The Passion of The Christ...For once the promotional hype lived-up to the actual experience... And when they claimed this film may represent "perhaps the best outreach opportunity in last 2,000 years," I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt.
Who would have thought that Evangelicals would be rallying around the work of a devout Catholic, to reach our post-modern world, through the cinema? God in deed works in mysterious ways.
Regardless of how it's happening though, with all the heightened awareness about the person and work of our Lord, I've felt the Church has had a "window of opportunity" opened to it, that hasn't been available in years. With this in mind, I have developed the following commentaries that are intended to piggy-back the momentum that this film has created.
The first (Controversy) was developed to address speculation about anti-Semitism, while my second commentary (Restoring Paradise Lost), was intended to frame the big picture of the Gospel for the "unchurched." The final article (Assurance), summarizes the scholarship of both Jonathan Edwards and Dr. John MacArthur on the topic of assurance for believer, holding out the hope of the Lord spurring another "Great Awakening" in this generation.
If you find it helpful, please feel free to re-use this material in part or in whole. My motivations for writing are varied, but chiefly motivated by the Great Commission, the global reach of the Internet, and my desire to glorify our Lord.
Because He lives...
Conspiracy
"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him; and by His stripes we are healed." Isaiah (53:5)
“Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Acts (4:27-28)
Who was responsible for the death of Jesus Christ? The answer to that question has stirred controversy for two millennia… While many Hollywood productions have featured the Gospel accounts in epic fashion previously, few have caused as much stir as Mel Gibson’s film rendition of “The Passion of the Christ.” Reuters reports, the movie, which covers the final 12 hours in the life of Christ, has come under heavy fire from some Jewish groups who claim its story could foment anti-Semitism by tying Christ’s death to Jewish authorities.
Just what does the Bible have to say about those who conspired to crucify the suffering Savior? Taking into account both Old and New Testament passages on this theme, both scandalous and wonderful evidence emerge. First though, consider His betrayal. From the Jewish chief priests and the Pharisees, who plotted his death and offered to pay a reward for the capture of Jesus, to disciples like Judas, who betrayed Him with the sign of a kiss… and Peter, who denied that he even knew Christ, to the adoring crowds, who later demanded that Barabbas be set free instead of Jesus—the factional culpability was widespread.
The hypocrisy in these events is apparent, from collusion within the Sanhedrin, to their private assembly under cover of darkness—all of which was forbidden in criminal trials. Complicity with the Roman authorities, Pilate and Herod, also occurred, as Rome reserved the right of execution in capital cases. Both the religious and governing authorities had agreed it would be politically expedient to destroy Jesus. And what about the multitudes that demanded Christ’s crucifixion, even after Pilate declared him a “just person”? So are we to affix blame to the Jews or the Gentiles? Yes. Account it to fallen humanity—as Christ would die for the sins of the world. And when the spiteful street mob bellowed, “His blood be on us and our children,” they implicated themselves—as well as you and me today.
Do we really imagine that our generation would have responded differently to the person and work of Jesus Christ? Aren’t religious leaders today betraying Christ anew when patronage is prized over doctrine? And what about believers who deny their faith to placate new mores and felt needs? And by abandoning founding principle in favor of new precedent, isn’t government severing ties to its Christian moorings? Our culture’s hypocrisy is evident from our methods to our message, from our judicial drift to our biased enforcement. Just as in His original public ministry, we deny the Lord in thought, word, and deed. It should be apparent by now that human nature doesn’t need a second chance—we desperately need a Savior.
If it’s any consolation though, nothing in our fallen nature has caught God by surprise. In fact, things are happening exactly as preordained, from before the world began. From an eternal perspective, restoring His relationship with humanity was intentioned by God the Father, empowered by God the Holy Spirit, and carried-out by God the Son in the fullness of time. So, from the patriarchs and prophets of old, who looked forward to the promise of Messiah, to Christendom today, who reflect back on the atoning sacrifice at Calvary—it’s the Trinity that’s been conspiring to reconcile the unfathomable depth of God’s love for humanity, with His unwavering standard of perfect justice—by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Is the Spirit of God leading you to investigate the claims of the Gospel with this latest film? We’re all actors in a cosmic drama that will “work together” for our good and God’s glory. No wonder they call Him the Savior.
