The next course I selected as part of my Unschooled Master of Theology program was the KI course, Romans part 1, which covers the first half of the Book of Romans. Here are the Discussion Questions for the entire course along with my responses.
As a reminder, you can find all of my course assignments for the uThM here.
So, let’s get started….
What Do I Already Know?
Romans has a particular passage in it that I cling to for my salvation: Ro 10:9, “…if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved” (Romans 10:9–13).
As well, Ro 1; 6; 7; 8; 12 all carry a great deal of weight for my personal theology. Paul here points to the predestination of the believers vs that of the lost. He describes how we are buried with Christ in his death, and likewise will be found in the resurrection. There is here so much about living by the Spirit rather than by the Flesh, and how “nothing good in me dwells” and “the good I will to do I do not do, and the evil I will not to do, that I do.” The nature of sin is, though, no excuse to keep on sinning. We are to “present ourselves as living sacrifices, holy, acceptable to God, for this is our reasonable service.”
Most of the time I have no idea how to actually do these things. The war wages severely in my members, and I’m helpless to resist. Though, occasionally, God has shown me how to walk by the Spirit. To walk with him. To surrender. But, to be honest, I’m not sure how to bring that about within my body for good, that it might be ever present. Especially whenever difficulty arises, I find myself running back to my own devices, my own provision, rather than running to Christ and taking up God’s perpetual provision.
Paul consoles me, though, at the end of Ro 7 with, “So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.”
What Do I Want to Learn?
I would like to derive more clarity concerning the “revealing of the Sons of God” (Ro 8:19), focusing on what exactly it is we will be doing after Rev 22:21, what will be the parameters of “work” or our individual “responsibilities?” How much will we be like the angels, and will we, As Dr. Heiser states, take seats on the Divine Council, or will we always maintain a distinction from these angelic beings?
I would also like to get a clearer picture of predestination vs free will. I’ve always been predestination, but not because it is a doctrine of reformed theology, but because of my own experience in being saved (against my will). Many have claimed in the past that this indicates that I was never actually saved at all, but I have a hard time believing God would place inside me a faith like this (that has not wavered in 30 years), and a love for him or his Word, only to cast me into the Lake of Fire in the end. But, if he does, this would be his prerogative.
Moreover, I would like to know how much actual autonomy I have over my daily choices. Is it, as I suspect, a sliding scale with free will if God is not exercising his predestination, but none if he does? He does work in us both to will and to do for his good pleasure (Phil 2:13), which would indicate that there is no free will.
I’m not certain if this will be review or not. I can’t remember if I’ve gone through these materials yet. With the weight of this book, I can only assume I have. If so, it might be mostly review.
Lecture 1
Explain the reasons why the Dark Ages were considered “Dark.” What impact does this have on the Emergent Church Movement today?
The Dark Ages were “dark” essentially because faith had become religion, degrading into ritual instead of in right doctrine and genuine belief and a competent understanding of the gospel itself. I recognize that the ECM was quite popular when this question was written, but it has since fallen aside as a kind of fad in modern church circles. One of the main issues of house-churches in general is the tendency to have a lack of structure, lack of professionalism, lack of accountability, and such “gatherings” have a tendency to be a magnet for all manner of heresy and crazy people wanting the spotlight. When I hosted a house church, we always seemed to have either a self-proclaimed apostle, prophet, or some other “authority” come through, most often they were either seeking their own glory or they wanted to touch the children.
The connection between the dark ages and the alternative church movement is the underlining tendency of faith to slide toward religion, toward ritual, which is man’s attempt to right himself before God rather than the gospel’s plan of God righting man before himself. There have been a few instances where I’ve experienced authentic, spirit-led fellowship that would express genuine biblical Christianity. But these are only brief and fleeting moments in a sea of religion and human effort. As I gear up for and embrace my new life as husband, a father, and possibly in the next phase that God is preparing us for, I will have to really seriously and soberly consider what it truly means, authentic fellowship. I’m not sure there is a means by which individuals in a group setting can achieve a healthy balance between faith and religion for long before that balance gives way to one extreme or another. I will need to pray about it.
What are some of your personal experiences that relate to the theme of the book of Romans?
One experience is discussing the ideas of free-will and predestination with my new wife. It has been incredible to find someone who I can actually routinely have a substantive conversation with about the Bible or theology or God, yet we have grown in the faith in very distinct and even divergent paths. I have circled predominately in Baptist and fundamentalist circles for most of my Christian journey, where Jennifer has spent most of her walk in Assemblies of God and Charismatic circles (even though she is not actually charismatic). She is very free-will oriented while I grow increasingly predestination oriented the longer I consider the two doctrines, to the point that I really don’t think anyone has any free will at all.
It will be interesting as my wife and I go through our own current study of Romans, as we wrestle with the topics therein. What we both find comforting is neither of us have a faith that demands that the other accept our views. We can agree to disagree on just about every doctrine, and yet still can engage in and enjoy spirited discussion and debate. It is something we’ve both wanted in a spouse for years.
Why do the Jews have a preferential relationship with God? What are your thoughts about this truth, and how does it impact your walk with God today?
I don’t agree that they do have a preferential relationship with God. They were the chosen people selected to have the law delivered to, and have been used as examples for the rest of the world. They failed on every conceivable level by design. They are the cautionary tail for the rest of us. Yet, simultaneously, they do have a destiny that is clearly predicted in Romans. As Paul states, “all Israel will be saved” (Ro 11:26). I, personally, take Paul at his word. I’m convinced that not only will those Israelites who are alive at the end times will be save, but I think every Israelite who has ever lived will be resurrected according to Ezekiel 37:10 and will constitute “an exceedingly great army.”
It is through the Jews that a path was made available for the gentiles to be saved by grace through faith. Without this “grafting in” there would be no provision of grace for me. Because of this, the Israelite is my friend and co-heir. But, because of Christ, the Israelite is currently my enemy, because of the gospel of Christ. But, there will come a time when they will turn from the partial blindness that they have, when the veil of disbelief will be lifted and they will turn to Jesus as their messiah. When this happens, they will be grafted back into the vine the same way I and other gentiles were grafted in. They will be saved by grace through faith, but not individually as is the church saved, but corporately.
I’m not certain if they will join the saints in heaven, or if they will populate the new earth and dwell in Jerusalem forever in the afterlife. I’m likewise not certain if they will become or be “revealed as sons of God” (Ro 8:19) as true Christians will be, or if they have a separate and distinct fate. I’m not certain if they will become “like the angels” (Matt 22:30) and take their place in the divine council or become part of the host of heaven. But I am certain they will be part of the kingdom of God and will have their place among the worthy.
Their provision has no impact on my own other than mine was part of the mystery hidden before the foundation of the world in them.
How is the wrath of God being revealed today?
It is being revealed by Romans 1 in that “the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men” because it can plainly be seen that they 1. Suppress the truth in unrighteousness 2. They reject what may be known of God 3. They do not glorify God, are not thankful, and because of both have become futile in their thinking, with their hearts being darkened.
This is happening to both the disbeliever as “believer” alike in this day and age. Not only are the god-haters becoming violent and hostile to the gospel and to those who profess Christ, but even “christians” are being led astray in the culture of our modern world. This is the great “falling away” that Paul referred to in 2 Th 2:3. The world has gone and is still going mad, God having left her to her own devices. How long this will be allowed is unclear. I pray daily that Jesus will return immediately. I do not want my wife or my children or myself to endure the troubling times that appear ahead. But whatever is God’s plan, that is what we will submit to.
How can the things of God be invisible yet clearly seen?
This is done through being “born again” If one has surrendered and professed Jesus as Lord to others, and he has come to believe (be convinced of) that God has raised him from the dead, then he has been reborn, he has received a new spirit that dwells within him as a seal for the day of redemption. It is this spirit, this seal, that allows him to see that which is the “invisible attributes” of God. To the lost the things of God are foolishness, but to the saved it is true and righteousness. This not only pertains to moral and ethical responses within the human himself, but it also pertains to the evidences found in nature. The evidence looked at is the same, regardless of who is looking at it. But those who are saved will see that evidence pointing to God as the creator and the lost will only see the evidence pointing to evolution or any number of false worldviews.
If you worship Christ you will become like Him. What are some areas in your life that are reflecting the nature of Christ?
Since God interrupted my life at 17, I’ve come away with a insatiable thirst to study and consume his Word. That desire has not lessened in all these years and it has overtaken most everything else in my life.
Additionally, I’ve grown in my faith to the point that I am willing and have willfully chosen to submit to God’s direction and call on my life, regardless of what I actually want to do. I have lost most of the self-driven aspirations I had when I was younger. I no longer desire to be wealthy. For a very long time I no longer desired a wife or family. I’ve spent many years in solitude and isolation, living in the woods, devoting my time to the study of his Word, focusing on academic pursuits, thinking this would be the extent of my life. Yet, when he instead changed the trajectory of my and recently told me that I needed to prepare for a wife, I surrendered to his will (but not without a great deal of pushback and protest mind you). When he orchestrated my wife and I to meet, when he brought us together and we discovered that we were perfectly complimentary to one another, we surrendered to God’s will and married (or will be married this month). I personally did not want a wife in the second half of my life. I did not want children. I wanted to continue to live on the lake, to pursue independent research and study, and to wait soberly for Christ’s return. He had other ideas.
I have no idea where he will take me or the wife he has given me next. But we will be willing to go, wherever that may be.
K-W-L Self Assessment: L- Describe what you LEARNED from this session.
This material is really review for me so I don’t really have any additional questions or comments at this time.
Lecture 2
What is the period of 590 AD to 1517 AD regarded as? Why?
This period of time is regarded as the dark ages. It was the point at which faith gave way to religion, that salvation by grace through faith was exchanged for salvation by works and ritual. This was partly the reason the desert fathers removed themselves from society and sought a more ardent expression of Christianity in the desert places, because the main faith of the masses had been compromised. It was, ultimately, due to persecution of the Church ceasing, and the eventual popularity of Christianity as the umbrella religion for all other beliefs. Everyone was to become a Christian, whether they were actually believers or pagan or something else. This is still seen today in modern evangelical circles, whenever faith alone is supplanted by the “works” of tithing, church attendance, and serving the program rather than the Christ who actually saves us.
What is a “saint?” What is a doulos? Describe how both these titles fit into your life.
A saint is a believer who accepts and confesses Jesus as their Lord, and who believes that God the Father raised Jesus up from the dead. A doulos is a willing slave, one who becomes slave to his master for the remainder of his life.
I am a saint in that I profess Christ as my Lord and believe he was raised from the dead. This is my state, sealed for the day of redemption. I am in this state saved, being saved, and will be saved.
I am a slave to Christ in the sense that I was made a believer not by choice but by conscription. At 17 I was transformed from within, changed, with several things that I held dear in my life being stripped from me. Later, I would surrender willingly my life to Christ, and would claim him as my Lord and my King. In this sense I have become the doulos, who having the opportunity to be set free chooses instead to remain with his Lord for the rest of his life.
Why is Socrates’ quote, “It may be that the Deity can forgive sins, but I do not see how,” profound?
This is profound in that someone before the era of Christ or the gospel being revealed on earth could still have enough knowledge of sin and the plight of man to acknowledge his inability to forgive sin. Socrate here realizes that mans’ sin is so egregious that even God’s forgiveness might not cover what he has done.
Give a personal example of how grace can erode to legalism.
Fundamentalism often becomes a form of legalism. I met an independent, fundamental baptist several years ago who claimed that it was a sin for men to wear shorts (for any reason). This would be grace eroding into legalism. Likewise, a church or group that claims that an individual must attend Sunday services regularly to be considered a Christian has failed to recognize Col 2:16 or the freedom in which the individual believer has in Christ.
Comment on the phrase – “A God small enough for our mind would not be big enough for our need.”
We often find ourselves at odds with God or with the things he does. When a child dies from cancer or some other illness, or is killed in a car accident, or is hurt by an adult, we tend to question God’s sovereign will to bring about what he wills to do. We simply assume that righteousness and justice are universal, are objective realities. They are not. They both are framed by the observer, and the only observer opinion that truly matters is Gods. Our opinion is not something that would be considered. By God’s very act of doing “a thing” that thing is rendered just and righteous. If he were to wipe all human life off of the earth and leave the planet void of humanity for all of eternity, there would be no injustice in this act. It would be, by its very intent, right and good and just. What makes our acts and our thoughts righteous before God is not our opinion of those acts, but God’s opinion. If we find favor in God’s sight it is because we have done a thing that he considers righteous. Those who claim that predestination is impossible because if such were true God would be an evil God who does evil things is short-sighted in their view of God.
What is the difference between sonship and inheritance?
In Roman culture the ceremony of “adoption” was required in order for the child to inherit from the parent. After adoption, they could never be disowned. In Dr. Missler’s view, we have already received adoption as sons because we have received the “spirit of adoption” which looks forward to the complete adoption and the “revealing of the sons of God” at the resurrection and rapture. The Prodigal Son never ceased from being the father’s son, only a child who would inherit from the father. Once he was restored, he regained his inheritance and his sonship remained unaltered.
K-W-L Self Assessment: L- Describe what you LEARNED from this session.
