Recently, My thinking has been taking a significant change on the subject of freedom.
When I was younger I was engage by many liberal to leftist on the subject of freedom from their point of view.
The secualr view of freedom means that we can make up the rules as we go along. "Does God exist? You decide!" "Is the bible in infallible? You decide!" " what is right or wrong? You decide!"
I realized the idea of man being the measure of all things is stupid? Because while man may judge, yet he can never affect reality.
So I though that we must instead bow down before the Rule of God and hope he has mercy upon upon us.
I would experiment with the mystical christian view of freedom. Because it puts a positive spin on living and says that we are set free by christ.
Yet, Christian mystics(many times charismatic, though not always) tend to emphasize a subjective move of the spirit. Now I have come to the conviction and have debated repeatedly that we can personally be led by the spirit of beyond our mental facilties and scripture knowledge. However if this movement of the spiritis the final authority we are lost because it is the responsibility of the believer to interpret our experiences. Mstics often have a tendency to interpret the bible in a way that is very lose and only allows philosophical principles and not speacific rules or answers. So the letter of the Law is rejected for the sake of the spirit.
Yet our Lord in Matthew 5 clearly teaches the complete authority of the Bible down to the jot and tittle.
so I rejected the Christian mystic view of freedom.
I resorted back to a guilt based freedom and ethic where we have been set free to be God's slaves.
Yet two things have slowly awakened me to a new understanding of freedom.
The first was an article by John Piper entitled "Brothers, Beware of the debtors ethic"
Piper argues that since we have been Justified by the grace of God we need to be free from a debt mentality. Because, if we live out our morals based on guilt then we will be essentially trying to act on the same works based self-righteousness that the Judaizers did which ends up in the sins of the flesh.
Now Piper's answer basically ends up in the mysticism camp where we focus on inner spirituality. We focus on gratitude, but we are still dependent upon our experiences to serve God. If the spirit is not moving then what? Do we break God' law in the spirit? Or do we refuse to follow christ and stop ministering because the spirit didn't move us?
At the same time Piper's critic was did on the money.
Second over the pas few years I have been studying the subject of church government. As well as government and administration in general. I have seen where, when a group is given liberty they are capable of competing and serving at higher levels than ever.
Read Baptist theologian E. Y. Mullins I came to realize that God's Sovereignty places our sole repsonsibilities to Him. That all people are under his direct and Sovereign rule. That when we let tyrants rule over others that they are infact becoming God's and idols.
The it hit me!
Freedom is the goal of the Christian life.
God is our ruler, yet he is not a tyrant.
His rules are not the oppressive rules of slavery.
God alowed people to call Him El or Elohim. This title was one canaanites used of other gods, it simply meant "God or god". Yet God never accepted the title "Baal" which means "master"
I remember once read a promotion commercial page for the NLT Bible comparing the views of Romans 1. In the NLT it sad Paul was a slave to God. However the literal translation was bond-servant. I liked the emotion of the word slave. Yet the Bible literally says bondservant. Because a bondservant freely serves their master not out of compulsion.
We are Gods servants not His slaves!
Gods laws set us free!
If we serve only one God we do not have to serve any other God!
If no one steals we have property rights etc.
But you see man's laws are the laws which enslave!
Most of our calamities in life is due to the enslaving of our selves or others.
God wants us to not only follow his laws but to be free from the laws of the world!
The problem which we have been running into over the years is that we have been breaking God's laws to serve other gods. Whether they are in Government, business, family, or even... Church!(that's right especially church)
You Christ set us free from these things in order that we freely serve Him.
Yet we want to go back to Egypt!
Because if we are free then we have to be responsible, but slavery is so easy!
Look at the liberation of black slaves in the south. Many blacks stayed slaves for after the civil war, why?
Free housing! Free health care! Free food! They had every thing they needed except freedom!
This is what is happening today we have thousands of undercover slave masters.
Yet Christ wants us free to serve him.
But we can not be free if we our slaves to sin.
I am going to work on a biblical case for this ( I have read the material I just am not able to write it down now)
But my view of Christian freedom is as such.
Christ gives us freedom in the gospel as such.
1. Being Justified we are free from the wrath of God.
2.Being enlightened by the Word of God we are free to serve God.
3. Belong to Christ we are free from serving all false gods, false idols and all tyrannical authorities.
If we are freed by Christ, we are free indeed.
In Christ,
Matt
Monday, July 30, 2007
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Who are we afraid of?
Recently I was listening to an old audio cassette of David Barton giving a speech on his 8 Principles of Reformation.
He began to speak on the fact that we need to keep away from a conspiracy minded attitude. Personally my defences went up because many times liberals use this rhetoric to keep us from discovering the hidden truth.
But instead Barton went into a different direction.
He argued that we must remember that we are in the hands of a Sovereign Lord.
He did not doubt that fact that there are multitudes of evil forces out there who would like to destroy us and take over the world. However, that means nothing if the one true living God is control of our lives and destiny.
Now from my experiences in Bible college I am very careful not to use destiny as an excuse to sin. Or even as an excuse to be irresponsible. This is why many of my articles perform the operation of the Watchman to warn Gods people away from error and deception. However sometimes even I struggle with anxiety due to large amounts of study and and seeing the constant depressing nature of our culture and world at large.
However we must remember that no forces which the devil can bring up can overide the saving power and Sovereignty of God.
We do Have promises in the end that evil will be defeated.
We do have promises that everything will work out for if we are those who love Jesus.
My friends saints really do have a peace thaty passes all understanding.
This is not a shallow peace where we are constantly having to act peaceful.
Nor is it the peace bragged about by bhuddism. The Buddhist claims peace by being one with the universe. As a teenager I was an avid martial artist and began to experiment with eastern meditation. I remember mediating on pantheism as I was swimming in a pool. I started to float in the water and not move and realize that I was one with all matter and that I was somehow part of a give and take with the pool.
"Thunk!!"
My head then smacked against the pool wall!
I then realized that the universe is not one but entirely separate.
God however is omnipresence and even large than the entire universe.
He has soveringty and is almighty over all things. Being Justified and imputed with rightousness by Christ makes me at peace peace with He that is greater than all things.
Knowing that I will never see calamity unless my loving father wants me t gives me drive. We must remeber 1John4:18
There is nothing to fear but God.
However, if you are saved God is on your side!
He began to speak on the fact that we need to keep away from a conspiracy minded attitude. Personally my defences went up because many times liberals use this rhetoric to keep us from discovering the hidden truth.
But instead Barton went into a different direction.
He argued that we must remember that we are in the hands of a Sovereign Lord.
He did not doubt that fact that there are multitudes of evil forces out there who would like to destroy us and take over the world. However, that means nothing if the one true living God is control of our lives and destiny.
Now from my experiences in Bible college I am very careful not to use destiny as an excuse to sin. Or even as an excuse to be irresponsible. This is why many of my articles perform the operation of the Watchman to warn Gods people away from error and deception. However sometimes even I struggle with anxiety due to large amounts of study and and seeing the constant depressing nature of our culture and world at large.
However we must remember that no forces which the devil can bring up can overide the saving power and Sovereignty of God.
We do Have promises in the end that evil will be defeated.
We do have promises that everything will work out for if we are those who love Jesus.
My friends saints really do have a peace thaty passes all understanding.
This is not a shallow peace where we are constantly having to act peaceful.
Nor is it the peace bragged about by bhuddism. The Buddhist claims peace by being one with the universe. As a teenager I was an avid martial artist and began to experiment with eastern meditation. I remember mediating on pantheism as I was swimming in a pool. I started to float in the water and not move and realize that I was one with all matter and that I was somehow part of a give and take with the pool.
