I recently had a lengthy conversation with a man about Calvinism. In our conversation he made the following statement, “’Just looking at John 3:16 for example, where just recently I posted a Greek study on my (fb) wall on the word “world,” that showed that the word “world,” doesn’t refer to the “whole world.”’ Vine’s Greek dictionary disagrees with his interpretation. So while I know this post is quite long, I think that it provides a strong scriptural teaching that one can copy and use against this error.
Calvinists teach that Christ’s atoning sacrifice was limited to just an elect chosen group. In their teaching this must be true because God couldn’t love the “whole world” because it is clear that some reject Christ and in their belief if Jesus died for someone’s sins those sins must be eradicated as a result, or the only other option is universal salvation.
John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the WORLD that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” The word used in the Greek is the word “kosmos” from which we get the English word, “cosmos.” Having studied Greek, I know that there is nothing in the Greek that infers that kosmos doesn’t refer to the whole world. Their teaching consists of what they believe has to be the context of the word in light of their belief that atonement is limited to those whom God has elected out of the world. Yet this contradicts 1 John 2:2 which says, “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the WHOLE world.” His response was that WHOLE WORLD didn’t really mean “the entire world.” Yet if you would do a word study on the Greek word “holos” which was translated “whole,” you would quickly see there is no other possible meaning to the word. For example: Matt 5:29 says, "It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your “whole”(the Gk word “holos”) body to be thrown into hell."
His response was to send me links to a couple of commentaries yet even in the commentaries they made statements like, “The writer believes,” “It is the writer's position,” and “it is this writer's conclusion.” That means they are exercising their opinion in view of their bias. The Bible says in a very popular verse, “ All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” ( 2 Tim 3:16-17 NKJV). Why can the man of God be completely equipped in regard to instruction in righteousness? It is because who better to tell us what they meant then the author’s themselves. Not all commentaries are reliable.
So I will give you some scriptures that prove that “kosmos” DOES refer to the every person in the world and NOT as some commentaries teach that it means the elect out of the Gentiles and that I am not merely relying upon 1 John 2:2 as a solo proof text for unlimited atonement. 1 Timothy 2:1-6 - I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for EVERYONE— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants ALL men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for ALL men — the testimony given in its proper time.
Heb 2:9: We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for EVERYONE. 2 Cor 5:14-15: For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for ALL, then were ALL dead: And that he died for ALL, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. This last verse is significant because the assumption that one died for all is the basis for proving that “all were dead.” The proof that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God is that Christ died for all according to this passage.
The following is a list of the passages that tell us that Christ Jesus sacrifice was once for ALL:
Rom 6:10: The death he died, he died to sin once for ALL; but the life he lives, he lives to God.
Heb 7:27: Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for ALL when he offered himself.
Heb 9:12: He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for ALL by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.
Heb 9:25-26: Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. 26 Then Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But now he has appeared once for ALL at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.
Heb 10:9-10: He said, "Here I am, I have come to do your will." He sets aside the first to establish the second. 10 And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for ALL.
1 Peter 3:18: For Christ died for sins once for ALL, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, Christ’s atoning death was NOT limited to just an “elect” group but for ALL. Notice in the following passages that the Cross cleansed all things:
Eph 1:9-10: He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment — to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
Col 1:19-20: For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
The significance of these two verses is that through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross ALL things whether in heaven or on earth were reconciled and brought together under one head. Again the point is that God does love all because Christ’s sacrifice was made for all and it is appropriated to all who believe.
Remember the story in the book of Acts where God in a vision to Peter let down a sheet full of all sorts of unclean animals? Peter refused to eat because he had never eaten anything impure or unclean. Then the voice spoke to him a second time, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean" (Acts 10:15). Was this merely a change in diet that God was making? No, notice what Peter said that he learned from this event, “God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean” (Acts 10:28). In other words, just as God cleansed all meats so God cleansed all men. Men are no longer condemned on the basis of their disobedience to God’s Law, but rather because they refuse to place their faith in Christ’s sacrifice for their sins. Jesus taught about the Holy Spirit: “When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me (John 16:8-9).
The only basis in which men (mankind) are rejected is because of their unbelief. The scriptures that I have quoted here are very plain as to their meaning, on the other side of the debate, there are no passages that say that Christ wasn’t the atoning sacrifice for everyone. There are no scriptures that say God ordained some to heaven and others he ordained to hell. They must depart from scripture or else apply an interpretation to passages that are not clearly stated.
One of the passages that is used by Calvinists is that of John chapter 10 and I will include the focal verses emphasized and then an explanation:
(v. 11) "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
(v.v. 14-16) "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father — and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.
(v.v. 24-28) "If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." 25 Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."
It is taught from this passage that Jesus is therefore only laying down his life for the sheep and not for all. The discerning factor of whether or not these were His sheep was either their acceptance or rejection of Christ’s word. Remember this passage follows the statement made by Jesus at the end of chapter 9:
John 9:35-41 - Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man (God - some versions)?" 36 "Who is he, sir?" the man asked. "Tell me so that I may believe in him." 37 Jesus said, "You have now seen him; in fact, HE IS THE ONE SPEAKING WITH YOU." 38 Then the man said, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped him. 39 Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind." 40 Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, "What? Are we blind too?" 41 Jesus said, "IF YOU WERE BLIND, YOU WOULD NOT BE GUILTY OF SIN; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.
