Reformed Reading Report

The Meaning of the Pentateuch: Revelation, Composition and Interpretation

revmarple@hotmail.com (revmarple) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 14:10:00 +0000

Sailhamer, John H. The Meaning of the Pentateuch: Revelation, Composition and Interpretation. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2009.

Brief Overview of the Book (Theme, Perspective, Approach):

This 612 page (plus indexes) magnum opus has several concerns. One is to make sure that we do not relegate the Old Testament to a substandard status in comparison with the New Testament. He even goes so far as to say that the Old Testament was the early church's New Testament. Unlike the factions within Judaism, Christianity did not create its own form of the "Hebrew" (portions in Aramaic) Scriptures but accepted it as their Scriptures and added more books to it. This complements his argument that the Old Testament is about a coming Messiah King from the tribe of Judah and the New Testament identifies that Messiah as Jesus. He does not want to read the New Testament back into the Old Testament but rather to read the Old Testament into the New Testament. This means includes seeing how the Old Testament interprets itself before moving to the New Testament. And it is worth noting (as he has a whole chapter about it) that when we are talking about meaning we are speaking about the meaning of the words of Scripture. His focus on the words of Scripture complements the focus of the words of Scripture on the words of Scripture (i.e. Joshua 1 and Psalm 1, cf. Neh 8:8).

As you can already tell, the book is about much more than the meaning of the Pentateuch. Sailhamer discusses the way the prophets and Psalms interpret the Pentateuch. This leads him to describe the compositional strategy and seams of Jeremiah (see pages 404ff and 494ff) and the Psalms (Psalms 1-2, 72, and 145) as he earlier had done the same with the whole of the Hebrew Scriptures. The seams of the Hebrew Scriptures even led him to highlight Daniel and the end of Chronicles (two of the last three books in the Hebrew canonical order with Ezra-Nehemiah in between).

The book has one major thesis: the canonical Pentateuch is actually the Second Edition or Pentateuch 2.0 that highlights themes already present in the First Edition. And many sub-theses concerning its interpretation in light of the strategy of the authors. One concerning the theme of faith is that the Pentateuch employs the same strategy as the lament pattern to highlight the importance of faith: emergency, promise, faith, certainty (Gen 15, Exo 3-4 and in reverse as Num 14, and highlighting unbelief in Num 20). One concerning the theme of law is that the various written laws were added after major transgressions. The covenant at Sinai was originally to resemble the one with Abraham -- living by faith one would walk according to the stipulations written on the heart. Throughout the discussion Sailhamer looks to the intertextual "learned quotations" and these patterns to see the "intelligent design" of the human author.

Critique (strengths and weaknesses):

Sailhamer offers a very well thought out approach to understanding the Pentateuch. No one can accuse him of shortcutting to easy answers to the complicated issues. And he has clearly wrestled extensively with the approaches of others to the issues (including learned interaction with Vos, Coccejus, Calvin, and Augustine). It would help the average scholar-pastor if he had translated many of the sources he quotes in Latin, German, and etc. But it is obvious that this book is the product of years of study and reflection where he does not hesitate to articulate how his approach disagrees with others.

I appreciate his metaphors for describing the canonical Pentateuch as "the Pentateuch, 2nd Edition" or "Pentateuch 2.0." The point being that the additions of comments in the narrative, language explaining obscure poetic texts (you can identify them often by seeing the breaks in the parallelism), the additional poem and epilogue at the end of Deuteronomy, and other texts were not random updates but reflect the "intelligent design" of an anonymous author. The purpose of these updates was to accent the relevance of the text for a later generation. Sailhamer is not very clear on the extent of the updating he believes was done, and every time it seems like he is going to make such a conclusion he stops short, instead stressing that his approach is to interpret the present text.

Sailhamer makes lots of interesting observations about the Hebrew Scriptures and reads many of these observations into the New Testament. He believes that the Gospels and Paul, in particular, understand the Pentateuch and how it has been interpreted in the rest of the Hebrew Scriptures. For example, Sailhamer argues that Gal 3:19 and Matt 19:8 understand correctly the strategy of the Pentateuch adding laws after transgressions. And likewise, Matt 2:15 understands Hosea 11:1 correctly in the strategy of that book. These things have been a matter of great debate in scholarly circles and there are many who would beg to differ with his conclusions because their approach to the text is different.