"Thunk!!"
My head then smacked against the pool wall!
I then realized that the universe is not one but entirely separate.
God however is omnipresence and even large than the entire universe.
He has soveringty and is almighty over all things. Being Justified and imputed with rightousness by Christ makes me at peace peace with He that is greater than all things.
Knowing that I will never see calamity unless my loving father wants me t gives me drive. We must remeber 1John4:18
There is nothing to fear but God.
However, if you are saved God is on your side!
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Weaknesses of Wesleyanism
About Wesley and Wesleyanism.
It must be admitted before anything else that John Wesley was a hero of the Faith. Along with George Whitefield and his brother hymn writer Charles Wesley set North America and the British Isles on fire for Christ. Through great personal trial and tribulation he can be credited for saving his Anglican Church from the false religion of Deism (at least temporarily). The product of Wesley’s ministry is the Methodist church as well as other Wesleyan denominations. (Wesleyan, Nazarene, Salvation Army etc.)
Weak church
Bishops
The Bible never tells Bishops to rule other churches. In fact it provides the opposite attitude.
1Pe 5:1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
1Pe 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
1Pe 5:3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
Here we see that the even Peter was equivalent to other elder’s. The Bishop is to minister to the congregation that he is among. This implies that that he is not to have authority over churches away from himself. Peter argues to never use force to rule the congregation. The congregation is the property of God therefore it is not the minister’s property. The minister might manage the flock but he does not own the flock. Instead we are to be examples that encourage the flock. This system can disconnect the flow between God and the local minister.
Sacraments
Many Wesleyans, especially Methodist, practice Catholic style sacraments. Now, thank fully there is no specific approach to the sacraments. Some may have a Presbyterian view of the sacraments while others take a nearly Roman Catholic view.
There are two major problems with this doctrine. First the Bible teaches receive grace by the gospel through faith not works.
Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Rom 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
Rom 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Rom 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Rom 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
If grace is not of works then we would not have to perform rituals to receive it. Even if you called it grace it would be connected with works. If it is by the hearing of the gospel it would not be of works because hearing is natural and not voluntary.
Bad Baptism
Wesley groups typically go to either extreme on the subject of Baptism. I have heard some preach baptismal regeneration. Other groups will teach the weakest view of baptism in mainstream Christianity. I have addressed baptismal regeneration in other articles, needless to say the Bible shows salvation outside of baptism. (Acts 10:44-48). But baptism is a command that every Christian must do. Many of my fellow Baptist get caught up in this type of thinking. The act of baptism is not essential to the gospel but it is essential to the great commission and it introduces us in the church.
Mar 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Act 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Sadly most Wesleyan churches do not have a baptismal pool. I have witnessed the anguish of new converts requesting for baptism at a Nazarene church and the church telling them that it was unnecessary and almost tried to convince them not to do it.
Weak doctrine
Confusing quadrilateral) Wesleyanists argue that there are several factors, which rule their theology. They argue that the scriptures, tradition, reason and experience all have a role in theology and doctrine. Now in the study of theology it is obvious that we use all of these methods. Yet this gives room for all types of contradiction and error. There has to be foundation to our faith. In Christ’s opinion the scripture are supreme.
Mat 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
Mat 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Mat 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 15:3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
Mat 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Open Apostasy) Like many mainline denominations the Methodist church went into apostasy rather quickly and became over run by liberals. The product of the Holy club now includes gay and lesbian members. I remember years ago encountering a loose women who claimed to be a Methodist in good standing. She argued that she only believe in the ten commandments. But she must have meant 9 commandments because she said she was in an open relationship and flirted with me sexually. I promptly escaped.
Not all Methodist have come to this point, but many have and are being openly excepted in this.
Loose love
Many liberals especially in Methodism tend to discount Gods holiness through speaking of Gods love. Many Wesleyans are plagued with this ideology which attacks evangelism and personal holiness. Love is not the same as cooperating with evil.
1Co 13:4-7 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
How could an inclusive God love his creatures when He excuses and encourages their sin? Jesus not a lord who wants his children to break laws.
Rom 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
Rom 6:2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Weak salvation
Free Will/Conditional election
Historically, Wesleyans claimed that God has chosen Christians as his people and set about the mission to save their souls. Specifically because He knew that people would place their faith in Christ and as a result of their actions, he has decided to set about the process of the salvation for mankind.
The key flaw in this doctrine originally formulated by Arminius is that the act of salvation is initiated almost by man instead of God. John 3:16 becomes reworded “For God knew that some would believe Therefore God so Loved the World That He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but may have everlasting life.”
God’s Love is no longer unconditional, it is in exchange. God wanted to save us only because we wanted to be saved. Therefore the fact that God sent His only begotten Son to Die upon a cross is not the most righteous act. The act of faith is greater and more important. Therefore the act of man deserves more glory than God & His Christ since they are dependent on Man.
They claim the following verse to support this doctrine
1Pe 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
Now there is a point to be made about this verse. I have no problem with the fact that election is according to foreknowledge.
ac·cord (…-kôrd“) v. ac·cord·ed, ac·cord·ing, ac·cords. --tr. 1. To cause to conform or agree; bring into harmony
God’s election is in Harmony with His foreknowledge of the saint’s faith. It is true that there are many (though not all) Calvinists who have a deterministic philosophy that faith has no connection toward our election since in their view God’s foreknowledge exists only because God has already determined the outcome. The problem with such a worldview is that they have down played the Sovereignty of God, which they ironically were attempting to expose. Because in their worldview God has to be a tyrant in order to preserve the universe, He is limited because He can not create freethinking creatures, in order to make the illusion that he is limitless. Yet God is limitless in his foreknowledge because he is. He is limitless in power because He is limitless.
It is true that God chose those who would believe in Him to be His elect. However the faith of the elect merits nothing. God could have chosen whomever He wanted to redeem regardless of their acts or faith. God did not even need to choose or save anyone.
Rom 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
As we can see from this verse it is obvious that it was due to God’s own goodness as to why He would choose us. Therefore our election is unconditional there was nothing that we have ever done to merit God’s favor. We are totally in debt to His grace.
Empty Atonement
Why did Jesus die upon the cross?
Both followers of Arminius and Wesley (though not they themselves) have challenged the traditional protestant view. The traditional protestant understanding is that man in His sin has built up the wrath of God. The Atonement paid the penalty of Man’s sin.
Many Arminians like Hugo Grotius did not like the idea of penal Substitution because it had a set price that was paid regardless of the will of man. If the price was paid the sin was for-known and faith is not a condition of forgiveness.
Therefore they came up with the “governmental” view of the Atonement. They argue that God in His sovereignty may forgive regardless of sacrifice. Yet God in His justice must show a penalty for Sin. God, based on the condition of man’s faith, then forgives man. When man does not have faith, he does not have forgiveness.
This view takes the power out of the blood and salvation out of the savior.
Jesus himself taught and performed substitutionary atonement.
Joh 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Luk 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Joh 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Joh 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
Joh 15:15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
Mat 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Joh 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
Luk 22:20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the New Testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
Mat 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Joh 17:1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
Joh 17:2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.
Joh 17:4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
Luk 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Mat 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
This is what he taught the disciples to preach
Luk 24:46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
Luk 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
It is at this point that modern Wesleyanism departs from the gospel.
Gal 1:3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
Gal 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
Gal 1:5 To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Gal 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Gal 1:7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
Gal 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Thankfully many Wesleyans do not agree to this version of the gospel and agree to penal substitution. Unfortunately, Wesleyan/Arminians do not have blessed assurance since they do not believe in a Definite Atonement.
