Justin Taylor's Blog, page 354

Carson Response and TGC Panel on Universalism, Exclusivism, Etc.

Announcement from The Gospel Coalition:

Rob Bell's forthcoming book Love Wins has already raised perennial questions about universalism, exclusivism, the love of God, and heaven and hell. So what does the Bible say about these weighty matters? What did Jesus himself say? And what's the best way to relate this teaching to a skeptical culture?

Don Carson and others will address these questions in a special session just added to The Gospel Coalition's national conference in Chicago, April 12 to 14. A panel that follows Carson's address will field questions from the audience.

Rob Bell: Universalist?

John Piper once wisely wrote, "Bad theology dishonors God and hurts people. Churches that sever the root of truth may flourish for a season, but they will wither eventually or turn into something besides a Christian church."

It is unspeakably sad when those called to be ministers of the Word distort the gospel and deceive the people of God with false doctrine.

But it is better for those teaching false doctrine to put their cards on the table (a la Brian McLaren) rather than remaining studiously ambiguous in terminology.

So on that level, I'm glad that Rob Bell has the integrity to be lay his cards on the table about  universalism. It seems that this is not  just optimism about the fate of those who haven't heard the Good News, but (as it seems from below) full-blown hell-is-empty-everyone-gets-saved universalism.

Here is HarperCollins's description of his next book, Love Wins: Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived.

Fans flock to his Facebook page, his NOOMA videos have been viewed by millions, and his Sunday sermons are attended by 10,000 parishioners—with a downloadable podcast reaching 50,000 more. An electrifying, unconventional pastor whom Time magazine calls "a singular rock star in the church world," Rob Bell is the most vibrant, central religious leader of the millennial generation. Now, in Love Wins: Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived, Bell addresses one of the most controversial issues of faith—the afterlife—arguing that a loving God would never sentence human souls to eternal suffering. With searing insight, Bell puts hell on trial, and his message is decidedly optimistic—eternal life doesn't start when we die; it starts right now. And ultimately, Love Wins.

I haven't seen the book yet and was hesitant to say something based on the publisher's description (which usually isn't written by the author). But this video from Bell himself shows that he is moving farther and farther away from anything resembling biblical Christianity:

It seems to me that the Apostle Paul's words here are not irrelevant: "Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds" (2 Cor. 11:14-15).

Ask R. C. Sproul Live

A new 45-minute session:

By the way, a very helpful book is a collection of Dr. Sproul's answers to hundreds of questions: Now, That's a Good Question! Answers to More Than 300 Challenging Questions about Life and Faith.

8 Tips for Talking to Your Kids about the Sermon

Joe Holland:

Let me introduce you to the most important rule when talking to your kids about the sermon: They retain more than you think they do. The second most important rule is like it: They understand more than you think they do.

In the interest of these two truths I'm writing this brief guide on how to talk to your kids about a sermon.

Read the whole thing.

HT: Trevin Wax

Conversation with Collin and Kevin

I always enjoy the opportunity to talk with friends Collin Hansen and Kevin DeYoung about contemporary challenges and concerns in evangelicalism. And I always learn much more than I contribute!

Here are three MP3s from a recent conversation:

"Potential Drawbacks to Enthusiasm for Urban Ministry"
"Trust God, Labor for Holiness"
"The Allure and Dangers of Self-Promotion"

Should We Baptize Young Children?

On this question for credobaptists I agree with John Starke's answer and encourage you to read his arguments.

There is an irony in the discussion—namely, that Jesus tells us to have faith like a child, and we often tell children that they first have to have demonstrate faith like an adult.

Free MP3: "Approach My Soul, The Mercy Seat"

Sojourn Music is kind enough to let me give away an MP3 from their new Split EP.

So you can download for free "Approach My Soul, The Mercy Seat." The words and music are by Jamie Barnes, inspired by John Newton's hymn.

Lyrics below:

Approach my soul, the mercy seat

Where Holy One and helpless meet

There fall before my Judges' feet

Thy promise is my only plea, O God

Send wings to lift the clutch of sin

You who dwell between the cherubim

From war without and fear within

Relieve the grief from the shoulders of crumbling men

O God—Pour out your mercy to me

My God, Oh what striking love to bleed.

Fashion my heart in your alchemy

With the brass to front the devil's perjury

And surefire grace my Jesus speaks

I must. I will. I do believe. O Lord.

Jesus Would Have Wrestled Girls?

You have probably heard about the homeschooled high school student, a Christian, who refused to wrestle a girl in the state tournament. He forfeited on account of his conscience.

Writing at CT's Herm.eneutics blog, Caryn Rivadeneira argues not only that it is permissible for a boy to wrestle a girl in an athletic competition, but that the example of Jesus toward women requires that he do so! You can read her full argument to see if you find it biblically compelling, faithful, or wise.

I think Al Mohler's comment is on target: this entire situation is "insanity masquerading as athletic competition." How much more so when the claim is made that faith in Jesus requires a boy to attempt to physically overpower a girl in this way.

For better arguments, I would suggest:

Albert Mohler, "Boys Wrestling Girls—A Clash of Worlds and Worldviews"
John Piper, "Over My Dead Body, Son"

DG Live with Sam Crabtree

Sam Crabtree will be livestreamed on the DG site from 3-4 PM (Central) this afternoon, talking about his new book on God-centered encouragement.

C. J. Mahaney has written, "If you find that your communication lacks encouragement, if you want to grow in affirming others, if you plan to say any words at all today—please read this book!"

Andrew Peterson: "Planting Trees"

Another song I appreciate from Andrew Peterson's album, Counting Stars. I think it will be encouraging to many parents: