Figured I'd just get it out straight.
I've been turning this blog post over in my mind for awhile. Long before I promised it to you in my last post. To give you a little of the immediate background, in case you missed it, I published A Letter to My LDS Friend, which I borrowed from StreetFishing.org (an AMAZING blog, by the way). A couple of LDS women took exception to the letter in the comments. If you are interested, its worth going and reading them and then coming back, just to have context. One of the ladies accused the author of the letter of cherry-picking verses and taking them out of context to come up with an anti-Mormon message. In order to attempt to avoid this entirely, I am going to focus on two different points that set Mormonism apart from Christianity, taken straight from their Articles of Faith. There are literally entire web sites devoted to delineating the false teachings of the LDS Church. I don't have the energy or the time to devote to such a task, so I will try to make this as simple and straightforward as possible. I believe that although it would be valid to cover several areas, it really can and does boil down to just two simple things. So, here goes.
Mormon.org has the following to say regarding their Articles of Faith: Two years before he died, the Prophet Joseph Smith wrote them in a letter to a newspaper editor, John Wentworth, who had asked for information about the Church. Ever since the Articles of Faith were written, they’ve inspired and directed us in the basic principles of our gospel. They enhance our understanding of certain doctrines and help us commit to living them. They invite further thought. And they’re a good tool for explaining our beliefs to people unfamiliar with them. With that considered, I think its fair to trust these points as a direct communication of the belief system of Mormons.
The first of thirteen points in the Articles of Faith says this:
1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
At first glance, this appears to be what Christians believe. But when you take a second look, with an eye for what is not said, you will notice that they do not believe that God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are one God, eternally existent in three Persons. Or simply, they do not believe that God is God, Jesus is God and that the Holy Spirit is also God. My experience with one-on-one conversation with Mormons reflects this conclusion. They seem to be confused as to how a person could really believe that God is a triune God, eternally existent in three distinct Persons. (For an excellent, detailed theological presentation of the Trinitarian nature of God, please see this blog post of Kevin DeYoung's.)
This is one of the MAJOR doctrinal differences between the LDS Church and Christianity, and the main thing that disqualifies them to be called a Christian church. You cannot misunderstand this about God and still be a Christian. Jesus said it Himself in John 8:24: "I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins." Who did He claim to be? He claimed to be God. And He claimed it so much, they eventually nailed Him to a cross because of it (His charge was blasphemy, claiming to be equal with God).
The next point of attention for me is the third point:
3. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
This is what I will address in Part 2.
*I CANNOT believe its been since July that I posted. I'm so sorry to have promised a post I took so long in delivering. Blogging has been the last thing on my mind, but I am going to attempt to get Part 2 up before the end of the week. So we'll see. :)
Friday, August 13, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Dusting off the Ol' Blog
I'm here.
It's been awhile, and I'm not exactly sure how this works anymore, but I'm here.
So many things happened to move me away from blogging. The events that led to the Silenced post, we moved into a new home, my baby turned into a toddler (yikes! can we say BUSY???), traumatic family events, my grandma died (I was her daytime caregiver, and she was half the reason we moved), my marriage has been a wreck, challenges with taking care of my mother-in-law, and I could go on. All this has led to the perfect combination of busy-ness, depression, and general lack of motivation to blog. Plus the fact that I haven't been feeling very much like sharing what's been impacting me spiritually. I don't know how to explain it other than to say that.
Interestingly, I picked up a few followers during my months of silence, and I'd like to say hello to all of them! So, to all the new followers (I think there are three of you!): Hello! Thanks so much for taking the time to follow my blog. I hope its worthwhile.
And, for my next post, I will be addressing Mormonism, and why it is a false Christianity. I know, I know...no starting small for me. But seriously, I had a couple of nice Mormon ladies comment on the Letter to My LDS Friend post, and while I appreciate their viewpoint and their comments, I think it is imperative that Christians learn to recognize false versions of Christianity, of which Mormonism is one. So, with much love and trembling, I will submit my case of why that is so, and enjoy the ensuing conversation. I invite you all to join in, I have always enjoyed discussing Mormon religion with Mormons. I only ask that we all stay civil, I won't post your comment if it's not kind. But I know you guys won't have any issues with that!
So, tune in shortly for that one, and if you are still around, I can't thank you enough. You're a trooper.
It's been awhile, and I'm not exactly sure how this works anymore, but I'm here.
