On awakening this morning I was met with the news that a terrorist bomb had gone off, last night, in Manchester, killing around 2 dozen people and injuring many more.
Of course, it was a terrible thing to happen and we should have natural sympathy for the bereaved and injured - they are in need of our prayers at this time.
There are, however, 2 very important lessons that we need to learn from this atrocity -
Firstly, as the Bible says, life is but a vapour, and can end at any time, without warning (see James 4 v 13-14).
In my work of street evangelism I frequently meet people who reject the Gospel. To be fair, most of them are polite about it, very few become abusive. That being said, they are still without Christ and, according to our Saviour, in John 8 v 24, if they continue in that state of unbelief they will die in their sins, then to face the due penalty of their rebellion against God.
This terrorist outrage should concentrate the minds of people to recognise that life is fragile; our hold on life is tenuous, at best, and can be broken at any time. Indeed, we are all just one heartbeat away from the immediate presence of God. One hopes that, having considered this fact, many will turn to Christ. Indeed, in the month after Princess Diana's sudden death, the mission that I'm involved with, had double the number of responses that it normally gets.
There is also, secondly, a lesson for Christian believers. We may give due consideration to the fact that our lives are "but a vapour" and give thanks to the Lord that we are ready to face Him in full confidence of eternal life. After all, we have accepted Christ as our personal Saviour and, due to His work of atonement on the cross, our sins are forgiven. We need have no fears of what eternity has in store for us. However, there is a lesson for us viz. in that we have a strong responsibility to get out there, and reach the unsaved with the only message that gives eternal life; the only way to Heaven is through faith in Christ the Son of God. The Bible makes it clear that people who don't so believe are under the wrath of God, and will be for all eternity.
If we really believe that the Bible is the inerrant word of God, and if we really believe that Jesus is the only way to Heaven we should stop making excuses for our lack of concern for the lost, and give ourselves unstintingly to spread the Gospel.
May the Lord forgive us for our laziness in not reaching out, and may He give us the desire to do so, and the courage to take the consequences from our opponents.
"A great door, and effectual, is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries" - 1st Cor. 16 v 9.
Tuesday, 23 May 2017
Saturday, 13 May 2017
Science needs to catch up with the Bible!
Opponents of the Bible often delight to tell us that the Bible needs to catch up with science, that we are foolish to take this outdated book seriously, and that we need to live in the "real world" of science. However, the reverse is actually the case.
I append, below, four examples of how science has caught up with the Bible!
First of all, consider the fact that in Victorian England, one Herbert Spencer won accolades for discovering the 5 categories of science viz. Time, Force, Action, Space and Matter. However, if he had bothered to read Genesis 1 v 1 he would have found them there (maybe that's where he got them from!):
"In the beginning (Time), God (Force) created (Action) the Heaven (Space) and the Earth (Matter)"
Secondly, in the 2nd century AD, Ptolemy stated that he had counted the stars in the night sky and there were 1,055. Some 14 centuries later, Kepler also claimed to have counted them and came up with 1 more. However, when the telescope was invented and Galileo looked up he was astonished to note that there were so many they couldn't be counted. What does the Bible say?
In Jeremiah 33 v 22 we read "...the host of Heaven cannot be numbered..."
Thirdly, for centuries scientists stated that the Earth was flat and, that if you sailed to the end you would fall off! Eventually it was discovered that the Earth was round, much to the relief of sailors!
What does the Bible say?
In Isaiah 40 v 22 we read that the Earth is a circle.
Finally, Scientists used to believe that the world was held up on the shoulders of Atlas. Eventually, it was found that that was not the case but, rather, it was suspended on nothing. What does the Bible say?
Job 26 v 7 tells us that God "...hangs the Earth upon nothing"
Thankfully, scientists have had the good sense to make these discoveries and, it is hoped, will continue to make more discoveries that benefit mankind. While they are doing so let us continue to have absolute confidence in the Bible and, while we wait for the scientists to catch up with God's Word, let us read it, study it, digest it and live by it because it is, as it claims to be, the Word of God "that lives and abides forever" - 1st Peter 1 v 23.
I append, below, four examples of how science has caught up with the Bible!
