The original intent of the concept "You cannot legislate morality" was to convey the idea that passing a law prohibiting a particular kind of activity would not necessarily eliminate such activity. The point of the phrase was that laws do not ipso facto produce obedience to those laws. In fact, on some occasions the legal prohibition of certain practices has incited only greater violation of established law. "Prohibition" is an example.
The contemporary interpretation of legislating morality differs from the original intent. Instead of saying the government cannot legislate morality, it says the government may not legislate morality...
If we take this kind of thinking to its logical conclusion, we leave the government with little to do. If the government may not legislate morality, its activity will be restricted to determining the colours of the state flag, the state flower, and perhaps the state bird. (But even questions of flowers and birds may be deemed "moral" as they touch on ecological issues, which are ultimately moral in character.)
The vast majority of matters that concern legislation are, in fact, of a decidedly moral character. The regulation of murder, theft, and civil rights are moral matters. How a person operates his automobile on the highway is a moral issue since it touches on the well-being of fellow travellers.
- R. C. Sproul, How Can I Know God's Will?
of course, what should or should not be legal is a separate issue altogether.
the question is not whether the government can legislate morality. the government not only can legislate morality, but does legislate morality. rather, the question is how the government should legislate morality.
Tuesday 30 June 2009
Monday 29 June 2009
the justification debate
A Christianity Today Primer
links: thoughts on the justification debate (1 jul 09), justification and relationships (2 jul 09)
links: thoughts on the justification debate (1 jul 09), justification and relationships (2 jul 09)
Sunday 28 June 2009
even more on calvinism and middle knowledge
in a previous post, more on calvinism and middle knowledge, i wrote that:
1. according to molinism, man is libertarianly free in God's middle knowledge and libertarianly free in God's free knowledge.
2. according to classical calvinism, man is compatibilistically free in God's middle knowledge and compatibilistically free in God's free knowledge.
3. according to moderate calvinism, man is libertarianly free in God's middle knowledge and compatibilistically free in God's free knowledge.
looking back, i realise that the terms 'libertarianly free' and 'compatibilistically free' are misleading because they carry excess philosophical baggage.
[to be 'libertarianly free' is to be free from internal and external causal determination, while to be 'compatibilistically free' is to be free from external (but not internal) causal determination.]
to this end, i would like to revise my position on molinism, classical calvinism and moderate calvinism.
i now hold that:
1. according to molinism, man islibertarianly free in God's middle knowledge and libertarianly free in God's free knowledge.
- able to resist God's will of command in God's middle knowledge
- able to resist God's will of decree in God's middle knowledge
- able to resist God's will of command in God's free knowledge
- able to resist God's will of decree in God's free knowledge ('open theism')
[God's will of command is what He commands us to do, while God's will of decree is what He decrees we will do in the best possible world. for example, God did not command man to eat the forbidden fruit - just the opposite! at the same time, God decreed that the best possible world is one in which man will freely eat the forbidden fruit.
of course, i don't know why the best possible world is one in which man will freely eat the forbidden fruit. but i know that the best possible world is one in which man will freely eat the forbidden fruit. if it were not so, then God would not have created this particular world in which man will freely eat the forbidden fruit.]
however, it is logically impossible for man to be able to resist God's will of decree in God's free knowledge.
2. according to classical calvinism, man iscompatibilistically free in God's middle knowledge and compatibilistically free in God's free knowledge.
- able to resist God's will of command in God's middle knowledge
- unable to resist God's will of decree in God's middle knowledge ('irresistible grace')
- able to resist God's will of command in God's free knowledge
- unable to resist God's will of decree in God's free knowledge
however, the whole point of Scripture presupposing that God has middle knowledge is to affirm that man is able to resist God's will of decree in God's middle knowledge. indeed, man is able to resist God's will of decree in God's middle knowledge precisely because God's middle knowledge - by definition - is not knowledge of what WILL be, but knowledge of what WOULD be.
3. according to moderate calvinism, man islibertarianly free in God's middle knowledge and compatibilistically free in God's free knowledge.
- able to resist God's will of command in God's middle knowledge
- able to resist God's will of decree in God's middle knowledge ('resistible grace')
- able to resist God's will of command in God's free knowledge
- unable to resist God's will of decree in God's free knowledge
again, man is utterly responsible for good and evil (in God's middle knowledge) and God is utterly responsible for creating the best possible world (from His perspective and in His free knowledge), working good and evil 'for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose' (Romans 8:28, NIV).
links: calvinism and middle knowledge (12 oct 08), more on calvinism and middle knowledge (7 jun 09)
1. according to molinism, man is libertarianly free in God's middle knowledge and libertarianly free in God's free knowledge.
2. according to classical calvinism, man is compatibilistically free in God's middle knowledge and compatibilistically free in God's free knowledge.
3. according to moderate calvinism, man is libertarianly free in God's middle knowledge and compatibilistically free in God's free knowledge.
looking back, i realise that the terms 'libertarianly free' and 'compatibilistically free' are misleading because they carry excess philosophical baggage.
