Understanding Man's Inability

This post is by Daryl Wingerd, found at the above title link.

The Bible speaks of two kinds of people: those who have been "born again" (John 3:3, cf. James 1:18), and those who remain in their sinful corruption—the "natural man" (1 Cor. 2:14). Only the person who understands the gospel and believes in Jesus Christ will be saved. But which kind of person truly believes? A better question might be this: Which kind of person is able to believe?

God: Life-Preserver or Life-Giver?The analogy of a drowning person has often been used to describe the spiritual plight of the natural man. The life-preserver of God's grace is held out to the man who can either grab it and be saved, or ignore it and perish. The person in this analogy is portrayed as having the ability to reach out for the life-preserver. It is only his unwillingness that restrains him. If he would only reach out in faith and take hold of the offered salvation, then (as it is usually presented) he would be saved and "born again." As appealing as that analogy seems for the purpose of evangelism, it is fraught with error:

» It misrepresents the true condition of the natural man, portraying him as dying, rather than dead (Eph. 2:1,4). It shows him as being able to respond positively to God's offer of salvation, when Scripture repeatedly says he cannot do so. The natural man cannot perceive the mysteries of the kingdom of God (John 3:3; Mark 4:11-12). He cannot submit to Christ or please God in any way (Rom. 8:6-8). He cannot even understand the gospel (1 Cor. 2:14).

»It reverses the biblical order of salvation, indicating that the natural man's faith precedes his new birth, when in the biblical order, God's work of regeneration precedes and produces faith. Spiritually dead people cannot believe. "But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were [spiritually] dead in trespasses, made us [spiritually] alive together with Christ . . . " (Eph. 2:4-5).
»It slights the greatness of God's redemptive work, reducing it to nothing more than an offer of assistance, rather than a complete and unassisted accomplishment of God's grace and power. The truth is, "Salvation [not merely the offer, but the complete work] is of the Lord" (Jonah 3:9).

» By making man's "free will" the final determining factor in salvation, it calls into question the biblical truth that God has a chosen people and that all of them will be saved. It even opens the possibility that none will accept God's gracious offer in Christ. Jesus, however, had no worries about His work being wasted, saying with certainty, "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me" (John 6:37). "He will save His people from their sins" (Matt. 1:21, emphasis added). As the prophet Isaiah wrote of Christ, "He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied" (Isaiah 53:11).

» It implies that the natural man who became saved, the one who received God's gracious offer, was equipped, prior to regeneration, with at least some natural wisdom, discernment, perception, or understanding which the others who refused and therefore perished did not posses. In other words, his inherent ability to see his need and make a wiser decision, worked in partnership with God's grace to bring about his salvation and new birth. This not only denies that salvation is the result of God's grace alone by assigning some degree of inherent human ability, it also contradicts Paul who tells us that the natural man is "without strength" (Romans 5:6; lit. "helpless," "powerless" or "without ability"). Remember that both thieves who were crucified with Christ were reviling Him together until grace made one of them new (Mark 15:32; Luke 23:39-43).

A better analogy shows the natural man in his true condition—dead, and at the bottom of the ocean. No offer of a life preserver will help, because a dead man cannot reach out and take hold of it. What the natural man needs is not the preservation of life, but the creation of life. He needs to be born again before he can believe. God alone is able to will and perform that work. One corpse is no more capable than the next of hearing someone knocking or opening the door to let Him in. No dead person has ever requested to be brought back to life. No baby has ever asked to be conceived. And no natural man has ever, or will ever ask to be born again.

