R.C. Sproul's Blog, page 524

God in Our Midst, New from Daniel Hyde and Reformation Trust

Christians often wonder whether it is worth their time to read and study the narratives about God's instructions for the tabernacle in the second half of the book of Exodus. The answer, according to Daniel R. Hyde, is an emphatic yes.

In God in Our Midst: The Tabernacle and Our Relationship with God, Hyde shows that the tabernacle narratives have much to teach us about God Himself, about sin, about redemption in Christ, and about how we are to live for God today. Above all, by interpreting these narratives according to solid hermeneutical principles and New Testament revelation, Hyde shows that these passages reveal Christ.

Ultimately, Hyde says, it is good to read the tabernacle narratives because they are part of our family history. We need to read and meditate on that history because we have the same God, the God who told His old covenant, "I will dwell in your midst," and who tells us that Christians are the true tabernacle, the dwelling place of God under the new covenant (Eph. 2:22).

Read a Sample Chapter

"It is refreshing to have an exposition of the tabernacle that avoids the allegorizing excesses that have so often been a feature of the 'Christianizing' of this important part of the Old Testament. Daniel Hyde seeks to give a sound exegesis of the text and, only then, to lead us 'to see it through New Testament eyes,' and thus to discover its testimony to Christ and its role in edifying the faithful."

—Dr. Graeme Goldsworthy
Visiting lecturer in hermeneutics
Moore Theological College, Sydney, Australia

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

Calvinism & Enjoyable Christian Experience

Calvinistic theology has always placed great emphasis on biblical and doctrinal knowledge, and rightly so. We are transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:1-2). This transformation is a prerequisite for our worship, since it is by the Spirit's illumination of our minds through Scripture that we gain understanding of God and His ways. But Calvinism—at least in its consistent forms—has never been merely cerebral. The history of Reformed Christianity is also the story of the highest order of spiritual experience. Calvinistic doctrine expressed in God-exalting words of praise leads to a distinctive Christian experience. The melody that is composed intellectually in Calvinistic theology and sung enthusiastically in Reformed worship also can be heard in the lifestyle and experience of Reformed Christians.

Calvinism—at least in its consistent forms—has never been merely cerebral. —Sinclair Ferguson

The seriousness of the Reformed world and life view means that, even when the melody is played in a minor key, it remains a melody. Indeed, to use a metaphor of Calvin, as this melody is played in the church, it becomes a glorious symphony blending the following motifs:

Trust in the sovereignty of God.
The experience of the power of God's grace to save hopeless and helpless sinners.
An overwhelming sense of being loved by a Savior who has died specifically and successfully for one's sins.
The discovery of a grace that has set one free to trust, serve, and love Christ while yet not destroying one's will.
The quiet confidence and poise engendered by knowing that God has pledged Himself to persevere with His people "till all the ransomed church of God is saved to sin no more."

These motifs all conspire to give God alone the glory.

The glory of God and the enjoyment of man are not antithetical. —Sinclair Ferguson

The essence of the Calvinistic life is living in such a way as to glorify God. This, after all, is the burden of the answer to the opening question of the Shorter Catechism written by the Westminster Assembly of Divines: "Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever." Here is the ultimate surprise in Calvinism for many people: the glory of God and the enjoyment of man are not antithetical, but are correlated in the purposes of God.

The view that God's glory diminishes man and robs him of pleasure is, in the light (or should one say "darkness"?) of Genesis 3, the lie about God that was exchanged for the truth (Rom. 1:25). It is satanic theology that plays God against man.

In sharp contrast, biblical theology that exalts God in His sovereign grace and glory opens the door for man to enter into a quite different order of reality. Here is offered the experience of, and delight in, the rich pleasures of restoration to fellowship with God, transformation into the likeness of Christ, and anticipation of being with Christ where He is in order to see Him in His glory (John 17:24).

