{"id":597,"date":"2013-11-13T13:03:06","date_gmt":"2013-11-13T02:03:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.reformationministries.com.au\/blog\/?p=597"},"modified":"2013-12-11T12:05:54","modified_gmt":"2013-12-11T01:05:54","slug":"mans-priority-pt-4","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.reformationministries.com.au\/blog\/2013\/11\/mans-priority-pt-4\/","title":{"rendered":"Man’s Priority (Pt 4)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sola Scriptura<\/span>. This is the Christian\u2019s, indeed, Man\u2019s only rule for life and faith. Within the pages of Scripture, Man finds meaning and purpose. Man finds his priority for life.<\/p>\n

The truth of this is evident simply by looking to our society. We have become used to people asking the question<\/em><\/span>: \u201cWhy am I here?\u201d Surveying society, we find people not only searching for an answer to that question, but also living a life in answer to that question.<\/p>\n

When the Nihilist exists in what is little more than amalgamated moments of despair, he is living out his answer<\/em> <\/span>to the question<\/em><\/span>. When the Materialist exists by gathering to himself an ever increasing number of objects, he is living out his answer<\/em> <\/span>to the question<\/em><\/span>. When the Secularist exists in his Closed System, he is living out his answer<\/em> <\/span>to the question<\/em><\/span>. When the Evolutionist exists in his Chaos, he is living out his answer<\/em> <\/span>to the question<\/em><\/span>. When the alcoholic exists in his stuporous state, he is living out either his answer<\/em> <\/span>or lack of an answer<\/em> <\/span>to the question<\/em><\/span>.<\/p>\n

The tragedy encountered here is that each one thinks he either has an answer or has successfully avoided the question<\/em><\/span>, when he has but grasped the air<\/span>. Even more sorrowful is the fact that rebellious Man, turning his back to Scripture, has rejected the source of Truth and the one place in which he can find meaning and purpose, and priority. Sad, very sad!<\/p>\n

Yet, there is a greater calamity still. Such calamity is witnessed when we view the redeemed man also turning his back to Scripture. The rebellious sinner does so precisely because he is a rebellious sinner. This is understandable. This can make perfect sense. The child of God turning his back to His Father\u2019s voice! This is calamity. It is altogether preposterous. Yet, it happens \u2013 indeed is happening!<\/span> Everyday across our nation, Christians go about their business without seeking the counsel of God. Having been bewitched by the philosophy of this age, they indulge their perceived freedom to govern their lives as they see fit. Consequently, they fail to live out the purpose for which they were created and redeemed.<\/p>\n

Why am I here? Why are any of us here? What is our individual and collective priority? To worship the One True and Living God in purity through obedience!<\/strong><\/span>[1]<\/a><\/p>\n

As noted in the Part 3<\/a>, Christians today have fallen into the age old temptation that plagued Israel \u2013 they have mistaken fervent, industrious, religious activity for true worship<\/em><\/span>. Christians (and those claiming to be Christians ) turn up to church on Sunday; they run programmes; they busy themselves in worthwhile activities; they put money in the plate; they sing with gusto; yet this avails naught because God is displeased with these people for they do not worship Him aright<\/em>. Whilst they come to His house, offer praises in His name, and comply with certain Biblical commands, the reality is that these are outward motions only. The heart is in a different place and comes to each of these activities with false motives and a different agenda.[2]<\/a><\/p>\n

Now, I am sure that some will baulk at this assessment. Yet, this is the very evaluation that God made of Israel on several occasions. Israel conformed to the outward standards, but they did not follow in true heartfelt obedience to God\u2019s Law. Yahweh, consequently, told them to stop brining their sacrifices and observing their New Moons because they were a burden to Him. [3]<\/a> Fervency was not intimacy; practice was external not personal; adherence was rational not relational; and praise was contrived not congenial.<\/p>\n

