R.C. Sproul's Blog, page 523

What's the Difference Between the Decretive and the Preceptive Wills of God?

In this excerpt from his teaching series, "Foundations," Dr. R.C. Sproul distinguishes between the decretive and the preceptive wills of God.

Transcript

The secret things of the LORD our God belong to Him. That refers to what we call the hidden will of God. Now usually when we're speaking of the hidden will of God we have in our mind the decretive will of God. And when people say to me, "What is the will of God for my life?" I say, remember that the Bible uses the word "will of God" in several different ways. The first way in which we talk about the will of God is what we call the decretive will; and the decretive will of God is that will of God by which God sovereignly brings to pass whatsoever He wills. Sometimes it's called the absolute will of God; sometimes it's simply called the sovereign will of God; sometimes it's called in theology the efficacious will of God. But normally, we talk about the decretive will of God. That is, when God decrees sovereignly that something should come to pass, it must needs come to pass.

The Bible frequently speaks about the determinate counsel of God. Where, when God has decreed from all eternity that Christ should die on the cross in Jerusalem at a particular time in history, it must needs come to pass. It comes to pass through the determinate counsel or will of God. That's what we're talking about when we're talking about the decretive will of God. That will that God brings to pass by the sheer power of His sovereignties. It's irresistible, it has to happen. When God calls the world into existence, it comes into existence. It cannot not begin, the lights cannot not come on when He says, "Let there be light." That's the decretive will of God.

Now, we also talk about the preceptive will of God. And we understand that the decretive will of God cannot be resisted. The preceptive will of God not only can be resisted by us, but is resisted all the time. The preceptive will of God is a reference to God's law; to His commandments. This is the will of God that you not have any other God's before Him. Now when people call me and they say, "How can I know the will of God for my life?" I want to say to them, what will are you talking about? Are you talking about the decretive will of God? Are you talking about the hidden will of God? If you're talking about the hidden will of God, the first thing you have to understand about the hidden will of God is that it's hidden.

And when people say to me, "What does God want me to do in this sort of case?" I say, how do I know? I study theology, but I can't read God's mind. All I can do is read God's Word. And what God's Word does for me is give me His revealed will. And that's enough of a task to last me my lifetime trying to sort out everything that is in this book that God has revealed. And if you're asking me about that I can help you with it; but if you're asking me about His hidden will, you're asking the wrong person, because I have no earthly idea what is in God's mind where He has not revealed Himself.

Now Calvin made his comment at this point, he says, "Where God closes His holy mouth, I will desist from inquiry." I'll say that again, "Where God closes His holy mouth, I will desist from inquiry." Now to translate that into modern nomenclature, we would say something like this, "The hidden will of God is none of your business, that's why it's hidden."

The Expository Genius of John Calvin — 99¢ eBook Sale

We announced in May that for a limited time Reformation Trust will be making select titles even more accessible as we lower their eBook price to 99¢. In honor of John Calvin's 503rd birthday, we continue this month by offering you The Expository Genius of John Calvin by Steven Lawson.

In The Expository Genius of John Calvin you'll find an intimate portrait of Calvin the preacher—the core beliefs that determined his preaching style, the steps he took to prepare to preach, and the techniques he used in handling the Word of God, interpreting it, and applying it to his congregation. In the pulpit ministry of the great Reformer, Dr. Lawson finds inspiration and guidance for today's church and calls on modern pastors to follow the Reformer's example of strong expository preaching.

"I heartily recommend this book by Steven Lawson as an impetus to the recovery of expository preaching. It is an especially good gift for pastors and seminary students."
—R.C. Sproul

The Expository Genius of John Calvin is currently on sale for 99¢ as both an ePub from the Ligonier Store or from Amazon's Kindle Store. Offer expires July 20th, 2012.

Dividing Walls That Unite

Here's an excerpt from Dividing Walls That Unite, Burk Parsons' contribution to the July issue of Tabletalk.

