IN GRACEwww.faithalone.org FOCUSSEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2014

WHAT IS FREE GRACE THEOLOGY? Election for Why Election Is to Service and Privilege, Not to Eternal Life Proclaiming the Gospel Is There Room for Diversity? Shall We Pray? 1 Timothy 2:1-4 2 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

CONTENTS

3 Letter from the Editor 17 ’ Servants Are Believers 4 Election for Baptists by Bill Fiess by Shawn Lazar WHAT IS 19 Shall We Pray? 10 Proclaiming the Gospel 1 Timothy 2:1-4 by Phil Congdon FREE GRACE by Zane Hodges 12 Remembering Dale THEOLOGY? 21 Adventures in Zambia Boring by Jerry and Beth Pattillo by Bob Wilkin 31 Q&A 12 Grace on the Go by Staff

26 What Is Free Grace Theology? by Bob Wilkin

GRACE IN FOCUS

Volume 29, Number 5 GRACE IN FOCUS is a free, bimonthly magazine about the © 2014, by Grace Evangelical Society gospel, , and related issues. For your free U.S. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Robert N. Wilkin, Ph.D. subscription sign up on our website or send your name and EDITOR AND DESIGN Shawn Lazar address to 4851 S I-35 E, Ste. 203, Corinth, TX 76210. If you ASSOCIATE EDITOR Kyle Kaumeyer would like to make a donation to offset the costs of printing PROOFING Bethany Taylor and postage, it would be greatly appreciated. CIRCULATION Mark “Gone Fishing” Gray

Address changes? Questions? Comments? Prayer requests? Tes- timonies? Send them all to [email protected]. Or write to Grace in Focus, 4851 S I-35 E, Suite 203, Corinth, TX 76210.

2 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

he Free Grace message is one that impacts every area of life and every minute of every day we live. Far from inspiring sinfulness, the grace of TGod inspires holiness. Those truths are evident in this issue. There are two wonderful articles in this issue which we first published over twenty years ago, by Zane Hodges (on prayer) and by Phil Congdon (on diversity and the gospel). If you read them before, you will surely delight as I did to read them again. If you’ve not read them, you are in for a real treat. Shawn’s article “Election for Baptists” isn’t about President Jimmy Carter, a Southern Baptist elected to the White House. But it is about being chosen to perform a task, whether President, doctor (chosen for medical school), lawyer (law school), pilot, Navy Seal, Pastor, etc. Shawn clears up much confusion about the Biblical teaching on election. It is common today for Pastors and theologians to speak of true and false believers and true and false servants of God. Bill Fiess bucks that trend. He makes Making an a strong case that every use of the words servant(s) or fellow servant(s) in Matthew’s Gospel refers to born- again people if servants of Christ are in view. Jerry and Beth Pattillo give moving reports of their Impact short-term missions trips to Zambia. They have each been able to evangelize a small group of orphans one- Bob Wilkin, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF on-one and have seen nearly all in their groups come to faith in Christ for everlasting life. A subject dear to my heart is the Free Grace message. But what is the heart of that message? Can you concisely explain what that message is? I believe I’ve uncovered three essential elements of Free Grace Theology. The Q & A section is becoming a reader favorite. What does it mean to love God with your mind? Did the Lord Jesus actually command Christians to pursue eternal rewards? If you wish others to receive our free magazine, simply provide us with their mailing address ([email protected]).

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 3 for Baptists

Why Biblical election is to service and privilege, Electionnot to eternal life. by Shawn Lazar

4 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 “There isn’t a single verse in the Bible that says God elects individuals for eternal life or for eternal death.”

ew debates among Baptists are stone at a hair’s breadth and not miss” (Jgs 20:16, empha- livelier than the ones over divine sis added; cf. Exod 14:7; 1 Sam 24:3; 2 Chron 13:3). election. Interestingly, despite their other disagreements, The Individual/Corporate Pattern Calvinistic Baptists and Armin- There are numerous OT examples of God choos- ian Baptists both assume that ing individuals to serve Him, elections that were often Biblical election is about God implicitly corporate. choosing individuals for eternal For example, God chose Abraham. His election was life or death. But is that assump- vocational because he was chosen to be the father of a tion Biblical? Free Grace Baptists people, the Jews (Gen 12:1-3). Through Abraham, the increasingly deny it. To “elect” something, simply Jews were elect (Deut 7:6; Ps 33:12, etc.). Their election means to “choose” it, and there isn’t a single verse in the was also vocational because they were meant to be “a Bible that says God elects individuals for eternal life or kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exod 19:6) and for eternal death. When you look up the passages deal- F the progenitors of the Messiah. But individual Jews were ing with God’s elections or choices, you find they are to not elect in and of themselves. Instead, they were elect service and privilege, not to eternal life. In sum, Biblical because they belonged to Israel. election is vocational: God chooses people, places, and We find the same pattern in the case of Aaron. God things to serve Him in a task or mission. chose Aaron as an individual. His election was voca- tional because he was chosen to be a High Priest (Num The Old Testament Evidence 17:5). Aaron’s individual election was also implicitly There are dozens of examples of election in the OT. corporate because God chose his descendants to serve as All of them involve down-to-earth choices, not eternal a line of priests after him and chose Aaron’s tribe (Levi) destiny. For example, wives are said to be chosen by their to be helpers to the priests (Num 18:2-4). But individual husbands (Gen 6:2). Pieces of land and city plots are membership in the priesthood was conditional. Disobe- chosen to live in (Gen 13:11; Deut 23:16). And bulls are dient priests like Nadab and Abihu could be cut off from carefully chosen to be sacrificed (1 Kgs 18:23). There are their vocation via death (Lev 10:1-3). also numerous examples of God choosing places to serve Lastly, consider king David. God chose David. His Him, such as Jerusalem (1 Kgs 8:44) and the Temple election was vocational because he was chosen to be (2 Chron 7:16). Clearly, none of those elections were to king (2 Sam 6:21; 1 Kgs 8:16). David’s election was also eternal life. People, places, and things are chosen because implicitly corporate. God chose his house (Judah) to be they are best suited for the task at hand. the royal line (2 Sam 7:12-16; 1 Chron 28:4). But whether Being “elect” or “chosen” can also have a qualitative or not any particular descendant became and remained meaning in the OT. In English, we speak about “choice” king was entirely conditional. Of all of David’s sons, seats at a concert, or “select” cuts of meat. In the same only Solomon was chosen to be king over the individual way, the OT often describes certain soldiers as being nation. And when he disobeyed God by being unfaith- “select men” who are ideally suited for a mission. For ful in his vocation, God tore away most of the kingdom example: “Among all these people were seven hundred from his son Rehoboam (1 Kgs 11:9-13). select men who were left-handed; every one could sling a

