Some Interesting Links . . .

Somehow, I get the sense that the rest of Europe probably rests a bit easier upon hearing the news that Germany's current crop of soldiers are fat, smoke too much, and are out of shape.   Click here: Whose soldiers are chubby and unfit? | U.S. | Reuters.

The Vatican has decided that many priests need additional lessons on how to hear confessions.   Not only do people think it creepy to confess sexual sins to someone hidden behind a screen, but many catholics lament that the priests get in the way of "direct prayer to the Lord."   Who'd have thunk?  Click here: BBC NEWS | World | Europe | Vatican confessors' crash course

Next time you need to miss an elder's meeting, or wish to escape a visit to the in-laws, here's the perfect excuse.   "The devil-worshipers made me do it."  Click here: Mayor Resigns, Claims Abduction By Satan Worshippers - Local News Story - KHBS Ft. Smith

Indiana Jones he's not!  I'm certainly not an archeologist, but even I know that  Zimbabwe is probably not the best place to look for the Ark of the Covenant.  Click here: Winston-Salem Journal | ARK JUNIOR?: Professor has new take on Israelite treasure 

There's a good reason why "elders" should not be young men, living a long way from home.  That's what fraternities are for.   Click here: LDS Missionaries Photographed 'Mocking' Catholic Church

Audio From Academy Lectures Posted

The last two academy lectures from my series "Amillennialism 101 have been posted."

The third lecture in the series is entitled, "Interpreting Bible Prophecy -- Part Two"

 The Fourth Lecture in the series is entitled, "Covenant Theology and Eschatology"

They can be found here:  Click here: Christ Reformed Info - MP3's and Real Audio (of Academy Lectures)

Who Said That?

When asked "is belief in Christ is needed for going to heaven?"

_______ answered, "That one I'm a little more open to.  I think that it is, as we understand our relationship to God as Christians, it is how we see our way forward, and it is the way.  But, ever since I was little . . . I've asked every Sunday school teacher I've ever had, I asked every theologian I've ever talked with, whether that meant that there was no salvation, there was no heaven for people who did not accept Christ. And, you're well aware that there are a lot of answers to that. There are people who are totally rooted in the fact that, no, that's why there are missionaries, that's why you have to try to convert. And, then there are a lot of other people who are deeply faithful and deeply Christ-centered who say, that's how we understand it and who are we to read God's mind about such a weighty decision as that."

You know the drill . . .  Who said that?  Leave your answer in the comments section below. 

Update on Saturday, March 8, 2008 at 03:35PM by Kim Riddlebarger

This is a quote from Hillary Clinton in a recent interview with New York Times reporter Michael Luo in July 2007.

The picture I picked is of Bill and Hillary from much earlier--like wow, dude, it was the seventies.  But it was too good to pass up! 

Thought You Might Want to Know . . .

The Rapture index is suddenly spiking.  It is now up to 168--the highest it has been in some time.  The all-time high was 182 (right after 911).   Click here: The Rapture Index.

Feed the pets, water the plants, and cancel the newspaper.  And most importantly, make sure those tidy-whities are clean.  If the "Left Behind" movie teaches us anything, it is that while you might go in the Rapture, your tidy-whities won't.

Decisions, Decisions . . .

Do you go to the Academy @ Christ Reformed in Anaheim, and listen to Dr. Riddlebarger's lecture on "The Covenantal Context" for eschatology?   Click here: Christ Reformed Info - Schedule of Academy Classes and Author's Forums - March 7 -- "Amillennialism 101 -- Covenan

Or do you go to the Oceanside URC, and watch a live taping of the White Horse Inn?  Click here: http://www.oceansideurc.org/ - Pilgrims & Parish (Danny Hyde) - - Live Taping of the White Horse Inn this Friday

Decisions, decisions . . . 

The Canons of Dort, First Head of Doctrine, Article Fourteen

Article 14: Teaching Election Properly

Just as, by God's wise plan, this teaching concerning divine election has been proclaimed through the prophets, Christ himself, and the apostles, in Old and New Testament times, and has subsequently been committed to writing in the Holy Scriptures, so also today in God's church, for which it was specifically intended, this teaching must be set forth--with a spirit of discretion, in a godly and holy manner, at the appropriate time and place, without inquisitive searching into the ways of the Most High. This must be done for the glory of God's most holy name, and for the lively comfort of his people.
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It is vital that we keep in mind the fact that the doctrine of election is not presented to us in Scripture as a subject for our intellectual speculation, or as a means by which we can satisfy our sinful curiosities about the hidden things of God.  God did not reveal his eternal purposes to us so that we could have a new subject about which to debate and speculate.  He did not reveal this so that the more learned, devoted, or zealous in our midst, could somehow force their way into the throne room of God and get a peek at the Deus nudus (the “naked God”).  God revealed this doctrine to us to promote his own glory, not to satisfy our musing and speculation.  