I do find it a peculiar phrase in Ro 2:12 “For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law.” I would think this means that all those who have been born, lived, and died without the law of Moses, without the Law of Christ, they simply have no hope in the afterlife. They are fodder. Regardless of their acts. Even though it later says that they “have the law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness, their thoughts accusing or else excusing them in the day when God will judge the secrets of men” (vs. 14-16), certainly this does not mean they will be judged to have fulfilled the law that leads to salvation apart from the law of Christ. For John states, “there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
Circumcision is only effectual if it is of the heart. The physical act brings about nothing. It has no bearing on the condition or disposition of the soul. But this was fundamentally misunderstood by the Jews in the first century, which is Paul’s point. And it has little bearing on the gentile or the Christian who, unlike the Jew even today, stands before God sealed for the day of redemption. For the Jewish person, “he is a Jew who is one inwardly; whose circumcision is of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter” (vs 29).
Lecture 3
What is the greatest thought that entered the mind of Man? Please elaborate on Daniel Webster’s answer to this question. What is your personal responsibility to your Maker?
The lecture states that our greatest responsibility is to our maker. Webster seems to take the meaning that because we are created in the image of God we are obligated to seek him. But I don’t see this in Scripture. Our seeking God, the mercy we receive from God, all originates form God initially. It is God the Father who initiates that act of obedience in us. This stems from one major misunderstanding – being created in the image of God. I would argue that Adam and Eve were thusly made. But, because of the fall, all other human beings who have ever lived have lost that “image” in which we were destined to be made in, and have instead found ourselves created in the image of Adam. The fall separated all of humanity for our intended position before God. Though we were each initially created in the mind of God before we ever existed, even to include everything we would ever do in this life (Psalm 139:16), to be in his image, to be in his likeness, we subsequently have been born, each of us, instead in the image of man, of the first man. It is quite possible that the likeness of God we have retained still.
Because of this misunderstanding, or more importantly because of the reality that the misunderstanding overlooks, I would argue that we do not actually have any responsibility to God as unregenerate individuals. In such a state, we are already, from birth, at enmity with God, are incapable of rectifying or restoring the rift between us. It is only God who chooses to mend that which is broken, to fix what is currently in disrepair.
As a believer, we are obliged to our creator, but not according to any kind of willingness on our own part, but by the willingness of the Spirit within us who works out all things in every manner – working out God’s perfect will in us. So, in this sense, there is no effort on our part. We can fight or we can surrender to God’s working in our lives, but, in the end, God will complete the work he has begun in each of us (who are saved). In this we have no obligation to God, we have no responsibility to him for us to complete anything. It is God doing his perfect work. God is the responsible party for everything in the believer.
Why is it easier to witness to pagan man vs. moral man? Give some personal examples.
Moral man has no sense of need, whereas Pagan man can feel his depravity. CS Lewis states in “Mere Christianity” that the individual who seems to be doing fine, who has his base needs met, who seems to be an okay person may have more trouble in accepting Christianity than the individual who is debased, immoral, corrupt, and an awful person.
I have not known many people who converted and had said conversion genuinely stick in the long-term. Many if not most people in society today have a peculiar penchant for secularism. Some have a mind-virus that makes it extremely difficult for them to accept Jesus or anything that remotely resembles traditional orthodoxy. I think this is a curse upon this generation, that blinds them to the truth of Christ.
I’ve seen several people over the years make a profession to Christ, as well as many long-term “believers” who have a serious standing in Christianity who, though they claim Christ, they have no real commitment to the Holy Spirit’s transformative influence in their lives. I’ve seen new believers on fire for Christ only to falter and lose interest quite quickly. Some within just a few weeks or months.
As for myself, I never wanted to be a Christian. I fought becoming a believer and believing in a God I neither knew nor understood. But God worked his will in me before I even knew what he was doing. I had no choice but to be transformed.
Give a few examples of what is referred to as a “painful blessing.”
This kind of of blessing is one in which our delusions are dissolved or interrupted or proven false. Too often we cling to beliefs for so many different reasons other than the correct one, especially religious beliefs. Whether it be folk theologies that we’ve acquired from family or our culture, or mistaken beliefs that have developed as a reaction to pain or hurt or loss – much of this tends to have one common trait – it all lacks biblical support.
Dr. Missler for many years held onto a pretty tenacious pride for the United States, to the point that he stated that we had a responsibility as believers to participate in elections and government process simply because we were born into American culture. Toward the end of his life, Dr. Missler recognized that this was pride on his part, that the US was really just a country, just like any other with its benefits and its challenges.
As for myself, I’ve carried for the last 13 years the belief that singleness is preferred to married life. To be honest, I still belief this. But I’m wondering if I haven’t pigeon-holed myself a little too much, painting the picture in black and white when, in reality, it is varied shades of gray.
Yes, as a single person, I am free to serve the Lord fully, undivided. But, I now suspect that my 13 years of singlesness was more about me having time to heal from past hurt, learning over time from Christ how to trust again, and when I was ready, God brought me a wife who is truly my best friend. I cannot imagine my life without her. The way he brought us together, the testimony we now share of that union, it is all for his glory. We suspect that he will do more with us together than he could ever have done with us apart (which makes us both a little nervous).
What is the difference between knowing and doing God’s Truth? Share a time in your life when God “rocked” your world and shattered your illusions.
For years, God allowed me to be single, to live as a hermit, to devote myself completely to the study of his Word, to the development of my academic career, to the attainment of advanced degrees. There was no real purpose or direction other than I simply enjoyed the challenge and, for the most part, the programs were free to pursue. Likewise, I was convicted to buy property in the woods, on a lake that I had spent summers in my youth, a place that I have significant spiritual attachment to, thinking I would spend the rest of my life living there as a hermit in solitude, devoted to God in prayer and in study. But, much of what I was learning and acquiring was academic. It was “knowing” rather than “doing.” Yes I could devote myself to prayer, but for what? For myself? For the “world” in general?
When he abruptly gave me a conviction that I should prepare for a wife, it turned my life literally on its head. It was a struggle to keep my head above water. I had spent so much time and invested so much into my singleness, that I failed to realize that God was really preparing me all those years for the “doing” of his will. Now I have a wife. I have 12 children who all need daily prayer. What better than a man who was previously a hermit who spent hours in prayer daily to now devote himself to the prayers for his children and his wife? For their future spouses, future children, etc? As James states, “the active, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16). How great would it be to God’s glory that my children through adoption might go on to disciple tens, or hundreds, or even thousands, simply beginning from the prayers of a God-humbled man?
Though my wife, likewise, God has brought me into a truce with the modern church (my beliefs remain the same, but I am now exercising the “doing” of dying to myself for her benefit), to the extent that we now are convinced that within the next four years God will be calling us to the mission field (though we have no idea what that will look like).
He gave me a clear directive once he brought me my wife. Before I had the opportunity (that few people are afforded) to utterly devote my life and whole being to his Word. I received 10x better than any conventional seminary could offer. In fact, the last 30 years have truly all been in preparation for this next phase of my life – the “doing” of my faith.
In what ways have you been a “religious” person?
I do find that I have a tendency to look to the “letter” of the law rather than to that of the “spirit” (2 Co 3:6). I am not by disposition prone to mercy or empathy. I believe this is one of the many reasons God has brought me a wife. She tends to color outside the lines of my black and white mentalities, and truly has the gift of empathy and this is to my benefit. She is truly a helpmate comparable to me.
In what ways can human conscience prove untrustworthy? Give examples.
For a very long time I’ve been convinced of the complete depravity of humanity. I see no inherent good in man. Regardless of how ethical or moral they might be, no matter their lofty or selfless intentions, man is universally corrupted by the sin nature they inherited from Adam and because of this they cannot do good. They cannot continue to do good. They have no genuine desire to do good. They cannot nor do they want on their own merit to seek God. Paul puts it as, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Ro 3:23). And just before that he declares, “There is none righteous, no, not one, there is none who understands, there is none who seeks after God. All have turned aside, they have together become unprofitable, there is none who does good, no, not one” (vs 10-12).
As discussed above, moral man is faulty in his reasoning. Just because he views something a certain way does not immediately indicate correct thinking. His mind is clouded. He is blinded by his flesh. “For we now see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face” (1 Co 13:12). The majority of humanity has been given over to a futile mind, “their foolish hearts being darkened” (Ro 1:21).
The only antidote to this faulty reasoning is Christ. It is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the individual’s life that “will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you” (John 14:26). The only salve for the corrupt flesh is the Word of God as filtered and discerned through the spirit of the one and only living God, for “the things fo the spirit of God are foolishness to the natural man, he does not receive them, nor can he know them, for they are spiritually discerned” (1 Co 2:14).
K-W-L Self Assessment: L- Describe what you LEARNED from this session.
I have no additional topics in this lecture to discuss.
Lecture 4
Among Christians, what is the most common heresy regarding the nation Israel? Explain its source and its dangers.
As I understand it, replacement theology is a view from the church that the church has replaced Israel who forfeited the promises God made to her when they rejected the Messiah. This theology developed from the enlightenment period, finding fertile ground in the reformation and later in modern church denominations. The dangers of replacement theology are great and many. First it makes God a liar, one who changes his mind. Second, there is no place in the Bible that actually describes replacement theology as it is defined, but actually the opposite. Paul goes to great lengths in the book of Romans to explain how God is not actually finished with Israel but that “all of Israel will be saved.” Lastly, replacement theology has a history of breeding antisemitism, racism, and major atrocities that have happened in human history. The rise of Hitler and his view of the Jews can be traced back to replacement theology prevalent in the pulpits of that day.
Where are there promises given to the church in the Old Testament? Explain them.
There were actually no promises given to the Church in the Old Testament. The church was a secret kept hidden from the foundation of the world. It’s origin and ending are both miraculous by its very nature and the destiny of the church is distinct from that of the nation of Israel.
What unique revelation was entrusted to Paul?
Paul was entrusted with the revelation of the mystery. That Christ had died for our sins and God had raised him from the dead, and that if we believe in him we will be saved. Before that point, salvation could only be had through the Jews. One had to become a Jew. One had to live by the law of the Jews. And, yet, even in all that effort, the Jews still misunderstood that their own salvation was by faith, according to Abraham, and not by or through the keeping of the Law, which only brought more sin.
It is only through the redemptive work of Christ that first the church will be saved, and then, much like us, the Jews will likewise be saved (Acts 15:11).
Define a true Jew according to Paul.
A true Jew is one who is a Jew inwardly, not just one who is a Jew outwardly only. Circumcision is that which is cut of the heart, not of the flesh. To be circumcised, to be born into a Jewish family, to follow the 613 Jewish laws, to follow the Ten Commandments, none of this means anything if one is doing so or is such outwardly only.
Then again, it is a peculiar time in the history of creation in which we exist. For we who live now have only known the age of the church, and this dispensation is different than any other before or after it. We live in a time in which all we’ve known is the church age, the age of grace. There was a time before this that God demanded Israel live by keeping his commandments, and a time before that when God demanded sacrifices be brought to him. Before that there is no telling what God required or who he required it from, for there is no record of the angels origin or if there were previous iterations of redemption.
We don’t really know the full ramifications of what it means to be a Jew until the age of the church is removed, for even known the Jewish people live and exist and have their being because of the mercy and grace afforded by the church. There will come a time when the church is removed, when the restrainer is removed, when grace is removed from the earth. Then there will be terrible times upon the nation of Israel. Then the definition of what it means to be a Jew will be dramatically different.
Today, to be a Jew is to be blinded. It is to read but not understand. To be given but to not fully grasp what they have received. There is no telling what it will mean to be a Jew once the church has been raptured and we take our place among the heavenly host on the counsel and then the Israelites finally have the veil lifted from their eyes and they are, for the first time, able to clearly see. What does God intend to do with them going forward? What will be their ultimate destiny? It all remains cryptic and unclear.
What keeps you from sinning? What is Faith? Where do you get the fear of God?
Speaking for myself, I refrain from a multitude of sins because of the conviction I have received from God. I know with a certain belief that God exists and that he is the creator of this world. I know that Christ is my King, my savior, and that I have sworn allegiance to him and to his kingdom.
If I am prevented from sinning it is the Holy Spirit within me that either prevents or empowers me to exercise self-control. It is, though, not by my own volition or my own will or under my own power.
I also, over time, learn to surrender to his will and learn to walk by the spirit and not by the flesh. By doing so I learn what it means to find pleasure in his sight, to live according to faith and not according to sight. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things yet unseen. We must exercise our faith first before there is any progress in the way of surmounting the flesh. Likewise, there is a process of surrender and moment by moment dependence on the spirit of God and on the will of the Father that one must be in subjection to before they can cease to sin.
Yet, we are simultaneously condemned in our flesh as we walk out this life in our mortal, contaminated bodies. They are marred from birth and there is no escape from the power and certainty of sin.
The fear of God is the beginning of knowledge and it is only acquired, I’m convinced, as a gift, not as some kind of learned knowledge or acquisition. The fear of God begins as a kernel of truth planted by God in the heart of a vessel of mercy. It is only through his tender and continual nurturing that this kernel will grow into true faith, true knowledge, and true and genuine fear.
The fear of God is knowing where you come from, where you are, and where you are going.
What is God’s greatest problem? How is it resolved?
God’s greatest problem appears to be the fall of man and how this has trapped all human beings since Adam in a “fallen state” of existence. They are marred by sin, and because of Adam’s sin and the subsequent curse on all living things, all of creation has been subjected to futility unwillingly. This is God’s problem. For whatever reason (we are not told), Satan has an issue with the human race. He tempted Eve (and subsequently Adam) in the garden with (we assume) the intention to trap humans and remove them from the earth and God’s plan.