It is definitely a strength that Sailhamer spends so much time on the major poems of the Pentateuch and their learned quotations of the "promise narratives" was an interesting observation. But I am not persuaded by his argument that the Second Edition is a prophetic edition. If this was a major part of the thesis statement (which it appeared to be at the beginning, but I left out above because it did not seem to be in the end) he did not demonstrate thoroughly enough why it would be a prophetic edition rather than a wisdom edition, especially since some of his other writings suggest the latter.

Application (specific, shows just how valuable & relevant the book is):

I found the faith pattern helpful in explaining questions that I myself had about the Genesis narrative. How he suggests that the Pentateuch (which I would call the Torah) compares and contrasts Abraham and Moses is particularly helpful. But the greatest value of this book lies in its tracing of biblical-theological themes and allusions throughout the Scriptures. Pastors need to know their Bibles and need to meditate day and night on the word of God. I found it particularly interesting that the theme seems to be private meditation on the word rather than public. As a pastor, I find myself stressing public meditation on the word in Sunday worship. This is somewhat to correct the belief among many today that one can go it alone in the walk of faith (i.e., without the church). But the text of the Hebrew Scriptures does stress at its very seams, as Sailhamer points out, the importance of individuals studying the word of God day and night. This reminds me that both need to take place and that individual meditation on the word is vital. This is why this book is valuable -- it got me to ponder on the word of God and to think about my own presuppositions as I approach the Scriptures.

Representative Quote:

Although the Sinai covenant began as an extension of God's covenant with Abraham, the Pentateuch is clear that Sinai was to be replaced by another covenant and assigned a new purpose as law for a people tainted by the sin of the golden calf. To be sure, the Pentateuch was not assigned the status of being Israel's law code. That was a role to be taken over by the laws of the Sinai covenant. The Pentateuch, itself an expression of the hope for a new covenant, was set over against the Mosaic law of the Sinai covenant. This shifting role of the Sinai covenant in the theology of the Pentateuch can be seen already in the beginning stages of the Sinai covenant (Ex 19-24).

When viewed from the perspective of the strategy of its composition and its treatment of the various collections of laws, such as the Decalogue, the pentateuchal narratives present themselves as an extended treatise on the nature and purpose of the Sinai covenant. The author of the Pentateuch is intent on showing that Israel's immediate fall into idolatry with the golden calf brought with it a fundamental shift in the nature of their covenant with God. At the outset of the covenant, the text portrays the nature of the covenant in much the same light as that of the religion of the patriarchs. Like Abraham, Israel was to obey God (Ex 19:5; cf. Gen 26:5), keep his covenant (Ex 19:5; cf. Gen 17:1-14) and exercise faith (Ex 19:9; cf. Gen 15:6). Though they immediately agreed to the terms of this covenant (Ex 19:8), Israel quickly proved unable to keep it (Ex 19:16-17). In fear, they pleaded with Moses to go into God's presence for them while they themselves stood "afar off" (Ex 19:18-20; 20:18-21). In response to the people's fear and disobedience, God wrote out for them the Decalogue, as well as the Covenant Code and the plans for building a tabernacle. As depicted in the Decalogue and Covenant Code, Israel's relationship with God was based on the absolute prohibition of idolatry and the simple offering of praise and sacrifice. The covenant was still very much like that of the patriarchal period, except that now it had clearly defined stipulations ("the ten words").

[As Sailhamer continues, he notes that the golden calf incident marks the decisive change to a law with a multitude of stipulations, then the people's sacrifices to goat idols (Lev 17:1-9)leads to the addition of the Holiness Code. Deuteronomy adds more laws, but then begins to talk of a different kind of covenant (see Deut 29).]

Flavel's Exposition Quotes (Cont.) Q&A 39

revmarple@hotmail.com (revmarple) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:13:00 +0000

Q&A 39 Of Man's Duty to God

The Will of God revealed in the Scriptures is our only Rule of Obedience, Isa 8:20 To the Law, and to the Testimony; if they speak not according to this Word, it is because there is no Light in them.

[This next question and answer are interesting:] But if a Man have a Voice, a Vision, or a Dream, seeming to hint the secret Will of God, may he not obey it? A. Yes; if it be consonant to the revealed Will of God in the Word, otherwise not, Deut 29:29

Flavel's Exposition Quotes (Cont.) Q&A 38

revmarple@hotmail.com (revmarple) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:30:00 +0000

Q&A 38 Of Christ's acknowledging Believers

Let none be afraid or ashamed to confess the Person, Office, or any Truth of Christ, for any Loss or Danger, that may threaten them, Luke 12:8-9 Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before Men, him shall the Son of Man also confess before the Angels of God. But he that denieth me before Men, shall be denied before the Angels of God.

