… It is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace … Hebrews 13:9 Issue 201 October 2013 Christ, Our New Covenant King In This Issue Christ, Our New Covenant King —Part 1 ̶ Part 1 1 John G. Reisinger The New Covenant and Christian John G. Reisinger Liberty 1 This is the thirteenth in our series of articles on Christ, Our New Covenant Tom Wells Biblical Worship and Missions Prophet, Priest and King. We did five articles onChrist, Our New Covenant 3 Prophet and seven articles on Christ, Our New Covenant Priest. This is the first Steve West The Great Commission article in the last segment of this series, Christ, Our New Covenant King. The 5 kingship of Christ is the most controversial of all the three offices because it A. Blake White directly involves your prophetic view. We need to define what we mean when A Study of New Covenant 7 we refer to Christ as “our King.” There are quite a few references to “Christ, the Theology, Part 4 of 4 King of the Jews” in the New Testament, but there are only three direct refer- Kevin P. McAloon ences to Christ as “King” in the New Testament, and all three of those combine the word “King” and the word “Lord”. Christ is said to be “Lord of Lord and King of Kings.” Some dispensationalists insist that Christ is not presently King. They will speak of “Christ Our Prophet, Priest and coming King.” This grows out of their dispensational belief that Christ at his first coming offered the promised kingdom to the Jews, and they re- jected it. The kingdom was “postponed” and will be established at the second coming Reisinger—Continued on page 2 The New Covenant and Christian Liberty Tom Wells Most believers have what are called “daily devotions.” What is that point? The point is that the NT has no such For some time I have been asking my Christian friends, rules about our personal acts of worship. Why do I make “Do you keep the New Testament rules for your daily this point? Because, unlike the Mosaic Covenant, the New devotions?” A typical response is to look at me blankly Covenant approaches the question of our worship in quite and ask what rules I’m talking about. That response is a different way than the Mosaic Covenant does. To put it a fair one for at least two reasons. First, the NT doesn’t plainly, the older covenant has a number of rules for carry- use the phrase, “daily devotions.” And second, most of us ing out a person’s public acts of worship that please God. would be hard pressed to find verses that directly apply They are spelled out in detail. Those rules covered matters to this practice. One possible passage would be 1 Thes- that greatly restricted the freedom of Israelites, but that salonians 5:16-18. There we read, “Be joyful always; pray changes in the New Covenant. continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is When Jesus came, he hinted at a great change to begin God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” These verses command after his death and resurrection. We can see this hint in the three things: continual joy, continual prayer, and continual following exchange between Jesus and his critics in Mat- thanksgiving. And they do apply to our devotions, but they thew 22:15-21: are clearly far broader than that. The Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his My reason for raising the question about devotions is words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Hero- that it makes the point I want to make clear in this article. dians. “Teacher,” Wells—Continued on page 12 Page 2 October 2013 Issue 201 Reisinger—Continued from page 1 to him, that of the fruit of his loins, ac- Sound of Grace is a publication of Sovereign of Christ. They insist that Christ is cording to the flesh, he would raise up Grace New Covenant Ministries, a tax exempt 501(c)3 corporation. Contributions to Sound Lord over the Church and King over Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Grace are deductible under section 170 of a future converted nation of Israel. of Christ, that his soul was not left in the Code. I believe the promised kingdom has hell, neither his flesh did see corrup- Sound of Grace is published 10 times a year. already come, and Jesus is presently The subscription price is shown below. This is tion. This Jesus hath God raised up, a paper unashamedly committed to the truth seated on the throne of David as King. whereof we all are witnesses. There- of God’s sovereign grace and New Covenant We will use the terms “King” and fore being by the right hand of God Theology. We invite all who love these same “Lord” as synonyms in this article. exalted, and having received of the truths to pray for us and help us financially. Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, We do not take any paid advertising. And he hath on his vesture and he hath shed forth this, which ye now The use of an article by a particular person on his thigh a name written, King of see and hear. For David is not ascend- is not an endorsement of all that person Kings, And Lord of Lords (Rev. 19:16). believes, but it merely means that we thought 1 ed into the heavens: but he saith him- self, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit that a particular article was worthy of printing. These shall make war with the thou on my right hand, Until I make Sound of Grace Board: John G. Reisinger, David Leon, John Thorhauer, Bob VanWing- Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all erden and Jacob Moseley. them: for he is Lord of lords, and King the house of Israel know assuredly, Editor: John G. Reisinger; Phone: (585)396- of kings: and they that are with him that God hath made the same Jesus, 3385; e-mail: [email protected]. are called, and chosen, and faithful whom ye have crucified, both Lord and General Manager: Jacob Moseley: (Rev. 17:14). Christ (Acts 2:29-36). [email protected] Which in his times he shall shew, Send all orders and all subscriptions to: The key verse is this quotation is Sound of Grace, 5317 Wye Creek Drive, who is the blessed and only Potentate, verse 36. His Father in heaven raised Frederick, MD 21703-6938 – Phone 301- the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords; the “same Jesus,” the son of Mary, 473-8781 Visit the bookstore: http://www. (1 Tim. 6:15). that the Jews crucified from the dead. newcovenantmedia.com Address all editorial material and questions We should note that some secular The Father rewarded his Son for his to: John G. Reisinger, 3302 County Road 16, kings have called themselves “King redemptive work by exalting him Canandaigua, NY 14424-2441. of Kings and Lord of Lords.” The title to the highest place of authority. He Webpage: www.soundofgrace.org is meant to show that the one bear- made him, that same Jesus, son of or SOGNCM.org ing it is the highest authority. He is Mary, to be the Lord of the universe Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNA- Lord over everyone and all things. and the Savior of God’s elect. One of TIONAL VERSION® Copyright © 1973, 1978, Only one person has the right to wear my favorite choruses is “He is Lord.” 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by Permission. All rights reserved. that title, and that is the one who was He is Lord, He is Lord, He has God manifest in human flesh. Jesus, Scripture quotations marked “NKJV” are risen from the dead and He is Lord. taken from the New King James Version. our New Covenant King died, rose Every knee shall bow, Every Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. from the dead, ascended into heaven tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Used by Permission. All rights reserved. and is presently seated on a throne at Lord. Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the right hand of God the Father. Our The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, We should note that preaching the copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a Lord is not only the King of the Jews, division of Good News Publishers. Used by but he is also the King of the universe Gospel involves preaching that Jesus permission. All rights reserved. and everything in it. Acts Chapter 2 is Christ is Lord and calling sinners to Contributions a very key section of Scripture deal- bow to Christ as Lord in repentance Orders ing with our subject. Let me repeat a and faith. We will say more about this. Discover, MasterCard or VISA small part of it. We will come back At the moment the important thing is If you wish to make a tax-deductible contri- and exegete most of this chapter. to see that the Lordship we are talking bution to Sound of Grace, please mail a check about is an earned Lordship. Christ to: Sound of Grace, 5317 Wye Creek Drive, Men and brethren, let me freely Frederick, MD 21703-6938. was always the Son of God or second speak unto you of the patriarch David, Please check the mailing label to find the that he is both dead and buried, and person of the trinity just as he was expiration of your subscription. Please send his sepulchre is with us unto this day. always Lord of all creation; however, payment if you want your subscription to Therefore being a prophet, and know- the Father rewarded his redemptive continue—$20.00 for ten issues. Or if you would prefer to have a pdf file emailed, that is ing that God had sworn with an oath work as the Messiah with the new au- available for $10.00 for ten issues. If you are thority described in John. unable to subscribe at this time, please call or 1 Scripture quotations are from the These words spake Jesus, and drop a note in the mail and we will be glad to Authorized Version (KJV) unless continue Sound of Grace free of charge. otherwise noted. Reisinger—Continued on page 4 Issue 201 October 2013 Page 3 In Revelation 4-5, we get a privi- leged look into how God is worshiped in heaven above. The scene is one of Biblical Worship and Missions indescribable splendor, unimaginable terror, unalloyed joy, and inexpress- Steve West ible glory. God—the one who sits on the throne and lives in unapproach- heard in heaven: “You are worthy to we will do, however, is use the hymn able holy light—is praised first for his take the scroll and to open its seals, of praise in Rev. 5:9-10 as a launching intrinsic character: “‘Holy, holy, holy because you were slain, and with your pad for our considerations. is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, blood you purchased for God persons There are some subtle and some and is, and is to come” (Rev. 4:8b). from every tribe and language and not-so-subtle points of contact be- In this song God is praised simply in people and nation. You have made tween worship and missions in this accordance with his inherent worth them to be a kingdom and priests to new song. One rather obvious link is and essential nature. Biblical worship serve our God, and they will reign on that the Lamb has purchased people starts with a recognition that God— the earth” (Rev. 5:9-10). as God—is deserving of honor and from all over the globe. Although un- praise. This new song celebrates the stated here, a full biblical understand- salvific triumph of Jesus Christ, the ing of salvation requires the message The content of the second song Lamb of God. He has conquered sin of the gospel being communicated to ascribing praise to God in Revelation and death and hell and Satan. He has the lost so that they can hear the name 4 moves in focus from his intrinsic purchased a people at the price of his of Jesus Christ, the good news of what nature to his acts of creation. Fall- own blood. And what a people! They he has done on their behalf, and by ing down before him, the elders say: are from every tribe, every nation, God’s grace, be given a new heart so “You are worthy, our Lord and God, every ethnicity, every language. In the they can believe and be saved. The to receive glory and honor and power, current vocabulary of the missiologist, gospel is good news; good news must for you created all things, and by your we would say