When God puts a new heart into man, it is not because man deserves a new
heart—[it is not] because there was anything good in his nature that could have
prompted God to give him a new spirit. The Lord simply gives a man a new heart
because He wishes to do it; that is his only reason. "But," you say, "suppose a
man cries for a new heart?" I answer, no man ever did cry for a new heart until
he had got one; for the cry for a new heart proves that there is a new heart
there already. - C.H. Spurgeon

The Empire of the Son

I just finished a book by Steve Farrar entitled King Me: What Every Son Wants and Needs from His Father. In described fatherhood and sonhood, Farrar regales the reader with several real-life tales of noble and ignoble fathers - and the lessons their sons learned from the examples set by their fathers. It's a worthy read for fathers of sons and daughters, and I was pleasantly surprised to find some decent theological doctrine scattered throughout the book as well.

In one chapter, Farrar tells the story of Al Capone's lawyer, who struggled with his continually getting Capone off the hook as potentially being a bad example for his son. So the lawyer does the ethically right thing and turns Capone in to the Feds, and a couple years later pays the price for battling against the mobster by dying in a shroud of machine-gun fire. Did the son learn from this?

Farrar seemingly leaves that story behind and turns to recount the tale of Butch O'Hare, a WWII fighter pilot after whom Chicago's O'Hare airport is named. O'Hare's flying heroics may have saved the day for his squadron, and only as the author describes O'Hare's death in a shroud of machine gun fire over the Pacific Ocean does the reader realize that the two stories are about a father-son relationship. Sounds pretty neat. Good writing skills for sure. Is it true?

Here's what http://www.snopes.com/glurge/ohare.asp has to say:

Glurge: Notorious mob lawyer "Easy Eddie" O'Hare teaches his son Butch the value of honesty and integrity; the son goes on to become a decorated war hero and dies in the service of his country.

During the course of World War II, many people gained fame in one
way or another. One man was Butch O'Hare. He was a fighter pilot assigned to an
aircraft carrier in the Pacific. One time his entire squadron was assigned to
fly a particular mission. After he was airborne, he looked at his fuel gauge and
realized that someone had forgotten to top off his fuel tank. Because of this,
he would not have enough fuel to complete his mission and get back to his ship.
His flight leader told him to leave formation and return. As he was returning to
the mother ship, he could see a squadron of Japanese Zeroes heading toward the
fleet to attack. And with all the fighter planes gone, the fleet was almost
defenseless. His was the only opportunity to distract and divert them.
Single-handedly, he dove into the formation of Japanese planes and attacked
them. The American fighter planes were rigged with cameras, so that as they flew
and fought, pictures were taken so pilots could learn more about the terrain,
enemy maneuvers, etc. Butch dove at them and shot until all his ammunition was
gone, then he would dive and try to clip off a wing or tail or anything that
would make the enemy planes unfit to fly. He did anything he could to keep them
from reaching the American ships. Finally, the Japanese squadron took off in
another direction, and Butch O'Hare and his fighter, both badly shot up, limped
back to the carrier. He told his story, but not until the film from the camera
on his plane was developed, did they realize the extent he really went to, to
protect his fleet. He was recognized as a hero and given one of the nation's
highest military honors. And as you know, the O'Hare Airport was also named
after him. Prior to this time in Chicago, there was a man named Easy Eddie. He
was working for a man you've all heard about, Al Capone. Al Capone wasn't famous
for anything heroic, but he was notorious for the murders he'd committed and the
illegal things he'd done. Easy Eddie was Al Capone's lawyer, and he was very
good. In fact, because of his skill, he was able to keep Al Capone out of jail.
To show his appreciation, Al Capone paid him very well. He not only earned big
money, he would get extra things, like a residence that filled an entire Chicago
city block. The house was fenced, and he had live-in help and all of the
conveniences of the day. Easy Eddie had a son. He loved his son and gave him all
the best things while he was growing up: clothes, cars, and a good education.
And because he loved his son he tried to teach him right from wrong. But one
thing he couldn't give his son was a good name, and a good example. Easy Eddie
decided that this was much more important than all the riches he had given him.
So, he went to the authorities in order to rectify the wrong he had done. In
order to tell the truth, it meant he must testify against Al Capone, and he knew
that Al Capone would do his best to have him killed. But he wanted most of all
to try to be an example and to do the best he could to give back to his son, a
good name. So he testified. Within the year, he was shot and killed on a lonely
street in Chicago. This sounds like two unrelated stories. But Butch O'Hare was
Easy Eddie's son. Do you think Easy Eddie was able to pass the value of
integrity on to his son?