The pertinent question seems to be, \u201cWhy do we think that we are immune to that same folly?<\/span>\u201d When we have puppet shows instead of preaching; when the service is so burdensome that we need an in house coffee hut and an intermission; when we sing a majority of songs that start with \u201cI\u201d; when our personal enjoyment becomes the \u2018yardstick\u2019 of a good service; when we become willing to abandon important doctrines so as to attain a better turn out; when some of our churches have sound systems that would cause recording studios to blush; when we fracture Christ\u2019s body; when we fracture families; when we condone sin and effectively trample the blood of Christ underfoot \u2013 How is it that we believe, contrary to all available evidence, that we are immune to that same folly?<\/span>[4]<\/a><\/p>\n

The Church is currently beguiled by unbelief precisely because She has imbibed deeply of the spirit of this age. Without question, successive generations, raised on a diet of Secular Humanism and rank Individualism, have brought these philosophies to the life of the Church. Man has been elevated. He is no longer a worm. Man is magnificent. Man is the measure. Man\u2019s rational mind can solve all problems. Man therefore assumes the mantle of the \u201cone\u201d to be worshipped.<\/p>\n

As a result, subtly to be sure, God\u2019s glory is eroded. God is no longer the single focus. Man crept in slowly. Starting as a mere apparition in the corner of the eye, he slowly moved to become the focal point. As this process was taking place, the equal and opposite reaction began. God was shifted sideways until He became but a speck in the corner of the eye \u2013 present to the view, but no longer to be the mono-focus.<\/p>\n

Given Man\u2019s elevation, all that spoke poorly of Man had to be eradicated or toned down. Certain doctrines were dropped, modified, or spoken of only in hushed tones. The words spoken from the pulpit underwent change. The hymns known throughout the Church were slowly abandoned. New songs were written that reflected the new beliefs. Doctrinal standards were pushed into the background and remained only as a token of respect to the past. The result of this development is that we have a generation that imitates the external motions of a previous generation, but which function on a very different set of motives.<\/p>\n

Subtly, Christianity has become completely subjective, focussing on \u201cme\u201d and \u201cI\u201d. Christianity has become a cosmic power to meet the needs of the individual. I<\/em> tithe in order to get. I<\/em> go to the church that I<\/em> like for my<\/em> enjoyment. I<\/em> attend the place where I<\/em> am comfortable. When seeking a new place to attend, they scope out any prospective congregations with the I<\/em>. These prospects must be aesthetically pleasing to the I<\/em> or they will not suffice. If any subsequent changes are made causing that congregation to cease being pleasing to the I<\/em>, then a motion is put to leave and find somewhere else. The result? They I\u2019s<\/em> have it. The motion passes.<\/p>\n

Worse than this atrocity \u2013 the individual Christian becoming the focal point in worship rather than God \u2013 was the second phase. Having elevated Man and having dropped those doctrines and terms that offended Man, it was not long before the distinction between Man the saint<\/em> <\/span>and Man the sinner<\/em> <\/span>disappeared. Thus, the most glaring change that has occurred in this regard is that sinful man <\/em>has been <\/em>elevated to be the centre of attention. The Christian does not focus upon an absolutely holy God nor does he focus upon his own redeemed brethren. Rather, sinful, unregenerate Man holds pride of place.<\/p>\n

Sermons are no longer aimed at the true, obedient worship of God or edifying and equipping the Christian; rather they are aimed at saving and or pacifying the sinner. Quizzically, as the sinner does not like certain doctrines, they are dropped or minimised so that the sinner can be comfortable. The sinner, in the extreme case, is even offered certain jobs so that they will feel at home within the Church.<\/p>\n

This happens across our nation every Sunday, yet people seem absolutely reluctant to admit to the obvious consequences of this process. God demands holiness and separateness, so we must ask, \u201cOn what basis do we form an amalgam?\u201d[5]<\/a> God\u2019s word reveals that certain things must be preached as the means of salvation, so it must be asked, \u201cHow do we save a sinner if these requirements are dropped?\u201d[6]<\/a><\/p>\n

This is not rocket science. It is a case of dealing with hearts that have become hardened unto God; hearts that are listening to Man and not God.[7]<\/a><\/p>\n

In opposition to this anthropocentric view and coddling of the unregenerate, the Bible instructs us specifically that Man\u2019s priority is to worship the One True and living God and this in absolute purity<\/strong><\/span>. There is to be no \u201cguess work\u201d, \u201cstabs in the dark\u201d, \u201crough enough is good enough\u201d or \u201cGod looks on the heart\u201d type theology\u2013which translates into Man doing what he thinks is right and acceptable.<\/p>\n