So many things happened to move me away from blogging. The events that led to the Silenced post, we moved into a new home, my baby turned into a toddler (yikes! can we say BUSY???), traumatic family events, my grandma died (I was her daytime caregiver, and she was half the reason we moved), my marriage has been a wreck, challenges with taking care of my mother-in-law, and I could go on. All this has led to the perfect combination of busy-ness, depression, and general lack of motivation to blog. Plus the fact that I haven't been feeling very much like sharing what's been impacting me spiritually. I don't know how to explain it other than to say that.
Interestingly, I picked up a few followers during my months of silence, and I'd like to say hello to all of them! So, to all the new followers (I think there are three of you!): Hello! Thanks so much for taking the time to follow my blog. I hope its worthwhile.
And, for my next post, I will be addressing Mormonism, and why it is a false Christianity. I know, I know...no starting small for me. But seriously, I had a couple of nice Mormon ladies comment on the Letter to My LDS Friend post, and while I appreciate their viewpoint and their comments, I think it is imperative that Christians learn to recognize false versions of Christianity, of which Mormonism is one. So, with much love and trembling, I will submit my case of why that is so, and enjoy the ensuing conversation. I invite you all to join in, I have always enjoyed discussing Mormon religion with Mormons. I only ask that we all stay civil, I won't post your comment if it's not kind. But I know you guys won't have any issues with that!
So, tune in shortly for that one, and if you are still around, I can't thank you enough. You're a trooper.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
The Impossible Gospel: A Letter to My LDS Friend
The blog I link to in my sidebar, Streetfishing.org, has an excellent letter to his LDS friend, and I thought I'd do a repost of that letter for your consideration. Without further ado:
Dear Friend,
I love you. Please take time to read this very important letter. Since you are so devoted to your faith it is important for you to know that according to the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), true repentance means sinless perfectionism. Since no one can completely stop sinning in this life the teaching of the LDS Church is indeed the Impossible Gospel. This is the reason you and other LDS I talk with consistently respond that you do not know for sure that you have eternal life because you must rely on your own ability to keep the commandments and stop sinning in order to earn the grace of God.
If you don’t believe me then see for yourself. Here are the requirements of true repentance for salvation as defined by the LDS Church:
Must forsake all sin and deny all ungodliness
"Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more. By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins--behold, he will confess them and forsake them." (Doctrine and Covenants 58:42-43)
“And if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you…” (Moroni 10:32)
“Repentance is for every soul who has not yet reached perfection” (Miracle of Forgiveness [MoF] by Spencer Kimball, p.33)
Must keep all the commandments
“For I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance; Nevertheless, he that repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven; And he that repents not, from him shall be taken even the light which he has received; for my Spirit shall not always strive with man, saith the Lord of Hosts.” (Doctrine and Covenants 1:31-33)
Must stop all sinning
“Being perfect means to triumph over sin. This is a mandate from the Lord. He is just and wise and kind. He would never require anything from his children which was not for their benefit and which was not attainable. Perfection therefore is an achievable goal” (MoF by Spencer Kimball p. 209)
“the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them” 1 Nephi 3:7
“Discontinuance of sin must be permanent” (MoF, p.176)
Must never repeat any sin again or commit new sins for the first time
"Unto the soul that sins the former sins return" (Doctrine and Covenants 82:7).