You see the Wesleyan believes that we are only saved for the moment, because we are hanging upon the foundation of our own faith to secure our salvation. They believe that the grace of the New Birth helps us accomplish our perseverance in the faith. Yet the power of our own free will can thwart the Holy will of God and Christ. So at any point man is in the drivers seat and he has the authority to rearrange his eternal destination.
This is not the biblical understanding of salvation.
Joh 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
Heb 9:13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
Heb 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
Heb 10:17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
Heb 10:18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
Heb 10:19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
I have had conversations with holiness Christians and many of them almost lean towards the idea of an ongoing sacrifice. Yet they do not because the bible is extremely clear on this issue.
“Magic” sanctification/perfection
Another issue unique to the theology of the Wesleyan tradition is the belief in a second work of grace. Most reformation protestants with a few exceptions believe that sanctification is an on going process. However most Wesleyans would argue sanctification as a second work of God’s grace separate from salvation. They tend to believe it as an independent experience.
When they have achieved a crisis experience, this work of grace activates and they are empowered to be capable of living without sin. This view is called “Holiness/perfectionism”. It does not mean that those who are sanctified are without sin. They are simply capable of living sinless. They might still fall in sin and maybe even loose their salvation!
Is sanctification an independent experience?
1Pe 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
Sanctification is an active part of our salvation as soon as one is saved they are obviously in the process of sanctification.
1Th 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
1Th 4:4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
Abstaining fornication is not an experience but an ongoing practice. Therefore sanctification is on-going through life.
Is perfection attainable? If so then why would we need justification by faith alone?
The Bible does have perfectionist passages.
Mat 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
However the commandment of perfection does not guarantee the ability of perfection.
2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
The phrase “old things are passed away” means we have moved passed the old nature, but does not say we have moved all the way to the stage of perfection.
1Jo 3:6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
This refers to when we are abiding with Christ.
Yet the bible teaches that the saved are not perfect, plus it may not be possible to attain this
Mat 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
1Co 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
Phi 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
1Jo 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
Unsecured promises
Wesleyans teach that one may indeed be saved from the penalty from sin, be a saint, be born again and then lose their salvation. But much of the bible contradicts this teaching.
Joh 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
Joh 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
Joh 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
Rom 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Rom 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
Rom 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Rom 8:36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Rom 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Rom 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Rom 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Eph 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Phi 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
2Th 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
1Pe 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
1Pe 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
These are a few of the passage which indicate that one is a believer will not lose their salvation. Now Arminians have a few passages which they claim are proof that one could perhaps lose their salvation. I will give a basic explanation.
Joh 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
Joh 15:2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
Here Jesus is referring metaphorically to his body the local church. These people may have joined the church in New Covenant rituals yet if they are not saved; Jesus will remove them, since they never were saved.
Heb 3:8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
Heb 3:9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.
Heb 3:10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.
Heb 3:11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest
It is true that Believers must persevere in Faith in order to be saved. Yet if they are believers the Holy Spirit will move them to have such virtues. Gal 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Heb 6:4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
Heb 6:5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
Heb 6:6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
Here again we have those who have joined the local church. Tasting of the heavenly gift alludes to communion. Yet the use of “taste” stops short of actually digesting. In verse 4 the word “partakers” can also be translated “partners possibly participating in ministry. The falling away in verse 6 is permanent which contradicts God’s loving nature. Most Wesleyans therefore fall short of their interpretations. Yet the interpretation of local church apostasy has some further evidence. Heb 6:9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
The author shows that he believes this not of the believers he was speaking to. If one can lose their salvation he should not have said this. He implies that this group di not show evidence of salvation. You can not lose your salvation if you do not have it to begin with.
Heb 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
Heb 10:27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
Heb 10:28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
Heb 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
Here the issue is dissected to a greater degree. The reference is to those who have received “knowledge of the truth”. Salvation is a greater experience than simply receiving knowledge. The issue is that those who here the gospel and leave it no longer have an opportunity at salvation because there is only one way to heaven.
2Pe 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
How could these false teachers have been bought in the Atonement and deny the Lord? If Jesus provided atonement for all mankind then there does not seem to be a problem. “1Jo 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our's only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” Who’d guess? He did!
Rev 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
In this passage, Christ is warning the church of Epheses over its survival. This not an issue over individuals. It is simply a warning that the spiritual life of church could die out. This could happen with out loss of salvation but simply replacement of membership with the unsaved or lack of membership all together.
In the early history of the reformation, many of the reformers were concerned over Arminus theology of salvation (soteriology). They believe that this theology was a step backwards into the Roman Catholic theology of salvation, which is progressive and uncertain. I disagree with the Reformers’ TULIP solution and their persecution as well. Yet ther critique especially in the Wesleyan tradition really needs to be examined. Is the gospel of salvation compromised?
Much like my critiques of Calvinism and Cambellite theology. It is not my goal to outlaw these movements as cults. But I bring up these errors and false teachings in order to draw Wesleyans and non-Wesleyans closer to Christ and to point a spotlight on the Biblical Gospel that we do not miss it with our own theological biases. I write about several movements, some with error, false teachings and some cults. But as far as this movement is concerned, I asked that they consider the scriptures. I have met many Wesleyans on fire for God greatly filled with the spirit and I ask them to consider this only so that they will keep the fire burning.
It must be admitted before anything else that John Wesley was a hero of the Faith. Along with George Whitefield and his brother hymn writer Charles Wesley set North America and the British Isles on fire for Christ. Through great personal trial and tribulation he can be credited for saving his Anglican Church from the false religion of Deism (at least temporarily). The product of Wesley’s ministry is the Methodist church as well as other Wesleyan denominations. (Wesleyan, Nazarene, Salvation Army etc.)
Weak church
Bishops
The Bible never tells Bishops to rule other churches. In fact it provides the opposite attitude.
1Pe 5:1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
1Pe 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
1Pe 5:3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
Here we see that the even Peter was equivalent to other elder’s. The Bishop is to minister to the congregation that he is among. This implies that that he is not to have authority over churches away from himself. Peter argues to never use force to rule the congregation. The congregation is the property of God therefore it is not the minister’s property. The minister might manage the flock but he does not own the flock. Instead we are to be examples that encourage the flock. This system can disconnect the flow between God and the local minister.
Sacraments
Many Wesleyans, especially Methodist, practice Catholic style sacraments. Now, thank fully there is no specific approach to the sacraments. Some may have a Presbyterian view of the sacraments while others take a nearly Roman Catholic view.
There are two major problems with this doctrine. First the Bible teaches receive grace by the gospel through faith not works.
Rom 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Rom 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
Rom 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Rom 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Rom 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
If grace is not of works then we would not have to perform rituals to receive it. Even if you called it grace it would be connected with works. If it is by the hearing of the gospel it would not be of works because hearing is natural and not voluntary.
Bad Baptism
Wesley groups typically go to either extreme on the subject of Baptism. I have heard some preach baptismal regeneration. Other groups will teach the weakest view of baptism in mainstream Christianity. I have addressed baptismal regeneration in other articles, needless to say the Bible shows salvation outside of baptism. (Acts 10:44-48). But baptism is a command that every Christian must do. Many of my fellow Baptist get caught up in this type of thinking. The act of baptism is not essential to the gospel but it is essential to the great commission and it introduces us in the church.
Mar 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Act 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Sadly most Wesleyan churches do not have a baptismal pool. I have witnessed the anguish of new converts requesting for baptism at a Nazarene church and the church telling them that it was unnecessary and almost tried to convince them not to do it.
