Repentance And The Material Principle

Modern day Turkey occupies most of what was once the Roman province of Asia. It is also known as Anatolia.This is the area between the Mediterranean and the Black seas. It was the meeting point between the continents of Asia and Europe and the crossroads for migrating people and armies. The western part of Asia Minor holds the site of the seven churches to which John addresses seven letters. By the end of the first century there were more than seven churches in that area. From Paul's letters we know of other cities in that area hosting congregations of Christians. John's seven include Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. Beside these Paul writes to Colossae and Hieropolis. Within these cities there would be many smaller congregations of believers.

John starts with the church in Ephesus:

'The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. "'I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.' - Rev 2:1-7 ESV

The Lord Jesus commends the christians in Ephesus. They did good. They refused to bear with those who are evil. They tested the false apostles. It took a lot of work and an equal amount of perseverance to sort out the truth from the lies. This is the kind of work that still must go on today as we are bombarded from all directions by the media, TV, books, Tweets, letters and so forth. John gives some guidelines on how to do just this. In his epistle he writes,

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. - 1Jo 4:1-3 ESV

This is often called the material principle or the central teaching of the Christian faith.  It points to the faith that says that Jesus is both God and man, the promised Messiah, the Christ. He came among mankind to offer His holy life as the sacrificial payment for the sins of all men. And we are now justified in God's eyes through faith in Christ alone.

The Ephesian christians did the work of sorting through the teachings of false apostles. But they had abandoned the love they once had. Apparently they went beyond this first work and began to be suspicious of one another, dividing into camps. Paul writes about such an approach in Corinth:

For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. What I mean is that each one of you says, "I follow Paul," or "I follow Apollos," or "I follow Cephas," or "I follow Christ." Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? - 1Co 1:11-13 ESV

 And later, he writes,

. . . for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," are you not being merely human? What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building. - 1Co 3:3-9 ESV 

Divisions and quarrels like this still go on among us Christians. We continually need the Lord's admonition to repent, to rethink and to change the direction in which our lives are moving. This work of repentance is difficult. It requires humility. In John's words again,

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. - 1Jo 1:5-10 ESV

The first of Luther's famous 95 theses posted on the door of the Wittenberg church reads,

When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said "repent," he intended that the entire life of believers should be repentance. 

The Ephesian christians, like all of us, needed to learn this basic truth. But there was one thing for which the Lord did commend them: they hated the works of the Nicolaitans. Who were they? We do not know for certain. It may refer to a certain sect that followed the teachings of Nicolaus ("he who conquers people"). Was Nicolaus one of the seven chosen to care for the widows in Jerusalem (Acts 6:5)? We do not know. What we do know is that this sect taught contrary to the inspired teachings of the Apostles. What we also know is that each congregation must be constantly repenting, rethinking and re-evaluating her teachings and the teachings of those leading them—yet humbly and with patient endurance. Luke joins John as he writes about the Berean believers:

Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. - Acts 17:11 ESV

We all do well to heed these words, as John says in concluding his short letter to Ephesus:

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.' - Rev 2:7 ESV (see also Gen. 2:9; 3:22-24; Rev. 22:14,19)

Be Wary Of Numerology

In an earlier blog I wrote about a possible Christian interpretation of the Zodiak. At the time I expressed reservations about promoting this viewpoint, especially the supposed connection between the Zodiak and the Bible. Since then I have begun a careful reading of the books the quoted site referenced. They are books of the 19th century and reflect the views and events of that century. Amazingly, they are available as ebooks, if you're interested. When I've completed that study, I'll share my own conclusions.

Anyway, what got me going today is an invitation from one of my many online friends to make use of the so-called science of numerology. There is a close link between numerology and astrology, i.e. the study of the stars and the Zodiak. For instance, the Wikipedia article on the subject has this:

Numerology is any study of the purported mystical relationship between a count or measurement and life. It has many systems and traditions and beliefs. Numerology and numerological divination by systems such as isopsephy were popular among early mathematicians, such as Pythagoras, but are no longer considered part of mathematics and are regarded as pseudomathematics by modern scientists.^[1][2] Today, numerology is often associated with the paranormal, alongside astrology and similar divinatory arts. ^[3]

Back to the invitation. Blair Gorman, "master numerologist," writes,

Imagine what it would be like to read the story of your life, before it actually happened ...You'd know how to make the most out of the opportunities life gives you ... how to avoid negative influences that distract you from achieving your true life purpose ... and which path to take in order to have the happiest, most fulfilling life that is available to you. That would really be something, wouldn't it?

