Blog | Reproach of Men

Why Economies Fail

Why do economies fail? It is an interesting question that economists, government officials, and particularly investors would love to answer. Yet, like most questions dealing with human endeavors, the answer will escape them as they are unwilling to look at the real answer, and instead favor the continuous searching for an answer that absolves them of any guilt. I say that as it should be obvious that we are all guilty before God, and we all need to face up to that. However, that is impossible to acknowledge, if one never acknowledges that God exists, or that the word of God has any bearing on them.

What does an economy have to do with man’s acknowledgement of God? Everything. Economic activity is one of the most basic endeavors of man, and the LORD God addresses it in His word. In James, the admonition is express that we should never assume that tomorrow is secure, and that we are guaranteed increase when we trade for profit.

Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. (James 4:13-14)

Here the rebuke is aimed at those who call themselves the children of God, and yet are focused on making money, instead of service to God. The fact is, none of us even have an inkling of what will happen in the next hour, let alone tomorrow. We know what we would like to have happen. We expect that certain events will happen, but we really do not know. Since this is the case, we are warned to be prepared to depart this world at a moment’s notice.

Yes, I know – the charge of “fear-mongering” cannot be far away. However, I would remind anyone that on the morning of September 11th, 2001, there were a considerable number of individuals in the World Trade Center who would not live past 10:00 AM. You know, none of them knew that at 8:30 AM that morning. Instead, they had plans for lunch with friends and co-workers, dinner with the family, trades to be made, deals to be completed, etc. The vast majority of them did not even consider that the LORD God would require their souls that very morning.

So what does this have to do with economies failing? Everything. It is the disregard for the LORD God and what He requires of us that causes economies to fail. You see, if we all regarded the LORD God and His word, we would never do anything that would bring His judgement down upon us. Moreover, because we regarded His word, He would bless us in our endeavors, and we would have in abundance. After all, don’t think the promises He gave Israel were only restricted to Israel. No, the LORD would bless any nation that sought to follow His word.

Instead, what happens can only be described as blind human nature let run loose — unchecked. Self-interest to the maximum. All in the name of making money and growing an economy. After all, the justification is given: It will make all our lives better. Not.

Now, don’t get me wrong. There is nothing intrinsically wrong with money. Money is simply a medium of exchange, and can be any token we assign a value to for the purposes of effecting trade. It is more convenient than bartering, transportable over long distances, and convertible in other economic value systems. Nothing wrong with that. No, the problem is the love of money. Scripture puts it succinctly:

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (I Timothy 6:10)

Notice that it states that it is the “love of money,” and not money itself. We have another word for that: Greed.

Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. (James 5:1-5)

Now, let’s think about this a minute. I used to work for a company that one year had a 24% increase in sales, and profits went up almost correspondingly. Yet, when it came time for the company to evaluate how much they were going to give their employees who enabled them to meet the demand for that increase in sales, they determined that the employees only deserved a 3% increase in pay. There is only one word for that: Greed.

Now, I know the money belongs to the company and they can do with it whatsoever they want. They can even burn it in barrels if they want. However, the LORD God requires something of the individuals running the company whether they realize it or not, and the above passage from James does make that clear.

You see, the only reason that anyone would be so greedy as to deprive their workers of a proper wage is because they are focused only on this world, and cannot even see beyond the moment. They do not acknowledge the LORD God and what he requires of them, and cannot understand that money will not buy eternity, nor alter the judgement to come. In short, they are fools of the first order.

But an economy doesn’t fail because of the rich. Rather, it is the out-working of the decision illustrated above where a company experienced a bountiful year, and kept back almost all of it from the people who enabled them to enjoy such a year. Why? Because it cut the purchasing power of the very people who drive an economy – the workers. Simply put, there are more lower and middle-class people than there ever will be rich people. If you deprive the lower and middle-class workers of purchasing power, what is left to drive an economy? The rich? Not hardly. There are simply not enough rich people to make an economy function properly.

But the primary reason for the failure of an economy is the judgement of God. When the individuals that run companies become so greedy that they rob their workers of wages, Almighty God hears about it. That is exactly what is stated in the passage from James, quoted above. It does not matter whether the worker is lost or saved, when they are not fairly compensated, God knows. Moreover, the very heart and attitude that drives the officers of a company to rob their employees, also drives them to cheat and steal elsewhere. One can only do that for so long, and God will bring judgement. When this attitude and behavior is prevalent across an economy, God brings down that economy and the nation in which it exists.

The most disheartening part of this judgement is the total lack of discernment on the part of those being judged who are the most responsible for bringing the LORD’s judgement down upon them. Instead of admitting that they lied, cheated and stole from their workers, customers and business associates, and that was utterly destructive, they justify their actions or seek to blame others for the failure. Sad for them as it indicates they are unable, or unwilling to face up to who they are and their need of a Savior. They are very much like the rich man the Lord Jesus spoke of:

And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. (Luke 12:16-21)

A failed economy is the LORD’s judgement, and a wonderful economy doesn’t do any good in Hell.

Unbelievable

There are some things in this world that I simply have great difficulty getting an handle on. Primarily this pertains to the thoughts of men and their subsequent actions when confronted with ultimatums. I wish this were not so perplexing, but it is, and the Scripture records examples of decisions made by men that can only be described one of two ways: insane or stupid.

One such example is Cain and his response to the LORD God when his offering was rejected:

And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. (Genesis 4:3-8)

Here we have the infamous story of Cain’s response to rejection, and subsequent instruction on how to be accepted by the LORD. It seems pretty simple and straightforward. After all, all that is required of Cain is to do the sacrifice in the way the LORD instructed and it will be accepted, and all will be well. In fact, it is so simple that we could describe it as “do what you are told.”

The problem is, Cain didn’t.

Okay, simply being disobedient would be bad enough if what you desire is acceptance of the LORD. But Cain made it much worse than that. Instead of leaving Abel alone and going off to himself and living his own life, Cain decided (for whatever reason) to get rid of his brother – by killing him.

