Over the last year and a half, I have become increasingly uncomfortable with the word "Reformed". It started with a realization that, by and large, most of the Reformed ministries that I knew of were just simply not helpful to me anymore. While much of the basic doctrine was and is sound, something just wasn't right. I couldn't put my finger on it at first, but over time I think I have nailed it down.
With that in mind, I wish now to enumerate two reasons why I have decided that I no longer consider myself "Reformed", though I still affirm the 5 Points of TULIP. In its place, I describe my understanding of salvation (soteriology) as "Predestinarian". This is just a decision that I have made personally based on my experiences. I cannot tell others what to do with their lives and ministries.
Firstly, it became clear to me that I am fundamentally at odds with many traditional Reformed doctrinal convictions. To be specific:
- I deny Covenant Theology
- I deny Infant Baptism
- I deny The Regulative Principle of Worship
- I deny The Third Use of the Law
In their place:
- I affirm something close to New Covenant Theology
- I affirm Believer Baptism
- I affirm the Normative Principle of Worship
- I affirm the cessation of the Law of Moses in toto as a rule for believers to follow
The second reason I am not Reformed is that I am convinced that a truly Charismatic emphasis and practice is antithetical to both traditional Reformed models of ministry as well as to their "New Calvinist" counterparts. To yield to the Holy Spirit's moving in the full range of spiritual gifts requires an openness and spontaneity that are lacking in Reformed settings in my experience. New wine requires a new wineskin (and yes I am very familiar with the original context of new wine and new wineskins, but I believe that this is one proper application).
I came to the conclusion, that really and truly, there is no such thing as a "Reformed Charismatic". The two traditions and models of ministry are mutually exclusive. Outside of Christian basics, there isn't much with which I agree with traditional Reformed Confessionalists, but I do agree with them here, albeit for different reasons. Now certainly one can be Reformed and be a purely theoretical continuationist. One could also be a Charismatic and believe in predestianation like I do; or one can be neither. But no one, in my humble opinion, can be both Reformed and Charismatic. One will always cancel out the other.
I do not mean to be cynical, but in my experience, most who call themselves "Reformed Charismatics" only believe in an on paper Continuationism. They make no room for Charismatic gifts and often discourage their practice out of the fear of "Charismania".
None of this should be construed to be libelous or bitter. I understand that many of my friends who agree with me concerning spiritual gifts will decide to continue to align themselves within a Reformed theological framework. For myself, I believe that a more intentionally Charismatic emphasis, while still acknowledging the truth of God's sovereign and unconditional election, is both more biblical and more honest.
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Monday, June 20, 2016
Prophets and Prophetic Ministry Today
In my last post, I posted about some reasons I have for continuing Apostolic ministry in the Church. Today, I thought I would tackle the ministry of the Prophet. I believe that the Prophetic ministry continues today and is a vital ministry of the Church.
I believe that there is a vast and very important difference between Prophets under the Old
Covenant, and those of the New Covenant. Generally speaking, when one speaks of "the
Prophets", one is speaking of those men who wrote the prophetic books of the OT (Isaiah,
Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Amos, Obadiah, et al..) as well as those whose stories are told in the historical books (Elijah and Elisha for example). It is true though that there were other
prophetically gifted people in the Old Testament period (1 Samuel 10:9-11; 1 Kings 22:7,8; 2 Kings 2:3-7; 6:1).
However, this Old Covenant Prophetic Ministry has come to an end. In fact, it came to an end with John the Baptist. Jesus said of John the Baptist that "all the prophets and law prophesied until John" (Matthew 11:13). The writer of Hebrews is even more explicit:
"God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the
prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all
things, through whom also He made the worlds" (Hebrews 1:1,2 NKJV).
It is because of these passages that I completely and totally deny that Muhammad was a
prophet of God. I similarly deny that Joseph Smith was a true prophet (that and the substance of their false prophecies and doctrines). They were false prophets.
