The Op Roper

8/6/2019 The Op Roper

1/46

Theology Proper

The Knowability of God

Comparatively speaking, God is the only thing worth knowing (Jer. 9:23-24). But as CarlHenry observed, contemporary man seems to have lost Gods address. But that is not all.He is unsure how to pronounce Gods name, and, at times, unsure even of that name, orwhether, in fact, God is nameable.1

But the fact is man may knowaboutGod, and he may actually know God. The pursuit ofknowing God is especially appropriate for man even though in this age our knowledge ofGod will always have its limitations. The capacity to know God is a gift Jesus Christ givesto His people (John 17:3). Scripture has a special promise to those achieving knowledge ofGod (Dan. 11:32).

"What comes into our minds when we think about God si the most important thing aboutus."A.W. Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy

"Nothing will so enlarge the intellect, nothing so magnify the soul of man, as a devout,earnest, continued investigation of the great subject of Deity. The proper study of theChristian is the Godhead. The highest science, the loftiest speculation, the mightiest

philosophy which can engage a child of God is the name, the nature, the person, thedoings, and the existence of the Great God, which he calls his Father. There is somethingexceedingly improving to the mind in a contemplation of the Divinity. It is a subject sovast that all our thoughts are lost in its immensity; so deep that our pride is drowned in itsinfinity. Other subjects we can comprehend and grapple with; in them we feel a kind of

selfcontent, and go on our way with the thought, "Behold I am wise." But when we come tothis master science, finding that our plumb line cannot sound its depth, and that our eagleeye cannot see its height, we turn away with the thought, "I am but of yesterday and know

nothing."Charles Spurgeon

I. The Fact of Gods Knowability

A. Like knowing other things in the universe: Although He is totally unique, mansknowledge of God is on the same basis as any other kind of knowledge. It comesthrough our experience, through reason, by the report of others, through intuition,through revelation, and through faith.

B. A warm, personal, understanding relationship:

Exodus 33:1

Numbers 6:25

John 1:18C. The Attitude of the Knower Heb. 11:6

We can never achieve a knowledge of God by chasing question marks, or byyielding ourselves to be tossed by every wind of doubt.2

1Carl F. H. Henry, God, Revelation and Authority (Waco: Word Books, 1982), V:9.2Costen J. Harrel,I Believe in God(New York: Abingdon PRess, 1958).

-1-


2/46

Theology Proper

The idea of God is a gift of God, as truly as any other gift proceeding from thedivine hand.3

If thou sayest, Show me thy God, I answer Show me first thy man, and I willshow thee my God. God is seen, by those who can see him, when they open theeyes of their soul. Theophilus

D. Mans Capacity to Know God Rom. 1:18ff

We shall always find all nations of the world more prone to idolatry than toatheism, and readier to multiply than to deny the deity. 4

II. The Limitations on Gods Knowability

John 17:3 God is Knowable Job 11:7 God is Incomprehensible

A. We are limited by our humanity Job 11:7

True knowledge of God can be acquired only from the divine self-revelation, andonly by the man who accepts this with childlike faith5

B. We are limited by our depravity Eph 2:1ff; 4:17-19; 1 Thes 4:5

John 7:17 Colossians 1:9ff

III. Methods of Knowing God

Men can know God, and He has revealed Himself sufficiently to make the process

possible. In general, men may follow the same procedures in knowing God that theyuse in knowing the universe as a whole. Knowing God, of course, entails a doublechallenge not only of acquiring knowledge, but also being willing to act on thatknowledge.

A. General Revelation

1. Nature reveals something of God

Rom 1:20

Psalm 104:24

Acts 14:17

2. Human history reveals something of God

Psalm 135:10

Acts 17:263. Moral conscience in man reveals something of God

3Willian G.T. Shedd, Dogmatic Theology. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1969), V:1.4L. Thomas Holdcroft, The Doctrine of God, (Oakland: Western Book Company, 1978), p. 2.5Louis Berkhof, Systematic Theology. (Grand Rapids: WM. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1974).

-2-


3/46

Theology Proper

Rom 2:14-15

4. Shortcomings of general revelation

Limited in Scope:

Limited by the interpreter:

B. Special Revelation

Gods specific provisions to make Himself known to mankind constitute the variousforms of special revelation.

1. Theophonies: Personal visit from God in a visible manifestation. Gen 18:1-22 Josh 5:13-15 Exod 40:34-38

2. Communications: Dreams, visions, audible voices, messages of the prophets,various physical devises (e.g. urim & thummim).

Exod 33:11 1Sam 3:1-21 1 Kings 19:11-16 Gen 28:12-16 1 Kings 3:5-15 Dan 2:19, 28

Cf the believer today: 1 John 5:20; 2:20, 27; Eph 1:17-19; 3:16-19

3. Miracles

Acts 2:22

4. Jesus Christ

John 14:9

Heb 1:1, 2

Matt 11:27

5. Personal Experience

Psalm 34:8

Gal 4:9

-3-


4/46

Theology Proper

All my knowledge of Him depends on His sustained intiative in knowing me. Iknow Him, because He first knew me, and continues to know me.6

6. The Scriptures

In His self-revelation in the Bible, God not only reveals things aboutHimself,He actually revealsHimselfwith a wealth of essential data. Scholars commonlyassert: The New Testament does not develop any new or distinct doctrine of Godnot found in the Old Testament. The God who became incarnate in Jesus Christwas not a new God, but specifically a visible revelation of God. Necessarily,Gods overall revelation should be written because the total content of divinetruth is too complex for any other mode of communication. Overwhelmingly, thewritten Bible constitutes a massive revelation of God that is comprehensive andunified, and just as complete as the mind of man is able to comprehend.7

IV. The Responsibility of Those Who Know God

The Glory of God. What is the chief end of man? To (1) Glorify God and (2) enjoyHim forever.1Peter 4:11 1Corinthians 10:31

A. Two Aspects to the Glory of God

1. Intrinsic Glory of God

Isaiah 42:8

1Corinthians 1:26-29

2. Ascribed Glory of God

1Corinthians 6:20

B. How Can We Glorify God?1. Appreciation: To set God highest in our thoughts.

Psalm 92:8; 97:9

2. Adoration: Worship; calling back to God who and what He is.

Psalm 29:2

Psalm 22:3

Thomas Watson, This divine worship God is very jealous of; it is the apple of

6J.I. Packer, Knowing God(London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1973), p. 41.7L. Thomas Holdcroft, The Doctrine of God(Oakland: Western Book Company, 1978), p. 7.

-4-


5/46

Theology Proper

His eye, the pearl of His crown; which He guards, as He did the tree of life, withcherubim and a flaming sword, that no man may come near to violate it.

3. Affection: God counts Himself glorified when He is loved. Deut 6:5

4. Dedication Romans 12:1-2

C. Why Should We Glorify God?

1. Because HePsalm 100:3 It is He who hath made us

2. Because He hasProverbs 16:4

3. Because the Glory of God has

Watson: Gods glory is more worth than heaven, and more worth than thesalvation of all mens souls. Bettern kingdoms be thrown down, better men andangels be annihilated than God should lose one jewel of His crown, one beam of

His glory.

4. BecausePsalm 19:1 The heavens declare His gloryIsaiah 43:20-22 The beast of the field glorify God

5. BecausePsalm 39:72Thes. 2:16

-5-


6/46

Theology Proper

Additional Notes

Systems of Perception Used In Theology

Epistemology: (Greek, ejpisthvmh understanding, and lovgo, discourse) the theory of sciencethat investigates the origin, nature, methods, and limits of knowlege. How do we know and how do

we know that we know?

1. Rationalism:simply means that the mind is the criterion for reality. This is perception through reason.(Rationalism in philosophy is the theory that reason is in itself a source of knowledge, independent of thesenses.)

2. Empiricism: this brings the sensory system into the pictureperception through observation andexperimentation. This is the scientific method. Reality in empericism is what you smell, see, hear, taste,feel or measure in some way.

3. Faith: the means of perception which accepts an established criterion as the basis of reality. It isdependent on your confidence or belief in the authority and truthfulness of another.

1 Corinthians 2:9-10

Faith is a necessary means of knowing spiritual reality 2Cor 5:7; Heb 11:1.

We could only learn of the transcendent God if He chooses to reveal himself to us. How has Godrevealed Himself to us?

Rom. 1:19, 20

Heb. 1:1

Heb. 1:2

Rational Arguments for the Existence of God

Soren Tickendor, It is extremely dangerous to discuss the existence of God in His presence.

Many variations. See Grudem.

The Argument from Design: The Teleological Argument

False Views About God

But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and hecannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.1. Atheism:.

-6-


7/46

Theology Proper

Atheists can be divided into three types:

(1) The Atheist.

(2) The Atheist.