Of Christ's acquitting Believers

Though the Day of Judgment be awfully solemn, it should not be dreadful to Believers. They should look for, and hasten to the coming of the Day of God, 2 Pet 3:12 Looking for, and hastening unto the coming of the Day of God, &c.

Of the full Enjoyment of God

What will such a Vision of God produce? A. It will produce perfect Conformity in them to God, 1 John 3:2 When he shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. And perfect Joy will result from hence, Psa 16:11 In thy Presence is Fulness [sic] of Joy, at thy right Hand there are Pleasures for evermore.

Calvin's Institutes Quote on Baptism of Infants

revmarple@hotmail.com (revmarple) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Institutes 4.16.9

Accordingly, let those who embrace the promise that God's mercy is to be extended to their children deem it their duty to offer them to the church to be sealed by the symbol of mercy, and thereby to arouse themselves to a surer confidence, because they see with their very eyes the covenant of the Lord engraved upon the bodies of their children. On the other hand, the children receive some benefit from their baptism: being engrafted into the body of the church, they are somewhat more commended to the other members. Then, when they have grown up, they are greatly spurred to an earnest zeal for worshiping God, by whom they were received as children through a solemn symbol of adoption before they were old enough to recognize him as Father. Finally, we ought to be greatly afraid of that threat, that God will wreak vengeance upon any man who disdains to mark his child with the symbol of the covenant; for by such contempt the proffered grace is refused, and, as it were, foresworn.

Flavel's Exposition Quotes (Cont.) Q&A 37

revmarple@hotmail.com (revmarple) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:31:00 +0000

Q&A 37 Of Perfection at Death

The Saints should earnestly pursue that Perfection, even in this imperfect State, Phil 3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended; but this one Thing I do, forgetting those Things which are behind, and reaching forth to those Things which are before, I press towards the Mark, for the Price of the high Calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Of immediate Glorification

At Death they are as ready for Heaven as ever they shall be, John 9:4 I must work the Work of him that sent me while it is Day, the Night cometh, when no Man can work.

Of rest in the Grave

Seeing that our Bodies are to have so long and so sweet rest in the Grave, we should not spare them in God's service now, 2 Pet 1:13-14 Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this Tabernacle, to stir you up, by putting you in Remembrance, knowing that shortly I must put off this my Tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.

Of the Resurrection

Is it sinful to doubt of the Doctrine of the Resurrection? A. 'Tis not only a Sin to doubt it, but an Heresy to deny it, it being a fundamental Article, Heb 6:2 And of the Resurrection of the Dead, 1 Cor 15:13-14 But if there be no Resurrection of the Dead, then is Christ not risen; and if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your Faith is also vain.

Flavel's Exposition Quotes (Cont.) Q&A 36

revmarple@hotmail.com (revmarple) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:03:00 +0000

Q&A 36 Of Assurance, the Fruit of Justification

How is true Assurance discerned from Presumption? A. True Assurance humbles the Soul, Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. And makes the Soul afraid of Sin, 2 Cor 7:1 Having therefore these Promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all Filthiness of Flesh and Spirit, perfecting Holiness in the Fear of God.

Of Peace of Conscience

What is that which hinders the Sense of Peace in Believers? A. Their Sins against the Lord, and grieving of his Spirit, Isa 59:2 But your Iniquities have separated between you and your God ; and your Sins have hid his Face from you, that he will not hear.

Of Joy in the Holy Ghost [besides saying that "Religion is no melancholy Thing, but the Fountain of all Joy and Pleasure"]

Have not Hypocrites their Joys as well as real Christians? A. Yes, but the Joy of the Hypocrite is not grounded upon Scripture-warrant, and will vanish away, and will come to nothing at last, John 5:35 He was a burning and a shining Light, and ye were willing for a Season to rejoice in his Light.

Of the Increase of Grace

After saying that true Grace may sometimes decay, the first inference is "To bless God for Gospel Ordinances, Psa 92:13-14 Those that be planted in the House of the Lord, shall flourish in the Courts of our God, they shall still bring forth Fruit in old Age; they shall be fat and flourishing.

Of Perseverance

Why do not all persevere? Because all Professors have not a good Root and Foundation, Matt 13:20-21

Calvin's Institutes Quote on Church Councils

revmarple@hotmail.com (revmarple) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 20:50:00 +0000

...
I deny that they are gathered in his [Christ's] name who, casting aside God's commandment that forbids anything to be added or taken away from his Word, ordain anything according to their own decision; who, not content with the oracles of Scripture, that is, the sole rule of perfect wisdom, concoct some novelty out of their own heads. Surely, since Christ promised that he would be present not in all councils whatsoever but laid down a special mark by which a true and lawful one might be distinguished from the rest, it behooves us never to neglect this distinction.
...

