by HARVEYOPP | Oct 30, 2015 | Scott Henry
On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses for reform on the church door in Wittenberg, Germany. Luther’s students then took the 95 theses, made copies and distributed them throughout Germany, and this was the catalyst that sparked the Protestant Reformation. The main emphasis of the Reformation was to bring the straying church back to the teaching of Scripture, especially regarding the doctrine of justification. You see, the Reformers understood the Bible to be the very Word of God and therefore the Bible alone can instruct us concerning every issue of faith and life. It was from this understanding of Scripture that the “Five Solas” of the Reformation were developed.
- SOLA SCRIPTURA: the Bible is the only authority in faith and life. This teaching opposed the Roman Catholic doctrine of church tradition and the authority of the Pope (Matt. 4:4; John 12:48).
- SOLA FIDE: we are justified through faith alone, not faith plus works (Ephesians 2:8-10).
- SOLA GRATIA: we are saved by God’s grace alone, not because of anything we have done. Salvation is simply according to God’s good pleasure. (Ephesians 2:8-9; Ephesians 1:5).
- SOLA CHRISTO: we are saved by the person and work of Jesus Christ alone; Not Christ plus the sacraments or Christ plus good works, but by Jesus Christ alone (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Tim. 2:5).
- SOLI DEO GLORIA: ALL things are to be done unto God’s glory alone. (1 Cor. 10:31)
Now it’s important to realize that each of these “Solas” is under attack today, and not just in liberal churches, or in the secular world, but these five “Solas” are being undermined even in Protestant churches. And if we lose them, we lose biblical Christianity, because without the “Solas” we lose the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). The teaching of Scripture concerning salvation is very clear –– salvation is by grace alone –– through faith alone –– in Jesus Christ ALONE. But what did the Apostle Paul mean when he wrote “you have been saved?” First of all, he means that believers have been rescued from the penalty of sin. Romans 6:23 says the wages of sin is death, and every person has earned these wages. And so when Paul speaks of being saved he means, in the first place, that believers have been spared the just judgment of God against their sins. But he also means that believers have been rescued from the dominion, guilt, and consequences of sin. Before a person trusts in Jesus Christ they are enslaved to sin (Eph. 2:1-3; John 8:34), but when Jesus saves a person He breaks the power of reigning sin in their life. Jesus now becomes their Master and Savior, and the principle of grace begins to reign in the soul of the redeemed person. Are you one of the redeemed of Christ? Do you trust Him ALONE as your only righteous standing before God? Then praise God for saving you by His wondrous, amazing grace, which is in Christ Jesus, and let your glorying be that of Jesus Christ. As it is written: “But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the LORD” (Jer. 9:24).
by HARVEYOPP | Oct 6, 2015 | Scott Henry
“What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness” (Romans 4:1-3).
The most important question any person could ever ask is, “How can a sinful man be reconciled to the holy God of Scripture?” How is it possible for a sinner, who has violated the holy standard of God’s law at every point, to escape the penalty of eternal death and be received into God’s favor?
From the very moment man fell into sin he has been seeking to answer this question in a myriad of ways. Adam thought it was enough to cover himself with figs leaves, whereas Cain believed the bringing of his produce should be enough to fully satisfy God. The Pharisees of Jesus’ day declared that they were righteous in God’s sight on the basis of their obedience to the works of the Law. Ecclesiastes 1:9-10: “That which has been is what will be, that which is done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which it may be said, “See, this is new”? It has already been in ancient times before us.”
After reading these words in Ecclesiastes, it should come as no surprise that there are Pharisees today who teach that sinners can be justified before the holy God of Scripture on the basis of their obedience. They even say this is what the Scriptures teach. But according to our text NO SINFUL MAN will ever be justified in the sight of the holy God of Scripture by anything he has done or will do. Rather, Scripture declares that man is justified by grace alone, through faith alone, apart from the works of the Law, and any man seeking to be justified by his own works is under God’s curse. As our text says, “What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”
Our text clearly teaches that justification before God does not come from our doing, but rather from believing the promise of God. “For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved” (Romans 10:11-13). And so we read in our text, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”
What about you … do you believe the promise of God? Do you trust Jesus Christ as your only hope of righteousness, reconciliation, and forgiveness with God? Call upon Jesus now and live forevermore.
by HARVEYOPP | Sep 8, 2015 | Scott Henry
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
The Word of God comes not from the mind of men, “for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” (2 Peter 1:21). The Apostle Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16 that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…” The English word “inspiration” is not the best translation of the Greek word “theopneustos” and it can easily lead to misunderstanding. The Greek word “theopneustos” is a compound word from “Theós” which means “God” and “pnéo” meaning “to breathe or blow.” Therefore the literal rendering of the word “theopneustos” means “God breathed.” Our text clearly teaches that God breathed out His holy Word by the instrumentality of men whom He chose to write down His Word as they were moved, guarded, and superintended by the Spirit of God. And that Word is the 66 books of Old and New Testaments, which we called the Holy Bible.