First of all, consider the fact that in Victorian England, one Herbert Spencer won accolades for discovering the 5 categories of science viz. Time, Force, Action, Space and Matter. However, if he had bothered to read Genesis 1 v 1 he would have found them there (maybe that's where he got them from!):
"In the beginning (Time), God (Force) created (Action) the Heaven (Space) and the Earth (Matter)"
Secondly, in the 2nd century AD, Ptolemy stated that he had counted the stars in the night sky and there were 1,055. Some 14 centuries later, Kepler also claimed to have counted them and came up with 1 more. However, when the telescope was invented and Galileo looked up he was astonished to note that there were so many they couldn't be counted. What does the Bible say?
In Jeremiah 33 v 22 we read "...the host of Heaven cannot be numbered..."
Thirdly, for centuries scientists stated that the Earth was flat and, that if you sailed to the end you would fall off! Eventually it was discovered that the Earth was round, much to the relief of sailors!
What does the Bible say?
In Isaiah 40 v 22 we read that the Earth is a circle.
Finally, Scientists used to believe that the world was held up on the shoulders of Atlas. Eventually, it was found that that was not the case but, rather, it was suspended on nothing. What does the Bible say?
Job 26 v 7 tells us that God "...hangs the Earth upon nothing"
Thankfully, scientists have had the good sense to make these discoveries and, it is hoped, will continue to make more discoveries that benefit mankind. While they are doing so let us continue to have absolute confidence in the Bible and, while we wait for the scientists to catch up with God's Word, let us read it, study it, digest it and live by it because it is, as it claims to be, the Word of God "that lives and abides forever" - 1st Peter 1 v 23.
Friday, 5 May 2017
We "know", not merely "believe".
As readers of this blog will be aware, I regularly go on to the streets of East Kent with Gospel tracts and seek to offer people the chance to get saved. Over the years I've had the privilege of pointing hundreds of people to Christ and urging upon them the necessity of getting right with God, through faith in Christ.
A number of people will make comments as they go past in a kind of "hit and run" manner. They will say something disparaging about the Bible, in general, or the Gospel, in particular, and then scurry off like frightened rabbits. They clearly don't want to get into a situation where they may be challenged to come to repentance.
My response is to such people is to make make no response, as it would be a classic case of casting "pearls before swine" (see Matthew 7 v 6).
One such comment that I've heard more than once goes something like this - "you believe but you don't know!". The inference being that faith in Christ is just that, faith and nothing more. Such a comment is intriguing and worthy of consideration. Do we simply "believe" or do we "know"; i.e. are we absolutely certain that the Bible is true, and that Heaven awaits us when we die due to our having faith in Christ's finished work on the cross.
Well, whenever we are faced with a question, on any matter, about any issue, the first thought that goes through our mind should simply be this "What does the Bible say?". This question is no exception.
The Bible gives us clear answers concerning this vital question so let's look at some references -
In John 17 Jesus speaks to His Father about His people "knowing" Him. Moreover, in 1st John we have a string of verses which use the very words "we know". If one obtains a good concordance and traces the words "we know" one can see that this is the case. Just 4 examples will suffice for our purposes here:
1. 1st John 3 v 2 tells us that we know we will see God as He is. A clear reference to the glories that await all believers in Christ.
2. In the same chapter (in verse 5) we are told that Jesus was manifested "to take away our sins", a clear reference to the absolute certainty that Christ paid for our sins on the cross.
3. 1st John 4 v 2 tells us how we know what is of the Spirit of God - all those who confess Jesus as the Christ..
4. The same chapter, and verse 16, tells us that we know the love God has for us.
We could go on and on - it is sufficient to state that we need never be intimidated when people try to tell us that we cannot "know" that we are saved and going to Heaven. We can, and do, "know" because we can, and do, know that the Bible is the very Word of God and absolutely trustworthy.
A number of people will make comments as they go past in a kind of "hit and run" manner. They will say something disparaging about the Bible, in general, or the Gospel, in particular, and then scurry off like frightened rabbits. They clearly don't want to get into a situation where they may be challenged to come to repentance.
My response is to such people is to make make no response, as it would be a classic case of casting "pearls before swine" (see Matthew 7 v 6).