Flavel's Exposition Quotes (Cont.) Q&A 31-35

revmarple@hotmail.com (revmarple) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 18:55:00 +0000

Q&A 31 Of Effectual Calling

Do the Called of God hear any Voice from Heaven? A. Ordinarily it is a Call without Sound, yet as efficacious as an audible Voice from Heaven.

Q&A 32 Of the Concomitants of Vocation

That all Believer's Privileges are not in Hope, but some in Hand, 1 John 3:1 Behold what Manner of Love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the Sons of God.

Q&A 33 Of Justification

But doth not James say otherwise, James 2:14 What doth it profit, my Brethren, though a Man, says he, hath Faith, and have not Works, Can Faith save him? A. The two Apostles contradict not one another. Paul speaks of Justification before God; and James of justifying our Faith before Men.

Q&A 34 Of Adoption

It teacheth us to carry ourselves as Children to our heavenly Father: First, In our Imitation of him, Eph 5:1 Be ye therefore Followers of God as dear Children : Secondly, In our Submission to him, Heb 12:9 Furthermore, we have had Fathers of our Flesh, which corrected us, and we gave them Reverence: Shall we not much rather be in Subjection to the Father of Spirits, and live? Thirdly, In our Dependence on him, Matt 6:32 For your heavenly Father knoweth that you have Need of all these Things.

Q&A 35 Of Sanctification

True Sanctification purgeth the Heart from the Love of Sin, Rom 7:15 For that which I do, I allow not And the Life from the Dominion of Sin, Rom 6:19 As ye have yielded your Members Servants to Uncleanness, and to Iniquity, unto Iniquity ; even so now yield your Members Servants to Righteousness, unto Holiness.

Flavel's Exposition Quotes (Cont.) Q&A 30

revmarple@hotmail.com (revmarple) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 19:54:00 +0000

Q&A 30 Of our Union with Christ

Can none have saving Benefit by Christ, but such as are united to him? A. No; for as Adam's Sin could not hurt us, except we had been in him ; so Christ's Redemption cannot profit us, except we are in him, 1 Cor 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption.

What are the Bonds of this Union? A. The Spirit on God's Part, 1 John 3:24 And he that keepeth his Commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him; and hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us. And Faith on our Part, Eph 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your Hearts by Faith.

Flavel's Exposition Quotes (Cont.) Q&A 29

revmarple@hotmail.com (revmarple) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 02:22:00 +0000

Q&A 29 Of the Application of Christ

What means doth the Spirit use in applying Christ? A. The external Means he makes use of, is the Ministry of the Gospel, 1 Cor 3:5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollo, but Ministers by whom ye believed?

Is this sufficient of itself? A. No; the Blessing and Power of the Spirit must accompany it, or Christ cannot be applied, 1 Thes 1:5-6 For our Gospel came not unto you in Word only, but also in Power and in the Holy Ghost, and in much Assurance, as ye know ...

I recently read Herman Bavinck's Saved by Grace, which develops these ideas.

Flavel's Exposition Quotes (Cont.) Q&A 27-28

revmarple@hotmail.com (revmarple) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:53:00 +0000

Q&A 27 Of Christ's Humiliation

What is the first inference from hence? A. That Lowliness and Humility becomes Christ's Followers, Matt 11:29 Take my Yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek, and lowly in Heart.

Q&A 28 Of Christ's Exaltation

For what End did he ascend? A. To take Possession of his Glory, John 17:5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self, with the Glory which I had with thee before the World was. And that as our fore-runner, Heb 6:20 Whither the fore-runner is for us entred, even Jesus, &c.

The Second Part of the 28th Question of Christ's Exaltation

What is implied in Christ's sitting there? A. That his Work on Earth is finished, Heb 10:11-12 But this Man after he had offered one Sacrifice for Sin, for ever sate down on the right Hand of God.

What else doth it signify? A. Christ's Power over all Enemies, Psa 110:2 The Lord shall send the Rod of thy Strength out of Sion ; rule thou in the midst of thine Enemies.

