What is SO wrong about loving what IS right?

Thursday, September 22, 2011

I got an email from a dear friend in the congregation this past week. We have disagreed many times on ‘gospel stuff’ but we both love Jesus and we do have an affection for friendly banter. Rather than answering their email I decided to ‘de-personalize’ it and make a blog entry. One page turned to eleven and the rest is history. It is attached as a PDF file and addresses their concerns, but also some of the same sentiments that recent comments on the blog have echoed.

It is written in response to their entire email, but the first question will give you the flavor:

This is not an “angry” email just a “confused” one… This past week’s sermon was confusing to me so I was hoping you could clarify. First, I would put myself in the group that you were addressing at the beginning of the sermon as far as .... of course I believe by Faith Alone, through Grace Alone, in Christ Alone. And the way I see “Faith In Christ should lead to Faithfulness to Christ” seems like just another way of saying “Faith without works is Dead” and “Experiencing Grace leads to Expressing Grace”. Those all mean the same to me. So I thought I understood you to say that “Faith in Christ should lead to Faithfulness to Christ” was a wrong worldview. Could you explain why or if I have misunderstood what you said?

Link to the entire PDF file by clicking here

One addendum: I had one of our Elders remind me last night that the history of the Lordship controversy in the States probably requires some further explanation on my part in order to avoid any confusion about what I am NOT saying in the paper. This comment is best understood AFTER you read the paper (but I know that most of you will read it now…thus proving Grace actually LEADS TO license…Smile…)

The “LORDSHIP” controversy was really an issue that arose because ‘easy believism’ was springing from a plethora of both church and para-church movements, mostly evangelistic type ministries. They were reporting ‘conversions’ that were actually only ‘momentary decisions.’ The advocates of the ‘Jesus must be your Savior AND Lord’ camp were originally trying to say that ‘Jesus must be the one you chose to follow in that ‘moment of decision’ and in all the subsequent moments of your life.’ I would wholeheartedly agree with that sentiment. The problem, in my estimation, that crept into so many of the para-church ministries and particularly campus ministries during that period is that those who were trying to refute the ‘easy believism’ actually OVER-compensated and reacted, rather than responding. The idea that mere mental assent to a set of facts at one given point was tantamount to conversion is incorrect, but to construct a behavioral evaluation paradigm as the solution was incorrect as well. The way they expressed that was to say, ‘Jesus must be your Savior AND Lord.’ What they originally meant was that faith in Christ is not an event it is a lifestyle, but what it became was that TRUE faith EQUALED a particular lifestyle. Of course, you know I would not agree with that. The original diagnosis of error by the Lordship camp I wholeheartedly endorse. Their solution to the problem, is, in my estimation, an equally troubling problem.

So how do we reconcile the fact that in the paper I said that I’m ‘against Lordship’? If all Lordship did was re-affirm that faith isn’t a momentary event, but a lifestyle i.e. living by faith and repentance then I’d have no problem, but ‘Lordship’ came to be the umbrella term for much more. As I alluded to in the previous paragraph there was an ‘over-compensation’ made in an effort to ‘balance out’ the ‘easy believism’ crowd. The advocates of Lordship theology began to articulate specific evidences of what ‘living by faith’ not just believing for the moment might look like. HEAR ME CLEARLY: this started as helpful, pastoral care. I firmly believe the initial pastoral concern and application of pushing the ‘easy believism’ crowd to ask themselves about the veracity of their faith was helpful. What it BECAME/has BECOME is much, much more. The evolution of the question today is now basically the same theology as the ‘FAITH LEADS TO FAITHFULNESS’ camp I characterized on Sunday. FAITHFULNESS for the Lordship crowd and for many in that camp is seen as a ‘litmus test’ for Faith. Specific ‘markers’ show someone to be ‘in the faith’ or ‘out of the faith.’ Lots of religious language is used. Things are ‘given over to the Lord’. Activities are done ‘for the Lord.’ We wait before we act because we are seeking ‘leading from the Lord.’ The list goes on an on. The problem is a paradigm of ‘Faith in Faithfulness’ is what has actually evolved. Christian mantras, activities and behaviors are substituted for living by FAITH IN Christ. I would venture to say that in most Southern Evangelical Churches I could convince 99.9% of the pastors and parishoners that I was ‘saved’ by simply doing these 10 things:

1.) Going to Church regularly and sitting together as a family
2.) Talking about the evils of the Government and the moral decline of our nation
3.) Telling people how we need prayer in schools
4.) Teaching Sunday School or Vacation Bible School
5.) Serving as a Deacon, Elder or Usher
6.) Reading my Bible daily & calling it ‘quiet time’ (P.S. you have to mention once a week what the “Lord has been teaching me…” in my quiet time)
7.) Forwarding ‘Christian emails’ and sending out e-prayer requests
8.) Giving money (but saying “Time, Talent & Treasure”)
9.) Using one of these 4 phrases every 2 minutes, the “Lord” told me…the “Lord” led me…the “Lord” convicted me…I’m giving it to the “Lord”
10.) Carrying a large Bible with notes written in the margin and bulletins from years gone by to prove what the “Lord had been showing me…”

I would venture to say that if there was ANYONE who did that list above we would likely elect them to any office in the church. Problem is that you could do all 10 and not even know who the LORD is. Not a single thing on that list makes you a Christian, but if you did those things most churches in the Evangelical south would give you a free pass for life and never once question whether you hadn’t missed the Gospel, not by ‘easy believism’ but rather by ‘christian activism.’

I would prefer to say it this way: the antidote to ‘easy believism’ and mere mental assent is not a full-throttle, ratchet-down embrace of Christian moralism and pietism, but rather TRUE FAITH. The opposite of ‘easy believism’ isn’t ‘christian activism’ it is saving Faith. There is no such thing as Jesus the Savior who is not Jesus the Lord—- it is a false dichotomy, but it is equally false to say that the ‘Jesus is Lord’ portion means that I subscribe, adhere to and manage my behavior to align with a preconceived set of behaviors that the reactionary evangelical church prescribed as ‘markers’ of Faith. This is the Galatian error all over again. Jesus IS my Savior and my Lord, that is why I must continue to live by FAITH IN Him. It is precisely His Lordship that won’t allow me to persist in my sin and drives me to the cross. It is His Lordship that brings me to the cross repenting and sends me from the cross rejoicing. If He was not Lord, then indeed I would suggest that the Lordship folks had it right. We had better get busy. We have a crown to earn.

Comments

Anonymous | September 22 2011 at 10:53 pm

In the beginning, God simply spoke and trees came into being. As far as I can tell from scripture, there was no argument on the part of the trees. I see no evidence of an identity crisis; no effort to be better trees; no fear that they might not live up to the expectations of the tree maker; no condemnation from older more mature trees. Their form and function followed from their essence. Their state of being determined their behavior.

When God spoke the following about us was there any less creative authority? Any less power? Any less truth?

New Creation. 2 Cor 5:17
Sealed in Him. Eph 1:13
Seated with Him. Eph 2:6
Loved as much as Christ. John 17:23
The righteousness of God. 2 Cor 5:21
Accepted by God. Rom 15:7
Temple of Holy Spirit. 1 Cor 6:19
Placed in the body of Christ. 1 Cor 12:13
Free. Gal 5:1, John 8:32
Crucified with Christ. Gal 2:20
Slave to Righteousness. Rom 6:18
Freed from Sin. Rom 6:18
Living Stones. 1 Pet 2:5
A Spiritual House. 1 Pet 2:5
A Chosen Race. 1 Pet 2:9
A Royal Priesthood. 1 Pet 2:9
A Holy Nation. 1 Pet 2:9
God’s Own Possession. 1 Pet 2:9
Called out of darkness. 1 Pet 2:9
Part of a mystery. Eph 3:3
In Christ Jesus. 1 Cor 1:30, 12:13
Accepted. Rom 15:7, Eph 1:6
Sons. 1 John 3:1
Purchased. 1 Cor 6:20
God’s workmanship. Eph 2:10

Are these true RIGHT now? Or are they simply nice ideas? Or pleasant hopeful thoughts about a future truth?

Instead of looking at what we do, what if we were set free by the truth of who we already are? Isn’t it the truth that sets us free!