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 5 Abraham, Aaron, and David were a remnant in Israel (Isa 49:6), to And what were we chosen in all elected by God, but not to eter- be a light to the Gentiles (Isa 49:6), Christ to do? Paul told the Ephesians nal life. They were chosen to serve. and to suffer for man’s salvation that we were “created in Christ Jesus Whether or not they were regenerate (Isa 52:13–53:12). The Messiah was for ” (Eph 2:10). Our elec- was a separate issue. chosen for a mission. tion is vocational. We are called to The NT reveals that Jesus is the love our neighbors and do good to The Apostles Were Messiah, the Chosen One. He was them. Chosen to Serve not chosen to receive eternal salva- tion, but to give it to others. Even “Appointed” to Eternal The worldview of the Apostles was Jesus’ enemies knew the Messiah shaped by the OT. Their thought Life? (Acts 13:48) was chosen to save others (Luke about election is no exception. In Acts 13:48, we read: “Now 23:35). In sum, He was chosen to be Throughout the NT, we find that when the Gentiles heard this, a Servant (Matt 12:18). election is vocational. People are they were glad and glorified the When God elected Jesus, He had chosen for service and privilege, not word of the Lord. And as many as a corporate people in mind. Just as for eternal life. had been appointed to eternal life God chose the Jews in Abraham, the For example, Jesus chose twelve believed.” The word often trans- men to be His Apostles (Luke 6:13). lated as “appointed” or “ordained” The fact that this was not an elec- is tetagmenoi. Most translations tion to eternal life is clear from the “Just as an OT priest thereby imply that these Gentiles fact that Judas was one of the twelve participated in were divinely appointed to believe and he was not regenerate (John the gospel. But the context strongly 13:10). In all probability, the eleven Aaron’s own election suggests a better interpretation. Apostles were already regenerate Acts 13 is a study in contrasts before they were chosen to be one of to the priesthood, we in how different people prepare the twelve, as was certainly the case participate in Christ’s themselves to hear the gospel. At with Matthias. the beginning of the chapter, Luke The Apostles had a vocational election through faith, contrasted the different attitudes of election. They were chosen to preach a false prophet named Bar-Jesus and (Mark 3:13-14). We also know that when we become a proconsul named Sergius Paulus. their election was conditional. After members of His Body, Luke tells us that Bar-Jesus was “full Judas failed in his apostolic vocation, of all deceit and all fraud” and “an he was replaced by Matthias (Acts the Church.” enemy of all righteousness” who 1:24). kept “perverting the straight ways Jesus declared that Paul was “a of the Lord” (Acts 13:10), while the chosen vessel of Mine” to preach to proconsul was “an intelligent man” priests in Aaron, and the kings in the Gentiles (Acts 9:15-16). Silas, in who “sought to hear the word of David, God chose the Church to be turn, was chosen by Paul to be his God” (Acts 13:7). Clearly, one man in Christ. travelling partner (Acts 15:40). was open to the truth, and the other In Ephesians 1 and 2, Paul Peter was also chosen for a mis- was not. Consequently, Bar-Jesus revealed all the blessings that believ- sion: “God chose among us, that by was cursed with blindness while the ers have when they are united to my mouth the Gentiles should hear proconsul believed the gospel (Acts Christ in faith. One of those bless- the word of the gospel and believe” 13:12). ings is that we become elect in Him (Acts 15:7-8). Later, when Paul and his party (Eph 1:4). This means that we share The Apostles were all chosen to travelled down to Pisidian Antioch, in Christ’s own election, not that we serve, not to have eternal life. they encountered another study in are individually elect ourselves. As contrasts. Some of the Jews there William Klein explained, “Christ is Jesus Is the Chosen One “opposed the things spoken by Paul,” the principally elected one and God and didn’t believe his message. Paul The OT proclaimed that the Mes- has chosen a corporate body to be rebuked them, saying you “judge siah was chosen by God to be a Suf- included in him” (The New Chosen yourselves unworthy of everlasting fering Servant (Isa 49:7), to preserve People, 182). life” (Acts 13:46).

6 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 By contrast, there were others who were chosen to be delivered from “begged” to hear more of the gospel. the Tribulation via the Rapture the Unlike the Jews who judged them- moment they first believed the gospel selves unworthy, these other people (2 Thess 2:13-14). CAN YOUR were open to the truth and actively seeking eternal life. The Potter and the Clay CHURCH HOST The positive response of the Gen- Romans 9 is a perennial favorite A REGIONAL tiles seems to be antithetically paral- among those who believe in indi- lel with the self-condemnation of GRACE vidual election to eternal life and the unbelieving Jews. That’s why death. But all of Paul’s examples in CONFERENCE? commentators like Henry Alford that chapter show that God has the and J. Vernon Bartlet argued that prerogative in choosing which nations tetagmenoi should be translated: to serve His purposes. The chapter is IN A CULTURE dominated “as many as were disposed to eternal about corporate election to service, life believed.”1 It is not that a divine by the message of salvation not individual election to eternal life. power appointed them to eternal life. by works, people are hungry In Romans 9, Paul explained how It is that, unlike the unbelieving Jews, it could be that the Gentiles seemed for God’s Free Grace. They these people had prepared themselves to have been blessed above the Jews. want to learn about the for eternal life, by seeking out the He appealed to OT examples which promise of eternal life and truth about the gospel. showed that God was free to choose eternal rewards. whichever nations He desired to serve Other Free Grace believers The Thessalonians and Him. the Day of the Lord For example, Paul said, God chose feel burned out. Many People sometimes mistakenly read Jacob over Esau. But according to Gen people don't have a grace 2 Thess 2:3-4 as a reference to individ- 25:23 and Mal 1:1-5, Jacob and Esau church near them. They ual election to eternal life. Paul told represented two nations. The point need the encouragement them, “God from the beginning chose was that God was free to choose the of meeting like-minded you for salvation through sanctifica- Jews over the Edomites to serve as tion by the Spirit and belief in the the progenitors of the Messiah. This believers. truth.” But once again, context is key. was a vocational choice of one nation Many people find The Thessalonians were deeply over another, not an individual choice encouragment by attending concerned about the end times. In about their eternal destinies. GES’s national conference. 2 Thessalonians, the believers feared Paul also used Pharaoh to show that But not everyone can afford they had entered into the Tribula- God could use Egypt to fulfill His tion period, the Day of the Lord. But purposes for Israel. In that case, God to go. What can be done? Paul assured them that they hadn’t. used Pharaoh to bring the Jews into Please consider hosting He explained that, if they were in the the Promised Land. Whether or not a weekend regional Pharaoh was individually regenerate Tribulation, certain events would conference in your local already have happened, such as the was not at issue. son of perdition exalting himself This corporate and vocational church. A GES speaker above God and sitting in the Temple emphasis was also evident in Paul’s could fly in, and in (2 Thess 2:3-4). That hadn’t happened use of the image of the potter and the cooperation with church yet. clay. Jeremiah used that illustration leaders, teach a Saturday to And besides, Paul wrote, “from the to argue that God could justly punish Sunday seminar on grace- beginning” the Thessalonians were those nations who failed in their voca- “chosen for salvation.” What salva- tions and reward those who fulfilled related topics. It would not tion is he talking about? The subject them (Jer 18:1-13). And Isaiah used only build up your local wasn’t eternal salvation. Rather, Paul the same image to show that God was body, but draw in believers was talking about deliverance from just in using a Gentile like Cyrus to from around your region. the terrible events being discussed help rebuild Jerusalem (Isaiah 45). (2 Thess 2:1-12). The Thessalonians For more information please email [email protected] for the sins of the world, chooses servants to preach the good news to all mankind, and chooses to save whoever will believe in Jesus for But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel eternal life. And from the human of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the side of things, people are free to children of Israel. For I will show him how many things seek the truth in response to God’s he must suffer for My name’s sake” (Acts 9:15-16). drawing, to believe in Jesus’ promise of eternal life, and to be faithful or unfaithful in the mission God has sovereignly given them as members of the Church (Eph 2:10). God sover- Both uses are vocational in nature. way of saying they were chosen eignly allows for human freedom in And that is Paul’s point too. because they had been justified by both eternal life and in our election In sum, Romans 9 is not about faith, apart from works. to service. individual predestination to eternal life. It is about God’s prerogative Application Conclusion in using nations—even Gentile As members of the Body of Christ, There is much more work to be nations—to serve His purposes, we are elect in Christ, and share done on the doctrine of election. sometimes at Israel’s expense, but in the general vocation to do good We have only reviewed some of the more often to her benefit. works (Eph 2:10). Hence, this voca- evidence here. But Free Grace Bap- tional doctrine of election makes a tists and others are reading the Bible A Chosen Remnant difference to several areas of Chris- with genuine excitement. They see In Rom 11:5, Paul assured his tian thought and practice. that Biblical election is not a “dread readers that just as there was a rem- First, it does not cast doubt on decree” that only philosophers can nant in Elijah's day, so too in their God’s loving character the way understand, but a practical and day there was a “remnant chosen by other theories of election do. God’s down-to-earth choice that meaning- grace.” election is an expression of His love fully underscores the importance Many interpret that to mean there for all. For example, the Jews were of faithfulness in the Christian was a remnant of individuals predes- chosen to produce the Messiah so life. After receiving the free gift of tined to have eternal life. However, that all people could be saved. And everlasting life, we are called to serve that interpretation doesn’t fit the the Apostles were chosen to pro- God and our neighbors. Will you be context. claim the gospel so that many would faithful in your mission? In Elijah’s day, God reserved believe in Jesus and have eternal life. Shawn Lazar is Director of Publications for Himself “seven thousand men Election to service actually magni- at Grace Evangelical Society. who have not bowed the knee to fies God’s love for all mankind. Baal” (Rom 11:1-4). These men were Second, election to service does 1. Henry Alford, The Greek Testament, reserved for a reason: they refused not destroy people’s assurance of Vol. II: The Acts of the Apostles, The Epistles to the Romans and Corinthians, Fifth to bow to idols. Likewise, in Paul’s eternal life. It brings out the fact Edition (Cambridge: Deighton, Bell, and day, God had reserved for Himself “a that election and eternal life are two Co., 1865), 153. J. Vernon Bartlet, The remnant chosen by grace.” And why different issues. Eternal life is given New Century Bible: The Acts, quoted in were they chosen? to us freely on the basis of faith in Robert Shank, Elect in the Son: A Study of As Paul explained, unlike the rest Christ (John 3:16). But being faith- the Doctrine of Election (Springfield, MO: Westcott Publishers, 1970), 87. of Israel, which sought for righ- ful in the service to which we are all teousness by works of the law, the chosen takes prayer, effort, faithful- remnant had sought and received ness, diligence, and work. righteousness by faith (Rom 9:30- Third, election to service clari- 32). And as Paul says elsewhere, “it is fies the importance of both God’s of faith that it might be according to sovereignty and human free-will. grace” (Rom 4:6). To say the rem- From the divine side of things, God nant were “chosen by grace” is Paul’s sovereignly sends His Son to atone