On the contrary, Scripture, in words, signs, and figures, vociferously insists that God alone is to be worshipped and worshipped in the manner prescribed by Him. During the Reformation this principle came to be known as the Regulative Principle of Worship<\/em>. Sadly, over time men have tampered with this concept to the point that it is either forgotten or obscured.<\/p>\n

Nonetheless, the words penned by the Westminster Divines, enunciating the Biblical principle, hold true and should not be ignored:<\/p>\n

\u2026But the acceptable way of worshipping the true God is instituted by Himself, and so limited by His own revealed will, that He may not be worshipped according to the imaginations and devices of men, or the suggestions of Satan, under any visible representation, or any other way not prescribed in the Holy Scripture. (Deut. 12:32, Matt. 15:9, Acts 17:25, Matt. 4:9\u201310, Deut. 15:1\u201320, Exod. 20:4\u20136, Col. 2:23).<\/span>[8]<\/a><\/p>\n

What is amazing about this teaching is not the dogma itself, but the fact that it is so patent, so prevalent, so perspicuous, and so emphasised in Scripture, yet men seem unwilling or unable to grasp it.<\/p>\n

Adam walked with God in the cool of the evening \u2013 fellowship \/ worship. This relationship was intimate. There was no barrier or hindrance. Then Adam transgressed. What happened next? Man was ashamed to dwell in intimacy with God. Fallen man could not reside before a holy God nor meet the demands for fellowship and worship. Man\u2019s response<\/em>? He hid<\/strong><\/span>. He is still hiding. Man distances himself from God because he cannot bear the light of truth that shines forth from God\u2019s righteous Being and shows Man to be a sinner. It is important to note that nothing has changed in this regard. Sinful Man still hides from God in the 21st<\/sup> Century.[9]<\/a><\/p>\n

This principle is clearly seen. Why do we not admit it and believe it? Adam hid. Adam did not make his way to God. At the first hint of God\u2019s presence, Adam scarpered!<\/em> <\/span>This is the sinners MO when dealing with God. Likewise we see that it was God who called Adam\u2019s name. It was God who made the blood covering for Adam and Eve.<\/p>\n

In terms of our thesis, this is a noteworthy point. If sinful Man runs from God and His worship, \u201cHow do we humans believe that we can make God\u2019s worship appealing to a rebellious sinner?<\/em><\/span>\u201d We compromise. We empty our churches and our worship services of the things that would offend the conscience of sinful Man. Hence, in orthodox circles we adopt many of the practices outlined earlier; in heterodox circles we abandon standards altogether and happily teach the principles of homosexuality, feminism, Secularism, Evolution and the like. In short, there is an attempt to legitimise paganism.<\/p>\n

Man cannot come to God as he pleases.[10]<\/a> Man cannot offer as acceptable worship that which is devised in his own mind.<\/p>\n

Think, here, of the first murder. What was the setting? Worship! Abel, acceptable to God, presented an acceptable offering according to God\u2019s design.[11]<\/a> Cain did not. Cain became enraged, but he only had himself to blame. His offering was not accepted because he had adopted the \u201cstab in the dark\u201d approach. He had decided \u201crough enough was good enough\u201d. Cain believed that God should simply accept his offering because he had made an effort to present something.<\/p>\n

In other words, typical of fallen Man, Cain believed, not in obeying God\u2019s revelation, but in the fact that Man can oblige God to look upon him with favour purely on the basis of Man offering a token gesture in God\u2019s direction. Let\u2019s be clear. In every form, this formula is favour or<\/em> salvation by works<\/em>! It is Man\u2019s vain attempt to obligate God into rendering favour \/ salvation to Man on the basis of something that Man has done.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Note the pattern, please. First, Cain pays no heed to God\u2019s standard for acceptable worship \u2013 showing his disbelief in God\u2019s word as the only authority. Second, Cain despises the warning given by God to the effect that sin is crouching at the door. Third, having shown a gross disregard for the voice of God on these two occasions, Cain casts off all restraint, strikes out at his brother, killing him, rather than admit that he is a sinner. Cain was culpable. Cain stopped up his ears to the voice of God<\/span>. Yet, like most sinners, he chose to blame the \u2018righteous man\u2019 for being righteous. Cain chose to blame Abel because Abel\u2019s righteousness clearly showed Cain\u2019s sin.[12]<\/a><\/p>\n