One such comment that I've heard more than once goes something like this - "you believe but you don't know!". The inference being that faith in Christ is just that, faith and nothing more. Such a comment is intriguing and worthy of consideration. Do we simply "believe" or do we "know"; i.e. are we absolutely certain that the Bible is true, and that Heaven awaits us when we die due to our having faith in Christ's finished work on the cross.
Well, whenever we are faced with a question, on any matter, about any issue, the first thought that goes through our mind should simply be this "What does the Bible say?". This question is no exception.
The Bible gives us clear answers concerning this vital question so let's look at some references -
In John 17 Jesus speaks to His Father about His people "knowing" Him. Moreover, in 1st John we have a string of verses which use the very words "we know". If one obtains a good concordance and traces the words "we know" one can see that this is the case. Just 4 examples will suffice for our purposes here:
1. 1st John 3 v 2 tells us that we know we will see God as He is. A clear reference to the glories that await all believers in Christ.
2. In the same chapter (in verse 5) we are told that Jesus was manifested "to take away our sins", a clear reference to the absolute certainty that Christ paid for our sins on the cross.
3. 1st John 4 v 2 tells us how we know what is of the Spirit of God - all those who confess Jesus as the Christ..
4. The same chapter, and verse 16, tells us that we know the love God has for us.
We could go on and on - it is sufficient to state that we need never be intimidated when people try to tell us that we cannot "know" that we are saved and going to Heaven. We can, and do, "know" because we can, and do, know that the Bible is the very Word of God and absolutely trustworthy.
Monday, 17 April 2017
The Bible is both Infallible and Inerrant
Those of us who have the good sense to believe that the Bible is the Word of God often use the words Infallible, and Inerrant, on an interchangeable basis. There is a tendency for preachers to say "The Bible is infallible", and a few sentences later the say "The Bible is inerrant". In essence, there is nothing wrong with this; no major error has occurred - and the sky won't fall in!
However, to be strictly accurate, we need to recognise that there is a subtle difference between the two terms, as I will now explain.
The Bible is Infallible
When we say that the Bible is infallible we mean that it is the never failing, final authority, in all matters of faith and conduct. That is, despite the way society changes in its attitudes, we stand by the Bible's teachings when it comes to what we should believe, and how we should live.
Two examples will suffice to explain what I mean: many people today say that this country is a multi-cultural, multi-faith society and it is grossly intolerant to state dogmatically that there is only 1 way to Heaven. However, the Bible clearly teaches that there IS only 1 way to be saved, and that is through faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as our Lord and Saviour.
Moreover, when it comes to conduct, society has undergone huge changes in the last 50-60 years, particularly in the realms of marriage and sexuality. However, the Bible is clear when it teaches that marriage is 1 man to 1 woman, and sex should be within marriage. Therefore, we stand by the Bible, not the ever changing rules of what is, and what is not, acceptable.
In the light of the foregoing, it is not erroneous to state that the Bible is infallible, BUT it does not go far enough.
The Bible is Inerrant
By the inerrancy of the Bible we mean that it is without error, not only in terms of belief and conduct, but also in terms of what is stated as fact. In other words no provable scientific fact, no provable historical fact, no provable geological fact, no provable archaeological fact and no provable geographical fact, will ever contradict what the Bible says.
I'm not stating that all we ever need to know in these fields comes from the Bible but, rather, that no provable fact, or discovery, in these fields, will be at odds with the Biblical record.
Over the years historians have questioned the veracity of the Bible with regards to places and people (for example cities, kings and rulers). However, discoveries made by archaeologists have substantiated what the Bible says. One example being the ancient city of Nineveh as mentioned in the book of Jonah. "Such a place never existed", said historians - until its ruins were discovered!
What do we say then, in conclusion?
However, to be strictly accurate, we need to recognise that there is a subtle difference between the two terms, as I will now explain.
The Bible is Infallible
When we say that the Bible is infallible we mean that it is the never failing, final authority, in all matters of faith and conduct. That is, despite the way society changes in its attitudes, we stand by the Bible's teachings when it comes to what we should believe, and how we should live.
Two examples will suffice to explain what I mean: many people today say that this country is a multi-cultural, multi-faith society and it is grossly intolerant to state dogmatically that there is only 1 way to Heaven. However, the Bible clearly teaches that there IS only 1 way to be saved, and that is through faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as our Lord and Saviour.