they are from every be heard; to be heard it requires a will they were created and have their people group. Although in one sense herald; heralds must go to the people being” (Rev. 4:11). Here, the focus is the accomplishment of redemption who haven’t heard! Jesus has bought on what God has done. This second can be considered as a subcategory people all over this world with his song reveals that God is to be praised of God’s works, there is a profound blood—his church has the unimagin- not only for who he is but also for shift in focus from the theme of the ably rich privilege of being called to his acts. As creatures, the elders are second song. Creating and sustain- go and reach them with this message. particularly praise-filled and worship- ing a world is an act of wisdom and But what will motivate us to go? ful when they think that their lives power; redeeming a fallen world is At one level, sheer obedience should and continued existence are owing to an act of love and grace. Redemp- be enough to compel us. Jesus has nothing besides God’s sovereign will tion is a special work. It is actually laid down instructions for his church and good pleasure. entirely unique, requiring every one to proclaim the gospel to the ends of of God’s attributes to be engaged. In After these two hymns of praise, the earth—that, frankly, should settle some ways, redemption is the ultimate a fascinating drama unfolds in the it. Another possible motive could be product of God’s essential nature throne room. The Lamb of God comes the love of our fellow creatures who and creative work. The only fitting forward to bring God’s purposes to bear the image of God and are lost in response is that everything that has pass. Because he has been slain but their rebellion and sins. Can we really breath should praise the Lord. lives again, he is worthy to be the love our neighbors as ourselves if we agent who accomplishes all of God’s What is the connection between are unmoved that they live in a dark eternal plans. When the Lamb takes these reflections on the categories of night, some in the world never having the scroll (symbolic of God’s sover- biblical worship and the topic of mis- even heard that there is a Savior? eign decrees) from the Father’s hand, sions? Obviously a tremendous num- Doctors Without Borders takes medi- an explosion of praise occurs. Since ber of biblical passages deal with mis- cal care to people in need; their medi- none of the old songs in heaven and sionary endeavors and the necessity cal professionals travel to care for earth has content fitted to this new of taking the gospel of Jesus Christ to physical bodies, looking to do good era in salvation history, a new song all people, but we simply cannot deal in this world alone. What about the is required. The living creatures and with even a fraction of the relevant representatives of the Great Physician elders cry out in words never before Scriptural data in this article. What West—Continued on page 9 Page 4 October 2013 Issue 201 Reisinger—Continued from page 2 justly forgive sinners. He could the son of Mary. Our substitute is lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, only forgive sinners because he both deity and human. The work Father, the hour is come; glorify thy had offered to God his Father an of our salvation involves both the Son, that thy Son also may glorify acceptable sacrifice for sins and a Son of God and the son of Mary. thee: As thou hast given him power perfect sinless life of obedience. It involves both of these, and both [authority NIV] over all flesh, that he are vital. should give eternal life to as many as 5. We keep insisting that Christ’s thou hast given him. And this is life Lordship, or authority, that we are We believe and preach both the hu- eternal, that they might know thee the discussing is an earned author- manity and deity of Christ. If we lose only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom ity. We are not saying or in any either the deity of Christ or his sinless thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on way suggesting that this reward humanity, we will have a heretical the earth: I have finished the work in anyway way adds to Christ’s view of Christ’s person and work. He- which thou gavest me to do (John deity. We are not talking about brews 4:14-16 would lose its power to 17:1-4). Christ’s deity as opposed to his help us in time of need if Christ is not Our Lord, in his humanity, was a humanity. Christ’s atoning work one with us in his humanity. Romans man under specific orders. He came on the cross added nothing to the 8:28 would be a mere sentimental into the world with a specific job de- deity of Christ. That redemptive platitude if Christ is not both a sov- scription (John 17:4) that culminated work did give Christ, acting in his ereign deity and our human brother. in the cross. Christ was born for the humanity as our substitute, the Sometimes both Christ’s deity and his express idea of dying under the wrath legal right to forgive sins. That humanity are emphasized in the same of God as a sin offering. It was the work satisfied the holy character passage. of God. No one, including God, Father who put him on the cross, and And there arose a great storm of it was also the Father who raised him can arbitrarily forgive sins with- wind, and the waves beat into the ship, from the dead and “gave him all au- out a righteous basis. Paul, in Ro- so that it was now full. And he was in thority” (John 17:2). Several things mans 1:16-17 and 3:24-26, makes the hinder part of the ship, asleep on must be noted. it abundantly clear that the Gospel a pillow: and they awake him, and say “justifies God in his justifying unto him, Master, carest thou not that 1. “The work” our Lord was com- sinners.” The Gospel shows that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked missioned to perform was the sin must be paid for before a holy the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, work of redemption. It was to pro- God can forgive them. The death, be still. And the wind ceased, and vide for the elect all they needed resurrection and ascension of there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how to stand fully justified in God’s Christ provide the essential work holy presence. It involved the “do- is it that ye have no faith? And they of redemption that make it pos- feared exceedingly, and said one to ing and dying of Christ.” It in- sible for God to be both “just and cluded keeping the Law and earn- another, What manner of man is this, the justifier” of those for whom that even the wind and the sea obey ing the righteousness it promised Christ died. Paul insists that the him? (Mark 4:37-41). and then dying under the curse of gospel reveals the righteous- Why was Jesus sleeping? The an- the Law and fully paying our debt ness of God (Rom. 1:17). Christ’s swer simple, he was sleeping for the of sin. “work” on the cross is where same reason we go to sleep. He was 2. That redemptive work was fin- “righteousness and peace have tired and his body needed rest. He ished when Jesus cried out on the kissed each other” (Psalm 85:10). was a man, a human being. But wait a cross, “It is finished.” 6. Christ earned the Lordship, or minute. How could a mere man calm 3. The Father was satisfied with that authority, to forgive sinner in the raging sea with nothing but a ver- redemptive work and rewarded his humanity. Christ’s redemp- bal command? Because he was more Christ for performing that work tion involved both his deity and than a mere man; he was the Son of by raising him from the dead, his humanity. Evangelicals have God. He was deity made flesh. He was seating him on a throne at his own a tendency to forget that both the God-man. right hand and giving him author- Christ’s holy life that earned righ- We are not talking about “deity ity over all flesh. The “all flesh” teousness and his obedience death versus humanity” in this message. included all men without excep- that paid for sin were both per- We are talking about an earned Lord- tion. formed in a human sinless body. ship that was given to Christ Jesus the Our Redeemer and Savior is not 4. The authority that was given to only the Son of God, but he is also Christ was the legal authority to Reisinger—Continued on page 6 Issue 201 October 2013 Page 5 who leave the church in order to go The Great Commission to places that need the gospel. If a person is not led to go, then they must be involved by sending and praying. A. Blake White Church budgets should be focused on The passage we know as “the appointed the Son of God in power fulfilling this great commission. Great Commission” is a popular one, by his resurrection from the dead: We are called to make disciples but it is also an important one, so it Jesus Christ our Lord” (NIV). Isaiah at home and abroad because of the is worth revisiting from time to time. 53:11-12 says “By the knowledge my universal Lordship of Christ. John Matthew 28:18-20 reads, righteous servant will justify many, Dickson speaks of the “Mission Equa- And Jesus came and said to them, and he will bear their iniquities. tion”: “If there is one Lord to whom “All authority in heaven and on earth Therefore I will give him a portion all people belong and owe their al- has been given to me. Go therefore among the great, and he will divide legiance, the people of that Lord must and make disciples of all nations, bap- the spoils with the strong, because he promote this reality everywhere.”1 tizing them in the name of the Father poured out his life unto death.” Notice Notice the “therefore” in the passage: and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, the “therefore.” Similarly, Hebrews Jesus says all authority has been given teaching them to observe all that I 2:9 reads “But we do see Jesus, who to him, therefore go and make dis- have commanded you. And behold, I was made lower than the angels for a ciples. am with you always, to the end of the little while, now crowned with glory age” (ESV). We must make people aware of and honor because he suffered death.” their Lord. We must help them realize The Power of Christ Notice the “because.” and submit to the Lordship of Jesus Verse 18 says that all authority in He is the Lord. He is worthy of all Christ. We speak for their king as heaven and on earth has been given to worship. We have reduced him to a we summon them to repent. John Jesus. The word “all” dominates these puny “personal” Lord who is waiting Dickson recounts a story about three three verses. The Greek word for all to be accepted. His Lordship is not a young men who hopped on a bus in (pas) occurs four times: all authority, matter of acceptance. Jesus is not a Detroit in the 30’s and tried to pick all nations, to obey everything, I am personal Lord. He is Lord! Philippians a fight with a guy sitting toward the with you always. 