Flavel's Exposition Quotes (Cont.) Q&A 22-26

revmarple@hotmail.com (revmarple) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 01:54:00 +0000

Q&A 22 Of Christ's Incarnation

The Lord Jesus Christ is their [the elect of God's] only Redeemer, and there is no Redeemer besides him, Acts 4:12 Neither is there Salvation in any other ; for there is none other Name under Heaven given among Men, whereby we must be saved.

Of the Manner of Christ's Incarnation

Was he then in all Respects like to other Men? A. No ; his Conception was not like others, Isa 7:14 Behold, a Virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call his Name Emanuel. And he had no Sin in him as others have, Heb 7:26 For such an High Priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from Sinners.

Q&A 23 Of Christ's Offices

What Promises flow out of the Prophetical Office? A. All the Promises of Illumination, Guidance and Direction flow out of Christ's Prophetical Office.

What Promises flow out of the Priestly Office? A. All the Promises of Pardon and Peace flow out of it.

What Promises flow out of the Kingly Office? A. All the Promises of Defence, Protection and Deliverances.

Q&A 24 Of Christ's Prophetical Office

How doth Christ teach Men the Will of God? A. He doth it by external Revelation of it, Acts 3:22 For Moses truly said unto the Fathers, A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your Brethren, like unto me, him shall ye hear in all Things, whatsoever he shall say unto you. And by internal Illumination, Luke 24:45 Then opened he their Understandings, that they might understand the Scripture.

Q&A 25 Of Christ's Priesthood

That the Christian Religion only settles the Conscience in Peace, Heb 9:14 How much more shall the Blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without Spot to God, purge your Consciences from dead Works to serve the living God?

Q&A 26 Of Christ's Kingly Office

That all Plots against the Church shall surely be defeated, Isa 54:17 No Weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper.

Flavel's Exposition Quotes (Cont.) Q&A 21

revmarple@hotmail.com (revmarple) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:06:00 +0000

Q&A 21 Of the Only Redeemer

How did Christ deliver us from this Misery [of Sin and Hell] ? A. First, By Price : Secondly, By Power. By Price, 1 Peter 1:18-19 Ye are not redeemed with Silver and Gold from your vain Conversation, received by Tradition from your Fathers : But with the precious Blood of Christ, as of a Lamb without Blemish, and without Spot. By Power, Col 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the Power of Darkness, and hath translated us into the Kingdom of his dear Son.

Flavel's Exposition Quotes (Cont.) Q&A 20

revmarple@hotmail.com (revmarple) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 09:24:00 +0000

Q&A 20 Of the Salvation of God's Elect and of the Covenant of Grace

Did God chose some because he foresaw they would be better than others? A. No: God's Choice was not on foreseen Works ; but meerly [sic] of his Grace, and good Pleasure of his Will, Eph 1:5-6 Having predestinated us unto the Adoption of Children by Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good Pleasure of his Will, to the Praise of the Glory of his Grace.

Of the Covenant of Grace

May a Sinner that hath no Worthiness at all of his own, be taken into the Covenant of Grace? A. Yes, he may, Isa 43:25 I, even I, am he, that blotteth out thy Transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy Sins. This Covenant is not of Works but of Grace, Rom 11:5-6 And if by Grace, then it is no more of Works, otherwise Grace is no more Grace ; but if it be of Works then it is no more Grace, otherwise Work is no more Work.

Flavel's Exposition Quotes (Cont.) Q&A 14-19

revmarple@hotmail.com (revmarple) — Mon, 11 May 2009 18:06:00 +0000

Q&A 14 Of Sin

Nothing can be a Sin but what God hath either expressly, or by Consequence, forbidden in his Word.

Q&A 15 Of the Tree of Knowledge

Why was this Tree called the Tree of Knowledge? A. Not from any natural Efficacy it had to give Knowledge ; but the Knowledge he should have by eating, or not eating, was experimental Knowledge, i.e. Knowledge to his Sorrow.

Q&A 16 Of the Fall of Adam, and ours in him

Did no Man ever escape the Sin of Adam? A. Yes, the Man Christ Jesus did, and he only, Heb 7:26 For such an high Priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from Sinners.

Why was Christ not tainted with it? A. Because he came into the World in an extraordinary Way, Matt 1:18

Q&A 17-18 Of Original Sin

It should provoke Parents to use their utmost Diligence for the Conversion of their Children, who draw Sin from them.

Q&A 19 Of Man's Misery

[What do you learn from the misery here and hereafter?] The wo[e]ful State of the unconverted. Miserable here, and miserable to Eternity.

