Love the Brethren

I am told that about 80% of children are born with a birthmark. Of that number, only about 10% of the those birthmarks remain into adulthood. Our own granddaughter, Addy was born with a bright red splotch on one of her arms. There is some clinical term for it, but in common speech, it was a birthmark. Given time, the spot faded away and is completely gone. However, for a while, we could clearly identify Addy from just that birthmark.

I relate that for this reason: in the book of 1^st John, the apostle states there are several birthmarks that every Christian bears, from the moment they are born-again until death. These indelible marks are present on 100% of those who are saved, and never fade away. In fact, these marks are permanently embedded on the child of God from the time of their spiritual birth and only grow deeper and become more prominent.

In case you are not aware, one of the major themes of 1^st John is identifying true conversion from false. We know this is one of his primary reasons for writing, because John says so near the end of the letter. If you, like many Christians, are searching for assurance of your salvation, or questioning whether you have truly been born from above, I highly recommend you read and study the little book of 1^st John.

In that letter the inspired author lists numerous beliefs and behaviors that help identify the true convert. If you want to determine whether you have become a disciple of Christ, I would urge you to give serious thought to those distinguishing marks that John states are clearly visible in the life of every believer. One of the most clarifying characteristics of a Christian is their love for the people of God. John states repeatedly one of the more readily recognizable birthmarks of a child of God is a love for the children of God.

Take note how clear the apostle is in 1 John 3:14, “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.” Much could be said from this one short verse, but let me draw your attention to just a few things.

First, for those who say no one can truly know whether or not they are saved, or whether or not they are going to heaven when they die – they need to read 1^st John. John employs the word “know” over 30 times in that brief book. Including in the passage I just shared. He does so, for the very purpose of emphasizing assurance of salvation. The writer says we can KNOW we have passed from death to life, (and that is the language of regeneration and salvation), because we love the brethren.

So, in this passage, we learn that one of the most distinguishing marks of every Christian is their love for one another, or their love for their brothers and sisters in Christ. You can know you are a Christian if you have a deep, abiding, and growing love for the people of God.

Contrastingly, John goes on to write, in the most candid language, you cannot be a child of God and not love the children of God. Friends, God is love; and one of the most distinctive marks of His children is their love for one another. So here it is in plain language, if you do not love people of the Christian faith – you are not a Christian. Simply stated, you cannot be a follower of Christ, if you do not love the family of God.

However, if you do love God’s children this is one of the identifying marks of those who have been regenerated and indwelt by the Spirit of God. And if I may, if you will look back up at the verse I quoted, you will note there is no qualifying clause about which of God’s children we are to love. Or said another way, there is no supplemental attribute here that limits the scope of the brethren to whom we are to love. We are commanded to love every blood-bought, born-again believer. Every single one of them. Even those (like me) who are hard to love.

Which is exactly what Jesus did! He loved the unlovable. The love of Christ is a selfless, sacrificial love. And He commands us to love one another in the same way: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35). By this Jesus said, will all people know you are my disciples … when you love one another.

If you are asking yourself, am I a Christian? Answer this, do you truly love the people of God? Because, love for the brethren is a prominent and permanent birthmark of every child of God.

The Ordo Salutis Conference

From a Christian perspective, where did the idea of salvation originate? When I use the term salvation, I mean it from the Biblical use of the word; which refers to lost sinners entering into a saving relationship with their Divine Creator. Hence, who came up with the plan to reconcile sinners? Or, is there a plan at all? If so, how is this spiritual deliverance accomplished, and who is responsible for the implementation, application, and completion of this plan? To dig even a little deeper, who should receive the credit for the achievement of this great act of redemption … if such a feat exists?

These are some of the questions we hope to ask and answer this year at Memorial Heights Baptist Church at our Theology Matters Conference. April 12-14, our church is hosting a conference on the Ordo Salutis. Now, don’t let that Latin phrase fool you, or intimidate you. It simply means the order of salvation. The Christian faith teaches, that God, by His unmerited grace has originated, implemented, and will accomplish this wonderful act of granting eternal life to every single person who savingly trusts in Christ Jesus. The Ordo Salutis teaches there is a logical order and Scriptural sequence to the unfolding of the achievements necessary to complete this gracious act.

Let me list these distinct teachings in the normal arrangement given. But understand, these doctrines are more than just Divine achievements, they are also Biblical truths, clearly taught in Scripture that reveal to us the order of salvation. The Ordo Salutis is as follows; Election, Calling, Regeneration, Conversion, Justification, Adoption, Sanctification, Perseverance and Glorification. When these truths are properly taught and ordered, they reveal that salvation is completely an act of grace, for which God alone deserves glory. 

Let me quickly flesh out and offer a short summary of the Ordo Salutis. First, though this truth is often rejected, the Bible declares that before the dawn of creation, God elected a people to Himself. Of His own Sovereign will, God chose certain individuals to become part of His family and recipients of His grace. Then in the fullness of time, the Lord Jesus Christ came and purchased redemption for these elect individuals. At some point in the life of these undeserving persons, the Holy Spirit comes and in glorious efficacious power calls that sinner out of darkness and into light. The Spirit does this by revealing the Gospel and convicting the stony heart of these elected ones of their sins against God. God’s Spirit then regenerates this person and grants them repentance towards God the Father and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. At that moment, they are converted, justified, and adopted into God’s family. The Spirit will then begin to progressively sanctify this person more and more from who they were, and into the image of Christ. These born-again believers, kept by the power of God, will persevere throughout life until that wonderful, wonderful day, when they will be wholly glorified and the sin nature completely eradicated.