Roy Tanner
Restoring—Paradise Lost
“God sitting on His throne sees Satan flying towards this world, then newly created; shews him to the Son who sat at His right hand; foretells the success of Satan in perverting mankind; clears His own justice and wisdom from all imputation, having created man free and able enough to have withstood his tempter; yet declares His purpose of grace towards him, in regard he fell not of his own malice, as did Satan, but by him seduc’t. The Son of God renders praises to His Father for the manifestation of His graciousness towards man; but God again declares, that grace cannot be extended towards man without satisfaction of divine justice; man hath offended the majesty of God by aspiring to Godhead, and therefore will his progeny devoted to death must dye, unless some One can be found sufficient to answer for his offence, and undergoe his punishment. The Son of God freely offers Himself a Ransom for man: the Father accepts Him, ordains His incarnation, (and) pronounces His exaltation above all names in Heaven and Earth;” (John Milton, Paradise Lost, Book Three, The Argument, 1674)
If you’ve “experienced” Mel Gibson’s movie, you’ll know what I mean… By engaging in arguments about “who” was responsible for the death of Christ, we miss the bigger point, which begs the question, “Why was Christ’s death necessary in the first place?”
Have you discovered just what God’s “end game” is, through the death, burial and resurrection of His Son? Frankly, what’s troubling to most of us is the implication that Jesus had to suffer death on the cross to redeem us, in effect broadcasting that—in and of ourselves we’re not OK.
So the controversy surrounding The Passion of the Christ then, was not really about Mel or his movie, but instead about the message of the cross. As Milton suggested though, it’s through this cross that Paradise can be restored, for those who believe.
More than the Utopian ideal that history has attempted to cobble together, through might or intellect, Paradise here and now would bring real world harmony. That is, peace within our families, throughout our communities, amongst nations—but most importantly with God.
And what’s in store for an eternity in Paradise? Nothing short of what God has intentioned for you and me from before time began…that we were created to be related…that life has meaning, in glorifying our Creator and enjoying His presence forever…that our individual destiny is one of significance, as bound by His purpose…and that we belong within and are fitted for, the community of God’s kingdom.
“So far so good,” but what is it that precludes having this pristine arrangement now? In a word, “Sin” (Romans 3:23), or our attempt to play god. And because His perfection and our imperfection will never peacefully coexist, a sense of foreboding haunts the creatures, which find themselves at odds with their Creator (Romans 8:7).
In it’s simplest terms, love for God requires a choice (between either serving Him or rebelling), and with this ability to choose (but by His grace), we’ve always chosen the latter. But, rather than abandon us to our own fallen nature and the damning certainty of eternal separation, God accomplished something for us at Calvary that we could never achieve on our own, namely reconciliation between Heaven and Earth. Said differently, God’s love for humanity and righteous judgment of sin required His incarnation and vicarious atonement, which is offered to us as—salvation by grace through faith in the Christ (Romans 6:23).
For those who receive the risen Savior (John 1:12), our position in Christ justifies us, and our penalty for sin is removed. As a result, through the practice of yielding to His Spirit, we are now able to defeat the power of sin in our lives. It’s this pattern of perfection, illustrated in Christ’s immortality, which comprises the promise of Paradise for those who believe. And Jesus secured it all through His death and resurrection.
Is the Spirit of God drawing you into relationship with Him during this Easter season? I invite you to personally encounter the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Restorer of our “Paradise Lost.”
Roy Tanner
“The law of God exact He shall fulfill both by obedience and by love, though love alone fulfill the law; thy punishment He shall endure by the coming in the Flesh to a reproachful and cursed death, proclaiming Life to all who shall believe in His redemption, and that His obedience imputed becomes theirs by faith, His merits to save them, not thir own, through legal works…Then (He) enters into glory, and resumes His seat at God’s right hand, exalted high above all names in Heav’n; and thence shall come, when this world’s dissolution shall be ripe, with glory and power to judge both the quick & dead to judge the unfaithful dead, but to reward His faithful, and receave them into bliss, whether in Heav’n or Earth, for then the Earth shall be Paradise, a far happier place then this of Eden, and far happier daies.” (John Milton, Paradise Lost, Book Twelve, 1674)
Assurance
“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you-- unless of course, you fail the test?” (2 Cor 13:5)
Surpassing the quarter-billion mark in box office receipts after just its third week, The Passion of the Christ, is on track to set records for being one of the most successful movies ever. Advocates have suggested that God is working through this movie adaptation to further the emergence of His 21st century “Great Awakening” in America, with bold spiritual, political and economic repercussions. While millions will see this film, it will undoubtedly raise more questions than it answers related to salvation. As such, an old challenge is again presented to the Church—accommodating the influx of new seekers.