2:9-11 says, “Therefore God exalted back. They were talking trash, but the him to the highest place and gave him Jesus has all authority in heaven guy didn’t respond. They increased the name that is above every name, and on earth. He uniquely has the their insults, but the man still said that at the name of Jesus every knee right to rule. Heaven and earth are nothing. Eventually, the bus made it to should bow, in heaven and on earth used to indicate the comprehensive- the dude’s stop, so he stood up. They and under the earth, and every tongue ness of his authority. In other words, were surprised at how big he was acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, he has all authority in the universe. As when he stood up. They didn’t realize to the glory of God the Father.” He is Abraham Kuyper put it, there is not a his size by the way he was sitting. As Lord of all, whether they bow to his single square inch in the universe that he walked out, he handed the guys authority now willingly or in destruc- the risen Christ does not own. a business card and got off the bus. tion on judgment day. The young men looked at the card and The text says this authority was The Plan of Christ read the words:” Joe Louis, Profes- given to him. The second person of sional Boxer.” These young thugs just the Godhead has always possessed Matthew 19-20a gives us the “mas- tried to pick a fight with the “Brown authority, but now he speaks as vic- ter plan”: “Go therefore and make Bomber,” the man who would go on to tor. There is a sense in which Jesus is disciples of all nations, baptizing them become the world heavy weight box- talking here about an authority that in the name of the Father and of the ing champion from 1937-49. I imagine he did not have prior to the cross and Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching they were a little relieved that their resurrection. It is an achieved author- them to observe all that I have com- comments didn’t merit a reaction! ity. It is an earned lordship. After the manded you.” All of God’s authority cross, Jesus was raised from the dead, is now mediated through the Messiah, Now imagine if we were friends exalted to the right hand of the Father who commissions his followers to and enthroned as King (2 Sam. 7:13, universal mission. 1 John Dickson, The Best Kept Secret Ps. 2:7). Romans 1:4 says, “and who of Christian Mission (Grand Rapids: Jesus commands us to go. A Zondervan, 2010), 31 through the Spirit of holiness was vibrant church will have people White—Continued on page 14 Page 6 October 2013 Issue 201 Reisinger—Continued from page 4 all flesh, that he should give eternal to do with as he chooses. Romans 1:1- God-man as a reward for finishing the life to as many as thou hast given him 4 helps us understand this point. work his Father gave him to do. (John 17:2 ). Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, Nearly all Christians agree that the Jesus alone has the authority (right) called to be an apostle, separated three offices of Prophet, Priest, and to justly and righteously forgive sins unto the gospel of God, (Which he King set forth in the Old Testament because he has paid for those sins. had promised afore by his prophets in Scriptures are types of the work and Jesus Christ is the only man who can the holy scriptures,) Concerning his ministry of the Messiah which are ful- forgive sins, and he is also the only Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was filled in the past and present ministry man who can send anyone to hell! made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthi- And he must do either one or the other Son of God with power, according to ans 1:30 is one of many texts. with every person. All people, without the spirit of holiness, by the resurrec- But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, exception, are in the hands of Jesus tion from the dead: who of God is made unto us wisdom, Christ the judge. See Acts 17:31. John Murray’s comments on Ro- and righteousness, and sanctification, I am often amazed at how preach- mans 1:1-4 are most helpful. and redemption: ers can so grossly misuse a text of “By his resurrection and ascen- Wisdom refers to his work as Scripture. This is especially true when sion the Son of God incarnate entered they butcher texts that deal with the Prophet to teach us about God and upon a new phase of sovereignty and ourselves. Righteousness is his work sovereignty of God. The short dia- was endowed with new power cor- of Priest to remove our guilt and jus- logue between Pilate and Jesus is a respondent with and unto the exercise tify us in God’s sight. Sanctification is classic example. This is one the favor- of the mediatorial lordship which he his work through his office as King, ite passages for Arminian evangelists. executes as head over all things to his or Lord, to rule over us and conquer They use it as part of an altar call. body, the church.”2 sin in us. Redemption is the full and They say, “Jesus is in your hands to In no sense whatsoever is Murray final work of a complete salvation that do with as you choose. What will you suggesting that Christ is more sover- involves all three offices of Christ’s do with Jesus?” I have yet to hear a eign after the resurrection and ascen- work. That work accomplishes a de- single Arminian preacher quote verse sion than he was before. Nor is he say- liverance from the penalty, power, and 11! ing that finishing the redemptive work finally even the presence of sin. This Then saith Pilate unto him, Speak- his father gave him added anything whole work of a complete and eternal est thou not unto me? knowest thou to his person. He is talking about the salvation is “of him” and not of us. not that I have power to crucify thee, redemptive authority the man, Christ and have power to release thee? Je- In our booklet, “Christ, Lord Jesus, earned in sufferings. The NIV sus answered, Thou couldest have no in its translation of Romans 1:4, as it and Lawgiver over the Church” we power at all against me, except it were often does, gives an interpretation of discussed four things about the Lord- given thee from above: therefore he ship of Christ: (1) Its NATURE; (2) Its that delivered me unto thee hath the the text instead of an accurate transla- EXTENT; (3) How It Is EXERCISED greater sin (John 19:10-11). tion. Notice the difference between or Mediated; (4) Modern Examples the NIV and the KJV: It is true that God one time put his of Denying Christ’s Lordship. This son into the hands of sinners; howev- A. Romans 1:4-KJV booklet is available from New Cov- er, it is also true that men, unanimous- enant Ministries. It is most helpful And declared to be the Son of God ly, cried out, “Crucify him! Crucify in understanding the subject under WITH POWER, according to the him! We will not have this man to spirit of holiness, by the resurrection discussion. The Lordship of Christ rule over us.” Men put Christ to death from the dead: that we are discussing in this article is but God raised him from the grave an earned Lordship and is part of the B. Romans 1:4-NIV and gave him all power and author- nature of the Lordship of Christ. I em- ity. Christ also was given a new name And who through the Spirit of phasize again that this is not part of (Phil. 2:9-11). The Father made his son holiness was DECLARED WITH his deity as such. This is the authority POWER to be the Son of God by his to be Lord. The real question is not and power given to “the man Christ resurrection from the dead: Jesus what sinners will do with Christ, but Jesus” by the Father to save or damn Christ our Lord. the question is what will Jesus do with whom he will. John’s words cannot be the sinner? He is not in our hands; we 2 John Murray, The Epistle to the Ro- understood any other way. Notice two are in his hands. All men are in the mans (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Wm. B. texts: hands of God’s appointed Redeemer Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1960) 11. As thou hast given him power over Reisinger—Continued on page 8 Issue 201 October 2013 Page 7 A STUDY OF NEW COVENANT THEOLOGY Part 4 of 4 Kevin P. McAloon ISRAEL AND THE CHURCH grand purpose of grace in which he brought their forefathers out of Egypt. decreed to eternally redeem a people This is why Lehrer believes that the As may have been previously ob- for himself. nation had always been apostate, and served, all of NCT’s views regarding he argues against the opinion that major historical-redemptive themes Ancient Israel Israel had largely been God’s believ- are dependent upon one another NCT holds that ancient Israel was ing people until the judgments in 711 and interrelated at their most basic an elect physical nation which was for and 586 B.C.2 This establishment and foundations, and the same may be the most part unregenerate, with the preservation of an unbelieving nation said about our views regarding Israel exception of a perpetual remnant of who could not help but continually and the church. Just as the physical genuine justified believers that God disgrace the gracious God who had pictures and types of the Abrahamic had preserved within the nation (see physically “redeemed” them was all Covenant were set forth under the Old page 20). Reisinger argues that we to display man’s utter depravity and Covenant to be fulfilled and fully ex- must make a clear distinction between inability in himself, and thus his need perienced in the New, even so was the the physical nation of Israel as a for a Savior who could atone for his nation of Israel a physical picture and “special” seed chosen from among all sins and give him a new heart. type of what would later be fulfilled of the other natural seeds of Abraham and realized within the church which Furthermore, as was mentioned in (i.e., Ishmael, Esau, etc.) and the elect Christ came to establish. Ancient the previous discussion regarding the seed of true believers within that na- Israel was the shadow, the church is Abrahamic and Mosaic Covenants, tion: “In reality, they were a group of the substance. Each institution was es- NCT holds that all of the blessings, proud, individualistic, self-seeking tablished for differing purposes in the ordinances, and promises to the nation rebels. They were established and grand scheme of redemptive history, of Israel were types and foreshadows sustained as a nation only because of carrying with them different laws of their true fulfillments found in the their physical lineage to Abraham and along with different blessings, but New Covenant church. Lehrer sums Jacob. God did this as a fulfillment of both testifying to and serving God’s up this position by saying: his promise to Abraham and also to accomplish his purpose of bringing “[I]n the Old Covenant era we see Kevin recently graduated from forth the Messiah through the ap- spiritual truths being related in picture Southeastern Baptist Theological pointed nation.”1 Lehrer believes that form. When God revealed man’s need Seminary, and is currently meeting although Christians may fall into sin, for atonement, he used the types and with some believers seeking God shadows of an elaborate sacrificial sys- and God may warn and chastise them to raise a church in Carmel, NY. tem including thousands of priests and His heart is for the further reforma- as a loving Father, these were both of barnyard animals. When God revealed tion of Christ's Church back to New a different nature than what we gener- the promise of his people to dwell Covenant power and purity, and ally read of in the Old Testament. He with him, he did so in the types and truly believes that New Covenant argues that the difference between shadows of the land in the Middle East Theology and many of the churches what was happening in the book of and in a building made of bricks and espousing it are God's blessing in Judges and the experience of the mortar. This is the way in which God this generation towards that end. Christian’s struggle with sin is like revealed his plan in the Old Covenant While avoiding formal denomi- the difference between night and day. era. So when God used the prophets national affiliation, Kevin craves In 2 Kings 21:10-15, the reason God to explain the spiritual fulfillment of God’s plan in the New Covenant era, and welcomes all open hearted is going to curse—not discipline—Is- fellowship with devout brothers and God decided to use the language of rael is because they had been doing types and shadows. He was describing sisters in Christ. He and his group evil in his eyes ever since the day he covet your prayers. You are invited the New Covenant in the language of to contact him at kevin.mcaloon@ 2 Lehrer, 80-83. gmail.com 1 Reisinger, Abrahams’s Four Seeds, 69, 75. McAloon—Continued on page 11 Page 8 October 2013 Issue 201 Reisinger—Continued from page 6 For this man was counted worthy Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until As you can see, the NIV makes the of more glory than Moses, inasmuch I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore resurrection to be a powerful demon- as he who hath builded the house hath let all the house of Israel know assur- stration of Christ’s deity, and the KJV more honour than the house (Heb. edly, that God hath made that same sees the resurrection as giving Christ 3:3). Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:33-36). a new and earned power or authority. But this man, because he continu- The resurrection of Christ certainly eth ever, hath an unchangeable priest- There is a point in time when God is a “powerful demonstration” that hood. Wherefore he is able also to the Father made Christ to be both “proves” the deity of Christ, but Paul save them to the uttermost that come Lord and Christ in a new sense. When in Romans 1:4 is not trying to prove unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth did that happen? It took place at the [As a true man] to make intercession resurrection and ascension. What is that Christ was both human and deity. for them (Heb. 7:24-25). I grant that is the most common inter- the peculiar authority that the Father pretation, but I think it totally misses This fact explains why the ser- gave the Son when he made him Lord the point taught in the text. Paul is mons in the Book of Acts emphasize over all flesh? The Father gave the saying that the resurrection declares both the resurrection and ascension Son the legal authority of Lordship to that Christ has been given a power of of Christ. It is those events that prove forgive and justify sinners. The ascen- Lordship as a reward for his success- Christ has been given a new authority. sion to the throne at the Father’s right ful atoning work. This is a redemptive Ye men of Israel, hear these words; hand gave the man Christ Jesus the Lordship that belongs to the Son of Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of mediatorial rights to dispense the gifts Mary as the successful Redeemer. It God among you by miracles and won- he earned by his obedient life and is not an innate Lordship that belongs ders and signs, which God did by him vicarious death. The message of the to the Son of God as a member of the in the midst of you, as ye yourselves Gospel to be preached is, “Therefore Trinity. also know: Him, being delivered by let all the house of Israel know assur- the determinate counsel and fore- edly, that God hath made that same The man Christ Jesus is declared knowledge of God, ye have taken, and Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both to be “Son of God with power because by wicked hands have crucified and Lord and Christ.” The man Christ he is glorified and enthroned human- slain: Whom God hath raised up, hav- Jesus, Son of God and son of Mary, ity. A true man, the God-Man, has ing loosed the pains of death: because is the judge of all men, and he is the been given the right to exercise both it was not possible that he should be Messiah who saves the sheep his Fa- the role of Savior and the role of judge holden of it (Acts 2:22-24). ther gave him. over all men. This Man earned that The point of this passage is the res- right. This truth is seen every time the urrection, but Peter does not stop with What must poor sinners do to be “man Christ Jesus” is mentioned in just the resurrection. The heart of his saved? They must bow in repentance the New Testament Scriptures. Note sermon is verses 30-32. and faith to the exalted Christ of God. the following examples: Therefore being a prophet, and Now when they heard this, they And said, Behold, I see the heavens knowing that God had sworn with were pricked in their heart, and opened, and the Son of man standing an oath to him, that of the fruit of his said unto Peter and to the rest of the on the right hand of God (Acts 7:56). loins, according to the flesh, he would apostles, Men and brethren, what shall raise up Christ to sit on his throne; we do? Then Peter said unto them, Be it known unto you therefore, He seeing this before spake of the Repent, and be baptized every one of men and brethren, that through this resurrection of Christ, that his soul you in the name of Jesus Christ for man is preached unto you the forgive- was not left in hell, neither his flesh the remission of sins, and ye shall re- ness of sins: (Acts 13:38). did see corruption. This Jesus hath ceive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For Because he hath appointed a day, God raised up, whereof we all are wit- the promise is unto you, and to your in the which he will judge the world in nesses (Acts 2:30-32). children, and to all that are afar off, righteousness by that man whom he even as many as the Lord our God hath ordained; whereof he hath given The application of the sermon is in shall call. And with many other words assurance unto all men, in that he verses 33-36. did he testify and exhort, saying, Save hath raised him from the dead (Acts Therefore being by the right hand yourselves from this untoward genera- 17:31). of God exalted, and having received tion. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same For there is one God, and one of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which day there were added unto them about mediator between God and men, the three thousand souls (Acts 2:37-47). man Christ Jesus; [Note it is “men”] ye now see and hear. For David is (1 Tim. 2:5). not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Reisinger—Continued on page 10 Issue 201 October 2013 Page 9 West—Continued from page 3 ness of God… But worship is also the missions but for a magnifying of God. who know a cure that brings eternal fuel of missions. Passion for God in When the flame of worship burns life and destroys the power of the worship precedes the offer of God in with the heat of God’s true worth, disease that brings death? Surely the preaching. You can’t commend what the light of missions will shine to the church should be more motivated than you don’t cherish.”3 most remote peoples on earth. And I medical personnel! long for that day to come!”4 Our view We should not be able to read Rev- of God needs to be so high, our taste At a deeper level than just dis- elation 4-5 without joining our hearts of grace so sweet, and our marvel at ciplined obedience or love for oth- in the chorus of praise that is rising to being redeemed so overwhelming that ers, there is a connection between the Lamb and to him who sits on the we worship God in a way that is un- our worship and delight in God and throne. We should love God and wor- containable. From our hearts to God’s the call to missionary endeavors. ship him with all that we are and have. throne to the nations—that’s how our Although I do not believe that I am We should be inflamed with passion praise should move. unduly influenced by John Piper in in his presence. We should just love general, I remember over a decade it. We should love it so much we can’t If this is true, then when the ago reading the first paragraphs of the bear the thought that others are miss- church is failing in missions, we must first chapter in his book, Let the Na- ing out. As our joy is made complete be failing in worship. Piper states, tions be Glad! The Supremacy of God in the Lord and as every longing of “Where passion for God is weak, zeal in Missions.1 His words fell on my our soul is fulfilled in him, we should for missions will be weak. Churches heart like hammer blows. Without ex- crave this experience for others too. that are not centered on the exalta- aggeration, God used Piper’s first five We should not be apathetic that others tion of the majesty and beauty of God paragraphs in that book to radically are not joining in this sacred choir. will scarcely kindle a fervent desire to affect my conception of missions. It But as true as this is, it is not the ulti- ‘declare his glory among the nations’ gave me a totally new lens through mate motivation. (Psalm 96:3). Even outsiders feel the which to view taking the gospel to disparity between the boldness of our More than we long to see people the world. Here is his first paragraph: claim upon the nations and the bland- delighting in the presence of God, we “Missions is not the ultimate goal of 5 should long to see God being de- ness of our engagement with God.” the church. Worship is. Missions exist lighted in. Our major motivation must I fear that this strikes at an important because worship doesn’t. Worship is be God-centred and focused on him. truth. To take the gospel to the nations ultimate, not missions, because God It is completely wrong that people requires people who are, frankly, is ultimate, not man. When this age should walk in this world—created willing to give up a lot of things that is over, and the countless millions of and sustained by God—without our society values greatly. To do so re- the redeemed fall on their faces before acknowledging him as God and giv- quires believing God is more valuable the throne of God, missions will be no ing him the honor that is his due. We than these competing idols. Actually, more. It is a temporary necessity. But it requires believing he’s worth infi- 2 should desire for God’s sake to see the worship abides forever.” choir enlarged. He is worthy of praise nitely more. Thankfully he is. I had never thought about it like and glory and honor and wisdom and These reflections must drive us to that. God is not worshiped by all strength. We who have tasted of his ask how the church is doing in wor- peoples in all places: that’s why we glory should be zealous for it. We ship and missions. Here are two sta- go. God is so worthy of praise and lack passion for missions not because tistics. First, the church has had 2000 the Lamb so worthy of honor that the we lack passion for people; we lack years to spread the gospel to the na- church should not be able to stand it passion for missions because we lack tions. Second, today there are roughly until the whole earth is covered with passion for God. 2-3 billion people who have little to people worshiping the triune God. Piper expresses this reality very no meaningful access to the gospel. Piper writes: “Worship, therefore, is cogently. He writes, “If the pursuit of There are individual people groups the fuel and goal in missions. It’s the God’s glory is not ordered above the with populations numbering in the goal of missions because in missions pursuit of man’s good in the affections millions who have no knowledge of we simply aim to bring the nations of the heart and the priorities of the Jesus Christ. There are languages and into the white-hot enjoyment of God’s church, man will not be well served dialects where no words are ever used glory. The goal of missions is the and God will not be duly honored. I to praise the Lamb; their speakers gladness of the peoples in the great- am not pleading for a diminishing of 4 Ibid., 12. 1 Grand Rapids: Baker, 1993. 5 Ibid. 2 Ibid., 11. 