(3) The Atheist.

2. Agnosticism:

3. Materialism:.

4. Polytheism:

5. Pantheism:

6. Deism:

7. Tritheism:

THE ESSENCE OF GOD

What is God?

Who is God?

I. THE ESSENCE DEFINED

A. Essence: (Latin: essentia, the being or essence of a thing, from esse, to be.)

* For our use: the essential substance, the sub-stratis of the being of a person. Thebasic stuff of which something or someone is made up.

B. Being: The animation of life principle of an essence.

II. THE ESSENCE DESCRIBED

A. God is spirit - John 4:24pneuma ho Theos

B. What is spirit?1. Spirit is not:

Luke 24:36-39

Eph 6:12

2. Spirit is: real, invisible, immaterial (incorporeal) substance.

-7-


8/46

Theology Proper

III. THE ESSENCE DELINEATED

* There are at least four characteristics that set God's essence apart from all other

spirit.

A. God's Essence is SELF EXISTENT -AseityDefinition of Aseity: "That divine characteristic of the inner being of God wherebyHe exists by necessity of His own Being. As such He is the uncaused cause, the selfexistent one who has the basis of existence in Himself." From the Latin termmeaning "not outside himself."

John 5:26

1Thes 1:9

Exodus 3:14

"I AM""God is light"

IMPLICATIONS:

B. God's Essence is SIMPLE - SimplicityDefinition of Simplicity: "The Divine Essence is uncomplicated, incomplex andindivisible. You can't break God's essence down into various parts or elements."

John 10:28-30

James 2:19

IMPLICATIONS:

C. God's Essence is ONE - UnityDefinition of Unity: "God is one and only one in essence."

Trinitarianism and the Unity of God: The Triunity of God is the fact that there arethree persons who are God but there is only one Essence which is possessed byall three persons.

Athanasian Creed "We worship one God in trinity, and trinity in unity; neither

confounding the persons nor dividing the substance; for there is one person of theFather, another of the Son, and another of the Holy Ghost; but the Godhead ofthe Father, of the Son and of the Holy Ghost is all one; the glory equal, and the

-8-


9/46

Theology Proper

majesty co-eternal. So the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Ghost isGod; and yet there are not three God's but one."

D. God's Essence is IMMEASURABLEImmensityDefinition of Immensity: "That characteristic of the Essence of God whereby HisDivine Essence is not measurable because it is not included in any limits of place."

"This is not extension, multiplication or division of His Essence. The whole essenceis here is there is everywhere. The essence of God is in its entirety at and beyond any

point of any limits."

Isaiah 66:1

1Kings 8:10-39

Psalm 139:7-12

IMPLICATIONS:

Transcendent:

Immanent

Omnipresent:

THE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

In contemplating the words and acts of God, as in contemplating the words and acts ofmen, we are compelled to assign uniform and permanent causes. A.H. Strong

When we look at the fact that all of Gods words and acts are Holy, we naturally arguethese acts and words must have their source in a principle of holiness. As also truthful actsand words come from a settled principle of truth; loving acts and words from a principle oflove, etc.

Also, since these principles exist harmoniously in the same person, they must inhere andfind their unity in an underlying essence of which they are the separable attributes.

SUMMARY STATEMENT: We are led naturally from Gods works to Gods attributesand from Gods attributes to Gods essence.

CREATION OMNIPOTENCE AN OMNIPOTENT GOD

The way we rationalize about God is that we pass from His words and acts to His qualitiesor attributes, and then to the substance or essence to which these qualities or attributes

belong.

-9-


10/46

Theology Proper

I. A DEFINITION

The attributes of God are those distinguishing characteristics of the divine naturewhich are inseparable from the idea of God and which constitute the basis and groundfor His various manifestations to His creatures.

We call them attributes, because we are compelled to attributes them to God asfundamental qualities or powers of His being in order to give rational account ofcertain constant facts in Gods self-revelation. A.H. Strong

Quite simply: The attributes are the divine essence in action.

We have already looked at the essence of God which is Gods BEING: Godsessence is spirit. The characteristics of this spirit essence is: self-existence, immensity,simplicity and unity.

Note distinction: God is immense. God is not doing immensity.

Now we will consider the doing of God. We can only see God in the activity ofthe three persons of the Godhead. The attributes inhere in the one essence of God butare only manifested through the three persons of the Godhead. The three persons shareequally and totally the whole divine essence and attributes but each person is distinct.

Since the attributes are the divine essence in action, the question then is how doesGod think, feel and act?

II. A DEMAND

We must follow certain principles in scheduling the attributes so that we do notpresent a distorted picture of God. For instance if we say grace is an attribute of Godthen we are saying that the members of the Godhead had reason to show unmeritedfavor to one another before creation! But since Gods attributes are eternal andimmutable and since no member of the Godhead needs unmerited favor, grace is not anattribute of God. Instead it is one way that Gods attribute of love is manifested whenit is manifested toward those in need of unmerited favor.

Four basic rules for discovering and distinguishing the attributes of God are listedfor us by A.H. Strong.

A. THEATTRIBUTESHAVEANOBJECTIVEEXISTENCE.

B. THEATTRIBUTESINHEREINTHEESSENCE.

C. THEATTRIBUTESBELONGTOTHEDIVINEESSENCEASSUCH.

D. THEATTRIBUTESMANIFESTTHEDIVINEESSENCE.

-10-


11/46

Theology Proper

John 1:18 1Tim 6:16 Matt 11:27

III. DESCRIPTION

Attributes reveal the divine essence in operation or action. Attributes inhering in theessence which constitute the basis of the three Person's various actions in reference toone another and, since the creation, to others. [Inhere means "to be a natural andintegral part of something."]

The essence of God has to do with the being of God in substance, the attributes ofGod have to do with the doing of God, His knowing, feeling and acting. The attributesinhere in the essence of God, but are manifested by the Persons of God. The attributesare dependent upon the Persons for manifestation, but the essence for substance. EachPerson manifests the attributes individually while sharing the essence in its totality.

The Persons share equally and totally the whole divine essence and the attributes,though each Person is individually distinct.

In order toschedule the attributes (to list them systematically and definitively inrelation to the essence), a place for the qualities of personality must be considered.God is a personal God; each divine Person individualizes the nature by manifestingHis personality. One attribute must not made the basis of others, for God is not moreholy than righteous, or more love than omniscient. The essence is the basis of theattributes; all the attributes are equally possessed by the Persons. God is notimbalanced by having His holiness overwhelmed by His love, etc. When the essenceand attributes of God are combined equally and totally in the Persons the sum of these

results in the Nature of God.

A. As to His intellect God is OMNISCIENT

Definition: That perfection of the Godhead whereby the three Persons of theGodhead know, understand, and are wise toward themselves and toward all things inone simple act each in an entirely unique manner. The Persons of the Godhead knowa succession instantaneously and simultaneously.

Scripture:

1. Isaiah 46:8-11 God knows all past, present and future events. He knowssuccession instantly. He knows instantaneously wihout sequence or interval. Hehas one sweep of complete knowledge. Isaiah 46

2. Matt 11:2-23 God knows all possibilities

3. Dan 2:26-39 cf Rom 2:2, 6, 16 God knows the innermost secrets of men

4. 17:9-10; Heb 4:12-16 God knows about man what man does not know abouthimself.

5. Deut 29:29 God alone knows the hidden things

-11-


12/46

Theology Proper

6. Rom 16:27; 1 Tim 1:17 (TR) God solely and wholly possesses all wisdom

How does this relate toForeknowledge? Foreknowledge (verb: proginwvskw,noun: provgnwsi") is an experiential knowledge that results from the decree. As aresult of the decree God is acquainted with the objects of the decree as to theirrespective rolls in the decree. This act of foreknowing implies that persons or thingsare fixed in the purpose of Him "who works all things after the counsel of His will"( ). As a result the Planner is acquaintedwith them and what part of the purpose they are to fulfill. In respect to the elect,"those whom He foreknew" describes election in intimate relational terms (Rom8:29). This is why it is unthinkable to Paul that God would "reject His people whomHe foreknew" (Rom 11:2).

B. As to His sensibilities God is LOVE, HOLINESS, TRUTH, RIGHTEOUSNESS, and GOODNESS.

The Word of God ascribes emotions and the effects of emotions to all three members

of the Godhead:

THE SON:

Luke 19:35ff

John 11:32-36

Heb 5:7

THE HOLY SPIRIT:

Eph 4:30

Rom 8:27

THE FATHER:

John 17:24; John 3:16; Mal 1:2-4; Isa 2

The Question is not Does God have emotions? but What kind of emotions orsensibilities can we attribute to God?

1. LOVE:

Definition: That perfection of God whereby the Father, Son and Holy Spirit havea desire for and a delight in the welfare of the objects of their love, even to the

point of self-sacrifice if necessary.

It is the benevolent disposition or inclination in God that impels to thebestowing of benefits on the objects of His love. C. Samuel Storms

-12-


13/46

Theology Proper

Scripture:

1. 1 John 4:8, 16 God is love, but love is not God

2. John 15:9

3. 1 Cor 13:4-7 Grace, longsuffering and mercy come from love

2. HOLINESS

Definition: That perfection of God whereby each Person of the Trinity maintainsthe completeness of His own perfection. Therefore God abhors anything unlikeHimself, and demands of others a purity identical to Himself.

God is morally spotless in character and action. Upright, pure, and untainted withevil desires, motives, thought, words, or acts. God is free from all evil, loves alltruth and goodness. God cannot approve of any evil (Ps 5:4), cannot tolerate evil(Hab 1:13). abhors evil and cannot encourage sin in any way (James 1:13-14).Christians do not stand in awe of the holy as an abstraction, but of the Holy One(Isa 40:25). J.I. Packer

Scripture:

1. 1 Pet 1:15-16 (Lev 11:44-45)for I am Holy

2. Isa 6:3

3. 2 Chron 34:25; 36:16 His abhorence of unrighteousness is manifested by Hiswrath

3. TRUTH

Definition: That perfection of God whereby each Person of the Godhead fullyanswers to His estimate of what He is. He sees Himself and others as they reallyare. Because of this He is perfectly reliable in the revelation of Himself.

The faithfulness of God is an aspect of the attribute of truth. God never fails infulfilling a promise nor disappoint an expectation based on His promise becauseHe is truth and is, therefore, faithful.Scripture:

1. John 17:3 the only true God

2. 1 John 5:20

3. John 14:6

4. RIGHTEOUSNESS

-13-


14/46

Theology Proper

Definition: That perfection of God whereby the three Persons of the Godheadalways act right in reference to one another in keeping with the divine nature, or toohers outside of the divine nature.

The word righteousness has the meaning of acting rightly. Therefore Jehovah isrighteous in all His ways since all His actions are always right.

Scripture:

1. 2 Tim 4:8 the Lord the righteous judge

2. Ps 145:17Jehovah is righteous in all His ways

3. Ps 119:142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness

4. Ps 97:2Righteousness and judgment are the habitation of His throne

5. GOODNESS

Definition: That perfection of the Godhead whereby the Father, Son and HolySpirit desire and maintain their own happiness and that of others.

The word "good" in scripture is not primarily used as an ethical term but ratherthat which makes happy.

Scripture:

1. Mark 10:18 no one good except God

2. Rom 5:7-8

3. Luke 11:13

C. As to His volition God is OMNIPOTENT

Definition: Omnipotence is that absolute and inexhaustible inherent power belonging

to deity by which the three Persons of the Godhead are able to do whatever theydetermine to do.

The use of God's power is limited ony by that which is absurd or contradictory to thedivine nature of God.

Scripture:

1. Rev 1:8; 19:6 the Almighty one

2. Jer 32:27

3. Eph 1:19ff

-14-


15/46

Theology Proper

IV. Implications

A. Implications of God's OMNIPOTENCE

The Word of God speaks of three different aspects of God's power:

1.2.3.

Does Omnipotence mean God does all that He can do or that He desires to do? ITimothy 2:4

GOD IS UNLIMITED IN POWER BUT HELIMITSHIMSELF IN THE USEOF HIS POWER.

I TIMOTHY 6:15 - "only Potentate" (ASV - Sovereign) fromdunamai - to be able, to have inherent power.

God is the only one who has independent and absolute power... All others

have , and power.

1. In relation to the believer's security: John 10:28-30; Rom 8:35-38; 1 Pet 1:5Because of the potency of God's power as manifested in such activity as thesealing and indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the discipline of the Father and theintercession of the Son, the believer is secure because he is kept by God's power,not self-effort.

2. In relation to the death of the beleiver (Heb 2:14-16; John 16:11; Matt 28:18,power= authority). God's power is sufficient to raise the believer or keep him fromdeath. Christ was given the authority to exert this power (1 Cor 15:42-45).

3. In relationship to the power available to the believer (Eph 1:15-23)

THE GRAMMATICAL CONSTRUCTION OF EPH 1:15-23 IMPLIES A PROCESS:

Illumination OfThe Heart

Verse 18a

Knowledge OfHis Calling,InheritanceAnd Power

Verse 18bff

An Abundant,Intimate,

Aquaintance OfGod

Verse 17

A Theological Exegesis of Eph 1:15-23

A. THE EXISTENCE OF GOD'S POWER (19)

God is inherently all-powerfulHe possesses unlimited ability (omnipotence).

surpassing(exceedingKJV) - uperballon (huperballon)

-15-


16/46

Theology Proper

uJper (huper) = "super", beyond, above

ballein (ballein) = to throw

Thus: "to overshoot, to surpass, excel, to transcend to go

beyond measure."

PRESENT PARTICIPLE = God's power is being described as constantly goingbeyond Beyond what? Greatness!

"greatness"megeqo" - "vastness, magnificence, splendor."

B. THE EXERCISE OF GOD'S POWER (19)

We can only observe God's inherent power through its manifestation. God's

performance proves His omnipotence.

Note verse 19 - "in accordance with the working of the strength ofHis might"

working(energeian)

strength (kratou)

might(iscuo)

C. THE EXAMPLE OF GOD'S POWER (20-23)

D. THE DISTINCTIVENESS OF GOD'S POWER

1. Personal

Pagan concept of divine power: God=Old Testament concept of divine power: God=

2. Not dependent on means

3. It is not hampered by our weakness 2 COR 12:7-10

B. Implications of God's GOODNESS

a. A definition of God's Goodness: God desires and maintains His own happinessand the happiness of others.

b. An explanation of Goodness. 2 Greek words for goodness:

a[gaqo (agathos) an inward quality;

kavlo (kalos) an outward result

-16-


17/46

Theology Proper

a[gaqo: "denotes that the thing possessing it is so perfect that it has afeeling of well-being "(Cremer).

kavlo: "beneficial result, noble, honest"

Examples:

Matt 7:17

Luke 8:8

2Cor 5:10

Rom 13:4

Rom 5:7

c. Some implication of God's goodness Rom 8:28

2Cor 9:8; Eph 2:10

Gal 6:6

Gal 6:10

Phil 1:6

1Thes 5:15

2Thes 2:16

1Tim 1:5,19 Titus 2:5

Heb 9:11, 10:1

Ja 1:17

3 John 11C. Implications of God's LOVE

THE WORDS USED FORGODS LOVE: ajgavph (agape) John 3:16

filevw (phileo) John 16:27

1John 4:8 But ajgavph (agape) is the word that describes Gods attribute oflove: John concludes that lovelessness on the part of the individual is anindication that one does not know God because God is love.

Love is not accidental or incidental to God; it is an essential revelation of thedivine nature, a fundamental and eternal perfection. Carl Henry (God,Revelation and Authority, VI:341).

THEMANIFESTATIONSOF GODS LOVE

-17-


18/46

Theology Proper

There is an obvious difference between the love of God as manifested incommon grace and the love of God as manifested in special grace.

The love of God manifested in common grace is the love of God as Creator(Matt 5:43-48; Luke 6:27-38).

The love of God as manifested in special grace is the love of God as Savior(Rom 5:8; 8:32; Eph 2:4-10).

