The Gospel Coalition

Did John Calvin believe in “Limited Atonement” – the L in the famous TULIP acronym, which teaches that Christ did not die as an atonement for the sins of the whole world, but only for the elect?

I don’t know.

There are contradictory signals in Calvin’s writings. At times, it seems very clear that he did not believe in limited atonement. At other times, there is hardly any choice but to assume that he did.

I am not going to debate Calvin’s view of limited atonement. Instead, I’d like to point out what I find most fascinating about Calvin on this subject: his willingness to speak in ways that the Bible itself speaks when it comes to these matters.

Take this Trinitarian prayer for example:

We offer up our prayers unto Thee, O most gracious God and most merciful Father, for all men in general, that as Thou art pleased to be acknowledged the Savior of the whole human race by the redemption accomplished by Jesus Christ Thy Son…

Or consider his thoughts on the pardoned thief:

Our Lord made effective for the thief his death and passion which he suffered and endured for all mankind.

Or his thoughts on Christ’s suffering:

Indeed, our Lord Jesus was offered to all the world… Our Lord Jesus suffered for all and there is neither great nor small who is not inexcusable today, for we can obtain salvation in him.

Again, my point is not to make the case that Calvin believed in universal redemption. Calvinist scholars can whip out passages that seem to indicate otherwise. I merely want to point out that Calvin had no qualms about speaking of Christ dying for the sins of the world. As a careful biblical scholar, Calvin demonstrated a willingness to use the vocabulary of Scripture.

In recent years, I have noticed a tendency in some Reformed circles for Calvinists to bristle at the very mention of Jesus dying for the sins of the world or at an evangelist’s call to choose Christ. Other Calvinists can’t stomach the song, “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus.” After all, they might say, doesn’t this type of language mislead people into thinking they can decide for Christ apart from the Holy Spirit?

I recommend that Calvinists and non-Calvinists alike follow the example of John Calvin, Charles Spurgeon and others in not refraining from using biblical language when speaking of these matters.

Yes, people are dead in their sins. But the truth is… telling people to repent and believe, or to choose Christ and live, or to follow Jesus, not the world – these types of exhortations do not shoot an arrow through God’s sovereignty. The Bible itself speaks in these ways.

Saying that Christ has died for the sins of the world is not necessarily a denial of limited atonement. It is simply the way that the Bible speaks of redemption. Interpret those verses however you want, but don’t be afraid to speak the way the Bible speaks.

Is it wrong to call people to make a decision for Christ? Not at all. The language of “decision” or “surrender” is biblical. Calvinists and non-Calvinists alike believe that the lost sinner, under the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, actually does “make a decision” at the point of conversion. We do indeed respond to the preaching of the gospel. Therefore, we should not refrain from using the language of “following Jesus” or “choosing Christ,” etc.

Read through the sermons of Charles Spurgeon and you will find these kinds of exhortations. Read through the sermons of John Calvin and you will find references to Christ’s death for the whole world. Why? Because the Bible itself contains these types of exhortations and references. Calvin, Spurgeon and others are not afraid to speak in ways the Bible speaks.

Don’t put a straitjacket on your theological vocabulary. You are free to speak as the Bible speaks.

In the end, you are not being more biblical for avoiding such terminology; you are being less biblical. And that’s why John Calvin is more biblical than some Calvinists today.

If you were to put the books of John Piper, N.T. Wright, and Mark Driscoll in a blender, what would you get? Jared C. Wilson’s new book, Your Jesus Is Too Safe: Outgrowing a Drive-Thru, Feel Good Savior (Kregel, 2009). Jared has combined the best qualities from each of these pastors and given us a solid book on Jesus.

Full disclosure. Jared Wilson is a fellow blogger friend of mine. As a blogger myself, I am cheering him on, glad to see that the blogosphere is becoming a place for aspiring writers to hone their skills and try out new ideas. But don’t think that I am recommending his book simply because he is a friend. Your Jesus Is Too Safe is a great book on Jesus for a number of reasons.

