Category Archives: Love for God

Belief about God, Gospel, Love for God, theology

The Doctrine of Adoption

1 Comment

“14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” (Romans 8:14-17)

The doctrine of adoption is often not given the attention it deserves. Prominence is given to other doctrines of grace, such as man’s justification or sanctification. And yet understanding the Christian’s adoption in Christ is crucial to a joyful and thankful life. I want to explore this doctrine, and use the text above as the starting point. Before getting into those specific verses it is imperative to come to terms with Romans more broadly speaking.

Paul has given his thesis in Romans 1:16, when he says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” Paul spends the next several chapters examining this gospel message more broadly that the Church often does. In chapters 1-3 he gives a jarring description of the sinfulness of man and his guilt before God his Creator. In chapters 4-5 he counteracts that dismal message with the reminder of God’s promise that salvation comes not by man’s works, but through faith in Christ alone. In chapters 6-7 he emphasizes the call to Christian holiness, but with a realistic acknowledgement of the struggle that comes along with it. Thus, the movement in the big picture of Romans is from man’s sin to God’s mercy to man’s holiness. That same progression is seen on a smaller scale in chapter 8.

In verse 1 Paul begins by announcing that there is “no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Condemnation is to be expected for sinful man, but those in Christ are spared. In verses 12-13 Paul follows that up by describing the changed life in Christ as putting “to death the deeds of the body.” So there is a contrast. On the one hand, the Christian is saved in Christ, but he is called to a changed life. The Christian cannot simply throw up his hands with a wry smile saying, “I cannot obey, but Christ has done so perfectly for me. I have His righteousness and therefore I am forgiven. There is nothing more to it.”

In Romans, the message is urgent. The first three chapters have pulled the fire alarm with its description of man’s sin. And despite the calls to holiness in light of Christ’s saving work, Paul’s cry in Romans 7:24 resonates with the Christian. “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” It is the grace of God that reconciles to man, but grace is not simply a phrase to be spoken. It is a deep, multifaceted gift from God.

Communion of Grace

Westminster Larger Catechism #69 introduces the notion of the “communion in grace” that believers have with the Lord which includes justification, adoption, and sanctification. These come to the Christian because they are united to the Lord through faith. And these facets of the Christian’s communion in grace with God must be held in balance to ensure the Christian experiences richness in their relationship with the Lord.

First, consider God’s grace in justification. Romans has described this doctrine in some detail in chaptes 4-5. Justification deals with man’s salvation in the legal sense. The guilty sinner stands before the judgment seat of Almighty God. That is the legal setting. Justification is the act in which the Righteous Judge pardons the sinner and declares him righteous. What a glorious truth. However, a person who lives before the Lord with an eye on justification only will relate to God strictly on legal terms, which is neither personal nor warm.

Second, consider God’s grace in sanctification. In chapters 6-7 of Romans the Christian has been called to turn away from sin unto obedience. That process is induced by grace but from man’s perspective certainly involves a sense of effort. That is true not only in Romans, but in other parts of the Bible as well. For example, in Hebrews 12:14 God exhorts His people to “Strive …for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” In Philippians 2:12 they are called to “work out,” their own salvation in fear and trembling. 2 Peter 1:5 adds “make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue.” Finally Colossians 3:5 tells them to “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you.” God in His grace equips the Christian for that spiritual battle, which is a wonderful truth. But if a Christian only relates to God in terms of his sanctification he will look at his life as a series of tasks and improvements to be done.

Justification held out of balance can be legal and impersonal. Sanctification held out of balance tends to make a man task oriented. But what if the Christian relates to God with these things put together? It may not improve things. The end result may be relating to God as a legally minded, impersonal taskmaster with a list of things to do. Adoption is the key missing ingredient.

Father, not Judge

Consider God’s grace in adoption. Adoption saves the Christian from relating to God in exclusively legal and/or performative terms. In Romans 8:14 it says, “All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” That marks a significant relational change for a man who before was guilty of sin. A person should relate to God as Judge only if he is outside of Christ. For those who have received their justification by faith, God is no longer judge, but Father.

Not everyone has the same experience in family, but people recognize what a family should be. In healthy homes children and parents do not relate to each other by citing contracts and ratifications of agreements. Instead, they relate to each other in love. Parents set boundaries for their children out of love, and children in turn obey their parents out of love. It would be absurd to see a family where the father is treated as a judge.

Of course, judges often do have families. And in their professional capacity it is normal for them to wear a long robe and to be addressed as “your honor.” However, if a judge were to behave that way at home, it should raise some eyebrows. Adoption is that Christian doctrine that shows the Christian’s relationship to God is altered from a legal one to a familial one.

Since adoption rightly frames the Christian’s relationship to God, Christians should know that they are adopted. Romans 8:16 explains that the Spirit’s testimony gives certainty in this regard: “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” That verse may seem a little subjective, but 1 John provides clarity. The testimony of the Spirit comes in the following ways:

First, the response to the gospel. 1 John 2:3 says, “And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep His commandments.” That means that a person who knows the gospel, will respond with a pursuit of holiness. Even if struggles remain, to pursue the commandments is a testimony of the Spirit about adoption. And God directs His children and calls them to walk this way and not that one.

Second, the confession of the gospel. 1 John 4:2 says, “By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God.” The testimony of the Spirit in not just one of understanding but also a desire to profess Christ.

Third, the understanding of the gospel. 1 John 5:20a says, “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we may know him who is true…” And more than that, from John’s gospel it is clear that an understanding of the truth comes from God the Holy Spirit. John 16:13a says, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” Anyone who understands the mysteries of the gospel and has a knowledge of Christ is displaying the work of the Holy Spirit.

In moments of doubt a Christian may say, “I don’t obey as I should.” And that most certainly will be true of anyone at times. But Romans 8:16 says, “we are children of God.” (emphasis mine). Yes, the Heavenly Father corrects sin. But He does so because He desires that His children would turn away from sin, and love the good instead. That truth should not lead to a spirit of slavery of fear, but cause the children of God to flee to Him for safety.

The Inheritance of Christian Sons

Christians are adopted sons and daughters, which means they have access to all the rights and privileges of a child of God. In fact, Romans 8:17 notes three things the Christian shares with Christ in adoption: First, a shared inheritance (they are “fellow-heirs”); 2. Second, a shared suffering (they will “suffer with Him”); and, 3. Finally, a shared glory (they are “glorified with Him”). Believers share all of these with Christ.