Clearly demonstrated for us in this episode are several facts. Of importance, please note again, the sinner does not run to God, rather he runs from God. Also, the sinner cannot bring any worthy sacrifice that will be acceptable to God. In fact, as the sinner is the impediment to worship, refusing to hearken unto God\u2019s instruction, he cannot offer anything that is acceptable and will therefore only and always react negatively when corrected.<\/span> Thus, in terms of our worship today, why is it that we seek to cajole and placate the sinner? Why do we insist on a pragmatic means that runs contrary to Scripture? Why do we place the sinner before obedience to God?[13]<\/a> More importantly, if we are so concerned for the sinner, why do we deceive him?<\/p>\n

Lastly, please take serious note of the progression. Cain refused to listen to God and men died. When Cain refused to listen to God\u2019s instruction and correction, he set himself on a course of destruction that ended in death. The instruction of God for worship was not heeded. The voice of God for correction and warning was openly dismissed. Such brazenness toward God could only manifest itself as a total disrespect for man \u2013 in this case, the life of his brother.<\/p>\n

When we stop our ears to God today, on what path do we step? What consequences will come as a direct result?<\/p>\n

Moving forward in history, let us consider the Exodus. When God called His people out of Bondage in Egypt, on what basis did He do so? Worship! God commanded Pharaoh to let His people go so that they may \u201cgo a three days\u2019 journey into the wilderness, to sacrifice to the Lord our God.<\/span>\u201d[14]<\/a> The intent of this statement is even more clear when Pharaoh finally caves, saying, \u201cRise up, get out from among my people, both you and the sons of Israel; and go, worship the Lord, as you have said.<\/span>\u201d[15]<\/a><\/p>\n

At this momentous point in history, God reveals this singular point \u2013 salvation is to worship<\/em><\/span>. One cannot be saved and not worship. One cannot worship unless saved. Salvation is worship, but it is a very specific worship. It had to be as God commanded. It happened not in bondage but in freedom. It happened in God\u2019s land, not in a foreign land. It happened in accordance with God\u2019s standards, not Man\u2019s.<\/p>\n

When Israel reached Mount Sinai they were given the Law. Why? So that they would live and worship rightly. What was God\u2019s chief complaint and the reason Israel was expelled from the land? They did not obey God and worship Him appropriately, exclusively, obediently or willingly<\/em><\/span>.<\/p>\n

Again, how do we overlook this potent and recurring subject? How do we insist that the priority of the Church, the State, the Family, and the Individual, is something other than total obedience to and worship of the One True and Living God, revealed to us in Jesus Christ? How do we dethrone this God and put the rebellious sinner in His place? How do we do this in light of all that Scripture reveals on the matter of God\u2019s worship in purity, by His people, in accordance with His standard? How do we? We do it precisely because of unbelief<\/strong><\/span>. We will not yield to the voice of the Lord.<\/p>\n

Jeremiah\u2019s words should make us tremble:<\/p>\n

An appalling and horrible thing has happened in the land: The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule on their own <\/em>authority; and My people love it so!<\/span>[16]<\/a><\/p>\n

