Is It OK to Doubt Our Salvation?

Three factors elicit this question: 1) a very helpful post from Challies Dot Com. Please read it. 2) nearly 5 decades in the evangelical/fundamentalist world, and 3) experience teaching this in Church and hearing the serious concerns of God's people. We were always taught growing up that "it is a sin to doubt," that to doubt one's salvation is tantamount to "calling God a liar." I'm sure I've said the same to questioning converts. But I'm careful about that any more. Why? 

First, the Bible urges that we test or examine ourselves to see whether we are "in the faith" (2 Cor. 13:5). This necessitates some careful doubt. Also, the whole of 1 John is given for precisely the same reason (5:13), viz., that we may know we are saved. But to do so requires there be doubt to drive such a concern. Further, Scriptural examples expose those who seemed to have been saved, but time and subsequent actions convincingly disproved their profession. Consider the "believing" Jews of John 8:31 who a few verses later wanted to stone Jesus (v. 59). Also, consider Simon Magus in Acts 8:13, who though Scripture asserts that he had believed, earns Peter's opprobrium, 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity. Other Scriptures are devastatingly powerful and cannot lightly be dismissed, for example: Matthew 7:21-23, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ (see 1 Cor. 13:1-3). What conscientious Christian can read these verses without it producing a strange shiver in his soul?

Second, in addition to Scripture, there is a human frailty, a weakness disguised as a strength with which we must contend, namely a sense of entitlement. Preface this entitlement with a gospel presentation like this, "All you have to do is . . ." and you've practically cauterized the seeker against ever considering that he may be lost, even if all evidence points in that direction. We would not have people doubt unnecessarily. We would promote a deeper, more robust faith, of course. Conversely, we would not want to so present the Gospel as to ossify a sincerely inquisitive soul to his need for valid biblical, self-examination. Man needs enough modesty to admit his depravity and enough humility to accept God's grace. 

  

In 1908, G. K. Chesterton wrote:

What we suffer from today is humility in the wrong place. Modesty has moved from the organ of ambition. Modesty has settled upon the organ of conviction; where it was never meant to be. A man was meant to be doubtful about himself, but undoubting about the truth; this has been exactly reversed. Nowadays the part of a man that a man does assert is exactly the part he ought not to assert - himself. The part he doubts is exactly the part he ought not to doubt - the Divine Reason. . . The old humility made a man doubtful about his efforts, which might make him work harder. But the new humility makes a man doubtful about his aims, which makes him stop working altogether. . . . We are on the road to producing a race of man too mentally modest to believe in the multiplication table. (Orthodoxy, 29-30)

Now, consider this, we are NOT set free by the truth, even though Jesus is often partially quoted as saying, "You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free" (John 8:32). This well-known statement is the second half of what Jesus said. His complete verdict was directed to the Jews who had believed in him (v. 31a), viz., "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples" (v. 31), laying the groundwork for, "and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." My point? Jesus IS saying that the truth sets people free, but only as they "abide in his word." There is a contingency clause in this grand promise. If we obey, or love Christ then we are in the right spot to hear and follow him. If I am not even committed to obeying him, then the truth, far from freeing me, will actually shackle my soul, leaving me blinded and confused. I think what we are finding today is folks who want assurance of their salvation without the commensurate grace of obedience and expressions of love toward Christ. Indeed, Jesus said, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15). 

So, in answer to the question, "Is it OK to doubt our salvation?" I must answer, Absolutely! More often than not, evangelical questions are not leveled against the character of God, but against our own frothy, ineffectual brand of Christianity. Any concern that reveals our substandard passion for Christ is far better being surfaced on this side of eternity than on the other! Believe, yes. But let that belief be demonstrated not by profession, but by fruit, and by persevering faith as our Lord designed (Col. 1:21-23; Heb. 3:14). 

On Letting Truth Speak for Itself

One of the rising weaknesses endemic to evangelicalism today is its tendency to shy away from the plain and sometimes offensive presentation of the gospel. The assumption is that men will not be saved if they are turned off by the gospel's strict claims. That is to fail on two counts--the belief that fallen men can be drawn to salvation by persuasion alone, and the presumption against the Spirit's necessary influence in an otherwise impossible situation. In his "Epistle Dedicatory" from The Saints Spiritual Delight, Thomas Watson clarifies his purpose for having written so plainly upon Psalm 1, “But his delight is in the law of the Lord.” In the process, he also poignantly exposes the misguided notion that the Gospel needs to be "dressed up" before it can go out.

For the style of it, it is plain; but truth, when it is in its plainest dress is most comely. The star shines brightest in its native luster. Divinity hath so much intrinsical beauty, that it needs no art of wit or fancy to set it off. Who goes to embroider a pearl, or paint over gold? This would but debase and eclipse it; it is a sign of a wanton Christian to look most at the fringing and garnishing of a truth. I wish it be not the sin of many in this city; they like the dressing but loathe the food. . . . Rhetorical flashes may please the fancies of men, but I much question whether they will not lessen Christ’s spiritual harvest at the end of the world. When men preach rather words than matter, they catch men’s ears, not their souls; they do but court, not convert. If the patient’s wound bleeds, nay rankles [festers], it is better for him to have a deep incision made in the flesh, than to bind it about with silk, or dress it with aromatic ointments [emphasis mine].

Granted, we ministers are not to be intentionally belligerent or obnoxious and thus smart for our own foolishness. Scripture commends the use of gracious words (Col. 4:6). But that very graciousness must not obfuscate the truth. Again, 

True it is, ministers ought to clothe the truths they preach in decent expressions, to preserve them from contempt; though they must come in plainness of speech, not in rudeness of speech. But let them take heed, lest, with their affected new-coined phrases, unsuitable to that gravity the apostle speaks of (Titus 2:7), they adulterate and corrupt the simplicity of the word; like some kind of sauces and compounds which take away the natural taste and savor of the meat. . . .

Let us herald the Gospel unashamedly and we will find the Spirit carrying the truth directly to men's heart with all assurance. 

Thanksgiving Greetings from Mechanicsville!

Before rejoining the crowd, I have a few moments in the upstairs of the beautiful home of my wife's brother, Steve, in Mechanicsville, Virginia. We always are blessed to stay in what we have come to claim affectionately as the "Nelson Suite," a unit of three rooms decorated to the hilt, and which we get to use whenever we're in town. It’s so good to be here enjoying their thoughtful hospitality, listening to Bing Crosby croon “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” reminding me of idyllic days with my folks growing up in Richmond. Praise the Lord, I still have my parents though they now live in Pennsylvania. 

Downstairs, my sister-in-law, Kim, and Jennifer her daughter along with my wife, Phyllis are putting the last touches on a Thanksgiving Eve’s new recipe of Chicken Pot Pie. That along with several delectable desserts make for a renewed commitment to the elliptical and Chuck Norris’ Total Gym awaiting us at home in upstate New York. Happy chatter fills the kitchen as each is catching up on all the news of each other’s lives. There’s a warmth about it that’s glorious and inviting. I do wish all folks had as good a time as we. I know many do. Note I didn’t say it’s perfect. No place is. Even ol’ Bing has just now been replaced by Bruce Springsteen’s version of “Santa Claus is Com’n to Town,” not bad, but not my “cup ‘o tea.” Over all our times together are good enough to cancel out any imperfections with an enduring love.

These are the joys associated with those whose homes have been filled with peace--especially the peace of Jesus Christ. It may very well be true that some have few family around with whom they may spend such delightful times. Others may experience more pain than pleasure when with kin. And if that is the case, let me echo what my Dad has been fond of saying on such occasions, "It's not the end of the world." Seriously. We are only here for a brief time--on this earth, I mean. Trust in Jesus. Turn in dependence upon Him, and find that "peace that surpasses all understanding," and "a friend that sticks closer than a brother."