To share in Christ’s suffering means forsaking self and following the Lord. At a minimum, when the world says “yes”, but God’s word says “no” the Christian follows. That is the extent of suffering asked of the North American Christian. However, there are also brothers and sisters in other places who suffer far more acutely for belonging to Christ. They face persecutions of various degrees ranging from estrangement from family (which may happen in the United States too), to forfeiture of property or freedom, or even loss of life. To be glorified with Him is to be perfected in heaven with the Lord as is described in Revelation 21. But most significantly sharing in Christ’s inheritance is to receive eternal life.

Implications

The doctrine of adoption is a great benefit to Christians. Sins are forgiven, and holiness is pursued, but in the context of a loving Heavenly Father. Therefore think of your communion of grace with God in the following ways:

  1. Be assured of God’s grace in salvation. Romans gives a glorious picture of how God reconciles His people to Himself. Imagine the sinner standing in the defendant’s box. He is dead in sin and trespass. All the evidence is piled up and his face betrays his guilt. And instead of a guilty verdict God’s executes His just sentence on Christ instead. All the wrath of God over the sins of His people is poured out on Jesus on the cross, and so He welcomes His sons and daughters.
  2. Live as grateful children of God. For a young child, their parents are their whole world. When they learn a new skill they look for affirmation from their parents, exclaiming “Look mom, look dad!” Why do they want that attention? Because, more than anything, they want their parents’ approval. They do not need to motivate themselves to seek or express affection. They do not have an internal dialogue: “Oh man. I’ve got to make another card for mom today. Better get the production rolling.” They want to make cards for their parents. And that should be the heart of the Christian too when it comes to His heavenly Father. That is the lesson learned from  John 14:15 which says, “If you love me you will keep my commandments.”
  3. Remember, God is your Father. In my time as father I have received many cards and pictures from my children. The artwork is questionably, the grammar is almost non-existent, and the spelling is definitely not good. Sometimes it was not even clear to me what I was looking at. But never did it cross my mind to send the artwork back for revisions and edits. And God’s love is far more tender than any love a human father may have. God does not desire to judge you, Christian. He loves you with a perfect love.

    Pastor Geoff Gleason
    Cliffwood Presbyterian Church

 

Children, Christian Living, Love for God

Death and Dying – Part 1

4 Comments

When death casts its shadow over the brightness of life, it can shake you to the very foundations of your being. December 24, 2024 that shadow was cast over our home. After 26 years of life, our daughter Naya drew her last breath. Hers had been a difficult life. Only three days before she was placed on hospice care, genetic testing revealed she had a condition called Sanfilippo Syndrome. Her whole life she bore witness to the effects of sin through the deterioration of her body and mind. Physiologically she could not break down certain sugar molecules, which in turn accumulated in her body and gradually destroyed her central nervous system and brain function.

On July 2, 1998 my wife and I welcomed a precious daughter who became a vibrant, happy, and good-natured toddler who talked, laughed, joked, ran, played piano (a little), and wrote her name. By the time she turned four, though not knowing the name of her condition, we realized something was not right. By age 11 she began to have massive seizures. By age 14 her loss of skills was noticeable. By the time we laid her to rest she had long-since ceased to walk, talk, smile, feed herself, or interact with us in any noticeable way. In some sense, we said good-bye to Naya a little bit at a time. And yet at her death we realized just how unprepared we were for what was to come.

There was no doubt in our minds about God’s sovereign right to deal with us and our daughter according to His will and His ultimate goodness in all that He ordains. Because of our dependence on the truth of the gospel, there was no lack of hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:14 assured us with these words: “For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” We were realistic about what the future held for Naya. She had suffered so much pain in the months before her passing and we were aware how death would free her from that hardship. We knew that for Naya to live is Christ and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21). As a pastor I have encouraged people to grieve as those who have hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). And yet there was a definite weight and heaviness to the grief and it crashed over us with all the power of a tsunami wave.

I can testify to the saying that God refines us in the crucible of suffering. Not any one person could describe all the different forms that suffering may take, neither is that my intention here. However, I hope to give some of the lessons, which are still very fresh, that I have learned by facing death for the sake of comforting or preparing others who will certainly face the same trial.

Positive Lessons Learned

Not all the lessons learned through grief are corrective. God in His grace gave many instances where we were able to see, even in the moment, the good that He was doing through this painful circumstance. In Naya’s case, there was about a six week span were we slowly began to realize that the end was near for her. And in these six weeks we saw the Lord do wonderful things.

Dependence on God

There is no man who is not dependent on God for his life and breath. But suffering and hardship make that reality more apparent by increasing the awareness of the need of God. This need is often expressed through an increased desire for and practice of personal and family prayer. In our suffering we were more eager to go to Him in prayer in which we were encouraged by a constant awareness of the promises of God. Our powerlessness in the moment made us look to our Heavenly Father for strength and mercy. It is easy to become complacent in prayer, forget God’s promises, think there is always a human solution to any problem, or to divert your trust to doctors and nurses. Yet God alone governs, and the Christian should look to Him. Suffering reminded me of that truth.

Care from His People

God uses His people to care for His suffering children. A healthy Christian will spend more time ministering that receiving ministry. And it can make them slow to receive help. But the body of Christ, both local and extended, cared for us in our season of grief. They did so through expressions of sympathy, kind notes and cards, a mountain of casseroles that even our crew had trouble eating ourselves out of, and by being physically present at the funeral. To receive the ministry of the Lord’s people is a tremendous blessing.

Hope for the Future

People often live as if life will not always conclude with death. However, death is the inevitable consequence of sin. Naya’s short life bore out the fragility of what 2 Corinthians 5:1 calls “the tent that is our earthly home.” Modern medicine has made it possible to prolong life, and that can be a tremendous blessing. But there will be a moment when we all say good-bye to our earthly tent. It is impossible to hold on to this life forever. All must face the reality of the life to come. And the promises of the Bible remind the Christian that instead of agony over the end of life, there should be a hopeful expectation of eternal life for those who belong to Christ. The anticipation of that hope makes enduring death different for the Christian.