"Be not ashamed of your faith; remember it is the ancient gospel of the martyrs, confessors, reformers and saints. Above all, it is the truth of God, against which the gates of Hell cannot prevail. Let your lives adorn your faith, let your example adorn your creed." These words from C.H. Spurgeon's foreword to the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith are as poignant now as in 1855.

As the church at the beginning of the twenty-first century, we desperately need to return to our historic creeds and confessions, and we need to remember the ancient gospel of our forefathers as we contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 3). However, if we're to contend earnestly for the faith, we must discern where to build appropriate fences and necessary walls, and we must do so according to the never-changing Word of God, not according to the ever-changing relativistic feelings of our tolerant-of-anything-but-biblical-truth society. Moreover, as we determine which fences and walls to erect, we must also discern which old fences need mending and which man-made walls are unbiblical and must, therefore, be destroyed.

Continue reading Dividing Walls That Unite.

6 Reasons to Read "God in Our Midst"

Like me, you probably have been disappointed by many books on the Old Testament. The covers look great, the titles sound enticing, and the blurbs appear exciting. But one chapter in and you begin to flag. They are so boring, so academic, so impractical, and so suitable for your large pile of "read-one-chapter" books.

So, how can you improve your chances of selecting a book on the Old Testament that will bless your life? Let me tell you six things I look for when I'm choosing books on the Old Testament for my own spiritual edification.

First, I want a reverent and diligent handling of the text of Scripture. For too long the Old Testament text has been treated with less respect than a daily newspaper. It has been attacked, lampooned, and neglected, not just by those outside the church but by many within it. So, I want to be sure that the author views the Old Testament as the inspired Word of God, and then works hard to mine the maximum meaning out of each precious word.

Second, I expect any interpretation to start with the original context and park there for a while. Many books and sermons seem to regard the Old Testament as something hot off the presses and addressed directly to twenty-first-century culture. They fail to consider the original message to the original audience thousands of years ago and thousands of miles away. If you want to get on the wrong track immediately and lead others astray, that's a sure-fire way of doing it.

Third, while accounting for the slow, progressive unfolding of God's truth over many years, the book should portray that truth as having one clear and constant message. At times, some writers imply that God started with Plan A, and when that didn't work He tried Plan B, then C, then D, and so on. In other words, instead of seeing God's message of a gracious salvation for sinners through the Messiah as one seed that gradually grows from root to shoot to stem to flower to fruit, they imply that God was forever starting over; planting then uprooting, replanting then uprooting, over and over again.

Fourth, I look for a book that follows Jesus' and His disciples' example in using the New Testament to interpret the Old. I know of one Old Testament professor who refuses to allow any New Testament verse ever to be mentioned in his classes; that's kind of like studying with the lights off. Of course, we should not read into the Old Testament what was known only to those in the New, but as Christ and His Apostles make clear, there was a lot more knowledge of the gospel in Old Testament times than is usually thought.

Fifth, the book must connect Old Testament believers with the New Testament church by demonstrating that both Old and New Testament saints were united in being saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone. Was Old Testament faith as clear or strong? Did Old Testament believers see Christ as we see Him? Were Old Testament believers in possession of as much of the Holy Spirit as we possess? No, no, and no again. However, they did have saving faith, it was in the Messiah alone, and without the internal work of the Holy Spirit regenerating, sanctifying, and preserving them, they had no hope.

Sixth, the book must apply the truth to the modern church. Too many Old Testament books are addressed only to the head. They stop far short of connecting the truth to people's hearts and lives. Worship, communion, obedience, and service are almost swear words to some writers.

Well, you're probably thinking by now, "There aren't many Old Testament books like that today, are there?" You're right, I'm afraid. But I'm glad to announce that one has just been added to their ranks. It's this book on the tabernacle by my friend Danny Hyde, and what a rare treat it is to read!