(Part 5)<\/a>
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[1]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The word worship<\/em> comes from worth-ship<\/em>. It\u2019s related to worthy<\/em> as in \u201cworthy is the Lamb.\u201d To worship God means to give Him what He is worthy<\/em> to receive.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Worship is what will eventually unite the whole creation. The hearts of all men and the direction of all that lives will form a perfect harmony not around a conference table but around a throne. The end of [goal] life is worship. The goal of living is praise.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 When we offer proper<\/strong> worship<\/strong>, we are completely free.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 For a picture of freedom by worship, we should attend a football game at a stadium. Try to forget how unimportant the issue is, and disregard, for the present, the silliness of the spectacle. Just watch the crowd\u2014all those people different from each other in color, opinion and character. On an ordinary day, in an ordinary room, you could not get six of them to say the same thing on any topic. But now they are unreservedly united while they cheer their team on. For a moment, at least, they are entirely free from every private worry. Nobody even thinks of the mortgage payments. The hope and happiness of every one of them is wrapped up in their team\u2019s victory. The fans in the stadium are a perfect parable of freedom by worship.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The goal of the cosmos is the praise of God. The universe will be free when all our streams of thought and all our aspirations converge on the throne of God.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Today we may already experience something of the freedom and unity of worship. In those rare moments when our prayers turn to praise, we are free. Health, house, money, misery, even sin and guilt are forgotten when we climb the stairway of praise.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In those moments when we have nothing to ask and everything to give, we make the great discovery that we were made for God\u2014and that He and the Lamb are worthy of the worship of all that exists<\/strong>. And we find unity! Effortlessly we find each other in the praises of our God.<\/p>\n