Yep, this fixes everything. Now Cain doesn’t have to see his brother’s sacrifice accepted anymore and his rejected. Nope, that situation won’t happen ever again. Problem solved, right?

Not hardly. Actually, (and I know we all know this) Cain’s decision and subsequent action insured his problem would get worse – and it did. Now Cain is a murderer, and an outcast, sought by his relatives for the murder of one of their own. Cain also proved that he is not to be trusted. Moreover, the Scripture records that Cain’s destiny was an eternity in torment.

For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous. (I John 3:11-12)

Perhaps the reference above gives us an understanding of why Cain was so bent on not turning and simply doing what he should have. The statement “Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one,” tells us that Cain followed after the Devil, and did the Devil’s bidding. Cain was as unmerciful as the Devil, and like the Devil, hated the right things Abel did. You know, even though that is the case, it still doesn’t make sense to “resolve” the issue by murdering your brother. Of course, the rebellion of Lucifer doesn’t make sense either.

Yet, this is not the only instance where individuals were given the clear choice of turning or being destroyed, and the response was utterly senseless.

Now therefore go to, speak to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I frame evil against you, and devise a device against you: return ye now every one from his evil way, and make your ways and your doings good. And they said, There is no hope: but we will walk after our own devices, and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart. (Jeremiah 18:11-12)

Turn, or be destroyed – the choice is yours.

There is no hope.

Good grief. Every time I read the passage I am floored by the total unwillingness to even consider turning and doing what is right. You know, I can understand standing up and fighting for what you know for certain is the truth. But the men of Judah and Jerusalem knew what they were doing was not in accordance with the law. They knew they were in violation of the Covenant. Yet, they insisted on doing it anyway – even when plainly warned that destruction would come if they did not immediately repent.

Instead, their answer was: There is no hope.

Yes there is. All you have to do is turn.

There is no hope!

Unbelievable. A total unwillingness to repent and turn away from evil, and thus turn away the judgement of God. Total unwillingness. Not even a smidgen of desire to repent and turn. Nope, that option, even though held out by the LORD God, is not even on the table for discussion.

Un…stinking…believable.

Perhaps I should not be so surprised. After all, in America we are experiencing some events that can only be ascribed to the judgement of God on us for our wickedness. Yet, there are many (vast majority actually) who simply refuse to believe what the Scripture states about God’s judgement. The really sad part of this whole affair is that a whole lot of them wear the label of “Christian” and go to church, and proclaim “Christ” and partake of some of the most wicked things one will ever see. The hopelessness of the situation really is apparent when you see them walk around in totally immodest clothing (virtually naked), and they swear up and down that they “serve God,” all the while dressed in pants so tight they had to be painted on, halter tops and various other articles of “clothing” that only passes for a “covering.” Oh, and engage them in conversation and see how frequently they reference ungodly and profane television programs, movies and music. Yes, their interest lies some other place than the Bible. Yet, they serve God. Just ask them.

I wonder what Jeremiah would think about America. Knowing America’s heritage and the overwhelming focus in early America on the things of God (albeit imperfectly), there really is a contrast between then and now, and it has nothing to do with technology. However, it has everything to do with the hearts of the people – especially those who claim Christ.

America, you are being warned: Repent or be destroyed. I wonder if your response will be as incredulous as the men of Judah and Jerusalem:

There is no hope: but we will walk after our own devices, and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart.

How utterly unbelievable and senseless.

A Wrong Heart – A Final Look

Though there are many things that can be focused on concerning the deviation from, and misuse of Scripture of Pastor Wright in his sermons, there is one last thing I would like to point out as it is largely misunderstood, and misapplied by “Christian” leaders, to the detriment of those under their influence, and to the Gospel of Christ.

In looking at this, we must first be ever reminded that the reason the Gospel exists is because man has absolutely no capacity to make himself righteous in any degree whatsoever. This will ever remain true as righteousness is an absolute quality that one either has in totality, or not at all. We must also remember that the standard of righteousness is the LORD God Himself, Who is infinitely righteous. The result of this is the utter condemnation of man as we are by nature evil, and we cannot change our nature by our own efforts. Thus the solution the LORD God offers us, is salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ and His blood that was shed for our atonement.

However, throughout man’s history on this earth, man has ever sought to find a way to make himself righteous in the sight of God outside of Christ, and in so doing, prove himself to be equal with his Creator. Typically, man does this by perverting the gospel into a system of works for salvation. However, there are systems of belief that ignore God altogether, and seek to find peace and righteousness through a means other than justification before God. Humanism is one such system.

Now, this is not to say that Humanism came into existence within the last 300 years or so. Actually, humanism has existed under one label or another for several millennia. Recently, humanism found organized expression under the label of communism. Central to the belief of humanism and communism is the idea that man can improve himself, by his own efforts. In communism, this ideal is known as the “new communist man” that is freed from the chains of religion, tradition and superstition. The communists believe, like all humanists have, that once man reaches this condition, there will be peace throughout the earth. However, there cannot be any opposition to this ideal, as that would create conditions that would drag humanity into conflict again. Hence, “peace” is preached, and war is railed against.

As I noted in previous posts, there is a definitive link between Pastor Wright, the UCC and communism. Moreover, that the “Christianity” preached by Pastor Wright and the UCC is nothing more than decorative wrapping for the socialism (communism) they advocate. Even so it is with the advocation of “peace.” The following is a partial transcript from CNN’s Anderson Cooper Blog, in which contributor Roland Martin presents a favorable view of what Wright stated on April 13, 2003:

“Wright’s scriptural focus was Luke 19:37-44 (reading from the New Revised Standard Version).
In this sermon, Wright spoke about the military rule during biblical days, led by Pontius Pilate. It was clear, through his language, such as “occupying military brigade” that he was making an analogy to the war in Iraq.
“War does not make for peace,” he said. “Fighting for peace is like raping for virginity.”
“War does not make for peace. War only makes for escalating violence and a mindset to pay the enemy back by any means necessary,” he said.” ((The G___ ____ America Sermon))

Now, I looked at Luke 9:37-44, in both the King James Version, and the New Revised Standard Version, and what the entrance of Christ into Jerusalem has to do with the rant against government (specifically the American government) that Wright engaged in is beyond me. While it is true that the Lord spoke of Jerusalem’s coming destruction, it had nothing to do with government, and everything to do with the Jews rejection of their covenant with the LORD God. As I have noted previously, this is frequently the case with those who have another agenda besides serving the LORD God and preaching the Gospel of Christ.

