What kind of condemnation is contained in "therefore there is no condemnation?"

We have been pursuing our Doctrinal Rethink for some time now. In the process of engaging it we have begun to question certain beliefs, church structures, and practices of the western church. Too often we have discovered unbiblical doctrines and activities. This causes us concern.

Why do churches do what they do? What is the biblical basis of church leadership structure? Why do certain traditions get entrenched? How did we arrive at our doctrines?

Here's today's verse:

Ro. 8:1-3 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus...

We regularly hear people reference this verse when they're feeling discouraged or when they're laboring under guilt for failing, or for sin. It's a "remind me" verse that any condemnation they're feeling is wrong, because there is no condemnation.

But is this what Paul is discussing? 

Is the Bible Enough for Us? – Sufficiency - by Eric Davis

Found here. Our comments in bold.

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Happily, the author manages to quote a couple of Scriptures, but these do not speak to the issues at hand. This is astonishing, considering the topic is the sufficiency of the Bible. One would think that quoting the Bible would be an important part of explaining how the Bible is sufficient.

The author thinks "sufficiency" means "the end of revelation." He never demonstrates this.

Nor does he actually get to the central thesis of his article. He spends a lot of time discussing the "sufficiency" part, but contents himself at the end to only offer a series of undocumented bare assertions regarding the other part, "is the Bible enough for us?"

We deal extensively with "sufficiency" here, so we will try not to duplicate those arguments.

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IS SPEAKING IN TONGUES AND THE SIGN GIFTS VALID TODAY? By Cooper Abrams

Link broken. Our comments in bold.

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The author proposes a question in the title, but answers a different one. He doesn't actually examine the idea of the gifts of tongues persisting till today. Rather, he wants to prove that the way charismatics practice tongues is incorrect. The question he actually answers is, "Is the way charismatics practice tongues valid?" 

Despite this and other problems, one thing does bring joy to our hearts, and that is that the author actually quotes some Scripture. This is an extremely rare phenomenon among the "Doctrinal Police." And his presentation is largely absent of the mockery and derision often leveled against theological opponents.

Nevertheless, the author spectacularly fails to make his case. Since we covered tongues in detail here, we shall try to avoid repeating those arguments.

Lastly, we are going to provide red typeface for any appeal to contemporary practice. What charismatics do or believe is not relevant to the author's stated purpose to biblically demonstrate the practice or non-practice of tongues.

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Are There Modern-Day Apostles? - by Dave Miller, Ph.D.

Found here. Our comments in bold.

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We have covered much of this ground in our episodic examination of cessationism, particularly episode 2. Thus we shall attempt to not repeat our arguments, instead providing links when necessary.

Reading this presentation is frustrating, for the author makes numerous assertions documented by voluminous Scripture references. But when we actually look them up, none of them bolster the author's case. Is this laziness, or is the author counting on readers not checking for themselves what he asserts?

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THE DEFINITION OF AN APOSTLE

Such being the case, we must go to the Bible to determine God’s will with regard to modern-day apostles. When we do so, we first learn that the word “apostle” comes from the Greek word apostolos, which means “one sent from or forth, a messenger, delegate” (Arndt and Gingrich, 1957, p. 99; Thayer, 1901, p. 68). The term is used in the New Testament in two distinct senses. It can refer to an individual who is sent by other humans to accomplish a particular mission or task. The term is so used to refer, for example, to Barnabas (Acts 14:14). He was an “apostle” in the sense that he accompanied Paul on an evangelistic trip. (The author diminishes Barnabas without any explanation. However, he is simply described as an apostle with no qualification, not someone who just happened to accompany Paul:

Ac. 14:14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd...

Paul and Barnabas were partners in their mission work [Ac. 12:25]. They were specifically set apart by the Holy Spirit for work [Ac. 13:2]. They preached together [Ac. 13:46]. They were persecuted together [Ac. 13:50]. They appointed elders together [Ac. 14:23]. They brought a doctrinal dispute to the apostles [Ac. 15:2]. They had a serious disagreement and parted ways [Ac. 15:39]. The two men ministered together for more than a decade [Ga. 2:1]. 

But Barnabas wasn't prefect [Ga. 2:13]. Nevertheless, it is a grave disservice to the biblical testimony to relegate Barnabas to an "also ran" status.