Andrew Kuyvenhoven<\/em>, Daylight<\/strong>: Daily readings with the Bible (Paideia Press, St Cathrines, Ontario, Canada) November 9; Text: Revelation 5:11-14. Italics original. Bold added. Also available at: http:\/\/www.reformationalpublishingproject.com\/pdf_books\/Scanned_Books_PDF\/Daylight.pdf<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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[2]<\/a> Isaiah 29:13 ff; C.f Mathew 15:7-9.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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[3]<\/a> Isaiah 1:11-15; Jeremiah 6:20; Amos 5:21-24; Amos 4:4-5; Malachi 1:10; Isaiah 66:3; Micah 6:6-8; Jeremiah 7:8-11.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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[4]<\/a> We will attempt to answer this in the following paragraphs. The short answer is, \u201cunbelief\u201d! We have turned away from Scripture and adopted the standards of the world. Therefore, when we measure our efforts and or activities they seem acceptable only because we are using a false measuring device. We think we are above Israel precisely because we are affected by the same stupor \u2013 a stupor that blinds our eyes and dulls our minds to God\u2019s reality.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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[5]<\/a> 2 Corinthians 6:14 -18: Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness<\/em>, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, \u201cI will dwell in them and walk among them; And I will be their God, and they shall be My people.\u00a0 \u201cTherefore, come out from their midst and be separate<\/em>,\u201d says the Lord. \u201cAnd do not touch what is unclean; And I will welcome you.\u00a0 18 \u201cAnd I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,\u201d Says the Lord Almighty<\/span>. See Isaiah 52:11 as the source quote, making this a Biblical standard. C.f 1 Corinthians 10:21-22 and Revelation 18:4.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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[6]<\/a> The most obvious example would be Paul\u2019s statement that the \u201cLaw is a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ<\/span>\u201d (Galatians 3:24); yet we rarely use the term law let alone preach on it and from it. Here, the chain is complete. Having abandoned faith in the OT, we are in need of a new means to convert sinners. Thus, we invent rather than repent. We turn to our own ideas instead of turning back to God and His Word. A note must also be given on the sentence used. Man cannot save sinners<\/em>. That alone is God\u2019s work. However, if you listen to the moderns you would think that salvation was but a formula \u2013 do this, add that and voil\u00e0! This highlights the problem. Men were commissioned by God to preach the Gospel \u2013 foolishness to Man but the power of God unto salvation. Why? Salvation is not in believing, as such, but in receiving the righteousness of God through Jesus Christ. This is the \u201cgift\u201d Paul speaks of in Romans. The point being that we have subtly capitulated to the false doctrines that espouse that Man can act for his own salvation. Consequently, we use programmes and entertainments to try and convince Man to be saved.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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[7]<\/a> Ezekiel 3:4-11: Then He said to me, \u201cSon of man, go to the house of Israel and speak with My words to them. \u201cFor you are not being sent to a people of unintelligible speech or difficult language, but <\/em>to the house of Israel, nor to many peoples of unintelligible speech or difficult language, whose words you cannot understand. But I have sent you to them who should listen to you; yet the house of Israel will not be willing to listen to you, since they are not willing to listen to Me. Surely the whole house of Israel is stubborn and obstinate. \u201cBehold, I have made your face as hard as their faces, and your forehead as hard as their foreheads. \u201cLike emery harder than flint I have made your forehead. Do not be afraid of them or be dismayed before them, though they are a rebellious house.\u201d Moreover, He said to me, \u201cSon of man, take into your heart all My words which I shall speak to you, and listen closely. \u201cAnd go to the exiles, to the sons of your people, and speak to them and tell them, whether they listen or not, \u2018Thus says the Lord God.<\/span> Ezekiel 5:11 \u2013 So as I live,\u2018 declares the Lord God, \u2018surely, because you have defiled My sanctuary with all your detestable idols and with all your abominations, therefore I will also withdraw, and My eye shall have no pity and I will not spare<\/span>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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[8]<\/a> WCF 21:1. Westminster Assembly, The Westminster Confession of Faith<\/em>, (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.) 1995.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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[9]<\/a> If you have any doubt about the veracity of this statement, I beg you, please read Romans chapter one and pay full attention to what Paul has to say, especially at verse 32.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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[10]<\/a> John 6:44; John 14:6; Numbers 4:17-20; Leviticus 21:16-24.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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[11]<\/a> At this point, we must do justice to the text by acknowledging that the offering is tied to the offerer. The text says that God had \u201cregard for Abel and his offering<\/span>\u201d. The word order suggests that the offering was acceptable because the offerer was acceptable. The same thing is said of Cain. God did not just disregard Cain\u2019s offering. God had disregard for Cain himself. This is important for our thesis as it categorically shows that the offering cannot transcend the offerer. In short, even the perfect offering will be impeded by the imperfect offerer. Once more, then, we are confronted with the Biblical fact that sinful Man cannot find acceptance with God on his own terms.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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[12]<\/a> This is the modern principle in action. Holiness shows the sinner\u2019s deficiency in the eyes of a Holy God. Therefore, everything that would have this effect must be eradicated. Cain destroyed Abel in order to remove the holy object that convicted him of his sin. We are doing this very thing today when we drop or change doctrines. When we change our language. When we reduce our standards. The tragedy is that in doing so we are taking away God\u2019s appointed means of salvation and we are failing to allow this absolute holiness to be a spur to genuine awe and wonder in worship. The result of this is that we rob sinner and saint.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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[13]<\/a> Again, people will baulk at this. Yet it is true. I have witnessed many sermons of late that are almost universally applied to the sinner. It is rare to hear the sermon that encourages the Christian to be a better father, husband, son, employer, employee, friend, companion, lover etc. The current decline in Christianity\u2019s impact on our world is explicitly tied to this subject. As we have turned from God, we have forgotten what we are to be, thus sermons seek to convert sinners (but rarely achieve as the Gospel has been made null) but Christians are not taught to be mature and Christ like. Hence, the downward spiral begins by denying God\u2019s absolute right to be worshiped; it continues in the paucity of true worship; consequently the Christian\u2019s maturity and sanctification are passed over. In the end, there is no salt and light, so the world becomes smelly and dark.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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[14]<\/a> Exodus 3:18.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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[15]<\/a> Exodus 12:31.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

[16]<\/a> Jeremiah 5:30-31.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Sola Scriptura. This is the Christian\u2019s, indeed, Man\u2019s only rule for life and faith. Within the pages of Scripture, Man finds meaning and purpose. Man finds his priority for life. The truth of this is evident simply by looking to … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[21,47,48,6,60],"tags":[148,62,59,61,151],"class_list":["post-597","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-australia","category-church","category-doctrine","category-reform","category-worship","tag-church","tag-holiness","tag-obedience","tag-pragmatism","tag-worship"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p2V1tu-9D","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.reformationministries.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/597","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.reformationministries.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.reformationministries.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.reformationministries.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.reformationministries.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=597"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.reformationministries.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/597\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":602,"href":"https:\/\/www.reformationministries.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/597\/revisions\/602"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.reformationministries.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=597"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.reformationministries.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=597"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.reformationministries.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=597"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}