3 Ibid. West—Continued on page 19 Page 10 October 2013 Issue 201 Reisinger—Continued from page 8 sage declared that he could be the conversion as Lord. There is no other What is God’s controversy with Savior only because he was the Lord. kind of gospel or conversion. the people living in your town? The Christ’s Lordship cannot be separated Someday every person who has following quotation is taken from my from his Saviorhood. To even imply ever lived will acknowledge Jesus booklet, Christ, Lord and Lawgiver that a sinner can trust Christ as Savior Christ as Lord. over the Church. It is taken from the and deny him as Lord is equally as section dealing with modern examples bad as saying a sinner can trust Christ Wherefore God also hath highly of the denial of Christ’s Lordship. The as his Lord and, at the same time, exalted him, and given him a name first example is “The Diluted Message ridicule and mock his priestly work of which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should in Evangelism.” blood atonement. We must declare a bow, of things in heaven, and things in The first denial of the Lordship of Savior who is the Lord, or we are de- earth, and things under the earth; And Christ is seen in The Diluted Evange- nying his Lordship. This is surely the that every tongue should confess that listic Message Preached Today. We pattern in the entire New Testament Jesus Christ is LORD, to the glory of clearly see Christ’s Lordship denied Scriptures: “Believe on the LORD God the Father (Phil. 2:9-11). when we see him preached as anything Jesus Christ…Therefore let all the The new name given to Christ at the less than Lord. To imply that a sinner house of Israel know assuredly, that resurrection is not “Jesus;” that is the may receive Christ as anyone less than God hath made the same Jesus, whom human name given to him at his birth. an enthroned Lord is equal to denying ye have crucified, both LORD and Mary was told to call her unborn son that he is Lord. Making salvation to Christ…if thou shalt confess with thy be anything less than full and grateful “Jesus”—”Thou shalt call his name mouth the LORD Jesus” (or “that Je- submission to Christ as Lord, as well Jesus” (Matt. 1:21). The new name sus is Lord”) (Acts 16:31; 2:36; Rom. as Savior, is as wrong as denying that given to him as a reward for his re- 10:9). he rose from the dead and ascended demptive work is “Lord.” That is the into heaven. The controversy arising The Gospel presents a whole Sav- name he earned and which was given from John MacArthur’s excellent book ior. He is Prophet, Priest and King. to him by his Father at the resurrec- titled The Gospel According To Jesus We insist the Gospel affects the whole tion. is more than a discussion on how to man, mind, heart and will. Nowhere preach. The bottom line is the person, God’s controversy with sinners is in the New Testament Scriptures dignity, and authority of Jesus Christ not merely their refusal to mentally are sinners told to “accept Jesus as as Lord. Who is the person that we tell believe that Christ was really born your personal Savior.” That phrase sinners to look to alone for salvation? of a virgin. Nearly our whole society We must believe on the Lord Jesus enshrines the totality of modern or- confesses that fact at Christmas time. Christ. What kind of salvation is freely thodox theology. We could just as well Roman Catholics have built their offered to sinners by this Person? Dare say, “Accept Jesus as your personal whole pagan system of Maryology on we say to a sinner, “Jesus Christ is Priest or accept Jesus as your personal a gross misuse of that truth. Nor is Lord and he alone can save you. How- King.” The emphasis is never on the ever, you really need not actually treat God’s controversy with sinners their office but on trusting the person who him as Lord in order to trust him as refusal to accept by faith that Christ holds the office, and that person is your Savior?” I honestly wish I were rose from dead. Again, our churches 3 always the Lord Jesus Christ. God’s caricaturing but you know I am not . will be packed on Easter Sunday with salvation is in a living Lord, and we people confessing they believe the It is essential that we keep the fo- receive Him in all his fullness and resurrection of Christ actually took cus on “who Jesus is” and on “what not merely his offices or his benefits. place. did Jesus accomplish” in his atoning Bowing in repentance and faith to the work. We need only look at the way risen and enthroned Lord is the gospel What then is God’s controversy Christ was proclaimed by the early message of the early church. with sinners? What is his controversy church to prove our point. When with the people in your city? It has This emphasis on Lordship does Christ was born, his Lordship was nothing to do with faith, as a men- not end with the sinner’s conversion. emphasized: “For unto you is born tal assent, in the historic reality of Holiness and following after Christ this day in the city of David a Savior, the birth, death and resurrection of were also couched in terms of Lord- which is Christ the LORD” (Luke Christ. I repeat, Christmas and Easter ship: “As you have therefore received 2:11). It is true that Christ is here give ample proof of such faith. God’s Christ Jesus the LORD, so walk ye in presented as a Savior, but the mes- controversy with sinners is their re- him” (Col. 2:6). Notice that believers fusal to bow in repentance and faith 3 John Reisinger, Christ, Lord and Law- were urged to follow Christ as Lord giver over the Church (Frederick, Md.: because they had received him in New Covenant Media, 1998). Reisinger—Continued on page 14 Issue 201 October 2013 Page 11 McAloon—Continued from page 7 the prophets, such as Joel’s prophecy in him alone for righteousness apart the Old Covenant. He pointed toward and the covenant made with David. In from any work. Like circumcision the spiritual goal of God’s plan in the Reisinger’ words: (Col. 2:11), the feast of tabernacles brightest and clearest way that the (John 7:37), the Jubilee Sabbath (Luke physical types and shadows would “The ‘in Christ’ experience of allow.”3 being ‘baptized into his body’ can- 4:16-21), the cities of refuge (Heb. not take place until the “middle wall 6:18), the Passover (1 Cor. 5:7), the For NCT, everything from the law, of separation” erected by the Law Day of Atonement (Heb. 10:1-14), and prophets, and the writings find their Covenant has been removed. The true all Mosaic institutions, the Sabbath fulfillment in Christ and his church. inheritance cannot be realized until has reached its fulfillment in Christ These were always the end and the the “true seed to whom the promises (Col. 2:17; Heb. 4). 9 To conclude with goal; thus, when Jeremiah prophesies are made” has come and fulfilled the Reisinger: about the restoration of Israel and Old Covenant, earned the blessing it “The church is the ‘nation born Jerusalem, an eternal dynasty sitting promised, died under its curse, and in a day.’ She is the true ‘house of on the throne of David, and an eternal then established the New Covenant, the new man, the new access, the new David.’ She is the temple of the living and plentiful Levitical priesthood status, yea, the whole new creation (2 God and each of her members are liv- continuously making sacrifices, he Cor. 5:17). This is exactly what we ing stones in that growing temple. God is using Old Covenant language to celebrate when we sit at the Lord’s Ta- himself not only dwells in her midst, describe God’s New Covenant fulfill- ble and remember the New Covenant but also he literally indwells every ment which is far better than the old sealed in his blood (1 Cor. 11:25).”7 stone. Her children, without exception, pictures.4 shall dwell safely in the mountain of For NC theologians, this work of God forever. She is Abraham’s seed The Church Christ is the fulfillment of all of the because she is in Christ, and every one NC theologians hold that this New law and the prophets, both for Jews of her children, without exception, are true believers because they are Covenant era began with the estab- and Gentiles alike. Gentiles are now brought into the people of God by born spiritually. They are all baptized lishment of Christ’s church on the into the body of Christ by the Holy day of Pentecost (Matt. 16:18; Acts the blood of Christ, in that if a Gen- tile was in Christ when he died, then Spirit of promise and are all given the 2; 1 Cor. 12:12-13).5 This is where we that Gentile was also in him when he Spirit of adoption in order that they differ from the covenantal concept of might realize that new position. The fulfilled the law; therefore all Gentiles one “church” existing throughout re- New Covenant community that was in Christ have fulfilled the conditions promised in the prophets has been now demptive history. Christ’s statements 8 recorded in Matthew 16:18 seem to of the Covenant (Eph. 2:11-22). Also, established forever, and that New Cov- indicate that something new is about whereas the Old Covenant Sabbath enant community is the true and final to be built, and it is not upon any prior stood as the sign of God’s specific fulfillment of God’s promise to make Abraham a great nation.”10 foundations. The promises to Abra- covenant with Israel, now both Jews and Gentiles are able to partake of ham were not fulfilled until the death EVALUATION AND CONCLU- the spiritual Sabbath. We take Rob- and resurrection of Jesus, and this SION is the reason why the writers of the ert Garner’s position, that Jesus is Much has been attempted to be NT constantly point Jews back to the the only Sabbath of rest for believers covered in this brief study, and much cross and Pentecost as the fulfillment under the gospel, and to keep this Sabbath from polluting it is to believe more could be written to further of these promises (Acts 3:24-26).6 expound NCT and its exegetical argu- Reisinger argues that the giving of 7 Reisinger, Abraham’s Four Seeds, 61, ments. There are many more nuances the Spirit was the heart of the promise 108; one obvious implication of this and positions that warrant discussion; of the gospel in the OT Scriptures is that, contrary to Covenantalism, all however, what I have attempted to and the crowning experience of the of those under the New Covenant are cover here are those themes where gospel in the New Covenant. This is regenerate believers. See prior discus- sion on page 16. seen in the apostles’ emphasis on the 9 Robert Garner, A Treatise on Baptism 8 White, Galatians, 140; also see page fulfillment of the promises made to (1645; reprint, Paris, AR: The Old 96 where he references Poythress’ Faith Baptist Church, n.d.), 30; in statement that since a new covenant is Wells and Zaspel, 235. See Wells 3 Lehrer, 85. made with Israel and Judah, it is made entire chapter entitled, “The Sabbath: 4 Ibid., 91; also see 2 Cor. 3:7-13. with Christians by virtue of their union A Test Case.” 5 See Wells, 109-120; and Reisinger’s with Christ the Israelite, from Vern chart in Abraham’s Four Seeds, 114- Poythress, Understanding Dispen- 10 Reisinger, Abraham’s Four Seeds, 115. sationalism (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R 112. 6 White, Galatians, 93; Schreiner, 62. Publishing, 1987), 106. McAloon—Continued on page 15 Page 12 October 2013 Issue 201 Wells—Continued from page 1 no authority except that which God son you would see them bowing and they said, “we know you are a man of has established. The authorities that straightening up, again and again. integrity and that you teach the way exist have been established by God. Such acts go on in thousands of places of God in accordance with the truth. Consequently, he who rebels against in our world. You aren’t swayed by men, because the authority is rebelling against what you pay no attention to who they are. God has instituted, and those who do If an ordinary citizen of Israel Tell us then, what is your opinion? so will bring judgment on themselves. overstepped the boundaries between Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or Peter makes much the same point the two groups, he was in grave dan- not?” But Jesus, knowing their evil in 1 Peter 2:13-14: ger. intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the Submit yourselves for the Lord’s What kinds of things were used coin used for paying the tax.” They sake to every authority instituted in worship? As I said above, animals brought him a denarius, and he asked among men: whether to the king, as being sacrificed was a chief ingredi- them, “Whose portrait is this? And the supreme authority, or to gover- ent of Old Covenant worship. First we whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they nors, who are sent by him to punish must realize that not any and every replied. Then he said to them, “Give to those who do wrong and to commend kind of animal could be used. No wild Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God those who do right. animals could be used, only domestic what is God’s.” Before we turn to the NT to see ones. The animals are specified. In- Since Israel was a sacral society, all that this change would mean, let’s