[to be 'libertarianly free' is to be free from internal and external causal determination, while to be 'compatibilistically free' is to be free from external (but not internal) causal determination.]
to this end, i would like to revise my position on molinism, classical calvinism and moderate calvinism.
i now hold that:
1. according to molinism, man is
- able to resist God's will of command in God's middle knowledge
- able to resist God's will of decree in God's middle knowledge
- able to resist God's will of command in God's free knowledge
- able to resist God's will of decree in God's free knowledge ('open theism')
[God's will of command is what He commands us to do, while God's will of decree is what He decrees we will do in the best possible world. for example, God did not command man to eat the forbidden fruit - just the opposite! at the same time, God decreed that the best possible world is one in which man will freely eat the forbidden fruit.
of course, i don't know why the best possible world is one in which man will freely eat the forbidden fruit. but i know that the best possible world is one in which man will freely eat the forbidden fruit. if it were not so, then God would not have created this particular world in which man will freely eat the forbidden fruit.]
however, it is logically impossible for man to be able to resist God's will of decree in God's free knowledge.
2. according to classical calvinism, man is
- able to resist God's will of command in God's middle knowledge
- unable to resist God's will of decree in God's middle knowledge ('irresistible grace')
- able to resist God's will of command in God's free knowledge
- unable to resist God's will of decree in God's free knowledge
however, the whole point of Scripture presupposing that God has middle knowledge is to affirm that man is able to resist God's will of decree in God's middle knowledge. indeed, man is able to resist God's will of decree in God's middle knowledge precisely because God's middle knowledge - by definition - is not knowledge of what WILL be, but knowledge of what WOULD be.
3. according to moderate calvinism, man is
- able to resist God's will of command in God's middle knowledge
- able to resist God's will of decree in God's middle knowledge ('resistible grace')
- able to resist God's will of command in God's free knowledge
- unable to resist God's will of decree in God's free knowledge
again, man is utterly responsible for good and evil (in God's middle knowledge) and God is utterly responsible for creating the best possible world (from His perspective and in His free knowledge), working good and evil 'for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose' (Romans 8:28, NIV).
links: calvinism and middle knowledge (12 oct 08), more on calvinism and middle knowledge (7 jun 09)
Saturday 27 June 2009
wisdom literature
"I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl. For what is man's lot from God above, his heritage from the Almighty on high? Is it not ruin for the wicked, disaster for those who do wrong? Does he not see my ways and count my every step?" - Job 31:1-4 (NIV)
"The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne. He observes the sons of men; his eyes examine them. The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked and those who love violence his soul hates. On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot. For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face." - Psalm 11:4-7 (NIV)
"For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths. The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast. He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly." - Proverbs 5:21-23 (NIV)
"Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." - Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (NIV)
"Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." - Song of Songs 2:7 (NIV)
"Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." - Song of Songs 3:5 (NIV)
"Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." - Song of Songs 8:4 (NIV)
"The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne. He observes the sons of men; his eyes examine them. The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked and those who love violence his soul hates. On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot. For the LORD is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face." - Psalm 11:4-7 (NIV)
"For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths. The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast. He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly." - Proverbs 5:21-23 (NIV)
"Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." - Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (NIV)
"Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." - Song of Songs 2:7 (NIV)
"Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." - Song of Songs 3:5 (NIV)
"Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." - Song of Songs 8:4 (NIV)
Friday 26 June 2009
one move at a time
(click to enlarge)Confined to a wheelchair since he was 12, national chess player Timothy Chan suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
It is one of the most severe forms of the genetic muscular disorder in which the body is unable to maintain healthy muscles.
Sitting up for long periods is exhausting for him. And because he is unable to lift his arms, the 19-year-old has difficulties doing things that most of us take for granted, such as scratching an itchy back or greeting others with a handshake.
But what his illness has taken from him, Timothy makes up for with his cheerful, optimistic demeanour and sheer grit.
Having won the 2009 National Disability League last month, Timothy will take part in the fifth Asean Para Games in Kuala Lumpur in August. He is Singapore's lone chess representative.
"It's an honour and I'm proud to be able to represent Singapore. But, at the same time, I definitely feel the pressure as I'll be playing on an international level for the first time," said Timothy, who learnt how to play chess from his elder brother, then began playing the game competitively when he was 13.
The rules in chess are the same for disabled players. The only difference, said Timothy, is that some players get help from assistants to move the pieces.
At the competitive level, an average chess game may take up to four hours. Having to concentrate for long hours can be strenuous and Timothy's medical condition makes concentrating especially difficult.
To prepare for the tournament, Timothy sits through a four-hour training session every week with the National Junior Youth Squad at the Singapore Chess Federation's headquarters in Bishan. In addition, he gets private chess training at home.
Even though he's one of the top chess players in Singapore, Timothy - who is currently waiting to enter university - doesn't think he's smarter than most.
"Many people think chess is a game for geeks and that you need to be very intelligent to play it. It's actually quite simple to learn," he said.
What he loves about chess is that it's a "game of possibilities". He particularly loves the rush of adrenalin that comes with getting into a winning position.
More importantly, Timothy said, the game allows him to pit his wits against those of other players - able-bodied or not.
"Chess is a mind sport that I can compete on an equal level with everyone else," he said. "That's very exciting for me!"
For more information on the Singapore Chess Federation, visit http://www.singaporechess.org.sg/.
Thursday 25 June 2009
don't waste your life
For me as a boy, one of the most gripping illustrations my fiery father used was the story of a man converted in old age. The church had prayed for this man for decades. He was hard and resistant. But this time, for some reason, he showed up when my father was preaching. At the end of the service, during a hymn, to everyone's amazement he came and took my father's hand. They sat down together on the front pew of the church as the people were dismissed. God opened his heart to the Gospel of Christ, and he was saved from his sins and given eternal life. But that did not stop him from sobbing and saying, as the tears ran down his wrinkled face - and what an impact it made on me to hear my father say this through his own tears - "I've wasted it! I've wasted it!"