The Pharisees were present when Jesus openly revealed himself as the Christ the special “Son of Man” or the “Son of God” as some versions like the KJV state. The Pharisees refused to believed Jesus’ word – as they also rejected the rest of the scriptures. The Biblical pattern is faith follows hearing the word (e.g., Acts, Rom 10:14-17; Eph 1:13, and many more too numerous to list). That the revelation of who Jesus was at one time hid from the majority of the Jewish leaders but later revealed through the preaching of the gospel is taught in the following verses:
"Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. 18 But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Christ would suffer. 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, (Acts 3:17-19). None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory (1 Cor 2:8). Their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. Whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away (2 Cor 3:14; 16-17).
The mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus (Eph 3:3-6).
Jesus had taught, “You diligently study the Scriptures because you THINK that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, 40 yet you refuse to COME TO ME to have life (John 5:39-40). God’s word is supposed to lead us to faith in Christ (Rom 10:17) we are not merely to believe a set of doctrines. Jesus saves us and not a particular teaching.
Isa 8:20 warns us to, “Look to God's instructions and teachings! People who contradict His Word are completely in the dark.” We must take heed that no one deceives us and the only way that will happen is if we have a love for the truth. May I encourage you today to make sure that what you believe is exactly what the Bible teaches.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
Offended
I recently watched the YouTube video of the pastor of an AME church get slapped and attempt to slap back a member of his church. The report mentions that there were long standing problems between this pastor, who was appointed by his denomination’s leadership. One member is quoted as saying that the pastor had poor people skills – this became obvious as he swung back at the woman who slapped him.
In dismay I watched a Hispanic video of an infant baptism where a relative becomes upset with the priest. In response the priest actually publically calls her an idiot! She throws her purse at the priest and he retaliates by attempting to punch the woman out!
Jesus said, “Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!” (Matt 18:7 NKJV). The word that is used in the Greek that is translated, “offences” pictures a snare made from a bent branch. This shows the deception behind an offence; it is a trap set for unsuspecting victims. Once a person is caught by a trap, they cannot get themselves out, especially without much difficulty. That is the power of offence, it so embitters people that they cannot be released from their animosity towards that other person.
I believe that Satan is behind trapping men and women in offences. The only way to avoid being taken in such a snare is to always be aware that traps have been set and we must deliberately keep our eyes open and be cautious to not be taken. The Bible teaches, “If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven — if there was anything to forgive — I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes” (2 Cor 2:10-11 NIV). Sadly, I think many Christians are completely unaware of Satan’s schemes and snares.
The videos are extreme examples of this. They are a total shame and contradiction to what Christ taught which is that if we do not forgive we ourselves will not be forgiven; that we are to always act in love – even to our enemies; that if someone slaps us on one cheek we should turn to them the other. We are never taught to return evil for evil, insult for insult, rather we are to entrust all things to God who alone is the Judge and Lawgiver.
There is the story of a man who was trapped on an uncharted island. When he was finally found, it was noticed that there were three hand-made huts on the island. When the man was questioned about the purpose of each of the huts he responded, “Well, the first hut was the one I made for my home. The second hut is my church.” “What about the third hut?” they inquired. “Well that was the church I used to attend!” he said.
Some people seem to be looking for a reason to be offended and to break fellowship with others. There was obviously a recognized need for unity in the Church otherwise Jesus would not have felt it necessary to pray for our unity before he was taken to be crucified for our sins. Here is how Jesus said it, “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” (John 17:22-23). It is no wonder that the world struggles to believe that God so loved the world that He sent His Son when we are not in complete unity and are constantly being offended with each other.
We must “bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Col 3:13). If we do not love those we see, how can we say we love God? Because God commanded us to love and forgive each other. I beseech you in Christ’s name if you are offended with someone, especially in the Church, go to them and be reconciled.
In dismay I watched a Hispanic video of an infant baptism where a relative becomes upset with the priest. In response the priest actually publically calls her an idiot! She throws her purse at the priest and he retaliates by attempting to punch the woman out!
Jesus said, “Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!” (Matt 18:7 NKJV). The word that is used in the Greek that is translated, “offences” pictures a snare made from a bent branch. This shows the deception behind an offence; it is a trap set for unsuspecting victims. Once a person is caught by a trap, they cannot get themselves out, especially without much difficulty. That is the power of offence, it so embitters people that they cannot be released from their animosity towards that other person.
I believe that Satan is behind trapping men and women in offences. The only way to avoid being taken in such a snare is to always be aware that traps have been set and we must deliberately keep our eyes open and be cautious to not be taken. The Bible teaches, “If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven — if there was anything to forgive — I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes” (2 Cor 2:10-11 NIV). Sadly, I think many Christians are completely unaware of Satan’s schemes and snares.
The videos are extreme examples of this. They are a total shame and contradiction to what Christ taught which is that if we do not forgive we ourselves will not be forgiven; that we are to always act in love – even to our enemies; that if someone slaps us on one cheek we should turn to them the other. We are never taught to return evil for evil, insult for insult, rather we are to entrust all things to God who alone is the Judge and Lawgiver.
There is the story of a man who was trapped on an uncharted island. When he was finally found, it was noticed that there were three hand-made huts on the island. When the man was questioned about the purpose of each of the huts he responded, “Well, the first hut was the one I made for my home. The second hut is my church.” “What about the third hut?” they inquired. “Well that was the church I used to attend!” he said.
Some people seem to be looking for a reason to be offended and to break fellowship with others. There was obviously a recognized need for unity in the Church otherwise Jesus would not have felt it necessary to pray for our unity before he was taken to be crucified for our sins. Here is how Jesus said it, “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” (John 17:22-23). It is no wonder that the world struggles to believe that God so loved the world that He sent His Son when we are not in complete unity and are constantly being offended with each other.
We must “bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Col 3:13). If we do not love those we see, how can we say we love God? Because God commanded us to love and forgive each other. I beseech you in Christ’s name if you are offended with someone, especially in the Church, go to them and be reconciled.
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