Now, there is a sense in which these doctrines logically unfold in an obligatory order. But like most things, if this subject is pressed too hard, it will distort the truth it is meant to reveal. For example, when the Holy Spirit comes in the day determined by God’s gracious providence and grants spiritual life to a person; at that moment they are instantaneously regenerated, converted, justified, and adopted. There is no space of time between these Divine actions. However, there is a logical order to them. Since the Bible teaches the unsaved are spiritually dead, then of necessity, regeneration precedes faith and repentance.

Someone might suggest, well – isn’t all this a little too much for the average Christian to comprehend, or expected to know? Or shouldn’t a study like this be confined to a seminary classroom, and not the local church? I would pushback against that mindset and insist, the deeper our understanding of theology, the higher our doxology. Or said another way, the more we know about God’s gracious plan of redemption, and the more fully the Chrisitan comprehends what all God has done (is doing, and will do) for them, the loftier our praise.

So, come join us this weekend and learn more about the Order of Salvation. At 7:00PM on Friday night, we will hear more about Election and Calling. On Saturday, at 10:00AM, we will consider Regeneration and Conversion. Saturday afternoon at 2:00PM we will hear sermons on Justification and Adoption. Then finally on Sunday, at 10:00AM, two speakers will address the subjects of Sanctification and Glorification.

Simply stated, this conference is intended to cause all men to marvel at God’s perfect plan of redemption and how He alone is author and finisher of the believer’s faith. When everything is said and done, salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone. Christians are Christians, only because God has graciously made them so. And there is a Divine order and Sovereign plan in this wonderful gift of salvation.

A New Heart

About two weeks ago, I woke up at 1:30 in the morning with pretty severe chest pains. Naively, I chalked it up to a bad case of heartburn. If I may make a small confession … I have several bad habits, including eating too much junk food, too late at night; which I had done the evening prior. So, I rummaged through the medicine cabinet and swallowed a combination of Tums and Rolaids, took an extra acid-reflux pill (another certain sign of aging), and tried to lay back down.  Yet, no matter how many different positions I tried, including sitting straight up in bed, the discomfort just wouldn’t subside and I couldn’t sleep. After several hours of misery, I finally got up, took some more antacids, and went about my day. I started feeling a little better, so I worked for a few hours at my part-time job and, as planned, left around lunchtime.

It was a beautiful Spring Day and my son-in-law and I had made plans to drive to Griffin, GA to play disc golf. Just in case you don’t know what disc golf is, it is a sport very much like regular golf that has grown astronomically over the last few years. But instead of hitting a ball in a hole, you throw a frisbee in a basket. The rules between the two sports are almost identical. However, disc golf isn’t nearly as expensive as ball golf, and even old out-of-shape fellas like me can play and be half decent. Though Perry and Warner Robins have some nice courses, we were excited to play this super scenic course in Griffin.

Yet, after the hour and twenty-minute drive there, I had no more than gotten out of the car and my chest started tightening again. I did my level best to press on, more out of childish excitement than wisdom, but by the fourth hole, my heart was beating out of my chest and I thought I might pass out. Light-headed, fatigued far more than usual and unable to catch my breath – I called it quits. I thought I was having a heart-attack! I even pulled out my phone and googled the symptoms of cardiac arrest.

Caleb (my son-in-law) drove us back to Perry, where we met my wife and daughter outside the E.R. Silly and stubborn, I wanted to go home, but my wife would have none of it. We went inside and within minutes the fine staff at Perry ER had me hooked up to an EKG machine and determined something was wrong. They quickly diagnosed that I was in A-fib with RVR, and my heart needed to be brought into rhythm ASAP. I later learned, if left untreated, my issue could lead to a major stroke. Which is one more reason why I am grateful my family insisted I get checked out.

Thankfully, the medicines did what they were designed to do, and slowed my erratic heartbeat. They put me in an ambulance and sent me to W/R hospital, where I stayed until my heart was completely back in proper rhythm. I was sent home with strict instructions to follow up with cardiologist, make some dietary changes and take these new medicines to (hopefully) keep this from happening again.

I want to thank everyone who helped take care of me when I needed it. The emergency room staff, the doctors and nurses at the hospitals, and of course my family. I also appreciate my church family who constantly prayed for me, and my good friend Ken Bliven who ably filled the pulpit, when I was unable. But more than any other, I am thankful to my God. Because of His amazing grace, regardless of what happens, I can say and sing – it is well with my soul!

You see, all this got me thinking … someday this ticker of mine will give out on me, no matter what meds they pump through it. One day, this ol’ heart of mine will squeeze it’s final time and stop pushing blood through my body. At some point this muscle in my chest will cease functioning and this life will end. However … when that day comes, I will be just fine. In fact, I will be better than ever! God, in His merciful grace, has given me a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26). And friends, this new heart will last forever. It will never give out! Therefore, death doesn’t scare me, the grave has no power over me, and heaven is my forever home!