8 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 FAITHALONE.ORG

A Free Grace library at the click of a button. Voice from the Past Proclaiming the Gospel Is There Room for Diversity?1

by Phil Congdon

n 1978, John Paul Young was croon- half (48%) of the respondents accepted as the ing: “Love is in the air...” Today, this gospel this statement: “If people are generally seems to be the refrain in theologi- good, or do enough good things for others… cal circles. Rather than focusing on they will earn places in heaven.” As George distinctives, the emphasis is on Barna said in response, loving reconciliation at any cost. “There is plenty of reason for churches to Some Evangelicals are now pushing worry if nearly one-half of their people for unity with Roman Catholics. The concern who believe in evangelism also believe in of these leaders is laudable; they want Chris- salvation by works…The central message of Itians to have maximum impact in the world, is in salvation by faith alone and see this happening only if we cooperate in Christ, yet [many] Protestant evangelizers in the mission together. seem to be preaching a different message” In this context, many will certainly wonder (Moody, Oct 93, p. 67). why an organization like the Grace Evan- When it comes to an issue as critical as the gelical Society even exists. You can almost gospel, there cannot be—indeed, there must hear them say, “Must be a bunch of raving not be—any equivocation for the sake of a fundamentalists!” So the question must be perception of harmony. Who can argue with addressed: Would the mission of the church the fact that if we have peace, but only at the be better served if we stopped debating the expense of proclaiming a false gospel, that we content of the gospel and just started preach- have lost the game? ing it? The 20th century witnessed important Obviously, the question answers itself. debates on crucial theological issues—the In order to preach the gospel, one must deity of Christ and the inerrancy of Scrip- know what it is. A study by the Barna ture, to name just two. Bizarre theories about Research Group in 1993 indicated that there is Jesus’ life and person continue to arise, and widespread confusion about the content of the many scholars still make sport of criticizing gospel among churchgoers. Incredibly, almost the authority of the Bible. But because these

10 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 “When it comes to an issue as critical as the gospel, there cannot be—indeed, there must not be—any equivocation for the sake of a perception of harmony.”

positions were challenged in their day, many basis of Christ’s death and resurrection the new Christians today have avoided being derailed by believer can know from the moment of faith such errors. on that he is a child of God. Confusion over Now, as this new century begins, it is the the gospel is rampant in churches today. As most basic issue—the one we always “took for is evident from the results of the study noted granted”—which has come to the fore. After above, the gospel of salvation through faith centuries lying largely in dormant tension, the alone in Christ alone has been lost to many in issue of the gospel message itself has reached our the church. Let us clearly proclaim the gospel of doorstep. If we do not respond, future genera- God’s grace, and, on the basis of His free gift of tions will pay the price. eternal life, motivate believers to live lives dedi- There is a maxim in theological matters: “In cated to Jesus Christ. essentials, unity; in non-essentials, diversity.” That means that while we may allow for differ- Phil Congdon is pastor of New Braunfels Bible Church ences in areas of doctrine which (while impor- in New Braunfels, TX. tant) are secondary (not integral to the faith), we 1. This article originally appeared in the January/ must take firm stands in areas of doctrine which February (1996) issue of Grace in Focus. are foundational. While the question of what is essential is sometimes debated, it certainly is not here. All agree, the gospel issue is critical. Do we seek peace? Certainly. Do we value unity and cooperation? Absolutely! But not at the expense of truth. For this we must be vigilant. It is Martin Luther who said, “Peace if possible, but truth at any rate.” Let there be no wavering in those who preach the gospel of salvation by grace through faith alone in Christ alone, who state that on the

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 11 Remembering Dale Boring

by Bob Wilkin

ale was born two days before the United States entered into World War II. He went to be with the Lord on June 7th of this year. He was 72. DDale and his wife Diane first came to the GES annual conference in 1997 with their daughter Nancy. They came almost every year after that until this year when Dale’s health would no longer allow him to come. Everyone at the conference loves Dale and Diane. They are so encouraging, so positive, and so committed to the Lord, His Word, and the message of life. For four years Dale suffered under the effects of Parkinson’s disease. The first two years he came to the conference even though his health was not good. The Boring’s have three daughters, Cathy, Linda, and Nancy. At Dale’s memorial service a letter from Nancy was read. In part she said, “Here are a few reasons why I loved Dad so much: because of his love for the Lord, because of his desire to share the good news with people until the day he Diane heard him say, “Great experience to trust You, to died, and because of his genuine interest in others… know your eternal circumstance is all taken care of… He shared the good news of salvation up until the end. Faith alone in Christ alone. That’s all there is to it.” Anytime he was being cared for by a nurse or caregiver, Amen. he would share Christ.” Many times during his hospice care Dale would sing Bob Wilkin is the Editor of Grace in Focus Magazine and Executive Director of Grace Evangelical Society. songs like Amazing Grace and the Doxology. As his thoughts became more jumbled, he would still say some amazing things, revealing where his heart is. One night