Adapted from Sinclair Ferguson's contribution to Living for God's Glory: An Introduction to Calvinism.

Twitter Highlights (7/1/12)

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

When you feel yourself to be utterly unworthy, you have hit the truth (Spurgeon).

— Ligonier Academy (@LigonierAcademy) June 25, 2012

Looking unto Jesus is the great remedy against looking unto sin (Spurgeon).

— Tabletalk Magazine (@Tabletalk) June 27, 2012

Get unlimited access to every Ligonier Connect course for only $9 per month.bit.ly/LOVkUf

— Ligonier Connect (@LigonierConnect) June 27, 2012

From a 7-year-old RYM listener: "Look at that!It says, "RC!"Isn't that great!RC Sproul!!!" instagr.am/p/MYaJogiapT/

— Ligonier Ministries (@Ligonier) June 27, 2012

If any man will preach as he should preach, his work will take more out of him than any other labor under heaven (Spurgeon).

— Tabletalk Magazine (@Tabletalk) June 29, 2012

Calvin’s Calvinism: devotion, doctrine, and doxology. —@BurkParsons bit.ly/eaos1h

— Reformation Trust (@RefTrust) June 29, 2012

Only the faithful, persevering grace of God can uphold the regenerate as they face the temptations of sin. —Robert Godfrey

— Ligonier Ministries (@Ligonier) June 30, 2012

Without imputation, the Gospel becomes “another gospel,” and such a “gospel” brings nothing but the anathema of God. —R.C. Sproul

— Ligonier Ministries (@Ligonier) July 1, 2012

You can also find our various ministries on Facebook:

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

Breaking Hearts

It had been my plan to be in Virginia this week, teaching what we call Couples Camp, a small group gathering where we talk for a few days about the sovereignty of God, the family, and the kingdom of God. I looked forward to the trip, my old stomping grounds, visiting dear old friends, talking about issues that matter to me. In God's providence I am not in Virginia. I am not teaching, but am learning. I am not talking so much as listening. And worst of all, I am in some old stomping grounds, roughly 100 yards from the hospital room where my beloved spent much of the last months of her life.

Five days ago, concerned over a radical increase in seizure activity, and a frightening lethargy I called Shannon's neurologist. Shannon is my 14 year old daughter. Her brain did not develop properly, and she has the mental capacity of a toddler. She also suffers from seizures. The nurse with whom I spoke had no uncertainty with her advice- call 911 and get her to the emergency room. She has been wonderfully cared for. Sundry experts have run their tests. Nurses have loved on her. Visitors have come to cheer her. And, by God's grace it looks likely she will get over this, and in a day or two we will go home. Why then is my heart so heavy?

Because I don't trust my Father as I ought. I know that the fear that raced through me for those long hours when I didn't know if she would make it, that fear was medicine for my soul. That is, I know that the immediate hardship I have been through this week is strong plant food for spiritual fruit. I trust Him to break my heart for the sake of making me more like Him. I trust in turn that He loves my little girl with a perfect love, that she, because she is my spiritual better, feels His loving arms holding her every day, in sickness and in health.

It's my other children I weep for. When their mother was dying, they had, by and large, their father with them. When she passed, I was there. The children have their physical needs cared for. The older children are amazing- giving, loving, and diligent. Meals are being brought in. We have help for this need and that. But my children, who love their sister as tenderly as their dad does, worry without me there. They have no mother to comfort them. I am not there to remind them how to trust, to model faith before them. That this breaks my heart, however, reveals my awful lack of faith.

I am here and not there because He has brought this to pass. I am here for Shannon's sake, for her good. I am here for my own sake, for my good. And I am here for the sake of Darby, Campbell, Delaney, Erin Claire, Maili, Reilly and Donovan. My Father knows what each of my children need. He knows how to grow the fruit of the Spirit in each of them. He knows precisely what they each need to become more like Jesus. And He has the power to bring this to pass. What they need right now if for me to be here.