What about you? Can you say, it is well with my soul? Are you afraid of death? Of dying? Are you worried what might happen when your heart stops or your body gives out? If so, I point you to Jesus of Nazareth. All who truly trust in Him are given eternal life, and they will never perish. Even when (not if) this life comes to an end.

Having gone through a minor scare, it became clear to me yet again – there is nothing like the blessed assurance that comes from knowing Christ! A new heart and full assurance can be yours too, if you will trust in Christ alone.

One last thing … if it comes between me dying and Caleb performing CPR – just let me die!! 😉 I think it would make us both happier!

Adopted By God

This past weekend, I had the privilege of attending and speaking at a conference hosted by a church in southeast Georgia. The theme of the meeting was on the doctrine of adoption. I was thankful for the wisdom of the church leadership in hosting this conference, and even more appreciative of the chosen theme. Sadly, too many Christians, myself included, have not given nearly enough thought to the subject of Spiritual Adoption. It might be surprising to the average church-goer just how much the Bible has to say about this teaching. Throughout Scripture we are told that it has pleased God to take spiritually orphaned children and adopt them into His family. Of course, to adopt someone is to make that person a legal son or daughter. Hence, spiritual adoption is when God adopts us and make us part of His family. Adoption is one of the primary metaphors used in the Bible that illustrates the Christian’s relationship with their Creator. Through conversion, God Almighty becomes the born-again believer’s loving Father, and the believer becomes His beloved child.

Contrary to the cliché, we are not all children of God. Yes, all of humanity is made in the image of God. And certainly, God is abundantly good to all people. For example, He causes the sun to shine on the just and the unjust and sends rain on those who love Him and those who deny Him. However, that does not mean we are all naturally children of God. Instead, when we are born into this world, we are separated from God (Ephesians 2:1-3). Rebellion against God’s law orphaned our original parents, Adam and Eve. Their sinful disobedience has been passed down generation after generation, causing all of humanity to be born, alienated from God. Had the Almighty not intervened, there would be no hope for humanity.

Yet God, in and by His marvelous grace, has seen fit to adopt a vast number of humanity and bring them into His family. Those who were by nature spiritual orphans, separated from and under the wrath of God – can be gloriously transformed, redeemed, and adopted into God’s wonderful family. When someone is convicted of their sins, quickened (made spiritually alive) by the Holy Spirit and given the gifts of repentance towards God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, God the Father adopts them into His family and they are legally and judiciously His child.

Galatians 4:4-6 states, “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” This passage teaches us that God sent His Only Begotten Son into this world with the intent of doing for us what we could not and would not do for ourselves. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, lived a life of perfect obedience to every detail of God’s law. In doing so, He earned a righteous standing before God. We, on the other hand – don’t do that. We don’t live a life of perfect obedience; hence God’s moral law reveals the sin that dwells within us.

Yet, when we, by the enabling grace of God’s Holy Spirit, place our faith in the finished work of God’s Son, our sins are forgiven and Christ’s righteousness is imputed to us. At that moment, God the Father brings us into His family and we judiciously adopted and belong to Him forever. Which is why the organizers so wisely entitled the conference, “The Gospel of Adoption.” For certainly, the doctrine of adoption is good news and glad tidings for wayward children like us!

Let me ask you friend, have you been adopted into God’s family? Has God sent His Holy Spirit to give you spiritual life and enabled you to call God your Father? Today, right this moment, if you are not saved, if you are not a Christian, I have good news … there is room in the Father’s House for you! You can become an adopted child of God by placing your faith in the finished work of God’s only begotten Son. Turn to God, repent of your sins and you can have a forever home with a perfect loving Father. That my friends, is Good News!

Soli Deo Gloria or Glory to God Alone

Keenly aware of the disagreement that exists among the “Evangelical community” concerning the truths I have espoused the last few weeks, with no small measure of sarcasm I say … to the chagrin of none, this article will conclude our series of the five “Solas.”

Please allow me to remind you one last time, the word “sola” is simply the Latin word for “alone” or “only.” Previously we noted that Scripture Alone should be the final authority of spiritual truth. We then asserted that sinners are saved by grace alone, through faith alone in the finished work of Christ alone. However, not everyone who identifies as Christian agrees with this. In my opinion, the continental divide in true theology is whether the word “alone” is accurate to employ, or should the word “and” be used to determine these truths? What you believe about this is of utmost importance.

Therefore, let me be clear – this fifth and final sola is not some unnecessary add-on. Rather, a central truth that if misunderstood leaves the Gospel of Christ unfinished. The question we seek to answer by considering this last sola is this – who should receive glory for sinners being saved? Or asked another way, who should be extolled for the redemption of men? Does the glory for salvation belong to God alone? Or should the praise be shared between God and another? Sadly, there is confusion as to how these questions are answered. Yet quite unapologetically, I submit, the answer every Christian should give is Soli Deo Gloria, or the glory for salvation belongs to God alone.