cluded are lambs (Ex. 29:38-41; 14:10; they greatly disliked paying Rome take a closer look at Israel’s worship. cf. Matt. 8:4), goats (Lev. 1:10), and taxes. In principle they knew they We will do so by using the standard doves or pigeons (Lev. 5:11). Other should not do so. Their oath of al- list of questions that ask who, what, things of value to Israel’s citizens legiance was given to Yahweh, not to when, where, and why? could accompany the giving up of Caesar. But as a captive country they the animals themselves. We read of Who were the people commanded had little choice. The busiest roads incense or perfume of some value that to carry out worship? of the empire often bore witness to sometimes was used along with the Rome’s demand for allegiance by There were two groups that over- flesh of the animals that were sacri- crucifying Jews and others in such lapped. First, every citizen–the people ficed (Ex. 30:34-38). public places. Jesus’ critics saw in this who brought the sacrifices to be used When were the people to worship? fact a chance to trap him no matter in worship. Second, the priests–the Just as they had designated places, how he answered their question. If he people who did their work on those so also they had designated times. In said, “Yes, it is lawful to pay taxes to sacrifices. We will see shortly that the wilderness they were to gather at Caesar,” they would denounce him each of these groups had specific the tent of meeting when they heard a before the people and seek to ruin his instructions as to what they were to single trumpet blast. We presume that influence. If he said, “No,” they could do. They emphatically did not do the regular times were put in place once do worse. They could denounce Jesus same things! they arrived in the promised land. The to the Roman authorities to be cruci- These two groups were typical next question covers one such time. fied. Eventually, as we know, they groups in most, perhaps nearly all, succeeded in this. Where was worship to be done? ancient societies. We call such nations First at the tabernacle and later at the Christ’s answer contains the hint or societies sacral societies or theoc- temple of Solomon. Three times a I mentioned above. Shortly he would racies. Israel was such a nation. These year, all the males had to appear in die. After that he would build up his nations put large public religious a designated place for worship (Ex. church. It would not be a sacral soci- demands on their citizens. Such na- 23:14ff; 34:23; Deut. 16:16). 2 Chron- ety. To be sure, its members’ highest tions still exist. The nations dedicated icles 8:12-13 suggest rules for daily allegiance would belong to God, but to Allah, that is Muslim nations, are offerings there as well. its citizens would be faithful members such examples. There every citizen of whatever nation in which they held worships Allah and engages in the Why were they to worship as they citizenship. That hint becomes clear same acts of outward worship as all did? Since as a nation they were a in the writings of both Paul in Ro- other citizens of such countries do. mixed sacral society, we must keep mans and Peter in 1 Peter. in mind that prescribed worship had For example, if you were to look to be public so that it could be made Paul writes in Romans 13:1-2: into a Muslim temple at a time of certain that every citizen was taking worship, you would see a crowd of Everyone must submit himself to part. That made regular times and the governing authorities, for there is persons all on their knees. In uni- places necessary. If worship had been Issue 201 October 2013 Page 13 defined as inward under the Sinai himself as hinted at in the OT (Isa. to our decisions. One important one covenant, there would have been no 53:10-12; Dan. 2:44; 7:13-14). is the effect our choices will have on way to measure it. This does not mean others. Paul puts it this way: Fourth, in saying, “the true that no worship during that period worshipers will worship the Father We who are strong ought to bear was inward–not at all! Those born in spirit and in truth,” Christ an- with the weak and not to please our- again or regenerated in that period nounces that the worship will have a selves. Each of us should please his would have worshiped inwardly as large internal dimension. That will be neighbor for his good, to build him up. well. In large measure that is what the For even Christ did not please himself, true whether we capitalize “Spirit” new birth is about. In that experience but as it is written: “the insults of to make this a reference to the Holy dead men and women are made alive those who insult you have fallen on Spirit or leave it as it appears here. to the living God who created them me.” … May the God who gives en- That is true because the Spirit is said and who sustains them, for both time durance and encouragement give you to live within believers. a spirit of unity among yourselves as and eternity. you follow Christ Jesus, so that with One more thing needs emphasis: Turning now to the NT, we find a one heart and mouth you may glorify these are the kind of worshipers the great emphasis on internal worship. the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Lord seeks. This makes two points. Let’s begin with John 4:19-24 where Christ. Accept one another, just as Jesus surprises a Samaritan woman First, since God is sovereign, he Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. by telling her of her relation to six will not seek such people in vain. He men: will find them! In other words, Jesus Who is affected by our choices? describes all members under the New “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see Paul first mentions the “weak,” that is, that you are a prophet. Our fathers Covenant as worshipers in spirit and those who have scruples against some worshiped on this mountain, but you truth. That is a vast number of people! things that we practice. Building them Jews claim that the place where we However, just as important is another up in some way is better than press- must worship is in Jerusalem.” fact: given the spiritual death in which ing them to defile their consciences. all men are in bondage, God’s seek- Jesus declared, “Believe me, Perhaps through our liberty they may woman, a time is coming when you ing will have to bring a new birth or come to feel the freedom we have in will worship the Father neither on regeneration with it. Jesus made this Christ, but not at the cost of doing this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You point very evident to Nicodemus in something that they suspect is wrong. Samaritans worship what you do not John 3:3 when he says, “… I tell you We must feel a spirit of unity with know; we worship what we do know, the truth, unless a man is born again, them and so must they with us as each for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a he cannot see the kingdom of God.” party seeks to understand the other. time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will wor- One place Christian liberty is seen There is also another party in- ship the Father in spirit and in truth, at some length is Romans 14:1-23. volved, God. Our unity should display for they are the kind of worshipers the We’ll sample this passage without the most important ingredient of our Father seeks. God is spirit, and his covering it in detail. Let’s start with lives, our seeking to bring glory to worshipers must worship in spirit and the question of what we can or can- God! Paul tells us to do this “with one in truth.” not eat. The Mosaic Covenant had a heart and mouth” (v. 6). In modern A number of things call for com- good deal to say about this (Ex. 22:31; English we often associate “heart” ment in Jesus’ words to her. First, Lev. 11:1-27). But now the decision is with emotions rather than with our Christ refuses to share the honor of left to us (Rom. 14:1-4). The same is intellect. But in both OT Hebrew and making salvation known with any said of what days to celebrate (Rom. NT Greek, heart and mind are often other nation, with neither the Samari- 14:5). Note that the decisions are left synonyms. The unity here is between tans nor any other group: “Salvation to us. Making decisions that may turn what we think and what we say, be- is from the Jews!” Second, Christ out either good or bad is a path to tween mind and voice. We must bring shows in verse 21 that true worship- increasing maturity and an exercise these two together to please God. How ers will include Samaritans. Third, he of increasing maturity. We see this as we express this glory, however, is left announces that a much fuller grasp parents as we watch it take place in largely to ourselves. We may usually on salvation is on the verge of being our children. That is consistent with do it alone or in concert with others. revealed. This surely declares the the change from the Old Covenant to But in a sacral society, the law always arrival of the kingdom of God and the New. demands a public component in all the New Covenant. It anticipates the Romans 15:1-3 and 5-7 show that worship. knowledge that comes with Jesus liberty is not license. There are limits Wells—Continued on page 14 Page 14 October 2013 Issue 201 White—Continued from page 5 So yes, we must go, send, and The command to make disciples is with Joe and were on the bus. Surely pray, but if this is all we do we are sandwiched by the authority of Jesus we would have informed them of who not heeding our Lord’s command. We and the presence of Jesus. Opposition this man was! Joe Louis was said to must be making disciples. will abound, but Jesus hasn’t left us as orphans (John 14:18). He is with us have been able to knock out a horse Furthermore, if we do not disciple, through his Spirit. The whole book of with one blow (I am not sure why he our culture will. What would it look Matthew is sandwiched by this theme went around hitting horses). We would like for us to be a people discipled (see 1:22-23). In Jesus, God is with us have informed these guys that they by our culture? Well for starters, we now and forever, always (literally “the were in the presence of greatness and would look no different than our un- whole of every day”).  did not know it. They had to be in- believing neighbors. We would share formed. His greatness demands it. Ev- their values. We would confuse the ery one of our friends, neighbors, and kingdom of God with the empire of Reisinger—Continued from page 10 to the one who God has made to be family members lives and breathes America. We would jump at promo- Lord. It is the rejection of the Lord- in the presence of the greatest Lord, tion offers without giving the slight- ship of Christ over their life that is the whose power makes Joe Louis seem est thought about how it would affect sinner’s problem, and we are called like a handicapped grasshopper. We, time with the people of God. We to face sinners with that problem by the people of the one true Lord must would be in debt in all sorts of ways. pressing the claims of Jesus Christ as “stand up on the bus” and promote the We would be very individualistic, Lord. We must demand that the sinner reality of his Lordship with our words going home every week night to sit in 2 lay down the weapons of his warfare and works. my chair, eat my food, in my house. and rebellion and totally and uncondi- Jesus commands us to make dis- We would think that attendance for tionally surrender to a gracious King. ciples. We often think this verse only an hour on Sunday would be enough applies to those called to be mission- to please God in our behavior. We God the Father says that Jesus is aries. This verse is for all Christians. would think of self first when we Lord. What say ye?  