Now, and so far throughout human history, humans are, one by one, being imprisoned in Hades, either in torment or in paradise. There is no escape from this place for all eternity, save for God’s ultimate solution in sacrificing his son on the cross making him a propitiation for our sin. By doing so, everyone is allowed to be released from Hades, to stand before God at the judgment seat and be judged based not on their own sin but on the finished work of Christ. If not for this provision of grace, when the end came, every human who ever lived or will ever live would be cast into the Lake of Fire. But, as it stands currently, there are individuals who are saved from this fate because they trust in Christ for their salvation.
K-W-L Self Assessment: L- Describe what you LEARNED from this session.
I do not really have any additional statements here. Most of this lecture was review.
Lecture 5
What are your thoughts on “What is God’s greatest problem?”
If, indeed, God’s greatest problem is that he has to find a way to not compromise his own character (hatred of sin) while simultaneously finding a way for humans to return to the destiny and state of existence in which was originally created for them, then it would stand to reason that such could be accomplished by way of the gospel, where God himself takes the role of the payment for sin (since he was sinless) and pardons the guilty.
But, my question would be, is this actually God’s greatest problem? It seems to me that a greater problem still would be the potential for future sin in heaven even after the Great White Throne judgment and all the lost are cast into the Lake of Fire. Certainly, if the “after” state of existence is new and unlike anything every experienced before (before or after the fall) and sin is barred from even it’s potentiality in heaven, then there is no issue. But, this is not what Scripture indirectly seems to indicate, and a simple extrapolation can illustrate such.
There are actually five instances in the biblical text where angelic or immortal beings (without a sin nature) committed sin. The first, of course, was Satan (Isaiah 14:12-17). His sin appears to be pride and maybe even greed, though really we do not know the extent or how his grievance with God pertains or correlates with the existence or creation of human beings. The second was Adam and Eve. This story we know well. But they were assuringly in a pre-fallen state (immortal, no death, no illness, no sin) and yet were tempted by Satan to commit sin and eat from the forbidden tree and, subsequently, delivered all of humanity into the fallen state in which we exist today. Third are the angels in Genesis 6:2 who left their natural state (in heaven) and went to earth and took wives of human women. We are not actually told why this is a sin, how this is even possible (it actually destroys the idea that angels are etherial, but are actually more like us than we care to admit), or why their punishment was so harsh, severe, and swift. In fact, the entire account is really not addressed in Scripture directly, but is referred to only in a few places and only in passing or as examples, as if the entire encounter is something we should already know. The fourth is similar but often overlooked. It is found in Genesis 6:4, in the short phrase, “and also afterward.” This is in reference to the offspring the angels produced with their human wives, the Nephilim, the “mighty men” the “men of renown.” These were, of course we assume, wiped out in the flood. Yet, we see not only this peculiar phrase but also in other references in the Old Testament to giants such as Goliath (1 Sam 17), that the hybrids did resurface, which means one of two things: 1. A nephilim survived the flood. 2. Another individual or group of angels repeated the events of Genesis 6:2 and bore more hybrid offspring later. Since #1 would make God a liar (Gen 6:13; 7:4; 21-23), we can only conclude that #2 occurred. If this is the case, then it leaves us with several questions. Why did they do this again? Were they punished for doing so? Why are we not told about it? Lastly, we find in Re 12:4, 7-9 that war actually did or will break out in heaven, with Michael the archangel and his angels pitted against the dragon and his angels. The dragon, which is Satan (Re 12:9), “did not prevail” and “a place in heaven [was] no longer found for them” (Re 12:8). Whenever this actually or did actually occur, it is clear that the angels did, indeed, “sin” by taking up arms against Michael and the other angels. In the least, the act could be considered treasonous if not down right a criminal act against the sovereign reign of Christ and God.
How was Abraham saved? How was David saved?
It can only be assumed that they were saved by grace, though, I think with some different specifics. First, the Old Testament saints (those who will be saved from condemnation) operated in faith, just like the faith Abraham exercised and it was “accounted to him for righteousness” (Gen 15:6). This is also prescribed in Habakkuk 2:4 “the just shall live by faith.” Additionally, the OT saints looked forward to the Messiah who would come and die for their sins and would redeem them to God. We see this embedded in Isaiah 53, and even Job talks about his redeemer and the day that he will be resurrected (Job 19:25-27). Though David does not appear to necessarily be speaking of himself, he generally describes the condition of a sinner saved by grace in Psalm 32:1-2.
There are also other comments made by the early church, such as in Acts 4:11-12, “there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Also 1 Co 3:11; 1 Ti 2:5-6).
But, despite this clear proclamation, there are some peculiar individuals who certainly not knowing or being aware of the Messiah or maybe even the Scriptures, can somehow be representative of saved individuals in the Old Testament. I think most would agree that Abel will be saved. Enoch was raptured. There seems to be, at least with these first two, that “diligently seeking” God is more important than a knowledge of Christ or any kind of Messiah figure. Noah would certainly be saved, and also his entire household. Isaac and Jacob surely will both be saved. Sarah is considered faithful in presuming God would keep his promise to give her a child (not that there would be a future messiah). Abraham believed God not only when he was told to go to a foreign and, but also when God told him to offer up Isaac (but there was only Messianic foreshadowing that Abraham couldn’t have comprehended). Joseph, likewise, was considered a saint, though he died and was buried in Egypt along with the rest of his family. Moses, too, is considered a character worthy of saving grace, yet, it is never once mentioned. His faith mentioned in Hebrews 11 is that of refusing to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing to throw his lot in with the Hebrews (though, interestingly, in vs. 26 it states that Moses “esteemed the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt”). Further still, “he looked to the reward.” By faith they are attributed to have passed through the Red Sea. Likewise, Jericho destruction was considered an act of faith, and the harlot Rahab is a saint, yet her act of faith was to aid the spies (not waiting on a Messiah). Hebrews goes on with the list to Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, and Samuel – that through faith they subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped lions, quenched fire, escaped sword, and were made strong, became valiant, and fought alien armies. Their faith even brought people back from the dead. It is said that “all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us” (He 11:39).
I struggle between dispensationalism and a more universal kind of salvation (all by grace). One issue is Peter, “we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they” (Acts 15:11). But also Paul, “all Israel will be saved” (Ro 11:26) and also “if they do not continue in their unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again” (Ro 11:23) and Zechariah, “I will pour on the house of Dave and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for him as one grieves for a firstborn” (Zechariah 12:10) and Ezekiel “…breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army” (Ezekiel 37:10).
I can’t help but conclude that God used the Jews as a mechanism to bring salvation by grace through faith to the Gentiles, and by doing so, will be also providing grace to the Jews. I’m not certain if it will be a corporate salvation (all Israel will be saved) or remain selective by choice. I am positive it will not be until the “fullness of the Gentiles has come in” (Ro 11:25). Through the Old Testament God was dealing primarily with Israel. After they rejected him, this opened an avenue to reach the rest of the world. The last 2000 years has seen the evangelization of the entire globe. But, once the last person on earth to be saved is saved, then God will refocus again on Israel and he will bring them (even if it means kicking and screaming) to repentance.
Comment on the Council at Jerusalem. What did a Gentile have to do to be saved? Do you think this still applies today?
This issue here is found in the opening verse, “and certain men came down…and taught ‘Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.’ “ The council appears to have dismissed such a claim outright, leaving admonitions only for things that would lead them to “doing well.” They essentially rejected the addition of these “other men” concerning salvation and really added nothing to the requirements of being saved.
Now, the recommendations are a bit bizarre. They had to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood. I’m not certain why these would the prescription. The first and second certainly. But things strangled? Why a prohibition against this? From blood? Was there a blood drinking cult making end-roads on the church at the time? Life is certainly in the blood, and I’m sure there are culture then and now that view the consumption of blood as a delicacy. But, regardless, salvation remained the same. One had to confess that Jesus was Lord, and believe that God raised him from the dead. We are assured by Paul, those who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.
What are your thoughts concerning your Jewish Roots? Is there any value in being a Torah-keeper?
My thoughts are mixed on this subject. First, if one is a Jew by birth, then, yes, there is value in being a Torah-keeper. As Paul explained, “chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God” (or the promises).
For the rest of us, though, I see no benefit in keeping the Law for its own sake. The law does not redeem us. Keeping it is impossible, as Peter clearly stated (Acts 15:10). There is also a tendency I’ve observed within the Messianic movement to alter the gospel message to the point that one is required to be under the law to be saved. Such teaching might very well shipwreck another’s faith or might steal away someone’s salvation if they shift their faith from being centered solely on Christ to being a faith based on keeping the law.
I knew a family that had a small meeting in their house and they were Torah Keepers in one sense. As it was explained to me, they removed from their lives all the pagan holidays that plagues Christianity today and, for the sake of the children, replaced them all with all the holidays found in the Old Testament. So, in this sense, the practical reason for doing so has nothing to do with salvation issues. It is harmless. I personally think it is unnecessary. People (including children) do not need holidays. And there are enough secular holidays to fill a calendar already. But each to their own. It is a harmless activity.
But the one who follows all the prescriptions in the Old Testament out of a sense that they must keep the law in order to be saved are doomed already, for there is no covering for their sins unless they focus their faith solely on Christ, on his resurrection, and are willing to confess him as Lord before others.
Personally I see no reason to keep the law. They are for the Jewish people to keep. The law was a tutor, but now Christ has come and the Holy Spirit is the one who teaches us all things. The need for the law now is as an example for our edification (Ro 15:4) and nothing more.
When was Abraham “justified?” What is the significance of this?
It says that Abraham believed God and it was accredited to him as righteousness. I would argue that he was justified at this point. He was saved at the moment he put his full trust in God. But, there is no mention of Abraham looking forward to the messiah figure spoken of in Scripture. There are additional OT saints who had no concept of a messiah or Christ-like figure to put their faith in. I am beginning to think the OT saints are those who put their faith and trust fully in God, in what he was doing at the time.
If this is correct, then it means that there will be people who are in heaven who had not been saved by a confession of Christ as Lord and profession of faith in his resurrection. There are already a group or a conglomeration of groups in heaven who are, presumably, there not because of their faith in Christ but because of some other mechanism. Possibly works. Possibly something else. These are the angels and they are wholly and distinctly separate from creation, from human history and seem to be from another redemptive narrative (if not created ex nihilo and directly placed into service with no free will or free will with severe consequence).
I currently hold that the OT, and post tribulations saints, as well as the angels in heaven all have different qualifications (or dispensations) in which they stake their claims to be citizens of the Kingdom of God. Either we as humans will have the unique claim to grace or we forfeit future grace once we enter the supernatural realm, are revealed as Sons of God, and take our place in heaven as part of the host of heaven.
What are the similarities between baptism and circumcision?
These are both a symbol of the covering that God provides with grace through faith. Some would argue that baptism is required for salvation. Others, especially those in the first century and some messianic movement individuals today would also claim that circumcision would be required for salvation still today. I am convinced they are one in the same. A symbol of salvation by grace.
K-W-L Self Assessment: L- Describe what you LEARNED from this session.
I really do not have anything else to add or any other questions to ask. This was quite a lot of review.
Lecture 6
How has God’s peace manifested itself in your life?
I would argue that my very continued existence has been predicated on God’s peace in my life. Overall, the experience I’ve had as a living being has been lackluster at best. Dismal if being honest. Tedious. Underwhelming. Take your pick of what word you would like to use. Not recently did I come to the conclusion that I was done with this life, done with people, with the social experience. I had no earthly aspirations any longer. I only desired to move on to the next experience of existence, whatever that might be. I then became a hermit and for seven years I lived in the woods, devoted my free time to academic studies, and simply assumed this would be how I would live out the remainder of my days on this pitiful planet.
But nine months ago, God put me on a different path. He brought to me a wife and pulled me out of the woods and now I am suddenly living the life of a husband and father and possibly minister in the future (if he would so call – as it is not a position I would ever desire).
It is not an easy transition, but God seems to be faithful in providing his covering of peace in my life as I adjust to this new life. But, throughout my life (as a believer) God’s peace has always accompanied me. When things seemed the most disappointing, it was still clear how much God was watching out for me, watching over me, protecting me even from myself.
Even if my life on the outside has resulted in less than fruitful, I’ve had an inner spiritual life that has been beyond compare. Through prayer, through study of his Word, I have come to know a Lord, the King I willingly serve. There is great and profound peace found here.
Of the 10 reasons listed as to why Christians have trials, give some illustrations of your personal experiences.
I recognize that in various places in the Bible it states that Christians will fall into various trials (Acts 14:22; Matt 10:38; John 12:25; 2 Ti 3:12), but this has not truly been my experience in the last 30 years. More specifically, the last 7 years. Yes, there are typical, common troubles: work, finances, car, house, etc. But never any existential quandaries. No jack-booted thugs at my door trying to find bibles, etc. I’ve lived a quiet, simple life. I’ve fulfilled Paul’s admonition, that as much as it depends on me, I’ve lived peaceably with all men (Ro 12:18).
