, in their personal lives. An important principle that I came to realize lately is that the meaning in the context is still the one that validates the lesson we gain from our personal studies – a moral and spiritual lesson, and not a “clear” direction for a specific situation in our life; that allegorical interpretation does not have a place into passages that are not allegorical, even when it comes to merely a personal application. After all, the principle is the same, whether we preach it from the pulpit, or whether we take it as a personal application for our life.
Reflection #4 on Primacy of the Gospel Committee Report
The point that stands out to me is in this report is the Primacy of the Bible. “While we affirm the intent of the 1888 Study Committee to uplift the primacy of the Bible, it appears to us that this is not consistently applied. At times it appears that the scriptural evidence is being examined through the theological understandings of Jones and Waggoner.”
I must say that, while I understand the need for personal in-depth study of the Bible, I often consider how many people actually depend on interpretations offered by those more “knowledgeable” in the Scriptures. And my concern is, how could it be otherwise? There surely is a certain authority that comes with a title, and perhaps not so much for the “title” itself, but for all the research a person has undergone to seek to understand the truth of the Bible, and its relevance to us today.
So I wonder, isn’t that what we do at every step ourselves? Look at others for an understanding of the Bible? And is that possible placing a human being before the Word of God? What would be a solution for this? While I think personal study is very important, I must admit that a full-time job other than a theology-related field will always be tempted to rely on the findings of those employed full-time in the theological field.
I suppose on thing would be to check what is being presented to them. However, in reality, even that may seem a task too time-consuming for most people.
Comment #1 on Pablo Ariza’s reflection #1 Initiative of Cosmic Christ
Not only do we see that sin results in physical death, but also spiritual death. For some reason this stuck out to me as I read it in the reflection. It makes me ponder over why we, humans, seem to manifest the tendency to grieve more over the physical aspect of death. We cry ourselves out at a family member’s deathbed, but now I wonder how often we grieve our spiritual death; and moreover, how often do we even realize we are spiritually dying.. without God in our lives, we are headed constantly down. But I believe that a great hindrance in the understanding of our spiritual state is self-justification and self-righteousness. I think it takes humility of soul and mind to realize who we truly are before we discover where we are heading in our spiritual journey.
I sympathize with the thoughts on the effects of sin upon all creation (which extends beyond our sphere here on earth). It often preoccupies my mind, and I must say that I think understanding this broader perspective on sin and salvation would in fact make a huge difference in our earthly walk with God. I think it places us more properly in our the wider context, and that prompts us to a more serious attitude towards sin and salvation, and towards the part we are called to play in this incredibly great controversy.
Comment #3 on Quigley Morris’ Assignment #3 What to do with Doubt
I also sympathize with Quigley in his reflection of the state of our world today. I must admit though that part of me believes that doubt is OK, and sometimes necessary. I am talking about the kind of doubt that does not allow us to take anything and everything we hear/read without proving its claims. And I believe that God is not afraid of this, because the Scriptures do testify of Him, and a sincere heart who is willing to search will come to the knowledge of who God is.
But on the other hand, I also stop to ponder Ellen White’s quote that “All Satan wants from us is to doubt God.” I am intrigued to read it in the context. While I certainly don’t think doubt is the path to salvation, the reality is that it comes; it just comes. One cannot choose to not doubt; doubts need to be struggled with. True, faith is a choice, but it is based on something, and that something, that understanding of who God is might be what is missing in someone to practice the faith we are called to. And sometimes doubt might prompt the search for that something.
I love that Ellen White is brought into picture. Her writings have been incredibly inspiring to me, and I cannot fathom how someone can find her irrelevant. I need read only a few sentences, and I feel drawn to the reading in a way that does not occur with any other book written by men, (except for the Bible, or course). I also like Joshua’s thought that “it is amazing that God cannot even be embodied by our finite language.” I like that as well, because understanding that God is infinitely great offers me an assurance that I can always have a model before me, and that there is always going to be place for me to grow.
Response# 3 To: Cyril –Assignment #3 “ In Adam, In Christ motifs
Cyril, I enjoyed your review of this article. You displayed a strong grasp of the problems presented by its author and articulated the complex concepts clear enough for a novice to understand. For example, the notion you incited of us all eating of the fruit of Eden creates a striking illustration of how unsound this view is. It echoes the point that the author purports about us in fact being present on the cross that Christ had to bear for us. Such an illustration punctuates the theological potholes this view implies. I would only take issue with the sentiment of your framing of the authors’ stance. It seems to me that though he identified errors in the implications of the 1888 committee he did not dismiss their findings altogether. My concern is mostly diplomatic I must admit. We must be careful not to marginalize others who may have adopted this view and hold on to it in spite of its obvious flaws. This attempt to bring them to our understanding should be handled with the same care our growth is to be handled. Arguably, the emphasis is placed on the meanings of these statements made by the committee and how these implications are leading to confusion and must be clarified.
Response #4 To: Pohlmarc Lawrence- Assignment #3 Liquid & Juice Analogy of Synergy
Thank you Pohlmarc for your submission of assignment #3. I enjoyed your comments on the nature of God’s grace, specifically how considering your illustration of it being an atmosphere it surrounds my very being. I got really excited when I realized that within this picture of God’s grace it takes more effort to be lost than it does to be saved. Salvation is the work of God from beginning to end. Synergistically my most productive contribution to His work is to submit. That’s what’s so wonderful about it. I don’t have to tell my lungs to breath in oxygen because the mechanics are already there. So present are these structure and laws that govern my breathing that an attempt to take my own life by suffocation is arguably impossible if not down right difficult. In the same way God has set the terms with the structures and laws that govern my Salvation. I would have a much easier time giving in to the downhill effect of God’s plan then I would fight the uphill effect of going against His purpose for me. Certainly the choice is there but it is truly foolhardy. Synergism however, I would implore you, does not happen out of a vacuum. Thus, even “our powder” is only there to provide because of God’s mercy. I’m so happy that he didn’t leave it up to me.
In Adam/In Christ motifs of Romans 5 Assignment #3
In his article “Comments on the In Adam/In Christ motif” Mr. Rodriguez is critical of the conclusion reached by the 1888 Study Committee. The committee sought to reconcile Paul’s meaning in Romans 5 when he speaks of Adams contribution to the world as opposed to Jesus’. I think Mr. Rodriguez makes a precise point. His initial distinction from the fray is found from his study of Genesis 2:7. This familiar text was and still is used by supporters of the ‘In Adam” motif. Thus because of the use of the plural form for the word life in this text it means that God breathed all lives into Adam such that when he sinned all sinned with him. I must admit that I implicitly held on to this belief until reading this article. What’s more disconcerting was my lack in discerning how incredibly flawed this view was by using fundamental theological reasoning. Summarily, the author continues his article by decoding all of the hidden implications created by the committee’s assertions. These statements eventually distill to the discovery that the only way Paul’s statement could make sense was to be view one of very few ways. Of those ways the Study Committee’s finding saw it as being trans-physical. At this point I would have to join the author’s plea toward the committee for not being clear about what trans-physical meant to them. I’m not sure, however how he is able to ascertain that what they did not mean: that Adam contained the seed of mankind in him and infected mankind with his act of disobedience to also disobey. The author concedes that they would be closer to the truth if they in fact believed this view but failed to show how the original document betrayed this view. Furthermore, he introduces that even the seed view has its limitations namely that a seed since it lacks a consciousness is not a morally responsible agent. In his final rejoinder on the Adam motif the author exposes a paradox created by the 1888 committee. I found this discovery to be the most telling of the flaws inherent of the committees view. In concert with the prior notion of Adam and us being one in the same making his sins ours they also purport that Adam has also imputed his sin to all mankind thereby giving the propensity to sin as well. At first glance this may seem acceptable but any thoughtful observer will see that one cancels out the other. The solidarity of humanity is used, as a framework for this belief that was and still is in many ways predominant in middle-eastern Hebrew culture. The author does a fine job clarifying the missteps of the committee on the subject of Hebrew solidarity. In western thinking the predominant driver of one’s destiny lies in that hand of that individual. It would be a matter of awe and amazement if anyone were ever to sue another for the deferment of their dreams in a western tribunal. Though this scene may not be a regular vista in an eastern tribunal it would not be a novelty if it were. This punctuates the point that Paul is making here in regards to sin. Adam’s actions affected but did not infect us. Each human was affected by his actions spiritually but not infected physically. This is important to discern as the author suggests because it can undermine the significance of Christ’ substitution on the cross for me.
265 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 265 of 265Response to posting by Andre Anderson (4th Response Posting)
I like the vivid imagery that you used in describing Jesus’ work in saving us. I am reminded of the text that says “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). Even though sometimes some people consider themselves too sinful to be in a relationship with God, it is never the case in which God Himself wants to be separated from them. God is truly awesome in that He saves even unto the uttermost. Secondly, I like the statement that “the One who made us allowed Himself to become marred, so that we could see His love for us even with our flaws.” It is amazing how God’s love is manifested in this great exchange. He took upon Himself the due penalty of our sins. When we look to Jesus we can’t help but appreciate the extreme love that He has for us.
– James W. Dieujuste
Quigley Morris
assignment #4
Colossians 2 ; 6
As he have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him.
Paul was writing to the Colossians, he is still exhorting them to be consistant in Christ, to beware of philosophy and vain traditions, worshipping of angels and legal ceremonies which are ended in Christ. These people had accepted the message by the preaching of Epaphras and they had kept the faith. But there was a little mixed theology creeping in to the community of believers and here Paul was calling them to get back to their first religious believe.
While the apostle rejoices with them in the measure of faithfulness they already have, he kindly but firmly admonishes them to hold on to it. Realizing the attack on the community of believers he reminded them of their first love and remains faithful to the gospel they first accepted. This seems to be the common theme by many of the Apostles who were moving from place to place.
Peter faced the same problem with different groups of believers, he address some believers on the subject of sufferings. It was common for the new believers to be carried away by different customers or religious beliefs. The apostles made it their responsibility to keep them abreast on the matter of Christ likeness. This same practice is maintained here as Paul remind the Colossians of their responsibility to their faith in Christ.
Christ Jesus the Lord is three titles of the Messiah gather within themselves the fullness of his position and function. His mission as Savior is embodied in the name of Jesus Christ; suggest his Messianic office and Lord. His identification with in some instances at lease the yahweh of the Old Testament.
He encourages them to walk in the truth they knew; that mean to believe in the gospel and live their lives in full view of unbelievers as a servant of the mighty God. This example could only be seen as members live according to the gospel they accepted. It also mean to conduct oneself; Paul urges the believers to keep on continuously conducting themselves and their affairs within the sphere marked out by their trust in Jesus doing only what he would do and interesting themselves exclusively in the things that would please him.
The goal of the believers was to live for Christ and be an example to the unbelievers so that they too can accept the gospel. It was through this channel they were suppose to reach out to the different groups of people who felt that they were ungodly. It required the group to live for each other and for Christ every one reflecting the image of God to the fullest. Many times when different groups of believers were in trouble they were reminded of their devotion to the gospel and what is expected of them in their religious lives.
Joshua Woods' 3rd response
to Nelson 3rd blog
Nelson, you wrote some really powerful words in your blog. One small sentence that really jumped out at me was this, "Through Christ there has been a transformation that comes by faith through grace in Jesus Christ that qualifies the discarded to be able to be considered for the eternal trip."
I really appreciated the imagery that the word "discarded" brought to my mind. To think that i should be discarded. I am discarded material, but Jesus still considers me. My comment may be a little elementary, but thanks.
Joshua Woods comment #4
In response to Kabah #1
I always enjoyed the question, "Why did God create Satan if he knew..." when i was a pastor. Those kids will always ask the hardest questions. Kabah responded in a very well written paper suggesting, "But God is not like us! Once He decided to create, no real or potential force would force Him to alter His plans. Otherwise, the fear of sin would have defeated Him before He created anything. God decided not to change His plan but confront the problem of sin and evil and resolve it once and for all through His Son. And He did! Perhaps that's what happened. Who knows? I certainly don't."