Sets us free from what? The Truth sets us free from lies.

What is the truth about me? What is the truth about my relationship to God? What is the truth about my behavior? Perhaps maybe equally as important, what Do I believe to be true? If I believe I am just a low life sinner with a wicked heart, will I behave accordingly?

Just a thought.

Jean Larroux | September 23 2011 at 7:22 am

It is interesting that every verse you quoted presupposes such an understanding of man’s depravity that the verses would be meaningless without it.

Calvin believed that the knowledge of man was necessary to have any knowledge of God and that the knowledge of God was necessary to have any understanding of who we are as men.

Grace will NEVER be amazing, until your sin is amazing first.

Anonymous | September 23 2011 at 4:39 pm

Dear Jean,

That God’s people move to the left, then overcompensate to the right, then to the left again, is a matter of historical record. From the Jeremiad against Israel for violating the Sabbath (Jer. 17) to the Maccabean Revolt in which the Maccabees surely overcompensated for the failings of their fathers, to the Pharisees who were their hapless spiritual descendants, to Jesus, Who dared to harvest corn on the Sabbath (Mt. 12:1)… In this there is no dispute. Jesus’ behavior was considered licentious, and the Pharisees’ was certainly legalistic. Obviously we need not find a ‘third way,’ but rather find Jesus’ Way and take it.

I am very blessed by your preaching, and thank you for your focus on Christ, rather than on our love for Him, our faith in Him, or our obedience for Him. Christ is the focus. (You are probably anticipating a “But,” here, and I will not disappoint you.)

But Jesus had his “Lordship” moments, too. As did John the Baptist. As did the Apostles. It appears to this observer that the blogophilic frustration being exhibited by your sheep is due to the apparent facility (I say “apparent” precisely because I suspect that “appearances” are inaccurate) with which you dismiss the teachings of Jesus and His apostles when they do not comport with your personal experiences of having been set free from legalism—an experience you and I share, I am grateful to say.

It is effortless to say, for example, “The advocates of Lordship theology began to articulate specific evidences of what ‘living by faith’ and not just believing for the moment might look like,” but it takes real effort to interact with John the Baptist, who actually insisted on evidences of what true repentance might look like:

“Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance… He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise… Exact no more than that which is appointed you… Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages” (Luke 3:8-15, abbreviated for simplicity).

John knew well enough that without the Spirit, such advice would simply be another legal yoke on the shoulders of his disciples, but he also knew that faith must have its visible fruits because nobody has access to the rolls of the Church invisible. So with Jesus—“By their fruits you will know them.” Matthew 7:20 and following indicate what those fruits don’t look like. And John described to us what they do look like. Perhaps your concern is that the “Lordship crowd” does not sufficiently presume upon the Spirit’s administration of the fruits that demonstrate the repentance Jesus and John describe. But the manner of your exposition on “Sonship” might suggest to the uninitiated that you actually disagree with the Baptist himself. Or that you object to the Apostle who wrote that we know that we are alive because “because we love the brethren” (1 John 3:14), and we know we love the brethren because “we love God, and keep his commandments” (1 John 5:2). That the Apostle connected semantically the assurance of the knowledge of rebirth with our obedience to His commandments appears to make you uncomfortable (again, “appearances” not being what they seem). Perhaps a matter for further reflection.

You may consider this missive to be “wrapped in a thousand proof-text verses,” but simply dismissing the verses themselves gives the unfortunate impression (a false one, I am sure) that whatever Scripture does not align with your personal experience, or underscore your personal convictions, is not important for the flock. And yet the sheep are to be sanctified both by “my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” ( Matt 11:3) and by “and I will show thee my faith by my works” (James 2:18). The expositor has not the prerogative to emphasize one at the expense of the other. I suppose some of the angst expressed by the contributors to your blog (or via e-mail) is not because license appears to be preached as the cure to legalism, but rather because one species of exhortation in Scripture has been given primacy over all others that are equally God-breathed.

I won’t trouble you with exhortations or suggestions for sermon content. I just thought I might make a modest contribution to your thoughtful blog, but modesty has long since been overcome by verbosity. You are very, very much appreciated.