Painful Experiences Lived

And for all the wonderful lessons Christians learn through grief and pain, they are still…grief and pain. The Bible does not minimize sorrow in the face of death. Jesus Himself weeps at Lazarus’ tomb (John 11:35). Christians are exhorted not to “grieve as others do who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13), but that does not mean we are to deny grief and the pain of death altogether. Below are some of the more painful parts of death and dying.

The Shock of Death

However much end-of-life issues are discussed, I do not think anyone is actually prepared for the finality of it. My wife and I knew we would likely be the ones to release Naya into the Lord’s hands. And yet once the decision to put her on hospice care was made the finality of the decision pressed in on us. It set in motion a process where we were hurtling toward an inevitable conclusion. And even as you wait for death to come, nothing prepares you for that moment your loved ones takes that last breath. There is an agony that washes over you. It is a front-row seat into the awfulness of death. That pain and sorrow is incomparable to any other loss in this life.

Failures of the Past

Facing and experiencing the death of a loved-one also brings to mind failures in how you loved them. Moments of impatience otherwise long buried are resurrected in the mind with a vividness that makes it seem they were committed yesterday. Past failures to love as Christ loves His people become abundantly clear. And at times these remembrances can send shivers up your spine. All the excuses which might otherwise satisfy become obviously inadequate.

Sorrow over a Missing Companion

Death robs the living of the presence of those who have “fallen asleep.” This reality sinks in the days immediately following death as family routines are forever changed. In our case, the first mornings after Naya’s death we woke up prepared to bathe, feed, and care for her as we had for years before. And just as soon as the thought entered our minds we immediately were faced with the fact that we did not have that responsibility for her anymore. Places like empty bedrooms or favorite chairs can become monuments to a new and permanent absence.

These painful experiences, however sharp, are also used by the Lord to direct man to Himself. Though the Christian may feel great weakness in the moment, he should be comforted by the resurrection of Christ.

“‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’
‘O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?’”
(1 Corinthians 15:54b-55)

Comfort and tears can live side-by-side. The tears do not indicate a lack of trust in the Lord, but show a proper agony over the effects of sin and provide a proper framework for longing for heaven.

Next installment will look at how the intensity of grief over death can tempt us to stumble in certain ways.

Children, Christian Living, Love for God, Sanctification, Sin

The Christian and Conflict in the Extended Family – Part 2

Leave a comment

Last installment outlined the obligations of the Christian in his extended family. These are unique among all relationships a Christian may have in the world in that they are joined with the biblical directives to honor and provide for family. The complicating factor, as it is being considered, is that family, especially those who are not in Christ, can create significant disruptions in Christian homes. This second installment is looking beyond the biblical obligations and seeking to apply these things in the areas where it seems difficult.

Responding to Sin

It is possible to have many concerns about unbelieving family members, especially if relational tensions currently running high. The reality of a fallen world means that there are cautions that should be considered, even in light of the obligations to honor and provide as outlined in part 1. There are family members that are destructive and heinous sins that cannot be overlooked. These may rightly create the need for physical and/or emotional distance between family members.

Though not all complications that arise in families are of the same caliber; and though the principles of honor and provision always apply in some form, the fifth commandment is not to obeyed as an absolute command that can never considered with reference to  a particular circumstance. The Bible does not require the Christian to submit himself to public ridicule or physical danger caused by the unrepentant and repeated sin of an extended family member. It does not require parents to put their children in situations where they may be emotionally or physically hurt. In those instances the command to honor and provide is considered in tandem with the additional obligation to nurture and care for children. In those cases the biblical call to honor, love, act faithfully, submit, and be patient are still the default though the practice of these things may look different than in instances where the sin is not present.

Take, for example, a situation where a family member belittles others for their faith in Christ, constantly blasphemes the name of the Lord or whose temper is out of control, where physical or sexual abuse is a real danger. In these instances, it is right to obey the fifth commandment from afar. The sinful behavior of family members may require the Christian to remove themselves from their company (for a time, or maybe even permanently). In these few cases, the danger and damage of sin necessitates the removal, not some private desire for vengeance or getting even.

Responding to Annoyance

For most Christians, the answer to how to behave among unbelieving extended family members will not be found by considering the extraordinary circumstances described above. Again, these cases will be rare. The difficulty most Christians will have with extended family members is dealing with the minor hurts and annoyances that come with being a Christian among unbelievers. There may be a feeling of aloneness because no one in the family values the things important to the Christian. There may be exclusion from certain family events which are scheduled on the Lord’s Day and other things like these. How does the Christian navigate these annoying parts of life with unbelieving family members? Below are a few practical considerations.

Do not respond in like manner. People say hurtful things. Part of honoring unbelieving parents and family members in general is not to respond in like manner when they make small belittling comments. That does not mean the Christian could not respond in some way. More on that below. However, Christians are to bear with their enemies (Matthew 5:44). And if that is so for enemies, how much more for irritating family members.

When the Christian experiences minor hurt because of insensitivity or a sense of disapproval or disrespect, though there may be a natural distances that develops in those relationships, the Bible still calls the Christian to honor and provide. How can that be done?

  • By insisting that their children address unbelieving grand-parents, uncles and aunts with a proper respectful title.
  • By refraining from criticizing these extended family members in front of their children.
  • By making a point of sincerely thanking the unbelieving and difficult parent for the blessings they have bestowed on their family.

Other such verbal acknowledgements of respect or restraints of criticism are appropriate, even when there have been some minor emotional hurts that have been received.

Providing financially for family. Faithfulness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and can be seen in how the Christian member responds when unbelieving family members are in need. The Bible views financial assistance to family as an essential trait of Christian charity: “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”[i] It is not right to expect others, who are not related, to provide for parents, children, and siblings who are in need no matter how they have hurt or annoyed. Where help is needed, the Christian should be prepared to provide it, even if relationships are strained. That does not mean sharing a home, or even frequent visits. However, material care can and should be offered.

Providing clarity in the case of offenses. It can be difficult to speak or hurt and sin with those who hold a different understanding of how the world works. The risk of misunderstanding is great. But if an offense cannot be overlooked, Christians should communicate clearly the reasons and nature of the received offense also to unbelievers. That should be done with charity, not assuming guilt, seeking explanation, and with a desire to reconcile. Remember, “love covers a multitude of sins”[ii] and the Christian’s first impulse should be to cover in love. However, if covering is not possible, a honest, compassionate, but yet a direct explanation of the problem should be pursued. The outcome of this conversation may be distance in the relationship, either because the offender would not listen, or because the offender becomes angry because of the confrontation, no matter how gently it was done.