I thought this was a great answer. God is so transparent that once he even had the thought to create, he did it so he wouldn't change his plan. I basically wanted to affirm Kabah on the response to the tough question.
Assignment #4: Monergy and Synergy in the writing of Paul.
We have learnt 7 Aspects of the wholistic view of the plan of salvation – Foreknowledge – Predestination – Calling – Justification – (Sanctification) – Glorification (Romans 8:28-30). However the whole gospel can be summarized in only two aspects of the Gospel and this two aspects are obvious in the writings of the apostle Paul.
These two are aspects are implicitly expressed in the 2 terms that we learned in class about how God worked with the cosmos. 1. Monergy or what I call the Indicative of the Gospel. 2. Synergy or what I call the Imperative of the Gospel.
• Monergy/Indicative is part of salvation that God acted alone without any of our part. These acts of God are: Foreknowledge, Predestination, Calling, Justification (forgiveness, reconciliation, adoption, etc). Though acted alone in this aspect of the gospel but our part is to accept the perfect and complete acts of God by faith. (Eph 2:8)
• The monergy/or the indicative acts of God demand for synergy. These acts of God are Sanctification and Glorification. Though salvation is all of God, but this part demands our willingness to be used by God and act in harmony with the will of God by trusting His trustworthiness demonstrated in the monergy or the indicatives.
Paul in his epistles is outlines according to this two aspects of the Gospel. In Romans he details the indicatives or the monergy of the Gospel in the first eleven chapters. Then in chapter 12 we find the transitional “therefore” from the indicatives to the imperatives for righteous or sanctified living. The two epistles that we were required to read for this course are also written following this pattern. Ephesians 1 – 3 is about the imperatives of the gospel. Then chapter 4 to 6 are the imperatives. Colossians 1 to 2 are also the about the indicatives and chapter 3 to 4 are the imperatives.
I believe Jesus understood this aspects of the gospel. When He forgave the woman accused of committing adultery in John 8:11 he says, “Neither do I condemn you...” That’s monergy, but that’s not all. Part of His saying was “… but go and sin no more,” and that is the imperative or the synergy.
I can assume that Jesus forgave the woman and demanded her to go and keep the law. Jesus said in John 15:4,5 that we cannot do anything without Him and Paul clarify it by saying “I can do all things with Christ that strengthen me” (Phil 4:13) so what Jesus’ grace demanded the woman was to live a life that is in synergy with Jesus. That’s why synergic aspect of the Gospel can never save us because human merits is there. Ellen G White’s book “Faith and Works” has this underlying principles. We accept the indicatives/monergy of Jesus by faith and that become an incentive in our willingness to synergy with Jesus to fulfill His divine will in us.
A new life by our willingness to be in harmony with Jesus is a greatest testimony that the world would see. Because Dr Hanna that the whole cosmos (world) is designed to be an interpreter of the things of God. (p.117). So despite of the distortion caused by sin, being in synergic with Jesus through His Spirit will make us an epistle for Jesus in this world (2 Cor.3:3).
Assignment #3: A life of Sanctification or Christian Perfection.
Can a bad tree produce good fruits? Jesus used a lot of lessons from nature to illustrate the Christian life. Matthew 7:18 “A good tree cannot produce bad fruit nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.” Jesus is making a statement here, “ A sinner cannot live righteous.” The natural fruits of our hearts is evil and even our best effort or our righteousness is filthy rags in the presence of God (Is 64:6).
Jesus in the same sermon on the Mountain told His disciples the kind of righteousness that heaven required in contrast of the highest righteousness that was demonstrated at Jesus time, the self-righteousness of the Pharisees and said, “… unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and the Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt.5:20).
What is the kind of righteousness that God enquires for heaven? Edward Heppenstall in his article stated it is the righteousness of Christ that we accept by faith. Angel M Rodriguez in his article on “Justification and the Cross” says that this righteousness was made available for Christians at the Cross of Christ. According to his analysis of Rom. 5… two aspects of righteousness are Justification (v.18) and Sanctification (made righteous v.19). Dr Hanna p.82 refers to this righteousness as a perfect divine righteousness that our nature will finally possess at the end of the plan of salvation.
To live a sanctified life or a life of Christian perfection is to have a righteousness of Christ (Philippians 3:8,9). To have this righteousness is to have a relationship with Jesus (John 15:4,5) and allow Christ to live in you through the Spirit. Paul testified in his life of sanctification “I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life that I live which now I live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and give Himself up for me.” Gal.2:20
How do we live a life of Christian Perfection?
Paul says, by faith! It is Righteousness by Faith in the trustworthiness of God. The cross did not eradicate the sinful nature but suppress it by the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom 6:14). It’s is inside there till it is fully restored at the Second Coming of Christ (1 Corin.15:53,54).
Christian perfection is not a point of our Christian walk where we will reach perfectionist and become sinless, rather it is our growth in grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ and become spiritually matured in our character where we become sin less and less because we learn to have our will be in harmony with the Holy Spirit.
Part of the Gift of grace that was made available at the cross was the Holy Spirit, and it is given to every child of God (Gal 4:6). The promise of the H.S was to be with us and in us (John 14:16,17). A sanctified life is full of internal conflicts (Gal 5:17. But if we allow the Spirit to do His work in us (Rom 8:13) we will grow into the likeness of Jesus by focusing of him and not ourselves or our problems.
Quigley Morris
Assignment # 4
Colossians 2 ; 6
As he have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him.
Paul was writing to the Colossians, he is still exhorting them to be consistant in Christ, to beware of philosophy and vain traditions, worshipping of angels and legal ceremonies which are ended in Christ. These people had accepted the message by the preaching of Epaphras and they had kept the faith. But there was a little mixed theology creeping in to the community of believers and here Paul was calling them to get back to their first religious believe.
While the apostle rejoices with them in the measure of faithfulness they already have, he kindly but firmly admonishes them to hold on to it. Realizing the attack on the community of believers he reminded them of their first love and remains faithful to the gospel they first accepted. This seems to be the common theme by many of the Apostles who were moving from place to place.
Peter faced the same problem with different groups of believers, he address some believers on the subject of sufferings. It was common for the new believers to be carried away by different customers or religious beliefs. The apostles made it their responsibility to keep them abreast on the matter of Christ likeness. This same practice is maintained here as Paul remind the Colossians of their responsibility to their faith in Christ.
Christ Jesus the Lord is three titles of the Messiah gather within themselves the fullness of his position and function. His mission as Savior is embodied in the name of Jesus Christ; suggest his Messianic office and Lord. His identification with in some instances at lease the yahweh of the Old Testament.
He encourages them to walk in the truth they knew; that mean to believe in the gospel and live their lives in full view of unbelievers as a servant of the mighty God. This example could only be seen as members live according to the gospel they accepted. It also mean to conduct oneself; Paul urges the believers to keep on continuously conducting themselves and their affairs within the sphere marked out by their trust in Jesus doing only what he would do and interesting themselves exclusively in the things that would please him.
The goal of the believers was to live for Christ and be an example to the unbelievers so that they too can accept the gospel. It was through this channel they were suppose to reach out to the different groups of people who felt that they were ungodly. It required the group to live for each other and for Christ every one reflecting the image of God to the fullest. Many times when different groups of believers were in trouble they were reminded of their devotion to the gospel and what is expected of them in their religious lives.
Iakopo responds to Haron Matwetwa Assignment #2 “The righteousness that saves”
Thanks you for the insight about the divine righteousness that saves from the book of Romans. I just want to add that this divine righteousness is not new, but it was revealed by the law first before Jesus demonstrated it in His earthly life and ministry (Rom 10:4) The righteousness that the law pointed men to was fulfilled and embodied in Jesus Christ. And Jesus told His disciples that the righteousness of the scribe and Pharisees was not the kind that saves (Matt 5:20). And you are absolutely right about the kind of righteousness that heaven requires. Thanks
Edgardo Rivas Blog #4 “Thanks Adam and Thanks Jesus”
Because of what happened in the garden of Eden we are now having much difficulties to reach our God in heaven. His decision affected all of us in 2010. But thanks be to God that there was hope for the human race. Through Christ we have sanctification and justification. These are both salvation and it is only through Jesus our Lord. Sanctification we can say, was before and after the fall. If Adam would not have sinned he still would have to grow in sanctification. Sanctification is what Christ is doing for us in the present time. He is the one that has accomplishes this and not ourselves. Sanctification is imparted to us by Jesus. Though we are not perfect jet or sinless we can still say that we are the saints of God working our way to perfection in Christ. We must understand that we are sanctified and being and will be if we keep ourselves to Jesus.
Sanctification is related to justification and to glorification. It is salvation, righteousness by faith. These three have a close relationship and one can’t be separated from the other. You see when I accept Jesus as my Savior justification takes place. God has been working that in me. As I walk in my Christian life, a life of good and righteousness I am being sanctified. This process will last all eternity. It does not end at the 2nd coming. When Jesus comes with shout of acclamation and with the trumpet of God then glorification takes place. This too will be trough out all eternity. I don’t stop the process of justification or sanctification at the 2nd coming or the process of glorification. Through all eternity we will be growing in grace and knowledge.
So who are the one that are called to be part of this eternal elite? The answer is all who come to acknowledge God and follow in his footsteps. Let me give you a rundown of how it happens. In his infinite wisdom God foresees that people will accept him. And those that he has foreseen for him (those that willingly accept him and those that decide to obey him and hear his voice calling) he predestines. This is not predestination as we have commonly known. It means God’s purpose. It is not that God closes doors. You see God gives all humanity an opportunity to repent. He puts before us two doors. One door is life and the other is death. It is up to the person to choose which door he wants to enter into. Some decide life while others decide death in spite of God’s calling. But while they are in this life if they turn back to God he would listen and save them. The others continue to walk the life of a saint of God. These people then are named the “called”. They have heard the gospel and repented and gave their life to Jesus. The called ones the go through the process of justification and sanctification and when Jesus returns they are glorified. The purpose of God is that all may be saved but not all will accept his calling. There is synergy working here as well as monergy. Synergy is because men and God work together in some areas that pertain to man’s response to God. Monergy is because God works salvation without the help from man.
Adelina's reflection on "Faith and works".
Thanks for reminding me the balance gospel. Faith and works or Grace and Law are always the two aspects of the whole gospel. Faith and Grace are the basis of salvation and works and law are the fruits or result of our salvation. Remember Jesus' saying to the woman in Jon 8:11 "Neither do I condemn you" - that's grace. He continued by saying "but go and sin no more" - the imperative of grace.That's the awesome gospel.
Wilking Jen Assignment #1 "Sin and Salvation"
It is a good and a broad understanding on sin and salvation. It was a risk that God took to create man with a freedom of choice but that's true love giving man a freedom to choose for or against God. God also took another risk in justifying a sinner. So the whole universe is focuing on us for the vindication of God's saving acts by living a transforming and victorious lives.
Lolmac Lawrence - Assignment #1 on Reconciliation:
This term for salvation is very meaningful to me and makes me more appreciative of the mighty acts of God in salvation. From a human's point of view, it is a guity party that initiates reconciliation. But God, the righteous and holy Creator took the initiative to reconcile to His quilty creation of humanity and the universe. That's a powerful motivation!!!