Flavel's Exposition Quotes (Cont.) Q&A 13

revmarple@hotmail.com (revmarple) — Sat, 02 May 2009 20:28:00 +0000

Q&A 13 Of the Fall of Man

Did the Will of Man lose its Liberty to Good, by the Fall? A. Yes, it did, and is so wounded, that it cannot without preventing and regenerating Grace put forth one spiritual and saving Act, Eph 2:8-10 For by Grace are ye saved, through Faith, and that not of ourselves, it is the Gift of God. Not of works, lest any Man should boast ; for we are all his Workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good Works, &c.

Flavel's Exposition Quotes (Cont.) Q&A 12

revmarple@hotmail.com (revmarple) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 01:47:00 +0000

Q&A 12 Of the Covenant of Works

How was the Threatning fulfilled, of dying in the Day he eat, seeing he lived 930 years? A. He died spiritually, that Day; and though the Sentence on his Body was respited in Order to Posterity, yet then his Body received the Death Wound, of which afterward he died.

Flavel's Exposition Quotes (Cont.) Q&A 11

revmarple@hotmail.com (revmarple) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 23:17:00 +0000

Q&A 11 on Providence

It is no small Privilege to be adopted Children of God, and the Members of Christ, for all is ordered for their eternal Good, Eph 1:22-23 And hath put all Things under his Feet, and gave him to be head over all Things to the Church, which is his Body, the fulness of him, that filleth all in all.

Flavel's Exposition Quotes (Cont.) Q&A 9-10

revmarple@hotmail.com (revmarple) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 01:59:00 +0000

Q&A 9 Of the Creation:

What is the Third Instruction from the Creation ? A. That God only is the proper Object of Worship, Jer 10:11 Thus shall he say to them, The Gods that have not made the Heavens and the Earth, even they shall perish from the Earth, and from under these Heavens.

Q&A 10 Of Man's Creation:

What is meant by the Image of God? A. Not a Resemblance of God in any bodily Shape or Figure, but in Holiness, Eph 4:24 And that ye put on that new Man, which after God is created in Righteousness and true Holiness.

What is the Fourth Instruction from hence? A. That the Despisers of Holiness are the Despisers of God; for Holiness is God's Image.

I hope to write a review when the quotes are complete.

Quote from Joseph Allein's An Alarm to Unconverted Sinners

revmarple@hotmail.com (revmarple) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 01:35:00 +0000

Allein, Joseph. An Alarm to Unconverted Sinners in a Serious Treatise. You can find it and download it in pdf format for free. Or if you insist on a hard copy, Banner of Truth has published it as A Sure Guide to Heaven

O ye saints, how should ye love the word ? for by this you have been converted : O ye sinners, how should you ply the word ? for by this you must be converted : no other ordinary means but this. You that have felt its renewing power, make much of it while you live ; be forever thankful for it : tie it about your necks, write it upon your hands, lay it in your bosoms, Prov 6:21-22. When you go, let it lead you ; when you sleep, let it keep you ; when you wake, let it talk with you : Say with holy David, I will never forget thy precepts, for by them thou hast quickened me, Psa 119:93. You that are unconverted, read the word with diligence, flock to it where powerfully preached, fill the porches, as the multitude of the impotent, blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water, John 5:3. Pray for the coming of the Spirit in the word. Come off thy knees to the sermon ; and come to thy knees from the sermon. The seed doth not prosper, because not watered by prayers and tears, nor covered by meditation.

Flavel's Exposition Quotes (Cont.) Q&A 7

revmarple@hotmail.com (revmarple) — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 00:29:00 +0000

Q&A 7 Of God's Decrees

What is the last Instruction from God's decrees? A. That we ought to be thankful to God for all the Good, and patient under all the Evils that befal[l] us, Job 2:10 Shall we receive good at the Hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?

Note that Q.8 is explained under the next few questions. Thus the next entry will be on Q.9

Flavel's Exposition Quotes (Cont.) Q&A 5-6

revmarple@hotmail.com (revmarple) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 23:45:00 +0000

Q&A 5: Of One God

Why is he called the living God? A. Because all Life, natural, spiritual, and eternal, is in him, and from him only. First, Natural Life, Acts 17:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being. Secondly, Spiritual Life, Eph 2:1 You hath be quickened, who were dead in Trespasses and Sins. Thirdly, Eternal Life in Glory, Col 3:4 When Christ who is our Life shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in Glory.

Q&A 6: Of Three Persons in the Godhead

After showing this from the baptism of Christ, the institution of baptism "in the Name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost," the Apostolical Benediction (The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Love of God, and the Communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.) and others, Flavel gives us some practical application of the doctrine. I have a special interest in this, and have written some reasons out on my teaching blog previously, many of the reasons below are in addition to those.