Nonetheless, Pastor Wright then makes the comments about “war” and how it is that war cannot solve problems, and cannot bring peace. If we understand the implication of this, we will understand that it also is a condemnation of anyone who engages in war. Anyone who has a warrior mentality, or warrior spirit about then is condemned as they will engage in war as a necessary, though unpleasant endeavor.

This is dangerous ground to walk on. Scripturally, for one to take this position, without immediately qualifying it, is to stand in opposition to the LORD God Himself. Why? Because one takes it upon themselves to rebuke the LORD:

Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him. The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name. (Exodus 15:1-3)

Moreover, it is to rebuke the servant of the LORD, a man after God’s own heart: King David.

And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me. Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him. Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, which is with the sheep. (I Samuel 16:17-19)

Notice, that the Scripture plainly records the testimony of David, even before he took the throne of Israel and before he killed Goliath the Gittite: that David was a “man of war” and “the LORD is with him.” How could the LORD be pleased with David, if the LORD Himself were not a man of war as Moses testified? Plainly, He would not be.

Now, I know that many will point to the New Testament and declare that the LORD God of the Old is not the same as Christ of the New. However, I must strongly disagree with that position as the New Testament only provides confirmation of the statements made in the Old. After all, the LORD God of the Old Testament is the same LORD God in the New. In fact, quite frequently, the LORD spoken of in the Old Testament is none other that Christ Himself. Nonetheless, let’s look at what the New Testament declares:

And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. (Revelation 19:11-16)

Plainly, the acknowledgement that the leader of Heaven’s army is called “The Word of God” positively identifies Him as none other than the Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God. Notice also that out of Christ’s mouth “goeth a sharp sword, that he should smite the nations:” which is to say that He will engage them in war, and they shall be smitten and fall by the words that proceed out of His mouth. Of course, verse 21, of the chapter does clearly state that:

And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh. (Revelation 19:21)

Now, rather than leave a skewed impression of the Lord Jesus Christ, the only ordained Savior of the world, a little context is in order. The LORD is a man of war, but He did not start this war. Nevertheless, he will end it. No, Satan, who used to be called Lucifer, started this war when he rebelled against the LORD and attempted to take the throne of God. In Isaiah, chapter 14, and Ezekiel, chapter 28, we are told of Lucifer’s rebellion in which, as a covering cherub, he decided that his high position serving God wasn’t good enough, and he determined that he ought to rule. Sadly, he deceived a third of the angelic host, and they followed him in his rebellion. The LORD’s response to this should not be unexpected – He rose to battle.

However, the LORD does not fight the way we fight, and He was not going to change His plan of creation simply because His creatures exercised their free will and rebelled. Thus, Satan brought his war against God to this earth and conquered Adam. As a result, all the race of man are embroiled in this war as well, and all wars of this world are but shadows and illustrations of the real war Satan launched against God.

Due to this, we might as well give up on man ever creating peace by his own efforts. It is pointless and futile, and only someone holding to Humanist doctrine would engage in such thinking. Which is exactly why Pastor Wright makes the claims he does about war. After all, if he supposedly knows the Bible, why doesn’t he know about the above passages? It is because his heart is in the wrong place.

The Sabbath and Sunday

I suppose it was the occasion of Easter that prompted Joe Kovacs of WorldNetDaily to author an article on the issue of Sabbath vs. Sunday. After all, I don’t really know, but it is odd that this particular subject came up in the week before Easter (posted Mar. 16^th). Nevertheless, as a subject and an issue of controversy, what I really find odd is that everyone who holds to Sabbath-keeping, also holds Arminian doctrine. Arminism is the denial of the doctrine of eternal security of the believer; which is to say that salvation, once obtained, can be lost.

Aside from the relation to Arminism, what I found striking about the article (I skimmed it, noting the names mentioned and looking for Scripture references and how they were used) was the total lack of a conclusion. Mr. Kovacs did not come down on one side or the other of the issue. I suppose he was trying to not lose readers, or bridge a gap (ecumenism) or something of that nature. However, I also noted that he also did not allow any particular view to go into any great depth to conclusively prove one way or the other. Lovely.

What I find disturbing about the article is the ammunition it gives atheists to point to the Bible and say: ‘See, it really is contradictory. Even the Christians can’t decide among themselves what the Bible says!’ as if they don’t already have enough ammunition on this point alone.

Nevertheless, the issue is answerable from the Scriptures, if we stick with what the totality of the Scriptures state. I know this as I have researched – well, you know – the Bible. No, I did not go into the history of the Sunday tradition, or the writings of the “Church Fathers” (whoever they are), or the Pope. Instead, I just used the Bible and then wrote an article on it titled “Shall we keep the sabbath?”.

Evaluate it, see what you think. But first a couple of brief rules: Use the Bible, and only the Bible when you evaluate it. Keep your Scripture in context and follow the logic that the LORD God lays down about following the law and how man is justified before God.

I thank God that the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.

Validation

Over the last week or so the issue of Pastor Jeremiah Wright’s remarks from the pulpit have dominated the coverage of Barack Obama’s campaign for President. While it has come to light that the controversial remarks of Pastor Wright were quotes from U.S. Ambassador Edward Peck, they were not condemned when Wright used them in his message.

It is well known in advertising that the strongest advertising method existent is personal favorable reference. The next strongest is impersonal favorable mention, and negative mention follows shortly thereafter. The best way to not advertise, or validate something is to not mention it at all. Thus, when someone is referenced in a message, the speaker has basically three options:

1. They can state they agree with the person quoted.

2. They can state they disagree.

3. They can remain silent and let everyone guess.

However, it is implicitly understood: unless you specifically state your level of disagreement with the person you are quoting, it means that you agree with them to a certain extent, even up to and including total agreement. Otherwise, why do you find their statements valuable?