Assignment #4
Reflecting on M. Hanna’s Ch. 6 The Theme of the Bible is Jesus
I really appreciated reading this chapter of The Cosmic Christ. It is as though Adventist theologians have become afraid of a thorough-going Christology as though it would diminish the law or obedience or all the other aspects of salvation that we typically like to emphasize. Perhaps it is the risk of sounding too Barthian but I believe that there is an important truth there. Without Christ the plan of salvation would be: nothing. I agree that if Christ is the centerpiece of our salvation then He must also be the theme of the Bible. Notice I didn’t say ‘only theme’ but He is ‘the’ theme. Dr. Hanna comments on the three perspectives offered in Scripture: relations among the Trinity; the place of Christ (hierarchy?); and the relation between divinity/humanity. The first relationship between the members of the Trinity Dr. Hanna describes as a mutual indwelling. This is a fascinating and mysterious thought. Does He mean that they are inside of each other literally? I think it was Calvin who said that the Trinity share the divine essence. That they would all share a divine nature seems reasonable as we all share a human nature. But there is a further oneness between the Father and the Son, one that is glorious. When Jesus was on earth, He pleaded with the Father to once again experience the same glory that He had prior to coming to earth incarnated. “And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was” (John 17:5). It reminds me of volunteer youth pastors who would come to my country for a year to serve. Many of them would get homesick and long to go home. I bet there are quite a few people like that here at the seminary. People who say to their parents or loved ones on the phone: “I long to come back and for things to be the way they used to be!” Can we imagine Jesus asking God to come home again so that they could get back to the way they were. Remember that Barbara Streisand song, “Memories, light the corners of my mind… they way we were.” I can hear the personal nature of the divinity crying out in such human like terms. Longing must come from God. It has to, or else why would He long for you and me to the extent that He does. That He would go through everything He did just to save us so we can be together. One of the big mysteries for me is trying to wrap my mind around Jesus being fully human and yet sinless. I know He did it. The Bible says so and I believe it. But I look forward to knowing more one day about what this sinlessness looks like. Sometimes I think of people as like rotten fruit that looks all smooth and shiny and inviting on the outside but on the inside there is decay, rottenness. Yet Jesus didn’t have that. If we are made then in God’s image, did Jesus become the image that we became after sin when He incarnated? Will He return to that glorious image that He longed for? The Bible teaches us that we are going to be fully restored into His image. “till we all come into the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect humanity, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13). We are to be like Christ. He is going to share something of Himself with us for eternity! This is amazing and wonderful and something to truly look forward to.
Assignment #2
Steps to Christ:
The concept of the cosmic Christ that has been discussed has revealed and highlighted aspects of God. While there are some obvious and familiar connections we can make regarding salvation we can also see that God not only participates within His creation but also enjoys the work in it. Reading the chapter of.... in Steps to Christ has provided additional commentary on the manner in which God functions with the creation. This reflection is primarily based on the attitude seen by God as discussed in class and written by Ellen White in Steps to Christ.
While it may seem that a trans-cosmic Christ would find no need to interact with creation (cosmic) we know that God is in a sense longing for that interaction. Ellen White described the work of Christ in our lives as one that brings him joy. THe service and constant love that Christ demonstrates in his commitment shows that earth is able to benefit from the service of God. It may seem that a humanity which has rebelled against God and destroyed His creation would be a frustration and inconvenience to Christ. Instead, we must recognize that the cosmic Christ experiences pleasure in his working in our life.
So many times I find myself wondering how we can ever find unconditional joy when we serve our fellow brothers. I appreciated that Ellen White noted that we would be able to experience similar joy if we allow God to fill our lives with His love. Too often we seem to force ourselves in to doing noble works and displaying "love" to the people we serve. While the work is positive it can never create or substitute that kind of love we can experience from a relationship with God. It is great that we have the affirmation that we will be able to experience the joy and practice selfless works because of the love filling our lives.
What I take away from this reading is the reality that the love of God can be replicated in our lives if we live in harmony with Christ. Forcing or feeling obligation to serve and "love" will not produce the same fruits in our lives that Christ loves can.
Cyril
“The Theme of the Bible is Jesus”
Jesus’ divinity, even though subject to questions by some of His own people of His day, is essential to Christianity. Hanna sees the relationship within the Trinity as providing some crucial insights into understanding Jesus’ divinity. To him, the revelation of Jesus’ divinity is consistent with the witness of the Old Testament, and is not simply a New Testament phenomenon. Additionally, there is a unique social relationship within the Trinity as, based upon Scripture, each divine being mutually indwells each other.
At the same time, Jesus is also human. This is indeed an integral aspect of the mystery of Godliness. Interestingly enough, unlike other human beings, Jesus was completely free from sin. Now this fact has led to considerable debate among Christians. How could He be fully sinless while at the same time be fully human? Even though Hanna does not make this point in his work, Millard Erickson has provided me with a rather crucial insight regarding Jesus humanity. He considers Jesus’ human nature as being “true humanity” because “sin is not part of the essence of human nature….” The human nature we possess is “not pure human nature. The true humanity created by God has in our case been corrupted and spoiled.” Thus, “Jesus is not only as human as we are; he is more human.”
Because of the fall being human means being sinful; however, there is a difference with regard to Jesus. He was able to be human and sinless at the same time. His humanity, as Erickson said, is “true humanity.” We must never take the aberration that we have become because of sin and try to make it into what God has originally designed us to be. God does not want us to be estranged from Him. However sin creates a gaping chasm between God and humanity. In that light, Jesus was able to span the chasm. How was He able to do so you may ask?
He did it by being fully human and fully divine at the same time. He was human enough to suffer for our sins. He was human enough to “become sin for us.” He was human enough to be “touched with the feelings of our infirmities.” He was human enough to die. At the same time, however, He was also divine enough to be the perfect sacrifice. He was divine enough to save hopeless, helpless humanity from sin. He was divine enough to lay down His life and take it up again. He was divine enough to return to heaven from where He originally came. And He is divine enough to be “sitting at the right hand of the Father to make intercession for us.”
I am indeed truly grateful for who Jesus is. I am also grateful for what He has done. Were it not for the fact that He was the God-Man, that mysterious coming together of humanity and divinity, salvation would not have been possible. Thankfully, however, He came, He lived, He died, He rose, He ascended, He is making intercession and one day soon He is going to return. At that time the work of salvation would be complete. And as the songwriter says:
What a day that will be,
When my Jesus I shall see,
And I look upon His face,
The One who saved me by His grace;
When He takes me by the hand,
And leads me through the Promised Land,
What a day, glorious day that will be.
Total Victory Promised
Assignment #4
One of the most debated question in the Christian world is: Is possible to live without sinning? I don’t know what your answer would be to this question but I would like to share my opinion with the knowledge that I have gathered in Dr Hanna’s class. Even before the foundations of the earth were laid there was a plan of salvation in place. Christ had to come and die for the fallen humanity. Paul says that the wages of sin is death. Sin brought death and so Christ came to die in our place. The question that comes into our minds is is it possible then to live without sin since Christ died?. The Bible promises and assures us of total victory in Christ Jesus. Hebrews 7:25 says ‘Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them’’ in this text Paul suggests that we are saved to the uttermost. The text Romans instead of saying we may conquer, it assures that we can be “more than conquerors” Romans 8:37. Instead of being told that we can just triumph, we are told that we may “always triumph” 2 Corinthians 2:14. Instead of promising whatever we might ask to help us in our spiritual battles, the Bible says He will give us “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” Ephesians 3:20. And the verse just prior to that one clearly guarantees that we may “be filled with all the fullness of God” Many of these promises are too vast for our human minds to comprehend fully, but surely they are intended to impress us with the magnitude of God’s resources in our behalf. If the language sounds exaggerated it is only because we are too feeble in faith and too weak in the flesh to believe such purity and sanctification could ever be fulfilled in us. We tend to trust our feelings quicker than the Word of God. Is it important to believe the promises exactly as they read? Yes, because it is only through those promises that deliverance can be accomplished. “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” 2 Peter 1:4. Notice that it is “by these” that we escape the corruption of sin. What are “these”? The promises of God. The sequence of victory is plainly marked out in this fantastic text. By faith in the promise we become a partaker of the divine nature, and through the power of that new nature in us we are able to escape the corruption of sin. In other words, everything depends on the surrender and commitment of one’s self to the indwelling Spirit of Christ. “Without me,” Jesus said, “you can do nothing” John 15:5. Equally important is the inspired comment of Paul, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” Philippians 4:13. That little expression “all things” is the key to victory for every one of us. Let it be known to us that the death of Christ at the cross brought us victory. When we accept Christ who was predestined to die we are justified and set right with Him and though justification by faith we are assured of to live a victorious life in Him as we await our glorification
Reaction to Wilking 's 4th article, "How to be am overcomer."
I was encouraged to read your post as you battle to understand the meanings of salvation and the works of Christ in the life of the believer. The journey that you take to seek for a deeper understanding of the things of God is just as rewarding as when you actually arrive at the response. There are many who have these same struggles you describe but are too apathetic and complacent to do anything about it. I thank God for your determination and pray you seek the answers that you find.
Reflection – Thanks Adam and Thanks Jesus from Edgardo Rivas
I like your topic it is very attractive and it also give the readers a positive approach.
I also appreciated you used not a long passage but you can summarize the main keys elements (Foresee, predestination, Call, Justification, Sanctification and Glorification) in Salvation. You explained it very clear but not long. It is very good for the modern people to read. Thanks you !
Assignment #4- The works of Christ: a lifelong project.
After finishing the reading and listening to all of the presentations that everyone has given, I am convinced that understanding how God works in our lives is a matter that you could spend years on. There are so many angles and perspectives that you could explore; so many venues to travel that you could spend an entire lifetime learning about this stuff. Dr. Hannah I believe was correct when he said that we are barely skimming the surface of these deep matters and that only through a better understanding, can we begin to bridge the misunderstanding that sometimes exists when discussing these things.
Over the centuries, the “works of Christ” have has been a subject of debate. Take, for example, the sequential chart that we have been working with over the course of the semester. People will argue on every point on that continuum. Foreknowledge, predestination, justification, sanctification, glorification; ever single point can be overemphasized and argued over. Calvinism and Armenianism debate over foreknowledge and predestination, among other points. Within Adventism, the issues of involved in last generation theology emphasize justification, sanctification and glorification in their debates to better understand how “God is vindicated in the universe.”
I think that you can go on and on; waxing eloquently about the different types of ways that Christians disagree over the works of Christ. As a matter of fact, the reason why there are so many denominations, beliefs and creeds is specifically because of the many views that groups of people have to explain the works of Christ. You don’t have to go very far to see this concept in action. In a few weeks we will see another obvious example of how is played out in the General Conference sessions. More than likely, we will have the usual pickers outside the convention center in Atlanta, voicing their disagreement with some aspect of our theology. It happens all the time.
Now, the reason that I believe that these kinds of situations take place is because, as humans, we have the frequent tendency to compartmentalize and explain every aspect and facet of our beliefs. From a theological standpoint, once we view one aspect of the works of Christ as more important than the others and relegate the rest to secondary issues, we begin to have an imbalanced view of the works of Christ. The problem with most Christian denominations, including our own, is that we are primarily not interested in finding out where we are wrong and where others have more insight than us. Many times, we are simply interested in prove why we are right. When two groups of people are more concerned about talking TO rather than WITH each other, you can be sure that debates and schisms will follow.
In order to foster a greater understanding between the many different views, I believe that we should first acknowledge that no one person can be either completely right, nor can they be completely wrong. Everyone has good points in their theology that deserve praise. Even Universalists should be credited for their belief that God’s power is great enough to save even those people who may never have heard the Gospel. This idea is biblical and espoused on many times in the bible. I specifically think of Romans 1 to back up this claim. Granted, even though Universalists take this point to extremes, the point remains, ever viewpoint has its merits. I pray that God would help me first and foremost to recognize this fact in the times I get frustrated with another’s point of view.
The second realization we must have is that we ourselves need to become accustomed to thinking about salvation and the works of Christ in a more holistic manner than we have previously been doing. Rather than isolating justification, sanctification or glorification, we need to broaden the scope of salvation to examine how each point works in relation to another. If there is one thing that this semester has taught me, is that salvation if a very involved process both by God’s actions towards us and in our response towards God. Synergy is the word that we used to describe this process.
