Tag: Bible

Federalism in Baptism: Insights and Differences

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AARON BROADMAN

Covenant Baptist Theology, also known as Federalism, highlights the significance of federal heads within biblical covenants. The Abrahamic Covenant had Abraham as its federal head, the Mosaic Covenant had Moses, and the New Covenant has the Lord Jesus Christ. This understanding is foundational to the book of Hebrews, as well as Romans and Ephesians. There exist various views on Covenant Theology even among Baptists, with a primary distinction between some Baptists and Presbyterian brethren concerning the nature of the New Covenant. Some Presbyterians see one covenant with two administrations, but the New Covenant is truly new, flowing from the covenant of redemption. The Old Testament saints were saved by faith, trusting in God’s promise of a better day.

The faithful of the Old Testament, as noted in Hebrews 11:13-16, died in faith without having received the promises, but they saw them from afar and embraced them, desiring a heavenly country. Hebrews 11:39-40 affirms that these saints, though obtaining a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise because God had provided something better for us. The recurring theme in Hebrews is the superiority of what is brought by Christ, as emphasized by the word “better.” Old Testament sacrifices could never take away sin, as Hebrews 10:1 declares that the law was a shadow of the good things to come, incapable of making its adherents perfect. The term “shadow” signifies that these sacrifices pointed to a greater reality. If they had been effective in removing sin, they would not have been continually offered; rather, they served as reminders of sin. The blood of bulls and goats could never take away sin. Hebrews 10:5-7, quoting Psalm 40, declares that God did not desire sacrifices and offerings but prepared a body for Christ to fulfill His will. Hebrews 10:9 states that He takes away the first to establish the second, and verse 10 confirms that believers have been sanctified through Christ’s offering once for all.

The Day of Atonement was an annual national cleansing rather than individual atonement. Hebrews contrasts the frequent sacrifices of the Old Testament with Christ’s singular, effective sacrifice. Christ entered not an earthly temple but heaven itself to appear before God for us. He did not offer Himself repeatedly as the high priest did annually, but at the end of the ages, He appeared once to put away sin by His sacrifice. As it is appointed for men to die once and then face judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many, fulfilling Isaiah 53’s prophecy of the suffering servant. In Christ, our federal head, we are cleansed from all sin. The Abrahamic and Mosaic Covenants are seen as covenants of works, having stipulations, blessings, and cursings.

The Abrahamic Covenant is most akin to the New Covenant because of its emphasis on faith, yet it included circumcision as a sign. Genesis outlines the command for circumcision as the covenant sign. Unlike the Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants, the Davidic Covenant lacks a clear sign and federal head like Abraham or Moses. Instead, it points directly to Christ, the true and eternal King. The Davidic Covenant’s promise of an everlasting kingdom finds its fulfillment in Jesus, whose reign is eternal. While David is a symbol of the Messiah, Christ is the fulfillment. The Davidic Covenant focuses on a singular direction toward Christ, compared to the large populations associated with other covenants.

Abraham was justified by faith before he was circumcised. Romans 4 argues that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness prior to his circumcision, demonstrating that salvation has always been by faith. Genesis 15:6 affirms this truth, showing that righteousness came through belief in God’s promise. The Mosaic Covenant had the Ten Commandments and the law as its sign.

The New Covenant, based on the covenant of redemption, brings unparalleled blessings. Justification comes through Christ’s sacrifice. The old covenant obsolete. Hebrews affirms that Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. Romans 5:1-2 assures believers of peace with God through faith, and the same writer declares there is no condemnation for those in Christ.

The supreme blessing of the New Covenant is the consummation of the new heavens and new earth, where believers will see the glory of God in the face of Christ. Psalm 16:11 speaks of the fullness of joy in God’s presence. The intermediate state is temporary as believers await their glorified bodies and the final fulfillment of God’s promises. The covenant of redemption between God and Christ is distinct from the New Covenant. As Charles Hodge notes, Christ is both a party in the covenant of redemption and the mediator of the New Covenant. In conclusion, these theological truths should lead to a deep appreciation of God’s redemptive work, stirring believers to live in obedience and hope, anticipating the glorious fulfillment of all His promises. May God grant understanding and application of these truths as His people seek to live faithfully in the present age.