So it is with Pastor Wright and his quotation of Edward Peck. The pastor did not see fit anywhere in the sermon to specifically distance himself from Edward Peck and his statements. Instead, according to a blog that supports Pastor Wright, the Pastor’s comments were:

“We are indignant that the stuff that we have done overseas is brought back into our own front yards. America’s chickens are coming home to roost. Violence begets violence. Hatred begets hatred. And terrorism begets terrorism. A white ambassador said that y’all, not a black militant. Not a reverend who preaches about racism. An ambassador whose eyes are wide open and who is trying to get us to wake up and move away from this dangerous precipice upon which we are now poised. The ambassador said the people we have wounded don’t have the military capability we have. but they do have individuals who are willing to die and take thousands with them. And we need to come to grips with that.” ((http://www.rolandsmartin.com/blog/?p=144))

No, whether America is doing everything right or not, there are some specific things that the ambassador stated that are strictly unscriptural and should have been qualified in some way. Instead, the statement “And we need to come to grips with that.” does indicate an approval of all the statements quoted. However, the greater problem is this: Pastor Wright’s concern was not that Americans are not obedient to the gospel and should be, as that would radically alter this nation for the better. No, Wright’s concern was for “social justice.” The clarion call was for this nation to fight racism, AIDS, provide better healthcare, etc.

“We have got to change the way we have been doing things as a society,” he said. He then said we can’t stop messing over people and thinking they can’t touch us. He then said we may need to declare war on racism, injustice and greed, instead of war on other countries. “Maybe we need to declare war on AIDS. In five minutes the Congress found $40 billion to rebuild New York and the families that died in sudden death, do you think we can find the money to make medicine available for people who are dying a slow death? Maybe we need to declare war on the nation’s healthcare system that leaves the nation’s poor with no health coverage? Maybe we need to declare war on the mishandled educational system and provide quality education for everybody, every citizen, based on their ability to learn, not their ability to pay. This is a time for social transformation.” ((http://www.rolandsmartin.com/blog/?p=144))

As I pointed out in the first post, this is the specific problem with Pastor Wright and the UCC in general. Where, just where in the Bible does it state that we are to focus on social issues? Feeding the poor, caring for the sick, infirmed and elderly are all adjuncts to preaching and teaching the word of God. After all, even a well-fed, healthy person dies, and when they die, if they are not prepared to stand in judgement before God, they end up in Hell – for all eternity. Plainly, unless one is born-again in Christ, through the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, all the “social justice” in the world won’t do them one iota of good.

What we have here is a clear intent to advocate for things that really don’t change hearts, and thus the behavior of men. Rather, it appears that the reason the social issues are used, are for the specific and express purpose of bludgeoning those who appear to be enfranchised and demand that the playing field be leveled. Plainly, this is what Ambassador Peck is about as his name appears prominently in socialist circles. In searching further, it is also plain that the UCC is deeply involved in the socialist movement as well. This comes as no surprise as a blog article from UCCtruths ((http://ucctruths.blogspot.com/2008/03/united-church-of-christ-and-faln.html)) highlights the successful efforts of the United Church of Christ to obtain pardons for two FALN criminals who were convicted of carrying out bombings in New York and Chicago back the late 70’s and early 80’s. The UCC is also deeply involved in the Interfaith Alliance, which is a left-oriented (socialist) political organization wrapping itself in the guise of religion.

The real problem with this whole mess is the deception that continues daily within the UCC about its true intentions. Whether the average UCC member realizes it or not, the leadership of that denomination is really not interested in promoting the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, what they are interested in is the promotion of Communism, all the while wrapping it in the banner and blanket of Christianity. Otherwise, they (including Pastor Wright) would be far more concerned with the state of men’s souls than they are. I am hard pressed to find anything that solidly preaches the gospel in the writings I have seen. Rather, what I do find is the usage of some (one or two verses) scripture to front a rant about the unfairness in American society, and how the “government” ought to be used to make everything more equal. The evidence of this is plain in the partial transcripts of Pastor Wright’s sermons posted on CNN’s Anderson Cooper Blog: ((The 9-11 Sermon)) ((The G___ ____ America Sermon)) and in the continuing focus of his messages until his retirement.

Unfortunately, Pastor Wright and the UCC are not alone in this endeavor, and neither is it restricted solely to the liberal “churches” and denominations that exist in this country. No, there are a considerable number of conservative, even fundamental, Bible-believing churches that have allowed themselves to be caught up in the political and social issues of the day, much to the detriment of preaching the Gospel. We would all do well to heed the apostle Paul’s stated focus, as it really is the only way any society ever changes for the better. What is amazing is that history does attest to this fact, if only we care to look. What was the apostle Paul’s focus? It’s quite impossible to miss:

And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. (I Corinthians 2:1-2)

After all, why validate what you don’t agree with?

A Wrong Heart – A Second Look

In yesterday’s post, I commented on Pastor Jeremiah Wright’s comments concerning America and the attitude he took toward this country and whether it was Biblical or not. Moreover, I commented on the defense of Wright by the President of the UCC, John Thomas, and whether the focus of the UCC was proper and what that focus meant in the context of serving the LORD.

It is apparent that a second look into the whole motivation behind the UCC is warranted as Pastor Wright’s comments, and President John Thomas’ defense of them brings to light very troubling issues in the United Churches of Christ as a denomination. What is telling about the focus of Wright’s comments is that they were not condemning of America because it has turned its back on the LORD God, and forsaken the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Rather, he condemned America for waging war against those in this world that the majority of Americans see as evil.

“We bombed Hiroshima, we bombed Nagasaki, and we nuked far more than the thousands in New York and the Pentagon, and we never batted an eye,” Rev. Wright said in a sermon on Sept. 16, 2001.