Loss of a mother, worry for a sister are not emotional meteorites hurtling haphazardly toward the psyches of my children. They are the plans He has for them, plans to prosper them and not to harm them, plans to give them hope, and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Which, by His grace, are the same plans He has for me. By His grace I will hope in Him and praise Him, for the help of His countenance (Psalm 42:5).

Jesus' Death Wasn't Enough

By His obedience, He redeemed His people for eternity. —R.C. Sproul

Any six-year-old child who has spent a few Lord's Day mornings in Sunday school is able to give an accurate answer to the question, "What did Jesus do for you?" Usually that child will say, "Jesus died on the cross for my sins." That's a true and profound statement, but it is only half of the matter.

If Jesus merely needed to die on the cross to save His people, He could have descended from heaven as a man on the morning of Good Friday, gone straight to Golgotha, died on the cross, risen, and left again. Our sin problem would be fixed. He did not need to be born to Mary in a stable, go through all the trials and tribulations of growing up in this fallen world, or endure the animosity of the Jewish leaders during His ministry.

However, Jesus did not live those thirty-three years for nothing.

In order for Him to qualify as our Redeemer, it was not enough for Him simply to go to the cross and be crucified. If Jesus had only paid for our sins, He would have succeeded only in taking us back to square one. We would no longer be guilty, but we still would have absolutely no righteousness to bring before God.

So, our Redeemer needed not only to die, but also to live a life of perfect obedience. The righteousness that He manifested could then be transferred to all who put their trust in Him. Just as my sin is transferred to Him on the cross when I trust in Him, His righteousness is transferred to my account in the sight of God. So, when I stand before God on the judgment day, God is going to see Jesus and His righteousness, which will be my cover.

By His obedience, He redeemed His people for eternity.

It is important, then, that we not minimize the work of Christ throughout His life by focusing too narrowly on the work of Christ in His death. Thus, my purpose in my new book, The Work of Christ, is to give a brief overview of Christ's sojourn in this world, looking at the major events of both His life and His death to show that He fulfilled a lifelong mission. It is my prayer that The Work of Christ will help you see that by His whole life our Lord wrought a complete salvation for His beloved people.

Adapted from R.C Sproul's Preface in The Work of Christ (David C Cook, 2012)

$5 Friday: God's Covenants, Abortion, & Free Will, & God's Grace

It's time for our weekly $5 Friday sale. This week's resources cover such topics as God's covenants, God's attributes, Christian character, Galatians, providence, free will, abortion, repentance, and more.

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

View today's $5 Friday sale items.

The Work of Christ, New from R.C. Sproul

Most Christians recognize the importance of Christ's death and resurrection. But how many understand the theological significance of Jesus' actions before and after the crucifixion—from even before creation?

In Dr. R.C. Sproul's latest book, The Work of Christ, he gives readers a deeper understanding of God's purpose in every event of Christ's life.

Dr. Sproul writes:

"...my purpose in my new book, The Work of Christ, is to give a brief overview of Christ's sojourn in this world, looking at the major events of both His life and His death to show that He fulfilled a lifelong mission. It is my prayer that The Work of Christ will help you see that by His whole life our Lord wrought a complete salvation for His beloved people."

Buy it for $20.00 $12.80 from the Ligonier Store.

Christianity, Unplugged

Here's an excerpt from Christianity, Unplugged, K. Scott Oliphint's contribution to the June issue of Tabletalk.

When was the last time you withdrew? Not the last time you were the only person in the room or in the house — when was the last time you withdrew from contact with anyone else? Jesus “would withdraw” from the crowds “to deslolate places and pray” (Luke 5:16). He knew that His busy schedule required time alone — completely alone — with His heavenly Father.