May I just offer anyone who may read this, a very Happy Thanksgiving! God's blessings have been great and frequent. My praise goes up in unmitigated happiness.

"Chicken Little" Meets Paul

OK, so we look around our politico-economic landscape and we have to be--if we can fog a mirror--at least a little alarmed at what we witness. The "land of the free and the home of the brave" is now finding our long-enjoyed freedoms questioned and even outrightly attacked. And the only brave people we find are those who lobby Washington for yet another multiple-billion-dollar hand-out and that with little if any compunction! It's enough to make Chicken Little cry out, "America is falling, America is falling!" This time though, our diminutive fowl may be on to something. Indeed, as Proverbs teaches, "Sin is a reproach to any people" (14:34), even to those who don't care if they sin. The Church--God's "salt and light" in this world must be purified if she is to have any positive effect in our culture.

But there's another side to this--we must not let the world's malaise jade our heart and hope. No, we would hear the Psalmist affirm, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (46:1). But we also need to introduce Chicken Little to Paul and instead of fostering an alarmist mentality, train him to look for and to meditate on that which is good. Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things (Phil. 4:8). There's plenty of bad news to wile away our TV hours, of that the networks will make sure! And, it is also true, that we cannot rightly "turn a blind eye" to troubles as if we lived in Neverland. Still, we must faithfully proclaim, like a "city on a hill," that God reigns, and there is indeed unparalleled victory in the cross of Jesus Christ. This is our hope--true, pure, and lovely which no one can strip from us, as long as our eyes stay riveted on Jesus!

John Owen on Prayer and the Word

A resource I used for several years and is still available online is Expositor's Quote of the Week. Building on one of his from John Owen, I found a longer quotation. Just know that Owen is not always the easiest to read, but he is always worthwhile. Here is richness, and please read to the end to get the memorable sentence found online at Expositor's Quote.

The second duty of a pastor towards his flock is continual fervent prayer for them. . . . Without this, no man can or doth preach to them as he ought, nor perform any other duty of his pastoral office. From hence may any man take the best measure of the discharge of his duty towards his flock. He that doth constantly, diligently, fervently, pray for them, will have a testimony in himself of his own sincerity in the discharge of all other pastoral duties. . . . And as for those who are negligent herein, be their pains, labor, and travail in other duties never so great, they may be influenced from other reasons, and so give no evidence of sincerity in the discharge of their office. In this constant prayer for the church, which is so incumbent on all pastors as that whatever is done without it is of no esteem in the sight of Jesus Christ, respect is to be had, [first] unto the success of the word, unto all the blessed ends of it, among them. These are no less than the improvement and strengthening of all their graces, the direction of all their duties, their edification in faith and love, with the entire conduct of their souls in the life of God, unto the enjoyment of him. To preach the word, therefore, and not to follow it with constant and fervent prayer for its success, is to disbelieve its use, neglect its end, and to cast away the seed of the gospel at random [emphasis mine]. 

“The True Nature of a Gospel Church and its Government.” From chapter 5, The Especial Duty of Pastors of Churches. In Works of John Owen, Volume 16.

Moving in on Sunday, here's a corrective and powerful word. God bless us all!

Is the Church Trying to Be Fashionable?!

Excepting the radical edges of church life (the pendulum effect), in the main, curiosity, resistance and opposition comprise the natural consequence of being the "Church" in this world. John Stott even entitled his commentary on the Sermon on the Mount, Christian Counter-Culture. He writes, "The followers of Jesus are to be different--different from both the nominal church and the secular world, different from both the religious and the irreligious." (The copyright on his book is 1978). What we are seeing come to fruition today is a church who has not only heard, but has unfortunately succumbed to the siren call of our culture. Where do you and your church land? Tullian Tchividjian has provided a quiz to determine that. Please check out his blog at New City Church.