If we can begin to share with our people the comprehensive view that salvation and atonement carries, we would go a great deal in helping to reconcile the discord that not only exists within our own church, we would go a great deal to foster the understanding Adventism has to the rest of Christianity and ultimately, we could go a long way in establishing bridges of communication between Christians and non-Christians! It has been said that no one ever converted to Christianity by losing an argument and if we continue to treat our defense of what we hold to be true as attacks on our faith rather than engage others in understanding dialogue, it will take a VERY long time to finish the great commission that Jesus set for us.
In conclusion, this class has been an immense benefit to not only my understanding of the works of Christ in the cosmos, it has helped me to open my mind to the way others think in their own understanding of salvation. We ultimately need patience and an understanding of salvation to help lead other along this road. I am very excited for the future of our church and Christianity if our future pastors go through a class like this that teaches them to think outside of their comfort zone and reason outside of the box. We can all learn from each other!
Assignment # 3
The Liquid & Juice Analogy of Synergy.
This is partially a comment reflecting on the chapter in Steps to Christ entitled Growing Up Into Christ, and partially a model that represents the monergy and the synergy of salvations work. I will start with the reflection and then venture on to explain the model.
Ellen White follows the example of Christ and points to the many “pictures” in nature that illustrate the relationship that Christ desires to have with us. Some of these pictures point beyond what we as believers have acknowledged as the union between Christ and the believer to a fuller model. This union is in many ways a mystery, and is best illustrated through nature which came directly from the creator’s hand. I believe nature provides the best illustrations because although to a great extent nature can be searched out, to a greater extent still; there is a mystery about nature that science still continually peers into. So nature adequately illustrates what may be understood while still maintaining the mystery that ought to be maintained as an actual part of union that we are seeking to illustrate.
The grace of Christ has been compared to “an atmosphere… as real as the air which circulates around the globe. All who choose to breathe this live-giving atmosphere will live and grow up into the stature of men and women in Christ Jesus.” The grace is also compared, Biblically, like the relationship between the vine and the branches. Ellen White repeatedly highlights the words of Jesus “without me you can do nothing.” As I contemplate these words; I remember a controversial, “bigger model” statement that was made in class. ‘In a certain sense, people cannot even sin, without God.’ This is true because God continues to hold all things together and grant life to both the just and the unjust. Therefore, the sinner, you not have the power to sin, apart from God. God grants all the power of choice, and the power of choice is essential for a free being to choose sin.
This leads me into further considerations that I had while reading this chapter. I wonder, if there was a sense in which Christ not only redeemed those who choose to accept the gift of redemption, but rather redeemed all of humanity. And if this is the case, then those who are lost are lost not because they had not been redeemed, but because they failed to remain in that redemption. Those who would be lost would be those who freely chose not to breathe in the atmosphere of grace.
The model of synergy that I considered was one involving juice and liquid. Now we know the body needs liquid to survive. Let us consider what God has done as being water. What we do, can be considered powdered juice mix. Now, without God, our powder juice mix, no matter how much we will it, is not liquid. It cannot enable the body to survive. However, God asks us to partner with Him in the process of salvation, or in this model survival. He asks us to be mixed in with the water that He provides. In fact, we can’t freely choose to be mixed in with the water without Him offering the choice and then mixing us in. Salvation is the survival of the body. And the water is the work of God that is self sufficiently what is necessary. And God, by His loving design, and in order to maintain free will, asks us to help make that water sweet by adding our choice of juice mix.
Total Victory Promised
Assignment #4
One of the most debated question in the Christian world is: Is possible to live without sinning? I don’t know what your answer would be to this question but I would like to share my opinion with the knowledge that I have gathered in Dr Hanna’s class. Even before the foundations of the earth were laid there was a plan of salvation in place. Christ had to come and die for the fallen humanity. Paul says that the wages of sin is death. Sin brought death and so Christ came to die in our place. The question that comes into our minds is is it possible then to live without sin since Christ died?. The Bible promises and assures us of total victory in Christ Jesus. Hebrews 7:25 says ‘Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them’’ in this text Paul suggests that we are saved to the uttermost. The text Romans instead of saying we may conquer, it assures that we can be “more than conquerors” Romans 8:37. Instead of being told that we can just triumph, we are told that we may “always triumph” 2 Corinthians 2:14. Instead of promising whatever we might ask to help us in our spiritual battles, the Bible says He will give us “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” Ephesians 3:20. And the verse just prior to that one clearly guarantees that we may “be filled with all the fullness of God” Many of these promises are too vast for our human minds to comprehend fully, but surely they are intended to impress us with the magnitude of God’s resources in our behalf. If the language sounds exaggerated it is only because we are too feeble in faith and too weak in the flesh to believe such purity and sanctification could ever be fulfilled in us. We tend to trust our feelings quicker than the Word of God. Is it important to believe the promises exactly as they read? Yes, because it is only through those promises that deliverance can be accomplished. “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” 2 Peter 1:4. Notice that it is “by these” that we escape the corruption of sin. What are “these”? The promises of God. The sequence of victory is plainly marked out in this fantastic text. By faith in the promise we become a partaker of the divine nature, and through the power of that new nature in us we are able to escape the corruption of sin. In other words, everything depends on the surrender and commitment of one’s self to the indwelling Spirit of Christ. “Without me,” Jesus said, “you can do nothing” John 15:5. Equally important is the inspired comment of Paul, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” Philippians 4:13. That little expression “all things” is the key to victory for every one of us. Let it be known to us that the death of Christ at the cross brought us victory. When we accept Christ who was predestined to die we are justified and set right with Him and though justification by faith we are assured of to live a victorious life in Him as we await our glorification
Response to Pohlmarc:
I appreciate your comment, and how you are trying to expound upon the realization that our efforts will ultimately lead to failure, when we try to do Christ work in our lives. Is it possible that we do not have a power to sin, but we just lack the discipline of obedience? God grants us the choice, He also gives us the tools and methods to practice. However, I believe that God does not authorize our sin. Sin is an abomination of God, and He wants nothing to do with it, except rid us from the burden of SIN.
Christopher Mwashinga
Assignment # 4.
A. BRI Documents.
The combination of class discussions and reading assignment has been very helpful to me. It was helpful to have done several lectures on justification, sanctification and even glorification before reading some documents in BRI category. I was impressed by the way the author of the article, “Some Problems with Legal Universal justification.” Ángel Manuel Rodríguez has carefully addressed the issues involved in this rather strange doctrine. It is almost inconceivable that some people would labor to destroy the very foundations of the Christian faith. It is disturbing to think that any sinner can be justified without the justifying act of God. Keeping the Holy spirit outside of the equation to me, is like committing spiritual suicide. I agree with Rodriguez as he writes “those who have been legally justified, the whole human race, have not been baptized by the sanctifying presence of the Spirit in their lives; they know nothing about the new birth.” It seems that proponents of this kind of justification, do not give faith any chance. Even the “in Christ motif” is misused and the plan of salvation misrepresented. The claim that when Christ died every human being who has been and will be born on this planet was present in Christ when he died and that they all were legally justified, then those who are not yet born have already been justified, seems to put the entire plan of salvation in jeopardy. This raises a number of questions. If that was or is so, why did Jesus have to die? Who needs Christ at any time in human history? Everybody is already justified, born or unborn. No wonder the author uses a more educational approach as if to teach the subscribers to such a doctrine ,what the Bible plainly teach about this matter. “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. I think the article makes a good read just for the sake of knowing how some people in the world can think and believe things which are way off from the true biblical teachings.
B. The Cosmic Christ of Scripture chapts. 7 & 8.
It was refreshing to read this book and see the way the author has presented the Writings of Ellen White in a more positive way in regards to her position on the nature of Christ and the fact that we are saved by grace and not by keeping the law. Making Ellen White speak for herself, I believe was a more effective approach to the issue in question. Of course the debate about whether or not Jesus Christ was of one substance possessing the same attributes, has lasted for centuries. However, Ellen white approaches it with fresh insights, which makes the study of it a delight and motivation to understand better the nature of our Lord Jesus Christ. This study as presented in the writing of Ellen White, sets a very important stage on which to discuss the reading of the book of the cosmos. The insights from science should help us in our understanding of certain truths of the Bible. The idea that the Bible and science should not be divorced is a noble one. The mention of the fact that Ellen White had a vision about the orion, and that she saw an open, is quite interesting. Nature has a lot to teach us. It is an important book from which we can read and learn a lot more. The emphasis on a wholistic approach to theology makes a lot of sense when the discussion like the nature of Christ and the reading of the book of cosmos come together as it is in this book. I think whatever book is read, it is important to realize that God is the creator of everything and that He is the one who sustains everything.
Blog 4
Andre Anderson
You be the judge!!!!
What’s worse, working for justification, or abandoning any works at all because you feel like you will never make it? This is one of the questions posed by author Ivan T. Blazen in the article Justification by Faith and Judgment According to Works. It would seem to me that this is a discussion worth pondering. Generally speaking and I hope I may not be the only one that falls into these categories. However, throughout moments of my life there have been times where for the purpose of praise and accolades, I have worked to make myself feel better about life in those moments when perhaps I may have been off the right track. In a real genuine sense I have felt the need to do more in the gospel work to get God to forgive me for my own shortcomings. Yet, in doing so, there is a critical assertion that I now understand that perhaps I may have made. By working to get into the good books of God without being motivated by faith, I may have hurt myself more than restoring my place in the eyes of God. There is an assertion that by working although not driven by faith to act because of all that God has done for me it negates the fact that true repentance is better than works without remorse. Furthermore my actions may have also demonstrated my own misguided theology that says that there are different levels of grace. Therefore when I am prompted to works because my perception of my own sins, sins that feel unreachable even by God without my own works. Further contemplation has led me to believe that what I am really saying is that there are things that God will only forgive me for based on my own works. That is just one side of the discussion, the other perspective is that if I am stuck I should therefore give up. People that hold to this perspective will also be held accountable for their own thoughts on how low the blood of Jesus reaches. The question then is how low will God go?
This is why the doctrine of justification by faith needs to be clearly understood even if other church doctrines may not be adequately understood. Being justified takes the attention of what I must do to be saved and places its attention on the one who has justified us while we were yet sinners. God’s righteousness and salvation through Jesus is not a situational. When he justified us at Calvary, He did not itemize the various issues that humanity goes through. And yes I understand that the wages of sin is death, however, Jesus made sure that what he did for us on the cross could not be worked for lest we get tired. And yet the arm of love through the cross of Jesus for the redemption of those who he foreknew would give up. Justification is the second and third parachute just in case you fall and the first trip wire fails God will and can still catch you. People that work for it do not understand, that what Jesus has for us we could not begin to pay for, and for those that give up too easily, what he has is free.
The faith we need can be strengthen through daily prayer and bible study, yet it is the strength that God gives that gives us the ability to fight or rest so God can complete the work that he has started in us. God has given us everything that we need to be saved, but there is no way to be justified without getting to know the justifier. We must guard our eyes and ears lest we fall into temptation, because it is the enemies plan to work us so hard that we give up. Wouldn’t be a shame to have given everything this world has to offer up and yet not accept the fact that Jesus paid it all. Like the song writer says,” only trust, only trust He will see you through”.
Assignment "Terms & Conditions with Benefits"
“Should faith and works purchase the gift of salvation for anyone, then the Creator is under obligation to the creature. Here is an opportunity for falsehood to be accepted as truth. If any man can merit salvation by anything he may do, then he is in the same position as the Catholic to do penance for his sins. Salvation, then, is partly of debt, that may be earned as wages. If man cannot, by any of his good works, merit salvation, then it must be wholly of grace, received by man as a sinner because he receives and believes in Jesus. It is wholly a free gift. Justification by faith is placed beyond controversy. And all this controversy is ended, as soon as the matter is settled that the merits of fallen man in his good works can never procure eternal life for him.” Faith & Works p. 19’
This is the eye catcher for me “Justification is wholly of grace and not procured by any works that fallen man can do.”
what are the terms & conditions for justification?