First, Jared brings together the passion of John Piper, the historical sensibilities of N.T. Wright and the irreverent humor of Mark Driscoll (without the crudeness). Early on in the book, it becomes clear that Jared reads widely and is willing to glean insights from the different streams of Christianity, and yet maintain a firm grasp on the gospel and the core doctrines of the faith.

Second, Jared relentlessly exposes the ways in which we try to tame Jesus:

Even the church itself is guilty when it comes to the marketing of Jesus. We’ve put our own gloss on him, our own spin. It’s no wonder the world doesn’t get Jesus, because we’ve spent decades selling a Jesus cast in our own image. Even our religious ancestors feared the stern taskmaster Jesus. This quasi-Puritan Jesus liked to smack you on the knuckles with a ruler when you got out of line. Later, we received Postcard Jesus – the Coppertoned, blond-haired, blank-stare Jesus of the gold-framed portrait, a bland, two-dimensional figure occupying moral tales that help us to be better people. This flat portrait evolved in the Get-Out-of-Hell-Free Jesus, and this Jesus has inspired millions to say a prayer to get his forgiveness – and then go on living lives devoid of his presence. (13)

Jared sees the scholarly world as seeking to tame Jesus in more subtle ways:

In the world of biblical academia, the “Jesus of history” and the “Jesus of faith” are set against each other, as if never the two shall meet. The two shall meet here – in this book. The purpose of Your Jesus Is Too Safe is to remind us, for the glory of God and the hope of the world, of the original message of the historical person Jesus Christ, who was, in fact, God in the flesh. We’re going to remove the gloss. We’re going to venture beyond the hype and beneath the misconceptions to see the real, historical figure of Jesus Christ in his biblical and cultural context – and in this way to know God more fully, to see what God wants us to know about the revelation of himself is his son.

Jared offers a portrait of Jesus that is historically rooted. His Jesus is a flesh-and-blood man you could actually see walking on Galilean shores preaching to people about the kingdom. But Jared doesn’t let the humanness of Jesus detract from Jesus’ divinity. (One chapter is devoted solely to the picture Jesus’ deity.) So what you end up with is a Jesus who fits into a particular historical context and is still gloriously worthy of our worship.

Jared’s writing is Jesus-focused. The book lays out the different attributes and roles of Christ. Jared rejects superficial theology and therapeutic understandings of sin:

We’re always passing the buck and this condition of denying our fallenness is part of our fallenness too. We are broken, messed up people. We are broken messed up no simply because of psychosis or issues or formative experiences in our childhood, although all those things compound and aggravate our real problem and to myriad expressions brokenness. No, we’re broken messed up people primarily because we are sinners. He makes good theological distinctions. (65)

As a side note, the footnotes are wildly entertaining. Some of Jared’s best one-liners come out in the footnotes.

Still, there are a few places where I wish he would have refrained from his usual jocularity. For example, in making a case for God’s holiness, he recounts the story of Uzzah (who was struck dead for trying to keep the ark of the covenant from falling) and says:”…but as soon as he touched it…ZAP…home boy was toast. That’s how serious God is about his holiness.” Now, I admit that’s a funny picture, but it is counterproductive to make a case for God’s holiness in a glib manner. So there are a few places in the book where his humor might seem a little out of place.

Overall, Your Jesus Is Too Safe is a great book. I’m excited to see a fellow blogger getting published, and I’m even more excited to see the caliber of this book. May this be Jared’s first of many.

Check out more posts from Jared’s blog tour.

The dearest idol I have known,
Whatever that idol be,
Help me to tear it from thy throne,
and worship only thee…

- William Cowper, “O For a Closer Walk with Thee”

A few years ago, I picked up a book provocatively titled, Heaven Is a Place on Earth: Why Everything You Do Matters to God by Dr. Michael Wittmer, professor of Systematic Theology at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. I listed it in my Top Ten favorite reads of 2005 and subsequently interviewed Mike here.

I am grateful for Mike Wittmer’s endorsement of Holy Subversion.