Dr. J. Vernon McGee: Mark 1

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Dr. J. Vernon McGee introduces the Gospel of Mark as chronologically the first Gospel written and emphasizes that its author, John Mark, was not an apostle but had close associations with key figures like Paul, Barnabas (his uncle), and Peter (his spiritual son). Mark’s Jewish name was John, and Mark was his Latin surname. His mother, Mary, was a prominent Christian in Jerusalem whose home served as a meeting place for the church. Mark initially accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey but turned back, causing a disagreement between Paul and Barnabas, with Barnabas later taking Mark to Cyprus. However, Mark eventually redeemed himself, becoming profitable for the ministry later in Paul’s life. Dr. McGee also notes the early church tradition, supported by figures like Papias, that Mark’s Gospel is essentially Peter’s account.

Dr. McGee explains that the Gospel of Mark was specifically written for the Romans, catering to the Roman mind which valued strength and action. He contrasts this with Matthew, written for the nation of Israel and the religious man; Luke, for the thinking man; and John, for the wretched man. The Romans, while bringing peace, justice, and order, did so through force, representing active human power and a tendency towards dictatorship. Mark presents Jesus not as the king (like in Matthew) but as God’s servant, a man of action, with “Flaming headlines” like “Jesus came” and “He is risen”. The style of Mark is described as brief, blunt, pertinent, pithy, and action-oriented, evident in the frequent use of the connective “and”. Unlike Matthew, Mark does not include a genealogy because Romans were more concerned with a servant’s ability to do the job than their lineage.

Moving into Mark chapter 1, Dr. McGee highlights the beginning of the Gospel, which focuses on Jesus’ coming into the world, his public ministry, death, and resurrection. He discusses John the Baptist as the messenger preparing the way for the Lord, baptizing not for the remission of sins but “unto the remission of sins,” preparing people for Jesus’ arrival. Jesus’ baptism by John in the Jordan River marked his identification with mankind, accompanied by the Trinity appearing with the Spirit descending like a dove and the Father’s voice declaring, “Thou art my beloved Son”. Immediately after, the Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness for 40 days where he was tempted by Satan, alongside wild beasts, while angels ministered to him. Following John’s imprisonment, Jesus began his ministry in Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, calling his first disciples (Simon, Andrew, James, and John) to become “fishers of men”.

Dr. McGee describes a typical busy day in Jesus’ ministry in Capernaum, starting on the Sabbath where he taught with authority, astonishing the people. The first recorded miracle in Mark is the casting out of an unclean spirit in the synagogue, demonstrating Jesus’ power in the spiritual realm. This was followed by the healing of Simon’s mother-in-law who had a fever. That evening, the entire city gathered, and Jesus healed many who were sick and cast out demons, who recognized him. Despite his busy schedule, Jesus made time to pray early in the morning and then decided to move on to other towns to preach. The chapter concludes with the healing of a leper, emphasizing Jesus’ compassion as he touched and cleansed him. Jesus instructed the man to remain silent but to show himself to the priest according to Mosaic law; however, the man disobeyed and publicized his healing widely.

Defending the Gospel: Faith Alone in Christ

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

The gospel of Jesus Christ is of utmost importance, and getting it right is crucial. Many different versions of the gospel exist, but Scripture makes it clear that there is only one true gospel. In Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he strongly emphasizes the necessity of being faithful to the gospel he received through the revelation of Jesus Christ. He warns that deviating from the true gospel has eternal consequences. In Galatians 1:10-12, Paul makes it clear that his mission is not to please men but to serve Christ. The gospel he preached did not come from human teaching but directly from Jesus Christ. This divine origin underscores the authority and purity of the message of salvation.

The early church faced a significant controversy regarding the purity of the gospel. Paul and Barnabas had established churches in Galatia during their first missionary journey, but soon after, trouble arose. Satan always seeks to distort the truth, and certain men from Judea began teaching that Gentiles must be circumcised to be saved. Acts 14:25-28 records how Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch and shared how God had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. However, Acts 15:1 tells us that some men insisted that circumcision was necessary for salvation, leading to great distress among believers. The apostles and elders in Jerusalem gathered to address this issue. The Pharisees argued that Gentiles must follow the law of Moses, but Peter said that God had purified the hearts of the Gentiles by faith and that salvation is by grace alone. The Jerusalem Council concluded that Gentile believers were not bound by the Mosaic law for salvation, as stated in Acts 15:23-29. This declaration reaffirmed that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone.