This was not the case at my conversion. At this time, I was 17, and I lost my entire life because of Christ. I lost friends. My family disapproved. I would go on to experience modern-day intentured servitude for four years, and emerged ready to serve the Churches. Yet, my willingness was met with rejection again and again. Churches, pastors, congregants, had no stomach for what the Bible actually said we should be doing. They had no place for me in their innumerable programs. Within 10 years I found myself pinned on the outside of evangelicalism, really altogether unwelcome by the modern church.
But, this has been the sum total of my trials and tribulations in Christ. Yet, at the same time, I’ve never been convicted that I am doing wrong or not doing enough for the cause of Christ. It is not that my pursuit of God has waned during this time, it has only increased in intensity and interest. Rather, I’ve spent the last 7 years exploring the contemplative vocations, something that is never discussed in evangelical circles.
I’ve never had trials that glorified God (that I’m aware of). I’ve never been disciplined for known sin. I’ve never had trials to prevent me from sinning. And I’ve never had trials that prevented me from becoming prideful.
I will say that various trials throughout my life have aided in the building of my faith, in prodding me forward into a deeper relationship with Christ. It has also taught me obedience in that I live for Christ and to die is gain, but that there is nothing on this earth, no aspiration, no goal, no desire, that is more important than my walk with God. It has been trials, especially significant trials of betrayal by peoples, by systems, by social constructs, that have led me to abandon all my earthly desires and I simply am available for him to use me as he will. Even today, in my new life, this is a complete work of Christ. I had no desire and no need for marriage before March. I was not secretly pining for love or companionship. My relationship and walk with Christ was not suffering and was not shipwrecked because I had no significant other in my life, no family to call my own. Rather, I had made the decision 13 years ago that it would be better not to marry than to marry and risk being betrayed again. It was only by God sheer force of will that he positioned and maneuvered me into a place where I would not only desire a wife again, but that I would be able to find the one who he had prepared for me.
Lastly, I now am convinced that God had me go through those 7 years of isolation for a specific purpose of preparation. I now have credentials that the world (and the church) seems enamored by). I spent a great deal of time in the actual word (which doesn’t actually happen today when getting those credentials). I now have a wife for support, who is a true and comparable helpmate to me. I think now God will use my past experiences to help others who are currently suffering similar experiences.
As for providing the reality of Christ in us, I can certainly see how this would be the case to prove the reality of Christ in us for our own benefit. I have seem time and time again, God’s hand directly involved in my life. It seems as if he likes to put us into trials and turmoil and testings only so he can rescue us to prove he will and does remain faithful. Christ in me is a reality I cannot shake any more than the reality that God created the world and also created me.
As for a testimony to the angels, I’m not so certain, though I do agree with Dr. Missler that the angels are immensely curious about what transpires here on earth. For whatever reason, they are not given much more information than we are concerning the plan of God. I can see how our willingness to share in the sufferings of Christ might be of interest to them.
In what ways is “hope” a measure of maturity? Give examples.
I find this concept to often be a misnomer. If you are referring hope in life, hope in having aspirations for our children, for society as a whole, for the future of mankind, then I w would vehemently disagree. This is a futile kind of hope that everyone in the world longs for and propagates. It is a clinging to this world and the things in this world rather than to Christ.
If you are instead referring to the enduring hope one has in Christ, surety in his return, in our resurrection and rapture, in his mercy when we stand before him, then I would argue that this is a indication of spiritual maturity. The individual who loves in the world but is not of the world is one who uses this world and the tools within it to serve our King’s purposes. It is not a world in which we are to necessarily strive for good things or pleasurable things for ourselves. God may give us wealth while we are here, but we should not chase after fortune. He might grant us stewardship over things, but we should not pursue them that we might satisfy our pleasures. Career aspirations. Even social aspirations such as marriage or having children, these are not things in which a believer should be playing his or her hope in.
But, when you speak of hope, if you are talking about an enduring and persistent certainty that Jesus is our Lord and that he was resurrected and that we, too, will one day share in that resurrection and then will meet him when he returns, this is a sign of a maturing believer.
List the contrasts between the “first” and “last” Adam, with comments.
Adam is the head(ship) of the old race, the fallen race while Christ is the head(ship) of the new race (but not necessarily the originally intended race). It was not the original intention for any human who was subsequently born to be born into sin or to be born with a sin nature. This is the consequence of Adam’s choices and ultimately Lucifer’s grievances (of which we know little). The fall produced an entirely different version of humans than was originally intended by God.
Adam’s offense caused many to die, while Christ’s free gift brought life to many, though, to be clear, Adam’s offense caused all things to die. Every part of creation was subjected to death. It is unclear what the creation would have been like originally or how it would have developed over time or what its intended maturation was to be. What we know of earth, the universe, all matter, inorganic and biological, it has all be transformed by the curse, turned malignant, been altered irreparably. How Christ’s death brings life to many is unclear in my mind, other than he was an innocent sacrifice and by that innocence the sacrifice is multiplied exponentially.
Through Adam came only judgment and condemnation, but through Christ justification. This is clearly seen in the aftermath of the fall. Death reigns now over all living things, including all non-living material things (the whole of the creation). That death swallows up the living and delivers them into an ill-fated existence as disembodied souls in hades, either in torment or in paradise, awaiting their redemption. If not for Christ, there would be no redemption, no resurrection, no rapture, no transformation. There would be no escape for any living human (we do not see any evidence that animals or insects or sea life go to hades, but, we can only assume, they simply die and cease to exist), and all humanity would forever be trapped in prison by the adversary. By Christ, though, came justification and through justification a right standing before God, despite the reality of our present condition. It is unclear if our sin nature, our aggregation of sins will follow us through into eternity (that we will retain both) but Christ and the Father only seem Christ’s work on the cross, or he sees this only at the judgment and we are pardoned the penalty (the Lake of Fire). If so, then all sin we ever committed would be wiped clean, for it has been paid for by Christ. We are revealed as Sons of God.
Through Adam’s disobedience all were made sinners, but through Christ’s obedience all were made righteous. This, really, is just a restatement of the previous statement.
Through Adam death reigns under the power of sin, but through Christ death and sin are both removed. It is true, as already discussed, humans are cursed to die because of their sin and because of Adam’s sin (which provided them a sin nature) and without Christ, they would be forever condemned into a disembodied experience in hades. But, is sin really removed with Christ? We know there was the sin potential before Christ, before the fall – in that Satan, Adam and Eve, the angels of Gen 6:2, and the angels of Re 12 all made choices to sin without first having any kind of sin nature. With Christ, the presence of current sin and past sin is eradicated, but I’m not at all certain it in any way prohibits the potential for future sin in human or angelic beings.
What is the harm in attempting to compensate the giver of a gift? How does this influence our relationship with God?
I don’t recall this being discussed in the lecture, but let me try to address it nonetheless. In compensating a giver for a gift that has been given, transforms the gift from a gift of free will to work compensated. The gift then becomes a debit or credit depending on where it falls in the schema of the receiver/giver’s relationship, and labor is assessed by the variables of the circumstances. A gift without compensation remains the freely given gift of the giver, and the merit resides continually with the giver.
As the objects of God’s gift of grace, we stand in awe and in gratitude of what he has done for us. The free gift beckons our recognition of God’s mercy, while the laborer has no such call toward his employer. If God were somehow compensated for his work on the cross by us, by some effort we put forth, by some act or deed we do, then this renders the effort of Christ null and void and reduces it to simply labor by wage. It would cheapen his work, lessen his mercy, and may even altogether render the gift of grace ineffectual.
In what ways have trials been productive? Give personal as well as Biblical examples.
Much if not all of Scripture is given to us as examples for learning, that we might glean from it hard lessons so that we do not have to keep repeating them again and again. And there is no shortage of trials that people in the Bible have gone through, seemingly while in the midst of any given trial, simply suffering. But once the cloud of the trial clears and they are through the other side, it is often clear how much that trial was given to them as a benefit and the circumstances worked out for their best.
The circumstances surrounding Joseph’s life seem very much like this. He was not only sold into slavery by his brothers, but he was then falsely accused by his supervisor’s wife, was imprisoned and all but forgotten by God in his calamity. It would have taken nothing for Joseph to become bitter, to become depressed, to give up and think that God had abandoned him. This did not happen for Joseph, though. He sought to do the will of God regardless of the circumstances he found himself in. He put himself to work, worked unto the Lord in whatever he found himself doing, and God prospered his hand. It took years (for this was God’s plan), but Joseph’s hardships were given to him that others might be saved and all along, God never forgot what his brothers did to him.
Daniel was another. From an early age, he found himself being taken captive (against his will) and taken to a foreign land to serve a foreign king. His country was ruined, his countrymen devastated. He could have become easily disillusioned and filled with despair. He could have viewed the king that had done this to him as the enemy. Yet, God used Daniel’s faithfulness and contentment as opportunities to reach a foreign King for himself, so much so that it is possible that not only Nebuchadnezzar but also Cyrus could be found in heaven – both gentile kings, saved because of Daniel’s faithfulness.
It is not a popular belief, but I am convinced that God used the trials of my first marriage to solidify my singleness after the fact. After my marriage, I wanted nothing to do with other people, certainly not the opposite sex. I was set afterward, unwilling to take such risks in the future. This provided me a sure foundation in which I could establish a solitude, a place of solace, where I could study God’s word for years. Literally, years. 13 years. It was not out of bitterness or anger or vengeance. It was simply out of the knowledge that what the disciples concluded was actually true: “If such is the case of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry” (Matt 19:10). And I still believe this today. I would agree, not everyone can accept this reality, and each is called to different gifts and different walks in life. It is even the case that some can be called to the single life for a time, and then called to the married life again. Part of me does wonder what he would have done if I could have remained as I was – single despite the draw and newly found desire to marry and share my life with someone. I wonder if I shortchanged God’s plan for my life in some way by trying to make it happen on my own terms. Despite doing so, God still fulfilled all of my requests for a wife. He gave me a wife I love, a wife I’m attracted to, a best friend, someone I think I can easily grow old together with. Someone I think I could easily share ministry with – regardless of what that work might be. Don’t be mistaken. Marriage is a struggle and a difficulty. But the trials of both marriage serve me still, and continue to serve me in the future.
I often have no idea what it is God is trying to communicate to me. Such as with the multiple false alarms with the sale of my house. Especially this latest one, when the buyers were immediately excited, were quick to make an offer that we could accept, who made promises for a quick sale, a quicker close. I let my hopes get raised, only to be let down within 24 hours when they backed out.
It doesn’t matter who is looking at the house, in reality. It doesn’t matter who makes what offer. The Lord is in charge of the sale of my house. Ultimately, he will be the one who decides who will and will not take it. We do not know from beginning to end, we have not set up the works in which we need to walk. This is God’s terrain. We simply walk in them. Rather, we should resolve – I should resolve – to be a benefit to my wife and family, to be supporting, loving, and helpful.
I should not be obsessed if someone has responded to our ad. I should not be worried about the money that the house is costing to maintain. God has already made provision for that and continues to add more provision every day in my uncomfortableness.
Additionally, it is quite possible (most probable) that a non-sale on my house is always for my benefit in one way or another. Either we will be in need of this particular house in the future – maybe a need we cannot foresee yet – or he is protecting us from something we cannot yet comprehend. It is possible that we might need our insurance that will ultimately be discontinued once the sale of the house has completed. Maybe the house is being held onto as a nest egg after an untimely death for the surviving spouse. Maybe we will, ultimately, use the house as a wedding gift to one of the older girls ones they get married. There is no telling what God plans to do with that house, with both houses, with our houseboats, or with the house we currently live in and enjoy. “For in him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).
K-W-L Self Assessment: L- Describe what you LEARNED from this session.
I’ve had a peculiar theory that I’ve worked with for several years now, and simply assumed that Dr. Missler (as with most theologians) would argue against it. It is the theory that after those on earth have been saved, the lost have been cast into the lake of fire, the OT saints, the NT saints, and the post-trib saints have all been grafted into the vine, that the fullness of the gentiles is complete, that we as newly transformed Sons of God will take the vacancies in the Divine Council, will become part of the host of heaven, and God will then proceed to create a new creation, with a new set of beings in need of a redemptive story of their own. I think God is a collector of souls.
Was I shocked when I heard the #6 lecture at 17:24 where Dr. Missler makes the off-handed comment, “this will demonstrate to ages yet undisclosed, maybe creations even yet to be made, who knows…”
With the current information we have available to us, there is no way to definitively determine or confirm that there have been or will be multiple creations. It’s possible all the creations have already been made and are just waiting for their turn. It is possible that he makes each one unique and new. I found it fascinating that Dr. Missler is willing to leave the door open for such extrapolation.
Lecture 7
What is your definition of death? In what way should we be “buried” with Christ?
Death is, as Dr. Missler points out, a separation. It is not as many believe today, an extinction. Or, at least, we who are in Christ have our hope in his resurrection; that we, like Jesus, will one day rise from the dead and will be led into the afterlife. Paul drives this point home in 1 Co 15:19, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.” For if the dead do not actually arise, then Christ has not risen from the dead and our faith is worthless, and we are dead in our sins along with everyone else. All who have died have perished, and we, too, will one day die and be lost forever.
But it is in Christ that we know that we have the promise of the resurrection. Death is the penalty for sin. It is the imprisonment of the soul, conjured by the devil, executed by God, and experienced by men. It is the untethering of soul from body, body from spirit and spirit from soul. This union of three is the required ingredient to create the human being, and decoupling the three results in a being that no longer is “alive” no longer is “living” but is a dis-embodied soul that experiences torment in hades or is being “comforted” in paradise.
