The tragedy in Norway has touched both people’s hearts and minds, as the news media has brought to our attention the wide scale destruction and suffering attacker Anders Behring Breivik has inflicted. Some news reports have focused on Breivik’s supposedly being a right wing Christian fundamentalist, and began bombarding Christianity in general as if responsible for this atrocity. However, in a 1500+ page manifesto Breivik wrote, he states claiming to be a Christian is simply a “pose” adopted for political reasons
On the website Evolution News, a review of his manifesto reveals why he chose to align himself with a group supposedly espousing “Christian values.” He states: "My choice was based purely [on] pragmatism." (p. 1380). He goes on to explain that ‘Christianity’ has far more mass appeal than nationalism, white supremacy, or a revival of paganism, and so it is a more effective ‘banner’ under which to build his movement (p. 1381). He also states, “I'm not going to pretend I'm a very religious person as that would be a lie. I've always been very pragmatic and influenced by my secular surroundings and environment.”
In reality, evolution and social engineering lies at the heart of his views. He believes countries that don’t enforce population controls should be allowed to starve to death (p. 1202), and that other countries shouldn’t intervene to help. He advocates a new form of eugenics, referring to how the Nazi’s of World War II poisoned the idea, but that basically it could be a positive tool that shouldn’t be abandoned (p. 1200). As you read through his philosophy of life, it becomes clear that he truly is a poser, as Biblical principles are totally void from his view of life and how one should actually live.
Breivik reminds me, sadly, of what Paul wrote of those who abandoned a knowledge of God in the first century, and were left with only a worldly, sin-based philosophy of life. “For though they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became nonsense, and their senseless minds were darkened” (Rom. 1:21). He also adds, “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served something created instead of the Creator, who is praised forever. Amen” (Rom. 1:25). Thinking shaped by sin, instead of the will of God, results in all sort of perversity and tragedy (Rom. 1:28-32). To this end, the horrible tragedy in Norway is a result of godlessness, not New Testament Christianity.
I find Breivik’s use of the term “poser” as both revealing and frightening. How many people, even in the Lord’s church, could be described as posers? How many people wear the name of Christ but are not living life in Christ, not for Christ? Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 7:21). To live is to be Christ (Phil. 1:21), and Christ is to be our lives (Col. 3:4). The New Testament doesn’t sanction posing, but dedication. No, we won’t ever live in perfection of the will of God, but there’s a difference between seeking Christ in our lives, and expecting Christ to sanction whatever we do in life. How genuine is your faith, and the life it produces?
When others listen to your speech, and observe your lifestyle, what conclusion do they reach? Do they see Christ in you, or are you simply posing? You don’t have to act as a lunatic and murder indiscriminately to be a poser, as was Breivik. It is self-destructive spiritually to wear the name of Christ, but live like the world around us. “So then, brothers, we are not obligated to the flesh to live according to the flesh, for if you live according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (Rom. 8:12-13). As Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:14-16).
Robert Johnson
Bible
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Jesus' Teaching on Hell
There seems to be a debate in some religious circles today regarding Jesus’ teaching about eternity. Specifically, there are those questioning whether He actually taught about hell, eternal punishment, or if He did, that the number of times He mentioned it are so few that it doesn’t warrant our attention. I have read of those who have done word searches through the gospel accounts, and finding the word hell to be used less than the word heaven, have concluded that the concept of hell must not have meant much to Jesus and so should not be a focus of our teaching either.
These are erroneous views. A similar argument is made regarding the virgin birth. Some theologians state that, since it is only mentioned twice in the gospel records (Matthew and Luke), it must not be an established principle of Christianity. However, if Scripture is truly the inspired word of God, as both Paul and Peter affirm it is (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21), then the fact something is mentioned once is sufficient to establish its truthfulness. The same is true with the reality of hell. If Jesus and the inspired writers of Scripture mention such, word counts mean little, as the reality of hell has been established.