Some parts of this glurge about Edgar Joseph "Easy Eddie" O'Hare (also known as EJ) and his son, Edward Henry "Butch" O'Hare, are true, if exaggerated in the presentation above. The senior O'Hare provided legal services to Al Capone and later helped the government bring that notorious gangster to justice on tax fraud charges in 1931, then was murdered on 8 November 1939. (Exactly who killed Eddie O'Hare has always been a subject for debate, but the preponderance of the evidence indicates that he was killed on orders from Capone for having given information to the government that led to Capone's imprisonment.) Eddie's son Butch was a pilot who died in the Pacific during World War II when he failed to return to his carrier after a night mission on 26 November 1943, and Chicago's O'Hare airport was indeed named in his honor. (Dispute remains over exactly what happened to Butch, a Medal of Honor winner, but the preponderance of the evidence indicates his plane was downed by friendly fire rather than Japanese Zeroes.)

This glurge completely jumps the tracks, however, in trying to turn the story of Eddie and Butch O'Hare into a tale of redemption, a little morality play to demonstrates the importance of recognizing the errors of one's ways, of atoning for one's misdeeds, of trying to do right and prevent one's sins from being visited on future generations. Those are all valuable lessons, but they have precious little to do with this story.

Eddie O'Hare was not just a gangster's lawyer, he was also a partner in some of Al Capone's illegal activities. Despite having entered a profession in which he was expected, of all things, to uphold the law, the senior O'Hare broke the law to enrich himself through unethical and illegal schemes in partnership with the most notorious gangster in American history. What's more, he served Capone as an attorney and business manager, aiding the mobster in setting up illegal enterprises and helping to keep Capone and his cronies out of prison.

When "Easy Eddie" did eventually provide information that aided federal authorities in sending Capone to prison for income tax evasion, it was far less likely that he did it because he had an attack of conscience, wanted to right the wrongs he'd done, or sought to teach his son the value of integrity. More probably he turned state's evidence because he could see the handwriting on the wall: Capone was going to be nailed with or without his assistance, but by doing the government a favor Eddie could keep himself out of prison. (Some sources even suggest the connections Eddie made by turning government informant were what got his son Butch a berth at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis.)

Perhaps Eddie O'Hare believed or knew he would be killed for what he had done; perhaps not. Either way, it was his son Butch who redeemed the family name through his wartime bravery and heroism, and the price he paid for that redemption was his life. None of that redemption was achieved through the actions of Easy Eddie.

Was the elder O'Hare "able to pass the value of integrity on to his son"? If his actions illustrated anything, it was just the opposite of integrity: if you're clever enough and sufficiently lacking in moral values you can live a life of wealth and privilege by victimizing others, and if your gravy train should ever derail you can adopt an "every man for himself" attitude and save your own skin by ratting on your associates.

Butch O'Hare was suitably honored when the Chicago airport known as Orchard Depot was renamed O'Hare International in 1949. It's unfortunate that he and the airport have to share the O'Hare name with his unscrupulous father.

A poem was found by police in Easy Eddie's pocket (http://www.ipsn.org/ohare.html), and it read like this:

The clock of life is wound but once
And no man has the power
To tell just when the hands will stop
At late or early hour.
Now is the only time you own.
Live, love, toil with a will.
Place no faith in time.
For the clock may soon be still.

Romans 13 Preview

Here is the text we will study on Tuesday evening, with some things to consider:

1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.

To summarize, we submit to civil authority (1) because it’s instituted by God, (2) because it is good for us that there is civil authority, (3) because if we don’t, we get punished, and (4) because if we don’t, our consciences condemn us for breaking the higher moral law of God. We will talk on Tuesday about some exceptions to these guidelines. Can you think of any?