For a long time I thought death would be a good thing. But I have reconsidered this in light of the reality that death is artificial, is not a natural state for the human being, and that the process of death is the consequence of the curse. Because of the singular word “comforted,” I have come to the conclusion that death, even for the believer, is something a traumatic experience, and render the soul in need of aid. I do not think the experience in the intermediate state (hades) will be altogether great for either person. Of course, the fate of the lost is much weightier than that of the saved.
Death is the delivery of the soul to the prison of hades. It is an attempt by Satan to thwart God plan. We know nothing else.
To be “buried with Christ” is to be to death in the flesh those behaviors and activities that are led by the flesh. It is also an outward practice of baptism in which the individual is symboled to be buried with Christ and then to rise to new life.
What is your take on the phrase “It ain’t gonna reign no more”? What is God doing in your life regarding sanctification?
The idea is that sin is not going to reign over our lives any longer. Before becoming a believer, before being reborn and the Holy Spirit indwelling us, there was no choice. We were led by sin and by the flesh. But, after our sealing, we are committed to the Holy Spirits perpetual grooming and preparation, so that we might be the chase, well adorned wife of her bride.
Sanctification in my life is abrupt and often disruptive. For thirteen years, God allowed me to isolate myself from other people. My wife says this was due to the severe pain and sense of betrayal I experience by other people, that I would need that time to recover and heal. During that time, he focused me on intensive study and made provision for me to finish seminary.
What does the word “baptizma” mean? What is the true meaning of “baptism?” List and explain the seven “baptisms” encountered in this session.
Baptism literally means to “dip” or “immerse.” It is a ritual used in the Bible to represent an internal condition of transformation, of being buried with Christ in death and raised with him in everlasting life. As for the seven baptisms listed, there are: the Egyptians, Noah and the Ark, John the Baptist, Baptism of Jesus, Christ’s sufferings, baptism by fire, and lastly, the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
It was used commonly to describe how one dips bread at a meal. How someone would be washed clean by calamity, such as a flood. It most literally means to dip, such as to dip bread into the sop while eating (John 13). Likewise, we see Jesus’ clothes dipped in blood in Re 19.
Although I do not know the specific baptisms mentioned in the lecture, I would list the following found in the Bible:
John’s baptism by which he baptized, Jesus’ baptism (by John which was different than his normal baptisms), the Ethiopian’s baptism, the Baptism of Noah, the Baptism of believers in the Holy Spirit, the practice of the early church Baptizing for the dead (1 Co 15:29), the Baptism by fire (Matt 3:11) which Jesus states will come onto the whole world, and also those mentioned in 1 Co 10 concerning those who were baptized into Moses in the crossing of the Red Sea (an antitype).
How can a Christian stop sinning?
The only way this can possibly occur is by the Christian throwing himself moment by moment onto the mercy of Christ. It is only through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer than can allow them an avenue, the self control, the desire to cease from sin.
Personally, I do not think the individual believer can cease from sin completely. I think he can cease from participating in some habitual sins over the course of sanctification, if one is willing to submit and surrender to the will of the Father and the Holy Spirit. But, while we are reborn in the spirit, are given a new heart, we still have the flesh and the old nature fights against us. Paul makes it clear that he was not free from the temptation or the falling to sin in his life (Ro 7:24). I think only when we step into eternity will our sanctification be completed in Christ. Only then will we have hope to put sin behind us once and for all. Then again, because there is evidence that sin could occur even in perfected beings (Satan, other angels, Adam and Eve), it stands to reason that this could also be a potential in us, even after we are revealed as Sons of God.
What does it mean to you that Christ became sin for us? What did He give up?
Jesus took the full punishment for each and every one of us, by doing so, Jesus became the suffering servant, the scapegoat, the whipping boy in which he takes on the punishment for the crimes he did not commit (2 Co 5:21). This was something that God did to Jesus, even though Jesus was completely willing to accept it because it was the Father’s will for him to do so.
Jesus gave up his preincarnate existence with the Father and the Holy Spirit to first become a human being, and then to die the death of a sinner in order to take up the authority over death, in which in his resurrection by the Father he could provide salvation to all those who surrender to him and who believe that God raised him from the dead. He will now forever be a human sitting on the throne of God. He likewise gave up perfect union with God the Father in “becoming sin for us” as God forsook Christ as he was dying on the cross. This is a glimpse at what condemnation will be like for the non-believer when they are finally cast into the Lake of Fire. They will ultimately receive their heart’s desire, in that God will forever turn away from them, shut them out of existence, and they will find him no more. I think punishment in the Lake of Fire is not so much “punishment” as in a punitive act, but in a natural consequence of the actions of the lost. They lived on earth as non-believers, persecuting those who believed, making fun of Christ, criticizing Christ, desiring over everything else to live and wallow in the flesh to satisfy their fallen desires. Now the consequence of this choice is to be closed off from God for all eternity. And, because Christ’s attention on us is what keeps our reality functioning (Col 1:17), when he turns away from those who are in the Lake of Fire, they will for all eternity undergo a simultaneous process of being both eternal (unable to not exist) and being torn apart atomically. This is what I think Jesus saves us from, the ultimate judgment where, without Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, we would forever be imprisoned in the intermediate state, and/or, we would one day be resurrected all to condemnation and the Lake of Fire, with no provision to reconcile with God the Father.
Read Colossians 2:6. What does it mean to “walk ye in Him?”
This phrase basically means that we should not just receive Christ (i.e. believe in him) but that we should surrender our whole life, will, purposes, autonomy, and pursuits to him. We are not to just learn the fancy theology, but we are to likewise implement it. We are to not just talk the talk, but we should likewise walk the walk. We should cast our entire lives on Christ Jesus, and surrender to the will of the Father. For he has prepared good works beforehand that “we should walk in them” (Eph 2:10).
K-W-L Self Assessment: L- Describe what you LEARNED from this session.
Dr. Missler mentions in this lecture that death is not extinction, but it is separation. He states the first death is the separation of soul and body (I would argue it is the separation of soul, body, and spirit – 1 Thes 5:23; Heb 4:12). He continues with the second death being the separation of the spirit from the soul. I would argue this is incorrect (Etc 12:7; Thes 5:23; Heb 4:12).
Lecture 8
How can “good deeds” favor us before God?
Only the good deeds that God has predestined from the foundation of the world, deeds that he has preordained for us to walk in can find us favor before God (Eph 4:10). Nothing done by human effort alone or by our own independent will can bring glory to God, and thus will never merit us favor in his sight. It is only through continual walking in the Spirit can we please God.
What is the Christian’s posture regarding the Law? Does a Christian need to keep the “Ten Commandments?” What about the “Sermon on the Mount?”
The law is a tutor. It illustrates for us the overwhelming need humans have for a savior, for no one can keep the law. It was fulfilled by Christ in his sacrifice on the cross, and because of this, Christians who are bound by Christ, who are surrendered to Jesus, have no obligation to keep the letter of the law. Instead, they fulfill the law perfectly in their submission and obedience to Christ. It is by the power of Christ and through the effective working of the Holy Spirit in the individual Christian’s life that the law is fulfilled. The same is true for the Sermon on the Mount. This expounding of the Law by Jesus was an example to his disciples, to us, and to the rest of the world, exactly what will be expected and demanding at the judgment. This is the pattern given by Jesus on how to fulfill the law perfectly, and this is why no mortal can keep the law in this way. We as Christians do not have to effort ourselves in keeping the Sermon on the Mount, as we are a purchased possession by Christ and in Christ we rest and have all hope in salvation. Surrendering our own will before our Lord, making Jesus our Lord and professing him before others, and believing the message of the gospel, that Jesus was raised up by God and that our resurrection is likewise bundled up in his resurrection – this is what we must focus on. As we grow in grace and knowledge, we come to understand that all we are required to do as Christians is daily surrender to his will, and accept what it is the Holy Spirit is asking of us. In living and walking in the Spirit daily, moment to moment, we fulfill both the Law of Moses and the Law of Christ.
Does sin occur in the continuing life of a Christian? Why? How?
We continue to sin throughout our lives because we have only been released from the condemnation of sin, not the presence of the sin nature within us. Paul talks about the war that rages on between the old man and the new man, the man of the flesh and the man of the spirit. Dr. Missler does state in the lecture that Christians now have a choice. They may choose to walk in the spirit and, thus, have the power to resist sin, while non-believers have no such option. They cannot help but sin and be entrenched and swallowed up and led astray by their sins.
I, personally, have not found this path that Dr. Missler mentions to be all that effective. It is possible I just do not understand it. I have found, that over the years, since becoming a believer at 17, that there are habitual sins that used to have control over me that do not have as much control today or have no control at all anymore over my life. But even those sins that were once habitual, I find can easily creep back into my life if I am not watchful and lean on Christ at every moment.
I’m beginning to think that it is crucial for me to be continually and fervently in prayer, daily, throughout the day, to be fasting in secret, and commit to more of a sanctification that is typically found in the superficial church. Especially with events as they have unfolded for me in the last several months, with a serious eye toward ministry in the future, the temptation of sin will only increase.
In what way must we shed our “grave clothes”? Explain, in personal terms.
Our grave clothes bind us and keep us from working effectively in the spiritual realm. But, once we have shed them, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit and can do all that God asks of us. Sin hinders us. Resistance, rebellion to God’s will and plan for us only hinders our own transformation and personal growth. Discarding those “grave clothes” of our death (which we are no longer bound by in Christ) allows us to rise, live, and serve our King fully.
In what ways do we need to beware of the lure of legalism?
Legalism serves the fallen human condition, in it allows man to attempt to do what Christ has already done, though the keeping of various laws, in prohibitions, etc. When one focuses on the outside of the cup solely, he is neglectful of what is on the inside (Luke 11:39). This is legalism. It is attempting by actions, deeds, and right thoughts through sheer will to accomplish what Christ has already done for us on the cross. Instead of focusing on performing deeds or keeping laws or right actions, we should instead focus on drawing ever closer to Christ, be continually contrite and humble ourselves, ever throwing ourselves at the mercy of our King. By this singular action, we allow a founding ground to be established in which the Holy Spirit can effectively lead us and teach us and empower us to do all those things naturally that the legalist must do by force of human will (and cannot).
How do you know whether your deeds are of the “flesh” or of the “Spirit?”
Thankfully, God has defined each for us in the Bible. The fruit of the Spirit is: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The fruit (or works) of the flesh are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, etc.
Our deeds are our works. They are the natural outpouring of our heart, which originates from within the seat of the soul. If the individual is corrupt in his sin nature, has not been indwelled by the Holy Spirit through conversion by grace through faith, then he will produce only the fruit of the flesh. Even when he does manage from sheer will to produce that which appears to be the fruit of the Spirit (resembling good works), it actually remains still fruit of the flesh and is borne out of the self-will. The converted soul, the one who has been transformed from within by faith in Jesus who is the Christ, who has been indwelled by the Holy Spirit, can now surrender his spirit, his will, his faculties, his entire being, to that same Spirit, which will guide him and teach him all things that pertain to godliness and will produce naturally through him the fruit of the Spirit.
These two lists provide us are complete in covering the deeds of men. We are instructed by Paul, that “if we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Ga 5:22). This does indicate intentional action on our part to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. And we know that “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Ti 3:16-17). Because of this, I think it’s clear we are to seek out and cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in our individual lives as part of our submission to our sanctification while on earth. But, I think it important to caution that we must find a way to do so not by the flesh or through our own power of will (which is legalism), but through continual submission to Christ as our Lord, to our surrender to the Holy Spirit as our Teacher in our sanctification, and to the Father through ceaseless prayer and petition and thanksgiving.
K-W-L Self Assessment: L- Describe what you LEARNED from this session.
I did want to make note here that I find it quite fascinating the concept of surrendering to Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit in our individual pursuit of God. The Law of Christ is a much heavier burden than the Law of Moses, and certainly much more so than having no law in condemnation, but simultaneously, God has, through his provision of the Holy Spirit indwelling us, made the yoke of Christ “easy” and the burden of carrying it “light” (Matt 11:30). For there is really nothing for us to do but to daily, moment to moment, surrender ourselves to God, to cling tightly to our profession of Jesus as our Lord and King, and to surrender to the work of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. In the process of sanctification, we do not have to labor in deeds or purifications or right conduct. We simply focus on him and draw ever closer to him. It is the Sprit of God in us that will produce the fruit.
Lecture 9
In what ways was Enoch a “type” of the Church?
Enoch is an enigmatic figure, having only one appearance in the Bible in Genesis 5 in a genealogy. It simply states “he was not for God took him.” It could be construed that this is similar to what will happen to the church at the second coming (or prior to it), as Paul describes how we will be “caught up” into the air to be united with the Lord forever. Really, though, the only semblance here is the “catching up,” the being “taken.” There is a statement that Enoch “walked with God” (Masorectic) or “was well pleasing to God” (LXX), but this of course is not indicative of the church, especially the modern evangelical church, since we are neither walking with him nor are we well pleasing to him.
I don’t see Enoch as being a type of the church, though it is a provocative similarity. I am curious in what manner he walked with God and was considered well pleasing to him. I would love to one day, after the dust settles from the judgment, find and read the book recording Enoch’s entire life. I think I would find that rather fascinating.