September November 21 Bayside Community Church,Grace Tampa, FL on the1-2 WestGo Side Baptist Church, Pittsburg, PA (Ken) Conference on Eternal Rewards (Bob) 26-28 Emmanuel Baptist Church, Starkville, MS 7-9 New Hope Bible Church, Wahoo, NE Men’s Retreat and Sunday services (Bob) Conference on Free Grace Theology (Bob) October 5 Upland Bible Church, Las Vegas, NV First morning meeting (Bob)

12 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 FREE GRACE RESOURCES September/October 2014

The Atonement and Other Writings Zane C. Hodges

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by Bill Fiess

Observation into outer darkness; there will be Of course, all three of these deal weeping and gnashing of teeth’” with servants who will weep and ere is an observation I (Matt 22:13). gnash their teeth. Many commenta- made while studying Jesus’ tors feel such people are unbelievers Parable of the Unforgiv- “…the master of that servant will and going to hell. But Huber and Hing Servant in Matt 18:21-35. This come on a day when he is not Sapaugh have shown that the outer is basically the first parable which looking for him and at an hour darkness is missing out on the joys Jesus told in Matthew involving a that he is not aware of, and will cut associated with ruling with Christ.1 king and his servants (though Matt him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There They have also shown that weeping 13:24-30 might also be considered shall be weeping and gnashing of and gnashing of teeth is a Semitic the first). But people are often trou- teeth” (Matt 24:50-51). expression for grief and that is not bled by statements the Lord makes something only unbelievers will do. to people He called servants. Con- “And cast the unprofitable servant Unfaithful believers at the Judgment sider the following statements He into the outer darkness. There will Seat of Christ will experience grief makes about servants in Matthew: be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matt 25:30). too. “Then the king said to the But I noticed something else that servants, ‘Bind him hand and bolsters their argument. Every use of foot, take him away, and cast him

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 17 hears you, you have gained your brother” (Matt 18:15, emphasis added). “And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector” (Matt 18:17, emphasis added).

Conclusion Clearly the Lord Jesus is discussing believers (breth- ren) in this parable in Matthew 18. But I noticed this also: that the expression fellow ser- vant (sundoulos) is used four times in this parable (Matt 18:28, 29, 31, 33) and they are called brethren in Matt 18:35 (quoted above). I also noticed in the Parable of the Faithful and Wicked Servant in Matt 24:45-51 this reference to fellow servants: “and [he] begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards (Matt 24:49, emphasis added). Matthew 24:45 clearly implies that this servant is a believer who for a time was faithful (Matt 24:45-47) and then, when he thought his Lord was delaying His promised soon return (v 48), he changes and becomes the word servant in Matthew, when referring to a servant unfaithful (vv 49-51). of Jesus, refers to believers. Every reference in Matthew to a servant of Jesus, or to the fellow servants of such servants, refers to believ- Application ers. In addition to the verses cited in this article, see also It is clear that the chastened servant of Matthew 18 Matt 13:28; 18:26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33; 21:34, 35, 36; 22:3, is a brother, that is, a believer: “Therefore the kingdom 4, 6, 8, 10, 13; 24:45, 46, 48, 49; 25:14, 21, 23, 26. They all of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle fit. accounts with his servants” (Matt 18:23). The idea of set- tling accounts is a rewards concept: “Not that I seek the Bill Fiess is a mathematics professor. gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account” 1. These articles are available at the GES website (www. (cf. Phil 4:17, emphasis added); “Obey those who rule faithalone.org) under Free Resources/JOTGES (Sapaugh = Spring over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for 1992; Huber = Autumn 1992). Last accessed 6/1/14. your souls, as those who must give account” (Heb 13:17, 2. In all three verses the word translated “accounts” is logos, emphasis added).2 which often means word, but in certain contexts refers to an account. Matthew 18:21-22, the verses introducing the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, concerns Peter’s question about forgiving one’s brother. Brother here refers to a fellow believer. This is brought out in the application of the parable when the Lord says, “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses” (Matt 18:35, emphasis added). Furthermore, Peter’s question was prompted by Jesus’ statement about brethren and the assembly in the previ- ous section: “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he

18 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 return to harmony with Him through repentance (2 Pet 3:9).3 Thus the witness of the NT is consistent in its affir- mation that “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever [in the whole world!] Shall believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). It follows, in the light of Paul’s words to Timothy, that we are to take these marvelous facts into account in our prayer lives. Indeed, if Christians do not find a way to We Pray? pray for all men, then they are not obeying the com- mand of 1 Tim 2:1-2. 1 Are we to pray for the salvation of every individual in 1 Timothy 2:1-4 the world? No, because no one who believes the Bible could pray such a prayer with Scriptural integrity. The Bible clearly discloses that many will be lost despite by Zane C. Hodges God’s desire that all should be saved. It is not my purpose here to try to enter into the mys- teries of God’s decrees. It will be sufficient to say, with n his first letter to Timothy, Paul wrote these words many theologians, that for His own wise purposes God about prayer: has not always decreed what His heart desires. But we must be careful not to lose contact with God’s I heart. God’s heart is so full of love for every individual “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made on earth that He was willing to allow His only-begotten for all men…For this is good and acceptable in the Son to suffer and die for that individual. Knowing this sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved truth can affect our prayer life. and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim 2:1, To begin with, we can pray for all men by praying 3-4, italics added). for God’s worldwide work of evangelism. We can pray One of the great truths of Christian revelation is the that God’s servants who truly preach the gospel of His truth of God’s universal love for all mankind. The Cross grace may find an abundant harvest for the seed they of Christ is obviously the greatest expression of that love. sow. We can pray that in our own day when the world’s In fact, in the verses immediately following the ones just quoted, Paul goes on to say that as the only Media- tor between God and man, the Lord Jesus Christ, “gave Himself a ransom for all” (1 Tim 2:6). Thus Paul reminds Timothy, his fellow worker (and through Timothy, the church at Ephesus—see 1:3), that all men are an appropriate subject for Christian prayer precisely because God desires all men to be saved. Moreover, this desire finds a decisive manifestation through Christ’s mediatorial role, since His death was a universal ransom. Naturally, it is not Paul alone who affirms such truths. The Apostle John is emphatic that through His death Christ has become not only the propitiation (“satisfaction”) for the sins of Christians, but also for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2). The Apostle Peter is equally emphatic that God does not want anyone to perish [die prematurely under the Tribulation judg- ments]2, but desires that all men should