PRINCIPLESOF GODS SAVINGLOVE1. Undeserved. Rom 5:8 cf. Deut 7:6-8

3. Sovereign. Rom 9

As God is spirit, as he is light, so he is love. Yet it belongs to the very essence of electinglove to recognize that it is not inherently necessary to that love which God necessarily andeternally is that he should set such love as issues in redemption and adoption upon utterlyundesirable and hell-deserving objects. It was of the free and sovereign good pleasure of hiswill, a good pleasure that emanated from the depths of his own goodness, that he chose a

people to be heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ. The reason resides wholly in himselfand proceeds from determinations that are peculiarly his as the I am that I am. (JohnMurray,Redemption: Accomplished and Applied, p 10)

3. Manifested in the Cross. Gal 2:20; 1John 4:9-10; John 3:16; Eph 5:1-2; 5:25,

Almost invariably the NT Epistles expound Gods love for us by reference tothe cross. To eliminate the death of Christ for sinners would eviscerate thevery heart of divine love as portrayed in the New Testament. Carl Henry(Ibid., VI:355)

4. Predestining. Rom 8:29; Eph 1:3ff5. Inexhaustible. Eph 2:4-56. Eternal Eph 1:4-5; 2Thes 2:13

7. Irrevocable. Rom 8:35

8. Disciplining. Heb 12:5b-6

9. Purposive. 1John 4:12; 2:5; 4:17

10. Incomprehensible. Eph 3:19

Gods love may be known in some features and to some extent, but at the same time itstretches away into infinitude, far beyond the ken of human discovery and analysis. As afact manifested in time an d embodied in the incarnation, life teaching, and death of the Sonof God, it may be understood, for it assumed a nature of clay, bled on the cross, and lay

prostrate in the tomb; but in its unbeginning existence as an eternal passion, antedatingalike the Creation and the Fall, it passeth knowledge. In the blessings which it confersthe pardon, grace, and glory which it providesit may be seen in palpable exhibition, andexperienced in happy consciousness; but in its limitless power and endless resources it

baffles thought and description. In the terrible sufferings and death to which it led, and inthe self-denial and sacrifices which it involved, it may be known so far by the application ofhuman instincts and analogies; but the fathomless fervour of a Divine affection surpassesthe measurements of created intellect. As the attachment of a man, it may be gauged; but asthe love of a God, who can by searching find it out? Uncaused itself, it originated salvation;unresponded to amidst the contradiction of sinners, it neither pined nor collapsed. It ledfrom Divine immortality to human agonies and dissolution, for the victim was bound to the

-18-


19/46

Theology Proper

cross not by the nails of the military executioner, but by the cords of love. It lovedrepulsive unloveliness, and unnourished by reciprocated attachment, its ardour wasunquenched, nay, is unquenchable, for it is changeless as the bosom in which it dwells.(John Eadie, Commentary on the Epistle to the Ephesians, pp. 257-58)

THE MEASUREOF GODS LOVE John 3:16

This passage reveals the immeasurable character of Gods great love. This isdone by placing in contrastGod and the world. What does it reveal?

It is what God loved in respect of its character that throws into relief theincomparable and incomprehensible love of God. to find anything else as thegoverning thought would detract from the emphasis. God loved what is theantithesis of himself; this is its marvel and greatness. (Murray,Atonementand the Free Offer of the Gospel, I:79)

Johns use of world

And this is the measure by which we are invited to measure the greatness of the love ofGod. It is not that it is so great that it is able to extend over the whole of a big world: it is sogreat that it is able to prevail over the Holy Gods hatred and abhorrence of sin. For hereinis love, that God could love the worldthe world that lies in the evil one: that God who isall-holy and just and good, could so love this world that He gave His only begotten Son foritthat He might not judge it, but that it might be saved. He goes on to define the wordworld: It is not here a term of extension so much as a term of intensity. Its primaryconnotation is ethical, and the point of its employment is not to suggest that the world is so

big that it takes a great deal of love to embrace it all, but that the world is so bad that ittakes a great kind of love to love it at all, and much more to love it as God has loved itwhen He gave His son for it. The whole debate as to whether the love here celebrateddistributes itself to each and every man that enters into the composition of the world, orterminates on the elect alone chosen out of the world, lies thus outside the immediate scopeof the passage and does not supply any key to its interpretation. The passage was notintended to teach, and certainly does not teach, that God loves all men alike and visits eachand every one alike with the same manifestations of His love: and as little was it intendedto teach or does it teach that His love is confined to a few especially chosen individualsselected out of the world. What it is intended to do is to arouse in our hearts a wonderingsense of the marvel and the mystery of the love of God for the sinful worldconceived,here, not quantitatively but qualitatively as, in its very distinguishing characteristic, sinful.(B.B. Warfield, Biblical and Theological Studies, edited by Samuel G. Craig, pp. 515-16)

GODWANTSYOUTOKNOWHELOVESYOU

Experiencing Gods love in the fullest sense possible is an essential part of ourChristian growth (Rom 5:5 i.e. His love for us!).

Murray, The hearts of believers are regarded as being suffused with thelove of God; it controls and captivates their hearts.(Epistles to Romans, p 165).

Gifford, Like an overflowing stream in a thirsty land so is the rich flood ofdivine love poured out and shed abroad in the heart.(The Epistle of St. Paul tothe Romans, p 112)

Shedd calls it an exuberant communication. (A Critical and DoctrinalCommentary on the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans, p 113)

-19-


20/46

Theology Proper

Charles Hodge, The love of God does not descend upon us as dew in drops,but as a stream which spreads itself abroad through the whole soul, filling itwith the consciousness of his presence and favour. (Commentary on the Epistleof Romans, p 135)

Paul is not talking of faint and fitful impressions, but of deep andoverwhelming ones.(Packer, Knowing God, p 107)

Use of the perfect tense: God has poured out. This implies a settled stateconsequent upon a completed action The thought is that knowledge of thelove of God, having flooded our hearts, fills them now, just as a valley onceflooded remains full of water. Paul assumes that all his readers, like himself,will be living in the enjoyment of a strong and abiding sense of Gods lovefor them. (Packer, Ibid.)

The Holy Spirit burns within our consciousness as with a hot iron that God

loves us. Cranfield explains, the proof that our hope will not disappoint us inthe end is the fact of the amazing generosity of Gods love for usa fact whichwe have been enabled to know and understand by the gift of His Spirit to us.(A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans, I:263).

D. Implications of God's HOLINESS

The Revelation of Holiness Isaiah 6

The Standard of Holiness 1Peter 1:13-16

The Need for Holiness Hebrews 12:14

The Provision of Holiness 1John 2:1, 2

E. Implications of God's TRUTH

Old Testament Concept of Truth(1) The meaning of truth

tRmTa (emeth) used to denote reality which is regarded as amen.Means firm and therefore solid, valid or binding.

So the Jew says amen to denote that he accepts as authentic what is laid

before him.

-20-


21/46

Theology Proper

(2) God is truth

Ps 31:5

Isa 65:16

(3) All that God does is Truth.

His Words: 2 Sam 7:28

His Works: Ps 111:7

His Promises: Ps 132:11 i.e. irrevocable cf. Heb 6:13ff

(4) God keeps the norm of truthfulness forever: Ps 146:6(5) God requires truthfulness of man: Ps 5:6

Old Testament concept of truth: Reality. Walking according to truth iswalking according to reality. Revelation is the unveiling of reality.Commandments tell Gods people how to walk according to reality in their

particular situation.

New Testament Concept of Truth(1) Meaning of the term: ajlhvqeia (aletheia) non concealment; the full or

real state of affairs. Expression of something as it really is.

Antonyms:yeudo (pseudos) deceptiondovxa (doxa) appearance or mere opinionei[dwlon (eidolon) reflection or appearance Idols conceal or

replace the truth.

(2) Use of the term:

1. That which has certainty and force Gal 2:5

2. That which is trustworthy Rom 3:3-7

3. Real state of affairs Rom 1:18 cf. 19, 25

4. True teaching 2 Thes 2:10-12

5. Divine Revelation John 8:12-47

"GOD IS TRUTH" MEANS:

-21-


22/46

Theology Proper

1. He is the true God in distinction to all others; there is none like Him. (Isa 44:8-10;45:5).

2. He is the truth in His self-understanding. He sees Himself and all others as theyreally are. He is the beginning of all knowledge and makes it available to man inorder that man may have fellowship with Him.

3. He is the truth in His revelation (Ps 110:5; 1Pet 1:25; Matt 5:18).

4. He is Trustworthy (John 1:17 cf Gen 24:27)

F. Implications of God's RIGHTEOUSNESS

During the time of Christs earthly ministry the Jews had developed a system to ratethe relative righteousness of men and their standing before God. In the OT therighteous man was the opposite of the ungodly, the sinner or the unrighteous. DuringChrists time the Jews recognized four types of men:

(1) Wholly Righteous he kept the Torah perfectly.(2) Wholly Ungodly he had more transgressions than merits.(3) The Average equal balance of observance and violation.(4) The Penitent more transgressions than merit but repentant.

Just what is righteousness? The origin of the word is instructive.

1. Etymology of the Greek word - dikaivo (dikaios)

dik - basic root from the Sanskrit and has the primary idea of "to show"

deiknumi - "I point out"

dikh - "the way pointed out" i.e. the thing which is right, justice (Jude 7)

divkaio - "righteous, one who observes the rules"

So the word came to be used to describe the person who was obedient to thepointed out way.

In relation to:Tradition: one who conforms, who is civilized, who observes custom.

Obligations: one who fulfills obligations towards God and men.Law: one who observes legal norms.Ethics: one who is obedient to the commands of God.

The biblical concept of righteousness is based on the fact that God is righteous.

2. Definition of God's Righteousness

God always acts right with respect to each person of the Trinity and in respect toHis creatures (Ps 71:19).

In the Old Testament:

-22-


23/46

Theology Proper

God is righteous. He is the one who is infallibly consistent and who maintainsunswerving faithfulness in the fulfilment of His promises and covenantagreements.