The Unfashionable Quiz (Revised)

In bringing my forthcoming book, Unfashionable: Making a Difference in the World by Being Different, to the finish line, I added this “quiz” at the very beginning. What do you think?  

YOU MAY BE TOO FASHIONABLE IF . . .

      1.  You can look around at church and notice that everybody is basically the same age and they look and dress pretty much like you do.
2.  You can’t stand singing a worship song that was “in” five years ago—much less singing a hymn from another century.
3. You believe social justice is more important than evangelism OR evangelism is more important than social justice.
4. The church you go to is so dimly lit during worship that you can’t see the person singing next to you, much less the person singing across the room.
5. You’ve attended a “leadership” conference where you learned more about organization and props than proclamation and prayer. 
6. Your goal in spending time with non-Christians is to demonstrate that you’re really no different than they are and to prove this you curse like a sailor, drink like a fish, and smoke like a chimney.
7. You’ve concluded that everything new is better than anything old OR that everything old is better than anything new.
8. You think that the way Jesus lived is more important than what Jesus said–that his deeds were more important than his doctrine.  
9. You believe that the best way to change our culture is to elect a certain kind of politician.
10. The church you’ve chosen is defined more by its reaction to “boring” churches than by its response to a needy world. 
11. You’ve decided that everything done by the church you grew up in was way wrong and you’re now, thankfully, part of a missional “community” that does everything right.
12. The one verse you wish wasn’t in the Bible is John 14:6 where Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father but by me.” That’s way too narrow!

"Ten Most Irritating Phrases"

The following is found on Serious Times. I've added my own personal favorites in [brackets]. 

Researchers at Oxford University have compiled the top ten most irritating phrases.

 

At the end of the day, such lists are fairly unique.  I personally, at this moment in time, and with all due respect, absolutely agree with their list.  It’s a nightmare to hear these phrases, and I know that when I have thought of using them, I shouldn’t of.  Nonetheless, you hear them 24/7, even when stopping shouldn’t be rocket science.

 

Here they are in a less irritating form:

 

1.  At the end of the day, [the bottom line]

2.  Fairly unique

3.  I personally

4.  At this moment in time

5.  With all due respect

6.  Absolutely

7.  It’s a nightmare

8.  Shouldn’t of

9.  24/7

10. It’s not rocket science

[11. Like]

 

Not quite making the top ten, but coming close, [were] the expressions “synergy,” “literally,” and “ironically.”

 

Revealed in the book A Damp Squid, named after the mistake of confusing a squid with a squib (which is a type of firework), author Jeremy Butterfield says “We grow tired of anything that is repeated too often – an anecdote, a joke, a mannerism – and the same seems to happen with some language.”

 

Agreed.

 

So here’s my “top five” list of irritating phrases circulating around Christianity, leaving those who post on this on www.serioustimes.com to suggest those that might round it out to ten:

 

5.  “Must be providential.”  Trotted out every time anything happens good or bad, often in ways that trivialize the true nature of God’s sovereignty and conveys a fatalism of the worst sort. [Similarly used is "God must have had a reason," which suggests that the one saying it doesn't really believe it]

 

4.  “I need to go where I’m fed.”  The ultimate in spiritual narcissism and the deepest reflection of a consumer faith.  We can throw in “I didn’t get anything out of it” (applied to worship) and “I need to be ministered to.”

 

3.  “I’m Reformed.”  Code used by those who claim the entire Reformation for themselves and their embrace of Calvinism.  Nothing against Calvin, but it is a ridiculous reduction of the Reformation’s mosaic and the many streams of Protestantism that flowed from its dynamic.

 

2.  “Postmodern.”  So overused, and misused, that it’s become specious.  When a single word can refer to a philosophy (such as offered by Lyotard), an era of history (meaning that which follows the modern era), and a style of ministry, then we need some more words.      

 

1.  “Emergent.”  Do I even have to explain selecting this one?

 

Looking forward to yours…..

 

James Emery White