In the twenty-first century, being alone and withdrawing mean much more than being the only person in the room. They mea n being unplugged. In our appreciation for the help that technology can bring, we have perhaps been unaware of its more subtle dangers. And its dangers are not simply located in the content that technology can deliver, harmful as that may be. Its dangers lie also in the behavior that is required by its use. Owning a smartphone creates the peer pressure of immediate communication. How many times a day do you check your email — by phone, computer, laptop, or tablet? How many times do you check it even when you’re in the middle of a conversation? Also, with the reality of our new penchant to be in constant contact comes the reality of others’ constant expectations of us. Owning a cell phone brings expectations that one should never be alone.

Continue reading Christianity, Unplugged.

5 Reasons to Study Old Testament History

Shakespeare said that history is "a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing." The Christian view of history is quite a contrast; we believe God ordained it, organizes it, and moves it towards a meaningful, definite, and certain purpose.

However many Christians entertain a negative view of Old Testament History, of its usefulness and even of its accuracy. It is often regarded as "far away" and "distant" chronologically, geographically, socially, and theologically. "What can it do for me?" and "Why study it?" are common questions. Here are five reasons to study it and benefit from it.

1. OT History is True History

Israel's neighbors expressed their beliefs through fantastic, elaborate, "out-of-this-world" myths In contrast, Old Testament narratives about Israel describe real events in real time involving real people and a real God. The reality of Israel's faith rested on the reality of Israel's history.

Similarly, if we lose or give up the truthfulness of the Biblical record, we lose and give up the Truth. We also lose our Christian faith because it is founded not on detached philosophical speculations but on God's acts in human history.

Approaching Old Testament narratives with unshakeable confidence in their accuracy and truthfulness will build up unshakeable faith.

2. OT History is Selective History

No matter how much they deny it, every historian has an agenda. Though often unspoken, that agenda can often be deduced by analyzing his selection, arrangement, and editing of events. Old Testament writers also had an agenda that guided the selection, arrangement, and editing of their accounts. The only difference, and it's a major difference, is that their selectivity was divinely inspired and, therefore, in no ways diminishes their truthfulness.

Therefore, when reading Old Testament history, ask yourself why the author selected these events and that particular angle on them. It will get you much closer to the message he intended to convey to his original audience.

3. OT History is Relevant History

Old Testament preaching often faces the charge of seeming irrelevance. There are vast differences between the world of the Old Testament and the modern world. However, this "relevance gap" cannot be bridged by forgetting Old Testament history. Attempting this may make the sermon relevant but it makes the Scriptures irrelevant.

Rather, a right understanding of Old Testament history enables us to understand the original message to the original audience at the original time and place; and that having done this, the bridge to the present message is far easier and safer to construct.

4. OT History is Purposeful History

Many history books simply relate the what, when, where, and how of each event. Not many attempt to answer the "Why?" question, and those that do usually prove laughably unreliable.

In contrast, biblical history has a clear purpose: it is a progressive revelation of the mind and heart of God for the benefit of needy sinners. God is the subject and the hero of the Bible. Therefore, when we read an Old Testament narrative, we ask three questions:

What does this story reveal about God?
How is this intended to help needy sinners?
What role does this story play in the larger and longer biblical story?

The last question will help prevent us reading the chapters as disconnected dots and unrelated atoms.

5. OT History is Redemptive History

The Old Testament is redemptive history. God actively directs human history for the purpose of redeeming sinners to Himself. The Holy Spirit inspired the writers of the Old Testament to record what would graciously reveal that redemptive purpose, and even the Redeemer Himself (Luke 24:27). The Biblical history, then, is not just facts to teach us theology. These historical facts serve to bring in God's elect. What greater motive do we need to study it than that these Scriptures are able to make us wise unto salvation (2 Tim. 3:15).

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.

What Does "Simul Justus et Peccator" Mean?

In this excerpt from his teaching series, "Luther and the Reformation," Dr. R.C. Sproul teaches the essence of the Reformation view of justification as he explains Martin Luther's latin phrase, "Simul Justus et Peccator."