Be quick to forgive. The greatness of the forgiveness of the Lord for His people through Christ Jesus should make them the most eager to forgive others. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”[iii] It is easy to hold on to offenses. But because God does not hold on to the offense of the sins of repentant sinners, so also the Christian should be quick to forgive. That is especially the case with family members. Should they make an apology, the Christian should be quick to accept it, even if it is not framed in biblical terminology.

There is much more that could be said, but the summary of the fifth commandment by the Heidelberg Catechism gives a good starting point.

Q. What does God require in the fifth commandment?

A. That I show all honor, love, and faithfulness to my father and mother and to all those in authority over me, submit myself with due obedience to their good instruction and discipline, and also have patience with their weaknesses and shortcomings, since it is God’s will to govern us by their hand.[iv]

God is the One who establishes families, and also in His providence the specific members of families. They are not all easy to get along with, especially when they do not share a common faith. But in all instances, God is to be worshiped. And so the Christian should live among unbelieving family members with a desire to honor and love them, to help their family unit as needed, to show deference where possible, and to patiently bear with their weaknesses. It is not always an easy ministry, but it is a ministry that when done in obedience to the Lord gives Him great glory.

[i] 1 Timothy 5:8.

[ii] 1 Peter 4:8.

[iii] Ephesians 4:32.

[iv] Heidelberg Catechism #39, https://www.heidelberg-catechism.com/en/lords-days/39.html

Belief about God, Bible, Christian Living, church, Love for God

Responding to Hurricane Helene – Part 2

Leave a comment

Last installment the stage was set for a broader consideration of how the Christian should respond to God’s providence using Job 2:9-10. In the midst of tremendous loss, Job maintains his spiritual integrity, event worshiping God who he saw as taking things away from him. This topic is important especially for those who have just suffered the effects of hurricane Helene. And yet it is applicable to all because we are all subject to God’s providence.

The Providence of God

Westminster Shorter Catechism defines God’s providence in this way: “What are God’s works of providence? God’s works of providence are, his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures, and all their actions.”[1] In the book of Job the reader is challenged to understand how God governs His creatures and their actions, and how to properly respond to that reality. Since God governs all His creatures and all their actions, that means good times and disaster come from Him. God does not remove Himself from this world after He makes it as the Deists would teach, but continually governs it. He cares for the creation, superintending all His creatures and all their actions.

What Job teaches the Christian is that he should respond with the same level of contentment in both kinds of circumstances. And that is challenging. In some sense easy times make us complacent and hard times make us grumble, but from Job’s lips the Christian is reminded that we should receive both by remembering that it is God’s providence, His governance of his days that has brought these circumstances into being.

God’s Good Providences

In the book of Job the tension is not that he has received too many blessings from the Lord. It is rather the opposite. Job has experienced a shattering of his life and his tragedy is real. Even for those who have experienced this most recent hurricane, it is still predominantly true that those in the United States can sing with the psalmist: “The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.”[2]The vast majority of westerners live under God’s good providences, which are experienced in different ways.

His provision. The Lord provides for His people in a variety of ways. He does so materially by giving food, clothing, housing, and other possessions. He does so emotionally by blessing Christians with friends, family, and most often a spouse with whom to share life. He does so through the technological advancements of our time with vastly improved medical technology, and other inventions that provide ease and comfort in life. There are many others that could be listed here. Most of the time people hardly give these any thought, and even assume that these are their right. And yet because all men participated in the sin of Adam and add to that guilt daily by sinful thoughts, words, and deeds, it is in the provisions that God gives that He demonstrated His kindness.

His protection. In God’s governance of His creation there is security because in it God protects His people. In Job, the only reason the devil has access to him is that God gives him permission. Often in prayer meetings, Christians will pray for a “hedge of protection” around someone. That phrase is derived from the devil’s conversation with God. When the devil responds to God’s praise of Job’s faithfulness he says, “Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side?”[3] The Christian lives with the knowledge that nothing happens to him apart from the permission of his loving Heavenly Father.

Most often, the Lord directs these protections through secondary means. Parents are used to protect their children both physically and spiritually. The elders of the church exercise their office for the protection of faith and practice among God’s people. Governing authorities protect their citizens from evil and promote what is good. These institutions do not exist apart from God’s appointment, but are instances of His tremendous kindness in his good providences.

His pardon. The greatest aspect of God’s work of providence is the way He redeems people from the guilt of sin. All people are by nature guilty before God because of their sin. And yet some are declared righteous and pardoned from the guilt of their sin. It is God’s providence that any turn. None would be reconciled to God on their own. The condition of man is dire. He is “dead in sin and trespass”[4] and even Christians are naturally “children of wrath like the rest of mankind.”[5] There is no possible way to escape the significance of this natural condition. God’s merciful pardoning of sin is His ultimate demonstration of kindness.

It is good to remember and express these acts of kindness which God in His good providence has given to His people. That is especially true while living in the shadow of hurricane Helene. In hard times, people are tempted to think only of the tragedy. But Christians must remember the goodness and kindness of God which is experienced (and perhaps taken for granted) from day to day. Certainly it is easier to praise God when His providence provides for and protects you. It is easy to praise Him for His work of salvation. But there is much to be learned in the book of Job in giving thanks in all circumstances.

God’s Hard Providences

The tension in Job 2:9-10 is found in the conversation between Job and his wife. This family has just experienced a heart-wrenching tragedy. Their 10 children have been killed in a natural disaster, all their wealth is lost. But after his wife urges him to cut ties with God Job says: “Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?”[6] What does Job mean when he says he receives “evil” from God?

From the rest of Scripture it is abundantly clear that God is not capable of doing evil. For example, James 1:13 says that “God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.” That limits what Job might be saying. It cannot mean that he thinks God is behaving in an evil way toward him. The Bible says that interpretation is impossible. There is not any place for laying blame at God’s feet. The solution is not far away.