Voice from the Past population is increasing exponentially, that the number of the saved might WHAT IS likewise increase. Thus, through prayer, we can become partners in the GRACE spread of the marvelous message that eternal life is absolutely free. EVANGELICAL But also we can pray for particular individuals about whose salvation we are concerned. And we can know, as we do so, that God is concerned, too, SOCIETY? and that He has already given His Son to die for them. As we appeal to these truths in prayer, they can strengthen our faith on behalf of the individual for whom we are praying. And, as the Scriptures make plain, when we pray THE GOSPEL PROMISE was believingly God delights to work. under assault in Paul's time That does not violate God’s mysterious eternal decree. It simply shows and still is today. How many that our believing prayer has a role to play in the outworking of His sover- “Christians” have followed the eign purposes in the world of men. Let us be careful not to miss such a role. ancient Galatians in believing Shall we pray…for the lost? You bet! they can be saved by a mixture of faith and works? Zane C. Hodges taught NT Greek and Exegesis at Dallas Seminary for 27 years, and Grace Evangelical Society was a founding Board member of Grace Evangelical Society. (GES) was founded in 1986 to promote the soul-winning truth 1. This article originally appeared in the April 1990 issue of Grace in Focus. that God offers man the free gift 2. The material in brackets was added for clarification. It should be noted that what of everlasting life through faith in was put in parenthesis was probably not Hodges’s understanding of perishing in 2 Pet 3:9 the Lord Jesus Christ, apart from in 1990 when he wrote this article. However, by 2001, it was his view, as is shown in his later book Harmony with God. See next note. works done before or after the 3. For further discussion see Zane C. Hodges, Harmony with God: A Fresh Look at new birth (John 3:16; 5:24; 6:35, Repentance (Dallas, TX: Redención Viva, 2001), 57-64. 47; 11:26). Another of our aims is to promote Christian growth by emphasizing the Biblical truths about eternal security, assurance, and eternal rewards. We do this by publishing Grace in Focus Magazine, expository books, booklets, and tracts, and the Journal of the Grace Evangelical Society. We also hold an annual conference each Bob Wilkin Spring at Southwestern Baptist PhD (Dallas Seminary) Seminary in Fort Worth, TX, and Does your congregation regularly speak at local churches Lt. Col. Ken Yates have questions about grace, assurance, rewards, and Bible conferences. PhD (Dallas Seminary), DMin (Erskine) evangelism, or other For more information about our Free Grace topics? ministry please visit Shawn Lazar Then invite a GES speaker MA (Free University) to your church! FAITHALONE.ORG Just call us at 940-270-8827 or email [email protected].

Invite a Speaker! by Jerry and Beth Pattillo

AdventuresAdventures inin ZambiaZambia

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 21 Jerry’s Boys

magine people so hungry for spiritual truth, and so spiritu- ally ripe, that all you have to Ido is show up and pick them. Such is the case with the impoverished people of Zambia. I was privileged to go for a fourth trip to Zambia this summer, and each year it has been amazing to see God working Jerry Pattillo and his boys time and time again. We simply ministry of giving love, giving hugs, language everywhere, so the Bible show up and give what we have sharing God’s truth, singing and was written in Greek. They “ate it emotionally and spiritually to the worshipping together, praying for up” with much interest and excite- people there, then step back and them and having your heart broken ment as they began to understand watch God work. for them! the processes which caused things to There is so much that we could occur up to the present day. We had share about, and I will highlight just Context for Biblical similar discussions about Paul and a couple of experiences in this letter. Understanding his writings and his being in jail in Rome, etc. They have just been given The small group time is not nor- Review of the Ministry so little instruction that they come mally intended to be a lengthy time alive with the chance to learn. It is my privilege to work directly of teaching, but the boys I have at with 10 boys ages 14-17, most of their particular stage of life are so Sharing the Salvation whom I have had in my group the hungry for knowledge and under- past two summers. All of these boys standing of the world and the Bible Message in Their live very impoverished lives in the that we inevitably get into longer Community Ngombe community of Lusaka, discussions of a “teaching” nature. By far the highlight of the week Zambia. They live in small one-room This year, they were in the process was seeing them share the salvation cinder block homes with no run- of learning Heb 11:1, but could not message in their community. We ning water, only a small portion of understand why different English visited their community on Thurs- nshima to eat twice a day (if that), versions of the text used different day. This year I was able to bring usually with a grandparent or dis- words. This led to a lengthy discus- over 200 Gospel of John booklets, tant relative (because their parents sion of the fact that the Bible was not and we taught them how to share the are dead or have rejected them). Yet originally written in English (when salvation message simply using John they are incredibly content and well- I asked what language they thought 3:16. I explained that they were not behaved kids who really come alive it was written in, one of the boys simply to give the booklets out, but when loved. said “Nyanja,” their language), and only give them to people with whom We minister to them in a day led to drawing out a time-line from they shared about eternal life using camp setting, but it is not a typi- 2000 BC to 2000 AD, placing the John 3:16 and afterward wanted to cal day camp with lots of activities, key figures of the Bible and history read more. In that culture, however, crafts, etc. There are 3 things we do: on that time line, and explaining almost everyone wants to hear about large group time, small group time, that Alexander the Great conquered eternal life. As we traveled down one and one-on-one blessing time. It is a the world and brought the Greek of the dirt roads in their community,

22 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 we would ask a person if we could response and grateful understanding in past years. This year, however, I tell them about eternal life, and one of being shown God’s truth. am excited to share that Gift has a of the boys would share John 3:16. Our group shared the salvation very clear understanding and belief While he was sharing, another boy message with over 200 people that that he has eternal life because of his would go up to another house or day. Pray for those who believed to belief in Jesus for it. group of people and start sharing. grow in their faith and for all the rest This is super exciting because it Pretty soon, all 10 boys were just who heard to come to faith. appears that all 10 boys have now going out in different directions, come to faith in Jesus. But please sharing with different people and Impact on the continue to pray for them. Their coming back to get more Gospel Zambian Partners culture is so full of works salvation of John booklets from me. It was and loss of eternal life teaching, that Each year I have gone to Zambia, incredible to see them doing this it is easy to get confused. I feel that I have had a huge impact with such boldness and confidence! We discussed together how to stay on my Zambian strong in the faith through God’s partner. He is with word and prayer. Pray that they will me as I share with indeed stay strong. each boy during “blessing time,” Conclusion and thus he hears the salvation mes- What a privilege it was to go sage and related to Zambia. It really is a matter of Biblical truths simply showing up and seeing God many times, and work. It is Beth’s and my prayer that they begin to sink many of you reading our reports this deeper into him as year will likewise choose to go to well. This year was Zambia in the future. God will use no different. My you to impact people that are close Evans, Jerry Pattillo, and Harrison Zambian partner to His heart, and you will be incred- Evans (in the red ibly blessed as well. On the following Friday, one of the shirt) is a pastor in the community. boys came up to me and said “Uncle Evans told me that he went to a Jerry Pattillo is Minister of Administra- Jerry, sharing John 3:16 yesterday school where they taught you could tion at Northwest Bible Church in Dallas, was awesome!” It was awesome! TX, and a member of the GES Board. lose eternal life; but Evans was very I was able to take part in some excited because I showed him from interesting discussions as well. John 10 that a person could not lose We had one man who claimed the eternal life. Again wow! I consider Bible said there were many ways that very significant because Evans to God. We showed and read John will take this new understanding 14:6 to him. Another man said he and impact his congregation with it. could lose eternal life. We showed and read John 10:27-28 to him. Still One More Thing another said that he could not have eternal life because he drank beer. Of all the boys that I began with in We shared Eph 2:8-9 as well as John 2012, every boy except one seemed 3:16 with him, and explained that if to express at some point an under- getting eternal life was based on him standing that they had eternal life stopping from drinking beer, then simply because they believed in he would be able to boast. With all Jesus. (A couple of them this year three of these men, you could see the seemed to have wavered in their power of the Word of God as we read assurance of that.) That one boy, Gift it. There was a visible change in their Phiri, just did not seem to under- stand the salvation message clearly