We also note that the author acknowledging a variety of apostolic expressions argues against him. For if there can be different kind of apostles, then a "modern day" apostle doesn't have to be like the Twelve.)

Why Antifa and BLM matter

Many have rightly criticized Antifa and BLM for their extremist views and violent behavior. Steeped in socialist agitprop, these groups espouse a political perspective ignorant of history and economics. They were maleducated by a corrupt public school system, and they were raised poorly by our generation. 

We are to blame, because so many of us did not teach this generation well, we coddled them and told them they were wonderful and special without holding them to any standard of behavior, intellectual rigor, or spiritual development which would entitle them to such praise.

Christians Fleeing from the Truth to Parler Need to Stop - by Rev. Anthony Wade

Found here. Our comments in bold.

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We have suspected the author is a closet leftist for some time now. Aside from his political proclamations, he argues like a leftist, reasons like a leftist, pretends to tell the truth like a leftist, denigrates like a leftist, and presumes his own superiority like a leftist.

Rev. Wade presumes without evidence that what Christians are fleeing from is the truth, without documenting this. Neither does he explain what's wrong with moving to Parler.

The below screed furthers our case. There isn't a single documented statement or biblical explanation contained here. Scattered, unfocused, and explaining absolutely nothing, Rev. Wade edifies no one.

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Cessationism - Episode 15 - Is revival excluded because of apostasy?

Our next Episode in the cessationism series.

Additional Episodes:

• Episode 1, the Perfect.
• Episode 2, the apostles.
• Episode 3, prophecy.
• Episode 4, the closed canon.
• Episode 5, extra biblical reasons.
• Episode 6, only the apostles had all truth.
• Episode 7, there were only limited periods of miracles.
• Episode 8, tongues.
• Episode 9, the work of the Holy Spirit.
• Episode 10, does God speak only through the Scriptures?
• Episode 11, what about impressions?
• Episode 12, what is discernment? 
• Episode 13, the sufficiency of Scripture.
• Episode 14, Was the purpose of miracles restricted to the authentication of the apostles?
• Episode 15, Is revival excluded because of apostasy?
• Episode 16, is prophecy subjective?
• Episode 17, Could only the apostles confer miraculous powers or gifts?
• Episode 18, are charismatics functional cessationists?
• Episode 19 - Hebrews chapter one and the cessation of the sign gifts.

Our criteria for the cessationism debate is that the argument must

1. be from the Bible
2. not appeal to contemporary expressions of charismata
3. not appeal to silence
4. not appeal to events or practices of history

That is, any defense of cessationism must be Sola Scriptura.
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Explaining 2 Peter 1:16-19 - Cleverly invented stories

We have been pursuing our Doctrinal Rethink for some time now. In the process of engaging it we have begun to question certain beliefs, church structures, and practices of the western church. Too often we have discovered unbiblical doctrines and activities. This causes us concern.

Why do churches do what they do? What is the biblical basis of church leadership structure? Why do certain traditions get entrenched? How did we arrive at our doctrines?

We often consider the claims of cessationists in the pages of this blog, especially when famous teachers misuse or misinterpret Scripture.

Let's quote the passage:

2Pe. 1:16-19 We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eye-witnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. 19 And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

Unity in the church - is doctrine the standard?

We have been pursuing our Doctrinal Rethink for some time now. In the process of engaging it we have begun to question certain beliefs, church structures, and practices of the western church. Too often we have discovered unbiblical doctrines and activities. This causes us concern.

Why do churches do what they do? What is the biblical basis of church leadership structure? Why do certain traditions get entrenched? How did we arrive at our doctrines?

For far too many, Christian unity means standardless ecumenicism and compromise. The watered-down Church, unable to articulate its own principles any longer, opens its doors to every sort of pop culture idea, preferring "relevance" to the Gospel, accommodation to righteousness, and conciliation to truth. This results in churches and denominations embracing anti-biblical doctrines and politically leftist ideas like social justice, abortion, and critical race theory; or heresies like reducing Jesus to nothing more than a great teacher, eliminating any mention of sin, or turning God into an absentee landlord.

On the other side of the coin, there are Christians for whom unity is possible only of those who belong to a narrow, exclusive club comprised of those who share exacting beliefs. They create a long and detailed list of doctrines for which there must be lock-step agreement before any fellowship with another Christian is permitted.

