Ambassadors of Reconciliation

[The following is a modified portion of the outline for a lesson I taught at Kosmosdale Baptist Church on Sunday March 18, 2007.]

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come. Now everything is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed the message of reconciliation to us. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ; certain that God is appealing through us, we plead on Christ's behalf, "Be reconciled to God." He made the One who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Working together with Him, we also appeal to you: "Don't receive God's grace in vain." For He says: In an acceptable time, I heard you, and in the day of salvation, I helped you. Look, now is the acceptable time; look, now is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 5:17-6:2 HCSB)

Three words to focus on from the above passage:

• “Therefore,” connected to the section of 2 Corinthians before this passage, in which the Apostle writes of Christ’s death and resurrection so that we may live for God rather than ourselves.
• “Ambassadors,” which are emissaries of a foreign authority higher in power than themselves, sent with a specific mission and message. This passage says calls us “ambassadors for Christ,” so that whoever may write our paycheck at the end of the week, we know that our true job, wherever we are at, is to represent Christ.
• “Reconciliation,” which is the mission and message of our ambassadorship.

This passage sums up the gospel message in four words: “Be reconciled to God.”

Concerning this phrase we should note:

• The subject of this phrase must be an understood “you.” The message we are sent with is a command from the LORD: “(You) be reconciled to God.” This means that our message is to be personal and to be presented with authority.
• The word “reconciled” cannot be simply reduced to felt needs. In other words, we cannot truly present the message of reconciliation as if it were the call for a better life. Love, joy, and peacefulness are certainly the effects of reconciliation, but reconciliation is a different concept.
• The word “reconciled” presupposes hostility. The Bible presents those outside of Christ as in rebellion against God and under His judgment for their rebellion. Colossians 1:21 teaches that before salvation, we are “alienated and hostile” toward God. And the hostility is not just one-sided, as Psalm 7:11 says, “God is a just judge, and God is angry with the wicked every day” (NKJV) and Ephesians 2:3 says that by our sinful nature we are children under God’s wrath. This is something that we must communicate to people: because most people live their lives deceiving themselves into thinking that God approves of them and will simply overlook their sins. They do NOT see their “mistakes” or “shortcomings” as a rebellion against the holy character of God, and they do not see their need for reconciliation.
• We are to command people to be reconciled “to God.” Our message is not just that people should pray a certain prayer or engage in certain religious activities. Rather, our message is about God Himself and a restored relationship to Him.
• The message, “Be reconciled to God,” is a message about Jesus, because this command can only be fulfilled through Christ’s perfect life, fulfilling the Law we could not keep due to our hearts constantly desiring that which is against God’s standards, through Christ’s death as a substitute, bearing God’s wrath that we deserved due to our rebellion, and through Christ’s resurrection, conquering death and Hell.

So, presenting the message of reconciliation to God through Jesus is what we mean by evangelism: the work we are to do as Christ’s ambassadors.

In order to give a more detailed definition of evangelism so that we may accurately evaluate whether or not we are fulfilling our duty as Christ’s ambassadors, I turn to theologian J.I. Packer, who, after studying what the New Testament has to say concerning evangelism, concluded:

To evangelize is to present Jesus Christ to sinful men in order that through the power of the Holy Spirit they may come to put their trust in God through Him, to accept Him as their Saviour and serve Him as their King in the fellowship of His Church. (From J.I. Packer, Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God.)

I direct your attention to the first part of the definition: “To present Jesus Christ.” Presenting Jesus Christ is something that should be on our heart at all times. This idea- that evangelism is fundamentally telling people about who Jesus is and what He has done- should be a great comfort to us as His ambassadors. A newly married bride will not be nervous to introduce someone to her husband and describe him to others. This would be especially true if she practiced introducing and describing him every day. In a similar way, Christians who are passionate about Jesus should not have trouble presenting him to others, especially if we are meditating on how to present gospel truth each day.

Response to a Common Objection

[The following blogpost was originally published on 7/10/06, but is as relevant now as ever.]

In this post-modern age, a confident declaration of the Truth is not widely admired. Often, when sharing the gospel with unbelievers or when defending the doctrines of Scripture, well-meaning Christians are charged with mean-spiritedness and arrogance. It seems that everyone is very eager to share their own opinions, but if someone actually tries to deny the validity of another's position, they can only be doing so out of ill-intent. So we who believe that there is absolute Truth and that this Truth can be certainly known must all be content with having our views constantly contradicted and we must pretend that we think we too are offering mere personal opinions.

I address this issue here due to a comment I received concerning a recent blogpost, which comment stated:

"That must be a comfort - knowing you're right while also knowing that so many others are wrong. An ego-boost!"