The main verb in this passage is come across an extra sum of money. We would compromise hard truths. Wells—Continued from page 11 “make disciples.” We are not merely One other element of our liberty: We would tolerate divorce and be de- called to make converts, but dis- just because something under the Old pendent on two income lifestyles. We ciples. We are not called to build big Covenant is no longer required does would aim to be a very comfortable buildings, have immaculate services, not mean it is forbidden. Take tithing people. We would be defined by what entertain, or replicate rock concerts and Sabbath. Those who find tithing we own. We would value family over but to make disciples. Marshall and useful may continue it. As for Sab- the family of God. Oh, but what if we Payne write, “Thus the goal of Chris- bath, many of us who are older have followed the commands of Christ? tian ministry is quite simple, and in a fond memories of a day in the week sense measurable: are we making and We are also commissioned to bap- when shops were closed by law and nurturing genuine disciples of Christ? tize. Baptism is an outward expression custom. I could be glad if that custom The church always tends towards of our submission to the authorita- remained, though this is not, in my institutionalism and secularization. tive king. We are also called to teach judgment, an issue where Christianity The focus shifts to preserving tradi- them to obey everything Jesus com- may dictate to civil law. Where I lived tional programs and structures, and manded. The people of God are no many shops also closed on Wednes- the goal of discipleship is lost. The longer bound to the Mosaic law but day afternoon to allow folks to go to mandate of disciple-making provides the commandments of the Messiah. mid-week services!  the touchstone for whether our church The Old Testament is important, and is engaging in Christ’s mission. Are the Epistles are extremely relevant; we making genuine disciples of however, it is Jesus’ commands that Jesus Christ? Our goal is not to make comprise the central core of the Chris- church members or members of our tian faith and proclamation. Holiness is the best sabbath institution, but genuine disciples of dress—but it is equally suitable Jesus.”3 The Presence of Christ for everyday wear. The commission concludes with C.H. Spurgeon 2 Ibid. 36-37. the words, “And behold, I am with 3 Tony Payne and Colin Marshall, The you always, to the end of the age.” Trellis and the Vine (Kingsford, Aus- We can do none of this on our own. tralia: Matthias Media, 2009), 14. Issue 201 October 2013 Page 15 McAloon—Continued from page 11 church, others to the literal houses, opens up a can of numerous theologi- all NC theologians seem to have and some say both.12 This may relate cal worms that he and others have not reached a general consensus. Again, to the fact that there is no set position clearly addressed enough for me. in regards to a future for ethnic/politi- this movement is not monolithic, and These points are also related to an cal Israel; and although many of them White believes that the basis for a unclear pneumatology. The works I sound overtly amillennial in their in- person holding to NCT could be as have consulted do not seem to deal terpretations of OT prophecies, I have minimal as: viewing the New Cov- with in any in-depth systematic yet to come across a NC theologian enant community as all having the detail the relationships and distinc- who has openly confessed to holding Spirit; Christ as the true Israel and the tions between regeneration, indwell- to this eschatology. Admittedly these church as inheriting the promises by ing, baptism, filling, empowering, or are some minor issues that may apply virtue of its union with him; the Mo- sanctification by the Holy Spirit; nor to all theological systems; however, saic Covenant as an interim covenant; the differences or similarities of these they still warrant more discussion. rejection of the Israel/church distinc- ministries between the Old and New tion; rejection of the tripartite distinc- 2. Old Testament Saints and Un- Covenants. Although perhaps some of tion of the law; and a rejection of the clear Pneumatology the most difficult in Scripture, these theological category of the “Covenant are vitally important topics that affect 11 These are the largest problems for of Grace.” I have thus far attempted many of NCT’s positions—such as me when it comes to some of what to remain as objective as necessary, OT salvation, what actually occurred many NC theologians say, particularly albeit here I must admit that I abso- at Pentecost, walking by the Spirit in what I have read from Reisinger. lutely and joyfully agree with most of versus the law and flesh, etc.—and I have joined these themes together what NC theologians argue for, and warrant deeper acknowledgement and into one category because I believe am beginning to increasingly appreci- discussion if there is to be a richer that each problem intimately affects ate these truths and believe that they consistency to its overall theology. the other. First of all, I do not think are of the utmost importance in the Although he was not an official “New the works I have consulted sufficiently life of the church. That being said, Covenant theologian,” I believe that deal with the OT saint’s relationship I still have some reservations—or Andrew Murray is extremely helpful to the law. In one place they seem to rather perhaps simply desire deeper in these areas, and that his book The say that justified believers looked into clarity—in regards to some of NCT’s Two Covenants deals with some of the law and took pleasure in it be- finer points, and I will now go on to the deeper implications of NCT which cause they knew that the curses would discuss some of what I see are some have not yet been tackled.14 areas in need of further development not be imputed to them; whereas in and, more importantly, strengths to another sense, they talk about how Strengths their consciences were bound to the this theology. 1. Hermeneutics pedagogue until the coming of the Areas in Need of Development faith, which they see as the Christian This aspect of NCT could also be 1. Lack of Consensus faith. Although it seems to line up included under its potential weak- with David’s statements in the Psalms, nesses. If not guarded, it could lead This first concern is probably the I have a difficult time seeing this plea- to an exegesis similar that of Origen one most felt and frustrating to those sure and delight expressed in Paul’s which later lead to a loss of the real- within the NC camp; however, it writings. What does it mean to have ity of OT history and openness to does not necessarily affect the valid- a conscience bound to the law know- fanciful typology and Gnosticism. ity of its overarching approach and ing that you are free from its curses? That being said, I believe that NCT’s positions. This mostly has to do with Also, in his discussion on Galatians certain nuances such as specific as- 3:24-29, although obviously not his referring to as being in bondage under pects of prophecy, New Covenant law, intention, Reisinger could be read the elements of the world before the Israel’s future, eschatology, etc. For as making Paul sound as if he was a coming of Christ were Jewish believ- instance, there is actually no consen- genuine believer under the pedagogue ers, which on the surface seems to sus as to whom the phrases “house of when he persecuted the church, but include Paul himself. Israel” and “house of Judah” in Jer- that he had not yet received the new 14 Andrew Murray, The Two Covenants emiah 31:31 actually refer. Some be- Spirit of adoption and sonship.13 This (Old Tappan, NJ: Spite Books, n.d.); lieve that they refer exclusively to the also available in PDF for free at http:// 12 Reisinger, In Defense of Jesus, 87. savior-of-all.com/The%20Two%20 Covenants.pdf. 11 White, Newness of the New Covenant, 13 For example, see Reisinger’s Gala- 57. tians, 217, where the “we” Paul is McAloon—Continued on page 18 Page 16 October 2013 Issue 201 TITLE LIST SALE QTY COST Abide in Him: A Theological Interpretation of John's First Letter — White $13.95 $11.16 Abraham’s Four Seeds—Reisinger $10.95 $8.76 The Believer’s Sabbath—Reisinger $3.75 $3.00 Biblical Law and Ethics: Absolute and Covenantal—Long $15.75 $12.60 But I Say Unto You—Reisinger $10.95 $8.68 Chosen in Eternity—Reisinger $5.50 $4.40 Christ, Lord and Lawgiver Over the Church—Reisinger $2.50 $2.00 The Christian and The Sabbath—Wells $11.99 $9.59 Continuity and Discontinuity—Reisinger $12.95 10.36 Definite Atonement —Long $10.95 $8.76 The Doctrine of Baptism—Sasser $3.50 $2.80 Full Bellies and Empty Hearts—Autio $14.99 $12.00 Galatians: A Theological Interpretation—White $15.95 $12.76 Grace—Reisinger $13.95 $11.16 The Grace of Our Sovereign God—Reisinger $19.99 $16.00 Hermeneutical Flaws of Dispensationalism—George $10.75 $8.60 In Defense of Jesus, the New Lawgiver—Reisinger $23.95 $15.95 Is John G. Reisinger an Antinomian?—Wells $4.25 $3.40 John Bunyan on the Sabbath—Reisinger $3.00 $2.80 Jonathan Edwards on Biblical Hermeneutics and the $3.95 $3.16 “Covenant of Grace”—Gilliland La Soberanía de Dios en la Providencia—John G. Reisinger $7.50 $6.00 The Law of Christ: A Theological Proposal—White $14.95 $11.96 Limited Atonement—Reisinger $7.00 $5.60 Missional Ecclesiology—White $9.99 $8.00 Ministry of Grace Essays in Honor of John G. Reisinger—Steve West, Editor $14.85 $11.88 The New Birth— Reisinger $5.50 $4.40 The New Covenant and New Covenant Theology—Zaspel $11.99 $9.60 New Covenant Theology—Wells & Zaspel $19.95 $15.96 New Covenant Theology & Prophecy—Reisinger $12.99 $10.39 The Newness of the New Covenant—White $12.99 $10.39 The New Perspective on Justification —West $9.99 $8.00 The Obedience of Christ—Van Court $2.50 $2.00 Our Sovereign God— Reisinger $4.45 $3.56 Perseverance of the Saints— Reisinger $6.00 $4.80 The Priority of Jesus Christ—Wells $11.95 $9.56 A Prisoner’s Christianity—Woodrow $12.99 $10.39 Saving the Saving Gospel—West $12.99 $10.39 Sinners, Jesus Will Receive—Payne $9.99 $8.00 Studies in Galatians—Reisinger $19.99 $15.96 Studies in Ecclesiastes—Reisinger $19.99 $15.96 Tablets of Stone—Reisinger $10.95 $8.75 Theological Foundations for New Covenant Ethics—White $14.99 $12.00 The Sovereignty of God and Prayer—Reisinger $5.75 $4.60 The Sovereignty of God in Providence— Reisinger $4.45 $3.56 Total Depravity— Reisinger $5.00 $4.00 Union with Christ: Last Adam and Seed of Abraham—White $11.95 $9.56 What is the Christian Faith?— Reisinger $2.50 $2.00 What is New Covenant Theology? An Introduction—White $12.99 10.39 When Should a Christian Leave a Church?—Reisinger $3.75 $3.00 Total Price See Shipping Rate Charts on Page 17 Shipping Total Issue 201 October 2013 Page 17 Council on Biblical Theology July 22-25, 2014 Grace Church at Franklin 4052 Arno Rd., Franklin, TN 37065 Theme: God’s Eternal Kingdom Purpose: NCT—Time for a More Accurate Way Morning & Evening Speakers

Tony Costa, Ph.D. Christian Apologist & Adjunct Professor, Providence Theological Seminary (PTS) Peter Gentry, Ph.D. Professor of OT Interpretation, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Gary George, Pastor Evangelist & Pastor, Sovereign Grace Chapel, Southbridge, MA; Bd. Member PTS Frank Gumerlock, Ph.D. Professor of Church History and Systematic Theology, PTS Zach S. Maxcey, M.Div. Graduate of PTS and Blog Administrator for PTS W. W. Sasser, M.Div. Pastor, Grace Church at Franklin and Board Member PTS Greg Van Court, Ph.D.* Pastor, Dayspring Fellowship Church, Austin, TX & Adjunct Professor PTS Kirk Wellum, Ph.D.* Principal, Toronto Baptist Seminary, Toronto, Canada Stephen Wellum, Ph.D. Professor of Christian Theology, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary A. Blake White, Th.M* Pastor, Spicewood Baptist Church, Spicewood, TX *candidate Afternoon Doctrinal Workshop Moderator Gary D. Long, Th.D. Faculty President, Providence Theological Seminary, Colorado Springs, CO www.ptsco.org Registration Contact & Doctrinal Conference Host for the Council on Biblical Theology Providence Theological Seminary: [email protected]. (719) 572-7900 Administrative Host of Council on Biblical Theology Grace Church at Franklin, Pastor W. W. Sasser, Church Office: (615) 694-2829 Message Topics and Registration & Lodging Information to Follow after the First of the Year