There are any number of Biblical arguments that could be made to prove this. Allow me to summarize just one section of Scripture and then close by using an illustration I hope is helpful.

In the book of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul states in unambiguous terms that it was God and God alone who planned, purposed and executed the act of salvation. In fact, Paul does this by employing Trinitarian language that extols the work of the Godhead in redeeming sinners. In chapter one, verses 3-6, the Apostle declares sinners were predestined by God the Father to become heirs of salvation. In verses 7-12 he states these same people were purchased by the sinless shed blood of God the Son. Finally, in verses 13-14 he affirms conversion to Christ was produced by the work of God the Holy Spirit. Then in chapter two, Paul elaborates on these truths by showing regeneration was a necessary act of the Godhead due to the natural sinful condition of fallen men. The unmistakable truth found here is this; salvation is Divine act of sovereign grace upon unworthy sinners for which God alone should be praised.

Folks, Christians are simply not afforded the right to boast about what they (or anyone else) have done to earn redemption. Instead, the Bible makes clear, God has done for the sinner what they cannot and would not do for themselves. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:8-10). These and other Scriptures distinctly reveal, believers should humbly acknowledge God alone deserves the credit for their conversion.

If you think for one moment, the glory for salvation should be shared between you and God, you simply do not understand your own prideful depravity. If you think the glory for salvation should be shared between God and any other person, (alive or dead), you simply do not understand Scripture. If your belief extols men and reduces God, you do not have a theological system based on the Bible. As unpopular as it may be, the old preachers had it right when they said, “when it comes to your salvation, the only thing you add, is the sin that made it necessary!”

Let me close by sharing an illustration that should summarize the truths we have tried to teach in this series.

Imagine someone swimming along the shoreline of some beach. When unexpectedly they are snatched by a riptide and carried out into the ocean. Uncontrollably tossing and tumbling beneath the waves and water, they smack their head on a coral reef and are knocked unconscious. Quicky, this person begins to sink as their lungs fill with seawater. Within moments their heart stops beating and they drown. All hope seems lost. When suddenly, an arm reaches beneath their lifeless body and pulls them above water. A lifeguard has bravely rescued this person from a watery grave. Dragging their limp corpse onto the beach, the rescuer begins to perform CPR. After a few tense moments, the dead person coughs the water from their lungs and gasps for fresh air. Their heart begins to beat again, and they are wonderfully saved from death.

Now … in my imaginary story, could you envision for even one moment, that recently rescued individual lying there … and the first words from their blue lips are,
“I am so glad to be alive, but I want you to know …
the lifeguard couldn’t have done it without me!?”

This is how foolish some people sound when they act like theological thieves by stealing the glory that belongs to God alone. If you have been rescued from spiritual death and the darkness of an eternity separated from God, then you should give all the praise to the Divine Rescuer of souls.

Friends, every single person that ever walks those streets of gold or enters those pearly gates will do so, by grace alone through faith alone in the finished work of Christ alone … to the glory of God alone!

Soli Deo Gloria

Sola Fide or Faith Alone

On any given Sunday morning it is not uncommon to hear a preacher say something like, “the subject before us today is one of the most important truths in all the Bible.” What makes this claim so peculiar, is that it isn’t all that peculiar. What I mean is this; most likely the pastor made the same statement last week, the week before and the week before that. I know this happens, because I’ve done it myself.  In our defense, it is somewhat understandable for a preacher to feel this way after he’s spent hours (if not months/years) studying and preparing to speak from this text. Yet at the risk of redundancy or potentially lessening the veracity of my claim, allow me to say, the subject of this article is in fact, one of the most vital truths in the Bible.

This teaching is one of the fundamentals of the Christian faith, the import of which cannot be emphasized strongly enough.While we may disagree on Biblical teachings like; how much water it takes to Scripturally baptize someone, when the church began or what will happen when Jesus returns – our understanding of how fallen men can have a right relationship with God, is not something on which we can “agree to disagree.” This is instead, a truth of paramount importance. Quite literally, the souls of men hang in the balance over how we handle this subject. Moreover, if you get this teaching wrong, you get the Gospel wrong. And friends, if you get the Gospel wrong, you get everything of eternal value wrong.

Hence, this subject is indeed one of the most crucial and critical truths anyone can ever consider. I am referencing, the teaching of Sola Fide, or salvation by Faith Alone. This doctrine seeks to define how mortal men are declared righteous before God. Allow me to remind you, the word “sola” is the Latin word for alone or only. This Sola (Sola Fide) is the third we have considered in this series. As previously stated, one cannot overstate the difference between employing the words “alone” or “and” in understanding doctrine. These two ideas, alone or and, are grammatically and theologically polar opposites. Either mortal men are justified (declared righteous before God) by faith alone, or by faith and something else!? It cannot be both.

If, as we have already noted, the Bible is the final authority in all spiritual matters, it is to Scripture alone we must turn to find out how lost sinners are declared righteous before God. Readily does God Word declare sinners are saved by grace alone (Sola Gratia) through faith alone in the finished work of Christ alone. Plus nothing.

Just how important is this teaching? The Bible scholar and theologian John Calvin said justification by faith is “the main hinge upon which true religion turns.” Martin Luther stated that justification is “the first and chief article of the Christian faith.”