Does your conscience get ahold of you when you speed? When you turn right on red though the sign says not to? When you sell tickets at more than face value? When are you grasped by your conscience for breaking the law?

Do you agree with Paul that God institutes all governments? Even Communist governments? What about Anarchies? Consider Afghanistan, Somalia, etc...

6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. 8Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.

Give what you owe. Let no debt remain outstanding - except that of love. Think about this: When you pay a credit card debt with cash, you end up with less cash as your debt dimishes. But when you pay the debt of love with love, you end up with more love, yet the debt of love does not diminish. How is it that loving your fellowman fulfills the law? See v9-10.

9The commandments, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not covet,’ [Exodus 20:13-15,17; Deuteronomy 5:17-19,21] and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ [Leviticus 19:18] 10Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

The 613 commandments of the whole law can be summed up by the 10 Commandments found in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5. These 10 commandments can be summed up by the two commandments found in Matthew 22:36-40. These two commandments can be summed up by one word: LOVE.

11And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

There are four places in the New Testament where God tells believers to wake up: Ephesians 5:14; 1 Corinthians 15:34; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; Romans 13:11. Compare these passages and also read 1 John 2:8. Why do we need to wake up and put on armor?

Are you comforted and excited to realize that "salvation is nearer now than when we first believed"? I sure am!

13Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature [or the flesh].

Compare these verses to Ephesians 4:22-24 and Colossians 3:9-12. Do you notice what people wear? Do think people notice what you wear? Just as Jesus "put on" flesh at the Incarnation, so we must "put on" Christ. Are you wearing Christ?

Proud Mediocrity (2)

In an earlier post on this topic, I asked, "If our culture is breeding a passion for apathy and mediocrity, then from where is this [cultural] pursuit for more-and-more [the rat-race to keep up with the Jones'] coming? How do I teach my children that it is wise stewardship [striving for excellence] to invest in a Roth IRA without discouraging them from being content without any retirement savings?"

In "Reflecting the Art of God" (found in September's issue of Tabletalk), Michael Card says this: "'Whoever would be great among you must be your servant' (Matthew 20:26). And so, when the question of striving for excellence...is voiced..., we discover that 'striving' has been redefined as 'working as servants.' We begin to see that 'excellence' now means 'whatever reflects the glory of the incarnate One.'"

In "A Passion for Truth" (also found in the September issue of Tabletalk), Dr. George Grant says this: "Even the church has fallen prey to this "spirit of the times." If we really had our druthers we wouldn't want worship to be too terribly demanding. We wouldn't want doctrine that challenges our pet notions. We really only want music that we're comfortable with. We only want preaching that reassures us, that reinforces our peculiar preferences, that affords us a sense of serenity - all in record time. We want quick change; cheap grace; ...bumper sticker theology; easy faith...."

Does that strike a nerve with you? Ouch! Dr. R.C. Sproul gives us the solution: " Let us therefore seek to excel, let us push ourselves to the highest limits of endurance to achieve the highest possible level of excellence
in all that we do, while at the same time watching ever vigilantly for the evil impluse of pride to vitiate any value to our labor. Let us work hard, let us excel to God's glory."

Dr. Grant offers this solution: "If we are to buck the trend of malignant modernity, if we are to recover our Christian heritage in education..., then we must return to the...certainties of Christendom's experience: educational excellence is hard work - and it demands a vision for life learning."

When I read to learn, I find myself enjoying the read and the learning, but there's this inate sensation of striving to finish the book so I can rest or play. But what I want to strive for, and what I want to instill in my children, is that reading and learning IS the rest and play. Don't long for the book to end. Read. Learn. Strive. Serve. All to the glory of God.

Ukraine mission trip

My father-in-law reports the following results of a week in Romne, Ukraine:

22 pastors trained to share the Gospel.
329 people prayed to receive Jesus Christ.