Taste and see that the Lord is good! (Psalm 34.8) For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love to those who honor and relate to Him as God (Psalm 103.11) You will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in Me will not be disappointed (Isaiah 49.23) He who has the Son has real life and he who doesn't have the Son doesn't have real life (I John 5.12) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation--the old is gone, the new is here! (II Corinthians 5.17)
Peace with God through justification enables us to anticipate God’s great future, = hope for the future, + present. Because the here and now is far from an image of God’s kingdom. Not only do we fail in our discipleship, we face disappointments and opposition. He forms character in the justified disciple. He uses the trials that we inevitably face as his justified people to shape our lives and to fortify that hope we have:
Through faith in Him [Jesus] we may approach God with freedom and confidence (Ephesians 3.12) To everyone who welcomed Him by trusting in who He was and what He did, he granted the right to relate to God as intimate children [and not just creatures or citizens or whatever] (John 1.12) For God loved this world so much that He gave His unique Son, that whoever trusted in that Son would not experience the final consummation of death in all its forms and degrees, but rather have that life which is characterized by stability, fullness, and eternity (John 3.16)
Assignment Continued "Terms & Conditions with Benefits"
The terms of this oneness between God and man in the great covenant of redemption were arranged with Christ from all eternity. The covenant of grace was revealed to the patriarchs.”
And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. (Verses 3-5)
The covenant of grace is not a new truth, for it existed in the mind of God from all eternity. This is why it is called the everlasting covenant. The plan of redemption was not conceived after the fall of man to cure the dreadful evil; the apostle Paul speaks of the gospel, the preaching of Jesus Christ, as "the revelation of the mystery, which hath been kept in silence through times eternal, but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known unto all the nations unto obedience of faith." Signs of Times
Through justification, God may make his Church into a sign and foretaste of his kingdom, but the world doesn’t always like that. Nevertheless, we are the ones with the certain future. Because of hope, we have reason to hang on in there when the going gets tough. God shapes us and in forming our character through endurance, he uses the suffering inflicted on us to make us more ready for his coming kingdom. The justifying God even uses evil against itself to promote good. So if we are justified by faith in Jesus Christ, we have every reason to push on and discover that God is using the pressure to make us into diamonds.
We must enter this relationship as persons, with the first personal act of any positive relationship -- trust.
In Response to Motives & Motifs-Cyril: Cyril I really appreciate how you discussed "In Adam". I was expecting for you to insert the quote of Ellen White, where she says in Heaven Adam will see the gravity of his sin, I believe it would have brought another level to your blog!
In Response to Fuao Iakopo
Assignment #3: A life of Sanctification or Christian Perfection: Thank you so much for the message of hope! This blog caught my attention, because of the opening question; Can a bad tree produce good fruit? Could we also say that yes, a bad tree can produce good fruit with necessary cultivating? Isn't that in essence which is happening with us, Jesus Christ is cultivating our spirit so that we can no longer be a manufacture of sin?
IN Response to Quigley Morris By Grace Through Faith: I enjoyed reading your blog, and I thank you for your time to develop your thoughts. "It is through the act of presenting ourselves to Him that we are saved not that faith is the means of our salvation but simply the channel. It is like turning on the light in your house, when you flip the swish you have not created electricity but you have provided the medium for it to flow." Have we in fact created of faith? Do we not all receive the same measure of faith? Who then is the Creator of faith? Our Heavenly Father exemplifies GRACE by fostering a faith within us.
In response to Neil "What was Lucifer after?" I understand from your blog, your thought process on what Satan was after. I also question, how could perfect beings, who have existed in the Presence of God, fall? Lucifer was very convincing, and yes we know that he wanted to be included in the Creation. If Lucifer had been involved in the creation of the animals, he then might been viewed as an animal god. Your blog posed an excellent question, when did Lucifer's motives change to wanting a fallen Savior, rather than to be worshiped?
Response to Assignment #4 Reflecting on M. Hanna’s Ch. 6 The Theme of the Bible is Jesus: KBlue I anticipated your blog to address the indwelling of Christ, and the Holy Spirit within us. Ephesians 3:17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love. For Paul to say that Christ LIVES in us or DWELLS in us indicates that this is not an occasional choice, what are your thoughts?
In Response to Andre Anderson You be the judge!!!!: Andre were we justified before Calvary? Did Jesus' work begin His before the Cross?
Assignment #3
comment on Pablo Ariza
In your response in assignment #1, you connected sin to death basing your argument from Romans 3:23. I have read your article with appreciation of your simple and clear language and that needs to be used when explainning the gospel of the cross. Its true that sin is the cause of death but Jesus is the reason for life. without Him we are doomed. thanks once again.
Assinment #4; Ephesians: 2: 2-10
A STUDY OF EPHESIANS 2:8-10
Ephesians 2:8-10 being the climax of Paul's discussion of Regeneration, verse.10 is the climax of 2:8-10. It is not a mere appendix to verse 8-9. If verse.8 and verse. 9 are like two hedges, a positive and a negative, which mark out or define the path that leads to salvation, then v. 10 is the path itself. This is the goal toward which the whole passage leads.
We are his workmanship. This great affirmation of the place of good works in the Christian life begins where v. 9 left off: with the denial that they can ever be a means of salvation. That we are His workmanship is the final climactic reason why salvation by works is impossible. It is not just that we are spiritually dead and therefore incapable of true good works (in a spiritually acceptable sense) until after we come to Christ.
One of the most basic and prevalent misunderstandings of Christianity is that it is something we do. The average person thinks that a Christian is someone who goes to church, lives by the golden rule, etc. This assumption is hard to shake. Even after conversion many Christians think far too much in terms of what they do (or don't do). But the whole biblical emphasis is radically contrary. The first fact about the Christian is not what he does, but what God has done and is doing. He has chosen, predestined, redeemed, called, forgiven, has changed and is changing, has regenerated and will raise.
The word translated "workmanship" is the Greek poiema which means handiwork, craftsmanship. In English it becomes the word "poem." A poem is the most carefully crafted kind of literature, into which goes every device and all the artistry of the author. It would therefore not be illegitimate to paraphrase this verse by saying that "You are God's masterpiece." After Jesus Christ himself, we as members of Christ's body are the fullest statement of God's creative and redemptive heart that he ever plans to make. We are becoming a trophy of his mercy, a reflection of his glory, a showpiece of his grace. When he brings us to perfection at the return of Christ, the whole universe will look at us in order to understand God by what he has made.
We were created unto good works. We cannot be saved by works, but we are saved for works. Is this a paradox? No. We must simply learn to distinguish cause from effect. Good works are the ripples in the pond of life when the stone of grace is thrown into the soul by God. Salvation by works would be like a pond trying to ripple itself. Salvation without works is a theoretical impossibility also. Therefore, we can neither be saved by works nor without works. They are necessary, not as cause but as effect; not as reason but as result; not as ground but as the gratitude which motivates a changed life. Their total absence is evidence therefore of a false profession and an unsaved soul.
What then is the nature of good works, of the works for which we were saved, of the works that please God?
First, they must be covered by the blood of Christ. The service of believers is offered not as meritorious but as the tokens of gratitude and the fruits of grace.
Second, they have a specific and definite character; they are not just anything we think would be "good." They were "prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." God has definite ideas what they should be. Third, they must be in accordance with Scripture. Not every impulse of compassion that flows from our own wisdom is necessarily good.
Fourth, they are not one-time occurrences but constitute a lifestyle. They were prepared beforehand "that we should walk in them
Fifth, truly good works must have as their motive, aim, and effect the glory of God. Jesus himself said, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Mat. 5:16).
Assignment 4: “Trans-cosmic Christ”
One important insight that I gained in this class was how we are to understand the works of Christ. We have learned in the class with extensive discussion that Christ is “Trans-cosmic” Christ.
In the Old Testament, priests are described as anointed, kings are described as anointed. They were the types of true Anointed One, the Messiah, and Israelites were waiting for Him to come. Jews, as well as Samaritans were eagerly waiting for the One who will save them from their situations.
An interesting point is that when it comes to the New Testament, the word Christ, anointed one, is used only to refer to Jesus, although there were many false messiahs at that time. Bible writers recognized that there is and will be no Christ, except Jesus of Nazareth. Jews are still looking for the one to come, but there will be none for He has already come.
Then what about us? We are also looking for the One who will save us from our sufferings. Where can we find Him? How can we come to Jesus when He has already risen to heaven?
Jesus said that the Bible is written about Himself (Luke 24:44) and the Scripture testify about Him (John 5:39). Through the Scripture, we can come to Him. Even in Jesus’ time, He encouraged His people to read the Scripture in order to understand God.
Not only through the Scripture, but we can visually experience Him though God’s miracles. As we have learned, those are His creation, sustaining, and intervening in our lives. These are not only for past, but we are now experiencing them, and we will further experience in the future.
Jesus covers all, space wise and time wise. And He covers all people of all time. He was the first light and He is the everlasting light for all. We learned that He is not of cosmos; but He is light of cosmos. Not only He is the light of the cosmos, but He became part of the cosmos. Again, His physical flesh was the light of the world 2000 years ago, but now the Scripture is the light and the lamp to our feet (Ps 119:105).
Is Jesus part of the cosmos or is He separate from the cosmos? As we have learned in the class, we must have wide view, and not narrow view. We must think deep and consider all, rather than giving a quick answer to finalize the matter. The answer is both. Jesus is distinct from the cosmos, but also closely related to the cosmos.
Respond to Kabah Stephen.
I appreciated you writings, "Total Victory Promised." Yes, those questions are one of the most debated questions, especially in SDA. I think you made a good point on your paper.
The works of Christ - Assignment #4
Why Christ did not come under Levi and Aaron Priesthood? Part #2
The tribe of Levites and Aaron came from Abraham. Although the Levites tribes was the only one that God choose to offer the sacrifices for the people, Christ could not come under the Levites priesthood because Abraham payed tithes to Melchisedek. If Christ came under Levites Priesthood, Christ would be inferior and incapable to die for humanity. Moreover, Levites and Aaron came from Abraham’s seed who were working only for the Jewish people. Christ has to come under Melchisedek, a type of Christ. Melchizedek, who is said to have been "without beginning of days, nor the end of life, but made like unto the Son of God." (Heb. 7:3) All of chapter 7 in the letter to the Hebrews clearly demonstrates that there is only one who qualifies for that priesthood, and that is Jesus Christ, who "does not have beginning of days nor end of life." He is Eternal God, Immanuel, who became a man to offer the Ultimate Sacrifice, Himself, as the payment for our sins.
Melchizedek is presented in Genesis as the one who "brought forth bread and wine, and he was the priest of the most high God" to whom Abraham gave tithes. The name Melchizedek means the "King of Righteousness." He was introduced as the King of Salem, Salem meaning "Peace" - an early name of Jerusalem, where David later ruled as the King, and where the Messiah is to come to be the final King of Kings and Lord of Lords to all of Abraham’s seed. "Thus the Old Testament closes with the announcement that God in His judgment ‘will suddenly come to His temple to purify the priest (Mal. 3:1-3). God was determined to preserve His human priests until the appearance of His true priest, Jesus Christ." In fact, the office of priest was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The Son of God became a man (Heb.2:9-14) so that He might offer Himself as a sacrifice ‘once to bear the sins of many’ (9:28). Hence, there is no longer a need for priests to offer a sacrifice to atone for man’s sin. A permanent sacrifice has been made by Jesus Christ through His death on the Cross." When Christ died on the Cross of Calvary, God ripped the veil of the temple, "from top to bottom" (Matt. 27:51). That veil had separated men from God (where only priests could have entered after ceremonial cleansing), now there is no more a veil, allowing all believers access to Him through Jesus Christ, abolishing the old Aaronic priesthood and making all true believers in Christ His "royal priesthood, an holy nation" to "offer sacrifices of praise to God continually...giving thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15).
