In Search of Eschatological Significance: Part 1
I rejoice in the freedom we have in Christ. Not freedom from his law, but the freedom we enjoy by following his law and applying it to our lives. And by the way, I hate the term “Ten Commandments,” as if Exodus Twenty represents some kind of theological dichotomy in God’s word. ALL of Scripture is the “perfect law of liberty.” It’s all the law. We live by “EVERY word that comes from the mouth of God.” Paul told Timothy that ALL Scripture was profitable for instruction etc. Paul didn’t list separate uses / purposes for the Old Testament and New; so both Testaments serve the same purpose for each category Paul presented to Timothy—both are equal for edification that the man of God will be “fully equipped.”
Everywhere I look, I see Christians in darkness because they follow the lamps of other people. Our own lamps lit by the Holy Spirit determine who we should follow. The mighty apostle said, “Follow me AS I follow Christ.” Our own illumination via the Holy Spirit determines whether they are followers of Christ or not—NOT them!
All of my AC life I have been taught that eschatology is a “secondary issue.” But according to Matthew 4:4, there are no secondary issues; therefore, eschatology is twenty-five percent of our spiritual diet. How can a proper knowledge of eschatology applied to life make me a better Christian? How can it equip me to better serve Christ? How can I use this knowledge to adorn the gospel?
That’s what really matters—not the fact that I am a dyed in the wool pre-everything. I wonder: how many Christians are pre-everything because John MacArthur is? Though I am comfortable with my ability to defend PE, there are cracks in the dam. I think Christ says what he means and means what he says. I think the goal of the one who created communication is to be clear about what he says. He doesn’t want confusion. So, in regard to all of the events he spoke of in the Olivet Discourse, he said the present generation he was speaking to would not pass away till all of those events took place—for me, that’s a huge problem, though everything else seems to fit. I don’t like loose ends.
Ok, but if I am going to listen to another perspective, it’s not going to be from an a-mil hack; and remember, the goal is to discover eschatology’s role in helping us CHANGE. Well then, who better than Jay Adams? I have started reading his book, “The Time is at Hand.” I found his initial arguments interesting, but they did not make me fear that change was ahead. However, his arguments in chapter three concerning duplication are compelling, and have caused me to let my guard down for the rest of the book. Never the less, it’s still going to be a hard sell.
I look forward to the adventure ahead and pray that the Spirit will show me the importance of eschatology in change: “Those who have this hope purify themselves.” Also, I’m sure the old warhorse would love to have another notch on his belt—we will have to see.
paul
Paul's Passing Thoughts 
I hear Eschatology every Sunday in the profession of faith. The Nicene Creed goes something like this: “And He shall come again with glory, to judge both the quick and the dead; Whose Kingdom shall have no end…And I look for the Resurrection of the dead: And the life of the world to come. Amen.” Ok, I’m going to sound like Michael Horton, but this has everything to do with “THE GOSPEL.” What is “MY GOSPEL” according to the apostle Paul (Rom 2)? He says God will judge men’s secrets through Jesus Christ as “MY GOSPEL DECLARES.” God has given proof of this by raising Jesus from the dead. He talks about THE DAY of God’s wrath, when His righteous judgment will be revealed. God, will give to each person according to what he has done. The law (I like your concept of God’s Word) is the embodiment of knowledge and truth. The one who obeys the law will condemn the “LAWBREAKER.” For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those “WHO OBEY” the law who will be “DECLARED RIGHTEOUS.”
Many historic Christians began each day at the judgment seat of Christ. Think about it. Many historic Christian churches have very large paintings of the Last Judgment as you walk out the back door. A large crusifix is a picture of judgment. “They will look upon Him whom they have pierced.” The result: connection with reality and conversion of heart. Awareness of service and duty. In other words -“CHANGE.” Now, “pick up your cross…. follow Me.” Against the fruits of the Spirit there is no law…FREEDOM!
Notice in Rom 1 Paul talks about the godless: “they invent ways of doing evil.” The NEW CALVINISM is the new (but old) invention. Amazing, they do evil by doing nothing. Incredible! “Anyone who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it sins.” We know the words “I didn’t do anything” isn’t going to have a “rich welcome.”
One last word about Michael Horton. It’s astounding how many times he uses the words “THE GOSPEL.” However, he’s a seminary prof and doesn’t appear to understand what it means. Lord have mercy! Fear God and live!
Arkansas Bill
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These are great points. Just a thought: when Paul said there is no law against the fruits of the Spirit–could he have been referring to man-made laws that did just that?
> —–Original Message—– >
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Indeed! Yes, Jesus accused the Jewish leadership of weighing men down with rules made by men. They could not keep it themselves. Jesus didn’t bother much to obey either.
I was thinking about God as the highest authority. No condemnation for those who live according to His law of the Spirit of Life rather than the law of sin and death. Forgiveness of sin, where we fall short; we have our minds set on what the Spirit desires. The Spirit does not speak on His own, but takes from Christ and makes it known to us. If we don’t have the Spirit, we don’t belong to Christ, “CANNOT SUBMIT TO GOD’S LAW,” cannot please God, and are hostile to him (Rom 8; also, another unclean spirit dominates us). Led by the Spirit we are not under the law’s condemnation or gratifing the sinful nature. Love, joy, peace, patieince, kindness…Against such things there is no law of God or man. Carry each others burdens, in this way you will FULFILL the law of Christ (Gal 5 & 6).” If you obey the Royal Law found in Scripture…you are doing RIGHT!” If I murder I am a “LAWBREAKER (James 2). “If, while I seek to be justified in Christ, it becomes evident that we ourselves are sinners, does that mean that Christ in you promotes sin? Absolutely not! If I rebuild what I destroyed, I prove that I am a LAWBREAKER (Gal 2:17).” Sowing to please the Spirit reaps Eternal Life. The law on Tablets of Stone kills. The law now written on my heart by the Spirit, I die to self, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me. Faith is a supernatural SPIRIT gift from God (Eph 6:23). “He purified their hearts by faith (Acts 15:9).” Faith is the SOURCE of obedience to God, the LAWGIVER AND JUDGE! For it is written: “the obedience that comes FROM faith (Rom 1:5; Phil 2:17). The New Covenant promise is this: “I will put my Spirit in you and MOVE you to follow MY DECREES and be careful to keep MY LAWS …you will be my people; and I will be your God. I will save you from all your uncleaness (Ezek 36:27f).” Unclean spirits go out; the Sanctifying, cleaning Spirit goes in. We love the law of the MOST HIGH GOD. Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek out your decrees….renew my life according to your laws (Ps 119:155f). God’s IMAGE being transformed and restored. That’s what’s in it for God – THE GOSPEL GODWARD.
Have a great day!
Arkansas Bill
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