Danny handles the text with reverent care and rigorous diligence, mining the text for all its meat and milk. He describes the original context, people, and situation so graphically that eventually you wonder if he possibly lived in tabernacle times. While respecting the varying degrees of revelation through the ages, he demonstrates the covenantal unity of God's sovereign and gracious plan in both testaments. He avoids the pitfall of imputing New Testament understanding to Old Testament believers, but also welcomes the graciously provided light of the New to understand the Old. And he gives us, at last, a modern book on the Old Testament that treats the believing Israelites as brothers and sisters in Christ rather than as slightly confused, animistic, legalistic idolaters. Of course, if you've read any of Danny's previous nine million books (a joke to brighten up the editor's day), you'll know that he has a passion to bless the church with books that minister to the head, the heart, and the hand. This book is no different. It will lead you to worship, it will prompt obedience, and perhaps above all it will inspire you to commune with the God who delights to dwell among us and in us.

This will be a great book for pastors and teachers who have been inspired by the wonderful resurgence of interest in the Old Testament, and especially of a Christ-centered understanding of the Old Testament, and yet open their Bibles at Exodus and Leviticus and wonder, "Eh, what do I do now?" Danny shows you.

But any serious Christian will also benefit from this book. It will not only open up previously undiscovered parts of the Bible, it will show you the wonderful unity of the Scriptures from start to finish. Above all, it will inspire you to seek communion with God through Jesus Christ, Immanuel, "God with us."

Buy it for $18.00 $14.40 from ReformationTrust.com.

 

Twitter Highlights (7/8/12)

Here are highlights from our various Twitter accounts over the past week.

A dying day is a good day to a godly man (Thomas Boston).

— Ligonier Academy (@LigonierAcademy) July 2, 2012

You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say (Luther).

— Tabletalk Magazine (@Tabletalk) July 3, 2012

If you refuse to submit to the authority of Christ...you're taking on the Lord God omnipotent. —R.C. Sproul

— Ligonier Ministries (@Ligonier) July 3, 2012

Jesus Christ is the Author of the real repentance that leads to salvation. —Steven Lawson bit.ly/fB8z7f

— Reformation Trust (@RefTrust) July 5, 2012

We are just by virtue of the transfer of the righteousness of Christ to our account... —R.C. Sproul

— Ligonier Ministries (@Ligonier) July 5, 2012

The history of the human race is the history of relentless resistance by human beings to the sweetness of the grace of God. —R.C. Sproul

— Ligonier Ministries (@Ligonier) July 6, 2012

Cease to pray and thou wilt begin to sin (Gurnall).

— Ligonier Academy (@LigonierAcademy) July 6, 2012

You can also find our various ministries on Facebook:

Ligonier Ministries | Ligonier Academy | Ligonier Connect
Reformation Bible College | Reformation Trust | Tabletalk Magazine

Obamacare: Taking Our Medicine

It is true enough that the church is worldly. Like the world's younger brother we follow a few steps behind the spirit of the age, mimicking its swagger. That truth, however, ought not cause us to miss another truth- that the world follows the church. Jesus tells us in the Sermon on the Mount that believers are salt and light, that we act as a preservative to a world swirling in a maelstrom of moral entropy. How easy it is to diminish this truth, to reduce it down to "Be nice, so your neighbor will be nice." The truth is, however, not only that the broader world becomes a less moral place when we behave in less moral ways, but that the connection runs deeper still. When we fail at X, odds are the world will fail at X, spectacularly. And in ways we won't like.

When the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of Obamacare the blogosphere devoted a fair percentage of its infinite space to reading the tea leaves. Why did it happen? What did Roberts mean? Did he switch sides at the last second? What will it mean for the election? Most Christians are rightly up in arms over the decision. Most understand not just the economic but the moral evil of the decision. What we miss, I fear, is that it is our fault.

The blame trail leads back to the church, not, I believe, because we didn't show more support for the Republican in the previous presidential election. We are at fault not because we didn't pressure this Senator or that when the voting took place. The problem is much more organic. The world has given us socialized medicine because the church is socialistic.