Trevin Wax deftly uses Scripture and his cross-cultural experience in Romania to convict North American Christians of the subtle ways that we conform to our culture’s idols. His tough love inspires us to surrender to Jesus’ ownership of the world, and his bold plan for change shows us how.

This book forces each of us to reconsider the most important question of our lives: whether Caesar or Jesus is Lord.

- Michael Wittmer
Professor of Systematic Theology
Grand Rapids Theological Seminary
Author of Heaven Is a Place on Earth and Don’t Stop Believing: Why Living Like Jesus Is Not Enough

I am excited about live-blogging the “Southern Baptists and the Future of Evangelicalism” Conference at Union University in early October. The line-up of speakers is very impressive, and the topics look fascinating. The registration cost is only $85. If you can make it, I encourage you to attend. Here is the schedule and the list of speakers.

Here are 12 bloggers (including myself) summarizing the gospel in 10 words or less. It’s always interesting to see how people answer this question. Some seek to present the storyline into which the gospel fits; others focus on doctrines that make possible the good news. I myself go back to the way the New Testament uses the word, and (with Martin Luther) focus very specifically on the Jesus-focused content of the gospel. Check out the responses.

Three stages of preaching

Buy your theology books through this website and you will help train ministers in Southern Africa.

The death of handwriting

Southern Seminary: From Boyce to Mohler and Everywhere In Between

Swedish seminaries under threat by the government

Finally… Michael Bird is probably the funniest theologian on the planet. Watch him talk about authors who have influenced his life.

Not too long ago, Chris Brauns, the senior pastor at the Congregational Christian Church of Stillman Valley, Illinois, wrote me and asked if he might send a copy of his book, Unpacking Forgiveness: Biblical Answers for Complex Questions and Deep Wounds (Crossway, 2008) for possible review on this blog. Since I appreciate much of what I have read on Chris’ blog, I agreed to read the book.

In all honesty, the topic of forgiveness is not one that particularly interests me. Most books on the subject tend to be so therapeutic, sentimental, or theologically irresponsible that I have little use for them. We are called to forgive ourselves or (in some cases) to forgive God, actions which do not resemble the biblical teaching of forgiveness.

Two things caused me to give Unpacking Forgiveness a chance. First, I read the book As We Forgive, which chronicles the forgiveness taking place in post-genocide Rwanda. I was deeply moved by the stories of forgiveness in that book. Secondly, I knew from the testimony of others that Chris is a godly man and a biblically-informed thinker. Therefore, I came to realize that Unpacking Forgiveness would not be like the standard evangelical offerings on this subject.

As I began reading Unpacking Forgiveness, I discovered that I needed this book a whole lot more than Chris needed a review. This book radically altered my own understanding of forgiveness. Even though I saw the vaccuous nature of therapeutic forgiveness, I had not yet replaced society’s view with biblically robust teaching on the subject. Reading through Chris’ book, I found myself wincing at some of his criticisms, saying, “Oh, I’ve said things like that” or “Yes, I’ve advised people in that way.” Apparently, the therapeutic understanding of forgiveness had infiltrated my thoughts much more than I realized.

Unpacking Forgiveness comes from a pastor, which means its tone is personal, pastoral, and practical. Chris employs good illustrations of forgiveness that not only make his book a more interesting read, but also give pastors a resource from which to draw stories in local church preaching and teaching.

The book has several key strengths. First, it is church centered. Do not expect self-help instructions. Chris offers biblical teaching about forgiveness within the context of a community of faith:

“Christ’s way of unpacking forgiveness is not three easy steps. It is a way of life, following Jesus, learning from him, being involved in his church, hearing his Word preached. Apart from consistent involvement in these disciplines, you are trying to paddle with a stick. And that just won’t work.” (32)

Another key strength is its appeal to the motivations of the heart. In ways influenced by John Piper, Chris bases our reasons for forgiveness in our desire to reach maximum happiness in Jesus Christ, since finding our happiness and satisfaction in Jesus is what actually brings glory to God.