Have you listened to the voice of God today? You can hear Him plainly and clearly in His Word, which “…is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” God’s wondrous Word “…is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes…” (Psalm 19:7-8). And again, “The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times” (Psalm 12:6). And not only is the Word of God sure, right, and pure, but “When you roam, it will lead you; when you sleep, it will keep you; and when you awake, it will speak with you” (Proverbs 6:22). Open up the Bible and listen to the voice of God … it will revolutionize your life!
by HARVEYOPP | Aug 28, 2015 | Scott Henry
“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).
The death of a loved one, a friend, a relative, or a neighbor ought to cause each of us to stop and reflect upon our own mortality. “For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). The death of a fellow human being ought to cause each of us to cry out to God like the tax collector in the temple: “God, be merciful to me, the sinner!” (Luke 18:13). We all need God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness because we are all sinners (Romans 3:23) who have broken God’s Law and we all know we will soon die and face our Creator. “For the living know they will die…” (Ecclesiastes 9:5). “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do” (Hebrews 4:13). “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment…” (Hebrews 9:27).
Did you notice the words “…but after this the judgment”? How are you planning to escape the judgment of God against your sins? Are you planning to stand in your own efforts, your own supposed goodness? The Bible is clear regarding the forgiveness of sins … Jesus Christ is the ONLY way of forgiveness with God. “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). “Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many” (Heb. 9:28), and all who trust in His perfect law-abiding life and sin-atoning death have full forgiveness of their sins and are reconciled to our Holy God. “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him” (John 3:36).
Don’t be deceived … death and judgment are a breath away for all the living. Therefore, I “implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:20-21). Run to Jesus while you still have time … “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved…” (Acts 16:31) … call out to Him for grace, mercy, and forgiveness … for He has promised rest, righteousness, forgiveness, and everlasting life to all who come to Him by true faith. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matt. 11:28-29).
by HARVEYOPP | Aug 28, 2015 | Scott Henry
“Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD!” (Psalm 119:1)
To walk in the Law of the Lord means that God’s Word directs your steps and informs all your decisions. It means your practice is to deal with every situation in life according to the Word of God. The person who walks according to the Law of the Lord continually asks this question, “What does the Word of God say about this situation?” Not one believer does this consistently because of remaining, indwelling sin, and that’s why we have days of sorrow, struggle, disappointment, and discouragement. But we know, as our text teaches, that if we are going to be joyful it’s only going to happen as we walk in obedience to God’s Word. Think of the times you disobeyed and how you grieved in your soul. Think how the Spirit of God convicted you of your sin and drove you to repentance. This is God’s love and goodness towards the sheep of His pasture, the people of His hand. “For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives” (Hebrews 12:6).
Our desire as believers is to live consistently according to God’s Word, but our walk is not yet perfected; the point is, if you call yourself a Christian then you must have the desire to walk consistently according to God’s Word, and if you do it will be manifest in your life. If you would be one who is undefiled in the way, you must be one who keeps God’s testimonies. And if you keep or obey His testimonies then it will be demonstrated by your lifestyle. You will be a forgiving person who strives to put off grudges; you will avoid adultery by living faithfully with your spouse; you will labor with your own hands to avoid being a thief; you will speak the truth in order to avoid being a liar, and you will strive to conform all your thoughts and words to the Word of God so that God would be glorified in and through your life. Does this describe you? Pray that God fills you more and more with His Spirit and Word so that you might walk in His ways and thereby live as a thankful, joyful, obedient believer, one who is redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. 1 John 2:6: “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.”
by HARVEYOPP | Aug 21, 2015 | Scott Henry
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).
Regarding the 8th Commandment, the Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 111, reads as follows: “But what does God require of you in this Commandment? That I further my neighbor’s good where I can and may, deal with him as I would have others deal with me, and labor faithfully, so that I may be able to help the poor in their need.” Christians are called to labor with their own hands at a good work in order to supply not only their own needs, but also the needs of fellow believers (Eph. 4:28). We read in Hebrews 13:16: “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”
The Biblical doctrine of giving is contrary to the ungodly world in which we live. This fallen world is full of the sons of the Devil (John 8:44) who are walking in darkness because they have been taken captive by Satan to do his will (2 Timothy 2:26; Acts 26:18). They are recognized by their godless speech, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9) But the Christian does not walk in darkness. He has been translated out of the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light of God’s dear Son for obedience unto the faith (Eph. 2:10) that was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude vs. 3). Scripture is abundantly clear; we are born again by the Spirit of God in order that we might be our brother’s keeper. “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4).
What about you? Are you zealous to be a “vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work” (2 Timothy 2:21). Do you have generous hands that supply for those who have needs? Do you view your labor as not only supplying your own needs but also the needs of others in your church as well? As Christians we must keep in mind the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). When was the last time you invited a widow in your church or neighborhood to your home for a meal? “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27).
How do we demonstrate the love of Christ to others if not by practical deeds of kindness? “This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men” (Titus 3:8). And John tells us in 1 John 3:18-19: “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him.” Are we too busy or too burdened to walk in obedience to the commands of our Lord to care for the sheep of His pasture? Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
Therefore, give of your time, talents and treasure for the glory of God and the good of His church. Only in this way will we be able to heed the words of our text: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).
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