The Hebrew word translated “evil” in the ESV can also simply mean bad, or disaster. So it is not that God acts wickedly against Job in allowing this tragedy. Rather, the Bible is describing Job’s assessment of his circumstance. It does not seem far fetched at all that Job would describe his calamity as bad or a disaster. But the emphasis in Job is to teach the Christian how to respond properly when faced with a departure from the good times with which people are so familiar. It exhorts the reader to trust the Lord with all that happens in this life without judging the acceptability or fitness of His works. But that is not the only way that people respond to calamity. It is in Job’s exchange with his wife in Job 2:9-10 that the two basic responses to God’s hard providences are acted out.

Job’s wife acts in bitterness toward the Lord leading to what seems to be a rejection of Him. Many people are tempted to respond in this way. Job 2:9 records: “Then his wife said to him, ‘Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.’” Job’s wife concludes that her calamity, which is truly and in all ways to be considered a tragedy, is too hard. It pushes her to think, at least for a season, that God is not worth her time. At this time, Job’s spiritual integrity is a joke to her and his life is even worthless to her. She urges her husband to curse God and die. Perhaps these words are simply the cry of a broken heart. We are not told if she changes her tune. However, even in her devastating circumstances she charges God with evil and elevates herself to being wiser than He. She presumes to know the final result better than God does. This same sentiment is expressed when people express anger against God over a certain difficulty they have witnessed or experienced. Such a response is basically the same as the emotional state of Job’s wife, and Job calls it “foolish.”

By way of contrast, Job acts in contentment, bearing up under what God has assigned to him. Job’s acceptance of God’s hard providences is, in some sense, mind-boggling. Some of Job’s statements as he suffers his ruin are truly breathtaking. When he looses all his possessions, status, and children in a matter of minutes, he says: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.”[7] I wonder how many Christians today would make such a statement. When the devil strikes covers him with festering blisters from head to toes, he says: “Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?”[8] In both of these sayings, Job demonstrates a stunning and complete contentment with God’s providential ordering of his circumstances. And it is his acceptance of God’s working in his life that marks the lesson of Job. It is a lesson I have found myself needing to learn better as I have walked through the fairly minor inconvenience of the temporary loss of power, water, and mobility.

Application

In response to the Bible’s teaching on trusting God also in hard providences, I want to challenge Christians in two ways.

First, trust in the omniscience, and goodness of God. Especially in times of crisis, it is crucial for us to have the contentment of Job. If this man who suffered far more than most Christians ever have can praise God, the rest of the Church should be able to do so as well. That begins with a right assessment of the One who orders His creation. Man’s understanding of any event is limited. His knowledge takes only a small slice of what he is taught and experiences over a span of eighty years. But God is omniscient, meaning that He knows all things. There is no mystery to Him, nothing where He does not know the outcome. That makes Him trustworthy. He is good, meaning that He does not deal with His people for their destruction, but only for their building up. Who is man to make a final assessment of what good things the Lord will bring to him even in his hardship. From personal hardship, the deprivations caused by the hurricane have helped me. They have shown me my great reliance on Him, helped me see my own weakness, caused me to recalibrate my priorities. And He may have other plans besides the ones I recognize. But whatever His reason for hurricane Helene, He is wiser than any man and good in all His dealings. Therefore the Christian’s default should be to trust Him, and be content.

Second, rehearse the many great gifts God has given. Christians should keep themselves from being overwhelmed with the troubles of today by looking to the many instances of God’s kindness. Rehearse together how He has given life and health. Consider how many things could have gone wrong but did not. Reflect on the fragility of life and how the Lord has yet preserved His people these many days.

The reason people who are minimally affected by the effects of this hurricane are prone to grumble is because they have had a very comfortable life up to this point. That is not to make light of the devastation faced by communities and families in the Southeast. Their grief is justified. However, for the vast majority of people, their temporary loss of power, gasoline, and drinking water does not compare to the many good gifts the Lord has given them.

Finally, consider the greatness God’s work of salvation. He sent His Son to be the propitiation of sin. That means His Son was sent to satisfy the wrath of God over sin committed against Him. On the cross the Lord Jesus Christ bore God’s wrath. Whatever is endured in this life cannot be compared to that agony. Christ bore the infinite wrath of God. His Father forsook Him, turning His face away so that His people would not taste the agony of hell. He has done that for the good of His people. It is the greatest gift anyone might ever receive. That gospel truth is to be believed and rejoiced in. It is that perspective that helps people endure the hard providences God brings their way.

Conclusion

I do not think I will ever forget hurricane Helene. I think it will change how I respond to reports of storms for the rest of my life. But Christian, be reminded that the Lord is good, and the Lord is sovereign. Because He rules and reigns, the Christian says with Job: “The Lord gives and takes away…” Because the world is subject to God’s providence, the Christian’s grumbling should be changed to Job’s good confession: “Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” That does not mean that hardships are not hard anymore. It does not mean that loss does not bring about tears. But it does mean that whether facing easy or hard circumstances, Christians are to give thanks to God, praise His name, tell of His salvation, and rejoice for His steadfast love endures forever.

[1] Westminster Shorter Catechism #11.

[2] Psalm 16:6 (ESV).

[3] Job 1:10.

[4] Ephesians 2:1.

[5] Ephesians 2:3.

[6] Job 2:10.

[7] Job 1:21.

[8] Job 2:10.

Belief about God, Christian Living, Love for God

Responding to Hurricane Helene – Part 1

2 Comments

I have never been one to pay particularly close attention to storms. I have always lived in places where the threat of them was more significant than the actual event. Sure, I have lived through major snow storms, tornado warnings and landings, ice storms that cut off power and conveniences for a day. But all of that changed on September 27, 2024. There had been some rain the day before. That is what I was used to in Augusta, GA. Hurricanes and Tropical Storms would vent their fury on places further south, and we would have to put up with a day of fairly heavy rain. So I had assumed that would be all: some rain on Thursday, but on Friday everything would continue as per normal. But I was mistaken.

At around 3 a.m. on the 27th I woke up aware that someone was moving around downstairs. Noticing my wife missing from the bed, I went to find out what she was doing. I could hear the rain and gusts of wind, but it did not seem too significant to me. I went and checked on her and finding everything ok, I returned to get some more sleep. One hour later I woke up to find a living room full of Gleasons, alarmed at the noise of the wind and rain pelting the house. I encouraged them to be productive with their time if they were going to be up (yes, I’m that kind of dad), and again returned to get some more sleep. One hour later I woke up because I could feel the house shifting as the gusts of wind whistled outside the windows. At this point, unwilling to die by myself on the second floor, I made it downstairs and sat in the dark (power was out and would not be restored for almost 5 days) with the rest of the family. By God’s grace the storm may have raged but the damage to our house was minimal. The same cannot be said for many others.