“We have supported state terrorism against the Palestinians and black South Africans, and now we are indignant because the stuff we have done overseas is now brought right back to our own front yards. America’s chickens are coming home to roost,” he told his congregation. ((http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=4443788))

Now, knowing something about history, and knowing that America did not start World War II, and in fact resisted being dragged into it; it is apparent that Pastor Wright made his statement divorced from any historical context. Apparently Pastor Wright would have preferred that tens of thousands (if not hundreds of thousands) more die in an invasion of the Japanese home islands, rather than the use of only two weapons that quickly convinced the Emperor of Japan that further resistance would only result in defeat and the senseless loss of life of his subjects. Moreover, the dropping of those particular bombs also broke the idea in Japan that the Emperor was a god to be worshiped.

Knowing this, one must wonder what motivates someone to draw a moral equivalence between America’s use of nuclear weapons on Japan during wartime, and the attacks upon America on September 11, 2001. However, that motivation is laid bare by his follow-on statement which is also quoted above. Whether one really understands everything about the issue of Israel and Palestine, if one has read, understood and believes the Scripture, as Pastor Wright claims he does, then claiming that America supports state-sponsored terrorism against the Palestinians is nothing short of coming straight out of the Devil’s mouth. The only nation that is supposedly “attacking” the Palestinians is Israel, and anyone who knows the facts about the current government in Israel, knows that the Olmert administration virtually sits on its hands as Israeli citizens are subjected to daily rocket attacks. If this happened in any other country in the world, that country would be in the process of wiping their opponents off the face of the earth. No, other than their fight for independence, Israel has shown remarkable restraint in dealing with their neighbors since they became a nation. Moreover, American support of Israel has frequently been contingent upon that demonstration of restraint.

However, that is not what is so demonic about Wright’s claim. Wright’s claim about state terrorism being used against the Palestinians goes beyond the mere issue of Israeli relations with them. As any student of the Scripture knows, the land that Israel possesses, historically belongs to them, given to them by no less than the LORD God Himself. Plainly, by the Scripture, Gaza and the West Bank both belong to Israel, and Israel has every right to claim them, settle them, and govern them. Moreover, the Jews are still God’s chosen people, and He will use them again. Are they out of the will and service of God? Yes, they are. However, that does not mean that anyone and everyone is free to chastise and correct them. No, they belong to God, and God is dealing with them. For anyone to take a position in opposition to Israel, is to side with the Devil and the enemies of God. In this the Scripture is express:

Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee. When the most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel. For the LORD’S portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance. He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye. (Deuteronomy 32:7-10)

For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye. (Zechariah 2:8)

He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel. He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the LORD. (Psalm 147:19-20)

But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend. Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away. (Isaiah 41:8-9)

For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. (Malachi 3:6)

I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. (Romans 11:1-5)

In Revelation, chapter 7, and in Zechariah, chapter 12, we are plainly told that there is coming a day in which Israel will turn and again be used of the LORD God as a witness to this world. In fact, the evidence in Scripture is extensive as it pertains to Israel and the fact that they have an everlasting covenant with God. We are also warned in the New Testament not to boast about our standing with God at the expense of Israel. Thus, the only one that would dare to levy charge against Israel and seek Israel’s destruction is the Devil.

What does this then state about the heart and motivation of Pastor Wright, and John Thomas, President of the UCC who defended him? What does it state about the heart of Barack Obama who dismissed Wright’s statements as merely “It sounds like he was trying to be provocative,”?

I do not know what would satisfy others as sufficient evidence, but for me the above Scriptures are enough to show that anyone who attacks Israel stands against the will of God. However, there is one other passage that plainly demonstrates who has always stood behind the attempted destruction of the Jews throughout their history:

And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days. (Revelation 12:1-6)

I don’t pretend to understand all the parallels in the above passage, but I do know the woman parallels Israel, the child is the Lord Jesus Christ, the dragon is Satan, the stars of heaven are angels, and the wilderness is the world. Hence, the meaning is clear. This passage shows who continually seeks the destruction of Israel, and who it is that influences men to rail against the Jews. Are the Jews perfect? No, they are fallen men just like everyone else, and they need the salvation that Christ offers, just like everyone else. But to claim that Yasser Arafat, the PLO, Hamas and others like them are justified in claiming that every Jew needs to be wiped off the face of the earth, and to say that our support of Israel when it responds to those efforts militarily is a reason for God to judge us, is straight out of the heart and mind of the Devil. By extension, to defend someone who makes such statements, is to be more than comfortable with the pronouncements of Satan.

Is America under judgement? Sadly, yes she is. But not because of her support of Israel, or her use of nuclear weapons in wartime, or even her stand against communist influence in South Africa. ((America’s support of South Africa was not because they engaged in apartheid, or that successive administrations hated blacks. Rather, it was due to having little to no choice in who we supported in attempting to stem the spread of communism. At least the South Africa government wasn’t communist, and under those regimes, the gospel could be preached to everyone. Perhaps they weren’t a whole lot better, but they did have some respect for the law. The communists have none at all, and always seek to stop the spread of the gospel.)) America is under judgement because she has forsaken her Maker, the Supreme Judge of the World, and has turned her back upon God, and forsaken the right way in favor of her own way.

Why is it that Pastor Wright couldn’t say those things to his congregation on September 16, 2001? Perhaps, it is because he really isn’t interested in having America turn back to God. Why didn’t President John Thomas soundly condemn the statements of Pastor Wright? Perhaps it is because he actually shares his views. Were I in the United Churches of Christ, I would set about finding a church that is actually interested in serving God, instead of standing against Him.

UPDATE 03/22/08Since I don’t go poking into every corner of the Internet, and I really am not all that interested in politics, I missed the proof of all I stated above. Since this whole controversy broke, people have decided to dig into everything Pastor Wright and TUCC are engaged in. Well, the proof of the above assertion is posted on BizzyBlog’s post concerning a certain “Pastor’s Pages” article from July 22^nd. The Pastor’s Pages for that issue were given over to a known Hamas operative. Nice — and in a “Christian church” at that.

A Wrong Heart

I don’t usually comment on current events, or the antics of the more notable individuals in this society, however, what has come to light of late begs for comment. This is especially true when no one bothers to even find out what the Scripture actually states concerning the statement or event that created such a stir.