Praise God, who is at work in people all of the world.

The History of Israel

Click on the title to read the article - and get a Charles Krauthammer quote too!

John 3

Since I was unable to get past John 3:15 on Sunday, I wanted to post the rest of thoughts from the remaining verses of our passage:

3:14-15 – “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life [or everyone who believes may have eternal life in Him].”

(1) “that everyone who believes may have eternal life in Him” – "in Him" rightly should be placed at the end of this sentence, as the Greek fits with that rendering. It’s belief without an object (John 6:47). But we know the object from the context (v16) - the one and only Son of God.

(2) The “hina” clause (Greek) here gives assurance that Jesus’ being lifted up will accomplish exactly what it was designed to do – bestow eternal life upon believers. It’s not “that anyone might (alla) have eternal life if they believe…” Rather, it’s “that believers will (alla) have eternal life because of Christ’s cross-work…” That should be comforting.

(3) “everyone who believes” gives this perception of “possibility for all,” but that’s not what it literally states. Literally, it reads, “that every believing one.” It’s particular; it’s limiting. And that’s not popular to say, but that is what the text here says. And we haven’t even gotten to John 3:16 yet…

(4) “Eternal life” speaks of quality, not duration or quantity. The Spirit-filled life is completely “other” (holy) than the flesh-life. Compare v6. It also happens to never end, but the greatness of it is its quality.

(5) Lastly, I think Jesus finishes speaking to Nicodemus here. Most Bibles carry on the quotation through v21, but you’ve probably got a footnote declaring that it might not be the case. I side with the footnote for three reasons:
(A) The text switches to the past tense, which would fit with John’s reflections and commentary, rather than Jesus speaking.
(B) Jesus does not call Himself “God’s one and only Son” anywhere, but John call Jesus that several times (1:14,18; 1 John 4:9).
(C) V19 echoes John 1:9-11, so the passage really fits best with it being John’s commentary. But it’s no less inspired…

3:16 – For God so loved the world that [or This is how God loved the world] He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

(1) “For God so loved” – It’s not “sooooo loved.” John is not speaking of intensity, though God’s love is infinitely intense. God’s love is not an emotion or a feeling, though we often get emotional when we love or think of love. God’s love, rather, is an effective benevolence towards its objects. Those whom God loves, by definition of God’s love, receive an actual transforming benefit as a result.

(2) “For God so loved the world” – “the world” (kosmos) is used at least 14 different ways in John’s writings alone. What does it mean?
(A) This second most memorized verse (behind Romans 8:28) is often misunderstood. John is not speaking here of “the world” as “every single individual ever to be conceived.” We read that God hated Esau. (John 12:18-34; 17:9; 3:32; Acts 2:17 (cf. 1:5, 2:39, 1:8); Romans 16:26).
(B) John is counteracting the common belief among Jews that “the kingdom of God,” as Nicodemus understood it, was only for Jews. This is a major theme in John’s Gospel (see chapter 4 & 10:16), and in the entire New Testament, for that matter.
(C) Here John has in mind when he writes, “the world,” as this: “A humanity that is hostile to God.” All kinds of people in the world = people from every nation.
(D) Revelation 5:9 says of Christ, “You were slain and with Your blood You purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.”
(E) 1 John 4:9-10; 2:2 – “This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins… [and 2:2 from the ESV] He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.” Propitiation is wrath-removal. And Christ did not remove the wrath from unbelievers (John 3:36). 1 John 2:2 is speaking of Jewish believers and believers all over the world (Gentiles). See John 11:51-52 as a parallel to 1 John 2:2…

(3) “This is how God loved the fallen people of the world” or “Here is the extent of God’s love for the fallen people of the world” would be the most literal rendering of this part of the verse. You may have that as a footnote as well. It actually sets up a limitation in God’s love. There is discrimination in God’s love. There is particularity, but it doesn’t have anything to do with belief or unbelief. It comes from Him (Ephesians 1:5). ABRAHAM / ISRAEL (Wives vs. Sisters). God does not love everybody in a saving way. He doesn’t save unbelievers. And He has an amazing purpose in that (Romans 9-11). Remember, the love of God actually benefits the objects of His love (not merely potential).