There is more to the discussion than just the two terms, heaven and hell, and their frequency of use in the Bible. Jesus used a variety of terms to describe hell, not just that word itself. Phrases such as “eternal punishment” (Matthew 25:46), “condemnation” (Mark 12:40), “wrath of God” (John 3:36), “furnace of fire” (Matthew 13:42), “outer darkness,” “place of weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 25:30), “judgment” (John 5:24), “torment” (Luke 16:28), and others are also used to describe the concept of hell. When you take this into consideration, you discover Jesus spent more time warning against hell than He did teaching about heaven.
The question is then raised, “Why did He do this?” It is not because Jesus didn’t want people to go to heaven; far from it. Jesus said, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). To be in heaven is to be with God and the Son, and to be in God’s presence forever offers us joy beyond imagination for eternity. To spend eternity there, we must realize not everyone is going to heaven (Matthew 7:13-14). We need to understand hell is real, that punishment beyond imagination for eternity is what is experienced there. To understand how horrible hell is offers strong motivation to seek heaven. We must choose to live by God’s will today so hell will not be where we spend our eternity.
Hell is real, and Jesus, along with the rest of Scripture, taught about its reality. Jesus came into the world to offer salvation from its punishment, the promise of a better life today, along with life eternal in heaven. How we live each day determines where we spend our eternity. Jesus spent more time warning about hell to encourage us to live for heaven. Do you believe what Jesus said? Which outcome is your life leading you? “But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!” (Luke 12:5).
Robert Johnson
These are erroneous views. A similar argument is made regarding the virgin birth. Some theologians state that, since it is only mentioned twice in the gospel records (Matthew and Luke), it must not be an established principle of Christianity. However, if Scripture is truly the inspired word of God, as both Paul and Peter affirm it is (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21), then the fact something is mentioned once is sufficient to establish its truthfulness. The same is true with the reality of hell. If Jesus and the inspired writers of Scripture mention such, word counts mean little, as the reality of hell has been established.
There is more to the discussion than just the two terms, heaven and hell, and their frequency of use in the Bible. Jesus used a variety of terms to describe hell, not just that word itself. Phrases such as “eternal punishment” (Matthew 25:46), “condemnation” (Mark 12:40), “wrath of God” (John 3:36), “furnace of fire” (Matthew 13:42), “outer darkness,” “place of weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 25:30), “judgment” (John 5:24), “torment” (Luke 16:28), and others are also used to describe the concept of hell. When you take this into consideration, you discover Jesus spent more time warning against hell than He did teaching about heaven.
The question is then raised, “Why did He do this?” It is not because Jesus didn’t want people to go to heaven; far from it. Jesus said, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). To be in heaven is to be with God and the Son, and to be in God’s presence forever offers us joy beyond imagination for eternity. To spend eternity there, we must realize not everyone is going to heaven (Matthew 7:13-14). We need to understand hell is real, that punishment beyond imagination for eternity is what is experienced there. To understand how horrible hell is offers strong motivation to seek heaven. We must choose to live by God’s will today so hell will not be where we spend our eternity.
Hell is real, and Jesus, along with the rest of Scripture, taught about its reality. Jesus came into the world to offer salvation from its punishment, the promise of a better life today, along with life eternal in heaven. How we live each day determines where we spend our eternity. Jesus spent more time warning about hell to encourage us to live for heaven. Do you believe what Jesus said? Which outcome is your life leading you? “But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!” (Luke 12:5).
Robert Johnson
Thursday, July 14, 2011
The Measure of Your Faith
A recent news item reports that Iran’s Supreme Court has charged an evangelical preacher with apostasy, and could be executed if he doesn’t recant his beliefs. Human rights groups say apostasy isn’t even codified in Iranian law. Yousef Nadarkhani converted to “Christianity” as a teenager, and has converted an unknown number of people in Iran. While the Iranian regime doesn’t look favorably on personal conversion from Islam, Nadarkhani’s converting others is what really has set this chain of events into motion. Those who know Nadarkhani say he is not likely to recant, and if he doesn’t, his fate is unclear.