“daily transgression and daily repentance is that which is not pleasing in the sight of God.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 148)
“no unclean thing can inherit the kingdom of heaven; therefore, how can ye be saved, except ye inherit the kingdom of heaven? Therefore, ye cannot saved in your sins” (Alma 11:37)
“Those who feel that they can sin and be forgiven and then return to sin and be forgiven again and again must straighten out their thinking. Each previously forgiven sin is added to the new one. When a man has made up his mind to change his life there must be no turning back.” (MoF by Spencer Kimball, p.170)
Trying not to sin is not enough
“Desire and Trying to abandon sins is not sufficient, only abandoning sin is sufficient” (MoF by Spencer Kimball, p.163-164)
“We can hardly be too forceful in reminding people that they cannot sin and be forgiven and then sin again and again and expect repeated forgiveness” (MoF by Spencer Kimball, p.360)
“There is one crucial test of repentance. This is abandonment of the sin.” (MoF by Spencer Kimball, p.163)
“An incomplete repentance never brought about complete forgiveness” (MoF by Spencer Kimball, p.212)
Must stop sinning before death (No second chances)
“spirit world repentance cannot recompense for that which could and should have been done on earth” (MoF by Spencer Kimball, p.315)
“…this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God… For behold, if ye have procrastinated the day of your repentance even until death, behold, ye have become subjected to the spirit of the devil, and he doth seal you his; therefore, the Spirit of the Lord hath withdrawn from you, and hath no place in you, and the devil hath all power over you; and this is the final state of the wicked” (Alma 34:30-35)
Friend, the Impossible Gospel of Mormonism is not only impossible but also false. It is based on fear and works righteousness. Grace only applies after all you can do (2 Nephi 25:23). Unless you never commit any sin ever again you are still in sin and not truly repentant. Trying to stop sinning is not enough. The time to deny all ungodliness is now because at death there is no second chance from being sealed to the devil who is in Outer Darkness. That is the final state of your soul for all eternity without end. Have you stopped sinning completely? If not then Grace does not apply to you. You will die in sin and will not be saved to be in the presence of the Father according to the LDS Teaching you just read. The LDS gospel is not good news.
For the Christian the requirement to be perfect still exists but it exists not in ourselves but in Jesus Christ completely. It is by the Cross we who are not perfect are made perfect forever (Hebrews 10:14). There is no other way for the Bible tells us that there is no one who is good (Romans 3:10). A person who thinks they can get to Heaven by being good and keeping the commandments does not understand how God sees sin, punishment, or Hell (John 3:18, 36). On Judgment Day every thought, word and deed will be exposed.
When we look at ourselves in the mirror of God’s standard we see that God views lust as adultery (Matthew 5:28), hatred as murder (1 John 3:15), and that no secret sin is hidden from Him of whom we will give an account (Hebrews 4:13). We see our sin in all its ugliness and realize that there is nothing we can do to remedy it. The more we see the depth of our sin the more we realize the extent of God's love to save us, making grace truly amazing (Romans 2:4, 5:8).
That’s the bad news. The law cannot save us. It simply teaches us (Romans 3:20, 7:13; Galatians 3:24) to not trust in our own goodness and leads us to trust by grace through faith in the goodness of Jesus alone for salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:4). Because of sin we deserve Hell, but God showed His love by pouring His wrath toward our sin on His only Son. Jesus alone does the “perfecting” (Heb. 10:14). He suffered and died on the cross in our place and rose again so that we who deserve such punishment could be pardoned and God glorified. That is the good news. God’s love is amazing. Will you reject His amazing gift of undeserved kindness?
God commands you to repent and put all trust in Jesus Christ alone to save you (Acts 17:30-31). Stop attempting to gain your own salvation through works that cannot save (Rom. 10:3-4). It cheapens Christ’s sacrifice to be only a partial payment and insults God. You can do nothing to save yourself (Eph. 2:8-9). You must put all your faith in Jesus alone and place zero trust in yourself. Cry out to God and beg him to save you from your sin, and trust ONLY in His death and resurrection as full payment
.
However, to die in sin apart from God's complete and undeserved mercy will bring a fearful day of wrath, judgment and a destination of Hell (Revelation 21:8). Don't wait another moment. Surrender all to the Savior for He is worthy and this day may be your last. There is no other way. Please repent and trust in the true Jesus. He is merciful to save.
I love you Friend. That is why I wanted to share this most important message of God’s kindness. Let’s talk more as soon as possible.
Love,
Rob-roy
Dear Friend,
I love you. Please take time to read this very important letter. Since you are so devoted to your faith it is important for you to know that according to the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), true repentance means sinless perfectionism. Since no one can completely stop sinning in this life the teaching of the LDS Church is indeed the Impossible Gospel. This is the reason you and other LDS I talk with consistently respond that you do not know for sure that you have eternal life because you must rely on your own ability to keep the commandments and stop sinning in order to earn the grace of God.