In this Presidential campaign there has been a return to some unpleasant ugliness that one would have hoped didn’t exist in America. However, if you know and understand the nature of man, then you know what an impossibility that is. However, aside from the mainstream media’s censorship of Ron Paul on the Republican side, the Democrats have had their circus going to full effect with the “conflict” between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. And now, there is this latest event precipitated by Barack Obama’s pastor, Jeremiah Wright.

Now, Pastor Wright was the pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago and is the man Barack Obama looks to for guidance in spiritual things. This would not be altogether bad, except for two glaring things:

1. The apparent heart and attitude of Pastor Wright.

2. The unscriptural approach to the doctrines of the Lord Jesus Christ.

What brought this to light are some of the statements made by Pastor Wright during his messages delivered from the pulpit. Now, to be certain, the pulpit is not the place for personal opinion. It is the place where one is to expound upon the subjects the Lord has for His people to instruct, to reprove, and to exhort them to serve Him better; and to clarify His doctrines in accordance with His word, which is the Scripture. For one to go beyond that and put words in the mouth of God, or to demand God’s wrath upon a nation is egregiously wrong and tantamount to blasphemy.

The following was reported as direct quotes made by Pastor Wright from the pulpit. I will leave blank the offending portions of the statements made.

“The government gives them the drugs, builds bigger prisons, passes a three-strike law and then wants us to sing ‘God Bless America.’ No, no, no, G__ ___ America, that’s in the Bible for killing innocent people,” he said in a 2003 sermon. “G__ ____ America for treating our citizens as less than human. G__ ____ America for as long as she acts like she is God and she is supreme.” ((http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=4443788))

You know, I don’t find this attitude anywhere, in any of the prophets of the Old Testament, and I certainly do not find this attitude in the Lord Jesus Christ in the New Testament. Remarkably, though the apostle Paul was arrested, beaten, imprisoned unlawfully, I do not find this attitude in him either. Do we find condemnation of the nations of ancient time in the Old Testament? We certainly do. But not with this kind of heart and attitude.

Moreover, no one, but no one, tells the LORD God who He is going to condemn, and who He is going to bless. All we can ever do is ask. We are told expressly to ask for the LORD to bless, but conversely, we are not told to ask for condemnation of someone, or some nation:

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48)

What the Lord Jesus Christ instructed on the mount is a far cry from the attitude and heart expressed by Pastor Wright. It does make one wonder who Pastor Wright is following doesn’t it? After all, his attitude is more akin to the attitude expressed by James and John, which was rebuked by the Lord Jesus Christ:

And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village. (Luke 9:51-56)

Of course, that Pastor Wright should have such an attitude is not surprising as he has turned away from the Gospel of Christ as the focus of his ministry, and replaced it with something else – social justice. In a statement from John Thomas, the General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, the promotion of “social justice” is prominent:

“But on the gritty streets of Chicago’s south side where Trinity has planted itself, race continues to play favorites in failing urban school systems, unresponsive health care systems, crumbling infrastructure, and meager economic development. Are we to pretend all is well because much is, in fact, better than it used to be? Is it racist to name the racial divides that continue to afflict our nation, and to do so loudly?” ((http://www.ucc.org/news/responding-to-wright.html))

You know, when you abandon the gospel in favor of social justice, don’t expect the LORD to bless, and don’t expect the hearts of individuals to change. When you go further and demand that God condemn a nation, you are of another spirit, which is not of God. It is sad that the President of UCC attempted to paint the prophet Jeremiah with this heart and attitude, and then identify with him in an attempt to justify the words of Pastor Wright. What is missing here is the distinction between acknowledging the judgement levied by the LORD God, and the demanding of God’s judgement upon a nation. Plainly, Pastor Wright would be happy if God judged America and destroyed her. What he seems to have missed is the fact that the LORD God is unhappy with him as well, and Pastor Wright’s anger at America for social injustice may bring about the opposite effect.

Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him. (Proverbs 24:17-18)

It makes one wonder who is the head of the UCC and Trinity Church of Christ – the Lord Jesus Christ, or the Devil. After all, they are interested in social justice, and not the gospel of Christ.

Missing the Point

One of the interesting things about apologetic studies is the frequency in which I come across the attitude that declares in essence: ‘There’s got to be more than this. It cannot be this simple and this easy to find’ with regard to knowing and understanding God, and the things of God. However, I am thankful that the LORD God does not operate the way man operates and has plainly declared that He desires the salvation of all:

Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die. (John 12:30-33)

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (I Timothy 2:1-4)

Thus, to make it possible for all men to be saved, the LORD would not and did not make it hard for man. Rather, it is man that makes it hard for himself. Those who would declare that knowing God is difficult, and understanding Him is impossible, are ignorant of the true nature of the LORD God, and thus ignorant of how the LORD accomplishes His work among men. Clearly, one cannot get around the following statement the LORD made to Jeremiah in the Old Testament:

Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

Thus, ignorant of what God has actually stated, many go about thinking (and telling others) that God cannot be known or understood at all. How very sad for them. Yet, the problem is not confined to them. Rather, the attitude evinced at the beginning of this article extends well in to what are generally considered to be “Christian” denominations and religions. One of the most prominent advocates of the idea that understanding God is virtually impossible (indeed, they frequently tell their people that the things of God are a “mystery”) is the Catholic Church. In this particular regard, they have much in common with Freemasonry.

However, the truth of the word of God, the Scriptures, gives away the lie fostered by these organizations upon their members. To begin with, it does all start with the Lord Jesus Christ, and knowing Him.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)

Now, I know that people give short shrift to the above passage. However, it is a severe mistake to do so. The above statement declares that there is one, and only one way, one truth, and one source of life – the Lord Jesus Christ. Without the Lord Jesus Christ, one can forget understanding anything about God. The only hitch to this that one must know the right Jesus, as man has an adversary that desires nothing more than to prevent as many as he can from coming to the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation and thus reconciliation to God. This was one of the concerns of the apostle Paul as he expressed it to the church at Corinth:

But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. (II Corinthians 11:3-4)

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. (II Corinthians 11:13-15)

The answer to this dilemma is found in following the Scripture rather than the writings of those who alter Scripture to fit various ideas they have about God, Christ, and the salvation offered through the Lord Jesus. If what is written and spoken is consistent with the Scripture, then one can be assured that they are going the right way.