While this individual is not a New Testament Christian, you can’t help but admire his zeal and conviction for what he believes. His actions show not only his sincerity, but that there are hearts that can be changed, even under oppressive governments and the most difficult of situations. If there are those willing to listen to his message, would there not also be good and honest hearts willing to listen to the complete truth of the gospel? As Jesus said, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).
Beyond all this, such reports should cause us to pause and ask ourselves about our faith, and our commitment, to the truth. Just how much of an influence does the gospel make in our lives? While we may wonder about the direction our nation is headed, we still have the freedom to believe, live, and teach others the message of salvation. What impact does it make in daily living with the liberties we have? Do we take faith in Christ seriously, so that it is reflected in what we say and do? Do others see Christ living in us? Are we seeking opportunities to tell others the truth that saves? We are not being persecuted. We are not being arrested for being New Testament Christians. No one has threatened to execute us for what we believe, or demanded we deny our faith to spare our physical lives.
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:14-16). He also said, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt. 10:28). If one finds it difficult to live the Christian life in a time of ease, what would be the measure of one’s commitment and faith in a time of distress and persecution?
We are privileged to live as we do, and blessed to know the truth as we do. The circumstances Yousef Nadarkhani faces should cause each of us to examine just how important Christ is to us. Important enough to live for Him and His will every day? “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10).
Robert Johnson
While this individual is not a New Testament Christian, you can’t help but admire his zeal and conviction for what he believes. His actions show not only his sincerity, but that there are hearts that can be changed, even under oppressive governments and the most difficult of situations. If there are those willing to listen to his message, would there not also be good and honest hearts willing to listen to the complete truth of the gospel? As Jesus said, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).
Beyond all this, such reports should cause us to pause and ask ourselves about our faith, and our commitment, to the truth. Just how much of an influence does the gospel make in our lives? While we may wonder about the direction our nation is headed, we still have the freedom to believe, live, and teach others the message of salvation. What impact does it make in daily living with the liberties we have? Do we take faith in Christ seriously, so that it is reflected in what we say and do? Do others see Christ living in us? Are we seeking opportunities to tell others the truth that saves? We are not being persecuted. We are not being arrested for being New Testament Christians. No one has threatened to execute us for what we believe, or demanded we deny our faith to spare our physical lives.
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:14-16). He also said, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt. 10:28). If one finds it difficult to live the Christian life in a time of ease, what would be the measure of one’s commitment and faith in a time of distress and persecution?
We are privileged to live as we do, and blessed to know the truth as we do. The circumstances Yousef Nadarkhani faces should cause each of us to examine just how important Christ is to us. Important enough to live for Him and His will every day? “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10).
Robert Johnson
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
A True Knowledge of Christ
“…until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13).
The term that Paul uses to describe the knowledge we are to have of the Son of God is an intensive form of the Greek word for knowledge. “It expresses a more thorough participation in the acquiring of knowledge on the part of the learner. In the New Testament, it often refers to knowledge which very powerfully influences the form of religious life, a knowledge laying claim to personal involvement” (The Complete Word Study Dictionary, NT, p. 624). Paul isn’t just talking about knowing the reality of the existence of Christ, but of who He is, of His example for us, of living life in Him and the knowledge of His will that helps us grow in His image.
What do we really know about Jesus? We can answer that question, in part, by asking how much time we spend learning from Scripture. Jesus told the Jews of His day, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me” (John 5:39). We need to spend time searching the Scripture, studying the word, so we can know God and His Son, to learn the will of God revealed through Christ, and what it is God expects of us in obeying the gospel, worshiping Him, and living everyday life for Him. Without knowing what Scripture teaches, we will be subject to various other forces that influence us, most of which are based in sin. The place to begin, then, is in spending time each day in the word of God.
But this is not an end to itself. Knowing the facts of Scripture alone will never transform lives, and we must experience a transformation, from conformity to the world to living a sanctified life, if the goal of knowing Scripture is to be realized. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom. 12:2). We learn what Scripture teaches so we can practice it in everyday living. It is to be part of our conscience, its principles and precepts familiar to us, so when we face challenges in life, or temptations, or various types of decisions, we have the basis on which to decide how to respond. With Scripture in our hearts and minds, we can choose right from wrong and discern the best course of action to take (Psalm 119:11). We have to know what Scripture teaches through study if we are to gain this knowledge, but we must also apply this knowledge if it is to transform our lives. We must see where it fits in daily life experiences.