When the dawn broke and we were able to go and assess the damage, it was like a war zone. Trees were down everywhere around the city, in some instances having crushed houses and cars. Traffic lights did not work anywhere making every intersection dangerous and challenging. Almost no houses had electricity, and there was no prediction as to when it would be restored. Cell phone service was spotty making the ability to communicate with our church family tricky.

The following Sunday, September 29, little had changed. People had helped each other remove fallen trees and other debris, but the infrastructure was not restored. In fact, the situation became more challenging for many Augusta residents because the Utilities Department decided to shut off water to all houses. Food was beginning to rot in refrigerators, gasoline was beginning to run out, and people were beginning to become very concerned, and even tense. So how is the Christian to address such a situation. As the members of Cliffwood (who were able to get to the church) gathered, we considered together the lessons God’s word gives us from Job 2:9-10:

“Then his wife said to him, ‘Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.’ But he said to her, ‘You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?’ In all this Job did not sin with his lips.”

Context of Job 2:9-10

This snippet of a conversation between a husband and wife has a context. The reader is not just overhearing some terse words exchanged because of the strain and stress of an average day. Job and his wife have just been completely ruined.

From Job 1:1-5 it is clear that Job is a very wealthy man with a large family. The accounting of his possessions are foreign to a modern North American, but his 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, 500 female donkeys, and many servants establish Job as “the greatest of all the people of the east.” (Job 1:3). In addition, he is reported to have seven sons and three daughters (Job 1:2). Job is at the top of the pile, but in a very short space of time he is reduced to nothing through catastrophe and disaster.

In Job 1:13-19, four different reports come to him. The first report is that all his oxen and donkeys were stolen by the Sabeans (v. 14-15). The second report tells of fire burning up Job’s sheep and attending servants (v. 16). The third announces that the camels and attending servants have been stolen by the Chaldeans (v. 17). And the fourth, and most tragic, is that all 10 of Job’s children have been killed when the house in which they are visiting with each other collapses (v. 18-19). What is even more catastrophic is that these reports come to Job one after another. While the current report is given to Job, the next messenger arrives (see v. 16, 17, & 18), where the narrator records that while the messenger was still speaking the next messenger arrived. That means that Job loses his wealth, status, and all his children in a matter of minutes. And that would be tragic enough, and yet Job endures more.

Starting in Job 2:1-6, Job also loses his health. It says that Job was struck with “loathsome sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.” (Job 2:7). This once-great man went from being the greatest man in the east to sitting in the ash heap, scraping himself with a piece of pottery to gain some relief from his festering blisters. And what is truly stunning in it all is the way in which these hardships came to Job and his family.

Job was thus afflicted as the result of two meetings between God and the devil. The first is recorded in Job 1:6-12, and the second in Job 2:1-6. In each meeting, God praises Job for his faithfulness, but the devil suggests that Job serves the Lord because he has privilege. Each time the devil asks God for permission to afflict His faithful servant. And perhaps astonishingly to us who have but a limited understanding of God’s good plans, He grants Satan’s request. In the first meeting Satan is permitted attack Job’s possessions and in the second his health. And yet, this account is not about how a man handles circumstances well. Job is the account of how a man is content when God brings what William Cowper calls a “frowning providence” in his hymn God Moves in a Mysterious Way.

Next it is left to determine just what forms God’s providence can take and how Christians should respond to it.

Love for God, worship

God’s Faithfulness to His People

Leave a comment

Today is Reformation Day. Really it is a bit of misnomer, because the reformation of the church is not confined to one day of the year. There is a good reformation principle that the church should remember: semper reformanda. In English this phrase means “always reforming.” This principle teaches that when the church is made aware of sin it must always correct and address it. 

And yet though the church should always be reforming, remembering God’s care during the Protestant Reformation is healthy. This day  commemorates a season of  radical correction in a church that had become increasingly corrupt. And for that reason the church continues to celebrate and remember God’s work among His people.

His patient faithfulness. There is no reason, apart from His perfect plan that God should extend mercy to those who are in the church. All have sinned and fall short of His glory. On Reformation Day the church thanks the Lord for preserving His witness in the world so that His people can be called out of it.

The need for diligent watchfulness. There is no historical era where the church is exempt from corruption and sin. The church is responsible to guard Christ’s teaching and practice. When men corrupt those things, others must stand firm. That is true for the church in the 21st century as well.

So we thank God for His faithfulness and we pray for His strength to serve Him well in preserving the the witness of the church.

Christian Living, Love for God, Uncategorized

True Christian Joy

Leave a comment

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”

Those words form part of the conclusion of Paul’s letter to the Philippians, and they have been quoted as the beginning of the Christian life ever since. Christian joy is a mark of the work of the Spirit in the believer, and manifests itself as a response to a saving knowledge of God and includes the following expressions: 

Contentment. When the work of the Lord and His salvation is the ultimate anchor of your joy, the circumstances you face, although possibly difficult, will not rob you of your joy. A grumbling spirit will be replaced by a contented one.

Worship. Joy is not something you can simply hold, turn over, and examine as if it were a math problem, or a philosophical notion. Joy overflows out of the heart into an expression. When joy is expressed to God it always takes the form of worship: proclaiming His goodness in the presence of the saints.

Selfless Service. Joy is not only expressed to God, but also to man. Our joy in the Lord is also seen in how we care for each other. We love God’s people because He loves God’s people. The care we show to each other is not primarily an activity of doing good things, but rather living out the joy we have in Christ.

I pray that our joy in the Lord would increase. That as we learn to love Him together, we would grow in our love for each other too. 

church, Love for God, Man, PCA General Assembly

The Church of Christ and His People

Leave a comment

Marriage Introduction

If you are in the presbyterian and reformed world, it is the season of General Assemblies and Synods. In my view it often turns into silly season. Never do I see as many people who profess faith in the doctrine of God’s sovereignty wring their hands over the condition of the church. Chicken Little has nothing on us. However, at the same time there are significant issues that face the church of the Lord, and also my own denomination, the Presbyterian Church in America. It can be argued that much reform must take place in the Western Church as a whole. It is overrun with the entertainment culture of the world and the philosophies of man found in the world’s approach to social justice and a host of other issues ranging from marriage to sexual purity. What, then, is the balance between genuine concern for the purity of the church and a sinful worry? Certainly this is not the first time the church finds itself in need of reform.