Yes, there are those under the overly-broad umbrella of Evangelicalism who teach salvation is accomplished by faith plus works, or by faith plus good deeds or by faith plus human merit. Yet, if the Bible is clear on anything, it is clear on this – sinners are declared righteous by grace alone through faith alone in Christ’s meritorious work alone, plus nothing. Let me share a small sample of Biblical evidence to this end. The New Testament book of Galatians was written to address this very subject. First, in Galatians 2:16 we read this, “knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.” Even a cursory reading of this passage makes clear, no one is, or ever can be, justified by human effort. I really do not know how much plainer the Apostle could be? Still, to emphasize the point to his readers, he repeats himself three times in this one verse. Read these words again, “a man is NOT justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ … that we might be justified by faith in Christ and NOT by the works of the law; for by the works of the law NO flesh shall be justified.” If I seem repetitive, it is because the inspired writer is repetitive. But also note, just a few lines down the scroll, Paul also writes this (Galatians 3:11), “But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for ‘the just shall live by faith.’” Regardless of what some may claim, no amount of law-keeping or human effort, in any form can earn entrance into heaven. There is zero ambiguity in these and other New Testament writings about this primary truth. Readers please hear me, sinners are justified (declared righteous) by grace alone through faith alone! Romans 5:1 reads, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The Bible is crystal clear on this subject, as it should be.

What one believes about justification (and all spiritual truth) really comes down to this … is Scripture your final authority? Or do you rely upon the inconsistent opinions of men? Are you willing to submit to the authority and sufficiency of Scripture or does tradition and councils determine doctrine?

Wrongly teaching how men are justified before God, is a not a minor infraction but a major offense. In fact, I would encourage everyone to read the first chapter of Galatians and note the stern rebuke Paul issues to all who wrongly handle the Gospel. Make no mistake, if someone claims sinners can be placed into a right standing with God, by any means other than by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone – they have the Gospel wrong. Further yet, they are not only leading men down a path of perdition, but headed to Divine judgment themselves.

So, if your preacher gets in the pulpit this Sunday and he addresses the subject of justification by faith alone, and claims (yet again) this is one of the most important doctrines in all the Bible, you can rest assured – he is absolutely right.

Sola Gratia or Grace Alone

How are mortal men brought into right relationship with the Divine Creator? By what means are unholy sinners declared righteous before a Holy God? How can we who are separated from God, inherit everlasting life with God?

If, as we wrote last week, Scripture alone is the definitive source for the answers to these kinds of questions, then we must solely rely on what God has written in His Word. On the other hand, if the Bible is not sufficient or fully authoritative to rightly resolve the above-mentioned questions, then there is not only a plethora of possibilities, but also endless uncertainty on how these inquiries are answered.  

The theology behind the terms Sola Gratia, Sola Fide and Solus Christus – which in English equates to Grace Alone, Faith Alone and Christ Alone is what separates true Christianity from artificial Evangelicalism and all other false religions. These three, of the “five solas,” specifically address the subject of salvation. Every single person on the planet should want to know, without a shred of doubt, how the redemption of sinners is accomplished and applied. This subject is of such vast importance, there should not be one ounce of dissension or ambiguity among those branded as Christian. While it may seem unnecessary for me to address this, believe me, not everyone who claims to hold to orthodox Christianity believes the same thing. Sadly, even under the umbrella of Evangelicalism there exists numerous philosophies on how a person is reconciled to God. Yet contrary to the absurdity of our post-modern society, these varied opinions cannot all be true. Instead, some of these erroneous ideas can condemn the human soul for eternity. It is my conviction we either believe what God has said in His Word as our final and sufficient authority, or there can be no certainty about our eternal destinies.

It was the contention of the Reformers, (and other faithful believers outside the Protestant Movement), that Scripture alone is the absolute authority in all spiritual matters. Hence, on the pages of the Bible we can quickly and confidently discern how mankind is brought into a right relationship with the Almighty. The Word clearly teaches men are saved by grace alone through faith alone in the finished work of Christ alone. Plus nothing.

In Ephesians 2:4-5 we read, “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ; by grace you have been saved.” Folks, one does not need scholarly seminary training to understand the theology of this passage. The Apostle Paul writes in the simplest of terms and says, it was God, motivated by His immeasurable love for mankind, who showed mercy to the undeserving and graciously made the spiritually dead sinner alive in Christ. Please take note, the inspired writer affirms this was done by grace alone.

But just in case the reader did not catch that truth the first time, Paul reiterates, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). For a second time, Paul adamantly insists the believer’s redemptive relationship with Christ was not earned, but was the free gift of God. The very word grace means, unmerited favor. So, in the clearest language possible, the Apostle wants his readers to know, that if they are indeed saved, or born-again believers, then this salvation was given to them as an unearned, unmerited gift from God. I really don’t know if the author could have been any clearer?! All one must do is read this second chapter of Ephesians to see the doctrine of salvation by grace alone indelibly engraved on the page. The passage begins by stating the natural condition of all humanity is one governed by wickedness, depravity and spiritual death. Paul pronounces all men are by nature alienated from God and bound by the dominion of darkness and frankly, we would remain that way if God did not intervene. But thankfully, intervene He does. It is God, and God alone who gives the new believer spiritual life. We cannot save ourselves any more than we can give ourselves spiritual life. God who is Life, must give us this gift. Regardless of how highly you may think of yourself, you do not merit God’s mercy. You do not deserve His love and you cannot work your way to heaven.