In fact, it was none other than Calvin himself, who cautions us about the dangers of such undue speculation about the subject of election and predestination:

    The subject of predestination, which in itself is attended with considerable difficulty is rendered very perplexed and hence perilous by human curiosity, which cannot be restrained from wandering into forbidden paths and climbing to the clouds determined if it can that none of the secret things of God shall remain unexplored.  When we see many, some of them in other respects not bad men, every where rushing into this audacity and wickedness, it is necessary to remind them of the course of duty in this matter.  First, then, when they inquire into predestination, let then remember that they are penetrating into the recesses of the divine wisdom, where he who rushes forward securely and confidently, instead of satisfying his curiosity will enter in inextricable labyrinth.  For it is not right that man should with impunity pry into things which the Lord has been pleased to conceal within himself, and scan that sublime eternal wisdom which it is his pleasure that we should not apprehend but adore, that therein also his perfections may appear. Those secrets of his will, which he has seen it meet to manifest, are revealed in his word-revealed in so far as he knew to be conducive to our interest and welfare (Institutes, III.xxi.1).

This is exactly the same point that the Canons are making.  The reason why we must wrestle with the doctrine of election is not to satisfy our own curiosity, but to promote God’s honor and glory, and so that we might find comfort in the midst of the tumultuous nature of life in a world full of sin and doubt.  

We teach and proclaim the doctrine of election only because God has revealed this doctrine to us in the Holy Scriptures by his prophets, by Christ himself, and by all the apostles.  And since this teaching is given by God to his church, we must proclaim, teach, and defend this truth without any compromise.  

Yet, at the same time, the Canons point out, “this teaching must be set forth—with a spirit of discretion, in a godly and holy manner, at the appropriate time and place, without inquisitive searching into the ways of the Most High.”  Here is where wisdom and prudence enter the discussion.  The Canons exhort us to teach and discuss these matters with the utmost of discretion and care, at the appropriate time, and in an appropriate manner.  In other words, we should exercise a fair bit of tact, compassion, and discernment here.  Someone who has just lost an unbelieving loved one is not likely to be too receptive to the biblical teaching on reprobation—for good reason.  And yet, presented at the right time, and in the right way, the subject should be broached as part of the normal catechesis of all Christian believers without compromise.

One of the main reasons that the doctrines of election and predestination are so difficult to discuss with others is not because the doctrine is unbiblical, and there is not much evidence for it in the Scriptures.  Rather, this is a difficult subject to discuss, precisely because it is a difficult subject!  

The doctrine of election can also be a touchy subject because so many Reformed folk have been so obnoxious about the subject to those outside the Reformed faith.  Far too often, Reformed Christians use the doctrine of election solely to “evangelize” their Arminian friends, or to win an argument, or make a point, and not, as the Canons urge, for the glory of God's most holy name, and for the lively comfort of his people.  Our sinful nature wants to be right, and as we all know, the flesh is not interested in God’s honor and glory.  

In this regard, the focus of our efforts should be where the Biblical teaching places it, upon the graciousness of God in choosing to save some out of the fallen mass of sinful humanity to glorify his name—namely, those of us who believe in Christ—and to leave the rest under God’s just condemnation for their own sin, so as to magnify his justice.  

This doctrine is revealed to us, God's people, so that we who are sinful, weak, and full of fear and doubt, might instead place our sole confidence in God, who is gracious, almighty, and merciful beyond words.  As Paul says in the opening of his letter to the Philippians, “he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”  God comforts us with the knowledge that he will not start something, and then quit in the middle of it!

As Reformed Christians, we believe, teach, and preach the doctrine of election because of God’s glory and honor, and for the comfort of the saints.

Eschatology Q & A -- What About Zechariah 14?