Expecting a corresponding spike in Church attendance, reminiscent of post-9/11, many Church leaders seek to energize their base for evangelism. Unfortunately, Barna Research indicates that Biblical literacy inside the Church is falling, with many congregants holding a false assurance of their own salvation. Given these findings, how are we to share a saving faith that we don’t already first possess? Tragically, the Lord Jesus confirms that many “religious” people will only come to terms with their presumption of meriting heaven after hearing the statement, “depart from me, I never knew you” (Matt. 7:21-23).
The 18th century preacher, Jonathan Edwards faced a similar quandary, when attempting to discern the extent of genuine “saving operations” during seeming widespread revival. Although heightened emotional experiences were common, many were void of evidences to validate conversion. Edwards drew a distinction between “saving” versus “common” operations of the Holy Spirit, with saving operations producing salvation, and the latter resulting in sobering influences that fell short of “inward saving renewal.” He acknowledged the supreme proof of a true conversion was the presence of “holy affections” in the life of the believer.
Fortunately, professing Christians (and those we seek to lead to a saving knowledge of Christ), can know with certainty whether the Holy Spirit has performed a saving operation in their life. Dr. John MacArthur suggests that many proofs are contained in Scripture (e.g. 1 John) for assurance. Just a few are as follows:
1. Has there been a time when you’ve trusted Christ for your salvation (Rom 10:9-10)? Either devoted as a child, or broken as an adult (Isa 57:15), did you receive the gift? (Jn 1:12)
2. Have you enjoyed fellowship with Christ and the Father (1Jn 1:2-3)? A relationship with God is basic to salvation (1Cor 1:9). The experience of Christ living through us (Gal 2:20) is fundamental.
3. Are you sensitive to sin (1Jn 1:5-10)? Light and darkness do not peacefully co-exist (Rom 7:14-25). Christians are faithful to confess known sin (1Jn 1:9).
4. Do you obey God’s Word (1Jn 2:3)? This is motivated by a desire based on gratitude (not obligation), with a pattern of obedience (not perfection). In short, we “walk the talk” (1Jn 2:6).
5. Do you reject the evil of this world (1 Jn 2:15)? The world’s system is under the domination of God’s enemies (1 Jn 5:19). We’re to be in the world, but not of the world (Jn 17:14-16).
6. Do you eagerly await Christ’s return (1 Jn 3:2-3)? Upon Christ’s return, we will be transformed (Phil 3:20-21). It’s the hope of Christ-likeness that compels us to purity (2Ti 2:11-13).
7. Do you see a decreasing pattern of sin in your life (1Jn 3:4-10)? Unbroken patterns of sin are characteristic of the unregenerate. Servants of the Lord are no longer slaves to sin (Rom 6:14, 17-18).
8. Do you love other Christians (1Jn 3:10)? It’s a natural Christian distinctive (1Th 4:9; Jn 13:35). Love expresses itself by meeting needs (Gal 6:10).
9. Do you experience answered prayer (1Jn 3:22)? God answers believer’s prayers (1Jn 5:13-15). God doesn’t necessarily respond to those out of fellowship with Him (Ps 66:18).
10. Do you experience the ministry of the Holy Spirit (1Jn 4:13)? By the Holy Spirit we confess Jesus as Savior (1Jn 4:14). The Holy Spirit is our resident Truth Teacher (1Jn 2:27), eliciting our fellowship (Gal 4:6) and praise (Eph 5:19), while we yield to the fruit of His Spirit (Gal 5:22-23).
11. Can you discern between spiritual truth and error (1Jn 4:1-3)? False religions deny who Jesus is and what he accomplished (Rom 4:25), failing to confess of the divine Lord (1Jn 4:2-3; 5:1), or commit to the divine Word (1Jn 4:5-6).
12. Have you suffered rejection because of your faith (1Jn 3:13)? While there is no virtue in being obnoxious, Christians may suffer for being righteous (1Pet 2:19-23), which acts as a rebuke (1Pet 4:4).
Men and women of God who have a settled assurance that they belong to Him, will most certainly energize America’s next “Great Awakening” through the bold proclamation of the Gospel. As such, the Spirit of God invites each of us to find our rest in His security (Rom 8:16)—the blessed assurance for our souls.