How does one become “in” Christ? Explain how the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us.
We are dead in Christ (1 Th 4:16), alive in Christ (Ro 6:11), buried in Christ (Ro 6:4), for when we confess Jesus as Lord before others, and believe in our heart that God raised him from the dead, we are reborn and become a new creature “in Christ” (2 Co 5:17). This provides for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who is our seal for the day of redemption (Eph 4:30). Because we are “in Christ,” because we are covered by the work he did on the cross, paying the penalty for our sin, we, by proxy, fulfill the law through Jesus. Jesus was the only mortal man who ever kept the law perfectly, and by doing so he lived (Ga 3:12; Ro 10:5). But then dying, he was enabled to purchase us as a purchased possession, and on his account our sins were tallied. As long as we remain within his covering, we have a propitiation for our sin. It is not imputed to us.
What does it mean to be a metachoi? Why will some folks be disappointed when they arrive in heaven?
Dr. Misslers states that a metachoi or μέτοχος is similar to a “companion, partner, or partaker” of a particular work. That these will become “joint-heirs” with Christ. He argues that this status is based entirely on works. How many people we bring to the Lord. How many good deeds we do. How far we progress on a chart of sanctification. In essence, it is a mechanism by which to render a non-works salvation into a works based religion. Salvation is free, but for that salvation to really have any significance, we must do all the works that the works-salvation cults ascribe to. It renders Evangelicalism no different than the cults, other than really we are individually in control of what works we do (captalism model) rather than such being determined via a top down hierarchy (socialism or authoritarianism).
I think those who believe that there will be individualized rewards in heaven based on works will definitely be disappointed. This would only breed resentment and bitterness in the minds and hearts of the people at the proverbial bottom of the chaste system. It flies in the face of everything God appears to be doing with the human race while on earth, especially with the church. I just don’t see it. I could be wrong. But I don’t think so.
Works are not human effort driven to begin with. They are spirit inspired, spirit led, and spirit completed. It is only by God who “works in you both to will and to do for his good pleasure” (Phil 2:13). There is, in essence, no purpose in rewards at all since he would essentially be rewarding himself. We are simply “walking” in the works he has predestined us to walk in (Eph 2:10).
How would you describe a godly life? Is this a description of you? What part of this are you (and the Holy Spirit) working on?
A godly life would be one where the individual is pursuing God, where the work of sanctification has progressed enough to the point that most every earthly thing, passion, and ambition has been set aside for the sake of Christ. I would like to think this is a picture of myself. I used to think that were the case when I was living alone. But now that he has called me to married life, I wonder if I misread my progress. I wonder if, instead of being godly I was actually mired in sin and selfishness and self-absorbed. I struggle in married life. Not certain of what I’m doing. Not certain of what exactly I was or am being called to do. At first I thought God was sending me into ministry, but I doubt this greatly given my propensity to make mistakes and live by the flesh and not by the spirit in most everything.
I think the greatest difficulty is I don’t see the Holy Spirit really working on me at all. I see difficulties and I just sit down. I opt out. I don’t have the wherewithal to pursue the right or the righteous path. I always tend to choose the lesser, the easier, the broad. I fear I am an utter failure to my wife, to my family, and to my God.
How do you feed the flesh? How do you feed the Spirit?
Feeding the flesh is typically done by old, engrained habits. Personally I continually allow negative thoughts to reign in my mind, rather than take every thought captive. Is this just who I am? That is what I’ve always believed. My wife gets very frustrated with me because I don’t stop them, that I entertain them, but these thoughts are all I’ve ever known. They are who I am. I fear she mistook me for someone else and is discovering the real me now after it’s too late. How do I trust when everyone I’ve ever known has only betrayed me or lied to me or had an ulterior motive?
Feeding the spirit is done through prayer, devotional reading, contemplation, and meditation on Scripture, none of which I really do anymore.
Why do Christians have trials? Describe some personal examples and explain the lessons they have taught you.
Dr. Missler provided ten reasons or examples for trials.
1. To glorify God.
2. Discipline for known sin.
3. To prevent sin.
4. Keep us from pride.
5. Build faith.
6. Cause growth.
7. Teach obedience.
8. Equip us to comfort others.
9. Prove Christ in us.
10. Testimony to the angels.
I have several personal examples of trials that turned out to be moments either of testing or of periods in which God placed me in peril so he could rescue me so I would know that he would be there to do so.
1. I was tested and temped by a relationship in my early 20s that would have put my ministry efforts in jeopardy. It would have discredited everything I had been doing with my coworkers, even though I now look back on it and am bewildered as to how I could have resisted it. I can remember even today the surety and certainty in which I declined the invitation. It definitely was a fulfillment of 1 Co 10:13. I know to this day that he used the spirit within me at the time to compel me even beyond what I could bear (there is no rational explanation for turning the invitation down) for his glory.
2. I think of a time when God placed me in jeopardy with other people: people I was trying to help, a pastor who was seeking to destroy me, other believers who were considering taking me to court for monetary damages to a house (that the first people caused). At the point in which everything blew up, I could do only one thing. I threw myself on the mercy of my Lord. I had no other recourse. No other avenue to pursue. Everyone was hostile. Everyone was doubled tongued. Everyone was fine with me taking the brunt of the fallout. But God was merciful to me. He protected me, even to the peoples’ own destruction. Even the pastor eventually lost his parish. The “friends” ultimately turned the other cheek and realized I was innocent of wrongdoing. I’m still convinced that God placed me there to learn that lesson: that he would always provide for me, always take care of me, always protect me.
3. The last trial I’m thinking of was my first marriage. I had high hopes. I waited until God brought me the woman I thought I had asked for. Part of me wonders if I was just lonely and settled for the first person who agreed to marry me. After all, there were several women I pursued in my 20s who ended up not choosing me. I did not marry at 29 from a lack of trying on my part. I just could not seal the deal. I did not have the right resume. I was not offering an attractive enough prospect. For many years after my divorce I wondered if I had shopped much lower than I should have been. But, if I’m being completely honest, where else would I have found a wife? The Witt Family? I don’t know. I’m not sure I could keep up with them if I’m completely honest. There were a few women who were interested in me but they were not believers or I did not view them as authentic. Hope comes to mind, but she could not wait for me. There were a few others who were not believers. Amber, but she was bizarre. There is nothing in my interactions with my future first wife that would have been or should have been red flags. Yes, she was terrible with money. That ended up not being an issue once my wife turned over the money to me. My current wife works with me on the bills, though even that is a sensitive subject at times. My marriage to my first wife, though, was altogether very much a trial or for many years I saw it as a punishment. There were plenty of people who warned me not to marry her. But how could they know? The same can be said for my current wife. Our so called premarital counselor told us we were moving too fast. Most certainly if we would have waited I would have gotten cold feet, I would have talked myself out of what God was doing in my life. I would have returned to my single life reassured that it was the right decision for me. I’m pretty certain that is not what God wanted me to do. After all, my current wife is exactly the woman I prayed for when God was preparing me. I don’t know if I can say the same of me for her. All I can do is pray that she will not grow weary or tire of me. I know I can be tedious. I know I am of little practical help to her. I know I have only complicated her life, rather than improved or made her life easier or more enjoyable or have been a comfort to her.
But, I know, having learned in the months leading up to meeting my second wife, that no matter what happens in my marriage, I know God will be there. I know I can throw myself at his feet, please for his mercy, and that he will grant it to me. I do not know his ways. I do not know how he works everything out for my benefit. But I know he does. I know from the countless trials before that I will be able to see it through, because Christ is with me. I know that no matter what befalls me in this life, God is at my side, holding me up, preparing me, providing for me, protecting me. Even if I am a self, self-involved man. For whatever reason, he took an interest in me when I was 17 and he’s never once lost it.
K-W-L Self Assessment: L- Describe what you LEARNED from this session.
The only thing I really wrote down in this section was the inequality that Dr. Missler supports in heaven. I’m just unclear how he supports this view. There are no direct references to this in the Bible. Only allusions and possible speculations. It makes me wonder about my own sacred cows. How many idols do I have of my own lurking in the secret lockers around my soul? Am I this way with the angel theory of Ge 6:2? I have no proof at all concerning the iterative redemptive narrative theory. I simply extrapolate what could be from what God has already done. There is no actual evidence for such a theory, though I do find it fascinating that even Dr. Missler affords it’s possibility. I do think we will be very surprised once we die or once we are raptured and transformed, for I think the story is much larger, much more sinister, much more detailed or convoluted than we account for. I think heaven, hell, and all things in between pertaining to human beings, to existence, to the supernatural realm are much different than we know. But I have no proof of this.
I do not think the supernatural realm is hierarchical based on merit. This is an American cultural notion, not a biblical one. I will be very surprised if it is. But, I’m neither invested in the American meritorious system any more than I’m invested in high and lofty positions in heaven. I am fine if Jesus tells me upon my arrive that my mop is in the corner, get to work. I am a slave. Not a capitalist seeking to “take it with me” through some elaborate system of rewards. I will serve my Lord and my King in whatever capacity he sees fit. It is possible that I will miss out on some reward. I’m fine with that because I am fully convinced in my own mind that heaven is not meritorious. I think it is communal, it is a war-like culture, it is a monarchy, but really an oligarchy. A theocracy (but please spare me the talk of one on earth – Satan is the prince of the air here in this broken down pit of an existence. This dimension is severely in need of cleansing by fire).
If there is some kind of caste system in heaven, so be it. I’m certain it will be based on something other than outward merit earned by external, fleshly works here on earth.
Lecture 10
How has God used trials in your life to build your faith?
He has placed me in jeopardy of people, in car wrecks, in horrible jobs, in obstacles greater than myself, and in indenturedness. In all of these he has brought me out of those trials not only unscathed but prospering. At times when I thought I might go innocently to prison for trying to help others in the name of Christ, he protected me. When I thought there was no way I would ever get out of debt, he put me in a position where I not only got out of debt quickly but then amassed enough disposable income and savings to buy and pay for my car, my house, and the lake property – all unbeknownst to me, in preparation for my current wife whose desire is to utilize all of these things for our benefit. The car has saved us thousands of dollars in gas since we’ve been married and will continue to do so for at least 2 more years. The house is paid for and will be used as a home for my wife’s oldest daughter (the only person we would ever want to rent to). Lastly, I presumed I would be putting the lake property up for sale and use the proceeds for a down payment on a traditional house in the country. But, my wife instead has cast a grand vision, wanting to live on house boats at the lake. I’m not certain we will be able to pull it off, but regardless, that investment will have dividends for years to come, even if we keep the lake just for camping.
All of my trials (admittedly there have been only a handful over the course of the last 30 years) have all produced patience (only some), but on the back end produces and solidifies the faith God gave me when I was 17. I know that he is operating in my life. I know he is my protector and my shield, my exceedingly great reward. It is because of my trials that I can attest with confidence that my Lord and King lives, he is risen, and that the testimony found in the Bible is true. Of these I am most certain.
Explain the three “tenses” of salvation. Give some personal examples.
Have been saved, are being saved, will be saved. I have personal examples of the first two. The third has not occurred yet, being still future. I was saved at the moment that God plucked me from the muck and mire of my own existence and set me on a different path. “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26) and “have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,” (Colossians 3:10).
My heart (which resides within my soul) has been replaced. I have been renewed in knowledge as a new man, according to the image that was forfeited by Adam in the garden. This is salvation, to be born again. It is a work of God, my salvation, predestined before the foundation of the entire cosmos. It was decided then that I would be a vessel of mercy rather than a vessel of wrath.
I am now being saved through sanctification, the process by which the holy spirits moves and labors within me to bring me forever toward Christ-likeness. This is a daily, moment by moment, process that will never end until the day of death or the day of redemption. It produces naturally and organically in me that which it desires of me to do. I do not enable it. I do not allow it. I do not agree to it. It is being done to me. If I am obstinate, it will suffer greatly while it works with me or even against me. But it will finish the work it has become, for the Holy Spirit is the seal of my salvation until the day of redemption.
Lastly, something that I have not yet experienced firsthand, is the third tense of salvation: glorification. This will be the moment after the resurrection, when all Christians are caught up to meet the Lord in the air (raptured), and in a split second, in the “twinkling of an eye” we will all be transformed and changed. We will at that moment put on immortality, I would assume we somehow shed the corruption of the flesh (but not the immortal body). This process ends the sanctification process before mentioned. It will happen all at once and will most likely feel like being judged by fire. Those who have journeyed far along the path of sanctification will receive reward and those who have not will suffer loss (not in earthly kinds of rewards but heavenly – not individual but collectively). It is at this point that we will be “revealed as Sons of God” (Ro 8:19) and will step into our original destiny.
What can separate us from the love of Christ? Under what circumstances?
There is not much on this earth that can separate us from the love of Jesus. Not tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, or even the sword (Ro 8:25). Neither death, no life, nor angels, or principalities, nor powers, nor things current or future things, nor height, depth, or any created thing, can separate us from the love of “God,” which is “in” Christ Jesus our Lord (Ro 8:38-39).
There is but one thing. It is not created. It is not of the earth. It is the will of God. This is the one and only thing that separates us from God. He has chosen us from the beginning, what kind of thing it is we will be: vessels of wrath or vessels of mercy (Ro 9:22-23). It cannot be said that human volition can separate us from the love of God since humans are “created things” and Paul was very clear. This rests fully in the Father’s hands. If he has not drawn us to Christ, there is no means by which we might be saved. If the Father has made us vessels of mercy, then he will have mercy on us, despite ourselves, despite our circumstances, and he will finish what he started.