Anonymous | September 24 2011 at 8:33 am

If you read the original answers and not just the Lordship answers you will see that Jean explicitly answers that without fruit that person is not connected to the true vine.

“As you have heard me preach from Galatians, from James and
from our Mission statement: Faith that does not lead to works isn’t faith
at all, period…Let me say clearly and definitively from the rooftops that
Faith which claims to be true Gospel-believing faith produces fruit or that
individual is not connected to the true vine, Jesus Christ.”

Anonymous | September 24 2011 at 10:54 pm

Hi. A new Anonymous here, not nearly as gifted a communicator as the ones above! But I thought I’d throw in anyway.

I noticed in the 10-point description of the “Faith Leads To Faithfulness” camp that about point 4 Jean began ascribing motivations to the actions listed, motivations that as described would be rooted in self-justification or garnering favor with God. (From the comments made later on I thought of them as somewhat autobiographical of Jean’s experience.) My understanding of Luther is that he viewed “law” as those things that place condition on God’s acceptance or love of us, whether these conditions are set by God (the condemnation of sin and our tutor leading us to grace) or us (what I’ve been assuming Jean was speaking about). In such a Lutheran view the “obedience” that goes along with these points would be “law” when done from the motivations & source described by Jean.

I almost get the idea that Jean believes that there is no other motivation that can be present in the email being responded to but those he ascribes from point 4 onward. But there is an obedience that comes from a heart being conformed to the image of the Son, enabled by an indwelling God. And it may look on the outside like what you say the Faith Leads To Faithfulness camp would do. The little bit of Luther I’ve read he didn’t seem to have an issue with this. The little bit of the Bible I’ve read doesn’t either. These means of grace, fruits of grace, may take outward expression much the same as the steps described by Jean in the Faith Leads to Faithfulness description, only from a different motivation enabled by a different Source. I can’t see broad-brushing such an obedience as “law”, so I would reject the assertion that “You could replace your word ‘Lordship’ with the word ‘obedience’ and you are faced with the precise claims of the Judaizers.” It pre-judges a motivation of the heart for the words being used, and it certainly doesn’t help when the rightful pastoral attack on legalism seems predisposed to judging the heart motivations of the flock through the lenses of personal experience or outward appearance. Amen to Anonymous 2’s statement on the expositor’s prerogative.

I hope this comes across giving the grace to those who read as it was intended rather than as a dump session. God is surely using your ministry to challenge take me to his word and the wisdom of the saints in these matters and to let him examine and change why-do-er and want-to-er.

Anonymous | September 25 2011 at 8:02 am

It is amazing to me that as a full time pastor, you actually had the TIME to write an 11 page manifesto to a fairly simple question - you must be amazing. I think the member just wanted to know “what time is it”, not “how was the watch made?” The fact that you directed the member to a Sonship program tells me a lot about your theology. You’re not just on the slippery slope, you’ve already slid down and are now muddy. I’m glad I’m a member (not Southwood) where the ENTIRE gospel is faithfully preached every Sunday.

John Morley | September 25 2011 at 8:37 am

To: “ANONYMOUS | SEPTEMBER 25 2011 AT 8:02 AM”

What are your concerns with the theology in Sonship?

Anonymous | September 25 2011 at 12:28 pm

To the anonymous that is at another church it would probably be helpful to know that the relationship with the former writer of the question actually does want to know “how the watch was made” and has spent a couple of hours with Jean already and is setting up time for others who are struggling to understand grace as well.

Now as far as the slippery slope, could you please describe that for the rest of us who are not as wise as you and your church because Southwood has embraced Sonship, it’s teaching and Pauline focus since it’s inception.

Anonymous | September 25 2011 at 12:30 pm

I would also be interested in what the entire Gospel is according the the wise poster above

Carrie Jakab | September 25 2011 at 1:41 pm

Mr. Anonymous and all the others using the same alias, isn’t it time we grow up and use our names? All I can say is WOW! The question here is if you are decieved do you know it? The other side of me says, I am muddy and so are you! In one sentence you have just proven the whole point of the gospel of grace. There is no one who is not muddy! I would love for you to embrace the doctrine of grace and a pastor who loves us enough to take the time to write an 11 page “manifesto” to a person who is wondering about their muddiness. That is what pastors do. I would love to hear your interpretation of Galatians and the “ENTIRE” gospel.