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 23 Beth’s Girls hat an incredible bless- ing to spend a week with the same 10 girls I have Whad for the last 2 years in Zambia. It is so wonderful that I already know them so we can pick up right where we left off. God has answered so many prayers this year. Judith is back home instead of with her aunt so she is able to attend school every day; Violet’s dad did not die as expected, and she is now living with her grandmother (which is a better Beth and her girls situation); Memory not only got to see her long-lost brother, but he is twice a day if their caretaker has the He will rejoice over you with joyful now living with her and their aunt; money. When asked about specific songs.” The five sentences in this and Martha’s aunt who practiced prayer requests, it is always that their verse include not only salvation, but witchcraft on the family is no longer sponsors would continue to sponsor they also express how precious we living with them. However, many of them so that they can stay in school. are to God. Can’t you picture what the girls are getting beaten regularly; They absolutely love school—it is this verse says? In their society, many are not getting enough to eat; the only hope they have to ever rise orphans are worthless. In Ps 68:5, and there is much conflict and vio- above their current circumstances. God defines Himself as “a Father lence in their homes. Each one is extremely grateful to to the fatherless and a protector of “These girls live in poverty that is unimaginable in our society. They have no electricity, no running water; they sleep on the floor in small cinderblock houses…They are lucky to get a cup of tea for breakfast.”

These girls live in poverty that God and to their sponsors. I am now widows.” He places great value in is unimaginable in our society. confident that each girl truly under- these precious orphaned children. They have no electricity, no run- stands and has received salvation by My girls loved the message of this ning water; they sleep on the floor grace. verse. in small cinderblock houses that God led me to focus on Zeph 3:17 This year I brought river rocks usually consist of just one small during Camp this week, and each painted with “God is good” on room and a piece of fabric for a door. one of my girls memorized it. “The one side and “I believe in Jesus for They are lucky to get a cup of tea for Lord your God is living among eternal life” on the other side. I breakfast, and the only other food you. He is a mighty Savior. He will explained what an Ebenezer stone they eat is nshima (sort of like thick delight in you with gladness. With means (a stone of remembrance), grits) once a day or occasionally His love He will calm all your fears. and on Friday I had them each spend

24 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 time with God confirming that they growing stronger in their would always remember those two walk with Christ. God truths about God. I had in mind that moved a huge mountain they would place them on the hill- to allow me to also see side where we meet, but they asked my Michael. Michael is to take them home so that they a double orphan that we could always see them and always have sponsored since remember. This time was followed 2007. We have gotten by a moving communion time. My to see him the last two heart was overflowing. summers. He is now in One of the really fun things at a government boarding Michael and Beth Camp this year is that the kids got school (very rustic and to play on a playground for the first primitive) three hours from we go to be a blessing to these kids, time in their entire lives. The only Lusaka. The people he was previ- but I am blessed far more than they playgrounds in Lusaka are for the ously living with had asked him are. I get to see God’s hand work- rich, and they require an expensive to leave because they didn’t have ing directly in their lives. I get to see paid membership fee to use. They got enough food to feed him. Family them come alive as they learn about to swing and slide for the first time. Legacy Missions International (the God and His love for them. I get to At first they were very nervous— group we work with) asked if we know that we will spend eternal life they had no idea what it was going could support him at the boarding together. It is the highlight of my to feel like, but as they got brave and school so that he could finish his year. tried it, they absolutely loved it. They high school education. Of course we Beth Pattillo retired from Prestonwood could not scramble back to the top of were happy to—he is our 5th son. Christian Academy in Plano, TX and is the the slide fast enough. What fun! I love that he calls me Mom. It was wife of GES Board member, Jerry Pattillo. so awesome to see him and tell him that God had provided some money towards his university education as well. I recently retired from Prestonwood Christian Academy in June, and the school let the parents know that it would be a huge honor and blessing First timers at the playground to me for people to donate On Thursday we went into their towards a scholarship for Michael for compound of Ngombe to share college. Sharing this good news with the gospel. They were all eager and Michael blew him away—he was confident as they took turns shar- beyond thrilled that God had pro- ing using the Evangecube and the vided for him. He is acutely aware Gospel of John. We saw several of how alone he is in this world, so people believe in Jesus for eternal when God provides in a miraculous life. way, Michael stands in awe and It was such a joy on the Saturday wonder. He was already working after Camp to go to Lusaka West very hard on his studies, but now he to see our boys there and have a says he is going to work extra, extra party. They are doing great—it was hard. fun finding out how well they are I am privileged beyond measure doing in school and to hear their to have been able to go to Camp excellent English. They are also Life this year. Some have said that

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 25 WHAT IS FREE GRACE THEOLOGY?

BY BOB WILKIN

26 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 Free Grace Theology death on the cross for our sins) is true, then you believe in Him. Has Emerged over which is received by faith alone in Faith is passive. It is simply taking the Last 35 Years Christ alone, apart from works of Jesus at His word. any kind. But what specifically must we lthough Free Grace Not faith plus works. That is the believe about Jesus to have eternal theology goes back Arminian position. life? to the Lord Jesus and Not faith that works. That is what to His Apostles— many in the Reformed or 5-Point The specific object of saving faith and it was certainly Calvinist camp say. is Jesus’ promise of eternal life (cf. evident in the seventeenth through Both believe that perseverance in John 3:16; 6:47; 11:26). These pas- Anineteenth centuries as well (e.g., good works is required to make it to sages all say that whoever believes Glas, Sandeman, Darby, Mackin- heaven. Arminians say if a believer in Jesus Christ has everlasting life. tosh, Lange, Govett)—it has really fails to persevere in good works, When we believe that, we believe in taken shape in the last 35 years. The then he loses eternal life and he goes Jesus. Gospel Under Siege by Zane Hodges to hell. Many (but not all) Calvinists While Free Grace people believe came out in 1981 and it helped to say if a believer fails to persevere in in and proclaim the cross and the define some of the major issues. But good works, then he proves he wasn’t resurrection, we do not say that all even today, there is still more work a “true believer” in the first place and who believe Jesus died for our sins to be done to nail down all of the he goes to hell. and rose again have eternal life. Why particulars of Free Grace theology. There isn’t any practical difference not? Because someone can believe in these views. They both end in those things about Jesus and also Free Grace Theology doubt. believe in salvation by works. That is Summarized Arminians can never be sure of not a saving message. Before we look at the particulars, their salvation. Neither can Calvin- In order to have saving faith, a here is a summary in one (long) ists. Even though Calvinists say you person must believe that everlasting sentence: can’t lose eternal life, since failure life (or equivalent ideas like justifica- Free Grace theology is the view to persevere proves one didn’t have tion, eternal relationship with God, that 1) everlasting life is a free gift “true faith” in the first place, to the guaranteed eternity with Jesus in (which the Lord Jesus fully paid lapsed Calvinist it will seem that His kingdom, or once saved, always for by His death on the cross for they had then lost their salvation. saved) is by faith alone in Christ our sins) which is received by The Free Grace position has as its alone, apart from works. It is not faith alone in Christ alone, apart first characteristic that simply by enough to believe that faith in Jesus from works of any kind; 2) that believing in Jesus a person has eter- is one condition among many. One assurance of one’s eternal destiny nal life. It advocates for faith alone, must believe that faith in Jesus is the is based solely on believing Jesus’ in Christ alone, nothing added, and only condition of eternal life. promise to the believer and not no strings attached. at all on our works or on our feelings; and 3) that all people, Thus turning from sins, commit- believers and unbelievers, are Faith in Christ is intellectual ment, obedience, and persever- accountable for their works, assent. Stripped of its pejorative ance are not faith and thus aren’t receive recompense for what they connotation, “intellectual assent” is a conditions of eternal life. Those are do in this life, and will be judged at good definition of what faith is. all types of works. Works have their the end of the age (in two separate For example, do you believe that proper place in the Christian life, but judgments) to determine degrees George Washington was the first only after you have believed in Jesus. of reward (believers) or degrees of President of the United States? If you The Free Grace position is very torment (unbelievers) in the life to do, then you know what faith is from clear that turning from sins is not a come, but not to determine their a Biblical perspective. synonym for faith nor a condition of eternal destinies. There is no commitment, no deci- eternal life. Note that well. sion of the will, no turning from (Some in the Free Grace camp First Essential: Faith Alone sins, and no works that are part of believe that repentance is a condition faith in Christ. If you are convinced of everlasting life, but they define Everlasting life is a free gift (which or persuaded that what He promised repentance as a change of mind about the Lord Jesus fully paid for by His