In Revelation 2-3 the Spirit writes His letters to the seven churches. These churches, in most cases, have issues they need to address. The Ephesians had lost their first love (Rev. 2:4). Pergamum and Thyatira are tolerating aberrant theology (Rev. 2:14; 20). Sardis is dead (Rev. 3:1), Laodicea is lukewarm (Rev. 3:16). Those descriptions are certainly not confidence inspiring. Further, in the Pauline epistles we read of churches which have most definitely lost their way. The Galatian church is in danger of being overtaken by legalists who advocate a return to the Mosaic ceremonial laws (Gal. 3:3). The Corinthians… they’ve taken it to a whole new level. They tolerate sexual immorality not even accepted in the world (1 Cor. 5:1). There is drunkenness at the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 11:21). Likewise in James’ letter, the church is overcome with favoritism (Jam. 2:6). Surely this cannot be the same church that Christ said would withstand the very gates of hell! (Matt. 16:18).  And yet it is. It is the church filled with people acting out their sinsful nature which is, as yet, not removed. So how are we to build up this church?

Address Error in humility. I had a good talk with a friend of mine who was critical of conservative reformed Christians over their tone. And he is right. To some extent, the conservative Christian world has taken on the error of the Ephesian church (Rev. 2:1-7) who was theologically correct, but lacked love for the Lord. It is true that the Lord preserves His church through people who stand for the truth. It is right for Christians to desire to be those people, but they must be realistic about their own faults as well. Recognizing personal sin is crucial in being able to reprove with gentleness an humility. Among the seven things that God hates in Prov. 6:16-19 are haughty eyes, and sowing discord among brothers. The right theology argued from a position of pride, mocking and ridiculing other Christians does this very thing. Therefore it is important to deal gently with the flaws of others, as long as is possible, remembering that all theologians hold their convictions as sinful men.

Speak the truth. On the flip-side, in church history men have been silent about the truth when they should have spoken because of the fear of man. Why is it that Paul was the only one who spoke to Peter in Gal. 2:11-14? Barnabas was there, and he could have spoken, but it says there that they were silent because they were “fearing the circumcision party.” How many could have spoken before Martin Luther et. al did in the early 16th century? There were many. And yet the fear of man or the love of position and influence kept mouths shut. That is not how the church is served. It is the task of all Christians, and church leaders especially, to be faithful to the word of God and not show favoritism (Gal. 2:11-14). The preoccupation of the church should be with the purity of the bride of Christ, purchased with His blood, whose faithfulness He desires.

Pray. The bride of Christ may be oppressed from without or corrupted from within. But Christ bought her with His own blood. He loves her far better than any man could. And besides, He is the Almighty One. So interceding for His bride in prayer should really be step one. In John’s gospel, prayer to God through Christ is the right method of prayer (John 14:13; 15:16; 16:23, 24, 26). This is the church of Christ. The gates of hell will not prevail against it because they cannot prevail against Him.

While living in this world it is right to fight for the purity of the church in this world (the church militant). This article represents some guiding principles as we engage in this struggle. The Lord is sovereign, also over today’s church which is so very flawed. Come quickly, Lord Jesus, and make Your bride into the church triumphant!

10 Commandments, Belief about God, Gospel, Love for God

Obedience is not legalism

Leave a comment
Ten Commandments

“Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’” (Galatians 3:11, ESV)

“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?” (Romans 6:1-2, ESV)

There are few theological conversations that give me more heartburn than those in which the word “legalism” is tossed around with great liberality. Within the context of a discussion on obedience to God’s law, an objector may claim legalism on the part of the one asserting the need for obedience. It is certainly possible that the person calling for obedience is engaged in legalism, but it is not necessarily so. I’m convinced a right understanding of the meaning of this word will keep me from reaching for my bottle of chewy Tums.

Assuming that in the scenario describe above, the word “legalism” is being used to describe meticulous obedience to God’s law, it is important to begin by saying that meticulous obedience is not legalism. Meticulous obedience can be legalism, but it can also be a glorious expression of love to God for the work of Christ on behalf of the sinner. Jesus himself calls for meticulous obedience to the Lord in His Sermon on the Mount: 

“Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:19) 

Even the least of the commandments should not be relaxed, according the Jesus. That principle is seen in action in many places in the Bible. For example, Adam plunges the whole human race into sin and misery by something as simple as eating a piece of fruit. In Num. 15:32-36, a man is stoned to death for the harmless act of collecting sticks on the Sabbath. Why? Because taking these actions was in direct opposition to the explicit commandment and instruction from God. So a narrow assessment of the duties of a law is not sufficient to indicate legalism. Laws and commandments are by definition narrow, also the ones given by the Lord. So what is legalism?

Using the word “legalism” is valid in one of two scenarios. First, it is when something, anything is added to the doctrine of justification by faith. That was the sin of the Galatian Judaizers. Their claim was that you were saved by faith in Jesus plus observance of the ceremonial laws. Derek Thomas has referred to this addition as the “damnable plus.” This distortion of the gospel adds a human element to the innocence of the Christian. Law keeping plays a contributing role in salvation. But as it says in Gal. 3:11 (above), man is not justified in such a way. Christ’s perfect obedience to all of God’s commandments and His righteousness only, are credited to the believer through faith. Anyone who changes that gospel is a legalist and, according to Paul, should be accursed (Gal. 1:8,9).

Second, it is to assert that an application of God’s word that you find particularly helpful is binding on everyone else. In a sense you are elevating your preference to the same status as God’s Law and in so doing practice idolatry. The bedtime for young Gleason children is 7 p.m., rain or shine, and therefore all others must do the same. Or, perhaps a more contemporary example would be around mask wearing. I think wearing masks is a good idea, so therefore everyone must wear a mask. Or I think mask wearing is a bad idea, therefore no one should wear them. Anyone who differs from me in practice is either sinning (worst case) or lacks the wisdom that I have (still not good). That also is the work of the legalist.