Weak doctrine
Confusing quadrilateral) Wesleyanists argue that there are several factors, which rule their theology. They argue that the scriptures, tradition, reason and experience all have a role in theology and doctrine. Now in the study of theology it is obvious that we use all of these methods. Yet this gives room for all types of contradiction and error. There has to be foundation to our faith. In Christ’s opinion the scripture are supreme.
Mat 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
Mat 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Mat 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 15:3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
Mat 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Open Apostasy) Like many mainline denominations the Methodist church went into apostasy rather quickly and became over run by liberals. The product of the Holy club now includes gay and lesbian members. I remember years ago encountering a loose women who claimed to be a Methodist in good standing. She argued that she only believe in the ten commandments. But she must have meant 9 commandments because she said she was in an open relationship and flirted with me sexually. I promptly escaped.
Not all Methodist have come to this point, but many have and are being openly excepted in this.
Loose love
Many liberals especially in Methodism tend to discount Gods holiness through speaking of Gods love. Many Wesleyans are plagued with this ideology which attacks evangelism and personal holiness. Love is not the same as cooperating with evil.
1Co 13:4-7 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
How could an inclusive God love his creatures when He excuses and encourages their sin? Jesus not a lord who wants his children to break laws.
Rom 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
Rom 6:2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Weak salvation
Free Will/Conditional election
Historically, Wesleyans claimed that God has chosen Christians as his people and set about the mission to save their souls. Specifically because He knew that people would place their faith in Christ and as a result of their actions, he has decided to set about the process of the salvation for mankind.
The key flaw in this doctrine originally formulated by Arminius is that the act of salvation is initiated almost by man instead of God. John 3:16 becomes reworded “For God knew that some would believe Therefore God so Loved the World That He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but may have everlasting life.”
God’s Love is no longer unconditional, it is in exchange. God wanted to save us only because we wanted to be saved. Therefore the fact that God sent His only begotten Son to Die upon a cross is not the most righteous act. The act of faith is greater and more important. Therefore the act of man deserves more glory than God & His Christ since they are dependent on Man.
They claim the following verse to support this doctrine
1Pe 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
Now there is a point to be made about this verse. I have no problem with the fact that election is according to foreknowledge.
ac·cord (…-kôrd“) v. ac·cord·ed, ac·cord·ing, ac·cords. --tr. 1. To cause to conform or agree; bring into harmony
God’s election is in Harmony with His foreknowledge of the saint’s faith. It is true that there are many (though not all) Calvinists who have a deterministic philosophy that faith has no connection toward our election since in their view God’s foreknowledge exists only because God has already determined the outcome. The problem with such a worldview is that they have down played the Sovereignty of God, which they ironically were attempting to expose. Because in their worldview God has to be a tyrant in order to preserve the universe, He is limited because He can not create freethinking creatures, in order to make the illusion that he is limitless. Yet God is limitless in his foreknowledge because he is. He is limitless in power because He is limitless.
It is true that God chose those who would believe in Him to be His elect. However the faith of the elect merits nothing. God could have chosen whomever He wanted to redeem regardless of their acts or faith. God did not even need to choose or save anyone.
Rom 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
As we can see from this verse it is obvious that it was due to God’s own goodness as to why He would choose us. Therefore our election is unconditional there was nothing that we have ever done to merit God’s favor. We are totally in debt to His grace.
Empty Atonement
Why did Jesus die upon the cross?
Both followers of Arminius and Wesley (though not they themselves) have challenged the traditional protestant view. The traditional protestant understanding is that man in His sin has built up the wrath of God. The Atonement paid the penalty of Man’s sin.
Many Arminians like Hugo Grotius did not like the idea of penal Substitution because it had a set price that was paid regardless of the will of man. If the price was paid the sin was for-known and faith is not a condition of forgiveness.
Therefore they came up with the “governmental” view of the Atonement. They argue that God in His sovereignty may forgive regardless of sacrifice. Yet God in His justice must show a penalty for Sin. God, based on the condition of man’s faith, then forgives man. When man does not have faith, he does not have forgiveness.
This view takes the power out of the blood and salvation out of the savior.
Jesus himself taught and performed substitutionary atonement.
Joh 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Luk 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Joh 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Joh 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
Joh 15:15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
Mat 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Joh 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
Luk 22:20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the New Testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
Mat 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Joh 17:1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
Joh 17:2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.
Joh 17:4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.
Luk 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Mat 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
This is what he taught the disciples to preach
Luk 24:46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
Luk 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
It is at this point that modern Wesleyanism departs from the gospel.
Gal 1:3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
Gal 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
Gal 1:5 To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Gal 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Gal 1:7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
Gal 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Thankfully many Wesleyans do not agree to this version of the gospel and agree to penal substitution. Unfortunately, Wesleyan/Arminians do not have blessed assurance since they do not believe in a Definite Atonement.
You see the Wesleyan believes that we are only saved for the moment, because we are hanging upon the foundation of our own faith to secure our salvation. They believe that the grace of the New Birth helps us accomplish our perseverance in the faith. Yet the power of our own free will can thwart the Holy will of God and Christ. So at any point man is in the drivers seat and he has the authority to rearrange his eternal destination.
This is not the biblical understanding of salvation.
Joh 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
Heb 9:13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
Heb 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
Heb 10:17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
Heb 10:18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
Heb 10:19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
I have had conversations with holiness Christians and many of them almost lean towards the idea of an ongoing sacrifice. Yet they do not because the bible is extremely clear on this issue.
“Magic” sanctification/perfection
Another issue unique to the theology of the Wesleyan tradition is the belief in a second work of grace. Most reformation protestants with a few exceptions believe that sanctification is an on going process. However most Wesleyans would argue sanctification as a second work of God’s grace separate from salvation. They tend to believe it as an independent experience.
When they have achieved a crisis experience, this work of grace activates and they are empowered to be capable of living without sin. This view is called “Holiness/perfectionism”. It does not mean that those who are sanctified are without sin. They are simply capable of living sinless. They might still fall in sin and maybe even loose their salvation!
Is sanctification an independent experience?
1Pe 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
Sanctification is an active part of our salvation as soon as one is saved they are obviously in the process of sanctification.
1Th 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
1Th 4:4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
Abstaining fornication is not an experience but an ongoing practice. Therefore sanctification is on-going through life.
Is perfection attainable? If so then why would we need justification by faith alone?
The Bible does have perfectionist passages.
Mat 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
However the commandment of perfection does not guarantee the ability of perfection.
2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
The phrase “old things are passed away” means we have moved passed the old nature, but does not say we have moved all the way to the stage of perfection.
1Jo 3:6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
This refers to when we are abiding with Christ.
Yet the bible teaches that the saved are not perfect, plus it may not be possible to attain this
Mat 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
1Co 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
Phi 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
1Jo 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
Unsecured promises
Wesleyans teach that one may indeed be saved from the penalty from sin, be a saint, be born again and then lose their salvation. But much of the bible contradicts this teaching.
Joh 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
Joh 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
Joh 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
Rom 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Rom 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
Rom 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Rom 8:36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Rom 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Rom 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Rom 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Eph 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Phi 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
2Th 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
1Pe 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
1Pe 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
These are a few of the passage which indicate that one is a believer will not lose their salvation. Now Arminians have a few passages which they claim are proof that one could perhaps lose their salvation. I will give a basic explanation.
Joh 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
Joh 15:2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
Here Jesus is referring metaphorically to his body the local church. These people may have joined the church in New Covenant rituals yet if they are not saved; Jesus will remove them, since they never were saved.
Heb 3:8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
Heb 3:9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.
Heb 3:10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.