In returning to the subject at hand, the Scripture also reveals to us that in knowing the Lord Jesus Christ, we have access to an understanding that is only limited by our walk with the Lord and the extent to which we please Him. Moreover, this is available to all who come to Christ and is not confined to a select few. The LORD insured this was made clear and plain through the apostle Paul when he wrote the church at Colosse:

For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:1-3)

If we notice how the statement is framed, we can see that the desire of the LORD is that all those who come to Christ be comforted with the knowledge of God and of Christ, and that they need look no further than Christ for the knowledge, wisdom and understanding they need. We can be certain of this by a statement made very shortly after the assurance above:

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. (Colossians 2:8)

Thus the contrast is drawn between the true knowledge and wisdom given by knowing and walking with Christ, versus what man thinks ought to be. We should understand that man’s ideas and philosophies are based upon what man sees and thinks he understands. Moreover, man’s pride is such that it is inconceivable that such knowledge would be available to everyone. After all, what would make someone “special” and “worthy of honor” if the knowledge and wisdom they seek to obtain is the same knowledge that is available to everyone? What power would one man have over another if all receive their wisdom from the same source and are all able to come to God directly?

Maybe that is why they “miss the point.”

Leveling the Playing Field

In the Declaration of Independence, the Founders of the United States made an amazing statement:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, . . .”

Now, as then, this statement is still amazing. Why? Because that is not the way man normally thinks. We have seen that in Hitler’s Germany, and in Kenya there is on-going proof that the tribes do not consider each other to be created equal. In Rwanda, we have seen the denial of this truth resulting in genocide; and I could go on with countless other examples in just in the last two centuries alone.

The above quote remains a stunning statement of a truth that the Founders understood and accepted as not only true, but self-evidently true. They considered the truth of the statement so plainly evident that it brooked no argument among men, and that the world had no choice but to acknowledge that truth. Moreover, there are other truths they plainly acknowledged as being self-evident as well:

“that they are endowed by their Creator . . .”

Clearly and undeniably, the Founders wanted everyone to know that it is foolish to deny that man is a created being, and man has a Creator, Who clearly and plainly made everyone equal. Yet, in enumerating the ways in which man is created equal, of necessity they left off some of the more amazing things our Creator did in making man equal. Now, it is understandable that they left off a further declaration of these things as the Declaration of Independence is a political and legal document asserting the right of a people to be a free and independent entity in and among the nations of the world. However, it is the things beyond that deserve our focus, as they are more delightful than the LORD God simply creating us equal to one another.

In many discussions I have had over the years concerning the above statement in the Declaration of Independence, invariably someone will endeavor to point out that, though all men are “created” equal, they certainly don’t stay that way. They will focus on financial ability, physical talents, station in life, etc., etc. and point out that there is no equality between individuals after they are born and begin to live in this world. However, that assertion is to miss the point of the statement the Founders made. The assertion of the Founders did not concern itself with what we call the “tangibles” of this world. Rather, the statement addresses the far more important intangibles of the law. Under the law, we are all created equal, and are all equally accountable for our actions and behavior. The issues of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are issues that can be judged under the law, and are not, and cannot be judged by physical possessions or station in life. What constitutes liberty and pursuit of happiness to one, is not the same as it is to another. Yet under the law, both are entitled to have differing stations in life, and still be counted as equal one to the other.

However, our equality before the LORD God who created us, does not stop there. I find it funny that in religion, the very idea and truth espoused in the Declaration of Independence, is denied by the vast majority of religions. Moreover, I find this true even among the vast majority of so-called Christian religions. On the one hand the adherents of those systems of belief will acknowledge the Declaration of Independence and its statements, but on the other, they routinely set them aside in their doctrines and system of belief.

How? Through such ideas as the concept of clergy and laity, inculcating into their followers the idea that they are not qualified to understand the Scriptures on their own (which sounds just like the Dark Ages), and promoting the idea that salvation is attainable through different means in the different periods of this world’s history. If we think about those teachings, and then compare them to what the Declaration of Independence states is “self-evident” we see a dichotomy of thought. Plainly, all men cannot be equal if there exists such a thing as clergy and laity, the closure of Scripture to all but the specially trained, and the idea that somehow salvation is different during the different periods of earth’s history. To hold to such things is to be like the pigs in George Orwell’s book Animal Farm, where all the animals were equal, but the pigs were more equal than the others.

In examining this disjunction, one of the plainest departures from the Scripture and the concept espoused in the Declaration of Independence concerning the equality of all men, is on the issue of salvation and its availability throughout all history. In the Scripture, the following statement is made concerning faith, grace and works, and their relationship.

For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. (Romans 4:13-17)

Though it is a New Testament passage, it harkens back to Abraham and brings to the fore how Abraham was justified before God. In so doing, it also states that everyone else after him is justified the very same way – by grace through faith, without works. This is confirmed by other Scripture as well:

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:4-8)

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. (Romans 11:6)

Thus, if it is all by grace through faith from Abraham onward as the Scripture states, that only leaves the question of the requirement levied upon those prior to Abraham. In this, the Scripture ties several individuals together by the common thread of salvation by grace through faith. The first of these individuals is Noah, which the Scripture plainly states that Noah’s standing before the LORD was based on grace:

But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. (Genesis 6:8-9)

Seeing how it is that Noah stood before God, we can go back further and look to Abel’s standing before God as well, and examine what the Scripture states about that.

By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. (Hebrews 11:4)

In understanding this, we see plainly that the instrument of faith was how Abel knew to offer the particular sacrifice that he did; while Cain could not or would not understand why the LORD required the particular offering He did as a part of worship. Hence, applying what we are told in Ephesians, that salvation is by grace through faith, we can clearly see that Abel and Noah both had the same requirement levied upon them as we have upon us – that we are to be justified before God by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His work of redemption.