Unpacking Forgiveness is also God-centered in two ways. First, he defines human forgiveness after having defined God’s forgiveness:

“Forgiveness: A commitment by the offended to pardon graciously the repentant from moral liability and to be reconciled to that person, although not all consequences are necessarily eliminated.” (55)

The book is also God-centered in that it allows us to see the difference between the inhumanity that we show towards others and our lack of respect for God.

“If we begin to get a glimpse of the vast glory of God, we will realize that many of our conflicts are like two ants arguing about which is taller while standing in front of Mount Everest. We quibble over some infinitesimal difference of opinion while the vastness of Almighty God soars into the heavens.” (83)

Chris believes that one reason people are so easily offended is because they do not see their sinful rebellion against a holy God.

Chris’ careful biblical distinctions make this book so valuable. For example, Chris argues that biblically speaking, forgiveness is conditional. The offer of forgiveness is unconditional. Christians are to offer forgiveness graciously to everyone. But forgiveness, if it is to be properly understood in its biblical sense, must be received. So true forgiveness must always lead to reconciliation.

“Forgiveness is a figurative handshake. You cannot shake hands alone. For forgiveness to happen, you need to seek out the offending party (or the offended party if you are the offender), extend your hand, and pray that the other party will offer his or hers to you.” (127)

It is evident to the reader that Chris desires to be faithful to Scripture and to bring the biblical view of forgiveness to bear on our personal lives and in the lives of our churches. I’m glad I gave Unpacking Forgiveness a chance. I now have a “go-to” book whenever I need to teach on this subject.

Do you want to know what my favorite book of this summer has been so far? Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer (Harper Perennial, 2o06) by James L. Swanson.

From cover to cover, this book provides a fascinating glimpse into an important moment in American history. I could not put it down. Swanson’s research makes the book credible, and his narrative style makes the story compelling.

Manhunt tells the story of the days leading up to Abraham Lincoln’s assassination and the subsequent chase for John Wilkes Booth that took place in the days after Lincoln’s death. But more than just a historical recounting of the events, Manhunt feels almost like a movie. Swanson wisely varies the scenes of the narrative, so readers bounce back and forth between places of simultaneous action.

Some readers may be unaware the plot surrounding Lincoln’s assassination was bigger than Lincoln himself. Secretary of State William Seward was almost murdered the same night. Other prominent men were targeted in the plot.

The story of the manhunt continues the narrative, but Swanson continues to take us back to the events surrounding Lincoln’s death and funeral. At times, we get a bird’s eye view of specific events on the ground. At other times, Swanson pulls back and lets us take in the American vista as a whole, helping us to sense the panic and outrage spreading through American cities.

Manhunt is more than a story about the chase for a criminal. It offers a glimpse into the extremes of American society in 1865. Swanson describes the seedy places frequented by actors, and yet also tells how pastors and preachers criticized Lincoln for going to the theater on Good Friday instead of attending a house of worship.

There is a reason why Manhunt is a best-seller. Swanson fills this historical narrative with just the right amount of detail to tell a compelling story. If you’re looking for a late-summer read, you will enjoy this book.

During my blog fast, I decided to give Twitter a try. I was a hold-out when it came to FaceBook (my grandfather had an account before I did!), and I held out a long time with Twitter too. My reasons for disliking the idea of “tweeting” were:

1. It can be narcissistic. Does anyone care what I had for lunch?
   
2. It can be boring. Is my average day so exciting that I have to share its details with the world?
3. It can be redundant. I already have a daily blog. Why do I need Twitter?
   
4. It can be time-consuming. It will distract from other, more important tasks.
   
5. It can be dangerous. Letting someone know where I am at all times is like legalized stalking.
   
6. It can contribute to the dumbing down of society. Most people don’t have the attention span for a well-crafted argument in a book. The blog is a step-down. Are we taking an even further step down, demanding our information in bite-sized chunks?

I still think each of these concerns are valid. But I now have a Twitter account for some other reasons.