Why would a person be disappointed when he gets to heaven?
I recognize that this question is referencing Dr. Missler’s view that there will be a hierarchy in heaven, but I strongly disagree with this idea. If there were a hierarchy in heaven then there would likely also be one on earth. But there is not. There are only those who are saved and those who are lost. There are sheep and goats. After the judgment there will only be sheep remaining. Those God chose to have mercy on, who he created to respond to his drawing, for he works within us both for us to will to do a thing and all he gives us the impetus to actually carry that thing out (Phil 2:13). The work of righteousness within us is God breathed, it is one sided.
I would argue that if individuals are convinced and expecting individualized reward in the afterlife, they are the ones who will be disappointed. But I do not agree with this either. I think they will find themselves mistaken and will be thankful that individuality does not abide in heaven, for the latter is better than the former.
Can a Christian lose his/her salvation? How?
There are way too many passages that hint at someone losing their salvation for it to not be true. I would argue, though, that these individuals quite possibly might never have been saved to begin with, but this is unlikely. It is entirely possible (only they and God know or maybe only God knows) that their efforts were done in the flesh and not by the spirit. It is, I think, impossible to tell at this point. There are simply 1. Too many passages that reference the shipwreck of peoples’ faiths and 2. Too many people that we personally know who have walked away. I do not think there will be people in heaven who walked away from the faith, stopped believing in Christ, but will be saved anyway because of a one point in time “decision” they made. If one is truly saved, if one has truly been drawn by the father, if one was truly predestined then he will always be predestined and it will be inevitable, it is irresistible grace. If God began the work he will finish it.
Have you checked Roman 8:28 today? How has God used this verse in your life?
I think back on this verse quite often and have seen it unfold in my life time and again. He does seem to work all things together for the good of those who love him (and if we love him we are called according to his purpose). He foreknew us, predestined us, called us, justified us, and in the end he will glorify us.
I find it also quite interesting that my wife has independently learned this verse in her walk with Christ. I find comfort in this and we are already seeing this take place in our new marriage. It provides us with trust and reliance, that we can know and lean on Jesus even in the dark times, even when things do not look especially great. He is our protector and our comforter.
K-W-L Self Assessment: L- Describe what you LEARNED from this session.
I looked up these references. Isaiah 11:1-13 seems to deal with something else entirely, not the removal of the curse. Isaiah 65 seems to argue for the second coming not the Millennial Kingdom. As I understand it, it would be impossible for the curse to be lifted during the 1000 year reign of Christ since 1. There would still be death. 2. There would still be those who do evil.
We know from Re 22:3; 21:4 that there will be no more death (consequence of the curse) and no more curse. Likewise, Ro 8:19 tells us that all of creation has been subjected to futility until the “revealing of the sons of God.” It is unclear if this occurs before Re 22:3 which emphatically states “there will be no more curse.” There is also an argument that the curse on the earth is non-healable just like the consequences of the curse on the human individual (in the heart and soul). These can only be transformed, replaced, such as the old heart of stone for a heart of flesh (which has some difficulties in itself) and the mortal body for an immortal one.
Lecture 11
What is the conditional reward that is found in Rom 8:16-17?
“If indeed we suffer with him.”
This is a particularly damming requirement, given that much of modern Christianity in the West has gone without any genuine persecution or suffering for its faith in the last 100+ years. There is hope in the future of the church in America that we will take a seat in the latter times with those who are counted worthy of suffering with Christ. But until then, it does spell likely disaster.
Consider Acts 14:22, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God” and 2 Ti 3:12, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”
Persecution is coming for the American church. It can be seen on the horizon. Yet, such things are often elusive. We can take comfort in the Scriptures, though, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12:18).
Persecution is not necessarily required to be a good Christian, to qualify for the loftiest of positions in heaven, etc. For suffering is often times subjective and relative and is given by God. We do not have control over it. All we might be able to do in light of these passages is 1. Recognize that it is God that predestines us to the works he has called us to walk in. 2. We must accept the lot in which we have been given in this life and do the absolute best with it that he has equipped us to do.
This would likewise open the question: what do we mean by “suffer with him?” Are we talking about to death? Only those who are martyred for Christ will be co-heirs with him? Does it mean that if we do not suffer with him we will not also be glorified together?
If persecution or suffering comes to our door and we shirk from our responsibility, then I would argue there is possibly a chance that we forfeit all of these things. This was an issue in the first century, when the church leaders had to discern what to do with those who failed to heed the call to persecution or martyrdom, and survived, who wanted back into the fellowship.
I think it ultimately boils down to: are you willing to suffer for the sake of Christ, not did you actually suffer. But, a special place or status might very well be established in heaven for those who suffer for Christ and especially for those who do so even to the point of death.
What is your calling according to His purpose? In other words, why did God save you? What gifts has He given you and how are you using them?
I do not know the answer to this. Actually to any of these questions. I know he has given me a thirst for his word: to study his word, to systematically consume it. This I’ve done over the last 30 years and because of that others state I have a grasp of the Bible that is rare. But what am I really to do with this? In these latter times of my life, in the second half of my life, I’m finding that God is working with me in various ways. He appears to be moving me from theoretical, from my isolation, to the practical and the relational. I do not like this. It is very uncomfortable. He has paired me with a wife and a family, as much for their sake as my own, though I’m not certain I am a net benefit in their lives, if I’m completely honest. Does this mean he’s moving me into a position to teach? I don’t really qualify to be an elder (there are actually no elders in the church we are currently in fellowship with due to doctrinal limitations – which is a whole other problem), but there really are no qualifications for teachers other than being able to “teach the word” and really there is an argument to be made that the teachers should be the elders of the church.
But, if teacher (which is often a little too on the nose in modern Christianity), then there arises a few issues: 1. I do not have much experience in F2F teaching. It could be argued that I have some teaching experience via the martial arts, via blog posts, a short-lived podcast, etc. 2. I am not convinced that people in the church really want to know what the Bible actually says about most any topic. And what do I do about the controversies? Teach the controversy and leave the decisions to the people? Teach the controversy and give my personal convictions and then leave it to the people to decide? 3. Why are there teachers in the first place? Can’t God simply zap everyone in the church like he did me and have them supernaturally study all the time, devote all their free time to the study of the word? 4. I tend to be a firehose of information. How am I going to cut down to a trickle that which is a river, a tsunami?
If I look at the current local church in which we are a part I see the following needs:
1. They need to have a systematic course or list of courses that the inner core of the church attends that is focused on discipleship – first the fundamental principles of the faith and then the more weightier subjects.
2. The goal should be to raise up servants of God to whatever call they are being called to.
3. The secondary goal should be to minister to the saints that are in our charge, those who maybe won’t be called to any lofty position in ministry but do seek Jesus and the way described in the Bible.
Now, there is a separate area of ministry that I am more confident in, though I’m not certain that it would be a profitable venture. This is writing fiction books, specifically the book series’ that I’ve been working on. The goal of these books is to cross the line between secular and theological, asking spiritual questions, depicting spiritual issues in daily life. Along with these books would be workbook courses that would directly ask the theological questions that the fiction books are indirectly asking. My hope in Christ would be that the fiction books would capture a readership that are not necessarily “church-goers” but are more secular, even possibly hostile to God or religion. Those who are interested in the strange, the weird, and maybe even those in the occult. It would be my hope that these books and workbooks could be used to help people become more literate about the Bible and ultimately be used by God to bring about salvation in the next several generations.
Why do I think I’m called to this somewhat unconventional ministry?
1. It is an evident gift that God has called me to, if not in the ability to write and use words, but in the invention of stories that other people seem to enjoy.
2. When God was telling me to prepare for a wife and I asked for my requests in who I desired for a wife, I specifically asked that she would determine if I should continue writing or not. I asked if he was going to bring me a wife that it would be someone who loved books, loved to read, and ultimately someone who loved my books (or would be honest and tell me that I couldn’t write and should focus my attentions elsewhere). Since meeting my wife, she has fulfilled all of these – she loves books, loves to read, and really got excited when I told her my secret ministry (I write under a pen name and no one really knows I do it). Later I told her about the workbooks and she rejected the idea. Then a few months after that, I reexplained it and she got even more excited because, as she put it, now she could see the benefit of the workbooks in the ministerial aspects of the pursuit. The workbooks go hand in hand with the fiction books.
3. God has incredibly taken me from a really great situation (working 2 days a week) to now not working at all, where my wife and I both receive paychecks for work we would already be doing in the family anyway, which in turn my wife has stated that I’m receiving a check to subsidize my writing and ministry efforts. So now I’m not working at all and my wife ensures I have ample time each day to write and study.
4. Everything I was working toward before God brought me a wife is still coming true, but only better. He has given us a particular use for my car, for my house, and incredibly for our lake property (that I was certain I would need to sell if I got married). We are now gearing up for a life on the water, where there is ample solitude each day, where I can now focus on writing as a full time ministry. It feels like cheating, if I’m at all honest. It feels like I’ve won the lottery as well.
In summation, I think I’m being called first to a ministry of writing (fiction books and workbooks). Where that will ultimately lead and how successful that will be I have no clue. But I am convinced I need to follow through with it. Secondly, it appears as if I might be called to some form of local teaching. I’m not certain if it is to be done at the local denominational church, if it is to be done during persecution and in hiding, or if that all has to do with the same thing. It actually would be great if I could use the local church as a place to do several F2F courses where I could record the lectures and then use those in the future on YouTube for lectures for my workbook courses (and even better if I could continue to do this perpetually). Not only has the pastor expressed a desire and a need for help in teaching (not sure if I’m reading into this but my wife says I’m not), but God has also linked possible teaching with ministerial practicums that are to be done at the local church through the institute that I’m doing post-grad studies at. To finish he program I need to build 20,000 credits (1000 hours) of volunteer work. I’m not particular on what I do for these hours, but if there is actually a need (even if it is only to help the pastor) then that would work rather great and would fit into what seems to be the call he has on my life currently.
Everything else I leave to him.
Every day God finds a way to ask you if you trust Him. Share something that you are currently experiencing in this area.
If God is truly calling me to start teaching at the local church (and he is also limping along my affiliation with the seminary where I hold the title of Assistant Professor of Old Testament Studies), then he is asking several things of me in trust:
1. He is asking me to be faithful to what I’ve learned and what I’m convicted of. It is not orthodoxy. If I were to actually teach for any real duration, I would have no choice but to trust God in the teaching of my conscience. I don’t think people really want to hear this, I don’t think the pastor really wants me teaching it, but I don’t think any of us really have any choice in the matter. If God brings this about, he is wanting it done.
2. God has called me to step out and trust him in investing all the effort and time into the fiction books and then secondarily (or maybe more importantly) in the workbooks. These could be a help to churches around the world and to a readership around the world. Or, it could all be so just one person who isn’t even born yet, reads something I write and goes on to do something for the church that is lofty and edifying. It might be that my books will not be of use for another 100 or 1000 years. All I know is God has set the stage and all signs are pointing to: you need to write. He has given me everything to do that. I need to trust him with everything else and all the minutia that follow in its wake.
3. God is asking me to trust him that my second marriage will not end as my first marriage did. He’s also asking me to trust him and surrender to his plan for my life regardless of what the future might hold for me – good or ill. He has given me a wife, a help mate, a true companion and my very best friend. I need to not squander the love and support and care she provides. I need to not take her for granted, which I’m afraid I often do. I need to redeem the time we have been given for I have no idea how much time we have together. We already are baffled and confused as to why he never brought us together in the last 30 years. Will our story follow suit with the story of Steven and Beth? I shutter to think of that as being a reality. But it could. It could also be that I am the one to die early. Maybe the sum total of my life was to amass a few material things (house, lake property), write a few books that no one really read, only to give these things to my wife, to inspire her, and then for me to die and be taken out of the picture, so it would prompt her to continue on where I could not. Maybe she is the one who is to help others with words. Maybe it’s entire of us at all. Maybe its our daughter who seems very interested in the writing craft. Maybe it’s our children and they are the ones who are being prepared to suffer for the sake of Christ. Maybe it’s all of the above.
No matter how it might play out, I have to trust God every step of the way. He never seems all that interested in giving me all the details in what is coming next.
Meditate on John 17 and then share your insights.
Jesus is basically stating that the father knows those who are to be saved. The father has given those to Jesus during his ministry – both those first disciples (those who would write the NT) and those who would believe through their word (meaning those who would believe the message of the first disciples from their writings in the NT). Jesus considers us all “one” just as the father and the son are “one.” He’s talking about legitimacy – that the world would believe that the Father sent Jesus, if we are in them as they are in each other: make perfect.
Comment on the following statement: “Uncertainty about election can arise from some kind of self-righteousness.”
To be honest, I’m not certain I do understand the point of this quote. It is a kind of humility he is tapping into here, or at least a faux-humility that he is insinuating by the idea that he knows he is a terrible sinner and God might regret his regeneration being set before he knew him (as if God did not realize how bad Spurgeon was when he made him a vessel of mercy). The issue of course here is did Jesus die for all of our sins? If he did, then we can recognize that he died for all of our sins, at least for us, before we existed. 2000 years before approximately. He did not only for our past sins (before we became a believer) but also for the sins we committed after we became a believer and all the sins we will yet still commit in the future. They were actually all future sins when he died.
