A Visual Explanation of the Trinity

This is a chart that explains the Trinity visually. I think it would be beneficial to understand the basic concepts of the Trinity before entering a discussion on their roles in salvation. The Trinity, as Martin-Lloyd Jones describes it, "is the differentiating doctrine of the Christian faith" (This quote is also at the bottom of the chart).

If you read some of the creeds and confessions from throughout church history, you will notice that they do not seek to explain the Trinity. They just affirm what Scripture says and leave it there. We must be careful that we do not seek to go further than what Scripture asserts. 

This is a high and divine mystery! It is something that our finite, human minds cannot comprehend. Job 11:7 comes to mind as we consider this doctrine:

"Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty?" 

Courtesy of Tim Challies: http://www.challies.com/resources/visual-theology-the-trinity

Saved By The Trinity - Introduction

I want to devote the next few posts to discussing salvation as a work of the Trinity. Today it is common to think, "I am saved by Christ!" Well, that is partially true. We are saved by Christ, but we are not saved only by Christ; we are saved by the Father and the Holy Spirit as well.

God's Sovereignty and Man's Responsibility: Two Truths That Must be Held Together

A.W. Pink comments on the importance of "preserving the balance of Truth" when discussing the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man:

"In our Foreword to the second edition (pages 13, 14) we acknowledge the need for preserving the balance of Truth. Two things are beyond dispute: God is sovereign, man is responsible. In this book we have sought to expound the former; in our other works we have frequently pressed the latter. That there is real danger of over-emphasising the one and ignoring the other, we readily admit; yea, history furnishes numerous examples of cases of each. To emphasise the sovereignty of God, without also maintaining the accountability of the creature tends to fatalism; to be so concerned in maintaining the responsibility of man, as to lose sight of the sovereignty of God, is to exalt the creature and dishonor the Creator."

- A.W. Pink, The Sovereignty of God, Baker Books, p. 229

Does Prayer Change Events?

When we speak of the sovereignty of God, we say how He has ordained all things, and nothing can thwart or disrupt His plan. This immediately raises the question: is prayer worthless? I mean, if God is going to work out His plan, and nothing can change His mind, then why pray?

A.W. Pink on the Gospel

A.W. Pink in his book, The Sovereignty of God, makes a very good point regarding the Gospel.  

"Concerning the character and contents of the Gospel the utmost confusion prevails today. The Gospel is not an "offer" to be bandied around by evangelistic peddlers. The Gospel is no mere invitation, but a proclamation, a proclamation concerning Christ; true, whether men believe it or no. No man is asked to believe that Christ died for him in particular. The Gospel, in brief, is this: Christ died for sinners, you are a sinner, believe in Christ, and you shall be saved. In the Gospel, God simply announces the terms upon which men may be saved (namely, repentance and faith) and, indiscriminately, all are commanded to fulfill them."

- A.W. Pink, The Sovereignty of God, Baker Books, p. 209

 

R.J. Rushdoony on Asking for Wisdom

This article is an excerpt from R.J. Rushdoony's book, "A Word in Seasons: Daily Messages on the Faith for All of Life."

How often do you ask for wisdom in your prayers?

Asking for Wisdom

A verse that often comes to mind is James 1:5: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." When was the last time you asked for wisdom? I have been to a great many prayer meetings over the years, but I don't recall hearing many prayers for wisdom. Either church folk are content to be stupid, or else they assume that they are wise.

Proverbs 13:13: Do You Fear the Word of God?

Proverbs 13:13 (NKJV)

"He who despises the word will be destroyed, But he who fears the commandment will be rewarded."

If you do not already do so, I highly encourage all of my readers to pick up the Proverbs and read one chapter a day, and read the chapter that matches the day. For example, today is the 13th of January, so I read the 13th chapter of Proverbs.

This Proverb, first of all, is a contrast. That is the basic framework that we want to remember as we begin to investigate this verse. Notice the contrast: the man who despises the Word of God, and the man who fears it. The man who despises the Word of God will be destroyed, but the man that fears it will be rewarded.

Man's Inability

A common objection when speaking about the sovereignty of God is: Why does God hold people accountable for something that they cannot do? A sinner is responsible to repent and believe the Gospel, but the sinner is unable to do so unless the Father draws him/her (John 6:44). All humans are required to obey, love, and serve God; but Romans 8:8 clearly says that those "that are in the flesh cannot please God." So how can God hold them responsible?