Roy Tanner
Who would have thought that Evangelicals would be rallying around the work of a devout Catholic, to reach our post-modern world, through the cinema? God in deed works in mysterious ways.
Regardless of how it's happening though, with all the heightened awareness about the person and work of our Lord, I've felt the Church has had a "window of opportunity" opened to it, that hasn't been available in years. With this in mind, I have developed the following commentaries that are intended to piggy-back the momentum that this film has created.
The first (Controversy) was developed to address speculation about anti-Semitism, while my second commentary (Restoring Paradise Lost), was intended to frame the big picture of the Gospel for the "unchurched." The final article (Assurance), summarizes the scholarship of both Jonathan Edwards and Dr. John MacArthur on the topic of assurance for believer, holding out the hope of the Lord spurring another "Great Awakening" in this generation.
If you find it helpful, please feel free to re-use this material in part or in whole. My motivations for writing are varied, but chiefly motivated by the Great Commission, the global reach of the Internet, and my desire to glorify our Lord.
Because He lives...
Conspiracy
"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him; and by His stripes we are healed." Isaiah (53:5)
“Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Acts (4:27-28)
Who was responsible for the death of Jesus Christ? The answer to that question has stirred controversy for two millennia… While many Hollywood productions have featured the Gospel accounts in epic fashion previously, few have caused as much stir as Mel Gibson’s film rendition of “The Passion of the Christ.” Reuters reports, the movie, which covers the final 12 hours in the life of Christ, has come under heavy fire from some Jewish groups who claim its story could foment anti-Semitism by tying Christ’s death to Jewish authorities.
Just what does the Bible have to say about those who conspired to crucify the suffering Savior? Taking into account both Old and New Testament passages on this theme, both scandalous and wonderful evidence emerge. First though, consider His betrayal. From the Jewish chief priests and the Pharisees, who plotted his death and offered to pay a reward for the capture of Jesus, to disciples like Judas, who betrayed Him with the sign of a kiss… and Peter, who denied that he even knew Christ, to the adoring crowds, who later demanded that Barabbas be set free instead of Jesus—the factional culpability was widespread.
The hypocrisy in these events is apparent, from collusion within the Sanhedrin, to their private assembly under cover of darkness—all of which was forbidden in criminal trials. Complicity with the Roman authorities, Pilate and Herod, also occurred, as Rome reserved the right of execution in capital cases. Both the religious and governing authorities had agreed it would be politically expedient to destroy Jesus. And what about the multitudes that demanded Christ’s crucifixion, even after Pilate declared him a “just person”? So are we to affix blame to the Jews or the Gentiles? Yes. Account it to fallen humanity—as Christ would die for the sins of the world. And when the spiteful street mob bellowed, “His blood be on us and our children,” they implicated themselves—as well as you and me today.
Do we really imagine that our generation would have responded differently to the person and work of Jesus Christ? Aren’t religious leaders today betraying Christ anew when patronage is prized over doctrine? And what about believers who deny their faith to placate new mores and felt needs? And by abandoning founding principle in favor of new precedent, isn’t government severing ties to its Christian moorings? Our culture’s hypocrisy is evident from our methods to our message, from our judicial drift to our biased enforcement. Just as in His original public ministry, we deny the Lord in thought, word, and deed. It should be apparent by now that human nature doesn’t need a second chance—we desperately need a Savior.
If it’s any consolation though, nothing in our fallen nature has caught God by surprise. In fact, things are happening exactly as preordained, from before the world began. From an eternal perspective, restoring His relationship with humanity was intentioned by God the Father, empowered by God the Holy Spirit, and carried-out by God the Son in the fullness of time. So, from the patriarchs and prophets of old, who looked forward to the promise of Messiah, to Christendom today, who reflect back on the atoning sacrifice at Calvary—it’s the Trinity that’s been conspiring to reconcile the unfathomable depth of God’s love for humanity, with His unwavering standard of perfect justice—by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Is the Spirit of God leading you to investigate the claims of the Gospel with this latest film? We’re all actors in a cosmic drama that will “work together” for our good and God’s glory. No wonder they call Him the Savior.