Of course we want our socialism in small doses, just like campers like tent- encroaching camels in small doses. We have bought into the notion that it is fitting for the state to tax us all, to finance health care for the aged. We have bought into the notion that it is appropriate for governments to tax us all, to finance education not just for them, but for eighty percent of our own children. We have bought into the notion that the state should tax us all and guarantee our mortgages, underwrite our college loans, supplement our retirements. The country is embracing socialism because the church has embraced socialism. We have lost our savor, and are baffled at the stench all around us. We tear our clothes, tossing ashes into the sky, angry at the government for merely doing more of what we have asked it to do.

When we determine to plunder our neighbors by availing ourselves of largesse, have we not affirmed to the watching world that God is in favor of plunder? When we accept government schools, government pills, government this and government that, then Obamacare is merely bad policy, not a wicked power grab. We show the world the path, and are shocked when they race ahead of us.

I hope and pray we will never actually see Obamacare become a reality. I pray still more that Christians would cease asking Caesar to give us our daily bread. I pray still more that the church would honor the eighth commandment. I pray still more that we would recognize and repudiate socialism whenever and from whichever party it rears its ugly head. I pray the servants of the King will one day come to love the liberty He came to preach. I pray we would be free men.

R.C. Sproul Jr.'s soon to be released teaching series, Economics for Everybody, offers an insightful and entertaining exploration of the principles, practices, and consequences of economics. Pre-order now.

$5 Friday: The Word of God, God's Holiness, & Music

It's Friday, and that means it's time for another $5 Friday sale. This week's resources cover such topics as biblical promises, worldviews, truth, music, Hebrews, theology, the Word of God, and more.

Sale runs through 12:01 a.m. — 11:59 p.m. Friday EST.

View today's $5 Friday sale items.

The Bishop of Our Souls

Here's an excerpt from The Bishop of Our Souls, R.C. Sproul's contribution to the July issue of Tabletalk.

The titles that the New Testament writers use for Jesus make for a fascinating and enlightening study. One of the most obscure and perplexing of these titles is found in 1 Peter 2:25, where the Apostle writes, "For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." In the classical language of the King James Version, this title is rendered as "Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." Many evangelicals react negatively to the idea of Jesus as our Bishop. What did Peter have in mind when he spoke of Jesus in this way?

Although Peter's letter is the only place in the New Testament where Christ is called our Bishop, the concept is deeply rooted in Scripture. We even find a hint of it in the song of Zechariah, father of John the Baptist. Zechariah said, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people" (Luke 1:68). In the Old Testament, the promises of redemption that God made to His people included a promise of a day of divine visitation. The Jews were taught to expect a visit from God. Zechariah, however, said God had visited and redeemed His people. He spoke this way because he understood that the appearance of the Messiah was at hand, and He would be heralded by Zechariah's own son.

Continue reading The Bishop of Our Souls.

Practicing Affirmation

I'm amazed that Sam Crabtree's Practicing Affirmation has not had much wider "affirmation." As John Piper says in the foreword, it's a "one-of-a-kind book." Do you know any other book that deals with the subject of how to praise others and to do so as a habit of life? No, neither do I; and yet, as Sam demonstrates, it's a topic with lots of Scriptural support and explanation, together with huge consequences for our families, friendships, and fellowships.

Obstacles to affirmation

But there are significant obstacles to practicing affirmation. Praising others does not come easily to human nature; we like to receive praise, but not to give it. Criticizing comes much easier because we feel more comfortable looking down on people. Praising involves looking up in admiration, and our necks and egos tend to creak and ache when we attempt it.

Affirmation is also discouraged by powerful societal trends: cynicism, distrust, suspicion, negativity, envy, political strife, and bad news at home and abroad, all combine to chill our hearts and shrink our souls.

Sometimes even Reformed Theology, or I should say an imbalanced Reformed Theology could deter expressions of appreciation. "Affirming good works? Don't we believe in total depravity?" "Praising people will only make them proud; isn't humbling people our aim?" "Soli Deo Gloria! Where does people-praise enter the picture?"