Branham | September 25 2011 at 4:18 pm

So being able to come tomchurch the last couple of weeks has been so awesome. I really love the sermons. Maybe it’s bc it makes me feel better that even though I get down about not living up to Gods standards or “Christian standards”, God loves me anyway. Is it bad that this makes so much sense to me and others are so torn over it? Even that makes me feel bad. Man, I must really be a low down person ...

Jean Larroux | September 26 2011 at 6:27 am

BRANHAM—- You are in good company! Grace is amazing to you and others BECAUSE you are a low-down person! Jesus said that he didn’t come for the healthy, but for the sick…amen and amen!

Jean Larroux | September 26 2011 at 6:37 am

As a follow-up to the poster who was afraid that we were ‘wallowing in the mud’ and that the Theology of Sonship was dangerous, let me say that I understand your sentiments and many others, Jay Adams of note, feel the same way. Below are two links, one to Adams’ critique of the theology of Sonship and the other is a response to those and other critiques from World Harvest Mission (Sonship sponsors) written by Dr. Neil Williams. Blessings.

The theology of Sonship from World Harvest Mission is available here and does interact with some of the critiques: http://cdn.whm.org/whmassets/eRcQPF3CTwKvMzbmcsIfdg/Theology-of-Sonship-WHM.pdf

Unfortunately Adams’ critique is only available for purchase. http://www.amazon.com/Biblical-Sonship-Evaluation-Discipleship-Course/dp/1889032158

Additionally, a google search on the subject will produce LOTS of ‘hits’ but in fairness let me state the obvious, not everything on the internet regarding this subject is helpful or edifying.

-JFL

Susan | September 27 2011 at 9:16 am

I wholeheartedly agree with Jean’s teaching and have a couple comments. The difference in “THE” truth and “man’s understanding of” the truth is DIVINE revelation. I pray that those of you who are so confused will take time to be still before the Lord and ask the author of this gospel to show you the truth. Jean has done an excellent job in presenting and defending the true gospel, but true understanding does not come from Jean - he only points to the ONE with the answer.

What is your internal dialog when you have a repetitive sin that you struggle with? If you don’t have a sin that haunts you, you are in denial or in heaven. If you are a VERY disciplined person and check all the boxes perfectly, you are deceived and surely judgmental of others that have struggles that are plain to see - at the very least.

The pharisees thought that they had pleasing God all figured out with their list of things to do and forgot about their intent (heart) and limitations. If your intent is to be a mature Christian, you will become a pharisee quickly. Our total intent to grow in Christ is to submit to the fact that all we can do is submit - or rest.

Christ does the work when He has a pliable, rested, humble vessel. We take away His Glory when we believe that our faithfulness helped make us mature and ready to do His work. His Glory shines even brighter when He uses a sinner, covered in Christ’s blood, who stumbles thru sharing the gospel when responding to Holy Sprit. We can do and say all the right things and have unfruitful work because of why? Because it is not about us and how well we DO something. It is Jesus and the power of the gospel that calls, saves, heals, and sanctifies. If you think your perfectly rehearsed presentation has anything to do with bearing fruit, you are deceived. If we really GET the gospel, we will long to learn how to share effectually the scandalous gift that we have been given because we want everyone to have this awesome gift. But all the while knowing that prepared or not - God will do a work as He deems.

Did Moses feel prepared? How holy and blameless was David? On the day of Pentecost, did the Christ followers “prepare” to learn a foreign language? If you focus on Christ and what He has done for us, your sin and inadequacy is ever-present in front of us and spurs us to rely on Christ all the more. Rely and Faithful are 2 different things.

Your internal dialogue when you sin is telling. If you beat yourself up, promise to do better, ... - those are red flags to stop you in your tracks. If you find joy in the saving grace of Christ and rest in His presence, you know that He will bring good from a fumble and will one day say “well done”.

I would have never guessed that grace proclaimed at church would be such a HOT topic. But, then again, it has been that way since the coming of Christ.