This was the story that gripped me more than all the stories of young people who died in car wrecks before they were converted - the story of an old man weeping that he had wasted his life. In those early years God awakened in me a fear and a passion not to waste my life. The thought of coming to my old age and saying through tears, "I've wasted it! I've wasted it!" was a fearful and horrible thought to me.
- John Piper, Don't Waste Your Life
as i approach my 23rd birthday, my biggest regret is not becoming a Christian earlier in my life. although i can't point to the exact moment when i became a Christian, i don't think i became a Christian until i was nearly 20 (sometime before i got baptised in apr 06). looking back, it feels like i've wasted the first 20 years of my life.
at the same time, i thank God that regardless of my regret, this particular world is the best possible world (from His perspective and in His free knowledge), and that despite my best efforts to waste the first 20 years of my life, 'there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death' (Romans 8:1-2, NIV).
i don't know why the past has turned out the way it has. i don't know why the present is the way it is. i don't even know what the future holds. but going mysteriously forward, i know that 'in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose' (Romans 8:28, NIV).
*****
"The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us." - Acts 17:24-27 (NIV)
"Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near." - Isaiah 55:6 (NIV)
"As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. For he says, "In the time of my favour I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favour, now is the day of salvation." - 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 (NIV)
Time is very precious, because when it is past, it cannot be recovered. There are many things which men possess, which if they part with, they can obtain them again. If a man have parted with something which he had, not knowing the worth of it, or the need he should have of it; he often can regain it, at least with pains and cost. If a man have been overseen in a bargain, and have bartered away or sold something, and afterwards repents of it, he may often obtain a release, and recover what he had parted with.
But it is not so with respect to time. When once that is gone, it is gone forever; no pains, no cost will recover it. Though we repent ever so much that we let it pass, and did not improve it while we had it, it will be to no purpose. Every part of it is successively offered to us, that we may choose whether we will make it our own, or not. But there is no delay. It will not wait upon us to see whether or not we will comply with the offer. But if we refuse, it is immediately taken away, and never offered more. As to that part of time which is gone, however we have neglected to improve it, it is out of our possession and out of our reach.
- Jonathan Edwards, The Preciousness of Time and the Importance of Redeeming It
This was the story that gripped me more than all the stories of young people who died in car wrecks before they were converted - the story of an old man weeping that he had wasted his life. In those early years God awakened in me a fear and a passion not to waste my life. The thought of coming to my old age and saying through tears, "I've wasted it! I've wasted it!" was a fearful and horrible thought to me.
- John Piper, Don't Waste Your Life
as i approach my 23rd birthday, my biggest regret is not becoming a Christian earlier in my life. although i can't point to the exact moment when i became a Christian, i don't think i became a Christian until i was nearly 20 (sometime before i got baptised in apr 06). looking back, it feels like i've wasted the first 20 years of my life.
at the same time, i thank God that regardless of my regret, this particular world is the best possible world (from His perspective and in His free knowledge), and that despite my best efforts to waste the first 20 years of my life, 'there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death' (Romans 8:1-2, NIV).
i don't know why the past has turned out the way it has. i don't know why the present is the way it is. i don't even know what the future holds. but going mysteriously forward, i know that 'in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose' (Romans 8:28, NIV).
*****
"The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us." - Acts 17:24-27 (NIV)
"Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near." - Isaiah 55:6 (NIV)
"As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. For he says, "In the time of my favour I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favour, now is the day of salvation." - 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 (NIV)
Time is very precious, because when it is past, it cannot be recovered. There are many things which men possess, which if they part with, they can obtain them again. If a man have parted with something which he had, not knowing the worth of it, or the need he should have of it; he often can regain it, at least with pains and cost. If a man have been overseen in a bargain, and have bartered away or sold something, and afterwards repents of it, he may often obtain a release, and recover what he had parted with.
But it is not so with respect to time. When once that is gone, it is gone forever; no pains, no cost will recover it. Though we repent ever so much that we let it pass, and did not improve it while we had it, it will be to no purpose. Every part of it is successively offered to us, that we may choose whether we will make it our own, or not. But there is no delay. It will not wait upon us to see whether or not we will comply with the offer. But if we refuse, it is immediately taken away, and never offered more. As to that part of time which is gone, however we have neglected to improve it, it is out of our possession and out of our reach.
- Jonathan Edwards, The Preciousness of Time and the Importance of Redeeming It
Wednesday 24 June 2009
my soul thirsts for the living God
"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God." - Psalm 42:5-6a (NIV)
Why are you cast down, O my soul?
Why do you doubt, O my soul?
Place your hope in God, O my soul
For I will be glad
My soul thirsts for the living God
My soul thirsts for You alone
My soul thirsts for the living God alone
My soul thirsts for the living God
My soul thirsts for You alone
My soul thirsts for the living God alone
Praise, praise
I lift my voice and raise, praise
I sing of Your amazing grace
To the living God
To You my living God
My heart longs for the living God
My heart longs for You alone
My heart longs for the living God alone
I cry out to the living God
I cry out to You alone
I cry out to the living God alone
Praise, praise
I lift my voice and raise, praise
I sing of Your amazing grace
To the living God
To You my living God
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found
Was blind but now I see
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found
Was blind but now I see
Praise, praise
I lift my voice and raise, praise
I sing of Your amazing grace
To the living God
To You my living God
Praise, praise
I lift my voice and raise, praise
I sing of Your amazing grace
To the living God
To You my living God
To You my living God
To You my living God
Why are you cast down, O my soul?