In light of these substantial personal, societal, and theological obstacles, we need lots of biblical warrant to help us climb up, over, and into a more positive, affirming, and encouraging life. And being novices at this, we also need lots of hand-holding and step-by-step guidance on how to do this in a helpful and God-honoring way. Thankfully, Sam Crabtree's book is full of both theological warrant and practical instruction.

God-centered affirmations

As some of us might worry about the danger of taking glory away from God by praising a mere human being, Sam begins by demonstrating that God is glorified when we affirm the work He has done and is doing in others. In fact, if we fail to do so, we risk robbing God of praise by not recognizing His work in His people.

We keep God at the center of our affirmations by following the biblical pattern of saying, "I thank God for you…" This way, the person is encouraged and God gets the glory.

Praising unbelievers?

"But what about unbelievers? Should we praise them for doing good things?" After a helpful exposition of common grace, Sam says, "Yes, we should!" but only if it's regularly set in a wider Law/Gospel context that stirs the unbeliever to seek the only one who is good, that is God (Matthew 19:17). He persuasively argues that honest affirmations even of slow progress can strengthen relationships, open the door to further change, and help evangelism.

Although I agree with all that he says here, I'd have liked to see Sam explain what is a good work from God's perspective, and how we integrate that with affirmation of the unbeliever. The Westminster Confession of Faith's chapter 16 on "Good Works" would have been a great starting point for such a discussion.

Never criticize?

Now I don't want you to get the impression that Sam's book is all "sugar and spice and all things nice." He also deals with the thorny issue of if and how to criticize. I especially enjoyed his critique of the "sandwich method," the correction strategy that puts every criticism between two slices of praise. Sam calls that "a baloney sandwich" and offers some more digestible alternatives.

His main point is that our corrections will have no effect if there is no deep, wide, and long context of encouragement and affirmation.

Numerous examples from Sam's family and working life illustrate and enforce the principles, making it much easier to envisage how this should all look in our own lives and callings.

Triple win

If you practice affirmation, everyone in your life will benefit, you too will be refreshed, and God will be praised. It's a win-win-win situation.

David Murray is Professor of Old Testament and Practical Theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, and chairman of HeadHeartHand. He blogs at Leadership For Servants and you can follow him on Twitter @DavidPMurray.

Columns from Tabletalk Magazine, July 2012

The July edition of Tabletalk is out. This month's issue tackles the questions of why sound biblical doctrine matters, why we cannot compromise, how we determine our doctrinal boundaries, and how Christians can avoid succumbing to the temptation of wavering. In this technological era, anybody has the ability to disseminate their beliefs about critical religious doctrine through numerous modes of media. Further, Western culture vehemently affirms the validity and veracity of each stance. Yet, the Word of God teaches differently. This issue examines the importance of maintaining and guarding doctrinal integrity for the sake of the gospel. Contributors include R.C. Sproul along with Tom Ascol, R. Scott Clark, Kevin DeYoung, Dan Dumas, Sean M. Lucas, Keith Mathison, Star Meade, Andrew Naselli, Carl Trueman, and R.C. Sproul Jr..

We do not post all of the feature articles or the daily devotionals from the issue, so you'll have to subscribe to get those. But for now, here are links to several free columns and articles from this month:

The Bishop of Our Souls by R.C. Sproul
Dividing Walls That Unite by Burk Parsons
Castles in the Sand by R.C. Sproul Jr.
The High Cost of Ambivalence by Dan Dumas
Rekindling the Flame by Starr Meade
Sinners in a Fishbowl by Barnabas Piper
Faith of Our Founders: An Interview with Tom Ascol
Eschatology Guy by Keith Mathison

If you have not yet subscribed to Tabletalk, now is the perfect time. It's only $23 for a year, and $20 to renew. You save even more if you get a 2- or 3-year subscription (as little as $1.36 per issue). We offer special discounts for churches or businesses who want multiple copies of each issue.

Get your subscription to Tabletalk today by calling one of Ligonier Ministries' resource consultants at 800-435-4343 (8am-8pm ET, Mon-Fri) or by subscribing online. You can also get free shipping on individual 2012 issues of Tabletalk.