Heb 3:11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest
It is true that Believers must persevere in Faith in order to be saved. Yet if they are believers the Holy Spirit will move them to have such virtues. Gal 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Heb 6:4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
Heb 6:5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
Heb 6:6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
Here again we have those who have joined the local church. Tasting of the heavenly gift alludes to communion. Yet the use of “taste” stops short of actually digesting. In verse 4 the word “partakers” can also be translated “partners possibly participating in ministry. The falling away in verse 6 is permanent which contradicts God’s loving nature. Most Wesleyans therefore fall short of their interpretations. Yet the interpretation of local church apostasy has some further evidence. Heb 6:9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
The author shows that he believes this not of the believers he was speaking to. If one can lose their salvation he should not have said this. He implies that this group di not show evidence of salvation. You can not lose your salvation if you do not have it to begin with.
Heb 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
Heb 10:27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
Heb 10:28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
Heb 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
Here the issue is dissected to a greater degree. The reference is to those who have received “knowledge of the truth”. Salvation is a greater experience than simply receiving knowledge. The issue is that those who here the gospel and leave it no longer have an opportunity at salvation because there is only one way to heaven.
2Pe 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
How could these false teachers have been bought in the Atonement and deny the Lord? If Jesus provided atonement for all mankind then there does not seem to be a problem. “1Jo 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our's only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” Who’d guess? He did!
Rev 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
In this passage, Christ is warning the church of Epheses over its survival. This not an issue over individuals. It is simply a warning that the spiritual life of church could die out. This could happen with out loss of salvation but simply replacement of membership with the unsaved or lack of membership all together.
In the early history of the reformation, many of the reformers were concerned over Arminus theology of salvation (soteriology). They believe that this theology was a step backwards into the Roman Catholic theology of salvation, which is progressive and uncertain. I disagree with the Reformers’ TULIP solution and their persecution as well. Yet ther critique especially in the Wesleyan tradition really needs to be examined. Is the gospel of salvation compromised?
Much like my critiques of Calvinism and Cambellite theology. It is not my goal to outlaw these movements as cults. But I bring up these errors and false teachings in order to draw Wesleyans and non-Wesleyans closer to Christ and to point a spotlight on the Biblical Gospel that we do not miss it with our own theological biases. I write about several movements, some with error, false teachings and some cults. But as far as this movement is concerned, I asked that they consider the scriptures. I have met many Wesleyans on fire for God greatly filled with the spirit and I ask them to consider this only so that they will keep the fire burning.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
JEHOVAH Is His Name!
Exo 6:3 And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.
The traditional name
“We believe that there is one and only one true God, an infinite intelligent Spirit, whose name is JEHOVAH, the maker Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit: equal in divine perfection, and executing distinct and harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.” The New Hampshire Baptist Confession article II “Of The True God”(1833)
“For power and energy are comprehended under the name JEHOVAH.” John Calvin Institute of the Christian Religion Book 1 chapter X (originally 1559)
“The mystic name which is called the tetragrammaton… is pronounced JEHOVAH (lejovah), which means, who is, and who shall be.” -Nicetas, Bishop of Heraclea, 2nd century, from Catena on the Pentateuch, published in Latin By Francis Zephyrus, p 146
“The biblical Revelation is historical and experiential. This means that individuals in Israel and the people of Israel lived in conscious relations with Jehovah. It means also that Jehovah made himself known to them in their individual and national history.” E.Y.Mullins The Christian Religion in it’s Doctrinal Expression pg.145
“In another controversy with the Jews in 8:58, Jesus said, “before Abraham was I Am.” Again they took up stones to stone him. He has just said that Abraham saw his day and rejoiced. They said Jesus was not yet fifty years old; had he, then, seen Abraham? In answer to this statement Jesus seems to affirm that he transcends time, that he is eternal. Possible he uses on purpose the title for JEHOVAH in the Old Testament (Exodus 3:14)”
Walter T. Conner Christian Doctrine pg. 61
[I pulled up these quotes for the specific purpose of showing how the name of Jehovah is the traditional protestant/Baptist understanding of the name of God. Also, I want to take this time to point out that understanding god’s name as Jehovah has nothing to do with the popular Jehovah’s Witness Cult. As shown by W. T. Conner. Jesus implies to have himself the title of Jehovah announcing his deity. I do not agree with Jehovah’s Witnesses on very much at all and I do not see this as having any strings attached to Jehovah’s Witness theology. It is the same as if the Muslims were arguing for the existence of God. We don’t dispute what we agree upon.]
An unfounded guess
“The correct pronunciation of the name may be Yahweh. But this is not certain; Yahweh has a decidedly strange and unnatural sound” O.T. Allis The five books of Moses p.xii
“It is known that for many years YHWH has been transliterated as Yahweh, however no complete certainty attaches to this pronunciation.” The Lockman Foundation Preface to the New American Standard Bible
Contradictions
“Thus the form Yahweh is an incorrect hybrid form with an early ‘w’ and a late ‘eh’.” The Law and the Prophets ed. By John H. Skilton, Milton C. Fischer, and Leslie W. Sloat).
In other words the Hebrew dialect (accent) change over hundreds of years and these pieces of the word were used generations apart.
Modern Translators use a contradictory assessment of the facts regarding the Maoretes and the use of the Divine name.
“While it is almost, if not quite, certain that the name was originally pronounced “Yahweh,” this pronunciation was not indicated when the Masoretes added vowel signs to the consonantal Hebrew text.”
Then…
“The form “Jehovah” is of late medieval origin; it is a combination of the consonants of the Divine name and the vowels attached to it by the Masoretes but belonging to an entirely different word.”
Revised Standard Version Preface RSV committee
This is absolute poppycock, one minute they tell us that the masoretes left the vowel signs a mystery, the next minute the Masoretes are conspiring to insert the vowels of another word! How would we even know! It was the Masoretes who provided us with the vowels to understand Hebrew. Now suddenly we have advanced knowledge that tells us what the vowels were, even though the academic world has stated that we don’t know!
Doctrinal bias
“The use of any proper name for the one and only God, as though there were other gods from the true God had to be distinguished, began to be discontinued in Judaism before the Christian era and is inappropriate for the Universal faith of the Christian Church.” Bruce Metzger on behalf of the committee for the New Revised Standard Version
This is the second of two arguments as to why not translate the Divine name of Jehovah. The argument was against not only the name Jehovah but Yahweh. The argument Metzger gives the argument that God needs no proper name because there are no other gods. There maybe no other actual but there are millions of concepts of God with unbiblical names. This is why we have the commandment.
Exo 20:2 I am the LORD[Jehovah] thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
Exo 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Metzger (along with other RSV and NRSV translators) is admittedly theologically liberal. He believes in evolution, denies traditional authorship and a few fundamentals of the faith. Since his faith is not 100%, could it be part pagan? New Age perhaps?
Does the Bible want the divine name to be in use?
Psa 7:17 I will praise the LORD[Jehovah] according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD[Jehovah] most high.
Psa 20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD[Jehovah] our God.
Psa 29:2 Give unto the LORD[Jehovah] the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD[Jehovah] in the beauty of holiness.
Psa 102:15 So the heathen shall fear the name of the LORD[Jehovah], and all the kings of the earth thy glory.
Psa 105:3 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD[Jehovah].
Psa 113:1 Praise ye the LORD[Jehovah]. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD[Jehovah], praise the name of the LORD[Jehovah].
Psa 113:2 Blessed be the name of the LORD[Jehovah] from this time forth and for evermore.
Psa 113:3 From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD[Jehovah]'s name is to be praised.
Psa 116:4 Then called I upon the name of the LORD[Jehovah]; O LORD[Jehovah], I beseech thee, deliver my soul.