Why do you doubt, O my soul?
Place your hope in God, O my soul
For I will be glad
My soul thirsts for the living God
My soul thirsts for You alone
My soul thirsts for the living God alone
My soul thirsts for the living God
My soul thirsts for You alone
My soul thirsts for the living God alone
Praise, praise
I lift my voice and raise, praise
I sing of Your amazing grace
To the living God
To You my living God
My heart longs for the living God
My heart longs for You alone
My heart longs for the living God alone
I cry out to the living God
I cry out to You alone
I cry out to the living God alone
Praise, praise
I lift my voice and raise, praise
I sing of Your amazing grace
To the living God
To You my living God
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found
Was blind but now I see
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found
Was blind but now I see
Praise, praise
I lift my voice and raise, praise
I sing of Your amazing grace
To the living God
To You my living God
Praise, praise
I lift my voice and raise, praise
I sing of Your amazing grace
To the living God
To You my living God
To You my living God
To You my living God
Tuesday 23 June 2009
even more on common grace and saving grace
"I [Jesus] have spoken to you [Nicodemus] of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?" - John 3:12 (NIV)
believing in earthly things is a necessary but not sufficient condition for believing in heavenly things. it is possible to believe in earthly things without believing in heavenly things, but it is not possible to believe in heavenly things without believing in earthly things.
those who do not believe in earthly things not only do not, but CANNOT believe in heavenly things.
links: common grace and saving grace (27 aug 08), more on common grace and saving grace (18 may 09)
believing in earthly things is a necessary but not sufficient condition for believing in heavenly things. it is possible to believe in earthly things without believing in heavenly things, but it is not possible to believe in heavenly things without believing in earthly things.
those who do not believe in earthly things not only do not, but CANNOT believe in heavenly things.
links: common grace and saving grace (27 aug 08), more on common grace and saving grace (18 may 09)
Monday 22 June 2009
reasonable faith
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." - Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
the opposite of faith is not reason. indeed, reason is a necessary (but not sufficient) condition for faith. rather, the opposite of faith is sight.
"We live by faith, not by sight." - 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)
the opposite of faith is not reason. indeed, reason is a necessary (but not sufficient) condition for faith. rather, the opposite of faith is sight.
"We live by faith, not by sight." - 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)
Thursday 18 June 2009
comparisons
If I set the sun beside the moon,
And if I set the land beside the sea,
And if I set the town beside the country,
And if I set the man beside the woman,
I suppose some fool would talk about one being better.
- G. K. Chesterton
And if I set the land beside the sea,
And if I set the town beside the country,
And if I set the man beside the woman,
I suppose some fool would talk about one being better.
- G. K. Chesterton
Wednesday 17 June 2009
He will carry you
There is no problem too big God cannot solve it
There is no mountain too tall He cannot move it
There is no storm too dark God cannot calm it
There is no sorrow too deep He cannot soothe it
If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders
I know, my brother, that He will carry you
If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders
I know, my sister, that He will carry you
He said come unto me
All who are weary
And I will give you rest
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
There is no mountain too tall He cannot move it
There is no storm too dark God cannot calm it
There is no sorrow too deep He cannot soothe it
If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders
I know, my brother, that He will carry you
If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders
I know, my sister, that He will carry you
He said come unto me
All who are weary
And I will give you rest
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
Tuesday 16 June 2009
creation sings
Creation sings the Father's song
He calls the sun to wake the dawn
And run the course of day
Till evening falls in crimson rays
His fingerprints in flakes of snow
His breath upon this spinning globe
He charts the eagle's flight
Commands the newborn baby's cry
Hallelujah!
Let all creation stand and sing
Hallelujah!
Fill the earth with songs of worship
Tell the wonders of creation's King!
Creation gazed upon His face
The ageless One in time's embrace
Unveiled the Father's plan
Of reconciling God and man
A second Adam walked the earth
Whose blameless life would break the curse
Whose death would set us free
To live with Him eternally
Hallelujah!
Let all creation stand and sing
Hallelujah!
Fill the earth with songs of worship
Tell the wonders of creation's King!
Creation longs for His return
When Christ shall reign upon the earth
The bitter wars that rage
Are birth pains of a coming age
When He renews the land and sky
All heaven will sing and earth reply
With one resplendent theme
The glory of our God and King!
Hallelujah!
Let all creation stand and sing
Hallelujah!
Fill the earth with songs of worship
Tell the wonders of creation's King!
Saturday 13 June 2009
between two worlds
gardening before the exile
"Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. And the LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground - trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
"A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it was separated into four headwaters. The name of the first is the Pishon; it winds through the entire land of Havilah, where there is gold. (The gold of that land is good; aromatic resin and onyx are also there.) The name of the second river is the Gihon; it winds through the entire land of Cush. The name of the third river is the Tigris; it runs along the east side of Asshur. And the fourth river is the Euphrates." - Genesis 2:8-14 (NIV)
gardening during the exile
"This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: "Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper."" - Jeremiah 29:4-7 (NIV)
at the same time,
"What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away." - 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 (NIV)
at the end of the day,
"This is what the LORD says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile."" - Jeremiah 29:10-14 (NIV)
gardening after the exile
"Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever." - Revelation 22:1-5 (NIV)
the Garden of Eden is a type of Jerusalem, the world is a type of Babylon and the Holy City is the New Jerusalem.
[seventy years for Babylon = seven thousand years for the world?]
"Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. And the LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground - trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
"A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it was separated into four headwaters. The name of the first is the Pishon; it winds through the entire land of Havilah, where there is gold. (The gold of that land is good; aromatic resin and onyx are also there.) The name of the second river is the Gihon; it winds through the entire land of Cush. The name of the third river is the Tigris; it runs along the east side of Asshur. And the fourth river is the Euphrates." - Genesis 2:8-14 (NIV)
gardening during the exile
"This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: "Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper."" - Jeremiah 29:4-7 (NIV)
at the same time,
"What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away." - 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 (NIV)
at the end of the day,
"This is what the LORD says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile."" - Jeremiah 29:10-14 (NIV)
gardening after the exile
"Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever." - Revelation 22:1-5 (NIV)
the Garden of Eden is a type of Jerusalem, the world is a type of Babylon and the Holy City is the New Jerusalem.
[seventy years for Babylon = seven thousand years for the world?]
Friday 12 June 2009
random thoughts
"I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that." - 1 Corinthians 7:7 (NIV)
"Brothers, each man, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation God called him to." - 1 Corinthians 7:24 (NIV)
"What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away." - 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 (NIV)
in one sense, there is no marriage at the resurrection (cf. Matthew 22:30). in another sense, the New Covenant is consummated in marriage (cf. Revelation 21:2).
Christ is waiting for His bride - the Church!
the way you treat the bride of Christ reflects the way you treat/will treat your bride. stop dating the church!
"Brothers, each man, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation God called him to." - 1 Corinthians 7:24 (NIV)
"What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away." - 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 (NIV)
in one sense, there is no marriage at the resurrection (cf. Matthew 22:30). in another sense, the New Covenant is consummated in marriage (cf. Revelation 21:2).
Christ is waiting for His bride - the Church!
the way you treat the bride of Christ reflects the way you treat/will treat your bride. stop dating the church!
Thursday 11 June 2009
warning against idleness
"The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied." - Proverbs 13:4 (NIV)
"Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well." - Ecclesiastes 11:6 (NIV)
"In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, labouring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat."" - 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10 (NIV)
Proverbs is becoming one of my favourite books of the Bible, alongside Psalms, Romans and James. and 1 and 2 Corinthians.
"Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well." - Ecclesiastes 11:6 (NIV)
"In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, labouring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat."" - 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10 (NIV)
Proverbs is becoming one of my favourite books of the Bible, alongside Psalms, Romans and James. and 1 and 2 Corinthians.
Wednesday 10 June 2009
the right thing at the right time
Have you ever been tempted to act but somehow knew that you should wait? Have you ever thought that the timing was right for a particular decision, only to later discover that you had talked yourself into deception? God wants you to experience the power of receiving the right thing at the right time. God plans to send answers in response to your prayers, but waiting for Him is not always easy. Let's face it: Waiting is tough. Waiting is frustrating. And, if we're honest with ourselves, we can all agree that waiting stinks!
Waiting is especially hard in our microwave millennium. We are often judged by how quickly we reach the proverbial brass ring. If we are not happily married with two children, making a six-figure income, living in a five-bedroom house and enjoying all the finer things in life by age 35, we're labelled as someone who's behind schedule. Questions from well-meaning friends and family members can also make us feel inferior to people who have seemingly "arrived". We all have someone in our lives who is bold enough to ask, "So, when are you getting married?" or "Don't you want to have children?" or, worse, "Isn't it time for you to get a job that pays real money?"
In reality, most of us judge our insides by other people's outsides. The pressure to conform to unwritten timelines set by society is intense. However, comparing ourselves to others only leads to jealousy, envy, competition and discouragement. There comes a time when we must leave the driving of our dream to God. He has established a unique timeline for our life. Our lives are similar to fruit-bearing trees; different kinds of fruit ripen and mature at different seasons. Similarly, we each have a timetable wherein we blossom and ripen into the purposes of God. The Bible declares, "He has made everything beautiful in its time" (Ecclesiastes 3:11, AMP). The rate at which our life's purpose is achieved is not always determined by our own efforts or schedules; it is also based on God's divine timing.
Throughout history, the Lord has used divine delays to bring His people to their ultimate purpose. A divine delay occurs when God postpones answering a prayer, even though the person posing the request is in right standing with Him. This delay is orchestrated and ordained by God.
Yes, it is a slow route to our destination. Yes, it is a rocky route. And yes, there is not much we can do to speed up the process. But divine delays are not denials. And they are not necessarily caused by human error, by lack of faith, or by disobedience. Divine delays occur when the desire of a person's heart is being withheld for a period of time and when that desire will only be released at God's appointed time. If, through no fault of your own, you are experiencing unexpected setbacks, unplanned hindrances, and unanswered prayers, you may be in a season of divine delay.
God provides powerful pictures of divine delays in Scripture. For example, God promised Abraham a son. But it was 25 years before Isaac was born to Abraham and his wife, Sarah. God also promised to give Abraham land for his inheritance. Yet that promise was not fulfilled for another 400 years. Further, God promised Moses a Saviour, but Jesus did not appear until about 1200 years later. Through Jesus Christ, God promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to His Church, and the disciples were told to go to the upper room and wait. Fifty days after Jesus ascended into heaven, on the Day of Pentecost, the promised Holy Spirit came on the scene.
These are only a few of the many pictures of God's divine delays. In each delay, there is a powerful story depicting God's genius at work. His track record proves that delays are not denials. God's design also shows that our lives are intricately connected to those around us and that His plan for the world will ultimately be fulfilled as we allow Him to use us according to His timetable.