As there was only one high priest at a time in Israel, we have only one High Priest now Jesus the mediator of the New Covenant, who does not need to be replaced like the old high priest, who because of death, had to be replaced. He lives forever, making intercession for us. He has the Priesthood "that does not pass from one to another". (Hebrews 7:24)
In sum, Jesus came not after the order of Aaron, but after the order of Melchisedeck to finish transgression, to make an end of sin and purge it away. the Priests under the law after the order of Aaron, could not do this though they made use of blood, they sprinkled the sacrifice with blood, but they could not cleanse the soul from sin; however, Christ comes, He is a Priest and offers a sacrifice for all, and He offers up Himself, and by that one offering He has forever perfected them that are sanctified; He does it effectually. There never were other Melchizedek priests! Jesus Christ alone is our High Priest. He is our Prophet, Priest and soon coming King. Wasn’t that excellent!
The works of Christ - Assignment #4
Why Christ did not come under Levi and Aaron Priesthood? Part #2
The tribe of Levites and Aaron came from Abraham. Although the Levites tribes was the only one that God choose to offer the sacrifices for the people, Christ could not come under the Levites priesthood because Abraham payed tithes to Melchisedek. If Christ came under Levites Priesthood, Christ would be inferior and incapable to die for humanity. Moreover, Levites and Aaron came from Abraham’s seed who were working only for the Jewish people. Christ has to come under Melchisedek, a type of Christ. Melchizedek, who is said to have been "without beginning of days, nor the end of life, but made like unto the Son of God." (Heb. 7:3) All of chapter 7 in the letter to the Hebrews clearly demonstrates that there is only one who qualifies for that priesthood, and that is Jesus Christ, who "does not have beginning of days nor end of life." He is Eternal God, Immanuel, who became a man to offer the Ultimate Sacrifice, Himself, as the payment for our sins.
Melchizedek is presented in Genesis as the one who "brought forth bread and wine, and he was the priest of the most high God" to whom Abraham gave tithes. The name Melchizedek means the "King of Righteousness." He was introduced as the King of Salem, Salem meaning "Peace" - an early name of Jerusalem, where David later ruled as the King, and where the Messiah is to come to be the final King of Kings and Lord of Lords to all of Abraham’s seed. "Thus the Old Testament closes with the announcement that God in His judgment ‘will suddenly come to His temple to purify the priest (Mal. 3:1-3). God was determined to preserve His human priests until the appearance of His true priest, Jesus Christ." In fact, the office of priest was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The Son of God became a man (Heb.2:9-14) so that He might offer Himself as a sacrifice ‘once to bear the sins of many’ (9:28). Hence, there is no longer a need for priests to offer a sacrifice to atone for man’s sin. A permanent sacrifice has been made by Jesus Christ through His death on the Cross." When Christ died on the Cross of Calvary, God ripped the veil of the temple, "from top to bottom" (Matt. 27:51). That veil had separated men from God (where only priests could have entered after ceremonial cleansing), now there is no more a veil, allowing all believers access to Him through Jesus Christ, abolishing the old Aaronic priesthood and making all true believers in Christ His "royal priesthood, an holy nation" to "offer sacrifices of praise to God continually...giving thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15).
As there was only one high priest at a time in Israel, we have only one High Priest now Jesus the mediator of the New Covenant, who does not need to be replaced like the old high priest, who because of death, had to be replaced. He lives forever, making intercession for us. He has the Priesthood "that does not pass from one to another". (Hebrews 7:24)
In sum, Jesus came not after the order of Aaron, but after the order of Melchisedeck to finish transgression, to make an end of sin and purge it away. the Priests under the law after the order of Aaron, could not do this though they made use of blood, they sprinkled the sacrifice with blood, but they could not cleanse the soul from sin; however, Christ comes, He is a Priest and offers a sacrifice for all, and He offers up Himself, and by that one offering He has forever perfected them that are sanctified; He does it effectually. There never were other Melchizedek priests! Jesus Christ alone is our High Priest. He is our Prophet, Priest and soon coming King. Wasn’t that excellent!
Assignment #4 – “Immanuel”
Christ has many titles that convey His character and His person. The Bible says that when Christ was born the Angels proclaimed that He should be called Immanuel meaning “God with us”. To me this is not a simple title but it contains profound meaning. It juxtaposes God (divinity) with us (humanity). God is above us and superior to us. We are beneath Him and inferior, and the fact that He condescended to our level is no simple feat. No other god, no other religion (as far as I know) has a God who is so in love with His people that He leaves Glory to be with them. As Dr. Hanna mentioned this week, Ellen White says that God emptied heaven for the salvation of man. Risking Heaven itself and His throne. Both Ephesians and Colossians speak heavily of Christs descent into the cosmos to reconcile us back to God. “God with us” also reminds me of what Dr. Hanna said this week, in that not only in the big scheme of things is Christ involved but daily through the process of sanctification Christ is with us. Salvation is not something that I carry in my pocket (again as Dr. Hanna would say). My salvation is in Christ as long as I am with Him I am saved Christ is with me. Salvation does not put me into a position where we could do without Jesus. “God with Us” to me at least, is a theologically loaded statement and title. It implies also that this is not the norm. God should not be with us, we messed up, we are the sinners but God who is Sovereign of His own volition and His own free will ventured into the cosmos with a dangerous, reckless plan, that would seem like mission impossible for any other person. “God with Us” also speaks to synergy in some ways as well, in that God does not leave us to work for our salvation to try to procure it on our own. For the truth is we cannot do it. And so God works with us together, as Romans 8:28 exemplifies. “God with us” also speaks to God’s creation, both us and nature. 1 Corinthians 15:28 states that when all things will be subdued unto Christ, God will then be all and in all. This means that God wants at-one-ment with His creation and wants to be involved and connected to creation, what He deems as deserving of His love and power. Ive always loved this title it has brought me comfort in trying times and still continues to do so. But it has taken on even more meaning as it pertains to the study of the cosmic and transcosmic Christ!
In Response to Alta-The works of Christ - Assignment #4Why Christ did not come under Levi and Aaron Priesthood?
Alta I gather from you blog that you have put careful time and consideration to this topic! I appreciate the effort, I have a question stating that Jesus Christ the New High Priest replaced the Old High Priest with the New Covenant. Do you think this would be used as support to other Christian Churches that believe because of Christ's work we have been released of the Old Covenant, and the Ten Commandments? Was Jesus completing the work of a High Priest when He was in the Flesh here on Earth? Is there a point where Christ is not operating in the Cosmic in His Trans-Cosmic Authority and duties?
Did justification happen all at once? When did it occur? These are the common questions that are presented in the Adventist Church. "But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5 to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.(Gal 4.4)
It is often preached that Justification occurred when Jesus was Born. If justification occurred then at the moment of Jesus' Birth, then were the dead prior to His birth dead to sin, and dead to Jesus? Are they now covered by Jesus Christ? These are all valid questioning, however the foundation is off base. Because there was a Salvation Plan before sin even occurred all of Earth was Justified. When the plan was implemented all of the Cosmos saw the plan, and watched to see how it played out. The Salvation Plan has more significance to the Unfallen because they have witnessed Jesus in His Trans-Cosmic nature. Our imagination leaves gaps, and holes to our mental processing of the full scope of Jesus' Nature.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures. James 1:17, 18
"and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished- 26 he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus." (Rom 3.24ff)
Now, grace is a very strange word to the modern world. It actually has a basic meaning of 'undeserved or unearned favor, as a kindness-gift.' The concept is a very active one (unlike 'peace' which is a more passive word). This 'favor' smiles at us, acts on our behalf in history, forms the basis for all of our dealings with our God. It is undeserved in that we could never earn or deserve God's active, positive involvement in our lives, for our good and welfare. It has a warm connotation to it, of kindness and tenderness and loving and gentleness and hearty friendship. It is not a legal term, like 'peace' or 'forgiveness.' It's not like 'doing someone a favor' but rather 'she was favored with beauty and wit, from childhood.' The consequence of this is that we are in a spotlight of God's positive workings in history. We have been singled out as targets for His good and kind working. (You and I will spend many, many millennia exploring this grace...and never fathom the bottom of it!)
Week #4 .
The assurance of our salvation.
The central theme I got for the whole of this week is that our or let me particularize to myself is that my salvation is an assured deal,no power nor principality that will confuse me from the insight I got from this course the {woc].jesus’s main a genda for us who are living is to give us eternal life.we are predestined to go to heaven as in the book of john 14 says that do not be troubled belief in me for in my fathers house are many mansions if it were not so I could have not told you.
When we accept jesus as our personal saviour we enable the process of the monergy and synergy of God to work in us.after many class presantations most participants agreed the concept of the cosmic and transcosmic work of christ in the cosmos.the other thing which captured my mind was the ascendind zigzay growth ,we grow in christ.
we are in christ the we cant I gnore thethe whole process leading us to acomplete salvation that is waiting for us-justification, santifaction,and grolyfication.i liked the conclussion from dr hanna as we were crossing the course that our focus should be keeping the main thin the main thing least should we loose get lost.
Response to Joshua Woods’s refection
I loved the way Joshua approach is concerned with the point of someone resist to listen from God’s will that revelation of God through nurture would be the solution for him. This when refusing to listen to God we separate from Him and we make a bridge of miles but one of the natural things would bring us closer to God for instance when one is thirst and need to take water to solve his passion then that person would come to know that water was made by God and it is one of the many ways that we can see God and appreciate his presence. I agree that nurture speaks a lot than what we could say to people. Nurture has more power to concise us too come closer to God. The science people have gone far away rejecting God but I think they have something special to learn about God when they deal with nurture and probably that could be one of the best ways to get interaction with them about God. Though not all may come to admit and acknowledge about God but this approach would make a way for the Holy Spirit to get some of them to acknowledge God and creation
Assignment #4 "What did you see?"
There is a popular science fiction show that is featured on ABC, where there was a man made caused epidemic on October 6, 2009 and everyone passed out, and was able to see into there future for 2 minutes and 17 seconds on the day of April 29, 2010. The premise of the show is how would you react if you knew just a little bit of your future. How would you make the plans in your life to make sure that you were in the right place, right time, to ensure that you would see the experience what you saw into the future.
The one thing that the show brings up that there are an infinite number of routes to that one day. One man had calculated over 1000 different possibilities, but certain outcomes were necessary in order for the "future" to occur as they have seen.
We as Christians believe that we know the important scene. We believe the Revelation that John transcribed, how have our lives been changed by what he saw? We have choices, but do we make every intention to do what is necessary to make sure we operate within our justification.
Do we deliberately make choices to ensure that we will be counted as the sheep? Or are we completely focused on the wrong things, that we have misapplied Scripture, and have been caring out the prophetic words, of false teaching. This class has helped me to see the error in my ways, and that we as Christians should not be afraid to ask questions, and even receive questions about our answers.
Our beliefs should be ever affirming rather than, discussing the "hot topics", we need to get back to the basics, the fundamentals of Christianity. What do we believe? Where did we get off track with the complexity of Christ Work on our behalf?
We know the ending, but me need to me focused on the way we get to that ending, where every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. The work of Christ has such a powerful impact on the cosmos. There is so much at stake and we need to carry our responsibility, and continue to search the Scripture and continue to facilitate our growth in knowledge.
Emmanuel Ngussa Bohole #4
I am cured from the probes of holiness while working with God after coming up with a new outlook of what it all mean working together with God. Well our working together with God does not accomplish our salivation. 1 Corinthian 3:6-9. Paul uses these words ‘’ God to be all in all ‘’ as a figurative language or a way of expressing God’s harmony between man and Himself (Synergy). When we respond to him that is our integral part and our response to his call becomes positive because of that love which reflects in us.
We seek the missing aspect of love when we respond to his call and still by his faith we get convicted to be justified. However we do not stop there we work by love as we wait for the hope of glorification. This hope for glorification is determined by the way we use the fore knowledge of God which is his will prescriptive in the sense that God prefer us to choose life but also God permit death if we decide to go to that way. Now why could one of us misunderstand the prescriptive (Will) or explanation of God’s wills that God through Jesus he took himself to be everything even to the point of death that we might be in life in him. Here I got one important thought to share and that is this ‘’ internal life the preferred, prescribed way of our journey to glorification’’
We are called in hope for this internal life, internal death is not our call for eternity. I am not ashamed to say that those who are willing to respond in love and be reconciled by God will be in relationship with Him and are covered. To be covered does not mean that we continue to sin or get persuasion to sin by the coverage of God even though Jesus has enough justification in him in the past present and future still working together with him is an important part for our salvation and that does not impute us holier people except God himself. There is always a danger of rejecting good did or keeping the law that we shall pretend holier but that is not our case. We do not because holy by keeping the law. But by faith salvation is credited to us it is not ours , we only get is by grace as a gift and not by being holy or working together with God even though it is important that we corporate with God.
Response #4 to Nelson's reflection #4
Wow, that was from the heart and powerful. I wasn't aware that people protested outside of the GC sessions, but it doesn't surprise me. Outsiders with agendas pop up randomly inside our churches, so why not show up at our biggest meetings? I too am thankful for this class and the knowledge that God has given Dr. Hanna to share with us.
Assignment 4: “It is finished” an invitation for synergy.
There is a consensus among all Christians that the most important moment of Jesus Christ and history of salvation is Cross at Calvary. And at Calvary one sentence from His mouth, “It is finished” has been a watershed for all generations from the past to the end and even for whole universe. Because of this amazing event at Calvary, God’s foreknowing, predestination, calling, justification, sanctification, and finally glorification all of these process could find its own position to stand.
Unfortunately, however, some people have been misunderstood the word, “it is finished.” They are thinking that Jesus Christ fulfilled all the requirements for our salvation and that’s it. There is no other space we can do for the salvation. Of course, it is true that Jesus Christ only can satisfy the requirements for our salvation. So, Luke says clearly in the book of Acts that Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved (Acts 14:12). On the other hand, however, John says in the book of John that For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). John also agrees that the way we can have eternal life is from only Jesus Christ, God’s one and only Son. At the same time, he also speaks of our faith for that salvation, saying “whoever believes in him...” He clearly says, somehow, there are some parts we have to participate for the salvation. In other words, the event on the Cross at Calvary is not the ending point for the plane of salvation. For me it seems like an invitation for the people, saying, “I’m faithful on the covenant which was made between you and Me.” “As I have been faithful to you even that is revealed clearly on the Cross, you should be faithful unto me.”
Cross of Jesus Christ is the essential for the Christianity and its faith. Cross is the center of the plan of salvation. Without Cross of Christ, all the theological concept can’t find its own position to stand. Therefore, Cross of Christ and His word, “it is finished,” should be the foundation of Monergy and Synergy at the same time. Paul clearly speaks of the notion that monergy and synergy are kind of two sides of the same coin. They go together in Paul’s theology of salvation. He speaks of monergy, saying “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will” (Eph 1:11). He says God is working alone for the salvation. And at the same time, he speaks of synergy, saying “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”(Rom 8:28). And in Corinthians, he continuously speaks of synergy, “we are God's fellow workers” (1 Cor 3:9). We are workers together(Greek: synego) with God. And Paul mentions some elements, such as faith, love, and hope in the sense of synergy. According to him, we have been justified through faith (Rom 5:1) and hope for glorification doesn’t disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Rom 5:5; Gal 5:6). If we are trying to decide either monergy and synergy for salvation, we will be in trouble. Neither approach will be the biblical truth. Biblical approach is standing on the good balance between of them.
Response 4 to John A. Coaxum
Thank you for the notion that “God is with us” is not a simple announcement. Rather it juxtaposes God (divinity) with us (humanity). I never thought about this short sentence in this way before. God is not just with us, but He lowered himself, putting him on the same level with us. It really seems like very powerful to me.
And also the thought that with Christ all heavenly blessings came to the earth with Him was touching my heart as amazing blessing that I can’t find in this world at all. I noticed that the blessing could be found only in Christ who became cosmic Christ. Thank you for your writing.
In Response to Jeon, Kyoung Chun said...
Assignment 4: “It is finished” an invitation for synergy.
Is it finished? When will we know that the Work of Christ is completed? What I understood in class that even in Heaven there will be a process of glorification, and justification will still be happening. What was Jesus making reference too when He said it is finished. Was He speaking in respect to His Cosmic work that had to be completed? I believe that Scripture and Spirit of Prophecy support that Jesus as the Trans-cosmic God, as He was entering the Cosmos He refrained from performing Trans-Cosmic Work. “Ye are laborers together with God.” That is just why He gave us Jesus. He gave His only begotten Son to come down to this world, lay aside His glory, and clothe His divinity with humanity. He came here to bear all the trials that every human soul will bear, and far ahead, because according to His glorious character were His temptations such as the human soul can understand but little about. The Plan of Salvation is complete, but the process is still underway...We are continually Justified
Reflections on Steps to Christ (Part 1)
Reading Steps to Christ is refreshing and enlightening no matter how many times one reads it, at least that has been my experience. I am here reflecting on the first four chapters, just to limit myself for the sake of this post. I have to say that the book is one of my favorites in many respects but more so in terms of spiritual formation.
God’s Love for Man
The first line of the first paragraph takes us back to the idea of a trans-cosmic Creator who broke into the cosmos and revealed himself to his creation through creation and revelation – Dr Hanna calls these two, the Book of Inspiration and the Book of Creation. Ellen White states that nature and revelation alike testify of God's love. The chapter continues on to show how the love of God for humanity is evident even though sin entered the world. Every act of God is an act of love for Adam’s lost race. There is an unrelenting quality in the love of God that just won’t let the sinner go.
Love so amazing!
The Sinner’s Need
The author states that once humanity sinned it was practically impossible for us to escape from the pit of sin. Our hearts are evil and we cannot change them. “Education, culture, the exercise of the will, human effort, all have their proper sphere, but here they are powerless. They may produce an outward correctness of behavior, but they cannot change the heart; they cannot purify the springs of life. There must be a power working from within, a new life from above, before men can be changed from sin to holiness.” With this statement Ellen White shakes the foundation for many a Christian’s view of spiritual formation. It seems that what passes for righteousness is nothing more than a modification of behavior and the point being made here is that the work of Jesus in a soul is to transform that person from within.
A logical question that arises is the question of how much of that transformation is solely on Jesus and how much, if any, is on us. This is essentially a question of the synergy and monergy that we discussed in class. I will not attempt to answer any questions here but they are worth asking. Where does monergy start and where does it stop in this process? Where does synergy come in, or does it? Does any of the two have a stopping point in the Christian’s life? Since the statement declares that the exercise of the will or human effort is futile in this respect what do we make of the “whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely,” of Rev 22:17 KJV?
The key point here is that the sinner’s only hope is in the work of Jesus for and in them.
Repentance
Repentance is pitched here the condition under which a sinner can come to Jesus through whom only is harmony with God possible. By way of definition Ellen White says, “Repentance includes sorrow for sin and a turning away from it,” and then she adds, “We shall not renounce sin unless we see its sinfulness; until we turn away from it in heart, there will be no real change in the life.” Clearly here is synergistic language. Repent is what a sinner must do. Question is how much of that repentance depends on God or does any of it depend on God since it is what the sinner must do to be united with Christ then reconciled with God?
Ellen White further clarifies, saying that repentance is only true as it is the result of the sinner’s response to the influence of the Spirit of God. In other words repentance in the Bible is a process that does not begin with the sinner but with God and is never complete without the cooperation of the sinner.
Reflections on Steps to Christ (Part 2)
Confession
Ellen White here couples confession with forsaking sin insisting that the two must go together or the confession is not acceptable. She says confession “should be heartfelt and freely expressed,” by this she means that none is to be forced to confess when they have no real sense of the heinousness of their sin. She concludes the chapter on this note: “The humble and broken heart, subdued by genuine repentance, will appreciate something of the love of God and the cost of Calvary; and as a son confesses to a loving father, so will the truly penitent bring all his sins before God. And it is written, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.”
Assignment #4: Getting ready to go home!
(Note: Dr. Hanna, I thought I posted this on Friday but it didn’t show up for some reason. Maybe I missed the security code. Please be merciful!)
First, an observation. Dr. Hanna quoted a pair of comments (p.86, 87) which clearly teach a Divine Godhead/Trinitarian concept, and yet leaders in our church (including James White himself!) were still strongly anti-Trinitarian for many decades. I just can’t help but wonder how they managed to deny the Sovereignty of one (or more) members for so long without ending up on the receiving end of a “Dear Brother T.” letter.
Now, on to real business. I find it interesting that the readings in The Cosmic Christ of Scripture seems to perfectly correlate with readings my from Scripture for every other reflection. This final reflection, based on chapters 7-9, Colossians 3-4, and some Biblical Research Institute documents all once again bounce back to the theme of deepening our relationship with Christ after we’ve accepted Him as our Savior.
It would likely shock and bewilder the average Christian to realize one truth about His human nature: “He exercised in His own behalf no power that is not freely offered to us. (p. 94, DoA p. 24)” It sounds so unbiblical when you see it written out like that. Isn’t this the same Jesus who turned water into wine at a wedding feast? Isn’t this the same Christ who rebuked the storm on the sea so He could go back to sleep without His disciples bugging Him? Pointing out these exceptions and objections ignores a holistic approach that we’ve been learning. While Christ also did those miracles, He also taught that if we were to say to a mountain that it should go into the sea and truly believe that it will happen, it WILL happen (Mark 11:23). Christ said that His disciples were going to receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them, the same Spirit that came upon Christ at the beginning of His ministry (Acts 1:8, Luke 3:22). It’s time to stop settling for accomplishing nothing for God’s Kingdom simply because we’re human and Jesus was still divine. After four weeks of studying God’s love for us and just what He’s gone through to redeem us, it’s time to put away the questions and the doubts, and take hold of the power God has granted us.
The Apostle Paul describes some very practical aspects of that power in Colossians 3-4. Don’t only go out and try to move mountains and multiply fish, get rid of the mountains in your own life! Stop getting angry, lying, cheating, lusting, or wrapping yourself up in greed and pride (3:5-9). Show mercy, kindness, patience, humility, and forgiveness (3:12-17). Treat your family right (3:18-25). You can and WILL do all of these things because of the power of God which dwells in you by His Spirit, and it’s time to actually do them.
Some might try and argue that this emphasis is legalism and justification by works. “We’re saved by faith and faith alone;” the battle cry of many Christians (including some Adventists). Mr. Blazen’s article on justification includes a beautiful refutation of that idea. “Faith is a reaction to God's initial action and promise.” Our life and lifestyle should be a reflection of our relationship with God, not what we perceive to be the entry point. It is because we’re so loved by God that we can and must strive to set aside bad things (public sins against others as well as private sins between myself and God).
In response to Andre's blog 4
I think you did a good job in being personal and honest. You made a good point on the need to have a faith relationship with Jesus and pointing out the need for us to do a better job in teaching the subject of justification by faith. I think to a great degree we have considered from a narrow view perspective and I think Dr Hanna did a good job in insisting on the need to look at issues in a holistic way. i am persuaded to believe that once we are able to approach the subject from a holistic point of view much fruit will be reaped.
However, I am confused by these last lines, "We must guard our eyes and ears lest we fall into temptation, because it is the enemies plan to work us so hard that we give up. Wouldn’t be a shame to have given everything this world has to offer up and yet not accept the fact that Jesus paid it all. Like the song writer says,” only trust, only trust He will see you through”. What are you saying here? I am wondering how this ending fits the rest of your post, I would appreciate an explanation on this because you just lost me there brother.
Works of Christ: Assignment # 4: “Synergistic Proof: Is it working?”