It is clear that when one speaks to a Muslim or a Mormon that their conceptions of Prophets is Old Covenant based (or close enough to it in the case of Muslims). I have lost count of how many times a Mormon has quoted Amos 3:7 to me; "Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets." Hebrews 1:1,2 thoroughly destroys his argument. It was true during the Old Covenant that God did nothing unless he revealed it to the Prophets, but now in the New Covenant age, Jesus Christ is the final Prophet.
But with all of that said, it is obvious that the New Testament holds out the function/gift of the Prophet for ordinary believers. What should we make of this?
I am convinced that while the gift of Prophecy itself is similar in substance from Old Covenant to New Covenant, the purpose and function of the Prophet has changed drastically. Old Covenant Prophets wrote Scripture, prophesied to nations, and spoke for God in the most absolute sense. This function has now been fulfilled by Jesus Christ, and by extension, the New Testament writers (Hebrews 1:1,2).
By contrast, New Covenant Prophets (like the other Ephesians 4 Ministries) are for:
"the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love." (Ephesians 4:12-16 NKJV)
The upshot to all of this is that while I am in functional agreement with some Continuationists of the Reformed variety (Wayne Grudem, John Piper, Sam Storms, et al...), I would nuance it differently. As for some points of application, I think a few things:
1. I am very skeptical of prophetic ministries who seem to specialize in prophesying the
outcomes of elections, the rise and fall of governments, the cosmic purposes of God for this
generation, etc... There may be some place for that (Acts 11:28), but even in those rare
occasions, it is for the purpose of spurring believers on to good works.
2. First John 4:1-6 is primarily about evaluating the truth or error of Prophetic ministry. I think this because John instructs his readers to "test the spirits" and warns his readers, not of false teachers, but of false prophets (though John does elsewhere warns of false teachers). Similarly, Christ Himself also warns of false prophets (Matthew 7:15-20; 24:24).
3. Even though OT and NT Prophets are different in function, I think we can still learn about
effective prophecy from the OT Prophets. I think one especially good example is courage in
prophesying hard things in the midst of the fear of man (1 Kings 22).
4. Because of the vastly important differences between Old Covenant and New Covenant Prophets, we can consistently and confidently make use of this valuable ministry, while safely denying the positions of the cults (most notably the Mormons).
Again, like my last post on Apostles, there is more that could be said, but I hope this is helpful.
I believe that there is a vast and very important difference between Prophets under the Old
Covenant, and those of the New Covenant. Generally speaking, when one speaks of "the
Prophets", one is speaking of those men who wrote the prophetic books of the OT (Isaiah,
Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Amos, Obadiah, et al..) as well as those whose stories are told in the historical books (Elijah and Elisha for example). It is true though that there were other
prophetically gifted people in the Old Testament period (1 Samuel 10:9-11; 1 Kings 22:7,8; 2 Kings 2:3-7; 6:1).
However, this Old Covenant Prophetic Ministry has come to an end. In fact, it came to an end with John the Baptist. Jesus said of John the Baptist that "all the prophets and law prophesied until John" (Matthew 11:13). The writer of Hebrews is even more explicit:
"God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the
prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all
things, through whom also He made the worlds" (Hebrews 1:1,2 NKJV).
It is because of these passages that I completely and totally deny that Muhammad was a
prophet of God. I similarly deny that Joseph Smith was a true prophet (that and the substance of their false prophecies and doctrines). They were false prophets.
It is clear that when one speaks to a Muslim or a Mormon that their conceptions of Prophets is Old Covenant based (or close enough to it in the case of Muslims). I have lost count of how many times a Mormon has quoted Amos 3:7 to me; "Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets." Hebrews 1:1,2 thoroughly destroys his argument. It was true during the Old Covenant that God did nothing unless he revealed it to the Prophets, but now in the New Covenant age, Jesus Christ is the final Prophet.
But with all of that said, it is obvious that the New Testament holds out the function/gift of the Prophet for ordinary believers. What should we make of this?