These "Doctrinal Police" create workarounds to justify their separation, the most common of which is their claim that embracing a different doctrine is gross heresy, making the person not a Christian. That is, if someone believes something different, they are not saved and not entitled to consideration. they are not even deserving of prayer.

Religion Gone Wrong, Be Ye Not Deceived. - By Anthony Wade

Found here. Our comments in bold.

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Rev. Wade has become a fixture in these pages as we have repeatedly examined this vociferous member of the Doctrinal Police. He is a false teacher, with little thought given to matters of faith and doctrine. 

Below is a very old article written by someone named Anthony Wade. We think it is the same person as our nemesis. Here's our evidence:

• It is written in Rev. Wade's style
• It is full of undocumented claims and misused Scripture
• It consists of stream-of-consciousness writing frequently absent paragraph breaks
• The original typeface and formatting is the same as Rev. Wade's website
• This writer shares similar political views, although Rev. Wade attempts to cloak them while this Anthony Wade is direct and unashamed
• The below article blasts the "religious right," a common theme for Rev. Wade as well.

Our concern here is that Rev. Anthony Wade's contemporary articles are frequently found on conservative/reformed Christian websites as if he were an astute defender of the True Faith. He's not. He's not only a bomb-thrower, he's no ally of the conservative church

His presentations are so grievous that we have found cause to give him his own label.
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The Definitive Examination of Morality, Voting and Sin - By Rev. Anthony Wade

Found here. Our comments in bold.

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Perhaps regular readers are tiring of the bomb-throwing Rev. Wade, but we feel compelled to continue to point out this man's many egregious errors. He cannot be trusted as a Bible teacher. 

We will continue to count the number of words Rev. Wade expends in his "devotionals." In this case, 2464 words without a single Bible reference or quote. 2464 words without a single explanation of a biblical principle. 2464 words without any spiritual precept or information that edifies the reader.

Implied in Rev. Wade's presentation is the idea that a Christian should not be engaged in politics, that the world is corrupt, and that it isn't possible to vote morally. This of course is nonsense. 

Jesus constantly engaged the ruling power of the day, the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law. He condemned their unrighteousness and continually corrected them regarding their political and doctrinal shortcomings. Paul opposed the ruling powers, even to the point of embarrassing them by appealing to his Roman citizenship (Ac. 16). Peter walked right out of a prison (Ac. 12) when the angel freed him from his chains, with nary a mention of his violation of the law. Herod tried to track him down, and eventually the guards were executed.

There is nothing in the Bible that speaks to not being involved in politics. Paul only deals with avoiding those in the church who live debased lives: 1Co. 5:9-11: 

I have written to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people — 10 not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. 11 But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.

We do not regard politics as the method of our warfare: 2Co. 10:2-3 

I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be towards some people who think that we live by the standards of this world. 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 

Note that this does not exclude our involvement in the world, it speaks to how we engage it.

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Is Beth Moore Possessed? - By Elizabeth Prata

Found here. Our comments in bold.

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Ms. Prata makes another appearance in our blog, again attempting to explain things in the Bible. As usual, her presentation leaves a lot to be desired.

We should note that we do not intend to defend Beth Moore, we are examining the author's assertions.

Lastly, we note that the author can't manage to quote a single Scripture.

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What about tithing?

We have been pursuing our Doctrinal Rethink for some time now. In the process of engaging it we have begun to question certain beliefs, church structures, and practices of the western church. Too often we have discovered unbiblical doctrines and activities. This causes us concern.

Why do churches do what they do? What is the biblical basis of church leadership structure? Why do certain traditions get entrenched? How did we arrive at our doctrines?

Introduction

Much has been written about the tithe and its applicability. Some would say the tithe is exactly how much we should give. Others say the tithe is the baseline, and we should be generous above this level. Still others say that there is no tithe at all for the Christian, that everything belongs to God and we should act accordingly.

We do not intend an in-depth study, but rather an overview of important concepts.

We believe that the one of the primary moral responsibilities of the Christian is to obey God's commands to give to the poor. For example,

Le. 19:10 Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD your God.

Ps. 82:3 Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.

Lk. 14:13-14: But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.