As the Wiki article points out, there is a distinct connection between numerology and astrology and behind that are various assumptions about life, God (gods or spirits), the universe, etc. Notice for instance that Gorman suggests that the story of your life is written in the numbers by someone or something. Its all out there. He also suggests that you have a true life purpose. That implies that you have the freedom to choose which path to take in order to be happy and to lead a most fulfilling life. So what about this? Is it true that each one of us has a pre-ordained life-story that we must find in order to be fulfilled and happy?

In theology we often speak about the formal and the material principles. The formal principle outlines the authority or source for ones theology or belief system, e.g. the Holy Bible. The material principle focuses upon the central teaching of that theology, e.g. the Gospel of Jesus Christ. So we always urge folks to ask  two questions of anyone who invites you to believe and buy into what he/she is 'selling'. These questions are useful regardless of what philosophy, theology or so-called science you run into.

1. Where'd you come up with your ideas about God, the universe, etc. What's your authority, the source of what you believe? What's your formal principle? 
2. What is the central focus or essential thing you are pushing, teaching and stressing? And how is everything else you teach related to that material principle. 

For instance, meet master Numerologist Hans Decoz, software designer and author of Numerology; Key To Your Inner Self.

His "book begins with a fascinating explanation of what numerology is and an intriguing look at the philosophy that lies behind it. It then examines how numerology works, focusing on the numeric meanings of personal names, birth dates, and language in general.  Included is a step-by-step guide to calculating your own numbers and interpreting them in chart form.  Special attention has been paid to keeping the math simple and un-intimidating, and to emphasize how numerology can personally apply to the reader."

Enough. I'm certainly not ready to push his stuff. Instead I want to share with you just a little of what the Bible has to say about all this.

The practice of astrology, numerology and using various methods to discover the hidden plans of the gods was very common in the lands the Israelites were about to reclaim. Here's the warning the LORD gave to His people as they entered.

"When you come into the land that the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations.There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD. And because of these abominations the LORD your God is driving them out before you" (Deuteronomy 18:9-12).

The warnings were repeated again and again throughout their history. The prophet Isaiah wrote,

"I will wait for the LORD, who is hiding his face from the house of Jacob, and I will hope in him. Behold, I and the children whom the LORD has given me are signs and portents in Israel from the LORD of hosts, who dwells on Mount Zion. And when they say to you, "Inquire of the mediums and the necromancers who chirp and mutter," should not a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living? To the teaching and to the testimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn" (Isaiah 8:17-20).

Why was this warning given? And why does it still apply to us today? The reasons are very clear. God reveals His will and His plan for you in His Word. There is no other source, no other authority, no other way to know Him. In that Word He makes it very clear that we who are sinners and by nature under His judgment have but one hope of forgiveness and life. That is to be found in the Son of God, Jesus of Nazareth. As Paul writes, "in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation" (2 Corinthians 5:19). Christ is God's Word of mercy and forgiveness to us. Only in Jesus are we reconciled to God.

Should we not then inquire of our God who has so clearly revealed Himself to us? Numerologists, astrologists, psychics, card readers and all that bunch invariably lead us away from Jesus and His cross. In their eyes we need no such Savior to sacrifice His life for us. As the Apostle Peter writes, "But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction" (2 Peter 2:1).

I'll get back to you on this question of the Zodiak. It's closely linked to the question of prophecy and the tons of materials pouring out about the end of the age, 2012, the return of Christ, etc. For now, however, be very, very wary about any invitations to explore numerology. 