Do we have this intensive form of knowledge? Does our understanding of Scripture powerfully influence our life? Does it motivate us to personal involvement in Christian living? Paul prayed for the Christians in Philippi, “…that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (Phil. 1:9-11). A real knowledge will offer discernment, being able to distinguish the best way to live from everything else, and enable us to live in the righteousness of Christ, which glorifies God! This is truly the abundant life (John 10:10).
Too many Christians sell themselves short, trying to get by on less of a faith than they need, not enough knowledge to feed their souls, and so handicap themselves from living in the fullness of Christ. This is the siren call of Satan, as he knows such a distraction will keep us from being all we can be, and enable him to gain an upper hand in our lives. The good life comes in having a full knowledge of God, His Son, and their will for our lives, a knowledge deep enough to motivate us to live it. Make time for God’s word daily. Pray for understanding. Look for its application, and practice it. That’s what real knowledge is all about. You will be amazed at what your life in Christ will become. “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence” (2 Pet. 1:2-3).
Robert Johnson
The term that Paul uses to describe the knowledge we are to have of the Son of God is an intensive form of the Greek word for knowledge. “It expresses a more thorough participation in the acquiring of knowledge on the part of the learner. In the New Testament, it often refers to knowledge which very powerfully influences the form of religious life, a knowledge laying claim to personal involvement” (The Complete Word Study Dictionary, NT, p. 624). Paul isn’t just talking about knowing the reality of the existence of Christ, but of who He is, of His example for us, of living life in Him and the knowledge of His will that helps us grow in His image.
What do we really know about Jesus? We can answer that question, in part, by asking how much time we spend learning from Scripture. Jesus told the Jews of His day, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me” (John 5:39). We need to spend time searching the Scripture, studying the word, so we can know God and His Son, to learn the will of God revealed through Christ, and what it is God expects of us in obeying the gospel, worshiping Him, and living everyday life for Him. Without knowing what Scripture teaches, we will be subject to various other forces that influence us, most of which are based in sin. The place to begin, then, is in spending time each day in the word of God.
But this is not an end to itself. Knowing the facts of Scripture alone will never transform lives, and we must experience a transformation, from conformity to the world to living a sanctified life, if the goal of knowing Scripture is to be realized. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom. 12:2). We learn what Scripture teaches so we can practice it in everyday living. It is to be part of our conscience, its principles and precepts familiar to us, so when we face challenges in life, or temptations, or various types of decisions, we have the basis on which to decide how to respond. With Scripture in our hearts and minds, we can choose right from wrong and discern the best course of action to take (Psalm 119:11). We have to know what Scripture teaches through study if we are to gain this knowledge, but we must also apply this knowledge if it is to transform our lives. We must see where it fits in daily life experiences.
Do we have this intensive form of knowledge? Does our understanding of Scripture powerfully influence our life? Does it motivate us to personal involvement in Christian living? Paul prayed for the Christians in Philippi, “…that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (Phil. 1:9-11). A real knowledge will offer discernment, being able to distinguish the best way to live from everything else, and enable us to live in the righteousness of Christ, which glorifies God! This is truly the abundant life (John 10:10).
Too many Christians sell themselves short, trying to get by on less of a faith than they need, not enough knowledge to feed their souls, and so handicap themselves from living in the fullness of Christ. This is the siren call of Satan, as he knows such a distraction will keep us from being all we can be, and enable him to gain an upper hand in our lives. The good life comes in having a full knowledge of God, His Son, and their will for our lives, a knowledge deep enough to motivate us to live it. Make time for God’s word daily. Pray for understanding. Look for its application, and practice it. That’s what real knowledge is all about. You will be amazed at what your life in Christ will become. “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence” (2 Pet. 1:2-3).
Robert Johnson
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