First Instruction:

That the Doctrine of the Gospel concerning Christ, is fully confirmed and ratified by three Witnesses from Heaven, who are above all Exceptions, 1 John 5:7 For there are Three that bear Record in Heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost.

Second Instruction:

Hence we learn the true Order and Manner of worshipping God in the Son, John 16:23 Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my Name, he will give it you. And by the Spirit, Eph 6:18 Praying always, with all Prayer and Supplication in the Spirit.

Third Instruction:

That the Covenant of Grace conveys a rich Portion to Believers, in making over all three Persons to them, Jer. 31:33 But this shall be the Covenant that I will make with the House of Israel after those Days, saith the Lord, I will put my Law in their inward Parts, and write it in their Hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my People.

Fourth Instruction:

That as it is the Duty of all the Saints to give distinct Glory to the three Persons in the Godhead; so it will be a special Part of their Blessedness in Heaven, to contemplate the distinct Benefits received from them all, Rev 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful Witness, and the first begotten of the Dead, and the Prince of the Kings of the Earth, unto him that loved us, and washed us from our Sins in his own Blood.

Quote from Calvin's Institutes

revmarple@hotmail.com (revmarple) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:43:00 +0000

Calvin, John. Institutes of the Christian Religion. Translated by Ford Lewis Battles. I used the version available from AGES Digital Library, though I also have a hardcopy.

2.8.10, to understand you may need to refer to the Institutes and read this in context, on the Ten Commandments, Calvin says,

But why did God, as it were by half commandments, signify through synecdoche what he willed, rather than express it? While other reasons are also commonly given, this one especially satisfies me: the flesh ever tries to wash away the foulness of sins, except when it is palpable, and to overlay it with plausible excuses. Hence, God has set forth by way of example the most frightful and wicked element in every kind of transgression, at the hearing of which our senses might shudder, in order that he might imprint upon our minds a greater detestation of every sort of sin. In appraising our vices we are quite often deceived by this into making light of those which are somewhat concealed. The Lord disabuses us of these deceptions when he accustoms us to refer the whole mass of vices to these categories which best represent how heinous each kind is. For example, when called by their own names, we do not consider anger and hatred as things to be cursed. Yet when they are forbidden under the name "murder," we better understand how abominable they are in the sight of God, by whose Word they are relegated to the level of a dreadful crime. Thus moved by his judgment, we ourselves become accustomed better to weigh the gravity of transgressions, which previously seemed light to us.

What Calvin does with the sixth commandment we could do with each of the commandments.

Flavel's Exposition Quotes (Cont.) Q&A 4

revmarple@hotmail.com (revmarple) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:50:00 +0000

Q&A 4 God is a Spirit

What else may be learned from [the Spiritual Nature of God]? A. That our Souls are the most noble and excellent Part of us, which most resembles God, and therefore our chief Regard and Care should be for them, whatever becomes of the vile Body, Matt 16:26 For what is a Man profited if he gain the whole World, and lose his own Soul? Or what shall a Man give in Exchange for his Soul?

Q&A 4 Of God's Infinity

If God be thus infinite, and no Understanding can comprehend him, how then is it said in 1 John 3:2 We shall see him as he is ? A. The Meaning is not, that glorified Saints shall comprehend God in their Understandings; but that they shall have a true apprehensive Knowledge, though not a comprehensive Knowledge of God: And that we shall see him immediately, and not as we do now thorough [sic] a Glass darkly.

Q&A 4 Of God's Eternity

That tho' Angels, and the Souls of Men shall have no End; yet they had a Beginning, which God had not; Secondly, Our Eternity is by Gift from God, or by his Appointment; but his Eternity is necessary, and from his own Nature.

The Gospel is called the everlasting Gospel, Rev 14:6 because the Effects thereof upon the Souls it sanctifies, will abide in them for ever.

Q&A 4 Of God's Unchangeableness

The Happiness of God's People is firm, and sure, being built upon the Word of an unchangeable God, Mal 3:6 For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye Sons of Jacob are not consumed,Heb 6:18

Q&A 4 Of God's Wisdom

What is the last Instruction from God's Wisdom? A. That the Study of Christ, and of the Scriptures, is to be preferred to all other Studies in the World, Col 2:3 In whom are hid all the Treasures of Wisdom, and Knowledge. And the Scriptures contain all that Wisdom which is for our Salvation, 1 Cor 2:7 But we speak the Wisdom of God in a Mystery, even the hidden Wisdom which God ordained before the World, unto our Glory.