Reg asks (February 2008):

Dr. Riddlebarger:  I have read both of your recent books and found them compelling.  There is one passage of Scripture however which I cannot seem to integrate into amillenialism or even other biblical end times passages, that is Zechariah 14:16-21.  How does this passage fit into the scheme of things. Is this a description of life in the New Jerusalem?  If so what's with the sacrifices, the curse of no rain, etc?  I hope you can explain this for me.  Thanks.

Eric asks (July 2006):  

Premillenialists insist that Zechariah 14 is support for their view. I disagree.  But I am not currently able to explain very well why I disagree. Part of the reason I disagree is simply because so much other Scripture disproves the premillenial theory. One problem is that a few translations, including the KJV, translate Zechariah 14:1 as "the day of the Lord" cometh. Other translations translate it as "A day of the Lord comes...". I definitely believe "a day of the Lord" is the correct way of translating it, but I wondered if you could shed some light on this.

Verse 2 seems to be describing what happened in 70 AD. Verse 4 is one that premillenialists interpret literally but I believe it is referring to the first coming of Christ when he stood on the Mount of Olives. I believe the splitting of the mountain is figurative and refers to the divide that was created between those that are saved and those that are not.  Verse 5 again seems to be referring to 70 AD. But premillenialists point to where it says "the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee". I believe that is a reference to the first coming but I don't know how to back that up with Scripture. Maybe you can help.  I believe verse 8 is fulfilled in John 7:37-39 where it talks about the living water that comes from the Holy Spirit.  Anyway, while I believe the entire passage refers to the first coming of Christ, as well as 70 AD, it is difficult to prove that. So, what is your interpretation of Zechariah 14?

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In answering the basic question, “how does one interpret Zechariah 14?” we need to admit from the outset that this is a very difficult passage, in part, because it is never directly quoted in the New Testament, and given a definitive interpretation--although there are a number of allusions (echoes) to it, especially in the Book of Revelation (see, for example, the Scripture index in Beale’s work, The Book of Revelation, Eerdmans, 1999, 1196-1197).

Dispensationalists believe the prophecy describes Christ’s second coming, and the establishment of the subsequent millennial kingdom on the earth (Walvoord, Major Bible Prophecies, Zondervan, 94.)  Walvoord believes that vs. 16-21 specifically refer to the sacrifices made in Jerusalem during the future millennial kingdom (Walvoord, The Millennial Kingdom, Zondervan, 310-311).  J. D. Pentecost believes that these verses refer to Christ’s rule and punishment of any sin which may break out in the millennial age during Christ’s rule (Pentecost, Things to Come, Zondervan, 503).

Calvin saw the passage as tied to the time of Antichrist (Commentaries on the Twelve Minor Prophets, 5:405).  The great puritan John Owen saw this passage fulfilled in the end-times glory of the church (see Iain Murray’s The Puritan Hope, Banner of Truth, 1971, 38, where Murray cites Owen’s sermon “The Advantage of the Kingdom of Christ in the Shaking of the Kingdoms of the World”).  Gary DeMar, argues that this prophecy is fulfilled by the events of A.D. 70, when Jesus returns in the clouds to judge both Jerusalem and the temple (DeMar, Last Days Madness, American Vision 1999, 437-443).

One very helpful interpretation of this passage is found in Gerard Van Groningen’s Messianic Revelation in the Old Testament (Baker, 1990), 911-913).  Van Groningen argues that as we attempt to understand this most difficult passage, there are three very important things to keep in mind.  

First, the prophecy is apocalyptic in terms of its structure.  The use of dramatic symbols and metaphors (the reference to the Mount of Olives splitting open forming a large valley, “living water,” etc.) tells us that a literal interpretation is not likely, and that the prophecy will remain somewhat mysterious until the coming of the Messiah and the dawn of the messianic age.  

Second, there is a fair bit of prophetic perspective throughout the chapter.  In other words, in previous chapters of his prophecy (especially chapter 13), Zechariah has been predicting what will happen when the messianic age dawns–the Messiah will be pierced, and a fountain will be opened the cleansing of sin, which is a reference to Christ’s satisfaction for our sins upon the cross.  By using images from Israel’s past (i.e., during the days of Uzziah) when YHWH defended his people, Zechariah is now pointing ahead to the fact that although additional trials and tribulation will certainly come, God will continue to deliver his people in the most amazing of ways.  Zechariah foretells of how YHWH will defeat his enemies on behalf of his people (v. 3), that he will reign over the entire cosmos (vv. 4-5), and that he will rule over the nations (vv. 12-15), so as to provide freedom for his people to worship (v. 16).  He will restrain those who oppose his rule (v. 17-19).  Indeed, his Spirit will sanctify all of life (vv. 20-21) which clearly anticipates, and presupposes the out-pouring of the Spirit @ Pentecost.  