God is equitable, He always acts right in all He does.

Example: Judgment Acts 17:31

In the New Testament: A new element in relationship to Gods righteousness isrevealed.

3. Manifestations of Righteousness

Rom 9:14

Rom 3:21-26

4. Implications of God's Righteousness

God must judge all unrighteousness Rev 19:1,2 cp 20:12,13; Rom 2:2,5,6,16

God will justify all who come to Christ by faith Gal 2:16

God will never condemn those who are in Christ Rom 8:1; 1Jn 2:1-2.

God cannot be satisfied with sin in your life 1Cor 11:31,32.

God removes the barrier that personal sins produce I Jn 1:9.

THE NATURE OF GOD

These attributes of God do not exist independently. God's holiness is not an entity in itselfbut rather is an inherent part of the very essence. If you are a good person your goodnessdoes not exist apart from you, rather it is a part of your character.Has God always been holy, righteous, good and truthful? Is this nature of His subject tochange? These are questions about the Nature of God. The "nature" of God refers to "thesum total of His essence and attributes." All that God is.... His being and doing.

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF GOD'S NATURE:

I. IMMUTABLE God is unchangeable in His nature (essence and attributes)

James 1:17

"variableness" parallagh (parallagh\) a shifting, mutation, change

"shifting shadow" trophs (trophv) a turning around, a turning back +aposkiasma (aposkiasma) to throw a shadow, a shadow cast. Thus itsderived meaning: the slightest trace.

-23-


24/46

Theology Proper

Hebrews 6:17 ametaqeton (ametaqeton) = metatiqhmi (with a negative alphaprivative = the prefix a- oran- expressing negation in Greek and in English)to transport, totransfer, to change over pervert (Gal 1:6)

I Timothy 1:17 "immortal" afqartos (afqarto) = incorruptible, i.e.unchangeable

II. MOBILE God can and does change His activity.

God can and does change His activity.

Compare: Gen 2:2-3 and John 5:7

1 Samuel 15:11, 35

That quality of God's nature which allows Him to change His attitudes and activitiesor to choose the use of the individual or the compound of His attributes to bedisplayed. (e.g. God will not be displaying His love in Gehenna.)

III. FREE God has liberty to express His essence and attributes apart from any innercompulsion necessitation or outward constraint.

Ephesians 1:1; Isaiah 40:6-31

God has liberty to express His essence and attributes apart from any innercompulsion, necessity or outward constraint.

IV. SOVEREIGN God possesses supreme authority over all creation and is totally freefrom external control.

Romans 9:18-23; John 6:37-44; Eph 1:20-23

God is able to express His nature without fear or favor of Himself or His Creatures.

V. INFINITE That perfection of God that extends to the whole nature so that He lacksnothing and is complete having no bounds nor limitations

Psalm 145:13; Isaiah 66:1

VI. ETERNAL That characteristic of the divine nature of God by which God possessesthe whole of His existence in one indivisible continual present. So that He is theEternal Now.

Isaiah 57:15; Jeremiah 10:10; Psalm 90:2; Micah 5:2

Does God experience sequence? Isaiah 46:9,10.

A SCHEDULING OFTHE ESSENCE, ATTRIBUTES AND NATURE OF GOD

-24-


25/46

Theology Proper

Essence:

Gods Being

God is SpiritJohn 4:24

Characterized by:

1. AseityJohn 5:26

2. SimplicityJohn 10:30

3. UnityDeut 6:4

4. ImmensityJer 23:24

Attributes:

Gods Doing

In His Thinking:1. Omniscience

Isa 46:10

In His Feeling:2. Love

1 John 4:8

3. HolinessIsa 6

4. TruthPsalm 31:5

5. RighteousnessDeut 32:4

6. GoodnessPsalm 107:8

In His Willing:7. Omnipotence

Rev 19:6

Nature:

All that God is and does(The Sum Total of Gods

Essence & Attributes)

1. ImmutableJames 1:17

2. MobileJohn 5:17

3. FreeIsa 40:6-31

4. SovereignJohn 6:37-44

5. InfiniteIsa 66:1

THE TRINITY OF GOD

What is the doctrine of the Trinity?

Is the Trinity a biblical doctrine?

What is the source of information?

-25-


26/46

Theology Proper

Does the NT undermine monotheism by teaching the trinity?

1Cor 8:4; Eph 4:6; Jas 2:19

Why wasn't the Trinity revealed in the OT?

Does this doctrine have any practical application to daily life?

YES. Every aspect of the Christian's life is related to different persons of theGodhead.

I. IMPLIED INTHE OLD TESTAMENT

A. Implications Of A Plurality In God

1. The Plural Name Elohim

2. Other Plural Titles of God

a. Ecc 12:1 "Thy Creators"b. Isa 54:5 "Thy Makers"

3. Use of Plural Pronouns and Pronominal Suffixes

a. Gen 1:26; 3:22; 11:7; Isa 6:8b. Gen 20:13; 35:7

4. Compound Form of the Word "One" (echad)Deut 6:4 cf Gen 2:24

5. Jehovah Distinguished from Jehovah -- Hos 1:7

6: Jehovah Declared to Have a Son -- Psa 2:2,6-7; Prov 30:4

B. Old Testament Doctrine Of The Angel Of Jehovah

1. The Sanctity of God's Name -- Isa 42:8

2. Amount of Evidence:

3. Titles used of This Persona. Angel of Jehovah (the LORD) Gen 16:7 (first reference)

b. Angel of God -- Judges 13:9

-26-


27/46

Theology Proper

c. Angel of His Presence -- Isa 63:9 cf 1Sam 9:6

4. Content of the Evidence

a. Angel of Jehovah Identified as Jehovah(1) Consciousness of men -- Judges 13:20-22(2) Content of Scripture -- Ex 3:2-6(3) Revelation of God -- Gen 31:11-13

b. Angel of Jehovah Distinguished from Jehovah as a Person Zech 3:1-2

5. Conclusion from the Evidence:

C. Old Testament Doctrine Of The Spirit Of God

1. The Spirit Possesses the Attributes of God

a. Wisdom -- Isa 11:2b. Omnipresence -- Psalm 139:7

2. The Spirit Executes the Work of God

a. Creation -- Job 26:13; Psa 33:6b. Restraining Sin -- Gen 6:3; Isa 63:10

3. Conclusion from the Evidence:

D. Repetition Of The Threefold Formula

1. Isa 6:3 -- "Holy, Holy, Holy"2. Num 6:24-26 -- The Aaronic benediction upon Israel3. Gen 48:15,16 -- The benediction of Jacob upon Joseph's sons

II. REVEALEDIN THE NEW TESTAMENT

A. A Plurality Of Persons Are Associated As God

1. Two Persons Are Associated as God

a. John 10:30b. John 5:17-29c. 1Cor 8:6

2. Three Persons are Associated as Goda. Eph 1:3-14

b. Eph 4:4-6c. John 1:29-34 cf Matt 3:16-17d. John 14:16-17,26; 15:26; 16:7-15

e. 2 Cor 13:14f. 1John 5:1-12

-27-


28/46

Theology Proper

B. Three Persons Are Declared To Be God

1. The Father is Declared to be God

a. Title "God" is usually joined with reference to Father(1) 1Cor 8:6; Eph 4:6(2) Rom 15:6; 1Cor 15:24(3) John 6:27; Ja 3:9

b. Title God, when used alone, usually refers to Father(1) Ja 1-5(2) 1Pet 3:18

2. The Lord Jesus Christ is Declared to be God

a. The claims of Jesus

(1) He claimed to be God(a) Matt 4:6-7(b) Matt 26:63-64 cf Mk 14:61-62; Lk 22:67-70; 19:10(c) John 4:25-26; 9:35-38

(2) He claimed to come from heaven(a) John 1:11 cf Matt 10:34-35; Mk 2:17(b) John 3:13 -- first occurence of phrase "came down from heaven"(c) John 5:36-37 -- first occurence of phrase "Father has sent me"(d) John 8:42; 16:28,30

(3) He claimed a unique relation to God as Father(a) Matt 7:21; 10:32-33; 11:25-27(b) Luke 22:29; 24:49(c) John 5:17ff -- many references follow this(d) Matt 6:8-9 (note "my Father" and "Our Father")(e) John 20:17 (note "my Father" and "your Father")