To put it simply, a gift is not earned. If you earn it, it isn’t a gift. The Bible states, eternal life is the unmerited gift of God bestowed on all who place their faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Make no mistake, if anyone at any time every comes to a saving knowledge of God, it will be by grace alone, through faith alone in the finished work of Christ alone … plus nothing!

Friends, if any mortal ever sets foot on the streets of gold, or enters those pearly gates, it will be because of God’s Amazing Grace – nothing less and nothing more. If we fallen sinful creatures ever enjoy fellowship with the Heavenly Father, it will be ONLY because God (in Christ) has done for us what we cannot and will not do for ourselves. The salvation of sinners is from conception to completion accomplished by grace alone.

This foundational truth, has been, and continues to be a bloody battle over the souls of men. Yet, the Bible is abundantly clear on this subject. Scripture teaches us salvation is an unearned gift, freely given by God to lost sinners by grace alone. Though none deserve God’s mercy, still in His matchless grace He has given everlasting life to all who turn from their sins and put their faith in the Risen Messiah.

What are you trusting?

Introducing the Five Solas

What is the final authority for all spiritual truth? Who or what determines how humanity can rightly honor God? How are lost sinners saved? By what means are mortal men declared righteous before a Holy God? How can God be just, and yet at the same time declare sinners justified? And finally, who should receive the glory for the work of conversion? Should that glory be shared between God and men?

These are some of the questions we will ask and answer over the next several weeks. These are also (some) of the questions truth-seekers were bravely asking and trying to answer hundreds of years ago. In order to rightly introduce you to the Five Solas, it is necessary to reach back in time.

In the early 1500’s, an unconverted Catholic Monk by the name of Martin Luther unintentionally launched what became known as the Protestant Reformation. Hoping to spark public debate, in October 1517, Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of a Catholic church in Wittenberg, Germany. Luther objected to several teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and hoped his objections would lead to open discourse about the validity of these practices. Luther did not intend to launch a movement, but launch a movement he did. Men like, William Tyndale, John Calvin, Ulrich Zwingli, and others were emboldened by Luther’s bravery and soon the Protestant Reformation took root. Over the following decades, thousands of individuals pushed back against the behavior of the medieval Catholic Church and its doctrine. It would be impossible to measure the impact this global movement has had upon history.

At the very core of the theological divide between Protestants and Catholics were the answers to the questions at the beginning of this article. The Reformers answered those questions by using the Latin word, “sola” – which simply means alone, or only. As opposed to the Catholic church who answered those questions with the Latin word, “et” – which means and. I simply cannot explain to you the impassable gulf that exists between these two answers. Answering “sola” (or alone) is diametrically opposite of answering “et” (or and). These two theological views are fully and completely incompatible. For example, the Reformers taught and believed Scripture ALONE, was the final authority for all spiritual truth. Catholicism taught (still teaches) Scripture and church tradition and the decision of councils determine doctrinal truth. Both cannot be true.

Over time, the five “Solas” were more clearly articulated, and eventually, titled and documented. I think it would be fair to say, these truths serve as the fundamental dividing line between Protestant and Catholic theology. The five Solas (in Latin) are these; Sola Scriptura, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Solus Christus and Soli Deo Gloria. Their English equivalent is this; Scripture Alone, Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Christ Alone and Glory to God Alone.

At the risk of redundancy, I cannot emphasize strongly enough the word “alone” in these titles.

• Are unbelievers saved by grace alone? Or, by grace and …?

• Are sinners justified by faith alone? Or by faith and …?

• Should God alone receive the glory for the work of regeneration? Or should that glory be shared with others?

As someone who unapologetically affirms the five Solas, I think the only right answer to these questions is “alone.”

Over the next few weeks, I hope to show you how important it is to have a right understanding of these vital truths. First, Scripture alone should serve as the Christian’s sole authority for all spiritual matters. Secondly, I want to prove from Scripture that anytime anyone has ever come to a saving knowledge of God, it has been by grace alone, through faith alone in the finished work of Christ alone. Then finally, that God alone should receive all the glory for this glorious work of redemption. I pray that you will consider what I have to say.

It is not my intention in this upcoming series to point a critical finger at my Catholic friends or neighbors. Please understand, Roman Catholics are not the only denomination that would adamantly disagree with the teachings of the five Solas. Nor is it my aim to needlessly dig up the ugly bones of days gone by. I would imagine every denomination has some proverbial skeletons in their closet. However, having said that – this is one area where there really is no common ground on which we can meet. The answer to the critical questions listed above is either, “alone” or “and” – it cannot be both. I love my neighbor enough to challenge them to consider whether they are being taught the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Allow me to give a one sentence summary of each of the Solas: Sola Scriptura teaches that Scripture alone is the final authority which determines the faith and practice of the Christian and the church. Sola Gratia establishes that salvation is the gift of the unmerited favor, or grace of God. Sola Fide demands that believers are justified by faith alone and not by any human effort. Solus Christus reveals that redemption was purchased by the atoning work of Christ alone and no human contribution can be added. Then finally, Soli Deo Gloria teaches that all glory for the salvation of sinners belongs to God alone.