Despite the clarity from the Jerusalem Council, Paul later received troubling news that the Galatians were turning away from the gospel of grace. The Judaizers had infiltrated the churches, discrediting Paul’s apostleship and promoting a false gospel that mixed grace with works. Paul immediately addressed this in Galatians 1:1-5, asserting his divine calling and emphasizing Christ’s sacrifice for sins. He expressed shock that the Galatians were so quickly embracing a different gospel, one that perverted the truth. Galatians 1:6-9 warns that anyone preaching another gospel, even an angel, should be accursed. This highlights the severe consequences of distorting the gospel message.

Understanding and defending the gospel is a responsibility of every believer. Some Christians today lack knowledge of their faith and cannot articulate the gospel clearly. Time is spent on worldly pursuits, but little effort is given to studying God’s Word. Investing in quality resources and spending time in Scripture is essential. A personal relationship with God requires more than just intellectual belief; it requires repentance and faith in Christ. A tragic reality is that some profess to be Christians yet cannot explain salvation. If one cannot explain how to be saved, how can they be sure they are saved? True conversion involves acknowledging sin, repenting, and trusting in Christ’s finished work on the cross. Salvation is not simply a ritual or an intellectual agreement; it is a desperate cry to God for mercy, leading to a transformed life.

False gospels abound, teaching that salvation is achieved by faith plus good works. Many believe that their good deeds contribute to their salvation, yet Scripture refutes this idea. Ephesians 2:8-9 says that salvation is a gift from God, not of works, so that no one can boast. Some teach that faith alone is insufficient, contradicting the clear teaching of Scripture. The Council of Trent anathematized those who hold to justification by faith alone, but Paul steadfastly proclaimed that justification is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. Doesn’t adding works to the gospel imply that Christ’s sacrifice was not enough, which is a dangerous and false teaching?

The gospel of Jesus Christ is not to be compromised. Paul’s words serve as a warning against those who distort the truth. We must have the courage to stand firm in the true gospel, despite opposition. Evangelism and defending the faith will be met with resistance, but our confidence rests in the grace of God. Salvation is a free gift, and we must proclaim it rightly.

Finding Hope Amidst Life’s Difficulties

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Life is full of pain, sorrow, and suffering. Everyone experiences guilt, grief, and despair at some point. Sometimes, these troubles come because of our own mistakes and sins. This makes our pain even harder to bear. John Bunyan’s classic book, The Pilgrim’s Progress, gives a vivid example. The main character, Christian, and his friend take a wrong path and end up in Doubting Castle. There, they are captured and beaten by Giant Despair. Christian not only suffers but also feels responsible for leading his friend astray. In such moments, when we face the consequences of our own choices, is there any hope? The Bible shows that hope is possible, even in the ruins of our sin. Genesis 3:20-21 shows us that faith in God’s provision can bring hope and restoration.

Genesis 3 describes the first sin committed by Adam and Eve. It also tells of the punishment they received. But right after the tragedy, the Bible shifts to a message of hope. Two key things happen: Adam believes, and God provides. Faith in God’s provision brings hope even in the midst of sin. In Genesis 3:20, Adam names his wife Eve, which means “life” or “life-giver.” Before this, he had simply called her “woman.” By naming her Eve, Adam expresses faith in God’s promise that life would continue through her. This was remarkable because Adam and Eve had just been sentenced to hardship and death. Yet, Adam chose to believe in God’s word from Genesis 3:15, where God promised that one day, a Savior would come from the woman’s offspring to defeat sin and Satan. Faith means trusting God’s word, even when circumstances seem hopeless. Adam’s act shows that he had a humble and living faith in God. If Adam could trust in God with only a small glimpse of the Savior, how much more should we trust in Christ, who has now been fully revealed?