Grave Confusion About The Two Kingdoms

In my last post I promised to discuss why Lutherans—and millions of other Christians—are very wary of the way some widely read Bible interpreters use and confuse symbols, especially numbers in the Bible. This is why we approach Gematria and Keballah with great caution.

I refer you again to the 1989 Missouri Synod theologians' study of the end times for personal study. Here is a shortened list of the basic principles of interpretation (hermeneutics) they emphasize. In earlier postings I already emphasized the importance of seeing that most prophecy is poetry, with characteristic figures of speech and word pictures. I also emphasized the importance of remembering that the prophets spoke first to their original hearers in terms they could understand. Here now are six more principles.

1. An organic unity exists within and between the Old and New Testaments. We presuppose that God is the One Author of all Scripture. Remember earlier comments about how God's Word validates itself. 
2. This is also to say that the Scriptures themselves interpret  all prophecy. Symbols, word pictures and numbers are interpreted by Scripture passages that speak in plain, simple language about the same things. Where they are silent, we will remain silent as well. 
3. The material principle must ever be kept central. That means that the entire Scripture, Old and New Testaments, is about Christ. Their singular purpose is to lead men to turn from sin to faith in Christ. 
4. Christ is the New Israel, Israel reduced to one. Christ is the promised seed of Abraham in whom all nations are blessed. 
5. Old Testament prophecy is often typical or typological in nature. This is especially true when dealing with eschatological (end time) themes. A type is a person, institution, or event which prefigures and foreshadows a new and greater reality (the antitype). The antitype historically and theologically corresponds to, elucidates, fulfills, and eschatologically completes the type. The antitype is no mere repetition of the type but is always greater than its prefigurement.
6. Certain prophetic events in the near and in the distant future are telescoped into one picture, like how mountain peaks seen from a distance look much closer than they really are. 

F. F. Bruce pulled it all together as he wrote, 

"In Jesus the promise is confirmed, the covenant is renewed, the prophecies are fulfilled, the law is vindicated, salvation is brought near, sacred history has reached its climax the perfect sacrifice has been offered and accepted, the great priest over the household of God has taken his seat at God's right hand, the Prophet like Moses has been raised up, the Son of David reigns, the kingdom of God has been inaugurated, the Son of Man has received dominion from the Ancient of Days, the Servant of the Lord, having been smitten to death for his people's transgression and borne the sin of many, has accomplished the divine purpose, has seen the light after the travail of his soul and is now exalted and extolled and made very high" (The New Testament Development of Old Testament Themes, p. 21).

A word about type - antitype centered in and fulfilled in Christ. This is especially important as it relates to Israel of the Old Testament and the New Israel. Here many modern teachers create great anxiety and doubt by confusing the Law and the Gospel. By so doing they confuse the two Kingdoms over which Christ rules and how He rules over them. The Lutheran Defense of the Augsburg Confession, Article XVI, makes it very clear that Christ's true kingdom is spiritual; it is the knowledge of God in the heart, the fear of God and faith, the beginning of eternal righteousness and eternal life. In that spiritual kingdom he governs by His Word and by preaching. This is usually referred to as the kingdom of Christ's right hand.

He has another kingdom over which He rules. It is usually called the kingdom of Christ's left hand. It refers to the political, outward power exercised by civil government. Paul and others write of this.

"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. . ." (Romans 13:1-7).

Old Testament Israel was a secular kingdom, a political entity. Christ as the LORD of the Old Testament (Philippians 2:1-11) ruled over it by the outward means of laws and rules. The Old Testament  rulers and kings of Israel were His instruments. By laws and promises, courts, armies and war, they preserved order, promoted prosperity and protected the people from their enemies.

Within that secular state Christ also ruled over His spiritual kingdom, His kingdom of true believers, by means of His Word.  In many different ways His prophets warned the people to turn from their godless and disobedient ways and put their faith and trust in their true LORD. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit they always spoke of the Gospel and God's forgiveness. They frequently foretold Christ's coming in human flesh to rescue and redeem all mankind. The prophet Isaiah, for instance, spoke of those good tidings, this Good News, as he wrote about the Suffering Servant who would be cruelly beaten and disfigured even as he took upon Himself the pain and bore the suffering and affliction we have all deserved (Isaiah 52:7-53:12).