Susan

John Parker | September 27 2011 at 7:11 pm

Thank you for making this response public. I have long given my mental assent to the truth of “Faith Alone”, but at every turn my heart cries out, “but I must…” Yet here I could see exposed in broad daylight all the steps I take and the self righteous motivations behind them. Today is a sweet and precious day, for I have seen my sin thoroughly, and have been overwhelmed with thankfulness and joy at the love of Jesus, which is all that matters.

Bear with me for a moment as I relate a story…you will see the point shortly.
I once went to Sunday school with a precious saint of a woman who was well into her eighties. She did not speak often, but when she did, her words carried such a depth of simple faith that we all listened well. The one thing she said more than anything else was, “It’s all about Jesus.” It was more than just words to it though. There was a depth of conviction to her that made you know that when she said that, that those were no mere words, that Jesus really was everything to her. I did not fully understand it, but I longed to know in my heart what she knew. Now as I listen to the grace and love of Jesus being poured out each week, I feel as though I am finally beginning to see a glimmer of what she saw. That glimmer is beyond precious to me.

So in the end what I am trying to say with all of this is THANK YOU Jean! You are helping me see Jesus, and there is no greater gift.

Sherman | October 11 2011 at 10:02 am

So much of your response sounds like double speak. It is quite confusing and does not clearly or directly answer the question in my view. Truly you can’t have it both ways. Grace is what we receive at salvation, grace is what continues to operate in our lives as believers, this is the desire and power to obey Christ. One preacher has put it this way it isn’t about perfection as much as it is about direction. We should hate our sin the same way God hates sin. What is the character of your life ...what is the desire of your heart? Guilty conscience and war with sin is a good indicator of the life of Christ at work in you to change you. God’s word associates the obedience to love time and time again. It isn’t about an external list of rules rather a yearning for more of God. The way to overcome the attraction of sin is to be developing a greater attraction to the Savior.

Tom Fluker | October 27 2011 at 12:05 pm

You seem to make light or down-play the importance of the traditional disciplines of the Faith in stating what we should not do. Or you make the assumption that prior to doing those disciplines (the ten steps in your article) the hypothetical sinner has not done what you desire him to do: see that he has been saved by Grace, and then as a result of that works out his salvation through the traditional disciplines of our Faith.

I guess I’m just trying to understand where you think those disciplines fit into our Christian Life. I’m confused since the majority of the time you mention studying the word, memorizing scripture, prayer, etc. it is in the context of a bad thing: doing those to solely in an attempt make us acceptable to God. Undoubtedly there are those that do, but many more who do them for the right reasons. I know you can’t mean that those disciplines are unimportant since scripture unambiguously teaches us that we are required to do those in order to grow.

I think I understand where you are going, but as a result of your ridiculing (my perception) and painting the traditional disciplines of the church, as well as the evidences of most signs of righteous living and moral behavior, in a negative light whenever you bring them up, you have, rightly opened yourself up to valid criticism with regard to your teaching of sanctification.

Thanks.

Commenting is not available in this channel entry.

Jean's Tweets

Me to my 15-yr old: "Are Crocs not cool anymore?" Hannah, "No, but Crocs & socks are a whole new level of UN-cool!" http://t.co/aIvoeLyO

@jflarrouxiii | Sunday at 2:58 pm

Recommended Listening

Redeemer Presbyterian Church
Ricky Jones

Ricky Jones is the pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is a trophy of grace. If you want to listen to bold preaching by a man who knows his sin, knows his weaknesses and trusts only Jesus to take what he says and use it to God’s glory then you are heading in the right direction. The preaching is bold, the preacher is humble and you will be blessed.
Key Life Ministries
Steve Brown

Steve Brown is not the most subtle guy you will ever meet. If I were to write an S.A.T. question about Steve this is how it would go: Steve Brown is to legalism what a child hopped-up on cake and ice cream is to an pinata! I love this guy. Check out his website and fair warning: you are not heading to a ‘SAFE’ little Christian site!
Coral Ridge Presbyterian
Tullian Tchividjian

As one comment on iTunes said: “Tullian preaches the Gospel in an unadulterated and undomesitcated way…The way it should be preached!”

Southwood Presbyterian Church

Browse

Archives