We can also look briefly at Enoch and Job and their testimonies of knowing God by faith in Christ to come.

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. (Hebrews 11:5)

For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me. (Job 19:25-27)

So then, it is plain that if Abel had faith and Enoch had faith, and salvation is by grace through faith, so that the grace Noah found was through faith. Since it is the case with these men, then we can surely state that Job knew Christ as his Redeemer through faith as well.

Here then we have an unbroken line of testimony that grace came through faith then as now, and throughout the entire history since the fall, grace has always come through faith in the Messiah. The only difference between then and now is the tense in which they looked to Christ. They trusted in the promise of the Redeemer to come, and we look back at the Redeemer having already come. In both cases it requires faith to perceive the truth of the promise of God; that our redemption and reconciliation comes through the Lord Jesus Christ and Him alone.

Why then did the LORD God do this? If we look back to the passage from Romans, chapter 4, we find this statement:

Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, . . .(Romans 4:16)

In summation, the end of this is: that it is of faith, so that it can be by grace, without the law so that the promise will be sure to all who come to God through Christ Jesus, as verses 13 through 15 state:

In returning to the passage from the Declaration of Independence, which states “that all men are created equal. . .” we can also see that all men remain equal in the sight of Almighty God throughout all our lives, with all of us having equal opportunity to be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ, by grace through faith, with no one having any greater burden of justification placed upon them than upon anyone else who has ever lived, or ever will live. Moreover, because it is this way, that is, dependent upon the work of Christ and not any one of us, we can have full assurance of the certainty of our salvation, if we come by faith depending upon His grace.

In short, the LORD God insured a level playing field. We were created equal, and we remain equal in the sight of God, and the salvation of all is the same, from the time of man’s fall to the end of this earth.

Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:6-9)

What a difference between the way man thinks and the religious systems man creates, and the way the LORD God does things.

In Our Own Eyes . . .

In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes. (Judges 21:25)

“My flippancy is pretty much a response to his implicit attempt to get a pragmatic person with prioritized values to be for something they are very much against, based on principle. It stinks and I don’t accept it.”

Yes I know, it’s a mouthful. However, I am not the one who stated it and I will not point out who stated it. It is sufficient to point out that the statement was indeed made and the individual was sincere about the statement. What I will point out is the commonality of this thinking in Americans.

The above statement brings to light a very serious problem in American society and is the reason that we, as a nation and people, are under the rather unpleasant judgement of God. The person quoted above responded in the manner they did in reply to the assertion that principle, particularly the principle of honesty, trumps all other consideration when we are determining who is fit to hold the public trust. If we note in their response, there are a couple things that they have determined are far more important than honesty and the principle behind it:

1. Their pragmatism.
2. Their “prioritized values” based upon that pragmatism.

This is an interesting, albeit incorrect way to look at things, and it does tend to lead one to some very interesting conclusions. The LORD has much to say about this kind of thinking.

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (Proverb 14:12; Proverb 16:25)

The above verse from Scripture is given twice (hence the two references) and in principle is stated again in Proverbs:

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Now, pragmatism is defined as:

“an approach that evaluates theories or beliefs in terms of the success of their practical application.”

And is a result of being “pragmatic,” which is:

“dealing with things in a practical rather than theoretical way.”

That would be all well and good, except the frame of reference from which the individual quoted above starts is nowhere near the truth. How can we know that? Because of the answer given. They rejected the principle of the truth and its application in favor of their own evaluation apart from the absolute truth of both the word of God and principle.

Practically speaking, it is far better to have the truth, than to not have it, even if it is inconvenient at the moment. Why? Because at least we will know where we are at. In light of placing someone in a position of public trust, it would seem to be a no-brainer that we would always want someone who is unfailingly honest– even if they tell us things we don’t want to hear.

Nonetheless, the individual quoted above rejected that position based upon their own understanding of what is “real” and thus “practical” and extrapolated from there. The end result is a departure from the firm foundation of principle, and the truth, and results in building values that have no solid foundation.

There is a way that seemeth right, . . .

What this means is a failure to set aside our own perceptions and follow the proven path. Instead, we follow our perception thinking it to be right because we, based upon our experience, have determined that we do perceive rightly. It is very much like testing an instrument against itself. If the instrument is flawed, it will give a flawed reading every time. Testing it against itself only yields flawed readings set against other flawed readings. Hence, when the instrument is “adjusted,” it is adjusted to be consistent, but yet still inaccurate. What it takes to become accurate is another instrument that is traceable and proven to be consistently accurate compared to the flawed instrument, and the flawed instrument adjusted accordingly.

When we reject principle, and do that which seems to be right, we walk the same path that Israel walked, and we do that which is right in our own eyes. As we can see by the Scripture, doing so brought judgement and yielded death to Israel. Even though they were warned, they did not believe the warning as they determined that they had the right way to proceed, and would not be swayed or persuaded from that path.

Now, it’s not like we haven’t been amply warned as well. Not only do we have the Scripture and its admonition about abandoning principle and following our own way; we have had leaders in the past who warned about this very thing. U.S. Representative James C. Greenwood of Pennsylvania gave the following in a debate some years ago over the issue of a high public official who lied about his activities in office:

“Two quotes of relevance, my colleagues. Oliver Wendell Holmes said, “Sin has many tools, but the lie is the handle which fits them all.”“

“Nearly a century ago, Theodore Roosevelt observed, “We can afford to differ on the currency, the tariff and foreign policy, but we cannot afford to differ on the question of honesty, if we expect our republic permanently to endure. Honesty is not so much a credit, as an absolute prerequisite to efficient service to the public. Unless a man is honest,” he said, “we have no right to keep him in public life. It matters not how brilliant his capacity.””

Thus, when we reject the principle of honesty, whether we are willing to acknowledge it or not, we have accepted and bought into the lie – and all the death and evil that comes with it

. . .but the end thereof are the ways of death.