I am convinced that while the gift of Prophecy itself is similar in substance from Old Covenant to New Covenant, the purpose and function of the Prophet has changed drastically. Old Covenant Prophets wrote Scripture, prophesied to nations, and spoke for God in the most absolute sense. This function has now been fulfilled by Jesus Christ, and by extension, the New Testament writers (Hebrews 1:1,2).
By contrast, New Covenant Prophets (like the other Ephesians 4 Ministries) are for:
"the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love." (Ephesians 4:12-16 NKJV)
The upshot to all of this is that while I am in functional agreement with some Continuationists of the Reformed variety (Wayne Grudem, John Piper, Sam Storms, et al...), I would nuance it differently. As for some points of application, I think a few things:
1. I am very skeptical of prophetic ministries who seem to specialize in prophesying the
outcomes of elections, the rise and fall of governments, the cosmic purposes of God for this
generation, etc... There may be some place for that (Acts 11:28), but even in those rare
occasions, it is for the purpose of spurring believers on to good works.
2. First John 4:1-6 is primarily about evaluating the truth or error of Prophetic ministry. I think this because John instructs his readers to "test the spirits" and warns his readers, not of false teachers, but of false prophets (though John does elsewhere warns of false teachers). Similarly, Christ Himself also warns of false prophets (Matthew 7:15-20; 24:24).
3. Even though OT and NT Prophets are different in function, I think we can still learn about
effective prophecy from the OT Prophets. I think one especially good example is courage in
prophesying hard things in the midst of the fear of man (1 Kings 22).
4. Because of the vastly important differences between Old Covenant and New Covenant Prophets, we can consistently and confidently make use of this valuable ministry, while safely denying the positions of the cults (most notably the Mormons).
Again, like my last post on Apostles, there is more that could be said, but I hope this is helpful.
Friday, June 10, 2016
Apostles: Alive and Well on Earth Today
I believe in a continuing Apostolic ministry today. However, without proper nuance, it can sound like I am sliding into the stance of cults. With that said, here is a brief summary of my position: I believe that there are three levels of Apostles in Scripture:
1. The Twelve Apostles of the Lamb (Revelation 21:14). These are a closed and unrepeatable company that followed Jesus during His days on earth. Just like Jacob's twelve sons formed the nucleus of the earthly Israel, so these men form the nucleus of the new Israel of God, the Church (Galatians 6:16). Currently, they rule with Christ over the Church from Heaven (Matthew 19:28). The qualifications of the Twelve Apostles of the Lamb are found in Acts 1:21,22. They were eyewitness of the Resurrection. Matthias replaced Judas Iscariot.
2. The Apostle to the Gentiles - Paul of Tarsus (Romans 11:13). Paul's ministry was unique in that he was specially chosen to take the Gospel of Israel's salvation and restoration to the gentiles (Ephesians 3:1-13). He was a witness, though later on, of the Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:8). Although his calling to reach the gentiles was unique and unrepeatable (after all, you can only reach the gentiles once), nevertheless there is much about present apostolic ministry that we can learn from him. See especially his church planting strategy in Acts and his defense of his Apostleship in 2 Corinthians.
3. Apostles of the Ascended Christ (Ephesians 4:7-16). This group of Apostles continues until the 2nd coming of Christ. This group, along with the other ministries in Ephesians 4 and 1 Corinthians 12, is meant to build up the Body of Christ. Because these Apostles are given to the Church by Christ after His ascension, it is not necessary that they be eyewitness of the Resurrection. These are many times pioneer missionaries, church planters, and founders and leaders of whole church movements. It is probable that this group includes James, the half brother of Jesus (Galatians 1:19), Barnabas (Acts 14:14), Apollos (1 Corinthians 4:6-9), and possibly Titus, Silas, and Timothy. Men in later Church history like John Wesley and William Carey would also qualify as Apostles of the Ascended Christ (even if they wouldn't have thought so themselves). One might also consider more recent leaders like John Wimber, who led the Vineyard movement, as present-day Apostles.