While I realize not every reader of this paper will agree with these teachings, I pray you will at least consider them, as these truths are in fact, hills to die on … as did thousands of Christians in the past.

While I believe prior to the Reformation, there were faithful Christians and churches promoting truths like the five Solas, (though not labeled or systematized), still we must admire the courage and conviction of those brave Christians.

Let me close by quoting the words of Martin Luther offered at a Roman inquisition. Not knowing whether he would live or die, when called upon to give an answer for his writings and teachings that opposed the Roman church, with unflinching boldness Luther said, “I am bound by the Scriptures I have quoted. My conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not retract anything, since it is neither safe nor right to go against conscience. Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise. May God help me.”

Telling Others about what Matters Most

Theology matters. I say again, theology matters. I’m fairly confident I’ve repeated that frequently enough from the pulpit that the members of MHBC have grown weary of hearing it. Nonetheless, theology matters. Doctrine matters. Words matter. What you believe matters. It matters deeply.

As a Christian and as someone who has studied the Bible for the better part of four decades, it is my conviction that Baptist theology most closely aligns with Biblical theology. I know several of you reading this article would disagree, and that’s okay. I have close friends right here in town who feel the same way about Lutheran, Presbyterian or Methodist doctrine. But ultimately, we are all accountable to the Lord, not others. Therefore, conscience constrains me to preach and promote what I believe to be true, which is Baptistic teachings. By God’s grace, I hope to devote my life contending for the body of truth that (I believe) was once delivered to the saints.

Yet however deep-rooted my convictions may be, and though we may strongly disagree on any number of theological beliefs, if you are a Christian, you are my brother or sister in Christ; not my enemy. Yes, our doctrinal differences may compel us to draw some ecclesiological lines. So much so, I may not feel comfortable inviting you into the pulpit where I pastor, but if you have committed your life to following after Christ, we are on the same side. We love the same Lord. We have been saved by the same Gospel. We have been washed in the same blood. We are kept by the same Holy Spirit. And we will live in the same heaven forever. If indeed you have been born-again, we are Christian family and I love and value you. As we should all people.

Having said all that, allow me in my feeble way to encourage every Christian to make sure you are rightly and consistently proclaiming the Gospel message. Whether you are a pastor, an elder, a Sunday School teacher or simply someone who loves Jesus and wants others to know Him … I want to challenge you to make sure you are intentional about sharing the Gospel. Most all of us are pretty good at talking about our favorite subjects, ought we not also be inclined to converse about Christianity?

Someone, somewhere at some time said something incredibly silly and unfortunately it has stuck around. “Preach the Gospel, and if you have to, use words.” Or the quote is also repeated like this, “Preach the gospel at all times; Use words if necessary.” Now I will concede that seems really religious and shrewdly spiritual – but the truth is, it’s only a half truth (at best). To be honest, I think many of us have used this pious-sounding platitude to assuage our guilt of not sharing the Gospel like we should.

Of course, those of us who claim to be Christians should live like Christians. It should be the aim of every believer to live a life consistent with Christian conduct so that others take note that we have been changed by the Word of God. Yes, we ought to have a witness to a watching world that we are followers of Christ. However, being a Godly example is not enough to win someone to Christ. Our behavior may indeed cause others to ask questions, and we hope it does. But if or when asked what makes the Christian different, how do we reply? The answer is – the Gospel.

We must be willing to tell others that Jesus Christ came into this world to do for us what we could not, and would not, do for ourselves! Yes, we ought to live holy and consecrated lives reflecting the light of Christ before a lost world shrouded in darkness, but we must also vocally convey the Gospel to others. Dear follower of Christ, be ready to give an answer for the hope that lies within you (1 Peter 3:15). However, we don’t have to wait for someone to ask, nor is it mandatory that we establish deep-seated relationships with someone in order to share the Gospel with them. Confessing believer, live like a Christian should – but you must also communicate the Gospel in more than actions, but in word. We must do what we would sometimes tell our small children, use your words! Romans 10:14 asks this question, “How shall they (unbelievers) call on Him in whom they have not heard?” People should hear about Jesus from followers of Jesus. That doesn’t really seem all that unreasonable.

As a Baptist pastor, I would love to see more people filling Baptist churches. However, as a Christian, I would prefer to see more people come to know Christ! This happens when God’s redeemed people, regardless of denomination or affiliation, speak the Glorious Gospel of Christ to those God has put in their path. It grieves me that I do not share this good news more frequently or with greater boldness. I think most every Christian feels this way.

Therefore, I want to challenge every reader to make sure they are communicating the Gospel, and that the church they support is faithful to unashamedly proclaim the Gospel. Unfortunately, I have heard numerous sermons (and confess to having preached some early in my ministry) in which the Good News of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone was never even communicated. What a shame! Church attendee, be a good listener and make sure the preacher is proclaiming a Gospel-centered sermon, not just telling you what you want to hear.