If you don’t believe me then see for yourself. Here are the requirements of true repentance for salvation as defined by the LDS Church:
Must forsake all sin and deny all ungodliness
"Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more. By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins--behold, he will confess them and forsake them." (Doctrine and Covenants 58:42-43)
“And if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you…” (Moroni 10:32)
“Repentance is for every soul who has not yet reached perfection” (Miracle of Forgiveness [MoF] by Spencer Kimball, p.33)
Must keep all the commandments
“For I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance; Nevertheless, he that repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven; And he that repents not, from him shall be taken even the light which he has received; for my Spirit shall not always strive with man, saith the Lord of Hosts.” (Doctrine and Covenants 1:31-33)
Must stop all sinning
“Being perfect means to triumph over sin. This is a mandate from the Lord. He is just and wise and kind. He would never require anything from his children which was not for their benefit and which was not attainable. Perfection therefore is an achievable goal” (MoF by Spencer Kimball p. 209)
“the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them” 1 Nephi 3:7
“Discontinuance of sin must be permanent” (MoF, p.176)
Must never repeat any sin again or commit new sins for the first time
"Unto the soul that sins the former sins return" (Doctrine and Covenants 82:7).
“daily transgression and daily repentance is that which is not pleasing in the sight of God.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 148)
“no unclean thing can inherit the kingdom of heaven; therefore, how can ye be saved, except ye inherit the kingdom of heaven? Therefore, ye cannot saved in your sins” (Alma 11:37)
“Those who feel that they can sin and be forgiven and then return to sin and be forgiven again and again must straighten out their thinking. Each previously forgiven sin is added to the new one. When a man has made up his mind to change his life there must be no turning back.” (MoF by Spencer Kimball, p.170)
Trying not to sin is not enough
“Desire and Trying to abandon sins is not sufficient, only abandoning sin is sufficient” (MoF by Spencer Kimball, p.163-164)
“We can hardly be too forceful in reminding people that they cannot sin and be forgiven and then sin again and again and expect repeated forgiveness” (MoF by Spencer Kimball, p.360)
“There is one crucial test of repentance. This is abandonment of the sin.” (MoF by Spencer Kimball, p.163)
“An incomplete repentance never brought about complete forgiveness” (MoF by Spencer Kimball, p.212)
Must stop sinning before death (No second chances)
“spirit world repentance cannot recompense for that which could and should have been done on earth” (MoF by Spencer Kimball, p.315)
“…this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God… For behold, if ye have procrastinated the day of your repentance even until death, behold, ye have become subjected to the spirit of the devil, and he doth seal you his; therefore, the Spirit of the Lord hath withdrawn from you, and hath no place in you, and the devil hath all power over you; and this is the final state of the wicked” (Alma 34:30-35)
Friend, the Impossible Gospel of Mormonism is not only impossible but also false. It is based on fear and works righteousness. Grace only applies after all you can do (2 Nephi 25:23). Unless you never commit any sin ever again you are still in sin and not truly repentant. Trying to stop sinning is not enough. The time to deny all ungodliness is now because at death there is no second chance from being sealed to the devil who is in Outer Darkness. That is the final state of your soul for all eternity without end. Have you stopped sinning completely? If not then Grace does not apply to you. You will die in sin and will not be saved to be in the presence of the Father according to the LDS Teaching you just read. The LDS gospel is not good news.
For the Christian the requirement to be perfect still exists but it exists not in ourselves but in Jesus Christ completely. It is by the Cross we who are not perfect are made perfect forever (Hebrews 10:14). There is no other way for the Bible tells us that there is no one who is good (Romans 3:10). A person who thinks they can get to Heaven by being good and keeping the commandments does not understand how God sees sin, punishment, or Hell (John 3:18, 36). On Judgment Day every thought, word and deed will be exposed.
When we look at ourselves in the mirror of God’s standard we see that God views lust as adultery (Matthew 5:28), hatred as murder (1 John 3:15), and that no secret sin is hidden from Him of whom we will give an account (Hebrews 4:13). We see our sin in all its ugliness and realize that there is nothing we can do to remedy it. The more we see the depth of our sin the more we realize the extent of God's love to save us, making grace truly amazing (Romans 2:4, 5:8).
That’s the bad news. The law cannot save us. It simply teaches us (Romans 3:20, 7:13; Galatians 3:24) to not trust in our own goodness and leads us to trust by grace through faith in the goodness of Jesus alone for salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:4). Because of sin we deserve Hell, but God showed His love by pouring His wrath toward our sin on His only Son. Jesus alone does the “perfecting” (Heb. 10:14). He suffered and died on the cross in our place and rose again so that we who deserve such punishment could be pardoned and God glorified. That is the good news. God’s love is amazing. Will you reject His amazing gift of undeserved kindness?