Moreover, when it comes to conduct, society has undergone huge changes in the last 50-60 years, particularly in the realms of marriage and sexuality. However, the Bible is clear when it teaches that marriage is 1 man to 1 woman, and sex should be within marriage. Therefore, we stand by the Bible, not the ever changing rules of what is, and what is not, acceptable.
In the light of the foregoing, it is not erroneous to state that the Bible is infallible, BUT it does not go far enough.
The Bible is Inerrant
By the inerrancy of the Bible we mean that it is without error, not only in terms of belief and conduct, but also in terms of what is stated as fact. In other words no provable scientific fact, no provable historical fact, no provable geological fact, no provable archaeological fact and no provable geographical fact, will ever contradict what the Bible says.
I'm not stating that all we ever need to know in these fields comes from the Bible but, rather, that no provable fact, or discovery, in these fields, will be at odds with the Biblical record.
Over the years historians have questioned the veracity of the Bible with regards to places and people (for example cities, kings and rulers). However, discoveries made by archaeologists have substantiated what the Bible says. One example being the ancient city of Nineveh as mentioned in the book of Jonah. "Such a place never existed", said historians - until its ruins were discovered!
What do we say then, in conclusion?
Firstly, we can have absolute confidence in the Bible as the Infallible and Inerrant Word of God and use the two terms together as it is both.
Secondly, given that it is God's perfect Word, we should commit ourselves to reading, studying, digesting and living it, on a daily basis; it is the very life-breath of the believer and, indeed, our spiritual oxygen for living out the Christian life.
Thirdly, we should, unashamedly hold it up for all to see and urge upon others the necessity of believing its central message viz. "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" - "repent, therefore, and be converted" 1st Timothy 1 v 15, Acts 3 v 19
Tuesday, 11 April 2017
2 "contradictions" in the Bible.
The opponents of the Bible often claim that it has contradictions.
Even many supposed "Christians" refuse to accept that it is infallible due to these alleged errors. They gleefully trot out example, after example, of mistakes that prove, so they say, that although the Bible has some value, it is not to be taken seriously, and certainly not to be called the inspired, inerrant and infallible Word of God (also invincible and indestructible, but we'll leave that for another time!).
2 such "contradictions" are outlined below and, at first glance, it may appear that the Bible's detractors have a point; but on closer inspection it will be seen that, once again, the Bible comes up trumps!
The number killed in a plague
In Numbers chapter 25, and the first 9 verses we read of a plague sent by God upon the Israelites for their gross immorality and idolatry. Verse 9 tells us that 24,000 people died in that plague. When this incident is mentioned in 1st Corinthians 10 v 8 it states a figure of 23,000 slain.
The Bible's opponents react with glee at this supposed discovery, and experience what I call a "Gotcha" moment! "These nutters who believe the Bible have a problem with this!!" Not so, my friend, read carefully. The Corinthians passage says that 23k died in 1 day. It doesn't say that number died in the whole plague. The answer to this supposed contradiction is simple, 24k died altogether, but only (?) 23k in 1 day, the others dying afterwards.
The look of chagrin on the unbeliever's face, at this point, would do credit to Mr Bean!
The payment made to Ornan/Araunah
Talking of plagues - another one was sent by God, this time as a judgement for David's pride in numbering the people. There are 2 account of this, in 2nd Samuel 24 and 1st Chronicles 21.
The plague went through the land and many died but it stopped above the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, also called Araunah, David then paid a sum to purchase this.
However, the sum mentioned in the Samuel passage is 50 Shekels of silver, in the Chronciles passage, 600 shekels of gold. Another "Gotcha" moment? Not so fast, my friend - read the 2 accounts carefully. The 50 shekels of silver was for the threshing floor and oxen, the 600 shekels of gold was for the whole place, which would have been the surrounding land and buildings.
Again, our opponents slink away with their tails between their legs, and the Bible is shown to be what it truly is - the very Word of God!
We can have absolute confidence in the trustworthiness of the Bible, not only as our final authority in all matters of faith and conduct but as a tome that is historically accurate in every detail.
