FAQs Mondays: To Be or Not to Be?

We looked at the atonement of Christ in last week's post. You can read it here.

This week, I want to tackle a different sort of question: to be or not to be?

Originally, that question was posed by young Hamlet in the play by Shakespeare. It was a question concerning existence. Hamlet was wondering if he would be better off alive or dead.

Now, I ask the question, to be or not to be? But I'm not asking it about my life. I'm asking it about FAQs Mondays. I'm also thinking about the life of my blog.

Are the "FAQs" posts helping you as a reader? Have they been helpful in directing your meditation on the truths of the Scripture? Have they helped you grow in your faith? Is this a series you would like to see continue? How could I improve the posts? Feel free to post suggestions in the comments. I would love to here from you.

FAQs Mondays: How Can Man Be Rescued? Part 2

We began looking at the atonement of Christ in last week's post. You can read those questions and answers here.

Did the atonement, in connection with the purposes of mercy which God had toward his people, render their salvation certain?
 

It did.

Did the atonement, in its saving design, embrace more than the elect?
 

The elect only; for whatever he designed he will accomplish, and he saves only "his people from their sins" (Matt. 1:21).

And yet, was it not, in its nature, of sufficient value for the salvation of all mankind?
 

It was; and hence God is said to have sent His Son into the world "that the world might be saved through Him" (John 3:17). See also Heb. 2:9; John 1:29; 2 Cor. 5:14-20; 1 Tim. 2:6; and 1 John 2:2.

Did Christ suffer in his human or his divine nature? 

It is impossible for the Deity to suffer; and we are taught; it was his soul that was "exceeding sorrowful" (Matt. 26:38). See also Isa. 53:10.

Were Christ's sufferings very severe?
 

No doubt the were. In the garden he was 'in an agony," and sweat "became like drops of blood calling on the ground" (Luke 22:44), and on the cross he cried, "My God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matt. 27:46).

What should be the practical effect of this great doctrine, upon every one to whom it is made known?
 

It should lead us to devout gratitude to God for his unspeakable gift, and to love him who "first loved us" (1 John 4:19), and "while we were yet sinners" (Rom. 5:8) died for us. 

Is it the duty of every one to believe on Christ, as the Savior of sinners?
 

It is. "Whoever does not believe will be condemned" (Mark 16:16).

Will the condemnation of those who do not believe on him, be greater than it would have been, had he not died?
 

It will. "This, then, is the judgement: The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil" (John 3:19).

Are you personally interested in the atonement of Christ? 

Again we conclude with an open ended question. It is an important question that every student must answer for themselves.  It is a great question to start the year. Are you personally interested in the atonement of Christ? Do you have the peace with God that it purchases? Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?  Feel free to leave a comment, I would love to hear from you.

Note: All quotations are the HCSB. I took the liberty to update the quotations for easier reading.

FAQs Mondays: How Can Man Be Rescued? Part 1

Last week, we looked at man's fallen condition. You can read that post here.

This week, we will begin looking at the solution to mankind's problem. These questions and answers are from Henry Clay Fisher's Baptist Scriptural Catechism, Lesson 6, part 3. You can find it here.

We have seen that in Christ the divine nature was united with the human nature; why was this union necessary?
 

That he might make an atonement for sinner, by being "obedient to the point of death," and become the Savior of sinners (Phil. 2:8).

Could not some other being have made an atonement of sufficient value, for the salvation of sinners?
 

The necessary value of his atonement consisted, mainly, in his exalted dignity; and hence God alone could make an adequate atonement.

Could not God have saved sinners, without an atonement?
 

He could not. For it is written, "Without  the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (Heb. 9:22).

Would God have been true to his word, if He had saved sinners without an atonement?
 

No, for He had said, "The person who sins is the one who will die" (Ezek. 18:4).

Did not the justice of God also stand in the way of His pardoning sinners?
 

It did. Justice demanded the infliction of the penalty of His law, which pronounced a curse upon all transgressors. See Gal. 3:10.

Did the atonement of Christ remove this necessity for the punishment of the guilty?
 

It did. God set him forth "so that He would be righteous and declare righteous the one who has faith in Jesus" (Rom. 3:26).

Did Christ endure the same kind and degree of sufferings contemplated in the penalty pronounced against sinners?
 

He did not. His were not eternal sufferings, for he has "also suffered for sins once for all" (1 Pet. 3:18). Nor did he suffer remorse of conscience, as do souls in perdition, for he had known no sin. (See Heb. 4:15).

Did he suffer absolute despair, which, no doubt, lost souls suffer?
 

He did not; for we are taught to "consider him" who, "for the joy that lay before Him, endured a cross . . . so that you won't grow weary and lose heart" (Heb. 12:2-3).

Since, then he did not suffer the identical penalty due to transgressors, how could God, consistently, allow them to go unpunished?
 

Because his death secured the same great moral ends which justice and the law had in view; satisfying the demands of justice, and magnifying the law and making it honorable. See Rom. 10:4; John 12:24; and Isa. 42:21.