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 27 Christ, not turning from sins. In is . No one could be sure that didn’t impact her belief or her essence that view sees repentance as that his works were good enough to eternal life. a synonym for faith.) prove he was born again. And even Simply put, assurance is of the if one was highly confident in his essence of saving faith. This means Perseverance in faith and good works now (which by itself is a bad that whenever a person believes in works is not a condition of eternal thing in terms of assurance, Matt Jesus, he knows for sure he has ever- life. Most people say that only those 7:21-23), he could never be sure that lasting life. who persevere in faith and good he would persevere (1 Cor 9:27). Or, saying it the other way, if a works will make it into the kingdom. Because most Evangelicals believe person has never been sure that That is not the Free Grace position. that good works are indispens- he has eternal life simply by faith It is possible to believe in Christ in Jesus, he has not yet been born and yet sin. Indeed, all Christians again. sin daily (Rom 3:23; 1 John 1:8, 10). “People who However, that does not mean The Scriptures show that failure, emphasize faith that someone who currently lacks even major failure, is possible in the assurance, or who can’t remember if Christian life. First Corinthians 3:3 apart from works are they ever had assurance, is not born shows that if you look at the works of again. some believers, you can’t distinguish sometimes accused of The question is whether they them from the works of unbelievers. . But ever had assurance. For if someone First Corinthians 5:1-5 shows that has never had assurance of eternal the works of some believers are actu- the grace of God is life, that means they never believed ally worse than the works of unbe- Jesus’ promise that believers have lievers. Luke 19:20-26, Jas 5:19-20, not a license to sin. It everlasting life as a present posses- and 2 Tim 2:11-13 show that some is a call to holiness.” sion (John 3:16). And if someone has believers do not persevere. never believed that—i.e., if they have The point is, perseverance is not not believed in Jesus’ promise of guaranteed. Commitment and eternal life—then they are not born obedience and perseverance are able for assurance, they deny that again! In fact, if you ask them why all necessary to please God and to certainty of one’s eternal destiny is they believe eternal life can be lost, have fullness of life, but they are not possible prior to death. After all, if their answer will usually show that conditions of everlasting life. Belief only those who persevere will make they actually believe in salvation by in Jesus is the sole condition. it into the kingdom, and if we can’t works. be sure until death that we will per- Free Grace theology proclaims the Second Essential: severe, then we can’t be sure if we are truth that assurance is not found by Assurance kingdom bound till we die. looking to our works or feelings, but Free Grace theology rejects that in believing Jesus’ promise of life. Assurance of one’s eternal destiny way of thinking. We deny that is found solely in believing Jesus’ assurance is found inside of us, Third Essential: promise to the believer and not at in a subjective judgment of our all in our works or feelings. Accountability works. Rather, the only condition Believers should be assured of of assurance is found outside of us, All people—believers and their eternal life (1 John 5:13). But by believing the promise that Jesus unbelievers—are accountable for their works, receive recompense most Evangelicals believe that good guarantees eternal life to all who works are indispensable for assur- for what they do in this life, and simply believe in Him for it. will be judged at the end of the age ance. That means a brand-new In John 11:26 Jesus asked Martha, to determine degrees of reward Christian can’t be sure where he is “Do you believe this?” She said “Yes, (believers) or degrees of torment going when he dies since he hasn’t Lord.” She didn’t look to her works. (unbelievers) in the life to come, produced any good works yet. She didn’t wonder about her future but not to determine their eternal Indeed no Christian could be sure works or whether she would perse- destinies. since there is no checklist in Scrip- vere in the future or not. She knew A final vital element of Free ture that indicates how many works Grace theology is the doctrine of are necessary to show that someone

28 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 accountability. People who empha- According to Rev 20:15 the basis Conclusion: Eternal size faith apart from works are of being sent to the Lake of Fire is Life Is Truly Certain sometimes accused of antinomian- found in the Book of Life, not in the and Free for All Who ism. But the grace of God is not a books of works: “Anyone not found Simply Believe in Jesus license to sin. It is a call to holiness. written in the Book of Life was cast The question for the believer is this: into the lake of fire.” Most people witness like this: “I what will you do with the everlasting The doctrine of accountability don’t know where I’m going when I life that God has given you? Will you explains one of the major motiva- die. If you have 5 minutes I can help glorify Him with your life? tions for a believer to live for Christ; you not know where you are going The Bible is clear: “Whatever a namely, if we love Him, we want to when you die.” With a message man sows, that he will also reap” please Him, and to have His bless- like that, is it any wonder that most (Gal 6:7). Whether believer or unbe- ings both now and in the life to people find it hard to witness? That liever, we reap what we sow. There is come. isn’t good news, is it? no escaping that because God is our People who hold to Free Grace judge and He sees all. But the reason Ramifications of Free theology truly have good news that why all people will be judged accord- Grace Theology they can share with friends, loved ing to their works is not so that God ones, and strangers alike. We can Free Grace theology is life can determine who gets into the say, “I know I have eternal life right transforming. kingdom. now and that I will always have First, by believing the Lord’s Believers will be judged according eternal life no matter what. I know promise of life one gains everlasting to our works, before the Millennium, I’ll spend eternity in God’s kingdom. life, which makes growth and full- at the Judgment Seat of Christ, in If you have a few minutes I can show ness of life possible. There is no other order to determine our degrees of you how you can be sure you have way to be born again. rewards in the life to come. Will we eternal life now and forever.” Second, as long as one believes the rule with Christ? If so, how much Only the Free Grace position is promise of life he remains sure of authority will He grant us? Will truly good news. Only we actually his eternal destiny. There is no other we have the right to eat the twelve believe in , by faith alone. way to be certain of our eternal fruits of the tree of life? Will we get Only we accurately proclaim the destiny. special clothes that mark us out as ramifications of the finished work of Third, assurance produces love having been overcomers in this life? Christ on the cross. Let’s share this and gratitude, which are powerful How abundant will our life be in the good news far and wide! motivators to live for God. life to come? According to the Free Fourth, knowing that our qual- Bob Wilkin is the Editor of Grace in Grace theology there is no “final ity of life here and now depends Focus Magazine and Executive Director of judgment” of believers to determine on walking by faith is also highly Grace Evangelical Society. our eternal destiny. Believers “shall motivating. not come into judgment” (John Fifth, knowing that one day the 5:24). Eternal destiny is a done deal Lord will judge us and that the full- the moment a person believes in ness of our eternal life forever will Jesus for everlasting life. John 3:18, depend on the outcome of that judg- 5:24, and 11:26 are all clear on this. ment should move us daily to walk Unbelievers will be judged accord- in the light of God’s Word. ing to their works, after the Mil- Far from being something which lennium, to determine their degree pushes people to ungodliness, Free of suffering in the Lake of Fire. Grace theology drives people to Even the judgment of unbelievers holiness. Free Grace theology really at the Great White Throne Judg- works. ment is not strictly to determine their eternal destinies. It is more to “announce” their eternal destinies and to announce their degree of punishment based on their deeds.