Psa 116:13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD[Jehovah].
Psa 116:17 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD[Jehovah].
Psa 118:10 All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD[Jehovah] will I destroy them.
Psa 118:11 They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD[Jehovah] I will destroy them.
Psa 118:12 They compassed me about like bees: they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD[Jehovah] I will destroy them.
Psa 124:8 Our help is in the name of the LORD[Jehovah], who made heaven and earth.
Psa 129:8 Neither do they which go by say, The blessing of the LORD[Jehovah] be upon you: we bless you in the name of the LORD[Jehovah].
Psa 135:1 Praise ye the LORD[Jehovah]. Praise ye the name of the LORD[Jehovah]; praise him, O ye servants of the LORD[Jehovah].
Psa 145:21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD[Jehovah]: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.
Psa 148:5 Let them praise the name of the LORD[Jehovah]: for he commanded, and they were created.
Psa 148:13 Let them praise the name of the LORD[Jehovah]: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.
By the way, the book of psalms uses the divine name over 600 times, and the entire Old Testament uses it over 1500 times! Also that Psalms was the official Hebrew worship means the name was in common use.
Many argue that this pronunciation of the divine name is somehow foreign to common Hebrew. This is quite frankly false.
The use of J
“The only personal name of God that belongs to Him alone was rendered either Jehovah or in it’s shortened form, Jah. We preferred the transliteration JHWH (thus Jehovah) over YHWH (or Yahweh) because this is established English usage for Bible names beginning with this letter (e.g.Jacob and Joseph).” The Interlinear Bible Jay P. Green Sr. General Editor and Translator
The use of Jeh
Jehaleleel
Jehalelel
Jehdeiah
Jehezekel
Jehiah
Jehiel
Jehieli
Jehizkiah
Jehu
Jehubbah
Jehucal
Jehud
Jehudi
Jehudijah
Jehush
The use of Jeho
Jehoada
Jehoaddan
Jehoahaz
Jehoash
Jehohanan
Jehoiachan
Jehoiada
Jehoiakim
Jehoiarib
Jehonadab
Jehonathan
Jehoram
Jehoshabeath
Jehoshaphat
Jehosheba
Jehoshua
Jehoshuah
Jehozabad
Jehozadak
{Gathered from Strong’s exhaustive concordance of the Bible)
It should be noted that modern Jewish translations typically keep the J’s in these names. It should also be noted that the “o” in “Jeho” is the specific vowel that Yahweh advocates argue to be ommitted.
The use of vah/veh/wah/weh
“It has been argued that Jehovah is “an impossible form” in Hebrew, but this is not so. It is unusual, but not unique, as the forms howeh (Ecc. 2:22) and howah (Ezek.7:26) show; in both words the waw doubles as a consanent and a vowel, as in Jehovah.” Rev. Alan Cairns Dictionary of Theological Terms. see: Yahweh
The argument for three syllables over two.
“Samaritan poetry employs the Tetragramaton and then rhymes it with words having the same sound as Yah-oo-ay (three syllables).”-Journal of Biblical literature, 25. P.50 and Jewish Encyclopedia, vol.9, p.161).
Archaeological proof.
“The Oldest archaeological testimony favors Jehovah. A short inscription dated of the time of AmenophisIII (circa 1400 BCE) has been found at Soleb… “ –M. Ge`rard Gertoux; a Hebrew Scholar, specialist of the Tetragram; president of the association Biblique de recherche d’Ancient Manuscripts
This is one of those arguments that should end debate almost on it’s merit alone!
What does this name mean?
#11-15 Formerly Moses thought himself able to deliver Israel,
and set himself to the work too hastily. Now, when the fittest
person on earth for it, he knows his own weakness. This was the
effect of more knowledge of God and of himself. Formerly,
self-confidence mingled with strong faith and great zeal, now
sinful distrust of God crept in under the garb of humility; so
defective are the strongest graces and the best duties of the
most eminent saints. But all objections are answered in,
Certainly I will be with thee. That is enough. Two names God
would now be known by. A name that denotes what he is in
himself, I AM THAT I AM. This explains his name Jehovah, and
signifies, 1. That he is self-existent: he has his being of
himself. 2. That he is eternal and unchangeable, and always the
same, yesterday, to-day, and for ever. 3. That he is
incomprehensible; we cannot by searching find him out: this name
checks all bold and curious inquiries concerning God. 4. That he
is faithful and true to all his promises, unchangeable in his
word as well as in his nature; let Israel know this, I AM hath
sent me unto you. I am, and there is none else besides me. All
else have their being from God, and are wholly dependent upon
him. Also, here is a name that denotes what God is to his
people. The Lord God of your fathers sent me unto you. Moses
must revive among them the religion of their fathers, which was
almost lost; and then they might expect the speedy performance
of the promises made unto their fathers.
Matthew Henry Commenting on Exodus 3:11-15
The New Testament
Many argue that Jehovah entirely leaves the New Testament seen and this is why it’s use should be discontinued. Some would go onto argue that in the New Covenant we ought to no longer use it because of our closer relationship to the Lord.
Yet Jehovah was a name that came entirely from the revelation of God into the Hebrew language. Unlike other words, how could it be replaced? As opposed to finding a man-made word for God made personal title they simply stuck with “Lord” in the Greek language. Yet during this time the Jews and early Christians read from the Hebrew Old Testament and worship with the Hebrew psalms. The New Testament might not directly use it, but they imply it constantly .
Jesus is Jehovah!
2424 Iesous {ee-ay-sooce'}
of Hebrew origin 03091; TDNT - 3:284,360; n pr m
AV - Jesus 972, Jesus (Joshua) 2, Jesus (Justus) 1; 975
Jesus = "Jehovah is salvation" 1) Jesus, the Son of God, the Saviour of mankind, God incarnate 2) Jesus Barabbas was the captive robber whom the Jews begged Pilate to release instead of Christ 3) Joshua was the famous captain of the Israelites, Moses' successor (Ac. 7:45, Heb. 4:8) 4) Jesus, son of Eliezer, one of the ancestors of Christ (Lu. 3:29) 5) Jesus, surnamed Justus, a Jewish Christian, an associate with Paul in the preaching of the gospel (Col. 4:11)
03091 Y@howshuwa` {yeh-ho-shoo'-ah} or Y@howshu`a {yeh-ho-shoo'-ah}
from 03068 and 03467;
AV - Joshua 218; 218
Joshua or Jehoshua = "Jehovah is salvation" n pr m 1) son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim and successor to Moses as the leader of the children of Israel; led the conquest of Canaan 2) a resident of Beth-shemesh on whose land the Ark of the Covenant came to a stop after the Philistines returned it 3) son of Jehozadak and high priest after the restoration 4) governor of Jerusalem under king Josiah who gave his name to a gate of the city of Jerusalem (Strong’s Greek and Hebrew Dictionary)
Therefore emphases on the name of Jesus is implicitly emphasis on the divine name Jehovah.
Jesus implies himself as Jehovah
The “I am” sayings of Christ
These are traditionally known as the “I am” sayings of Christ. They are statements that point to the nature of Christ, many Bible scholars have found there to be a figurative allusions to the Tetragrammaton.
Joh 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
Joh 6:41 The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven.
Joh 6:48 I am that bread of life.
Joh 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Joh 9:5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
Joh 9:39 And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.
Joh 10:7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
Joh 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
Joh 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Joh 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
Joh 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
Joh 10:36 Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?
Joh 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
Joh 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Joh 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
Joh 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
The following are statements using the “I am” phrase that appear to allude to the divine name.