I do like this part of the information: “This eternal choice and foreknowledge involves more than establishing a relationship between God and believers: It involves the certainty of our sanctification!” It is not just about a relationship. We are not buddies with Christ. It is so much more than superficiality. It is about the certainty of our sanctification, that he will complete the work he started in us.
What is the “opposition” that you are facing today? What is your prayer request?
If I’m being honest, the opposition I’m facing today is myself, my own doubts, self-doubts, my own lack of faith, my own inability and unwillingness to trust in Jesus and to accept what he is doing in my life. I don’t want to be a teacher because it is uncomfortable and the past tells me it will be continually uncomfortable going forward until we are kicked out of the church. But even if all this happens, I still have a ministry that would be a full time endeavor. What better ministry for a hermit monk? And I also get the benefits of a wife and family to raise them, homeschool them, to love them, to share with them the beauty and joy of life on the lake, in seclusion, yet have the best of both worlds? It will be a paradise life!
My prayer is that I figure out how to get out of my own way and get started. The work needs to be done. I need to spend the next two months writing. I can get 5 books outlined, 1 book written, and 1 book edited in that time. Possibly 2 books written. By the end of summer I need to have the Meadow Series finished and published. The Faith series (working title) finished and published. The Aurora Series reedited and republished. That would be three trilogies: Suspense, Supernatural, Sci-Fi, and I would love to get Ashen Monk Series finished as well. But also Witch Gnostic Heresies finished, too. So by fall I could launch into the Kalawatset Chronicles, the Zack trilogy, and Skye’s trilogy and start seriously thinking about Seeing Through.
There is so much work to be done. Even doing this full time there is not enough hours in each day. I pray God will give me the ability to get everything done.
K-W-L Self Assessment: L- Describe what you LEARNED from this session.
In the last two lectures of this course there was a lot of talk about predestination and free will as well as eternal security. I think I’ve found a happy medium between all these doctrines. Ultimately, I would like to do a project study with the help of the kids and my wife – to collect all the scripture references to each of these doctrines. Then analyze the results to see if there is a puzzle to be put together. This will also be good to explore the kids to research techniques and how to use Logos.
I think I know what my conclusion is with Eternal Security. I think there is eternal security for those who are genuinely saved. Not only can they not lose their salvation, but they will not fall from the faith. They might backslide. They might walk in the flesh much of their lives. But they cannot go back on the faith that has taken hold of them (and I think that is an important aspect to consider). There are those who, for whatever reason, have desired of their own volition to seek Christ, but they have not been drawn by the Father to Christ. Whether it is tradition or fear of hell or some other reason, they like the lifestyle, etc. They want to be a believer and might have spent their entire lives walking in the steps of believers. But, in the end they are not actually believers. They have not been transformed. They were not predestined. They were not called. Many of these will fall away when things get difficult, when a cost is associated with their faith. These individuals are those who shipwreck their faith, who abandon the faith, who walk away to avoid persecution or difficulty or any cost associated with being a believer.
Predestination and free Will, I’m still working on this one. I think I need to look at all the passages that pertain to these topics before I make any assumptions.
Lecture 12
God keeps His promises! Share some specific promises that God has given you?
God has always kept the promise to “complete the work he has begun” in me (Phil 1:6). When I was 17 God the Father started something within me. He plucked me from my own path and set me on a new course, one I did not understand. But he has been faithful to protect me, to provide for me, to keep me, to care for me all these years. Never has the thirst he gave me for his word failed. Never has the faith he imbued me with all those years ago failed to keep me or sprout deep roots and grow.
Likewise, God also promised in Phil 4:6 that if we are not anxious, but in all things devote ourselves to pray and supplication, to thanksgiving, and to let our requests be known to him, that he would guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. My prayers have never gone unanswered. My prayers have always been followed by a swift comfort and knowledge that he would provide and work all things together for my good, despite my lack of understanding how or why.
If God is faithful in that none He has justified can be condemned and that none in Him can be separated, then why have the Israelites been rejected?
The Israelites have not exactly been rejected, but they have been predestined to blindness for the sake of the Gentiles, so that the age of the church might be fulfilled, that all those that the Father has deemed vessels of mercy might be allowed to come into the mystery, which is the church. Once the last individual Christian has been saved from the nations (the gentiles), then the age of grace will then be closed, the church will be raptured, and God will once again turn his attention to the Jews. It can be argued that there will one day be a general resurrection of every Jewish person who has ever lived, and they will corporately turn to Jesus as their Messiah, once the blindness is lifted. They will, as Peter says, “be saved in the same manner as they” (Acts 15:11), they will be grafted back into the native branch (Ro 11).
How did Moses try to manipulate God? In what ways have you tried to do the same thing?
Moses in Exodus 32ff asked God to change his mind by appealing to God’s reputation among the Egyptians, and also by appealing to God’s faithfulness in that he had once promised to Abraham, Isaiah, and Jacob that their seed would become as vast as the sand of the sea. Because of this argument, it appears as if God changed his mind and “relented from the harm which he said he would do to his people.”
My wife says that I tried to do this when God told me to prepare for a wife and I countered with the action of putting an ad on the most popular dating site, listing exactly what it was I was looking for in a wife (a genuine helpmate, a biblical marriage, etc), believing that there was no possible way there was an actual woman in existence that could meet all of my demands (requirements). I was trying to justify to God why his decision for me to have a future wife (that I should prepare for one) was in error and that he should change his mind and let me remain single and pursue a contemplative lifestyle at my hermitage. Of course, God did not relent for me like he did for Moses. Instead, within a few days, God brought to me a woman on the dating site who not only was seeking a biblical marriage, but I found out later (and continue to find out even now after we married) that she meets and exceeds every single one of the requirements I listed on the dating site. There were even requirements that I did not list that she met/meets and there are character traits, cares, that I did not know I even wanted but she meets all of those as well.
Why did God choose the descendants of Israel to be his special people? What does this teach us about God’s selection process?
God chose Israel not because it was a mighty or numerous people. In fact, they were the least of all peoples. They were a remnant on the earth. They were the weakest. First they were chosen because God’s strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Co 12:9). Second, they were chosen because God loved them. Third, God chose them because he had promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that through their seed they would be established forever as a people and that their offspring would receive the promises given to them.
But, an even greater reason for choosing them, they were the ones entrusted with the oracles of God, with the Law of Moses, with the Levitical Priesthood, and it would be through them, through the line of Judah that the Messiah would come, he would keep the law perfectly but would then be sacrifices despite not having a need to be. It was through is sacrifice that all people (Jews first then the Gentiles) that the whole world could be saved. Jesus was the only man to keep the law perfectly, as it was created for him to keep. By doing so, he opened a mechanism by which the gentiles could be saved. This was done only through Israel’s predestined rejection of their messiah and, thus, they have received blindness in part, until the fullness of the gentiles has come in. Once this occurs, and the mystery is finished, God will once again deal with Israel, and they will eventually have the blindness removed from their hearts and they will see clearly what they have done to their messiah and they will lastly, and corporately, repent of their deeds and they, like us, will be grafted into the true vine.
As for God, he will have mercy on whom he will have mercy and he will harden whom he hardens. It is completely a work of God from beginning to end. We do not know why God has chosen to do it this way. We don’t really know what has happened before Genesis 1:1 and we don’t really know what the issue is between God and Satan. We don’t actually even really know who God is, or what the supernatural realm really is, or what this whole thing is that’s happening.
What is the Davidic Covenant and how does it relate to you?
This is the throne of David and the promise that his heir will reign from the authority of his throne (or literally from his throne, or the mercy seat) forever. This relates to me in that Jesus, through the line of David, will come again to reign over the earth for 1000 years. He will establish his kingdom and it will endure forever. We are, through Christ, co-heirs in eternity and in the kingdom to come.
Is there a distinction between the “Kingdom of Heaven” and the “Kingdom of God?” Explain.
The explanations seem to be a little convoluted. How can the Kingdom of Heaven be on earth? I would personally still argue that these are two of the same thing, referring to the kingdom that is not of this world (John 18:36). It is the opposite of this earthly domain, which constitutes the earth and all the known universe, or the cosmos (the physical dimension).
It would be redundant and a little confusing to identify two distinct groups, though one subsumed within the other, with such similar names.
K-W-L Self Assessment: L- Describe what you LEARNED from this session.
This course has been a little bit of review. Not sure if there was anything new learned.
Because of the discussions on Predestination vs. Freewill and Eternal Security vs Loss of Salvation, I’ve decided to include my family in a detailed research project. We will be collecting all the Bible references that pertain to each of these doctrines and will then compare them and see if they are not a puzzle that can be fit together. Most often what I see are proponents from one camp or another who use “their” passages for support and simply ignore the passages that contradict. I will try to ensure that we do not do this. I would like Scripture to speak for itself in these matters.
Conclusions
This has been a whirlwind to say the least. I’m actually writing this conclusion many months after I finished the first 9 chapters of Romans. I’m in a different place entirely in my life: now married, no job (gainfully employed at home), I’m now a professor at the seminary I graduated from, I’m close to finishing Silver at KI, and I’m homeschooling our kids daily. Needless to say, I will be reading through these discussion questions and my answers as a way of review before jumping into the second class of Romans.
Until my next assignment….
Please consider supporting my writing, my unschooled studies, and my hermitic lifestyle by purchasing one or more of my books. I’m not supported by academia or have a lucrative corporate job – I’m just a mystical modern-day hermit trying to live out the life I believe God has called me to. So, any support you choose to provide is GREATLY appreciated.
Excerpt from Our Daughter:
“Okay, mom,” Randy said.
“You behave yourself and be nice. You’re lucky to have company while you wait for the doctors.”
The woman turned and started back the way she came.
“The nurse said it would be twenty or thirty more minutes, so we’ll eat quick and be back up here before they take you in, okay?”
“Okay, mom.”
“Sorry for him,” the woman said to Katie as she walked by.
“He’s funny.”
Katie grinned.
As the woman left, Katie noticed the boy moving around again on the bed. Before she realized what was happening, the tiny lump disappeared and she could hear the faint sound of bare hands and feet on the tile floor.
He was low crawling under the beds toward her.
A moment later, Randy popped his head out from under the nearest hospital bed, craning his neck around to look up at her.
“Hello, there,” Katie said.
Randy disappeared back under the bed, the bed sheet draping down almost to the floor. Katie could still see three little fingers pressed to the tile.
“What are you here for?” Katie asked, readjusting her seat in the chair, trying to get the ache in her chest to lessen.
For whatever reason, the wheelchair was really uncomfortable.
“Why are – “
Randy’s voice trailed off for a moment as he looked around.
“Why are you here?”
“I’m getting my leg fixed,” Katie said. “See?”
Randy poked his head back out from under the bed and looked at the leg she was pointing to.
“What’s wrong with it?”
“The doctor said it’s broken,” Katie said. “Shattered.”
“Ouch.”
“Yeah. Ouch.”
“Can you feel it?” Randy asked, able to stay out from his hiding place.
“I can feel it, but it’s not too bad,” Katie said, then tapped the IV in her arm. “This thing is giving me medicine of some kind for the pain. At least that’s what the nurses said.”
“Why are you – “
Randy stopped mid-sentence.
He scooted out from under the bed entirely and slowly crept over to er on all fours.
“What are you, some kind of spider?” Katie asked, giggling a little.
“What are you?” Randy echoed.
He was now only about a foot away from her chair and sat there, his legs folded up under him, gawking up at her.
“What are you staring at me for?”
“I’ve never – “
Randy put out a hesitant hand and ever so gently touched her arm.
“Are you some kind of ghost?”
He looked around again.
“Are you – ”
He leaned in, talking in a whisper.
“Are you dead?”
A nurse came around the corner and stopped abruptly, spotting the empty bed in the far corner where Randy should have been.
“Randy Andrews,” the nurse said, her hands now on her hips. “You get right back into the bed and you stop playing around, please. They are ready for you in surgery.”
Katie watched as Randy scrambled on all fours under the beds and back up onto his, pulling the sheet back over top of himself again.
She started to ask him about his question, but couldn’t get the words out before his parents appeared at the door.
Katie sat there quietly, watching Randy stare back at her from under his sheet. She glanced over at his parents and the nurse, noticed Randy’s dad had no hair on the top of his head.
Are you dead?
What kind of question was that?
The snap of the wheel locks being disengaged on Randy’s hospital bed jarred Katie out of the confusion she was in.
The doctor she’d first seen was now at the door, waiting for Randy.
He was his surgeon.
They wheeled Randy out of the room, his parents following right behind, disappearing to the left, heading for his operating room.
The pre-op room was empty again.
Dead.
Are you dead?
What kind of crazy question was that?
The nurse came back through the double doors.
“It won’t be long now,” she said.
“Okay.”
Katie tried not to think about the dull ache growing just behind her sternum.
The nurse disappeared around the corner as Katie watched the double doors to the operating rooms slowly shut.
Buy my book Our Daughter and begin the adventure of a lifetime, as you uncover the mysteries behind Katie Cadora’s new life after the horrible accident that stole her mother away from her. Will she find sure footing again? Will the pain ever stop? Will she discover the secrets her new foster family are keeping from her? Is the boy’s question right? Is Katie Cadora actually dead?
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