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 29 Q&A by Staff

Love God with Your Mind Do you have an opinion of what “Love the Lord your God with all your mind” Qmeans in view of so-called anti- intellectualism defined by guys like Noll and Guiness? Another aspect I’d like your opinion on is this: what does “love Him with your mind” look like pre-conversion, at conversion and post-conversion?

As I understand them, Noll and Guinness were lamenting the general lack Aof Evangelicals in science and the academy. They wanted Evangelicals to contribute to “high culture.” That criticism may still apply today. But in my experience, many of the That in itself suggests an answer the legalistic mindset described in Evangelicals I know are very intel- to how Christians can love the Lord Romans 7. lectual, maybe too much so. with their minds at post-conversion: And what does loving God with However, I don’t believe that was we do it by pursuing spiritual our minds look like pre-conversion? the issue Jesus addressed in the com- maturity. Remarkably the same. I believe it mand you cite. I’m not sure Jesus Paul hinges our spiritual trans- means unbelievers must seek God in wanted us to pick out “mind” as dis- formation on the renewing of our His Word, like the Ethiopian eunuch tinct from heart, soul, and strength, minds: “Do not be conformed to reading Isaiah (Acts 8:30), or Cor- as if He were thinking of three (Matt this world, but be transformed by nelius seeking to hear “words” from 22:37) or four (Luke 10:27) different the renewing of your mind, that you Peter (Acts 10:22), or the proconsul aspects of the self. I think Jesus was may prove what is that good and seeking “the word of God” (Acts saying, “Love God with all that you acceptable and perfect will of God” 13:7, 12), or the Pisidian Gentiles are.” (Rom 12:2, emphasis added). It’s no begging to hear “these words” (Acts Having said that, Paul often spoke accident that the necessity of being 13:42). Our mind, God’s words. about the importance of develop- renewed in our minds is inserted I like this quote from Klemet ing a Christian mind. However, he between the commands to put off Preus, in a book of evangelis- wasn’t arguing for developing Chris- the old man and to put on the new tic letters he wrote to his dying tian contributions to disciplines like (Eph 4:22-24). How that renewal father-in-law: chemistry, art history, or macro- actually takes place comes through “Why did you stop believing?” economics. That wasn’t his concern. greater (Biblical and doctrinal) “I prayed to God that He would Rather, Paul emphasized the mind’s knowledge (Col 3:10) and tearing strengthen my faith, and He just role in . down all the false knowledge that didn’t answer me,” was his instant challenges it (2 Cor 10:5), especially reply.

30 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 “Lloyd, you went about it all I agree that the Lord Jesus Gospel Under Siege (1981). I know wrong. You prayed for faith, but in the Gospels did not teach quite a few faculty at that time that that is not where faith comes any Christians. The Church strongly agreed with him on the from. ‘Faith comes from hearing, Awas born on Pentecost in AD 33, issue of eternal rewards including and hearing through the Word of seven weeks after Jesus rose from Drs. Charles Ryrie, Tom Constable, Christ’ (Rom 10:17). If you wanted the dead. Elliott Johnson, Jack Deere, Craig God to increase your faith, you should have listened to His Word.” When you say that Jesus never Glickman, Howard Hendricks, I wasn’t so sure it was wise to commanded the Christian to pursue Barry Leventhal, David Lowery, correct Lloyd on his deathbed, but rewards, I’m not sure what you Floyd Elmore, Dale Wheeler, Aubrey I felt I needed to point Lloyd to mean. Other than the Lord’s teach- Malphurs, John Best, Don Campbell, the promises of God, not his own ing on church discipline in Matthew Roy Zuck, Tony Evans, Fred Howe, prayerful strivings (Preus, What 18, He gave no instruction specifi- Duane Litfin, Mike McGuire, Larry They Need to Hear, 8). cally directed to Christians in the Moyer, Calvin Pearson, Ramesh Gospels. Richard, Rick Rood, Dick Seume, Preus’ advice is the same advice we and John Witmer. should give to believers and unbe- “2 Tim 3:16-17 says Of course, even if Hodges was lievers alike. Instead of looking for indeed the only faculty member at God in man-made spirituality, mys- that all Scripture is DTS who believed in eternal rewards ticism, and efforts at self-salvation, for Christians, he might still be we should seek the Lord where He inspired by God and right. The question is, what do the promised to be found—in His Word. profitable for Church- Scriptures teach? ~ Shawn The Apostle Paul repeatedly taught Age believers. Thus Christians to strive for eternal Does Jesus Command rewards (Rom 14:10-12; 1 Cor 3:10- Us to Pursue Rewards? the teachings of Jesus 15; 9:24-27; 2 Cor 5:9-10; 2 Tim 1:10; I am somewhat surprised even in the Gospels 2:12; 4:6-8). So did the Apostle John that you would include (1 John 2:28; 4:17-19; 2 John 8; Rev Zane C. Hodges’ article all have application to 2:7, 10-11, 17, 26-28; 3:5, 12, 21; 22:7, Q“We Believe in Rewards” without Christians.” 12, 14). So did the Apostle Peter (1 editing it. When Hodges quotes Pet 4:13; 5:1-4; 2 Pet 1:5-11). Matt 6:19-23, and tries to apply it The teachings of the Apostles are to Christians, he is making a huge Of course the Lord did instruct directed specifically to Christians. mistake. That passage is a part Christians about eternal rewards in That the Apostles taught just as the of the Sermon on the Mount and Revelation 2-3 in the seven letters to Lord Jesus did about rewards should has absolutely nothing to do with the seven churches (cf. Rev 2:7, 10-11, not surprise us. They continued His the Christian. It has to do with 17, 26-28; 3:5, 11-12, 21). He did so as teaching and His ministry. the coming Kingdom Age. This is well in Rev 22:7, 14. ~ Bob so obvious and is the opinion of In addition, 2 Tim 3:16-17 says that all Scripture is inspired by God and Snail-mail your questions to us, or email numerous of the greatest theolo- them to [email protected]. gians throughout history. Nowhere profitable for Church-Age believers. in the Bible does Jesus “command” Thus the teachings of Jesus even in the Christian to pursue rewards. A the Gospels all have application to number of the officers and faculty Christians. If the Lord commanded of Dallas Theological Seminary are His disciples to strive for rewards, personal friends of mine. A student then we too should strive for rewards of Hodges told me that when he unless there is some teaching in came out with his “Overcomers” Scripture that limits rewards to the view, every professor at DTS dis- twelve, which there is not. agreed with him. I was at DTS from 1978 through 1985. During that time Hodges came out with his book on rewards, The

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