1. The rapidness of disseminating information. A friend of mine linked to my recent article in Christianity Today regarding the Southern Baptist Convention and the Clark Logan controversy. Within an hour it was being passed along to dozens of Twitter followers and hundreds of readers. I was amazed at how quickly the information went out.
   
2. The ability to share interesting articles. I usually save my best links for Friday’s blog post, “In the Blogosphere.” Twitter enables me to link other articles that might not be included in Friday’s list.
   
3. The importance of conciseness. The brilliance of Twitter is its limitation of 140 characters. Most blogs are surfed, not read. Putting out a brief quote will probably be read by more people than a long blog post.
   
4. Connecting with others. I am on Twitter primarily because I get to “follow” other people on Twitter. It keeps me connected to others who put out edifying “tweets” and who pass along interesting information.
   
5. Boosting the blog. It takes a lot of work to maintain a daily blog. Linking to a blog post on Twitter gives my “followers” the opportunity to pass the article on to others who may benefit from it.

Even though I only list five “pro’s” for being on Twitter, I still think these slightly outweigh the six “cons” mentioned earlier. With a little oversight, one can mitigate the negative aspects of Twitter. Here’s how:

Narcissism? Don’t make the majority of your “tweets” about you.

Boring? Again, don’t make the majority of your “tweets” about you.

Redundant? Instead of letting Twitter compete with your blog, let it point people to your blog.

Time-consuming? Limit the number of people you follow and don’t constantly check for updates.

Dangerous? Avoid giving details of your whereabouts and plans.

Dumbing Down Society? Send along good links to thoughtful articles and news stories.

While it is impossible to completely eradicate the negative aspects of a social tool like Twitter, it is possible to “tweet” in such a way that the “pro’s” outweigh the “cons.” And so, for now, I am willing to take part in the Twitterverse.

One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means the Christ). He brought him to Jesus.
John 1:40-42

Andrew should be an example to us all. In the Gospel of John, we read the story of Andrew following Jesus. Andrew’s enthusiasm for Jesus overflowed into his personal relationships. Immediately after signing onto Jesus’ kingdom agenda, Andrew hurried to find his brother. “We have found the Messiah!” he announced. Then, he brought Peter to Jesus.

Andrew is not one of the most important disciples. He’s not in the inner circle around Jesus (Peter, James, and John). He doesn’t show up many times in the New Testament, but when he does he seems to always be bringing people to Jesus.

Andrew is the disciple who brings to Jesus the little boy who has the loaves and fish that Jesus will use to feed the five thousand. Later, Andrew makes sure that Jesus knows about some Greek people who are seeking him.

You might be like Andrew. You don’t see yourself as having many talents. You wonder how God might use a person like you. You’re not the greatest Bible scholar. You don’t have a terrific singing voice. You have trouble speaking in public. You don’t see yourself as being too important in the grand scheme of things.

You can be like Andrew. You can introduce people to Jesus. You can bring people to church.

You see, when Jesus called Andrew, Andrew called Peter. And Peter is the disciple who first confessed Jesus as the Son of God. Without Andrew, there wouldn’t have been Peter.

You can be an Andrew! Bring people to Jesus and watch how things will change.

Prayer: Father Almighty, by your grace you have called me to be a disciple of your Son, Jesus Christ. Give me a passion for bringing others to Jesus, for calling others to repentance and faith. Help me, with boldness and graciousness to be a testimony of your love to those around me.

Lord Jesus,
take from us now
everything that would hinder the closest communion with God.
Any wish or desire that might hamper us in prayer
remove, we pray you.
Any memory of either sorrow or care
that might hinder the fixing of our affection wholly on our God,
take it away now.
What have we to do with idols anymore?
You have seen and observed us.
You know where the difficulty lies.
Help us against it,
and may we now come boldly,
not in the holy place alone,
but in the holiest of all,
where we should not dare to come
if our great Lord had not torn the veil,
sprinkled the mercy seat with his own blood,
and asked us to enter.

- Charles Spurgeon