Shipping Rate Chart for Books Postage & Handling Rates Postage & Handling Rates Postage & Handling Rates United States Canada—Discover, VISA or Overseas—Discover, VISA or MasterCard MasterCard Up to $20.00 $3.95 Please call or e-mail for rates $20.01—$50.00 $6.00 Up to $30.00 $7.50 $50.01 and Up 12% $30.01 and Up 25% Ship to: ______□ My check (payable to New Covenant Media) is enclosed □ Charge to my: □ Discover □ VISA □ MasterCard Street address: ______Expires ______/______City: ______State: ______Zip: ____ Account Number: ______/______/______/______Country: ______Signature: ______Page 18 October 2013 Issue 201 McAloon—Continued from page 15 It seems as if throughout each pro------. The Gospel According to John. approach to interpreting the OT in ceeding generation, God without fail Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1991. light of the New could not be more takes a reforming part of his church Chafer, Lewis Sperry. Major Bible Theme. agreeable to true Christian spirituality farther and farther away from an Old Revised by John F. Walvoord. Grand and instincts. As has been previously Covenant government that was epito- Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, mentioned, its typologically focused mized by Rome, progressively purify- 1974. approach to the OT strongly re- ing her from its pollutions towards a Childs, Brevard S. Old Testament Theol- sembles that of the apostles and early pure New Covenant government of ogy in a Canonical Context. Philadel- Christian writings such as 1 Clement, Christ. At first dissenters are usually phia: Fortress, 1986. ostracized for giving priority to Christ Shepard of Hermas, and the Epistle of Cottrell, Jack. “Baptism in the Reformed Barnabas, and was utilized by sound over the OT or tradition, and on a Tradition.” Baptism and the Remission men of God throughout history. More much smaller scale, this appears to be of Sin. Edited by David W. Fletcher. importantly, this NT hermeneutic what is going on with NC theologians Joplin, Missouri: College Press, 1990. 15 gives the correct priority to Jesus within the Reformed community. After much prayer, reading the argu- Dempster, Stephen. Dominions and Christ and his apostles, and ensures Dynasty. Downers Grove, IL: IVP that our theological foundations are ments, meditating over Scripture, Academic, 2003. built upon their teachings and inspired and reflecting upon church history, I Edwards, Jonathan. “A Humble Inquiry.” view of the Old Testament. have come to agree with these broth- ers that God will only bring about a The Works of Jonathan Edwards. Vol. 2. Views on Covenants and Law theological and practical reformation 1. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Pub- lishers, 2003. This is where I believe NCT in the church when she, theologically shines the most, and I have been most and practically, returns Christ to the Feinberg, John S., ed. Continuity and blessed by it in my reading of Scrip- elevated status that Scripture gives Discontinuity: Perspectives on the Re- lationship Between the Old and New ture. I could not emphasize more just him. At the end, this is the goal of Testament. Wheaton, IL: Crossway New Covenant Theology.16 how much God has blessed me by Books, 1988. opening my eyes to see the dim reali- BIBLIOGRAPHY ties of some of what NC theologians Gentry, Peter. “Kingdom Through believe about the covenants, and I Barcellos, Richard. “The Death of the Covenant: Humanity as the Divine Im- Decalogue.” Tabletalk, September, age.” The Southern Baptist Journal of cannot remember a time when I ever 2002. Theology 12, no. 1 (Spring 2008). had such desire to read the OT as if it directly applied to me just as much -----. In Defense of the Decalogue. Enum- Gundry, Stanley N., ed., Five Views on the as the NT. Christ and God’s eternal claw, WA: Winepress Publishing, Law and Gospel. Grand Rapids, MI: plan for his elect seem to jump out 2001. Zondervan, 1999. on every page, and it is astounding Blaising, Craig A., and Darrell L. Bock. Lehrer, Steve. New Covenant Theology: how things that now shine so bright Progressive Dispensationalism. Grand Questions Answered. Steve Lehrer, were so hidden before. I believe that it Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1993. 2006. has forever changed and enriched my Bunyan, John. “Of the Law and a Chris- Leiter, Charles. “Law of Christ (Part view of Scripture, in that it all seems tian.” The Works of John Bunyan. 1).” Granted Ministries. http://www. more interconnected in ways that I Edinburgh: The Banner of Truth Trust, grantedministries.org/products/Law- had never imagined; and more impor- 1999. of-Christ-%7C-Charles-Leiter.html (accessed August 18, 2011). tantly, has magnified God’s epic work Carson, D.A. The Expositor’s Bible of redemption in Christ and has given Commentary: Matthew. Vol. 1. Grand -----. “Law of Christ (Part 3).” Granted me a new awe and hunger for the final Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995. Ministries. http://www.grantedmin- consummation. istries.org/products/Law-of-Christ- 15 I.e., see Richard Barcellos, “The %7C-Charles-Leiter.html (accessed Furthermore, although perhaps August 18, 2011). needing some more clarification, I Death of the Decalogue”, Tabletalk, September, 2002; and In Defense believe that NCT’s definitions of the Lints, Richard. The Fabric of Theology: A of the Decalogue (Enumclaw, WA: law of Moses and the law of Christ prolegomenon to Evangelical Theol- Winepress Publishing, 2001); and the ogy. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, are spot on and consistently line up opposing authors’ responses to Doug- 1993. with both the apostles and continu- las J. Moo, “Law of Moses or Law of ing patterns within God’s restoration Christ,” in Feinberg, ed., Continuity Luther, Martin. “Galatians.” The Cross- of his church since the 16th century. and Discontinuity. way Classic Commentaries. Edited by J.I. Packer and Alistair McGrath. 16 Reisinger, In Defense of Jesus, 5. Issue 201 October 2013 Page 19 Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1998. West—Continued from page 9 Never before in the history of the -----. “How Christians Should Regard simply don’t know there is a Lamb to world has global travel been easier Moses.” Luther’s Works. Edited by be praised or a God to be worshiped and the world made so accessible. Jaroslav Pelikan. St. Louis Concordia through his shed blood. Combined with the state of today’s Publishing House, 1963. technology (which will likely be This is not okay. The reason this laughable in a short time but is still Moffit, David M. “Anabaptists and the situation exists is that the church of New Covenant.” Kindred Minds Min- incredibly advanced on a historical istries. http://www.kindredminds.org/ Jesus Christ does not love him suf- perspective), we have the tools to Articles/anabaptists_nc.html (accessed ficiently. Our preoccupations are with reach the nations. We certainly have July 29,2011). money, pleasure, power, and a host of the financial means to fund global other things (perhaps like orthodoxy missions. It is not, therefore, a matter Murray, Andrew. The Two Covenants. Old rather than orthopraxy). God too often Tappan, NJ: Spite Books, n.d. of wanting means and opportunities. receives our leftovers. Worship is It is purely a matter of wanting pas- Owen, John. An Exposition of Hebrews. something that we confine to Sunday sion. Lack of passion is proof that we Vol. 5. Marshallton DE: National mornings, a few minutes in the car are not esteeming God as we should. Foundation for Christian Education, with Christian music playing, or may- 1991. If we really knew him, if we really be a short devotional time. It needs to understood our Savior and compre- Poythress, Vern. Understanding Dispen- be so much more. In Revelation 4-5, hended the cost of our redemption, sationalism. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R the inhabitants of heaven never stop we would worship. And—as Piper Publishing, 1987. praising. They are consumed with clearly articulates—if we truly wor- Reisinger, John G. Abraham’s Four Seeds. God, as ought to be the case. Our ship, we will be consumed with the Frederick, MD: New Covenant Media, passion needs to be increased in both glory of God for the joy of all nations. 1998. intensity and duration. If our worship A fresh vision of his glory will cause -----. But I Say Unto You. Frederick, MD: becomes what it should be, we will his people to worship, and this is what New Covenant Media, 2006. see it overflow our church buildings will motivate and fuel missions in the and spread to the far corners of the 21st century.  -----. In Defense of Jesus, the New Law- world. giver. Frederick, MD: New Covenant Media, 2008. -----. Study in Galatians. Frederick, MD: New Covenant Media, 2010. Dear Brother Reisinger, Schreiner, Thomas R. The Law and its Hi. My name is Robert Millar I am a 35 year old pastor from Northern Fulfillment: A Pauline Theology of Ireland, who owes you a great debt. For about 6 years now I have been Law. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, investigating, studying and enjoying NCT, much of this time has been very 1993. lonely as many of my reformed brothers now believe me to be antinomian, and this from men to whom I taught the doctrines of grace, while they were Wells, Tom. The Priority of Jesus Christ. still pelagian in their thinking. During these years, your writings and sermons Frederick, MD: New Covenant Media. have been such a help to me; you have encouraged me to pursue further Wells, Tom, and Fred Zaspel. New Cov- study of God's word, studying for my BD, and now 'God willing' will begin an enant Theology: Definition, Descrip- MA program in September. Men like yourself, Blake White and others are real tion, Defense. Frederick, MD: New role models for me, as I follow you insofar as you follow Christ. There is a Covenant Media, 2002. real dearth of NCT teaching and fellowship here and at times I feel like I am banging my head against a brick wall, but the Lord has been faithful and has White, A. Blake. Galatians: A Theological used you to encourage and comfort me. Interpretation. Frederick, MD: New Covenant Media, 2011. May I encourage you brother with the strength that God has given you to continue to exalt Christ as the Lord and Law-giver of His people! -----. The Law of Christ: A Theological Proposal. Frederick, MD: New Cov- Thank you brother! enant Media, 2010. Regards -----. The Newness of the New Covenant. Robert Frederick, MD: New Covenant Media, 2008.  Semper Reformanda! Check your label for expiration. SOVEREIGN GRACE NEW COVENANT MINISTRIES This is Issue 201 Please renew your NON-PROFIT 5317 WYE CREEK DRIVE subscription promptly. ORGANIZATION FREDERICK, MARYLAND 21703-6938 U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 45 FORWARDING SERVICE REQUESTED FREDERICK, MD 21701

Annual John Bunyan Conference May 5 ̶ 7, 2014 Reformed Baptist Church, Lewisburg, PA Speakers: Peter Gentry, Larry McCall, Stephen Wellum, Steve West, and A. Blake White Schedule and registration to follow. Mark your calendar--NOW

I would like to help support the ministry of Sound of Grace:  A tax-deductible gift in the amount of ______is enclosed. I would like to receive Sound of Grace via the USPS:  A check in the amount of $20.00 for a paper copy (payable to Sound of Grace) is enclosed. I would like to receive Sound of Grace via email:  A check in the amount of $10.00 for a pdf file (payable toSound of Grace) is enclosed. Please continue free of charge:  Via email  via USPS PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY—THANK YOU Name: Street Address: City: State/Providence: Zip/Postal: Email address: @ Phone number: Mail to: Sound of Grace, 5317 Wye Creek Drive, Frederick, MD 21703-6938