The Apostles clearly understood this. Matthew, for example, tells about the Holy Family fleeing into exile in Egypt in this manner:

So he (Joseph) got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, ¹⁵ where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son” (Matthew 2:15-16 and Hosea 11:1).

So Matthew makes it clear throughout his Gospel that Jesus is the New Israel, the Son of God, called out of Egypt again. In Christ a new, spiritual kingdom has begun. As Jesus stood accused before Pilate, representative of the secular, Roman authority, He openly acknowledged that he was the king of the Jews, the king of the New Israel. This was, however, a radically different type of kingdom (Matthew 27:11-14; John 18:28-19:16).

We could go into great detail about these matters. Suffice to say that so much of the confusion about the restoration of the secular state of Israel, conflict in the Middle East, the supposed promise of the rebuilding of the temple, the 1,000 year or millennial kingdom, etc. is all tangled up because of the confusion of these two kingdoms. More on that another day. For now, don't worry about trying to untangle everything that our LORD Jesus has planned, who or what is the antichrist, when Jesus will return and so forth. Much of that He has kept to Himself.

It is enough to know that He rose on the third day and is coming again to take His children to be with Him in glory (Romans 8:14-30). Be that today, in the year 2012 or 100 years from now, we who believe in Him are safe and secure.

More on this another day.

Can There Be Such A Thing As Biblical History?

In a couple Blogs from the first part of this year I wrote about the two principles that guide me in all things spiritual, namely the formal and the material principles. The formal principle refers to the source of such knowledge. The material principle speaks about the essence or central teaching of this source.

In the Lutheran churches of America this was a very hot issue in the 1960s and 70s. The Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) published  several reports about the authority of the Bible. This issue continues to be very significant, not only among Lutherans, but in all churches worldwide. You will recall my warning about human philosophy in the Blog immediately prior to this one. As promised, I want to develop this issue further. In so doing I will be drawing upon those CTCR reports. I commend them to you for a very detailed analysis of what continues to be said and taught both inside and out of Lutheran circles. For my purposes I will only lift up what I consider to be the essential differences between historical Lutheran theology and the historical-critical method of such groups as the Copenhagen School and the Jesus Seminar. There is also a mediating view, represented in our days by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and others.

Back in the 1830s German theologian Leopold von Ranke set out to find from a study of history "wie es eigentlich gewesen ist," what really happened. To discover this he emphasized the importance of finding original sources, like diaries, memoirs, government documents, etc. His phrase became the guiding principle for historians ever since. That includes those who propose to study the history behind the Bible.

In response to this attempt it is most helpful to read a small volume by Dr. E.H. Carr (What Is History?) developed from a series of lectures at Cambridge University back in 1961. In his lectures Dr. Carr made several significant points about history:

1. The historian chooses certain facts and then decides that one is more valuable than the other. He interprets them and tries to understand how they relate to one another. Like a modern detective he has to use his deductive reason and follow his hunches. 
2. These deductions and hunches change over time. In that sense, the historian's work is never done, because he is always learning new facts, discovering new information. So he must always change his interpretations and re-write. 
3. The historian himself is part of his own time. He is influenced and molded by the events and situations of his own day and makes value judgments about the past from his own perspective. It is impossible to be completely objective.
4. To try to be objective the historian must try to rise above the limits of his own vision and that of the society in which he resides. This is, of course, never entirely possible. 
5. Finally he must help those who read his writing to join him in a dialogue with that past so that all may learn how that past has influenced the present in which we now live. 

 Well now, I can only hope that I have properly interpreted the writings of this wise historian who lived and worked over fifty years ago. No doubt, I too have not been entirely objective, but have inserted my own bias upon his writing. And that is my major point. There is no such thing as objective history! There is no way of discovering "wie es eigentlich gewesen ist." We can never have all the facts. And any study of the past through such things as archeology can never be scientific, let alone objective. We all bring our biases and presuppositions to the decision making process that we call history.

I'll say more about how this relates to Biblical studies the next time.