So, supposing that the conclusions reached at the end of the first paragraph of this post are unacceptable, how are we to respond to comments/accusations such as the one presented in the quote above? Having meditated on this and having emailed some friends concerning this subject, I would like to submit the following considerations:

We must respond in humility. A comment like the one above is really an accusation of pride and hard-heartedness. If we dismiss such accusations out-of-hand, then we may be turning our backs on a providential occasion for sanctification. None of us is so beyond selfishness that we can say, 'there is absolutely no chance that such an accusation could ever be true.' We must examine our own hearts in light of the Scripture and must seek accountability with other brothers and sisters in Christ who know us well to make sure that we are not, indeed, guilty of hard-hearted pride in some measure. Humility is to be the controlling characteristic of all our responses toward others as "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6b). Based upon this principle, I would like to suggest the following 5 responses when confronted with a comment like the one quoted above:

1. We must respond with investigation. If we receive a comment such as the one above, and if there is any evidence appended to such a comment, then we must humbly look into the evidence. Whether the evidence is concerning our personal character or concerning our doctrinal positions, we must prayerfully consider the possibility that we do have some error in our thinking. “The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.” (Proverbs 18:17 ESV)
2. We must respond with compassion. It is NOT a comfort to the child of God AT ALL to know "that so many others are wrong." Rather, we realize that it is only by God's grace through the power of the Holy Spirit that we have any measure of spiritual understanding, and it is our burden that others should come to a similar knowledge of the Truth. In this response, we follow the example of our Lord, of whom it was written, “When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.” (Mark 6:34 ESV)
3. We must respond with grace. Specifically, we should use comments or accusations such as the one quoted above as an opportunity to speak of God’s grace. When we are trying to convince someone that they are in error based on the clear teaching of God’s Word, the Bible– and not merely depending on our own intelligence– we are NOT acting in arrogance, for we realize that outside of God’s grace all of our thinking has become futile (see Romans 1:21). Outside of God’s      grace, no one seeks God (see Romans 3:11b). And so we are all in desperate need of a specific work of God in our hearts and minds if we are ever to understand any truth He has revealed and if we are ever to apply God’s truth by loving Him and loving others according to His plan. “What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7b)
4. We must respond with boldness. When we receive negative comments such as the one quoted above, one common reaction is to become less bold in our proclamation of the Truth. But if we are sure that we are speaking in accordance with the Bible, then we CANNOT afford to speak half-heartedly. God’s Truth must be proclaimed with steadfast conviction. In this, we follow the example set by the apostles in the book of Acts. It was when the religious leaders perceived the boldness of Peter and John that they recognized these men “had been with Jesus” (see Acts 4:13). The early Church in Jerusalem, therefore, prayed for boldness in their proclamation of God’s Word (see Acts 4:29), and God answered their prayer (see Acts 4:31). The book of Acts records this bold beginning of the apostolic ministry, and closes with a note about the Apostle Paul, that he continued “proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.” (Acts 28:31)
5. We must respond with Truth. As stated at the beginning of the post, a confident declaration of Truth is not widely admired. Most people today either believe that there is no absolute Truth, or if there is, that it cannot be certainly known. But we who have become God’s children by His grace must hold to the Truth and must proclaim the Truth to this world full of error, recognizing that when we do, we are likely to receive comments such as the one that prompted this blogpost. And what is the Truth? The psalmist tells us in his song to God, “The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever” (Psalm 119:160 ESV), and Jesus likewise reveals in His prayer to God, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17 ESV). God’s Word, the Holy Bible, is Truth and it is this Truth that we are bound to proclaim humbly with investigation, with compassion, with grace, and with boldness.

[On a similar topic, see Dan Phillips' blogpost, "How to deal with posts you don't like (and the flip side)", which applies equally well to the comments following blogposts.]

The G3 Conference: Its Location in Southern Baptist History, and Hope for Its Future

Introduction

The G3 Conference held at the end of last week was not just a conference by and for Southern Baptists. The speakers and attenders of the conference were not all Southern Baptist, and the conference organizers certainly hope that its impact extends beyond a single denomination.

On the other hand, the conference was held at a Southern Baptist church [Pray's Mill Baptist Church], about half of the speakers were Southern Baptist, and the majority of attenders [from what I could tell] were Southern Baptists. I do think that much of the impact from the conference will be among Southern Baptists. Even non-Southern Baptist evangelicals who are interested in the G3 Conference should care about its impact among Southern Baptists, since the Southern Baptist Convention is the largest Protestant denomination in America.

“The Controversy” Among Southern Baptists

Throughout most of the 20^th century, motivated by a genuine concern for reaching educated non-Christians– coupled with the sense of progressive pragmatism that characterized their age– Southern Baptists in general drifted into an Arminian mode of thinking (emphasizing the supposed ‘free-will’ of Man), with Southern Baptist institutions of learning eventually embracing liberal theology.

At the end of the 20^th century, there was a Conservative Resurgence within the Southern Baptist Convention by which the Convention as a whole reaffirmed their commitment to inerrant, infallible Scripture. Liberal theology was purged from the seminaries, and the Word of God was re-affirmed in Southern Baptist preaching. During the Conservative Resurgence, Southern Baptists often referred to the struggle between conservative and liberal elements in their midst simply as “the controversy.”