- Marlinda Ireland, What is God Waiting For?: Understanding Divine Delays in Your Life
link: waiting in the Psalms (6 sep 09)
Waiting is especially hard in our microwave millennium. We are often judged by how quickly we reach the proverbial brass ring. If we are not happily married with two children, making a six-figure income, living in a five-bedroom house and enjoying all the finer things in life by age 35, we're labelled as someone who's behind schedule. Questions from well-meaning friends and family members can also make us feel inferior to people who have seemingly "arrived". We all have someone in our lives who is bold enough to ask, "So, when are you getting married?" or "Don't you want to have children?" or, worse, "Isn't it time for you to get a job that pays real money?"
In reality, most of us judge our insides by other people's outsides. The pressure to conform to unwritten timelines set by society is intense. However, comparing ourselves to others only leads to jealousy, envy, competition and discouragement. There comes a time when we must leave the driving of our dream to God. He has established a unique timeline for our life. Our lives are similar to fruit-bearing trees; different kinds of fruit ripen and mature at different seasons. Similarly, we each have a timetable wherein we blossom and ripen into the purposes of God. The Bible declares, "He has made everything beautiful in its time" (Ecclesiastes 3:11, AMP). The rate at which our life's purpose is achieved is not always determined by our own efforts or schedules; it is also based on God's divine timing.
Throughout history, the Lord has used divine delays to bring His people to their ultimate purpose. A divine delay occurs when God postpones answering a prayer, even though the person posing the request is in right standing with Him. This delay is orchestrated and ordained by God.
Yes, it is a slow route to our destination. Yes, it is a rocky route. And yes, there is not much we can do to speed up the process. But divine delays are not denials. And they are not necessarily caused by human error, by lack of faith, or by disobedience. Divine delays occur when the desire of a person's heart is being withheld for a period of time and when that desire will only be released at God's appointed time. If, through no fault of your own, you are experiencing unexpected setbacks, unplanned hindrances, and unanswered prayers, you may be in a season of divine delay.
God provides powerful pictures of divine delays in Scripture. For example, God promised Abraham a son. But it was 25 years before Isaac was born to Abraham and his wife, Sarah. God also promised to give Abraham land for his inheritance. Yet that promise was not fulfilled for another 400 years. Further, God promised Moses a Saviour, but Jesus did not appear until about 1200 years later. Through Jesus Christ, God promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to His Church, and the disciples were told to go to the upper room and wait. Fifty days after Jesus ascended into heaven, on the Day of Pentecost, the promised Holy Spirit came on the scene.
These are only a few of the many pictures of God's divine delays. In each delay, there is a powerful story depicting God's genius at work. His track record proves that delays are not denials. God's design also shows that our lives are intricately connected to those around us and that His plan for the world will ultimately be fulfilled as we allow Him to use us according to His timetable.
- Marlinda Ireland, What is God Waiting For?: Understanding Divine Delays in Your Life
link: waiting in the Psalms (6 sep 09)
Sunday 7 June 2009
more on calvinism and middle knowledge
the way i see it, God has three kinds of knowledge:
1. natural knowledge - knowledge of what COULD be
2. middle knowledge - knowledge of what WOULD be
3. free knowledge - knowledge of what WILL be
Scripture presupposes that God has middle knowledge, not least according to Don Carson (see here and here). the question, then, is not whether God has middle knowledge. the question is how God's middle knowledge relates to God's free knowledge.
according to molinism, man is libertarianly free in God's middle knowledge and libertarianly free in God's free knowledge. however, just because man is libertarianly free in God's middle knowledge does not mean that man is libertarianly free in God's free knowledge. indeed, it is logically impossible for man to be libertarianly free in God's free knowledge.
according to classical calvinism, man is compatibilistically free in God's middle knowledge and compatibilistically free in God's free knowledge. however, just because man is compatibilistically free in God's free knowledge does not mean that man is compatibilistically free in God's middle knowledge. indeed, the whole point of Scripture presupposing that God has middle knowledge is to affirm that man is libertarianly free in God's middle knowledge.
according to moderate calvinism, man is libertarianly free in God's middle knowledge and compatibilistically free in God's free knowledge. man is utterly responsible for good and evil (in God's middle knowledge) and God is utterly responsible for creating the best possible world (from His perspective and in His free knowledge), working good and evil 'for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose' (Romans 8:28, NIV).
*****
in a previous post, calvinism and middle knowledge, i wrote that the difference between classical calvinism and moderate calvinism is that classical calvinism rejects the idea of middle knowledge and moderate calvinism accepts the idea of middle knowledge. i would like to revise my position.
i now hold that the difference between classical calvinism and moderate calvinism is not that classical calvinism rejects the idea of middle knowledge and moderate calvinism accepts the idea of middle knowledge, but that classical calvinism accepts the idea of irresistible grace and moderate calvinism rejects the idea of irresistible grace.
classical calvinism
total depravity - yes
unconditional election - yes
limited atonement - yes
irresistible grace - yes
perseverance of the saints - yes
moderate calvinism
total depravity - yes
unconditional election - yes in one sense, no in another sense
limited atonement - yes in one sense, no in another sense
irresistible grace - no
perseverance of the saints - yes
links: calvinism and middle knowledge (12 oct 08), even more on calvinism and middle knowledge (28 jun 09)
1. natural knowledge - knowledge of what COULD be
2. middle knowledge - knowledge of what WOULD be
3. free knowledge - knowledge of what WILL be
Scripture presupposes that God has middle knowledge, not least according to Don Carson (see here and here). the question, then, is not whether God has middle knowledge. the question is how God's middle knowledge relates to God's free knowledge.