Joh 5:43 I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
Joh 7:29 But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.
Joh 8:23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.
Joh 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
Joh 13:13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
Joh 14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
Joh 14:11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.
Joh 18:6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.
The Alpha and Omega of revelation
In pronounce his eternal nature in conjunction with the divine phrase “I Am”. This implies the Divine name.
Rev 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Rev 1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
Rev 1:17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
Rev 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
The Alleluias
Rev 19:1 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:
Rev 19:3 And again they said, Alleluia And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.
Rev 19:4 And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshiped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.
Rev 19:6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Rev 19:6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Alleluia is the Greek word for “Hallelujah” which means “praise the Jehovah” The use of Lord God if it were translated to Hebrew would almost certainly be Jehovah Adonai.
What does this mean?
Before anything else it should be recognized that we are not saved by the correct pronunciation of a code word. Anyone calls upon Jesus and has faith in the God of the Bible will be saved and may have a great communion with the Lord. Yet, knowing the Divine name of Jehovah is a special intimacy with God that every Christian has a right to have. I believe that hiding the name was the work of Satan and I believe it was sinful for Bible scholars and translators to knowingly with hold it. But I wrote this article so that God’s children may have the blessing of know Gods name.
In Christ,
Matt
The traditional name
“We believe that there is one and only one true God, an infinite intelligent Spirit, whose name is JEHOVAH, the maker Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence, and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit: equal in divine perfection, and executing distinct and harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.” The New Hampshire Baptist Confession article II “Of The True God”(1833)
“For power and energy are comprehended under the name JEHOVAH.” John Calvin Institute of the Christian Religion Book 1 chapter X (originally 1559)
“The mystic name which is called the tetragrammaton… is pronounced JEHOVAH (lejovah), which means, who is, and who shall be.” -Nicetas, Bishop of Heraclea, 2nd century, from Catena on the Pentateuch, published in Latin By Francis Zephyrus, p 146
“The biblical Revelation is historical and experiential. This means that individuals in Israel and the people of Israel lived in conscious relations with Jehovah. It means also that Jehovah made himself known to them in their individual and national history.” E.Y.Mullins The Christian Religion in it’s Doctrinal Expression pg.145
“In another controversy with the Jews in 8:58, Jesus said, “before Abraham was I Am.” Again they took up stones to stone him. He has just said that Abraham saw his day and rejoiced. They said Jesus was not yet fifty years old; had he, then, seen Abraham? In answer to this statement Jesus seems to affirm that he transcends time, that he is eternal. Possible he uses on purpose the title for JEHOVAH in the Old Testament (Exodus 3:14)”
Walter T. Conner Christian Doctrine pg. 61
[I pulled up these quotes for the specific purpose of showing how the name of Jehovah is the traditional protestant/Baptist understanding of the name of God. Also, I want to take this time to point out that understanding god’s name as Jehovah has nothing to do with the popular Jehovah’s Witness Cult. As shown by W. T. Conner. Jesus implies to have himself the title of Jehovah announcing his deity. I do not agree with Jehovah’s Witnesses on very much at all and I do not see this as having any strings attached to Jehovah’s Witness theology. It is the same as if the Muslims were arguing for the existence of God. We don’t dispute what we agree upon.]
An unfounded guess
“The correct pronunciation of the name may be Yahweh. But this is not certain; Yahweh has a decidedly strange and unnatural sound” O.T. Allis The five books of Moses p.xii
“It is known that for many years YHWH has been transliterated as Yahweh, however no complete certainty attaches to this pronunciation.” The Lockman Foundation Preface to the New American Standard Bible
Contradictions
“Thus the form Yahweh is an incorrect hybrid form with an early ‘w’ and a late ‘eh’.” The Law and the Prophets ed. By John H. Skilton, Milton C. Fischer, and Leslie W. Sloat).
In other words the Hebrew dialect (accent) change over hundreds of years and these pieces of the word were used generations apart.
Modern Translators use a contradictory assessment of the facts regarding the Maoretes and the use of the Divine name.
“While it is almost, if not quite, certain that the name was originally pronounced “Yahweh,” this pronunciation was not indicated when the Masoretes added vowel signs to the consonantal Hebrew text.”
Then…
“The form “Jehovah” is of late medieval origin; it is a combination of the consonants of the Divine name and the vowels attached to it by the Masoretes but belonging to an entirely different word.”
Revised Standard Version Preface RSV committee
This is absolute poppycock, one minute they tell us that the masoretes left the vowel signs a mystery, the next minute the Masoretes are conspiring to insert the vowels of another word! How would we even know! It was the Masoretes who provided us with the vowels to understand Hebrew. Now suddenly we have advanced knowledge that tells us what the vowels were, even though the academic world has stated that we don’t know!
Doctrinal bias
“The use of any proper name for the one and only God, as though there were other gods from the true God had to be distinguished, began to be discontinued in Judaism before the Christian era and is inappropriate for the Universal faith of the Christian Church.” Bruce Metzger on behalf of the committee for the New Revised Standard Version
This is the second of two arguments as to why not translate the Divine name of Jehovah. The argument was against not only the name Jehovah but Yahweh. The argument Metzger gives the argument that God needs no proper name because there are no other gods. There maybe no other actual but there are millions of concepts of God with unbiblical names. This is why we have the commandment.
Exo 20:2 I am the LORD[Jehovah] thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
Exo 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Metzger (along with other RSV and NRSV translators) is admittedly theologically liberal. He believes in evolution, denies traditional authorship and a few fundamentals of the faith. Since his faith is not 100%, could it be part pagan? New Age perhaps?
Does the Bible want the divine name to be in use?
Psa 7:17 I will praise the LORD[Jehovah] according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD[Jehovah] most high.
Psa 20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD[Jehovah] our God.
Psa 29:2 Give unto the LORD[Jehovah] the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD[Jehovah] in the beauty of holiness.
Psa 102:15 So the heathen shall fear the name of the LORD[Jehovah], and all the kings of the earth thy glory.
Psa 105:3 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD[Jehovah].
Psa 113:1 Praise ye the LORD[Jehovah]. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD[Jehovah], praise the name of the LORD[Jehovah].
Psa 113:2 Blessed be the name of the LORD[Jehovah] from this time forth and for evermore.
Psa 113:3 From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD[Jehovah]'s name is to be praised.
Psa 116:4 Then called I upon the name of the LORD[Jehovah]; O LORD[Jehovah], I beseech thee, deliver my soul.
Psa 116:13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD[Jehovah].
Psa 116:17 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD[Jehovah].
Psa 118:10 All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD[Jehovah] will I destroy them.
Psa 118:11 They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD[Jehovah] I will destroy them.
Psa 118:12 They compassed me about like bees: they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD[Jehovah] I will destroy them.
Psa 124:8 Our help is in the name of the LORD[Jehovah], who made heaven and earth.
Psa 129:8 Neither do they which go by say, The blessing of the LORD[Jehovah] be upon you: we bless you in the name of the LORD[Jehovah].
Psa 135:1 Praise ye the LORD[Jehovah]. Praise ye the name of the LORD[Jehovah]; praise him, O ye servants of the LORD[Jehovah].
Psa 145:21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD[Jehovah]: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.
Psa 148:5 Let them praise the name of the LORD[Jehovah]: for he commanded, and they were created.
Psa 148:13 Let them praise the name of the LORD[Jehovah]: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.
By the way, the book of psalms uses the divine name over 600 times, and the entire Old Testament uses it over 1500 times! Also that Psalms was the official Hebrew worship means the name was in common use.
Many argue that this pronunciation of the divine name is somehow foreign to common Hebrew. This is quite frankly false.