(4) “He gave” – Even though I have said some things that might make you think I am saying God’s love is not all that we imagine, I am really saying that it’s more than we imagine. He loves His people (believers / the elect) enough to actually save them, rather than merely potentially save them. He's not like a lifeguard who tosses us a buoy; He jumps in the water, pulls us to shore, and gives us mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. He loves us enough to give, and this giving carries the tone of a great sacrifice. Jesus was an actual ransom for many; we may say that He was a potential ransom for all, but potential has no meaning to our omniscient God.

(5) “He gave His one and only Son” – God gave His one and only Son, His unique Son, to actually save believers. He did not give the Son to save unbelievers. Matthew 1:21 says, His name will be called Jesus “because He will save His people from their sins.”

(6) “that” – Here is our next “hina” clause that connects God’s giving of His Son with the eternal life of every believer. God gave His Son to make certain that every believer has eternal life. He will not fail in this assignment.

(7) “whoever believes” – “Whoever” might imply an offer to anyone, but there is no “whoever” in the text. Literally, it should read, “Every believing one,” and combined with the “hina” clause, it makes perfect sense.
(A) The Gospel is not so much an offer as it is a command. 1 John 3:23 says, “This is His command: to believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ.” Acts 17:30 says, “God commands all people everywhere to repent.” But we also read that God grants repentance and belief to some and not others: 2 Timothy 2:25; Acts 11:18; 13:48; Philippians 1:29.
(B) Nothing in this verse mentions anything about man’s willingness or ability to believe. For that, we need to look elsewhere: Matthew 19:23-26; John 6:37-44,65; 8:43-47; 10:14-18,26-29; 12:37-40; Romans 5:8; 8:7; 9:16; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Ephesians 2:1-5.

(8) “whoever believes in Him” – Now we get the object of our belief that was missing from v15. Believe in Jesus.

(9) “shall not perish” – This phrase has in mind eternal separation from God, which is the Biblical definition of death.

(10) "but have eternal life” – As I mentioned in v15, “eternal life” is about quality, not quantity or duration, but it does happen to last forever as well. The fact that it lasts forever is not the glorious part. The fullness and glory of life is what the excitement is about.

(11) Why do I believe the Gospel? It’s not about my choice; it’s about God’s grace applied or bestowed to me by His Holy Spirit.
(A) Understanding “these things” is critical to worship and living Coram Deo – glorifying God and enjoying Him forever.
(B) As Kyle Idleman said in his DaVinci Code sermons, quoting Bob Russell, “The message is the application.”

(12) 1 John 3:1 (NKJV) says, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.” In Greek, the word translated “What manner” (“How great” in the NIV) means, “Out of this world” or from “another realm.” God’s love is other-worldly.

3:17-18 – For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

(1) “God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world” – The reason for the Incarnation was not condemnation.
(A) Some treat this statement as evidence that no one will be condemned. They just forget to read the next verse.
(B) Condemnation was already a reality. People were already condemned. No need to destroy something ruined.
(C) It wasn’t time for judgment yet. John 9:39-41; Matthew 10:34; Luke 2:34, 12:49 speak of Jesus coming for judgment, division, and to bring a sword rather than peace. Jesus came to unite His people to Himself and divide His sheep from goats, insiders from outsiders.
(D) “the world” – Multiple uses of “the world” here – first is the Incarnation; second is “a humanity hostile to God.”

(2) “But to save the world through Him” – Same as above. Jesus came to save “sinners” – “a humanity hostile to God.” Not every person. His people! And His people happen to be a great multitude “from every tribe and language and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9).