The only solution for mankind's sin problem is a Savior. These questions and answers focus on the how and why of Christ's saving work. There is no salvation in any other.

Note: All quotations are the HCSB. I took the liberty to update the quotations for easier reading.

FAQs Mondays: What Is the Nature of Man?

We are going to continue looking at Henry Clay Fish's Baptist Scriptural Catechism. We will look at mankind in this post. These questions come from Lesson 5, part 2: "Man, His Fall, and Universal Corruption."

We have already noticed that God, having made man upright, and having placed him in the garden, commanded him not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  Did he obey that command?
 

He did not.  "Then the woman saw that the tree was good for food and delightful to look at, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom. So she took some of its fruit and ate it; she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate it" (Gen. 3:6).

What penalty had God annexed to eating of the forbidden fruit?

God had said, "for on the day you eat from it, you will certainly die" (Gen. 2:17).

What is meant by "death in this place; was it the death of the body, or moral and spiritual death; or was it both?

Did our first parents stand in such a relation to their posterity, as to involve them in the consequences of their transgressions?
 

They did. "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way death spread to all men, because all sin" (Rom. 5:12).  "For just as through one man

s disobedience the many were made sinners" (Rom. 5:19).

Are we not, nevertheless, alone responsible for our own sins?

We are.

What does the Bible teach concerning the wickedness of mankind?
 

It declares that "all have turned away;all alike have become useless" (Rom. 3:12),  that "there is no one righteous, not even one" (Rom. 3:10). See also Eccl. 7:20.

Is this corruption natural, that is, are men by nature depraved? 

They are.  "Man's incliination is evil from his youth" (Gen. 8:21).

Can we account for the very early waywardness and sinfulness of children, on any other ground than that of a natural bias to evil?

Is man wholly, or only partially depraved?
 

Wholly.  "The Lord saw that man's wickedness was widespread on the earth and that every scheme his mind thought of was nothing but evil all the time" (Gen. 6:5). See also Ps. 14:1-4; Rom. 1:20-32, and Rom. 8:7-8.

Does the expression wholly depraved necessarily imply that all men are as bad as they can be?

It does not.

Does it imply that all men are equally wicked?
 

It does not.

Do not impenitent individuals often possess many amiable and estimable qualities?

They do.

What, then, is meant by being wholly depraved?
 

It means being who is destitute of love to God or true holiness and, not only so, but in a state of enmity against Him, "But I know you--that you have no love for God within you" (John 5:42). "For the mind-set of the flesh is death" (Rom. 8:7). See also Eph. 2:1-3, 5.

Is every impenitent individual, because of his sinfulness, under condemnation?
 

He is. "Anyone who does not believe is already condemned" (John 3:18). See also Rom. 5:16.

Are you under condemnation? If so, what should be your feelings?

The nature of mankind is fallen. We are not able to be what God demands us to be. If man in his disobedience is under condemnation (and he is), he needs help. We will begin looking at the solution for mankind's problem next week (hint: it is the work of Christ on the cross). Feel free to leave a comment.

Note: All quotations are the HCSB. I took the liberty to update the quotations for easier reading.

FAQs Mondays: What Are the Attributes of God? Part 4

Last week, we looked at the justice and holiness of God. You can read that post here.

This week, we will be looking at the goodness and mercy of God from the Baptist Scriptural Catechism, Lesson 3, part 6.

Do the Scriptures represent God as possessing the attribute of goodness?

They do, declaring that "God is love"(1 John 4:8) and that "You are good, an You do what is good" (Ps. 119:68). See also I John 4:16; Neh. 9:17; and Matt. 19:17.

Is not this apparent, also, from the light of nature?
 

It is.

Do the Scriptures attribute perfect goodness to God only?

They do. "There is only One who is good" (Matt.19:17).

Is He good to all His creatures?
 

He is; for "You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing"(Ps. 145:16) and His "Compassion rests on all He has made" (Ps. 145:9).

Is the goodness of God liable to the least interruption?

It is not, "God's faithful love is constant" (Ps. 52:1).

Mercy, as you know, consists in doing good to an unworthy object, and that without hope of reward; is God a God of mercy as well as goodness?

He is. "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and rich in faithful love" (Ps. 103:8). See also Ex. 34:6-7; and Eph. 2:4.

Is man worthy of any blessings from God?

He is not worthy "of the least of all the mercies" of God (Gen 32:10). See also Matt. 8:8.

And yet does he not receive many blessings at the hand of God? 

He does. He is crowned "with loving kindness and tender mercies" (Ps. 103:4).

Does not this prove that God is a merciful Being?

Is not the very fact that we live, proof of it?

"Because of the Lord's faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end" (Lam. 3:22). See also 2 Pet. 3:9.

How has God, in the most striking manner, exhibited His mercy toward man?
 

"God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent His One and Only Son into the world so that we might live through Him" (1 John 4:9). See also 1 John 3:16, 4:10; Rom. 5:8; and John 3:16.

Is His mercy everlasting and unchanging?

Should not men be very thankful, and praise God for his goodness and mercy?
 