according to molinism, man is libertarianly free in God's middle knowledge and libertarianly free in God's free knowledge. however, just because man is libertarianly free in God's middle knowledge does not mean that man is libertarianly free in God's free knowledge. indeed, it is logically impossible for man to be libertarianly free in God's free knowledge.
according to classical calvinism, man is compatibilistically free in God's middle knowledge and compatibilistically free in God's free knowledge. however, just because man is compatibilistically free in God's free knowledge does not mean that man is compatibilistically free in God's middle knowledge. indeed, the whole point of Scripture presupposing that God has middle knowledge is to affirm that man is libertarianly free in God's middle knowledge.
according to moderate calvinism, man is libertarianly free in God's middle knowledge and compatibilistically free in God's free knowledge. man is utterly responsible for good and evil (in God's middle knowledge) and God is utterly responsible for creating the best possible world (from His perspective and in His free knowledge), working good and evil 'for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose' (Romans 8:28, NIV).
*****
in a previous post, calvinism and middle knowledge, i wrote that the difference between classical calvinism and moderate calvinism is that classical calvinism rejects the idea of middle knowledge and moderate calvinism accepts the idea of middle knowledge. i would like to revise my position.
i now hold that the difference between classical calvinism and moderate calvinism is not that classical calvinism rejects the idea of middle knowledge and moderate calvinism accepts the idea of middle knowledge, but that classical calvinism accepts the idea of irresistible grace and moderate calvinism rejects the idea of irresistible grace.
classical calvinism
total depravity - yes
unconditional election - yes
limited atonement - yes
irresistible grace - yes
perseverance of the saints - yes
moderate calvinism
total depravity - yes
unconditional election - yes in one sense, no in another sense
limited atonement - yes in one sense, no in another sense
irresistible grace - no
perseverance of the saints - yes
links: calvinism and middle knowledge (12 oct 08), even more on calvinism and middle knowledge (28 jun 09)
Saturday 6 June 2009
the LORD will provide
When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!"
"Here I am," he replied.
"Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son."
Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided."
- Genesis 22:9-14 (NIV)
the true test of faith comes when you lay your all on the altar of sacrifice, just as Abraham did when he laid his son, his only son on the altar of Moriah, on top of the wood.
[in doing so, Abraham typologises our Heavenly Father, who laid His Son, His only Son on the altar of Calvary, on top of the cross.
"When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!" - Hebrews 9:11-14 (NIV)]
Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?
Your heart does the Spirit control?
You can only be blest
And have peace and sweet rest
As you yield Him your body and soul
"Delight yourself in the LORD and he WILL give you the desires of your heart." - Psalm 37:4 (NIV)
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things WILL be given to you as well." - Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
not could, not would, but WILL!
links: crucified with Christ (6 mar 09), at any cost (24 sep 09)
"Here I am," he replied.
"Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son."
Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided."
- Genesis 22:9-14 (NIV)
the true test of faith comes when you lay your all on the altar of sacrifice, just as Abraham did when he laid his son, his only son on the altar of Moriah, on top of the wood.
[in doing so, Abraham typologises our Heavenly Father, who laid His Son, His only Son on the altar of Calvary, on top of the cross.
"When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!" - Hebrews 9:11-14 (NIV)]
Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?
Your heart does the Spirit control?
You can only be blest
And have peace and sweet rest
As you yield Him your body and soul
"Delight yourself in the LORD and he WILL give you the desires of your heart." - Psalm 37:4 (NIV)
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things WILL be given to you as well." - Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
not could, not would, but WILL!
links: crucified with Christ (6 mar 09), at any cost (24 sep 09)
Wednesday 3 June 2009
in His time
"O daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you - if you find my lover, what will you tell him? Tell him I am faint with love." - Song of Songs 5:8 (NIV)
at the same time,
"Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." - Song of Songs 2:7 (NIV)
"Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." - Song of Songs 3:5 (NIV)
"Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." - Song of Songs 8:4 (NIV)
if Scripture mentions something once, it is sufficient. if Scripture mentions something twice, it is significant. if Scripture mentions something three times (in the same book even), it is special.
*****
interestingly, each time the charge 'do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires' is made, it occurs just before the lovers come together.
"Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." - Song of Songs 2:7 (NIV)
"Listen! My lover! Look! Here he comes, leaping across the mountains, bounding over the hills. My lover is like a gazelle or a young stag. Look! There he stands behind our wall, gazing through the windows, peering through the lattice. My lover spoke and said to me, "Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me. See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me."" - Song of Songs 2:8-13 (NIV)
"Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." - Song of Songs 3:5 (NIV)
"Who is this coming up from the desert like a column of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and incense made from all the spices of the merchant? Look! It is Solomon's carriage, escorted by sixty warriors, the noblest of Israel, all of them wearing the sword, all experienced in battle, each with his sword at his side, prepared for the terrors of the night." - Song of Songs 3:6-8 (NIV)
"Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." - Song of Songs 8:4 (NIV)
"Who is this coming up from the desert leaning on her lover? Under the apple tree I roused you; there your mother conceived you, there she who was in labour gave you birth. Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away. If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love, it would be utterly scorned." - Song of Songs 8:5-7 (NIV)
you cannot resolve to 'not arouse or awaken love until it so desires' AFTER you already arouse or awaken love. you can only resolve to 'not arouse or awaken love until it so desires' BEFORE you actually arouse or awaken love.