Ac. 10:4 ...Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.

Ga. 2:10 All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.

It is clearly a duty of God's people to help the poor, the widow, and the oppressed. The issue becomes, to what degree, what process, and to whom should we do this?

Help! I’m Struggling with the Doctrine of Predestination - by Joel R. Beeke, Paul M. Smalley

Found here. Our comments in bold.

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Astonishingly, the authors barely manage to quote Scripture. In fact, we must plow through 2/3 of this before we come to our first Scriptures, 3 partial snippets.

In addition, the authors acknowledge the many doubts and objections to predestination, but never actually addresses and explains why those doubts and objections are wrong. 

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Systemic Racism - Faceborg coversation

A FB friend, Paul, posted this:

Here is a thought provoking read, particularly for my Christian friends. For some reason, we Christians seem to be more resistant to the idea of reparations than our non-believing friends. I fully agree with this article. It's a long read and it stings a bit, but please follow it through to the end.

HEBRAICTHOUGHT.ORG
Should We Repent of Our Grandparents’ Racist Ideology?

Do False Teachers Know they’re False? - By Elizabeth Prata

Found here. Our comments in bold.

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The author does not seem to understand the nature of deception. If we are truly dealing with a false teacher, that person is under deception. It's a spiritual condition where the truth is undiscernible. When one is deceived, by definition one doesn't know it. A false teacher doesn't know he's a false teacher.

Further, a false teacher is not simply someone whose doctrines are not perfect. A false teacher has particular characteristics, according to Peter:

• 2Pe. 2:1 They secretly introduce destructive heresies
• 2Pe. 2:2 They bring the way of truth into disrepute.
• 2Pe. 2:3 They will exploit you with stories they have made up. 
• 2Pe. 2:10 They despise authority. They are bold and arrogant.
• 2Pe. 2:12 They blaspheme in matters they do not understand.
• 2Pe. 2:13 They carouse in broad daylight. 
• 2Pe. 2:14 They are adulterous. They are experts in greed.
• 2Pe. 2:15 They have left the straight way.
• 2Pe. 2:18 They are boastful. They entice people.  
• 2Pe. 2:19 They promise freedom, but they are slaves of depravity.

Note how intensely sinful a false teacher is. This kind of person is not simply a pastor you disagree with, or a church that engages in practices you don't like or think are unbiblical. It's not even a matter of doctrinal disagreement. No, a false teacher is easily distinguished by his licentious lifestyle and blatant blasphemy. 

And we note that a person teaching a different doctrine than what you believe may be right, and it's you that needs to change. 

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The importance of elders (old people)

We have been noticing a sort of inversion moving through the Church. Both the Bible and  the longstanding tradition of the Church has been to elevate and give heed to the older, wiser men and women of the Church. This, however, has been gradually changing, where more and more the youth is the face of the Church. Consider these worship teams:

Hillsong Music is a Gateway Drug to Apostasy, Your Church is Dealing it to You - By JEFF MAPLES

Found here. Our comments in bold.

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Mr. Maples appears from time to time in this blog. His comments are invariably hyperbolic, lacking biblical insight, and incendiary. 

We should note our intent is not to defend Hillsongs or Catholic doctrine, but rather we shall examine the author's statements.

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The answer is always more government - excerpt, Vox Day

Found here. Vox Day writes with his customary stark brilliance.

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...Day after day, in broadcast after broadcast and newspaper after newspaper, it infests American homes and spreads disease by forcing the American people to submit to its deluge of its pro-government propaganda. This is the case at every level, local, state and federal, and in those very rare cases when the coverage is negative, it is almost invariably focused on criticizing the government concerned for failing to act in an appropriately expansive manner. One will wait in vain to hear washingtonia suggest that any matter, public or private, is not an appropriate concern of government.

When people hear us talk of casting the mighty from their thrones... FB meme

Posted by a FB friend:

Transcript: When people hear us talk of casting the mighty from their thrones and raising the lowly... of filling the hungry with good things while sending the rich away empty...

Inevitably, some will say, "That sounds like socialism."

But we remind them... it is the Gospel of Luke.

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This is a textbook example of the left's biblical illiteracy. Or perhaps, their diabolical desire to give biblical cover to their political aims. Either way, we shall not allow this false teaching to go unexamined.