(4) His claims validated by His enemies' reactions(a) John 5:18; 8:59; 10;31,39(b) Matt 26:63-64(c) John 18:31; 19:7

b. The Testimony of others

(1) Introduction -- John 5:31-47

(2) John the Baptist(a) John 1:23(b) John 1:15,30 (cf v 27)(c) John 1:34

(3) God the Father

(a) Matt 3:16-17(b) Matt 17:5

-28-


29/46


30/46

Theology Proper

e. Love -- 1John 4:8, 16f. Light -- 1John 1:5 (Light means "life manifested" and is the result of the aseity

of God; cf Matt 5:16)g. Knowledge -- Luke 16:15h. Truth -- John 3:33i. Righteousness -- Rom 1:17; Acts 10:34

j. Life -- Matt 26:63

2. Attributes and Characteristics Possessed by the Father

a. Holiness -- John 17:11b. Righteousness -- John 17:25c. Life -- John 6:57d. Mercy -- 2 Cor 1:3e. Omnipresence -- Matt 6:4,6f. Omniscience -- Matt 6:8g. Love -- John 5:20

3. Attributes and Characteristics Possessed by Jesus Christ

a. Eternity -- John 1:1; 8:58b. Omniscience -- John 1:47-48; 2:24-25c. Omnipresence -- John 1:48-50; Matt 18:20; 28:20d. Life -- 1John 1:2;5:20e. Love -- Eph 5:2f. Immutability -- Heb 13:8g. Truth -- John 14:6

4. Attributes and Characteristics Possessed by the Holy Spirit

a. Holiness -- Eph 4:30b. Truth -- John 14:17c. Life -- Rom 8:2d. Grace -- Heb 10:29e. Knowledge -- 1Cor 2:11f. Eternity -- Heb 9:14g. Glory -- 1Pet 4:14

D. Three Persons Exercise The Prerogatives Of God

1. Representative Prerogatives of God in the New Testament

a. Receive worship -- John 4:24; Matt 4:10b. Forgive sin -- Mark 2:6-7c. Receive service -- Matt 6:24d. Bestow reward -- Heb 11:6e. Be the object of faith -- Mark 11:22

2. Prerogatives Exercised by the Father

a. Receive worship -- John 4:23b. Forgive sin -- Matt 6:14

-30-


31/46

Theology Proper

c. Receive praise -- Ja 3:9d. Bestow reward -- Matt 6:6e. Give commands -- John 14:31

3. Prerogatives Exercised by the Lord Jesus Christ

a. Receive worship -- John 9:38:20:28b. Forgive sin -- Mark 2:8-12c. Bestow reward -- Rev 22:12d. Be the object of faith -- John 1:12; 20:31; 1Pet 1:8; Jn 12:44e. Give commands -- John 15:12,14; 13:34-35

4. Prerogatives Exercised by the Holy Spirit

a. Receive worship -- Heb 10:29; Eph 4:30; 1Thes 5:19b. Give commands -- Acts 8:29; 10:19; 13:2c. Bestow gifts -- 1Cor 12:4, 7-8

E. THREE PERSONS EXECUTE THE WORKS OF GOD

1. Representative Works of God in the New Testament

a. Creation -- Mark 13:19; 1Tim 4:3-4b. Providence -- Matt 6:30c. Revelation and Inspiration -- Heb 1:1-2; 2 Tim 3:16d. Judgment -- Romans 2:2,5

2. Works Executed by the Father

a. Creation -- 1Cor 8:6b. Providence -- Matt 6:26c. Revelation -- Matt 16:17d. Resurrection -- Rom 6:4e. Judgment -- Matt 15:13

3. Works Executed by the Lord Jesus Christ

a. Creation -- John 1:3; Col 1:16; Heb 1:2,10; Eph 3:9; 1Cor 8:6b. Providence -- Col 1:17; Heb 1:3

c. Resurrection -- John 10:17-18; 5:28-29d. Revelation -- John 16:12-13e. Judgment -- John 5:22, 27; Acts 17:31

4. Works Executed by the Holy Spirit

a. Revelation and Inspiration -- 2Pet 1:21; 1Cor 2:12-13b. Resurrection -- Rom 8:11c. Guidance -- Rom 8:14d. Security by sealing -- Eph 1:14; 4:30e. Indwelling -- 2Tim 1:14

f. Quickening -- 1Pet 3:18

-31-


32/46

Theology Proper

III. THE DOCTRINAL EXPLANATION

A. The Theological Statement

1. Three Persons Are Goda. The Father is God

b. The Lord Jesus Christ is Godc. The Holy Spirit is God

2. God is One

a. Deut 6:4 (Mk 12:29)b. John 17:3

3. The Concluding Statement

a. The Biblical revelation of God is that God is a unity as far as essential nature isconcerned and yet subsists as a Godhead of three Persons, co-equal and co-eternal each of whom possesses the totality of the divine essencesimultaneously while existing as a separate personal manifestation.

b. The Athanasian Creed-- "We worship one God in trinity, and trinity in unity;neither confounding the persons nor dividing the substance."

4. The Remaining Mystery

B. Economic vs Essential or Ontological Relationship of the Trinity

1. Subordination of Christ to the Father - 1Cor 8:6

a. Phil 2:6-10b. Heb 10:5ffc. John 14:28

d. Matt 28:18

e. John 16:13

f. 1Cor 15:24ff - Paul writing about things after Pentecost.

g. 1Cor 15:28 -

2. Subordination of the Spirit to the Father

Spirit of God - Ablative of Source = Spirit from God Rom 8:9

John 14:26

John 15:26

-32-


33/46

Theology Proper

Eph 1:3-14

3. Subordination of the Spirit to the Son

Spirit of Christ Rom 8:9

Because of the Economic relationship the Holy Spirit could not be resident onearth until Christ sent Him.

It is the Spirits role to call attention to the Father and the Son. He is to apply allthat Christ has provided (Eph 4:1-6; 2:12-14; Jn 16:8). He is subordinant to theother members of the Trinity.

4. Personal Distinctions manifested in the Economic Relationship

a. Father

(1) Personal properties:

(2) Personal works:

1Cor 8:6; Heb 1:2; Eph 3:9

Eph 1:3-6; Isa 53:10

b. Son

(1) Personal Properties

John 3:16; Heb 11:17

(2) Personal works

1Cor 8:6

John 1:14; 1:1,2

c. Spirit

(1) Personal Properties

(2) Personal Works

Job 26:13

Ex 28:3; 1Cor 12

Luke 1:35, 80 Matt 3:16 Matt 4:1 Matt 12:18, 28 etc.

1Cor 2:13; 2Tim 3:16

-33-


34/46

Theology Proper

1Cor 12:13

Person Name Exclusive Property Relations to the other Persons

First

Second

Third

C. Errors to Avoid

1. Tritheism:

2. Monarchianism: The viewpoint that God is ultimately one, explaining away theBiblical evidence of the trinity of Persons in one of two ways:

a. Dynamic Monarchians (Jehovah Witnesses)

(1)

(2)

(3)

b. Patripassion Monarchians (United Pentecostals)(Modalistic Sabelians)

THE DECREE

"Certain systems of theology begin with man, center about man, and end with man;and God is introduced only as He conforms to this man-centered notion. On the other

hand, certain systems of theology begin with God, center about God, and end with God;and man is introduced only as he conforms to this God-centered idea. It is obvious towhich of these two general systems the Bible lends its support, and which, in the end,

-34-


35/46

Theology Proper

gives rest and satisfaction to the heart of man. The greatest of all problems emerges whenman directs his thoughts to the sovereignty of God and all that sovereignty implies. These

problems are never solved by minimizing God, holiness, sin, or human responsibility."Lewis Sperry Chafer, ("Systematic Theology, Vol 1, p. 231)

"It is a dishonor even to a man to assert that he does not act with purposed, rationalends in view, or that he does not employ worthy means to realize those ends. The doctrineof divine decree of itself introduces nothing mysterious or profound. It declares that God

both designed and willed before He acted, and that all His actions are in harmony with Hisperfect character and attributes. Problems appear when man, with his own free will, andthe fact of sin enter upon the scene." Chafer (p. 231)

I. DEFINITIONS OF THE DECREE

A. Chafer THE PLAN BY WHICH GOD HAS PROCEEDED IN ALL HISACTS OF CREATION AND CONTINUATION.

B. Westminister GOD'S ETERNAL PURPOSE ACCORDING TO THECOUNSEL OF HIS OWN WILL, WHEREBY HE HAS FOREORDAINEDWHATSOEVER COMES TO PASS.

C. Thiessen GOD'S ETERNAL PURPOSE, BASED ON HIS MOST WISEAND HOLY COUNSEL, WHEREBY HE FREELY AND UNCHANGEABLY,FOR HIS OWN GLORY, ORDAINED, EITHER EFFICACIOUSLY ORPERMISSIVELY, ALL THAT COMES TO PASS.

D. Strong THE ETERNAL PLAN BY WHICH GOD HAS RENDERED

CERTAIN ALL THE EVENTS OF THE UNIVERSE, PAST, PRESENT ANDFUTURE.