As Proverbs 30 v 5 says: "Every Word of God is pure"
Even many supposed "Christians" refuse to accept that it is infallible due to these alleged errors. They gleefully trot out example, after example, of mistakes that prove, so they say, that although the Bible has some value, it is not to be taken seriously, and certainly not to be called the inspired, inerrant and infallible Word of God (also invincible and indestructible, but we'll leave that for another time!).
2 such "contradictions" are outlined below and, at first glance, it may appear that the Bible's detractors have a point; but on closer inspection it will be seen that, once again, the Bible comes up trumps!
The number killed in a plague
In Numbers chapter 25, and the first 9 verses we read of a plague sent by God upon the Israelites for their gross immorality and idolatry. Verse 9 tells us that 24,000 people died in that plague. When this incident is mentioned in 1st Corinthians 10 v 8 it states a figure of 23,000 slain.
The Bible's opponents react with glee at this supposed discovery, and experience what I call a "Gotcha" moment! "These nutters who believe the Bible have a problem with this!!" Not so, my friend, read carefully. The Corinthians passage says that 23k died in 1 day. It doesn't say that number died in the whole plague. The answer to this supposed contradiction is simple, 24k died altogether, but only (?) 23k in 1 day, the others dying afterwards.
The look of chagrin on the unbeliever's face, at this point, would do credit to Mr Bean!
The payment made to Ornan/Araunah
Talking of plagues - another one was sent by God, this time as a judgement for David's pride in numbering the people. There are 2 account of this, in 2nd Samuel 24 and 1st Chronicles 21.
The plague went through the land and many died but it stopped above the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, also called Araunah, David then paid a sum to purchase this.
However, the sum mentioned in the Samuel passage is 50 Shekels of silver, in the Chronciles passage, 600 shekels of gold. Another "Gotcha" moment? Not so fast, my friend - read the 2 accounts carefully. The 50 shekels of silver was for the threshing floor and oxen, the 600 shekels of gold was for the whole place, which would have been the surrounding land and buildings.
Again, our opponents slink away with their tails between their legs, and the Bible is shown to be what it truly is - the very Word of God!
We can have absolute confidence in the trustworthiness of the Bible, not only as our final authority in all matters of faith and conduct but as a tome that is historically accurate in every detail.
As Proverbs 30 v 5 says: "Every Word of God is pure"
Wednesday, 1 February 2017
We are ALL slaves.
From time to time I hear comments from the unsaved along the following lines: "I can't believe the Bible because it condones slavery" or, even, "I don't agree with the Christian faith because Christians, in the past, have used the Bible to justify the slavery" etc etc.
People who make such ill-informed and bigoted statements simply show their ignorance of the Christian faith, in general, and the Bible, in particular. They also show an attitude of rebellion against God's Holy Word, and are using spurious allegations to detract from their need to come to repentance, and faith in Christ as their Lord and Saviour.
Such people need to remember the fact that all of us, in our natural state, are slaves. We are slaves of sin and Satan. In John 8 v 34 Jesus made it clear that sinners are enslaved ; moreover, in 2nd Timothy 2 v 24-26, Paul states that the unsaved have been taken captive by the devil at his will, to do his will.
Indeed, the fact that there are so many people making ridiculous complaints against the Bible, only underlines the success of the devil in blinding them to their need of Christ.
What then is the answer to their predicament?
In 4 words: the sovereignty of God. In the 2nd Timothy passage, mentioned above, we read that, not only are the unsaved enslaved by Satan, but that God may yet be merciful to them in granting them release. How does He do this?
In John 3 v 8 Jesus inferred that the Holy Spirit is like a wind blowing where He wishes into peoples' lives. When the Holy Spirit so works in the unsaved, they are regenerated and brought to repentance from their sin, they come to faith in Christ as Lord and Saviour, they have a new life, they are also set free from Satan's bondage, and brought into the glorious liberty of the Christian life.
Having been brought out of Satan's evil slavery we are then brought into a good slavery. What do I mean by that? Simply this - 1st Corinthians 6 v 19-20 tells us that believers in Christ have been purchased with a price; this, of course, is the precious blood of Christ which not only cleanses, but redeems. In other words, we are the willing bond-slaves to a good and gracious master, the Lord Jesus Christ.