Third, this is the final chapter of Zechariah’s prophecy and is clearly messianic.  The death of the Messiah on behalf of his people (depicted in chapter 13), secures the benefits God’s people will enjoy as enumerated in chapter 14.  That YHWH rules and subdues his enemies while protecting his people, is the result of the Shepherd’s death and the cleaning fountain which results.  Jesus’ death is dawn of the new creation and establishes the conditions depicted in chapter 14.

To put it simply, Van Groningen sees Zechariah 14 as a prophecy of the messianic age yet to come, using apocalyptic language and symbols which relate the past experience of God’s people (in great tribulation) to their future expectations in the messianic age to come.  What comes about in chapter 14, clearly flows out of the Messiah’s death and subsequent rule, ensuring that the messianic kingdom yet to come will completely surpass anything that the theocratic kingdom of Israel could ever bring about or experience.

Meredith Kline takes this same general interpretative approach, but takes the prophecy one step farther (which I think is very helpful).  What is inaugurated by the Messiah (all of the blessings secured by the Messiah’s death, and the cleansing and sanctifying power which results) is ultimately brought to realization by the divine warrior (Jesus) who brings judgment to the nations (vv. 3-5), the establishment of the new creation (v. 6 ff).  According to Kline, at that time “the saints will possess a holy and blessed world, purged of all of God’s enemies.  The consummation of joy and glory typified by the Feast of Tabernacles will be realized.  And echoing Zechariah 6:8; 14:9 characterizes that day as the time when Yahweh alone will be king over the whole world” (Kline, Glory in Our Midst: A Biblical-Theological Reading of Zechariah’s Night Visions, Two-Age Press, 2001, 216). 

What Zechariah foresees then, is not only that the Messiah inaugurates the messianic age, but that he brings it to final consummation.

Thus the dispensationalists are correct to tie the prophecy, in part, to Christ’s second advent.  They err when they ignore the elements of this prophecy to be enjoyed in the present messianic age before Christ returns, and especially by tying this prophecy to a future earthly millennium on a partially redeemed earth, as opposed to Zechariah’s focus upon the prophecy's ultimate fulfillment in the final consummation, upon a new heaven and earth.

More Interesting Links . . .

How can an unknown researcher make a name for himself?  Come up with a clever new theory as to why the Bible is wrong, of course.   This time, an Israeli psychologist argues that Moses was stoned, and hearing voices.   Isn't it saner to argue that the account of Moses on Mount Sinai is a myth, put together by unknown redactors drawing from the southern kingdom of Judah (the YHWHists),  the northern kingdom of Israel (the elohists), from people who really liked the law (the Deuteronomists), and from those with priestly interests.  Wait . . . that's already been done!  Wanna get published?  Better come up with something new.  This guy did.  Moses was a "dead-head."  Too much!   Click here: Moses was high on drugs: Israeli researcher

The LDS may not practice polygamy any more, but the Muslims sure do--Yes, even in America.  A surprisingly large number of Muslim men living in Canada and the United States are marrying multiple times in accordance with Sharia law.  "Don't ask, don't tell, " apparently, applies to more than gays in the military.  It also applies to Muslim practice of polygamy in the United States!  Why obey western laws and practices if you can get away with it?   Click here: Pajamas Media: Take My Wives, Please: Polygamy Heads West

A lonely Buddhist monk . . .  Easy access to the web . . .  What could go wrong?   Oh behave!   Click here: Thai monks told to behave on networking Web sites | Oddly Enough | Reuters

Finally, it is nice to know that the Pope is catholic.   No more baptisms in the "name of the Creator, and of the Redeemer, and of the Sanctifier" or "in the name of the Creator, and of the Liberator, and of the Sustainer."  To be valid, baptisms must be conducted in the name of the Triune God.   Click here: Vatican Says Baptisms Must Use Traditional Trinity | Christianity Today | A Magazine of Evangelical Conviction