E. Schafer THE DIVINE PLAN EXPRESSING THE NATURE OF GODWHICH ACCORDING TO THE COUNSEL OF HIS WILL HAS RENDEREDFOR ALL CREATION EVERY PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE EVENT.

F. Augustine GOD WILLETH NOT ONE THING NOW, AND ANOTHERANON; BUT ONCE, AND AT ONCE, AND ALWAYS, HE WILLETH ALL

THINGS THAT HE WILLETH; NOT AGAIN AND AGAIN, NOR NOW THIS,NOW THAT; NOR WILLETH AFTERWARDS, WHAT BEFORE HE WILLED

NOT, NOR WILLETH NOT, WHAT BEFORE HE WILLED; BECAUSESUCH A WILL IS MUTABLE; AND NO MUTABLE THING IS ETERNAL.

"When this issue is reduced to its lowest dimensions, thereremain but two general overtures: either (1) that God is sovereignand all that ever has existed or will exist is within His plan, or (2)that He is not sovereign and there is more or less in the universewhich exists in defiance of His holy character and over which He hasno authority." Chafer (p. 226)

II. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DECREE

A. EternalBUT NOT CO-EXISTENT WITH GOD.

-35-


36/46

Theology Proper

1Pet 1:20 -

Heb 6:17-18 -

Acts 2:23 -

B. Wise

C. Free (ISA 40:13,14)

D. Unconditional (ISA 46:10; EPH 1:11)

III. SCHEDULE OF THE DECREE

A. GOD IS OMNISCIENT.ISA 46:10-11; ISA 55:8-11; PS 139

B. GOD HAS A DESIROUS WILL. EPH 1:11,9,5

C. GOD DECIDED TO BRING ABOUT SOME OF HIS DESIRES. EPH 1:11; HEB

6:17; ACTS 2:23; 4:28; ROM 9:18-19; I COR 12:11

D. WHAT GOD DETERMINED BROUGHT HIM GOOD PLEASURE. EPH 1:5,9

E. IN GOD'S COUNSEL, HE CHOSE OR ELECTED CERTAIN ONESACCORDING TO HIS GOOD PLEASURE. ROM 9:11; EPH 1:9

F. THAT WHICH GOD DETERMINED BECAME HIS PURPOSE. ROM 9:11; EPH1:11; 3:11 (PROQESISS - PROTHESIS).

G. WHAT GOD HAD PURPOSED HE FOREKNEW WITH AN EXPERIENTIALKNOWLEDGE.

ROM 8:28-29; ACTS 2:23; EPH 1:5; I PET 1:20

H. GOD FIXED LIMITS AROUND THAT WHICH HE PURPOSED. (ACTS 4:28).

(ROM 8:29; EPH 1:5).

-36-


37/46

Theology Proper

IV. THE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE DECREE

A. THE MORAL PROBLEM: EVIL IS PRESENT IN A UNIVERSE OVER WHICHGOD REIGNS SUPREME.

UNDISPUTED SCRIPTURAL FACTS:1. God is all-powerful and sin could not exist unless He allowed it.2. God is perfectly Holy and Hates sin.3. Sin is present in the universe and will have eternal effects on the lives of those

who do not enter into redeeming grace.

What is the essential nature of sin?

***

Why did God allow sin to enter into the universe?

SUGGESTIONS FROM REASON:1. In order to bring man into His likeness man had to know about the awfulness of

sin and its consequences. He could only know that through observation andexperience.

2. In order to make it possible to display His grace.

3. In order to bring the principle of sin into judgment it must be allowed to be

manifested and then judged.

"Gods permissive will is His will to permit whatsoever He thinks fit to permit, or,not hinder; while what He so wills or determines so to permit, He intends also toregulate, and not to behold as an idle unconcerned spectator, but to dispose allthose permissa unto wise and great ends of His own. (John Howe, "Decrees,Lecture I")

SPECIFIC EXAMPLES:

Exodus 14:4

Rev 13:8

1Sam 13:13

In permitting sin, God decrees the thing which He hates and would cost Him thegreatest of all sacrifices.

Sin is in the universe by permission of God who hates it perfectly and who, being

sovereign, had power to keep it from manifestation, had He chose to do so. ThatHe did not hinder its manifestation of sin, demonstrates that He, being what Heis, must have a purpose in view other than the averting of sin.

-37-


38/46

Theology Proper

B. THE PROBLEM OF THE WILL: THE SEEMING IRRECONCILABILITY OFTHE FREE WILL OF MAN WITH THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD.

If God be sovereign and only those things occur which are determined in Hisdecree, is there any sphere left in which a creature may exercise his own freewill? Or could the human will ever act outside the decree of God, and, if it doesnot, is its action free?

All human choice originates within, as the individuals volition and is free in thesense that the individual is not conscious of any necessity being imposed uponhim.

Human action appears to be restrained by nothing other than moral suasion or byemotions. To what extent is human will free? The Bible teaches that there are

powerful restraints upon the will of man:

Eph 2:2 ejnergountos

Phil 2:13 ejnergwn

So the entire human family both those who are unsaved and those who are savedis included, and not one of these is really free from a superior influence. Butthis influence may be wholly unrecognized within the range of humanexperience.

John 6:44 -

Isa 6:10 -

Seven times God is said to have hardened Pharaoh's heart (Ex4:21;7:3;9:12:10:20,27;11:10; Rom 9:17,18) Three times Pharaoh hardenedhis own heart (Ex 8:15,32;9:34;cf Deut 2:30)

II Thes 2:11

Rom 9:18

When exercising his will, man is conscious only of his freedom of action.

He determines his course by circumstances, but

Man is impelled by emotions, but

Man prides himself that he is governed by experienced judgment, but

God will mold and direct in all secondary causes until His own eternal purposeis realized.

V. THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE DECREE

-38-


39/46

Theology Proper

A. REGARDING SALVATION

1. The Biblical View of Election: God elects unconditionally. There is nothing in thecreature which conditions Gods choice of some and passing over of others.

a. Election finds its moving cause in theof God, His

.

b. It renders certain the of thosein Christ (Rom 8:29-30).

c. It is , that is, from (Eph 1:4,5).

d. It is (Rom 9:11).

e. It is . Man may oppose it but he will notprevail (Phil 2:13).

f. It is not chargeable with .

"The fact that God favors some and passes by others, does not warrant thecharge that He is guilty of injustice. We can speak of injustice only when one

party has a claim on another. If God owed the forgiveness of sin and eternallife to all men, it would be an injustice if He saved only a limited number ofthem. But the sinner has absolutely no right or claim on the blessings whichflow from divine election. As a matter of fact he has forfeited these

blessings. Not only have we no right to call God to account for electing someand passing others by, but we must admit that He would have been perfectly

just, if He had not saved any, Matt 20:14,15, Rom 9:14,15." (Berkhof,"Systematic Theology", p. 115)

2. The Logical Order Of Salvation In The Decree

SUPRALAPSARIAN SUBLAPSARIAN ARMINIAN INFRALAPSARIANSUBLAPSARIAN

___________________________________________________________________________

p ELECTION OF CREATION OF CREATION OF CREATION OFSOME TO ALL MEN. ALL MEN. ALL MEN.ETERNAL LIFE.

CREATION OF PERMISSION OF PERMISSION OF PERMISSION OFALL MEN. THE FALL. THE FALL. THE FALL.

PERMISSION OF PROVISION OF PROVISION OF p ELECTION OFTHE FALL. SALVATION. SALVATION. SOME TO

ETERNAL LIFE.

PROVISION OF p ELECTION OFp ELECTION OFPROVISION OFSALVATION SOME TO THOSE WHO ARE SALVATION.

-39-


40/46

Theology Proper

FOR THE ELECT. ETERNAL LIFE. FORESEEN TOBELIEVE.

APPLICATION APPLICATION APPLICATION APPLICATIONOF SALVATION OF SALVATION OF SALVATION OF SALVATION

TO THE ELECT. TO THE ELECT. TO THE ELECT. TO THE ELECT.

pTHE DISTINGUISHING POINT TO EACH VIEW AS COMPARED TO THEOTHERS.

In the logical order of the decree known as infra-lapsarianism election took place in themind of God prior to the supply for salvation. If the supply preceded the election, thenGod would have supplied an undefined, indefinite, and blind provision. The Scripturesclearly teach that the supply was made with specific ends in mind. God is not blind.God's mind is not indefinite. God's will is sovereign--not legislated even by His ownattributes and activities (God's will legislates His attributes and activities). The supply was

designed according to His sovereign choice. God's election (sovereign choice) was notdictated by the supply for salvation--if the supply did dictate the election of God, then theactivities of God would be legislating His will, which is to destroy the Sovereignty of Godand would produce a grotesque deity not known in the Scriptures. To place the supply

before election also allows for the heretical view that God chose on basis of foreseenhuman acceptance of the supply. God's will, however, is not dictated by the human will(John 1:12-13; James 1:18).