When people complain about slavery they tell us what happened at slave auctions. A man would come along and choose a person he wanted as a slave; he then paid a price and that bought one is his possession. In a sense that is what has happened to those of us who are saved. Christ has chosen us, he shed His blood to buy us, and now He owns us. Therefore, because He owns us, we are His willing and submissive slaves seeking to do His will day by day.
Let us glory in this type of slavery and rejoice that God has so worked in our lives that we have a true purpose in life - to glorify Him.
"....ye were not redeemed with corruptible things......but with the precious blood of Christ" 1st Peter 1 v 18-19.
People who make such ill-informed and bigoted statements simply show their ignorance of the Christian faith, in general, and the Bible, in particular. They also show an attitude of rebellion against God's Holy Word, and are using spurious allegations to detract from their need to come to repentance, and faith in Christ as their Lord and Saviour.
Such people need to remember the fact that all of us, in our natural state, are slaves. We are slaves of sin and Satan. In John 8 v 34 Jesus made it clear that sinners are enslaved ; moreover, in 2nd Timothy 2 v 24-26, Paul states that the unsaved have been taken captive by the devil at his will, to do his will.
Indeed, the fact that there are so many people making ridiculous complaints against the Bible, only underlines the success of the devil in blinding them to their need of Christ.
What then is the answer to their predicament?
In 4 words: the sovereignty of God. In the 2nd Timothy passage, mentioned above, we read that, not only are the unsaved enslaved by Satan, but that God may yet be merciful to them in granting them release. How does He do this?
In John 3 v 8 Jesus inferred that the Holy Spirit is like a wind blowing where He wishes into peoples' lives. When the Holy Spirit so works in the unsaved, they are regenerated and brought to repentance from their sin, they come to faith in Christ as Lord and Saviour, they have a new life, they are also set free from Satan's bondage, and brought into the glorious liberty of the Christian life.
Having been brought out of Satan's evil slavery we are then brought into a good slavery. What do I mean by that? Simply this - 1st Corinthians 6 v 19-20 tells us that believers in Christ have been purchased with a price; this, of course, is the precious blood of Christ which not only cleanses, but redeems. In other words, we are the willing bond-slaves to a good and gracious master, the Lord Jesus Christ.
When people complain about slavery they tell us what happened at slave auctions. A man would come along and choose a person he wanted as a slave; he then paid a price and that bought one is his possession. In a sense that is what has happened to those of us who are saved. Christ has chosen us, he shed His blood to buy us, and now He owns us. Therefore, because He owns us, we are His willing and submissive slaves seeking to do His will day by day.
Let us glory in this type of slavery and rejoice that God has so worked in our lives that we have a true purpose in life - to glorify Him.
"....ye were not redeemed with corruptible things......but with the precious blood of Christ" 1st Peter 1 v 18-19.
Thursday, 19 January 2017
3 reasons why people don't get saved.
About 16-17 years ago I had a conversation with a church elder about why people don't come to repentance and faith in Christ. "I don't understand it", he said, "why is it that people don't believe in the Gospel?"
My response was simple - "The sovereignty of God".
In this article I would like to expand on that statement by presenting 3 reasons why people do not believe; why they don't come to repentance and faith in Christ.
1. They don't believe because that is their natural state.
In 1st Corinthians 2 v 14 we read the following:
"The natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God because they are foolishness to him; neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned".
In, and of themselves, people will never come to repentance and faith in Christ. They love their sins too much (see John 3 v 19) and they have no desire to turn away from them. Unless God actually turns them to Himself, by opening their eyes and drawing them, then they will never believe. In John 6 v 65 Jesus said "...no-one can come to me unless it has been granted to him by my Father". Until people are given the desire to come to Christ then they will always revert to their natural state, which is unbelief; that is their default mode.
2. They don't believe because they have been blinded by the devil.
In 2nd Corinthians 4 v 4 we read that the devil has "blinded the minds of them that believe not". As the devil is stronger than people he is well able to overcome them. Indeed, he has taken people captive at his will, to do his will (see 2nd Timothy 2 v 24-26).
These poor creatures are helpless, they are held in the devil's grip and, unless a stronger person than the devil overcomes them, they will continue in their blindness and captivity. That stronger person is, of course, the Lord Jesus Christ. Until He deigns to move upon people, opening their eyes and releasing them from Satan's grip, they have no chance of being set free.