Roy Tanner
Restoring—Paradise Lost
“God sitting on His throne sees Satan flying towards this world, then newly created; shews him to the Son who sat at His right hand; foretells the success of Satan in perverting mankind; clears His own justice and wisdom from all imputation, having created man free and able enough to have withstood his tempter; yet declares His purpose of grace towards him, in regard he fell not of his own malice, as did Satan, but by him seduc’t. The Son of God renders praises to His Father for the manifestation of His graciousness towards man; but God again declares, that grace cannot be extended towards man without satisfaction of divine justice; man hath offended the majesty of God by aspiring to Godhead, and therefore will his progeny devoted to death must dye, unless some One can be found sufficient to answer for his offence, and undergoe his punishment. The Son of God freely offers Himself a Ransom for man: the Father accepts Him, ordains His incarnation, (and) pronounces His exaltation above all names in Heaven and Earth;” (John Milton, Paradise Lost, Book Three, The Argument, 1674)
If you’ve “experienced” Mel Gibson’s movie, you’ll know what I mean… By engaging in arguments about “who” was responsible for the death of Christ, we miss the bigger point, which begs the question, “Why was Christ’s death necessary in the first place?”
Have you discovered just what God’s “end game” is, through the death, burial and resurrection of His Son? Frankly, what’s troubling to most of us is the implication that Jesus had to suffer death on the cross to redeem us, in effect broadcasting that—in and of ourselves we’re not OK.
So the controversy surrounding The Passion of the Christ then, was not really about Mel or his movie, but instead about the message of the cross. As Milton suggested though, it’s through this cross that Paradise can be restored, for those who believe.
More than the Utopian ideal that history has attempted to cobble together, through might or intellect, Paradise here and now would bring real world harmony. That is, peace within our families, throughout our communities, amongst nations—but most importantly with God.
And what’s in store for an eternity in Paradise? Nothing short of what God has intentioned for you and me from before time began…that we were created to be related…that life has meaning, in glorifying our Creator and enjoying His presence forever…that our individual destiny is one of significance, as bound by His purpose…and that we belong within and are fitted for, the community of God’s kingdom.
“So far so good,” but what is it that precludes having this pristine arrangement now? In a word, “Sin” (Romans 3:23), or our attempt to play god. And because His perfection and our imperfection will never peacefully coexist, a sense of foreboding haunts the creatures, which find themselves at odds with their Creator (Romans 8:7).
In it’s simplest terms, love for God requires a choice (between either serving Him or rebelling), and with this ability to choose (but by His grace), we’ve always chosen the latter. But, rather than abandon us to our own fallen nature and the damning certainty of eternal separation, God accomplished something for us at Calvary that we could never achieve on our own, namely reconciliation between Heaven and Earth. Said differently, God’s love for humanity and righteous judgment of sin required His incarnation and vicarious atonement, which is offered to us as—salvation by grace through faith in the Christ (Romans 6:23).
For those who receive the risen Savior (John 1:12), our position in Christ justifies us, and our penalty for sin is removed. As a result, through the practice of yielding to His Spirit, we are now able to defeat the power of sin in our lives. It’s this pattern of perfection, illustrated in Christ’s immortality, which comprises the promise of Paradise for those who believe. And Jesus secured it all through His death and resurrection.
Is the Spirit of God drawing you into relationship with Him during this Easter season? I invite you to personally encounter the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Restorer of our “Paradise Lost.”
Roy Tanner
“The law of God exact He shall fulfill both by obedience and by love, though love alone fulfill the law; thy punishment He shall endure by the coming in the Flesh to a reproachful and cursed death, proclaiming Life to all who shall believe in His redemption, and that His obedience imputed becomes theirs by faith, His merits to save them, not thir own, through legal works…Then (He) enters into glory, and resumes His seat at God’s right hand, exalted high above all names in Heav’n; and thence shall come, when this world’s dissolution shall be ripe, with glory and power to judge both the quick & dead to judge the unfaithful dead, but to reward His faithful, and receave them into bliss, whether in Heav’n or Earth, for then the Earth shall be Paradise, a far happier place then this of Eden, and far happier daies.” (John Milton, Paradise Lost, Book Twelve, 1674)
Assurance
“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you-- unless of course, you fail the test?” (2 Cor 13:5)
Surpassing the quarter-billion mark in box office receipts after just its third week, The Passion of the Christ, is on track to set records for being one of the most successful movies ever. Advocates have suggested that God is working through this movie adaptation to further the emergence of His 21st century “Great Awakening” in America, with bold spiritual, political and economic repercussions. While millions will see this film, it will undoubtedly raise more questions than it answers related to salvation. As such, an old challenge is again presented to the Church—accommodating the influx of new seekers.