Q&A 4 Of God's Power

Are there not some Things which God cannot do? A. Yes, there are, but they are such Things as are inconsistent with his Truth and Holiness, Titus 1:2--which God that cannot lie, 2 Tim 2:13He cannot deny himself.

Q&A 4 Of God's Holiness

The Holiness of God is twofold; Communicable or incommunicable; of his communicable Holiness the Apostle speaks, Heb 12:10 But he for our Profit, that we might be Partakers of his Holiness. Of his incommunicable Holiness that Scripture speaks, 1 Sam 2:2 There is none holy as the Lord.

The Gospel is of inestimable Value, as it is the Instrument of conveying the Holiness of God to us

Q&A 4 Of God's Justice

The greatest Evidence that ever was given of the Justice of God, was in his exacting full Satisfaction for our Sins upon Christ.

Q&A 4 Of God's Goodness

What is the Goodness of God? A. It is an essential Property of his Nature, whereby he is absolutely and perfectly good in himself, and the Fountain of all communicated Goodness to the Creature, Psalm 119:68 Thou art good, and dost good, teach me thy Statutes.

What is the Second Property of the divine Goodness? A. That it is supreme, and perfect in itself, so as the Goodness of no Creature is, or can be, Luke 18:19 None is good save one, and that is God: And consequently above all additions from the Creature, Psalm 16:2 O my Soul, thou hast said unto the Lord--my Goodness extendeth not unto thee.

Q&A 4 Of God's Truth

He is universally true in all his Words and Works. 1. In all his Words, John 17:17 Thy Word is Truth 2. In all his Works, Psalm 25:10 All the Paths of the Lord are Mercy and Truth, unto such as keep his Covenant.

Great Quotes from John Flavel's An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism: Preface, Q&A 1-3

revmarple@hotmail.com (revmarple) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 01:48:00 +0000

Flavel, John. An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism, with Practical Inferences from each Question. You can find different editions on Google Books or Archive.org. I have made minor updates, including interpreting Roman numerals.

The Preface:

That Catechizing is an ordinance of God, few will doubt, when they consider the Apostles did first lay the Fundamentals of Religion; Heb 6:1 And fed Babes with Milk, teaching them the first Principles of the Oracles of God, Heb 5:12 and questionless taught them in that Manner, which was most suitable to the Capacity of the Learners, which may well be supposed to be by plain and short Questions, and suitable Answers thereunto; and therefore this has been a constant Practice in the Church of God.

Q&A #1 Of Man's Chief End:

Wherein consists the Enjoyment of God? A. It consists, First, in the facial Vision of him in Heaven. Secondly, in full Conformity to him, 1 John 3:2. But we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Thirdly, in that full Satisfaction which results from both the former, Psalm 17:15 I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy Likeness

Q&A #2 Of the Scriptures as Our Rule

What is the Holiness of the Scriptures? and how doth that prove them to be God's Word? A. The Holiness of the Scriptures doth appear in two Things. First, In commanding and encouraging whatsoever is pure and holy; Phil. 4:8 Whatsoever Things are pure. Secondly, In forbidding all Unholiness, under Pain of Damnation, 1 Cor 6:9 Know ye not, that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God, &c. This shews that they came not from Satan, being cross to his Design; nor from Men, it being against his corrupt Nature; and therefore from God only.

What is their Authority and Efficacy on the Soul? and how doth that prove them divine? A. Their Authority and Efficacy on the Soul, consists in three Things: First, In the Power they have to search and discover the Secrets of Men, Heb 4:12The Word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged Sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of Soul and Spirit, of the Joints and Marrow; and is a Discerner of the Thoughts and Intents of the Heart. Secondly, In their converting Efficacy, changing and renewing the Soul, Psalm 19:7 The Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the Soul. Thirdly, In their cheering and restoring Efficacy, when the Soul is cast down under any inward or outward Trouble, Psalm 19:8 The Statutes of the Lord are right, rejoycing the Heart. No humane Power can do such Things as these, John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy Truth, thy Word is Truth.

Q&A 3 Of Faith and Obedience

It is our Duty to examine what we hear, by the Word; and not receive any Doctrine, because Men confidently affirm it, but because the Scriptures require it, Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those of Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all Readiness of Mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether these Things were so. Secondly, That Christian Religion is not notional, but practical; and that impractical Faith saves no Man, James 2:20 Faith without Works is dead.