3. God has judicially given people over to their sin and its consequences.
This is the most controversial of the 3 reasons but it is, nonetheless, scriptural. In Matthew 13 v 11-12 Jesus made it clear that His disciples were privileged to be given an understanding of "the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven" and that others were not. Indeed, these 2 verses make it clear that when people were not given the understanding it was in line with God's sovereign will and purpose. Consider, too, what Jesus said in Matthew 11, verses 25-27. He clearly taught that certain truths were revealed to some and NOT to others because it was pleasing in His sight. Moreoever, truth would only be revealed to those whom God has chosen to reveal such.
Furthermore, in Romans 9 v 15 and 18 we read that God shows mercy to whom He wishes "and whom He wishes He hardens". (Incidentally, in chapter 1 of the same book, we read that the reason people engage in vile perversions is because God has given them over to such behaviour - see verses 18-32).
These are unpopular verses, even among Evangelical Christians. Many people will seek to explain them away but they are crystal clear and should be accepted at face value.
What, then, are the implications of the truths outlined above?
Firstly, if we are saved, we give all the thanks and praise to God for opening our eyes to our need of Christ, and drawing us to Himself.
Secondly, we can have complete confidence that, as we evangelise, God is at work. John 6 v 37 tells us that all people given to Jesus by the Father WILL come to Him.
Truly, we are on the winning side as God's will and purposes cannot be thwarted - Job 42 v 2.
My response was simple - "The sovereignty of God".
In this article I would like to expand on that statement by presenting 3 reasons why people do not believe; why they don't come to repentance and faith in Christ.
1. They don't believe because that is their natural state.
In 1st Corinthians 2 v 14 we read the following:
"The natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God because they are foolishness to him; neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned".
In, and of themselves, people will never come to repentance and faith in Christ. They love their sins too much (see John 3 v 19) and they have no desire to turn away from them. Unless God actually turns them to Himself, by opening their eyes and drawing them, then they will never believe. In John 6 v 65 Jesus said "...no-one can come to me unless it has been granted to him by my Father". Until people are given the desire to come to Christ then they will always revert to their natural state, which is unbelief; that is their default mode.
2. They don't believe because they have been blinded by the devil.
In 2nd Corinthians 4 v 4 we read that the devil has "blinded the minds of them that believe not". As the devil is stronger than people he is well able to overcome them. Indeed, he has taken people captive at his will, to do his will (see 2nd Timothy 2 v 24-26).
These poor creatures are helpless, they are held in the devil's grip and, unless a stronger person than the devil overcomes them, they will continue in their blindness and captivity. That stronger person is, of course, the Lord Jesus Christ. Until He deigns to move upon people, opening their eyes and releasing them from Satan's grip, they have no chance of being set free.
3. God has judicially given people over to their sin and its consequences.
This is the most controversial of the 3 reasons but it is, nonetheless, scriptural. In Matthew 13 v 11-12 Jesus made it clear that His disciples were privileged to be given an understanding of "the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven" and that others were not. Indeed, these 2 verses make it clear that when people were not given the understanding it was in line with God's sovereign will and purpose. Consider, too, what Jesus said in Matthew 11, verses 25-27. He clearly taught that certain truths were revealed to some and NOT to others because it was pleasing in His sight. Moreoever, truth would only be revealed to those whom God has chosen to reveal such.
Furthermore, in Romans 9 v 15 and 18 we read that God shows mercy to whom He wishes "and whom He wishes He hardens". (Incidentally, in chapter 1 of the same book, we read that the reason people engage in vile perversions is because God has given them over to such behaviour - see verses 18-32).
These are unpopular verses, even among Evangelical Christians. Many people will seek to explain them away but they are crystal clear and should be accepted at face value.
What, then, are the implications of the truths outlined above?
Firstly, if we are saved, we give all the thanks and praise to God for opening our eyes to our need of Christ, and drawing us to Himself.
Secondly, we can have complete confidence that, as we evangelise, God is at work. John 6 v 37 tells us that all people given to Jesus by the Father WILL come to Him.
Truly, we are on the winning side as God's will and purposes cannot be thwarted - Job 42 v 2.
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