Expecting a corresponding spike in Church attendance, reminiscent of post-9/11, many Church leaders seek to energize their base for evangelism. Unfortunately, Barna Research indicates that Biblical literacy inside the Church is falling, with many congregants holding a false assurance of their own salvation. Given these findings, how are we to share a saving faith that we don’t already first possess? Tragically, the Lord Jesus confirms that many “religious” people will only come to terms with their presumption of meriting heaven after hearing the statement, “depart from me, I never knew you” (Matt. 7:21-23).
The 18th century preacher, Jonathan Edwards faced a similar quandary, when attempting to discern the extent of genuine “saving operations” during seeming widespread revival. Although heightened emotional experiences were common, many were void of evidences to validate conversion. Edwards drew a distinction between “saving” versus “common” operations of the Holy Spirit, with saving operations producing salvation, and the latter resulting in sobering influences that fell short of “inward saving renewal.” He acknowledged the supreme proof of a true conversion was the presence of “holy affections” in the life of the believer.
Fortunately, professing Christians (and those we seek to lead to a saving knowledge of Christ), can know with certainty whether the Holy Spirit has performed a saving operation in their life. Dr. John MacArthur suggests that many proofs are contained in Scripture (e.g. 1 John) for assurance. Just a few are as follows:
1. Has there been a time when you’ve trusted Christ for your salvation (Rom 10:9-10)? Either devoted as a child, or broken as an adult (Isa 57:15), did you receive the gift? (Jn 1:12)
2. Have you enjoyed fellowship with Christ and the Father (1Jn 1:2-3)? A relationship with God is basic to salvation (1Cor 1:9). The experience of Christ living through us (Gal 2:20) is fundamental.
3. Are you sensitive to sin (1Jn 1:5-10)? Light and darkness do not peacefully co-exist (Rom 7:14-25). Christians are faithful to confess known sin (1Jn 1:9).
4. Do you obey God’s Word (1Jn 2:3)? This is motivated by a desire based on gratitude (not obligation), with a pattern of obedience (not perfection). In short, we “walk the talk” (1Jn 2:6).
5. Do you reject the evil of this world (1 Jn 2:15)? The world’s system is under the domination of God’s enemies (1 Jn 5:19). We’re to be in the world, but not of the world (Jn 17:14-16).
6. Do you eagerly await Christ’s return (1 Jn 3:2-3)? Upon Christ’s return, we will be transformed (Phil 3:20-21). It’s the hope of Christ-likeness that compels us to purity (2Ti 2:11-13).
7. Do you see a decreasing pattern of sin in your life (1Jn 3:4-10)? Unbroken patterns of sin are characteristic of the unregenerate. Servants of the Lord are no longer slaves to sin (Rom 6:14, 17-18).
8. Do you love other Christians (1Jn 3:10)? It’s a natural Christian distinctive (1Th 4:9; Jn 13:35). Love expresses itself by meeting needs (Gal 6:10).
9. Do you experience answered prayer (1Jn 3:22)? God answers believer’s prayers (1Jn 5:13-15). God doesn’t necessarily respond to those out of fellowship with Him (Ps 66:18).
10. Do you experience the ministry of the Holy Spirit (1Jn 4:13)? By the Holy Spirit we confess Jesus as Savior (1Jn 4:14). The Holy Spirit is our resident Truth Teacher (1Jn 2:27), eliciting our fellowship (Gal 4:6) and praise (Eph 5:19), while we yield to the fruit of His Spirit (Gal 5:22-23).
11. Can you discern between spiritual truth and error (1Jn 4:1-3)? False religions deny who Jesus is and what he accomplished (Rom 4:25), failing to confess of the divine Lord (1Jn 4:2-3; 5:1), or commit to the divine Word (1Jn 4:5-6).
12. Have you suffered rejection because of your faith (1Jn 3:13)? While there is no virtue in being obnoxious, Christians may suffer for being righteous (1Pet 2:19-23), which acts as a rebuke (1Pet 4:4).
Men and women of God who have a settled assurance that they belong to Him, will most certainly energize America’s next “Great Awakening” through the bold proclamation of the Gospel. As such, the Spirit of God invites each of us to find our rest in His security (Rom 8:16)—the blessed assurance for our souls.
Roy Tanner
posted by Roy Tanner @ 12:58 AM