(3) “Whoever believes in Him is not condemned.” – Not “whoever,” as in an open number, but “every believing one,” as in the elect.
(A) "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Praise God! IS = more than WILL BE… It’s as good as done.

(4) “But whoever does not believe stands condemned already” – Unbelief is the climax, the exclamation point on a life of sin and truth suppression (Romans 1:18-32). Some view “unbelief” as the unforgivable sin, and more sin is the punishment. John 5 elaborates.
(A) Did Jesus pay for this sin on the cross? John 9:41; John 3:36; 1 Peter 2:8 – Jesus did not atone for all the sins of all men.

(5) “Because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” – Jesus is clearly the only way to the Father.
(A) In all who reject the life-giving Christ, there remains only death (separation from God). Life consists only in faith.

3:19-21 – This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.

(1) “This is the verdict” – This is not an explanation of the sentence of the guilty, but it is how their sentence came about and is worked out.

(2) “Light has come into the world” – See John 1:5-11; 8:12. Jesus is the Light, the True Light, and the standard. How people in darkness respond to Him is the concern. What happens when you come out of a matinee? You close your eyes and turn your head.

(3) “But men loved darkness instead of light” – In our natural state, before regeneration, we prefer darkness to light.
(A) We love our sin as much as Jesus loves doing the will of the Father. Maybe not – but I wanted to saying something shocking. It’s our nature. Until we are transformed (regenerated) by the Holy Spirit, we have only the sin nature. There is no battle within until then. But once we are re-born, a great battle ensues (Romans 7). We are dead in sin and trespasses until God makes us alive (Ephesians 2:1-5). Seeking God doesn’t end at conversion; it begins at conversion.

(4) “Because their deeds were evil” – Just as a thief loves stealing and will not run to prison, so men are hypocrites who will not and cannot unmask themselves when light shines in darkness. Pride and, ironically, fear of condemnation are the reasons we don’t expose our sins voluntarily. Blame yourself if you end up condemned. You loved evil deeds more than truth, darkness more than light.

(5) “Everyone who does evil hates the light and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed” – We may perceive open-mindedness in the world, but the non-elect HATE the light. Notice that it’s only possible to hate the light if you have a guilty conscience. Romans 1:18-32 explains this. You know your deeds are evil, and you know the light exposes them. The irrationality is clear here: Condemnation comes as a result of not coming into the light. Fear of condemnation keeps us in the darkness. Do you see it? There is something morally wrong (spiritual deadness) with the unbeliever. Some run away from the light; some fight against the light. Saul fought against the light until it struck him blind. He was blind before being struck blind, and being struck blind, he was made to see. This is our experience as well. Pride prevents humility until the Spirit breaks our pride.

(6) “But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light” – Freed from bondage to the sin nature, hypocrisy, and pride, we who are reborn become not “good-doers”, rather than “evildoers,” but “truth-doers” rather than “evildoers.” Doing the truth involves the mind and body (Romans 12:1-2) in thought, word, and deed. We come into the light to avoid that condemnation we once feared. We “live by the truth” = “We live by Christ.” Jesus says in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” “We have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16).

(7) “So that it may be plainly seen that what he has done has been done through God” – This is the evidence of regeneration. Literally, this should read, “Truth-doers come into the light so that it may be plainly seen that God has worked their works.” Philippians 2:13 says, “It is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.”

Lastly, because nothing in this passage tells us how evil doers came to be evil doers, or why evil doers are evil doers (John 8; Romans 9), we will look in a couple of weeks at the origin of evil and the doctrine of concurrence.

Proud Mediocrity

My unanswered questions from Friday's post were answered over the weekend. The September issue of Tabletalk, which I began to read more thoroughly after Friday's post, answered my concerns of encouraging excellence without losing sight of contentedness. I'll blog more about it tomorrow, if I can remember to bring Tabletalk with me, as there are many worthy quotables from one article in particular....