Nothing is more important than being lovingly unambiguous about how lost sinners can be made right with a Holy God. We must be crystal clear about this. Simply stated, someone can be wrong about many Bible doctrines and still go to heaven, but the Gospel is the one truth everyone must get right. We might disagree on how much water it takes to properly baptize someone. We can debate the proper method of interpreting prophecies and parables. Furthermore, we might strongly disagree on when the church started and which denomination most rightly represents apostolic doctrine, etc. etc. While these issues are all weighty, and many of us have strong convictions about them, you can be mistaken on these truths and still go to heaven. However, you cannot be wrong about the Gospel and truly be a Christian.

In 1st Corinthians 15:1-3 the Apostle Paul adamantly declares the Gospel is the supreme doctrine in human history. Theology matters and I will not suffer anyone who says otherwise. Yet, not everything the Bible teaches bears the same weight of eternal consequence. The principal doctrine in Christianity is the good news of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus in the behalf of lost sinners! While there are numerous important doctrines in the Bible, the Gospel is of greater value than them all and we ought to willingly share it with others.

Christian, does your pastor use words like; reconciliation, regeneration, repentance or redemption on a regular basis? Do you? Do you know the Gospel so that you can share the Gospel? Have you trusted in the finished work of God’s Son as your only hope for heaven? If so, are you telling others this matters most?

The Distance between the Head and the Heart

Did you know there is only about a foot and a half between the heart and the brain in the human body? Or stated more poetically, the distance between the heart and the mind is only a matter of inches. This is an insignificant amount of space really, when compared to any lengthy measurement. Yet, this short gap can make an immeasurable difference. In fact, spiritually speaking, the difference between the head and the heart can only be measured by eternity. Granted, this sounds somewhat strange, but I ask you to consider this seriously.

Let me illustrate the vast expanse that stretches between the heart and mind of many people right here in our community. We live in the conservative south in an area accurately known as the “Bible Belt.” The heart of Georgia could fittingly be coined as the buckle of that belt. Church steeples are as common around here as sweet tea and pine trees. We have public prayer on the courthouse steps and churches on (seemingly) every corner. It is not uncommon to still see small congregations gathering around “covered dish meals” on a Sunday afternoon. We are proud of our southern ways and southern cooking. We still say Merry Christmas and wish our neighbors (or even strangers) a blessed day. God, guns and ol’ Glory are often spoken of with great affection. “Round here in these parts,” it’s hard to find people who don’t identify as God-fearing folk. Most everyone I invite to church, already has a church home of their own. However, when asked if they know Christ, or have a relationship with God, almost everyone can tell you about some religious experience they had many years ago.

Yet, none of the things mentioned truly makes anyone a Christian. Whether you’ve memorized the TV channel for Fox News, or if you always vote for that candidate with an “R” beside their name, does not determine whether or not you are truly a disciple of Christ. Unfortunately, the south has been so inundated with religious jargon, we have wrongly supposed being a conservative southern patriot and a Christian are synonymous terms.

Regrettably, there are many, many people right here in our community who are good neighbors and honest hard-working individuals, but are trusting in something other than the finished work of Christ for their eternal salvation. They are confident that some tearful words they repeated after a preacher many years ago, was all that God required for them to enter heaven. Yet others wrongly think that when as a child, they slipped their hand up at vacation Bible school (while every head was bowed and every eye closed, of course) automatically meant they are Christians. There are also those who have signed their name to the back of a gospel tract and mistakenly believe that was enough to grant them entrance into God’s glory. Friends, an emotional experience followed up with a mental decision that did not transform your heart (and life) is not true conversion.

I know God can still save sinners in spite of the Gospel gimmicks of over-zealous evangelists and misguided pastors. What I am avowing is that a true work of grace will reach beyond the human mind and will change the heart. Let us be clear, true salvation entails more than simply acknowledging there is a God. James 2:19 states that wicked demons know there is but one God, and even tremble before Him. However, they are not born-again. Nor is it enough to promote conservative values in the political arena. The Pharisees were strictly conservative, but lost. And as necessarily uncomfortable as it may be for some, it is not enough to have had some religious experience years ago, if that experience did not make a true and lasting change in who you are and how you live. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17 if anyone is “in Christ” they are a new creation – “old things have passed away and all things have become new.”

Knowing God in your head is not enough, you must also have been given a new heart. If your religious experience was truly sincere, you will have a new desire and a new passion to leave this world behind and follow Christ. There is a reason why the Bible warns in Matthew 7:21-23 that not everyone who claims the name of Christ is actually a Christian. Jesus plainly states that there will be many who will come before Him on that great day of judgment and say “Lord, Lord did we not ….” and He will say to them, “depart from ye that work iniquity, I never knew you.”

Readers, when the Holy Spirit of God takes His Word and reveals to the sinner their lost and hopeless condition and points them to the resurrected Christ, He does not work apart from the human mind, but transforms our will to His. He then gives us a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26) and a desire to serve Him.

If your faith has only reached your mind, and not transformed your heart, then that few inches will be the distance between heaven and hell for all eternity.

Make sure you have had both a change of heart and mind!