To recognize the right use of the word “legalism” helps give the Christian balance in his use of the word. Law keeping, even detailed law keeping, is not an indication of legalism. As Paul says, “For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.” (Rom. 2:13). Or James says, “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” The point is not that law keeping makes you righteous. Rather, when you have been made righteous through Christ, you will desire and be careful to keep His commandments. When charges of legalism are flippantly used to silence calls for obedience, God’s authority is denied and the Christian’s expression of love to his Savior is silenced. If a Christian finds keeping God’s specific commandments a burden, then something has gone wrong. In John 14:15 Jesus says, “If you love me you will keep my commandments.” That is not legalism. Legalism is rule keeping with the hope of earning salvation. It is to load a burden on a brother that God never set on him. But if God has given a commandment, it is incumbent on the Christian to obey it totally, carefully, and perfectly. That is not a burden to the redeemed Christian. In fact it is his delight.

10 Commandments, Belief about God, church, Love for God, worship

Why the Church Must Meet

Leave a comment
Ten Commandments

Throughout the COVID crisis, the church has faced pressures from without and within. From without there has been an unfair restriction placed on the church. As has been seen in Nevada, casinos and the gambling industry have been granted greater leniency than churches, and the Supreme Court of the United States upheld Nevada’s law with a 5-4 decision. And that is just one example. Others, such as liquor stores, home improvement stores, and grocery stores, continue servicing their clientele, having been deemed necessities, while the church has been denied that status. The church has largely acquiesced to the executive orders of the civil magistrate based on the Biblical injunction to honor the civil magistrate and to extend love to our fellow man by protecting them from COVID. And yet, is the prevailing wisdom truly the best way to honor God and love our neighbor?

Especially at the beginning of the COVID scare back in March and April, many churches were willing to temporarily suspend in-person worship, opting for live-streamed services instead. The nation, and the world really, wrestled to understand what COVID was. Over time, as information has been gathered, and the “curve” seemed to flatten, doors were cautiously re-opened. Some members still have stayed away from in-person worship. But is it really wise and God-honoring to neglect gathering together to worship of the Lord?

The foundation of my concern rests on the first commandment: “You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3). Here God claims the preeminent place in the hearts of His people. That unique place is reinforced in the summaries of the 10 commandments given in the gospels: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39). Currently the church has focused on the commandments that help it love its neighbor, at the expense of the commandments that direct it to love God.

The church is failing to examine the Scriptures to see if the church is ever described as forfeiting gathering there. Perhaps there are examples in Scripture where the church ceased meeting to avoid a particular danger. COVID is not the only danger in the world. Surely there must be some instance where the New Testament church closed its doors. An examination of Acts shows this did not happen even when the church was under a danger far graver than COVID-19.

Perhaps the most pressing danger facing the apostolic church at its formation was persecution. The church was small, and people were being killed for their profession of faith in Christ. And yet Scripture testifies that persecution did not have the intended effect of suppressing the worship of God’s people.

  • In John 20:19, even though the disciples were afraid of the Jews, they were still gathering.
  • In Acts 4:31, after Peter and John were released from being arrested for preaching the gospel, they “went to their friends.” (v. 23), who were all “gathered together.”
  • In Acts 8:4, after the disciples are scattered because of the death of Stephen and subsequent persecution, they continue to preach the word of God wherever they go. There is an identifiable group that forms in Samaria, to which the apostles send Peter and John (Act 8:15).
  • In Acts 12:12, Peter’s arrest and subsequent unjust imprisonment prompts the church to “gather together” to pray for him.

In other words, even the danger of persecution does not cause the early church to forfeit meeting together. That is because the worship of God is paramount. It should supersede all other earthly activity, because it is the one activity that anticipates heaven. When a church, or members of a church, do not meet together to avoid COVID, a statement is made. Implicitly or explicitly the church, or a part of it, is saying that it is more important to avoid contracting COVID than it is to worship the Lord. And yet in Hebrews 10:24-25, it is the gathering of the saints that is seen as essential to the sanctification of the believer, and not to be neglected: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

I will say it as strongly as this. When the church forsakes worship for a disease like COVID, it is showing love for self, not for God. It is recreating God in its own image, preferring the temporary physical health that isolating may provide, to the praise of the God who made and redeemed His people. This is not saying anything about modified worship, worship out of doors, the use of masks in worship. I have opinions about all those things, but they are not the focus of what is being said here. The point today is that Christians are not loving God by staying away from church because He commands the assembly of His people, and to show love for God is to walk according to His commandments (John 14:15, 1 John 5:3, 2 John 6). God must be loved more that anything in this life. But there is a second principle that flows from this central point.

One of the reasons given for suspending in-person worship is that the church must love its neighbor. However, right now the world is constantly coming face-to-face with death, the very reminder of the coming judgment. They are constantly being told that their death is just around the corner and it is terrifying the world. And yet when the church ceases to meet, these hopeless and lost souls have only the equivalent of a TV show to sustain and comfort them. No doubt they may hear truth, but they will not experience it in the context that God designed: a living, communing body of believers. It is neither loving, nor caring to close the doors of the very place where hope in times of panic can be found, where fellowship can be experience, and where the splendor of heaven is anticipated each Lord’s Day.

My dear friends, the church must consider carefully what it does today. Its actions are making a statement. The next generation of the church is watching the decisions of today. And they are seeing a church that prefers temporary, physical health over the worship of the Lord. And they are learning. The church is folding on an issue that does not pose a significant risk. And if it folds today, what will it do when a real crisis comes along.

In my county, there are 202,403 people. In this county, there has definitely been an increase of reported cases in recent weeks. As of today (August 3, 2020), the total number of people infected with COVID as reported by the Georgia Department of Public Health is 3,719, of which 1,485 (40%) were diagnosed in the last 2 weeks. And yet the number of deaths remains relatively low at 83. The church has to consider the math. A Richmond County resident has a 1.84% chance of contracting COVID. That means 98 out of 100 people will never get this disease. Even more staggering, only 4 out of 10,000 will die of this disease. That means a Richmond County resident has a 99.96% chance of living through COVID. That is not to minimize the tragedy of death, but rather to show just how low the risk is. The risk of dying from COVID is lower that many elective surgeries! 

The church of Christ has been purchased for worship. It has been set apart to worship the Lord. And it is never free to cease to be what it was created by God to be: the body of Christ established on earth to sanctify the saints and call sinners to repentance. To change or deny that work is to have other gods before the Lord.