God commands you to repent and put all trust in Jesus Christ alone to save you (Acts 17:30-31). Stop attempting to gain your own salvation through works that cannot save (Rom. 10:3-4). It cheapens Christ’s sacrifice to be only a partial payment and insults God. You can do nothing to save yourself (Eph. 2:8-9). You must put all your faith in Jesus alone and place zero trust in yourself. Cry out to God and beg him to save you from your sin, and trust ONLY in His death and resurrection as full payment
.
However, to die in sin apart from God's complete and undeserved mercy will bring a fearful day of wrath, judgment and a destination of Hell (Revelation 21:8). Don't wait another moment. Surrender all to the Savior for He is worthy and this day may be your last. There is no other way. Please repent and trust in the true Jesus. He is merciful to save.
I love you Friend. That is why I wanted to share this most important message of God’s kindness. Let’s talk more as soon as possible.
Love,
Rob-roy
Friday, March 26, 2010
Book Excerpt: When I Don't Desire God, How to Fight for Joy (Part two)
You can find Part one by clicking here.
But we are not without a Savior. Jesus Christ has come. And he is a great Savior. Every need we have, he supplies. And his death on the cross is the price that purchases every gift that leads to deep and lasting joy.
Is there wrath and curse hanging over us?
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.” (Gal. 3:13)
Is there condemnation against us in the courtroom of heaven?
Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died. (Rom. 8:33-34)
Are there innumerable trespasses mounting up against us?
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace. (Eph. 1:7)
Is righteousness required that we cannot produce?
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Cor. 5:21). By the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. (Rom. 5:19)
Are we cut off from eternal life?
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
Are we trapped in the dominion of sin that ruins our lives?
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness (1 Pet. 2:24).
He died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. (2 Cor. 5:15)
Will all the follies and failures of our past drag us down with irrevocable, destructive consequences?
We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Rom. 8:28)
Have we lost all the good things God planned for his children?
He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Rom. 8:32)
Is there any hope that sinners like us could spend an all-satisfying eternity with God? Can I ever come home to God?
Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God. (1 Pet. 3:18)
Oh, what a great salvation Jesus Christ accomplished when he died and rose again! All that, and more, Christ purchased by his death. Therefore, Christ crucified is the foundation of all honest and everlasting joy. No self-deception is necessary to enjoy it. Indeed all deception must cease in order to enjoy it to the full.
But we are not without a Savior. Jesus Christ has come. And he is a great Savior. Every need we have, he supplies. And his death on the cross is the price that purchases every gift that leads to deep and lasting joy.
Is there wrath and curse hanging over us?
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.” (Gal. 3:13)
Is there condemnation against us in the courtroom of heaven?
Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died. (Rom. 8:33-34)
Are there innumerable trespasses mounting up against us?
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace. (Eph. 1:7)
Is righteousness required that we cannot produce?
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Cor. 5:21). By the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. (Rom. 5:19)
Are we cut off from eternal life?
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
Are we trapped in the dominion of sin that ruins our lives?
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness (1 Pet. 2:24).
He died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. (2 Cor. 5:15)
Will all the follies and failures of our past drag us down with irrevocable, destructive consequences?
We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Rom. 8:28)
Have we lost all the good things God planned for his children?
He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Rom. 8:32)
Is there any hope that sinners like us could spend an all-satisfying eternity with God? Can I ever come home to God?
Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God. (1 Pet. 3:18)
Oh, what a great salvation Jesus Christ accomplished when he died and rose again! All that, and more, Christ purchased by his death. Therefore, Christ crucified is the foundation of all honest and everlasting joy. No self-deception is necessary to enjoy it. Indeed all deception must cease in order to enjoy it to the full.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Quote from JC Ryle
Part two of the book excerpt is coming, I'm just lazy because it takes a lot of formatting and I have been not feeling well. Thanks for your patience. In the meantime, here is a very good quote by JC Ryle, I got from this site.
Young men, God does not show favoritism or respects the honors bestowed by men. He rewards no man’s heritage, or wealth, or rank, or position. He does not see with man’s eyes. The poorest saint that ever died in a ghetto is nobler in His sight than the richest sinner that ever died in a palace. God does not look at riches, titles, education, beauty, or anything of the kind. There is only one thing that God does look at, and that is the immortal soul. He measures all men by one standard, one measure, one test, one criterion, and that is the state of their souls.