The use of J
“The only personal name of God that belongs to Him alone was rendered either Jehovah or in it’s shortened form, Jah. We preferred the transliteration JHWH (thus Jehovah) over YHWH (or Yahweh) because this is established English usage for Bible names beginning with this letter (e.g.Jacob and Joseph).” The Interlinear Bible Jay P. Green Sr. General Editor and Translator
The use of Jeh
Jehaleleel
Jehalelel
Jehdeiah
Jehezekel
Jehiah
Jehiel
Jehieli
Jehizkiah
Jehu
Jehubbah
Jehucal
Jehud
Jehudi
Jehudijah
Jehush
The use of Jeho
Jehoada
Jehoaddan
Jehoahaz
Jehoash
Jehohanan
Jehoiachan
Jehoiada
Jehoiakim
Jehoiarib
Jehonadab
Jehonathan
Jehoram
Jehoshabeath
Jehoshaphat
Jehosheba
Jehoshua
Jehoshuah
Jehozabad
Jehozadak
{Gathered from Strong’s exhaustive concordance of the Bible)
It should be noted that modern Jewish translations typically keep the J’s in these names. It should also be noted that the “o” in “Jeho” is the specific vowel that Yahweh advocates argue to be ommitted.
The use of vah/veh/wah/weh
“It has been argued that Jehovah is “an impossible form” in Hebrew, but this is not so. It is unusual, but not unique, as the forms howeh (Ecc. 2:22) and howah (Ezek.7:26) show; in both words the waw doubles as a consanent and a vowel, as in Jehovah.” Rev. Alan Cairns Dictionary of Theological Terms. see: Yahweh
The argument for three syllables over two.
“Samaritan poetry employs the Tetragramaton and then rhymes it with words having the same sound as Yah-oo-ay (three syllables).”-Journal of Biblical literature, 25. P.50 and Jewish Encyclopedia, vol.9, p.161).
Archaeological proof.
“The Oldest archaeological testimony favors Jehovah. A short inscription dated of the time of AmenophisIII (circa 1400 BCE) has been found at Soleb… “ –M. Ge`rard Gertoux; a Hebrew Scholar, specialist of the Tetragram; president of the association Biblique de recherche d’Ancient Manuscripts
This is one of those arguments that should end debate almost on it’s merit alone!
What does this name mean?
#11-15 Formerly Moses thought himself able to deliver Israel,
and set himself to the work too hastily. Now, when the fittest
person on earth for it, he knows his own weakness. This was the
effect of more knowledge of God and of himself. Formerly,
self-confidence mingled with strong faith and great zeal, now
sinful distrust of God crept in under the garb of humility; so
defective are the strongest graces and the best duties of the
most eminent saints. But all objections are answered in,
Certainly I will be with thee. That is enough. Two names God
would now be known by. A name that denotes what he is in
himself, I AM THAT I AM. This explains his name Jehovah, and
signifies, 1. That he is self-existent: he has his being of
himself. 2. That he is eternal and unchangeable, and always the
same, yesterday, to-day, and for ever. 3. That he is
incomprehensible; we cannot by searching find him out: this name
checks all bold and curious inquiries concerning God. 4. That he
is faithful and true to all his promises, unchangeable in his
word as well as in his nature; let Israel know this, I AM hath
sent me unto you. I am, and there is none else besides me. All
else have their being from God, and are wholly dependent upon
him. Also, here is a name that denotes what God is to his
people. The Lord God of your fathers sent me unto you. Moses
must revive among them the religion of their fathers, which was
almost lost; and then they might expect the speedy performance
of the promises made unto their fathers.
Matthew Henry Commenting on Exodus 3:11-15
The New Testament
Many argue that Jehovah entirely leaves the New Testament seen and this is why it’s use should be discontinued. Some would go onto argue that in the New Covenant we ought to no longer use it because of our closer relationship to the Lord.
Yet Jehovah was a name that came entirely from the revelation of God into the Hebrew language. Unlike other words, how could it be replaced? As opposed to finding a man-made word for God made personal title they simply stuck with “Lord” in the Greek language. Yet during this time the Jews and early Christians read from the Hebrew Old Testament and worship with the Hebrew psalms. The New Testament might not directly use it, but they imply it constantly .
Jesus is Jehovah!
2424 Iesous {ee-ay-sooce'}
of Hebrew origin 03091; TDNT - 3:284,360; n pr m
AV - Jesus 972, Jesus (Joshua) 2, Jesus (Justus) 1; 975
Jesus = "Jehovah is salvation" 1) Jesus, the Son of God, the Saviour of mankind, God incarnate 2) Jesus Barabbas was the captive robber whom the Jews begged Pilate to release instead of Christ 3) Joshua was the famous captain of the Israelites, Moses' successor (Ac. 7:45, Heb. 4:8) 4) Jesus, son of Eliezer, one of the ancestors of Christ (Lu. 3:29) 5) Jesus, surnamed Justus, a Jewish Christian, an associate with Paul in the preaching of the gospel (Col. 4:11)
03091 Y@howshuwa` {yeh-ho-shoo'-ah} or Y@howshu`a {yeh-ho-shoo'-ah}
from 03068 and 03467;
AV - Joshua 218; 218
Joshua or Jehoshua = "Jehovah is salvation" n pr m 1) son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim and successor to Moses as the leader of the children of Israel; led the conquest of Canaan 2) a resident of Beth-shemesh on whose land the Ark of the Covenant came to a stop after the Philistines returned it 3) son of Jehozadak and high priest after the restoration 4) governor of Jerusalem under king Josiah who gave his name to a gate of the city of Jerusalem (Strong’s Greek and Hebrew Dictionary)
Therefore emphases on the name of Jesus is implicitly emphasis on the divine name Jehovah.
Jesus implies himself as Jehovah
The “I am” sayings of Christ
These are traditionally known as the “I am” sayings of Christ. They are statements that point to the nature of Christ, many Bible scholars have found there to be a figurative allusions to the Tetragrammaton.
Joh 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
Joh 6:41 The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven.
Joh 6:48 I am that bread of life.
Joh 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Joh 9:5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
Joh 9:39 And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.
Joh 10:7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
Joh 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
Joh 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Joh 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
Joh 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
Joh 10:36 Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?
Joh 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
Joh 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Joh 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
Joh 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
The following are statements using the “I am” phrase that appear to allude to the divine name.
Joh 5:43 I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
Joh 7:29 But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.
Joh 8:23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.
Joh 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
Joh 13:13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
Joh 14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
Joh 14:11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.
Joh 18:6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.
The Alpha and Omega of revelation
In pronounce his eternal nature in conjunction with the divine phrase “I Am”. This implies the Divine name.
Rev 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Rev 1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
Rev 1:17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
Rev 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
The Alleluias
Rev 19:1 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:
Rev 19:3 And again they said, Alleluia And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.
Rev 19:4 And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshiped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.
Rev 19:6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Rev 19:6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Alleluia is the Greek word for “Hallelujah” which means “praise the Jehovah” The use of Lord God if it were translated to Hebrew would almost certainly be Jehovah Adonai.
What does this mean?
Before anything else it should be recognized that we are not saved by the correct pronunciation of a code word. Anyone calls upon Jesus and has faith in the God of the Bible will be saved and may have a great communion with the Lord. Yet, knowing the Divine name of Jehovah is a special intimacy with God that every Christian has a right to have. I believe that hiding the name was the work of Satan and I believe it was sinful for Bible scholars and translators to knowingly with hold it. But I wrote this article so that God’s children may have the blessing of know Gods name.
In Christ,
Matt
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