"He Has Transgressed the Covenant of the LORD" -- Joshua 7:1-26

The Ninth in a Series of Sermons on the Book of Joshua

The seven trumpets sounded seven times, the people of Israel gave a great shout, and then suddenly, the walls of Jericho collapsed.  The army of Israel quickly entered the city and put to death all of Jericho’s inhabitants just as God commanded.  The only people spared were Rahab and her family, because they believed that YHWH was the Lord of all the earth, and because at the risk of her own life, Rahab hid the two spies Joshua had sent to investigate Jericho’s defenses.  But not only did the Lord command that everyone in Jericho be put to death, he also commanded that the entire city was to be completely destroyed.  Because YHWH had devoted the city to himself for destruction, no Israelite was to take any personal property from the ruins of the city.  The only items to be spared were things made of gold, silver and bronze, which were to be added to Israel’s treasury for eventual use in the temple.  As long as Israel obeyed the Lord’s commands, victory over the Canaanites was assured and Israel would soon possess all the land.  But should any one of the Israelites disobey the Lord’s commands, trouble will come upon the entire nation.

We are continuing our series on the Book of Joshua.  We have just completed chapters 5-6, which describe those days immediately after Israel’s entrance into the promised land as well as the account of the fall of Jericho.  Throughout these chapters, the emphasis has fallen upon the contrast between this present generation of Israelites who entered the land of promise and that generation of Israelites who left Egypt and who perished in the wilderness because of their unbelief.  This generation was not like the former one.  This generation obeys the Lord’s commands.  They submit to Joshua.  They renew the covenant.  And they are victorious over Jericho and its formidable defenses, because they followed the Lord’s commands to the letter.  And so the entire nation of Israel was privileged to watch Jericho’s walls collapse at the end of what amounted to a seven-day worship service, in which a holy processional led by Israel’s priests and the ark of the covenant marched around the city of Jericho as a sign that YHWH is Israel’s shield and defender, as well as Lord of all the earth.

In the opening chapters of Joshua we see the “works principle” very clearly set forth.  As in the original covenant of works God made with Adam in Eden, which was then republished at Mount Sinai with the Ten Commandments, God promises blessings for obedience and threatens curses for disobedience.  This is the operative principle when Israel renewed the covenant at Moab (our present Book of Deuteronomy), and shortly thereafter when Israel advances on Jericho under the leadership of Joshua and crosses through the Jordan River on dry ground.  This principle is also evident when YHWH gave to Israel a great victory over Jericho.  But before YHWH gives Jericho in the hands of his people, Joshua reveals to all Israel an additional command of the Lord in Joshua 6:18-19, a command which is the basis for what unfolds in chapters 7-8.  “But you, keep yourselves from the things devoted to destruction, lest when you have devoted them you take any of the devoted things and make the camp of Israel a thing for destruction and bring trouble upon it.  But all silver and gold, and every vessel of bronze and iron, are holy to the LORD; they shall go into the treasury of the LORD.”  The law of God does exactly what he intends it to do.  It both exposes sin and reveals to us his will. 

To read the rest of this sermon, click here 
 

Some Interesting Links . . .

If you were Bill Clinton, and you were in Texas, and you wanted to go to church, where would you go?  The Answer is fairly obvious  Click here: Clintons at Joel Osteen’s Church - purgatorio.

You know things are really bad in the Anglican Communion when J. I. Packer is threatened with church discipline--by the liberals.  Click here: Diocese Threatens to Suspend J.I. Packer | Liveblog | Christianity Today

Why John McCain wanted (or even accepted) John Hagee's endorsement is beyond me.  Of course, the Dems cry foul.  Hagee hates Catholics!  Hagee hates gays!  Missing from that list of course, is the fact that Hagee hates amillennarians . . .  I'm offended.   Click here: Democrats accuse well known Texas evangelical of hate speech (OneNewsNow.com).

I love John Stossel.  Want to stop some nut from shooting up a mall, or a college campus?  Here's one solution.   Click here: RealClearPolitics - Articles - Guns Save Lives

The law of unintended consequences . . .   With the agri-business shifting to bio-fuels, that means increased food prices and more importantly, starvation in the third world.   Click here: Soaring prices force US to cut food aid | The Courier-Mail  Yet another reason to trust the free market, and hate the nanny state!

For the man who has everything.  How about a Panzer IV?  Genuine Wehrmacht surplus.   Imagine when your neighbor sees you pull up in the ultimate SUV!  Jagdpanther trumps Escalade every time! You may get less than 3 miles per gallon, and you may spew out black diesel smoke.  But who will dare say anything?    Click here: The Local - For sale: Nazi German tanks  Mick, this is what I want for Christmas!