Paul writes in Colossians 3: 1&2 "Therefore IF you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth." This statement by Paul calls those who have been raised in Christ to act in a certain way. It opens the way for some philosophical questions. Id this a call to everyone or only to those who have been raised in Christ? If it were a call to only those who have been raised in Christ, assuming the exclusion of some, then one could be lead to ask are not the same requirements placed on those who have not been raised. Such a question would cite for support Ecclesiastes 12:13 "The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person." If then the requirement is one that rests upon all, who then is Paul really talking to? Have ALL indeed been raised up in Christ?
One model that supports this thought would find an answer to some of the puzzling questions that would follow further on in Colossians chapter 3. Undoubtedly one of the questions that would follow is; if all have been raised in Christ, why then are some lost? Why does the wrath of god fall upon some, if all have been raised in Christ?
Paul notes in Colossians 3: 5-6 that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of men becayse of things he admonishes them to consider themselves dead to. Things such as "immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry." It would seem that being raised in Christ does not take away the freedom to choose to hold on to these things. However, if one chooses to hold on to them, they will experience the wrath of God as children of Disobedience.
So the proof of Synergy. Some would say that if we can or are able to work synergistically that is proof that we have been chosen before hand irresistably by God. One could ask if some have been chosen irresistably (and some not), why does God (who is not willing that any should perish) call all men to "keep His commandments.
I believe the proof that is found in synergy rather is that which can be explained as such. We can prove that we have chosen to work with God by exercisign the power he has given us to shun the evil desires we "once walked in"(Col 3:7). Therefore the burden of proof is not placed on God. He has done all and has shown that He is eternally willing to continue doing all. The burden of proof rests on us. Will we follow?
Response to:
Neil Gordon
WOC
Assignment # 3
My Questions?????
As I read your experience and think back on my own, one thing I'm amazed at is the fact that God uses "tension" (something Dr. Hanna mentioned in class) to teach and we need to preserve that tension. I though about this because God does indeed use everything; words, people, creation, the entire Cosmos to reveal Himself. We could then be tempted to think, since it's all Good, then ANY ONE THING is good by itself right. The tension I find in this and in my (possibly our) experience is that even if we know everything about one small thing (something I'm comming to even doubt is possible) we often call ourselves experts and venture to teach the world how we have discovered "THE WAY". When in truth and in fact, we can't know fully the way. And yet, we know enough of the way and have the privilege even now to keep searching the way. Jesus says "I am the way the truth and the life..." John 14:6. I just find it amazing (as you do) that we can't know everything and yet we can come to know and reveal the one in whom everything is.
Reflection #3 on the Branch Davidians/shepherd’s Rod – Who are They, by George Reid
I must confess that, although it is definitely not the first time I heard/read about the Davidians, it intrigued me deeply to realize, following their history as exposed in this article, how great can be the damage of misunderstanding the Scripture. The various passages upon which they have dwelled more, and which have been interpreted to mean something contrary to the rest of the Bible, became tools unto perdition. And there is something in me that is asking at this moment, Do we even realize the great responsibility that rests upon our shoulders to represent God’s word properly? And also, how can we guard ourselves to not attain similar results for our souls and for others’ souls?
Well, this blog is not meant to offer answers, but rather I am sharing my anxiety if you wish, in reference to how the Word of God can be such a destructive tool when misused and misunderstood.
And I must say that I myself am on a journey of understanding how to correctly interpret the Bible, and I think one of the challenges more people face is on how they should apply the Bible for themselves, in their personal lives. An important principle that I came to realize lately is that the meaning in the context is still the one that validates the lesson we gain from our personal studies – a moral and spiritual lesson, and not a “clear” direction for a specific situation in our life; that allegorical interpretation does not have a place into passages that are not allegorical, even when it comes to merely a personal application. After all, the principle is the same, whether we preach it from the pulpit, or whether we take it as a personal application for our life.
I shrug and pray.
Reflection #4 on Primacy of the Gospel Committee Report
The point that stands out to me is in this report is the Primacy of the Bible. “While we affirm the intent of the 1888 Study Committee to uplift the primacy of the Bible, it appears to us that this is not consistently applied. At times it appears that the scriptural evidence is being examined through the theological understandings of Jones and Waggoner.”
I must say that, while I understand the need for personal in-depth study of the Bible, I often consider how many people actually depend on interpretations offered by those more “knowledgeable” in the Scriptures. And my concern is, how could it be otherwise? There surely is a certain authority that comes with a title, and perhaps not so much for the “title” itself, but for all the research a person has undergone to seek to understand the truth of the Bible, and its relevance to us today.
So I wonder, isn’t that what we do at every step ourselves? Look at others for an understanding of the Bible? And is that possible placing a human being before the Word of God? What would be a solution for this? While I think personal study is very important, I must admit that a full-time job other than a theology-related field will always be tempted to rely on the findings of those employed full-time in the theological field.
I suppose on thing would be to check what is being presented to them. However, in reality, even that may seem a task too time-consuming for most people.
Comment #1 on Pablo Ariza’s reflection #1 Initiative of Cosmic Christ
Not only do we see that sin results in physical death, but also spiritual death. For some reason this stuck out to me as I read it in the reflection. It makes me ponder over why we, humans, seem to manifest the tendency to grieve more over the physical aspect of death. We cry ourselves out at a family member’s deathbed, but now I wonder how often we grieve our spiritual death; and moreover, how often do we even realize we are spiritually dying.. without God in our lives, we are headed constantly down. But I believe that a great hindrance in the understanding of our spiritual state is self-justification and self-righteousness. I think it takes humility of soul and mind to realize who we truly are before we discover where we are heading in our spiritual journey.
Comment #2 on Wallin O’Connor’s Assignment #4
I sympathize with the thoughts on the effects of sin upon all creation (which extends beyond our sphere here on earth). It often preoccupies my mind, and I must say that I think understanding this broader perspective on sin and salvation would in fact make a huge difference in our earthly walk with God. I think it places us more properly in our the wider context, and that prompts us to a more serious attitude towards sin and salvation, and towards the part we are called to play in this incredibly great controversy.
Comment #3 on Quigley Morris’
Assignment #3 What to do with Doubt
I also sympathize with Quigley in his reflection of the state of our world today. I must admit though that part of me believes that doubt is OK, and sometimes necessary. I am talking about the kind of doubt that does not allow us to take anything and everything we hear/read without proving its claims. And I believe that God is not afraid of this, because the Scriptures do testify of Him, and a sincere heart who is willing to search will come to the knowledge of who God is.
But on the other hand, I also stop to ponder Ellen White’s quote that “All Satan wants from us is to doubt God.” I am intrigued to read it in the context. While I certainly don’t think doubt is the path to salvation, the reality is that it comes; it just comes. One cannot choose to not doubt; doubts need to be struggled with. True, faith is a choice, but it is based on something, and that something, that understanding of who God is might be what is missing in someone to practice the faith we are called to. And sometimes doubt might prompt the search for that something.
Comment #4 on Joshua Woods Reflection #4
I love that Ellen White is brought into picture. Her writings have been incredibly inspiring to me, and I cannot fathom how someone can find her irrelevant. I need read only a few sentences, and I feel drawn to the reading in a way that does not occur with any other book written by men, (except for the Bible, or course). I also like Joshua’s thought that “it is amazing that God cannot even be embodied by our finite language.” I like that as well, because understanding that God is infinitely great offers me an assurance that I can always have a model before me, and that there is always going to be place for me to grow.
Response# 3
To: Cyril –Assignment #3 “ In Adam, In Christ motifs
Cyril, I enjoyed your review of this article. You displayed a strong grasp of the problems presented by its author and articulated the complex concepts clear enough for a novice to understand. For example, the notion you incited of us all eating of the fruit of Eden creates a striking illustration of how unsound this view is. It echoes the point that the author purports about us in fact being present on the cross that Christ had to bear for us. Such an illustration punctuates the theological potholes this view implies. I would only take issue with the sentiment of your framing of the authors’ stance. It seems to me that though he identified errors in the implications of the 1888 committee he did not dismiss their findings altogether. My concern is mostly diplomatic I must admit. We must be careful not to marginalize others who may have adopted this view and hold on to it in spite of its obvious flaws. This attempt to bring them to our understanding should be handled with the same care our growth is to be handled. Arguably, the emphasis is placed on the meanings of these statements made by the committee and how these implications are leading to confusion and must be clarified.
Response #4
To: Pohlmarc Lawrence- Assignment #3 Liquid & Juice Analogy of Synergy
Thank you Pohlmarc for your submission of assignment #3. I enjoyed your comments on the nature of God’s grace, specifically how considering your illustration of it being an atmosphere it surrounds my very being. I got really excited when I realized that within this picture of God’s grace it takes more effort to be lost than it does to be saved. Salvation is the work of God from beginning to end. Synergistically my most productive contribution to His work is to submit. That’s what’s so wonderful about it. I don’t have to tell my lungs to breath in oxygen because the mechanics are already there. So present are these structure and laws that govern my breathing that an attempt to take my own life by suffocation is arguably impossible if not down right difficult. In the same way God has set the terms with the structures and laws that govern my Salvation. I would have a much easier time giving in to the downhill effect of God’s plan then I would fight the uphill effect of going against His purpose for me. Certainly the choice is there but it is truly foolhardy. Synergism however, I would implore you, does not happen out of a vacuum. Thus, even “our powder” is only there to provide because of God’s mercy. I’m so happy that he didn’t leave it up to me.
In Adam/In Christ motifs of Romans 5
Assignment #3
In his article “Comments on the In Adam/In Christ motif” Mr. Rodriguez is critical of the conclusion reached by the 1888 Study Committee. The committee sought to reconcile Paul’s meaning in Romans 5 when he speaks of Adams contribution to the world as opposed to Jesus’. I think Mr. Rodriguez makes a precise point. His initial distinction from the fray is found from his study of Genesis 2:7. This familiar text was and still is used by supporters of the ‘In Adam” motif. Thus because of the use of the plural form for the word life in this text it means that God breathed all lives into Adam such that when he sinned all sinned with him. I must admit that I implicitly held on to this belief until reading this article. What’s more disconcerting was my lack in discerning how incredibly flawed this view was by using fundamental theological reasoning. Summarily, the author continues his article by decoding all of the hidden implications created by the committee’s assertions. These statements eventually distill to the discovery that the only way Paul’s statement could make sense was to be view one of very few ways. Of those ways the Study Committee’s finding saw it as being trans-physical. At this point I would have to join the author’s plea toward the committee for not being clear about what trans-physical meant to them. I’m not sure, however how he is able to ascertain that what they did not mean: that Adam contained the seed of mankind in him and infected mankind with his act of disobedience to also disobey. The author concedes that they would be closer to the truth if they in fact believed this view but failed to show how the original document betrayed this view. Furthermore, he introduces that even the seed view has its limitations namely that a seed since it lacks a consciousness is not a morally responsible agent. In his final rejoinder on the Adam motif the author exposes a paradox created by the 1888 committee. I found this discovery to be the most telling of the flaws inherent of the committees view. In concert with the prior notion of Adam and us being one in the same making his sins ours they also purport that Adam has also imputed his sin to all mankind thereby giving the propensity to sin as well. At first glance this may seem acceptable but any thoughtful observer will see that one cancels out the other. The solidarity of humanity is used, as a framework for this belief that was and still is in many ways predominant in middle-eastern Hebrew culture. The author does a fine job clarifying the missteps of the committee on the subject of Hebrew solidarity. In western thinking the predominant driver of one’s destiny lies in that hand of that individual. It would be a matter of awe and amazement if anyone were ever to sue another for the deferment of their dreams in a western tribunal. Though this scene may not be a regular vista in an eastern tribunal it would not be a novelty if it were. This punctuates the point that Paul is making here in regards to sin. Adam’s actions affected but did not infect us. Each human was affected by his actions spiritually but not infected physically. This is important to discern as the author suggests because it can undermine the significance of Christ’ substitution on the cross for me.
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