3. Key Verses

EPHESIANS 1:4-51. THE SOURCE OF ELECTION "the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ"

2. THE SPHERE OF ELECTION "in Christ" (Creator, Sustainer, Col 1)

3. THE TIME OF OUR ELECTION "before the foundation of the world"

4. THE PURPOSE OF OUR ELECTION "that we should be holy and blameless before

Him"

* Present Infinitive (einai) > process aswell as product

* holiness not cause of election* holiness is effect and evidence ofelection

5. THE PROGRAM RESULTING FROM

ELECTION

"in love He predestinated"

* Explain under Romans 8

6. THE BASIS OF ELECTION "according to....." = in accordance with

* Possibilities: good works

foreseen faith

His own purpose

* What is the basis? John 1:11-12; 15:16; Rom

9:11-16; 11:5-6; 2Tim 1:9

-40-


41/46

Theology Proper

ROMANS 8:28-30Reveals the link between God's eternal purpose and the execution of that purpose. PATH

FROM ETERNITY TO ETERNITY

Note Context

1. FIRST LINK: Foreknown (proevgnw - proegno)

Full of Biblical implications:

ISRAEL Amos 3:2; Hosea 13:4-5; Rom 11:2-5

NT BELIEVERS Gal 4:9; I Cor 8:3; II Tim 2:19

proegnw (proegno)

1) Syntax -

* Tense: Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Person Singular. God is omniscient but this

refers to an act of God.

* Object: "Whom" the object of the verb and there is NO qualifying addition. Not

coming to know about the person but coming to know the person. If it were a

reference to knowledge of something about the person it would be the object of the

verb.

2) Lexical Meaning -

* ginwskw - (ginosko) "to know something experientially"When used in reference to persons = intimacy.

* Cf Jn 17:3; Col 1:10

3) Biblical Usage

VERSE HEBREW GREEK NIV_________________________________________________________

Gen 18:19 YADA` oida "chosen"Ex 2:25 " ginwskw "be concerned"Ps 1:6 " " "watch over"

Ps 144:3 " " "care for"

Jer 1:5 " " "knew" = parallel

w/set apart & appoint

Hos 13:5 " poimainw "cared for"(shepherded)

Amos 3:2 " ginwskw "chosen"I Cor 8:3 " Pf.P. Ptc. loving God

-41-


42/46

Theology Proper

is evidence of having

been known by Him.

Gal 4:9 " AAPtc.

2 Tim 2:19 " AAI belonging to

God = having been

known by God

4) Acts 2:23 Sharp's Rule

God is omniscient--can't learn anything! Coming to know someone cannot mean

discovering something about them.

CONCLUSION: Whom He foreknew = "WHOM HE SET REGARD UPON" "WHOM HEKNEW FROM ETERNITY WITH DISTINGUISHING AFFECTION AND DELIGHT"VIRTUALLY EQUIVILANT TO "WHOM HE FORELOVED" COME INTO AN INTIMATERELATIONSHIP WITH.

2. SECOND LINK: Predistined - prooJrizw(prohoridzo) cf Rom 1:4

What did He mark out with precision?

"A process of conforming into the image of His Son"

ETERNITY

TIME

3. THIRD LINK: Called (An effectualcall)

4. FOURTH LINK:Justified

5. FIFTH LINK: Glorified

Aorist like the rest cf Rom 4:17

4. What is the relationship of election and faith?

Acts 13:48John 6 Context (v 26) note: 36-40; 44-46; 63-65Eph 2:8

5. How does the doctrine of election relate to human responsibility? 1Peter 2:6-8

6. How does it affect the universal offer of salvation? Matt 11:25-28; Rom 10:11ff

-42-


43/46

Theology Proper

7. What about election to perdition in the same sense as election to salvation?

Rom 9:22-23Matt 25:34,41Rev 20:15 no book of death!

8. What is Gods purpose in election?

IMMEDIATE: The salvation of the elect2Thes 2:13; Rom 11:7-11

ULTIMATE: The Glory of God > Eph 1:6,12,14

9. What are the evidences of election? I Thes 1:4

B. PRAYER IN LIGHT OF THE DECREEHow does a knowledge of the decree and the sovereignty of God affect my

prayer life and my approach to evangelism?

1 THE BELIEVERS PRIVILEGE IN PRAYER

a. Conditions for Answered Prayer

(1) We are to ask in (John 14:14).

(2) We are to ask with as our motive (John14:13).

(3) We are to ask while in (John 15:7).

(4) We are to ask in keeping with (I John5:14-15).

b. Procedure for Answered Prayer

(1) The "Prepositions" of prayer:1) to the Father (John 16:23)2) through Jesus (I Tim 2:5; Heb 4:14-16; John 16:24)3) in the Holy Spirit (Jude 20)

(2) The Power of Prayer (Eph 6:18; Jude 1:20)

(3) The Purity of Prayer (Ps 66:18)

Isa 59:1-2

1John 1:9

-43-


44/46

Theology Proper

(4) The Roadblocks to Prayer1) Ps 66:182) James 4:2-33) James 5:164) 1Peter 3:75) Jude 20

2. The Perversion of Prayer

The motto "Prayer changes things" has caused some to assume that the believerprays in order to change the mind of God about a particular situation. The decreeof God is set and cannot be changed by our praying.

a. We pray to God's will notto it.

If we could change God's purpose every time we pray, we would have to saythat God's plan is not perfect. The plan of God was formed in infinite wisdomand based upon the omniscience of God.

b. We pray to with God not just .

The believer who prays in the energy of the Holy Spirit will worship the Fatherand consent to the decree -- not try to change a perfect God.

3. The Proper View of Prayer in Light of the Decree

a. Prayer is one of the that God has ordained for theaccomplishment of His plan (I Thes 5:17; Phil 4:19; James 4:2).

Some complain, "If God already knows our needs why pray?" We shouldpray because God has said that some of our needs will never be met by anyother means than prayer (Ja 4:2). Jesus said, "Therefore do not be like them;for your Father knows what you need, before you ask Him." (Matt 6:8) Just

because God knows your needs does not mean He does not want you to ask.

"The God who decreed the blessing also decreed that you would get the

blessing by praying therefore pray."

b. Prayer is seen as a of acquiring some of theGod has for your life.

Every time a believer prays in the Spirit he has the assurance that God hearshim and that God's will in his life will be accomplished. God answers the

prayer that He energizes His children to pray (cf James 5:14-15).

4. The Proper Motives for Prayer

a. We God when we pray. It manifests the factthat we are trusting Him to do what we can't. We are recognizing His ability.

-44-


45/46

Theology Proper

b. We God when we pray. (I Tim 2:1; John14:13-14; I Thes 5:17; I John 1:9)

c. We to God whenwe pray. (James 4:8)

D. EVANGELISM IN LIGHT OF THE DECREE

1. The Decree does not eliminate evangelism

a. The same Bible that stresses the decree also stresses the necessity ofevangelism (Rom 10:12-14; Acts 1:8; Matt 28:19-20; I Cor 15:1-4)

b. When we witness or evangelize we are part of God's means of reaching thoseHe will save:

2. The Decree Does Not Squelch Evangelism

a. It guarantees that we will have (Acts 18:9-10).

b. It reminds us that results are dependent upon God but we are toand and let God give the increase (I Cor 3:5-9; Acts 2:47).

3. The Decree Does Not Diminish The Genuiness of The Gospel Offer (John 3:16; I

John 2:2; 2 Cor 5:20)

The sinner is responsible for rejecting the offer of salvation (John 3:18; 5:40).

4. The Decree Gives Us an Incentive and Encouragement In Evangelism

a. Because of man's depravity salvation would be impossible unless God did thechoosing and the saving (Eph 1:4; 2:1-4; 4:17-19).

b. Because of man's natural blindness (I Cor 2:14) and Satanic blindness (2 Cor4:3-4) all our efforts to evangelize are futile except for the decree. God has

determined that men will be saved through hearing the good news.

c. Effectual evangelism is dependent on the Spirit's work not on our methods(charismatic speaker, good music, emotional atmosphere, etc.) (John 16:7-11).

d. Because salvation is by grace (Eph 2:8; Phil 1:29).

5. The Effects of Understanding the Decree

a. It will make you (Acts 18:9)

-45-


46/46

Theology Proper

b. It will help you to be (2 Tim 2:10)

c. It will encourage you to . "We should spend more time speakingto God about men than speaking to men about God." L.S. Chafer

Date post:	07-Apr-2018
Category:	Documents
Upload:	fernando-tambunan
View:	247 times
Download:	0 times

The Op Roper

Documents