The Controversy Among Conservatives

During “the controversy” in the Southern Baptist Convention, a small but growing group contended for a more far-reaching Reformation in the SBC. They believed that although the doctrine of inerrant, infallible Scripture is important and foundational, a reaffirmation of this doctrine is not enough to accomplish the lasting change that the Convention needed. Instead, Southern Baptists should look back to their robust theological heritage– firmly rooted in the Reformed Baptist tradition– and they should proclaim the sovereign grace of God, set against the backdrop of a biblical understanding that Man’s will is not essentially “free,” but enslaved to sin. From out of these convictions, Founders Ministries was eventually formed.

Again, the G3 Conference is not directly affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, but in as much as this conference will have an impact on the SBC, it will be through building on the commitment to inerrant, infallible Scripture. The G3 Conference should prompt Baptists to not only affirm certain doctrines found in Scripture (though these doctrines are important, as Voddie Baucham made clear in the last sermon at the conference), but to dwell upon the glory of God as He has revealed Himself in Scripture. As John Snyder made clear in his sermon at G3, our understanding of what the church is and how the church operates must be driven by a deepening knowledge of God Himself.

Controversies Before “the Controversy”

The controversy between conservatives and liberals was not the first major controversy faced by Southern Baptists. At the 1995 meeting of the Southern Baptist Founders Conference, Timothy George delivered an address titled “Lessons from Controversy in the SBC.” In this address, George cited RBC Howell (the second president of the Southern Baptist Convention), who indicated three 19^th century controversies encountered by the SBC and its immediate predecessor, the Triennial Convention. (The Triennial Convention was the first nation-wide association of Baptists in America). These 19^th century controversies involved Campbellism, Hyper-Calvinism, and Landmarkism. Each of these early controversies helped Southern Baptists to define themselves in distinction from various errors.

Southern Baptists (and likeminded baptistic groups) who affirm conservative theology in its Reformed expression must learn from the past and be on guard against Campbellite, Hyper-Calvinist, or Landmarkist elements attempting to re-assert an influence upon our belief and practice. Those who attended G3 were properly warned concerning the first two errors just mentioned. Josh Buice, in the first sermon at G3, directly preached against the idea that water baptism provides a ground for justification or accomplishes the remission of sins (this is the most notable error of Campbellism; see his related article HERE). Other speakers and songs that were sung at G3 re-enforced a commitment to the doctrine of justification by faith alone. Steven Lawson, in both Thursday night’s final sermon and the Q&A following that sermon, spoke powerfully against Hyper-Calvinism (the idea that God’s sovereignty over salvation somehow lessens our responsibility to call all people everywhere to faith and repentance). Lawson and other speakers called upon preachers to plead with sinners concerning the urgent and immediate need for faith in Christ (see 2 Cor 5:20).

Rather than similarly guarding against Landmark teaching, the central defining doctrine of this error (that the term “church” only refers to local congregations of baptized believers and never to the one universal body and bride of Christ) was actually proclaimed at the G3 Conference in David Miller’s Friday morning sermon [see my blogpost on this HERE]. None of the other speakers made any direct statement against Landmarkism (though Voddie Baucham’s words in favor of confessionalism implies a rejection of Landmarkism, as the Baptist confessions affirm the one universal church). Practically speaking, Landmarkism is a problem in that it seriously hinders efforts at gospel proclamation that extend beyond denominational lines. (For example: Together for the Gospel would be impossible if the Baptists in the group believed that other members were not part of the body and bride of Christ.) [See more on the error of Landmarkism HERE.]

Conclusion

Concerning G3, it is my hope and pray that:

1. This conference will continue,
2. Even as the theme for the conference changes from year to year the emphasis on the Gospel-proclaiming church as a reflection of God’s grace with an emphasis on God's glory will continue,
3. Landmarkism will be firmly rejected (even as Campbellism and Hyper-Calvinism continue to be rejected),
4. This conference will be an engine for true reformation in the Southern Baptist Convention,
5. This conference will be a means by which God brings about true revival in churches (SBC and otherwise) across America. 

Why I haven't been blogging much lately

Recently, I published my first book, The Life, Teaching, and Legacy of Martin Luther, which is available at the following link:

http://bookstore.westbowpress.com/Products/SKU-000695140/The-Life-Teaching-and-Legacy-of-Martin-Luther.aspx

Since then, I've barely been blogging because I'm trying to complete my second book: What the Spirit Says to the Churches: A Commentary on Revelation 1-3. This week, I'm getting Abby to proofread each chapter of the commentary to make sure that what I've written can be understood by actual people (and not just me).

A Review of *The Life, Teaching, and Legacy of Martin Luther*

I am grateful to Tim Scott for reviewing my book, The Life, Teaching and Legacy of Martin Luther.

Tim's review may be found at the Kosmosdale Baptist Church website HERE as well as on the Amazon page for the book.

The Amazon page has been updated, and now includes their "Look Inside!" feature:  http://www.amazon.com/Life-Teaching-Legacy-Martin-Luther/dp/1490819967/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1387977588&sr=8-16&keywords=westbow+press

The book is available at the following link:
http://bookstore.westbowpress.com/Products/SKU-000695140/The-Life-Teaching-and-Legacy-of-Martin-Luther.aspx