I hope this clarifies my belief concerning Apostles today. I knew that the Twelve and Paul were unique and unrepeatable, but I also knew 1 Corinthians 12:28 and Ephesians 4:7-16 indicated the continuation of Apostolic ministry in some form. I believe I have found, from Scripture, a way to honor both strands of evidence.
To summarize, I believe in Apostles today. However, I deny that the office of the Twelve continues today except as the Twelve rule from Heaven. Paul's ministry to reach the gentiles is likewise completed. However, contemporary Apostles (as well as other Christian leaders) can still glean and learn from the ministries of the Twelve and Paul. Ephesians 4 Apostles are the only group out of the three I have mentioned that continue today. There is more that could be said, but that I think is enough for now. Blessings.
1. The Twelve Apostles of the Lamb (Revelation 21:14). These are a closed and unrepeatable company that followed Jesus during His days on earth. Just like Jacob's twelve sons formed the nucleus of the earthly Israel, so these men form the nucleus of the new Israel of God, the Church (Galatians 6:16). Currently, they rule with Christ over the Church from Heaven (Matthew 19:28). The qualifications of the Twelve Apostles of the Lamb are found in Acts 1:21,22. They were eyewitness of the Resurrection. Matthias replaced Judas Iscariot.
2. The Apostle to the Gentiles - Paul of Tarsus (Romans 11:13). Paul's ministry was unique in that he was specially chosen to take the Gospel of Israel's salvation and restoration to the gentiles (Ephesians 3:1-13). He was a witness, though later on, of the Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:8). Although his calling to reach the gentiles was unique and unrepeatable (after all, you can only reach the gentiles once), nevertheless there is much about present apostolic ministry that we can learn from him. See especially his church planting strategy in Acts and his defense of his Apostleship in 2 Corinthians.
3. Apostles of the Ascended Christ (Ephesians 4:7-16). This group of Apostles continues until the 2nd coming of Christ. This group, along with the other ministries in Ephesians 4 and 1 Corinthians 12, is meant to build up the Body of Christ. Because these Apostles are given to the Church by Christ after His ascension, it is not necessary that they be eyewitness of the Resurrection. These are many times pioneer missionaries, church planters, and founders and leaders of whole church movements. It is probable that this group includes James, the half brother of Jesus (Galatians 1:19), Barnabas (Acts 14:14), Apollos (1 Corinthians 4:6-9), and possibly Titus, Silas, and Timothy. Men in later Church history like John Wesley and William Carey would also qualify as Apostles of the Ascended Christ (even if they wouldn't have thought so themselves). One might also consider more recent leaders like John Wimber, who led the Vineyard movement, as present-day Apostles.
I hope this clarifies my belief concerning Apostles today. I knew that the Twelve and Paul were unique and unrepeatable, but I also knew 1 Corinthians 12:28 and Ephesians 4:7-16 indicated the continuation of Apostolic ministry in some form. I believe I have found, from Scripture, a way to honor both strands of evidence.
To summarize, I believe in Apostles today. However, I deny that the office of the Twelve continues today except as the Twelve rule from Heaven. Paul's ministry to reach the gentiles is likewise completed. However, contemporary Apostles (as well as other Christian leaders) can still glean and learn from the ministries of the Twelve and Paul. Ephesians 4 Apostles are the only group out of the three I have mentioned that continue today. There is more that could be said, but that I think is enough for now. Blessings.
Sunday, June 5, 2016
The Son of God with Power: Psalm 2, Romans 1, and the Resurrection of Christ
The second Psalm is one of the more well known of the messianic Psalms. It describes God's scorn and derision at those rulers who conspire against His plans and how God will set up His own King to rule over the nations (verses 1-6). Further, it pronounces a blessing on all those who take refuge in God's King (verse 12).
Verses 6-9 especially give us a picture that is full of messianic significance.
“Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion.”
I am convinced that the New Testament understands the fulfillment of this Psalm in the resurrection and ascension of Christ. There are a number of New Testament passages I could explore, but I especially wish to highlight Romans 1:1-4.
Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.