"How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." - Psalm 119:9-11 (NIV)
at the same time,
"Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." - Song of Songs 2:7 (NIV)
"Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." - Song of Songs 3:5 (NIV)
"Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." - Song of Songs 8:4 (NIV)
if Scripture mentions something once, it is sufficient. if Scripture mentions something twice, it is significant. if Scripture mentions something three times (in the same book even), it is special.
*****
interestingly, each time the charge 'do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires' is made, it occurs just before the lovers come together.
"Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." - Song of Songs 2:7 (NIV)
"Listen! My lover! Look! Here he comes, leaping across the mountains, bounding over the hills. My lover is like a gazelle or a young stag. Look! There he stands behind our wall, gazing through the windows, peering through the lattice. My lover spoke and said to me, "Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me. See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me."" - Song of Songs 2:8-13 (NIV)
"Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." - Song of Songs 3:5 (NIV)
"Who is this coming up from the desert like a column of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and incense made from all the spices of the merchant? Look! It is Solomon's carriage, escorted by sixty warriors, the noblest of Israel, all of them wearing the sword, all experienced in battle, each with his sword at his side, prepared for the terrors of the night." - Song of Songs 3:6-8 (NIV)
"Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." - Song of Songs 8:4 (NIV)
"Who is this coming up from the desert leaning on her lover? Under the apple tree I roused you; there your mother conceived you, there she who was in labour gave you birth. Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away. If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love, it would be utterly scorned." - Song of Songs 8:5-7 (NIV)
you cannot resolve to 'not arouse or awaken love until it so desires' AFTER you already arouse or awaken love. you can only resolve to 'not arouse or awaken love until it so desires' BEFORE you actually arouse or awaken love.
"How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." - Psalm 119:9-11 (NIV)
Monday 1 June 2009
more on predestination and relationships
*the inspiration for this post arose out of a discussion with mingyu and weijie at the james cu weekend away over the weekend. of course, any mistakes are my own.*
the way i see it, there are three ways of understanding the doctrine of election:
1. unconditional election - election is unconditionally given by God and unconditionally received by man.
2. conditional election - election is conditionally given by God and conditionally received by man.
3. unconditional conditional election - election is unconditionally given by God and conditionally received by man.
to say that a girl may initiate a relationship with a guy is to say that we may initiate a relationship with Christ. however, this goes down the path of conditional election. we may not initiate a relationship with Christ. in fact, we are dead in our transgressions and cannot initiate a relationship with Christ. Christ must initiate a relationship with us!
to say that a guy may only initiate a relationship with a girl whom he knows will respond (ie. say yes) to him is to say that Christ may only initiate a relationship with those whom He knows will respond to Him. however, this also goes down the path of conditional election. Christ does not only initiate a relationship with those whom He knows will respond to Him. Christ initiates a relationship with all, who are then free to respond to Him (or not)!
on the other hand, to say that a girl must respond to a guy who initiates a relationship with her is to say that all respond to Christ, who has initiated a relationship with all by living, dying and being raised from the dead for all. however, this goes down the path of unconditional election. just because Christ has initiated a relationship with all by living, dying and being raised from the dead for all does not mean that all respond to Him. evidently, not all respond to Him. again, all are free to respond to Him (or not)!
in one sense, Christ's life, death and resurrection is sufficient for all to be saved. in another sense, Christ's life, death and resurrection is not sufficient for all to be saved. Christ's life, death and resurrection is sufficient for all to be saved in the sense that we are justified by faith in Christ alone. Christ's life, death and resurrection is not sufficient for all to be saved in the sense that we have to appropriate Christ's life, death and resurrection by the instrument of faith.
to this end, election is unconditionally given by God and conditionally received by man (the sole condition being faith in Christ alone).
link: predestination and relationships (10 may 09)
the way i see it, there are three ways of understanding the doctrine of election:
1. unconditional election - election is unconditionally given by God and unconditionally received by man.
2. conditional election - election is conditionally given by God and conditionally received by man.
3. unconditional conditional election - election is unconditionally given by God and conditionally received by man.
to say that a girl may initiate a relationship with a guy is to say that we may initiate a relationship with Christ. however, this goes down the path of conditional election. we may not initiate a relationship with Christ. in fact, we are dead in our transgressions and cannot initiate a relationship with Christ. Christ must initiate a relationship with us!
to say that a guy may only initiate a relationship with a girl whom he knows will respond (ie. say yes) to him is to say that Christ may only initiate a relationship with those whom He knows will respond to Him. however, this also goes down the path of conditional election. Christ does not only initiate a relationship with those whom He knows will respond to Him. Christ initiates a relationship with all, who are then free to respond to Him (or not)!
on the other hand, to say that a girl must respond to a guy who initiates a relationship with her is to say that all respond to Christ, who has initiated a relationship with all by living, dying and being raised from the dead for all. however, this goes down the path of unconditional election. just because Christ has initiated a relationship with all by living, dying and being raised from the dead for all does not mean that all respond to Him. evidently, not all respond to Him. again, all are free to respond to Him (or not)!
in one sense, Christ's life, death and resurrection is sufficient for all to be saved. in another sense, Christ's life, death and resurrection is not sufficient for all to be saved. Christ's life, death and resurrection is sufficient for all to be saved in the sense that we are justified by faith in Christ alone. Christ's life, death and resurrection is not sufficient for all to be saved in the sense that we have to appropriate Christ's life, death and resurrection by the instrument of faith.
to this end, election is unconditionally given by God and conditionally received by man (the sole condition being faith in Christ alone).
link: predestination and relationships (10 may 09)
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