Genesis 3:21 tells us about God’s response to Adam and Eve’s sin: “And the Lord God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skin and clothed them.” This act was full of grace. Before their sin, Adam and Eve did not need clothing. But now, they felt shame and were exposed to a harsh world. Their own attempt to cover themselves with fig leaves was not enough. So God provided them with better clothing—garments of skin. This likely required the death of an animal, the first sacrifice recorded in the Bible. This event teaches two important lessons. First, sin has a cost. John Calvin suggested that every time Adam and Eve saw their clothing, they were reminded of their sin and its consequences. Second, forgiveness requires a sacrifice. The Bible teaches that “without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins” (Hebrews 9:22). The garments foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice—Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who would take away the sin of the world (John 1:29). No human effort can fully cover our sin. Only God’s provision—Jesus’ death and resurrection—can truly cleanse us. Romans 3:23 reminds us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” but through faith in Christ, we receive His righteousness.

Faith is not just the beginning of salvation; it is how we continue to live. In The Pilgrim’s Progress, Christian and his friend are trapped in Doubting Castle until Christian remembers he has a key called “Promise.” Using the promises of God, they escape their prison of despair. The Bible is full of promises that can restore our hope. Isaiah 40:30-31 says, “But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Romans 8:28 tells us, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good.” Psalm 37:23-24 assures us, “The steps of a man are established by the Lord…though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.” The gospel assures us that God’s grace is greater than our sin. An illustration of this comes from the ruins of Manila after World War II. Amid the devastation, hope remained. Likewise, even in the ruins of sin, hope exists through Jesus Christ.

No matter how broken our lives are, God offers hope through faith in Christ. Now is the time to trust in Him. Pray for His grace, forgiveness, and the faith to believe in His promises. His provision is more than enough for us to rise from the ruins and walk in new life.

Covered By Grace: Discovering True Righteousness

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Have you ever wondered what it truly takes to be right with God? It’s a question that has echoed through the ages, and the answer might be simpler, yet more profound, than you think. The core of the matter lies not in what we do, but in what has already been done for us.

The truth is, as the scriptures declare, “There is none righteous, not even one“. This powerful statement from Romans 3:10 reveals a fundamental reality about humanity – we all fall short. No matter how good we try to be, our own efforts are insufficient to bridge the gap between us and a Holy God.

So, how then can anyone be made right? The answer lies in a revolutionary concept: justification by faith apart from works of the law. This isn’t a new idea; it’s a principle beautifully illustrated in the life of Abraham, a figure revered across generations.

Consider Abraham. Was he declared righteous because of his exemplary behavior? The scripture says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness”, as found in Genesis 15:6. The book of Romans elaborates on this, asking, “What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness'” (Romans 4:1-3).

Notice the recurring word: credited. This is a key theological term, akin to a banking transaction. It signifies that God, through grace, places His righteousness into our account, not because of anything we have earned, but simply because we believe.

Think about it this way: “Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness” (Romans 4:4-5). This highlights a crucial distinction. If righteousness were earned through works, it would be an obligation, something God owed us. But instead, it is a gift freely given to those who place their trust in Him.

This concept isn’t limited to Abraham. King David, despite his significant failings, also understood this profound truth. “David also speaks of the blessing on the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: ‘Blessed are those whose lawless deeds have been forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will not take into account'” (Romans 4:6-8), quoting Psalm 32:1-2. David’s experience shows that blessing and being made right with God come through forgiveness, a covering of our sins that is not based on our own merit.

This realization often comes as a “Eureka” moment – a sudden understanding of our own inability to cleanse ourselves and the acceptance of God’s provision. It’s discovering that like Abraham, we have something about our flesh – a stain of sin – that no amount of religious activity can wash away. But then, we discover that God has already provided a substitute.

While salvation is received through faith alone and by grace alone, this faith is not meant to be stagnant. Just as a prisoner who has been acquitted shouldn’t remain in their cell, we are called to live out the reality of our forgiveness.

The beautiful truth is captured in Micah 7:19: “He will turn again; he will have compassion on us. He will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.” This is the foundation of our hope and the reason for our joy. We are declared righteous, our sins are forgiven and forgotten, not because of what we’ve done, but because of God’s incredible grace.

Have you experienced this “Eureka” moment? Perhaps today is the day to embrace this truth and be covered by grace.