Young men, God does not show favoritism or respects the honors bestowed by men. He rewards no man’s heritage, or wealth, or rank, or position. He does not see with man’s eyes. The poorest saint that ever died in a ghetto is nobler in His sight than the richest sinner that ever died in a palace. God does not look at riches, titles, education, beauty, or anything of the kind. There is only one thing that God does look at, and that is the immortal soul. He measures all men by one standard, one measure, one test, one criterion, and that is the state of their souls.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Book Excerpt: When I Don't Desire God, How to Fight for Joy (Part one)
If you know me at all, or read my blog, you know that joy is a struggle for me. A friend suggested a book by John Piper, When I Don't Desire God, How to Fight For Joy. It continues to be a real encouragement to me, and when I read this last night, I had a deep desire to share it with you. You can read the book in full in PDF by clicking here.
This is a two part excerpt. Part two will come tomorrow or Monday. But here is part one, taken from page 72:
Jesus Christ came into the world as the divine Son of God in order to die for our sins and rescue us from the wrath of God, the burden of guilt, the condemnation of justice, the bondage of sin, the torment of hell, and the loss of all that is good—especially the loss of God. Our problem is not merely our own corruption but, more seriously, God’s condemnation. To be sure, we are corrupt, or as the old theologians said, depraved. Paul’s way of saying it is that “all . . . are under sin. . . . ‘None is righteous, no, not one’” (Rom. 3:9-10).
This corruption is a massive obstacle to everlasting joy. We desire the wrong things, and we desire right things in the wrong way. And both are deadly—like eating pleasant poison. But our corruption is not our main obstacle to joy. God’s wrath is greater. God is infinitely valuable, and we have offended him infinitely by valuing other things more. We have exchanged the glory of . . . God” (Rom. 1:23). Or as Paul says in Romans 3:23, we all “fall short of the glory of God.”
This is a two part excerpt. Part two will come tomorrow or Monday. But here is part one, taken from page 72:
Jesus Christ came into the world as the divine Son of God in order to die for our sins and rescue us from the wrath of God, the burden of guilt, the condemnation of justice, the bondage of sin, the torment of hell, and the loss of all that is good—especially the loss of God. Our problem is not merely our own corruption but, more seriously, God’s condemnation. To be sure, we are corrupt, or as the old theologians said, depraved. Paul’s way of saying it is that “all . . . are under sin. . . . ‘None is righteous, no, not one’” (Rom. 3:9-10).
This corruption is a massive obstacle to everlasting joy. We desire the wrong things, and we desire right things in the wrong way. And both are deadly—like eating pleasant poison. But our corruption is not our main obstacle to joy. God’s wrath is greater. God is infinitely valuable, and we have offended him infinitely by valuing other things more. We have exchanged the glory of . . . God” (Rom. 1:23). Or as Paul says in Romans 3:23, we all “fall short of the glory of God.”
Therefore, God’s holiness and justice will move him to settle accounts with us in his wrath. “Whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him” (John 3:36). “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them” (Gal. 3:10). The consequence of this curse and wrath is eternal misery apart from the glory of God. “Those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus . . . will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might” (2 Thess. 1:8-9). The iceberg just ahead is no happiness forever, only misery.
We are on a doomed Titanic because of our sin—all of us without exception. “Every mouth [is] stopped, and the whole world [is] held accountable to God” (Rom. 3:19). The sinful ship of our lives is headed for everlasting ruin because of God’s righteousness and wrath. Without a Savior, that’s the reality we must keep out of our minds in order to be happy on the Titanic of this world.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
The Gospel
“The gospel is saying that, what man cannot do in order to be accepted with God, this God Himself has done for us in the person of Jesus Christ. To be acceptable to God we must present to God a life of perfect and unceasing obedience to his will. The gospel declares that Jesus has done this for us. For God to be righteous he must deal with our sin. This also he has done for us in Jesus. The holy law of God was lived out perfectly for us by Christ, and its penalty was paid perfectly for us by Christ. The living and dying of Christ for us, and this alone is the basis of our acceptance with God”
- Graeme Goldsworthy, Gospel and Kingdom, p86
Taken from: Of First Importance
I heartily recommend this site for any serious Christ-follower.
- Graeme Goldsworthy, Gospel and Kingdom, p86
Taken from: Of First Importance
I heartily recommend this site for any serious Christ-follower.
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