Verses 6-9 especially give us a picture that is full of messianic significance.
“Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion.”
“I will declare the decree:
The Lord has said to Me,
‘You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.
Ask of Me, and I will give You
The nations for Your inheritance,
And the ends of the earth for Your possession.
You shall break them with a rod of iron;
You shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.’”
The Lord has said to Me,
‘You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.
Ask of Me, and I will give You
The nations for Your inheritance,
And the ends of the earth for Your possession.
You shall break them with a rod of iron;
You shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.’”
I am convinced that the New Testament understands the fulfillment of this Psalm in the resurrection and ascension of Christ. There are a number of New Testament passages I could explore, but I especially wish to highlight Romans 1:1-4.
Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.
At the start of Paul's letter to the Romans, Paul introduces himself as an Apostle and a servant of Christ Jesus. Paul further tells us that he has been set apart for the Gospel. This Gospel was promised by God through the Prophets in the Scriptures (in this context, that would be the Old Testament). The content of this Gospel that was promised in the Old Testament concerns God's Son Jesus Christ who came from David's line. Because He is from David's line, He is heir to the covenant that God made with David (1 Chronicles 17:11-14). As David's heir, He is the Anointed One (Messiah) of whom Psalm 2 speaks.
It is from the statement from Psalm 2:7 that Messiah is God's Son that Paul draws out his assertion that Christ was declared to be the Son of God. And it is here also in Romans 1 that Paul connects that declaration of God the Father with the resurrection of Christ.
Of course this raises a profound Christological question. Is Paul implying that Jesus was somehow "made" the Son of God at His resurrection? Was Jesus somehow not the Son of God prior? Negative on both counts.
The difference here is that in His resurrection, Jesus went from being the Son of God in humility and weakness (especially in His death on the cross), to being the Son of God with power.
Pastor Sam Storms explains it this way: "Paul does not say Jesus was appointed Son of God, but Son of God with power. Paul is describing an event in history whereby Jesus was instated in a position of sovereignty and invested with power (cf. Acts 13:33; Phil. 2:9-11). At the resurrection and exaltation Jesus began a new phase of divine sonship. While on earth Jesus was certainly the Son of God. But he was not the Son-of-God-with-power. Paul is not saying Jesus became the Son at the time of the resurrection (the heresy of Adoptionism)."
It was at His resurrection (and ascension) that Jesus was exalted to the highest place and given authority, glory, and sovereign power (Daniel 7:13,14). It was when God raised Him from the dead, that God made a public declaration to the whole world that He had set Jesus as His King on Zion, His holy hill. Because of this, people from all nations are exhorted and commanded to come to Jesus so that they can receive the blessing of those that take refuge in Him.
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Why "David's Throne Ministries"?
Most all Christians I know speak of Jesus being exalted to the right hand of God. There are many fine worship songs that sing of Jesus being victorious and exalted. These are good and right. I have also seen many sound statements of evangelical doctrine which speak of Christ exalted and reigning victoriously. These also, are good. However, there has been a dearth of emphasis on the fact that this exaltation is Davidic in nature. What I mean by that is that Jesus has not just inherited a throne. He has inherited a very specific throne - that of His ancestor David.
Peter spoke of this on the Day of Pentecost. What must be emphasized is that the pouring out of the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost was the effect. The cause was the enthronement of Jesus!
“Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear."
(Acts 2:29-33 NKJV)
The New Testament writers, and especially Paul, connect the resurrection of Jesus Christ with the promise made to David of an eternal throne.
Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.
(Romans 1:1-4 NKJV)
Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel...
(2 Timothy 2:8 NKJV)
Ultimately, the very basis of Word and Power is found in the exaltation of Jesus the Messiah to David's throne. For this purpose, to make known again as widely as I can the Davidic enthronement of Jesus Christ, I have renamed this blog. I hope that the Davidic exaltation of Jesus will continue to be declared by the pure preaching of the Bible, accompanied by signs, wonders, miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8; Hebrews 2:4)
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