They should. "Let them give thanks to the Lord for His faithful love and his wonderful works for all humanity" (Ps. 107:8). See also Ps. 36:7-9;and 1 John 4:19.

How are you affected in view of these features of the divine character?

Through these questions, we are driven to consider the mercies of God. We also see another fine example of combining rote memorization with higher level questions. Students are being encouraged to think through these questions, take them to heart, and answer for themselves.  

This concludes our brief look at the attributes of God. Scriptures make clear that God is infinitely worthy of praise. FAQs Mondays will return next week. Feel free to leave a comment. I would love to hear from you.

Note: All quotes have been changed to the HCSB. Questions without answers lacked answers in the original source. You can check it out here.

FAQs Mondays: What Are the Attributes of God? Part 3

We have been looking at the attributes of God for a couple of weeks now. Last week, we looked at the omnipotence and independence of God. You can read it here.

This week we look at the justice, truth, and holiness of God. The questions come from Henry Clay Fish's Baptist Scriptural Catechism, Lesson 3, Part 5.

What is meant by the word justice?

Giving to one his due; practical conformity to the laws of rectitude.

Is God perfectly just in all that He does?

"It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice" (Job. 34:12, NIV). See also Deut. 32:4; Neh. 9:33; Ps. 89:14; Rev. 15:3.

Does He demand anything of His creatures which it is not perfectly right that he should demand?

He does not. 'He has showed you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (Mic. 6:8, NIV). See also Deut. 10:12.

Is God perfectly just in the distribution of His rewards and punishments?

He is: for "He will reward each person according to what he has done" (Matt. 16:27, NIV). Every one shall "receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad" (2 Cor. 5:10). See also Ps. 62:12; 2 Thess. 1:6.

Do the dealings of God with His creatures, in this world, always appear to be just?

They do not. The wicked sometimes "are free from burdens common to man," (Ps. 73:5) and have more than a heart could wish; while some good men are "plagued . . .punished every morning" (Ps. 73:14). See Psalm 73:3-14.

How did Asaph solve this apparent difficulty?

"When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny" (Ps. 73:16-17, NIV).

Do the Scriptures represent God as a God of truth as well as justice?

They do. He is called a "A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he" (Deut. 32:4, NIV). See also Rom. 3:4.

May we be confident that He will fulfill all His predictions and promises, and execute all His threatenings?

We may. "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and then not fulfill?" (Num. 23:19, NIV). See also Ps. 89:34. Prov. 11:21; 19:5; Matt. 5:18; and Luke 16:17.

Do the Scriptures also represent God as perfectly Holy?

They do. "'For the Lord our God is holy" (Ps. 99:9, NIV). "Who is like you--majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?" (Ex. 15:11, NIV). See also  Lev. 9:2; Joshua 24:19; Isa. 6:3; Rom. 9:14; and Heb. 12:29.

Can He take any pleasure in impurity or unholiness?

He cannot. "You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with you the wicked cannot dwell" (Ps. 5:4, NIV).

What should be the practical effect of the doctrine of God's justice, truth, and holiness, upon the minds of Christians? Of the wicked?

If you are unreconciled to God, may you not well be alarmed in view of these truths?

It is easy to memorize questions and their answers. It might be better to say, it is easier to memorize these questions and answers, than to really think through these truths. However, the last two questions force us to wrestle with the implications of God's justice, truth, and holiness. How will a holy God respond to our rebellion?

Sometimes, we allow ourselves to be lulled asleep in our thinking. We might think, "What does it matter if God is holy?". It means we cannot stand in his presence. It's good to think through these truths. Next week, we will continue to look at the attributes of God. Feel free to leave a comment.

FAQs Mondays: What Are the Attributes of God? part 2

Last week, we began our look at the attributes of God. We started by looking at the eternity and unchangingness of God. You can read that post here.

This week, we turn our attention to the omnipotence and independence of God.

What is the meaning of omnipotence?

 All-powerful.

Does the Lord declare Himself to be possessed of infinite power?

He does. "I am God Almighty. Live in my presence and be blameless" (Gen. 17:1, HCSB). See also Job 26:14; Dan. 4:35; Rev. 19:6. Note: All quotations have been updated to the HCSB.

Can you mention a striking exhibition of His power? 

"Oh, Lord God! You Yourself made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched are. Nothing is to difficult for you" (Jer. 32:17). See also Jer. 10:12; Isa. 11:26.

Does not God sustain and govern all things?

He does. He is "sustaining all things by his powerful word" (Heb. 1:3). "our Lord God, the Almighty, has begun to reign" (Rev. 19:6).

Does not this require unlimited power? 

It does.

Is the mind of man, as well as his body, subject to the power and control of God?

It is. "The king's heart is like streams of water in the Lord's hand: He directs it wherever he chooses" (Prov. 21:1). See also Rom. 9:21.

Is it to the power of the Lord that the uniform operations of nature are to be attributed?

lt is. "Who covers the the sky with clouds, prepares rain for the earth, and cause grass to grow on the hills" (Ps. 147:8). "I for light and create darkness, I make success and create disaster, I, Yahweh, do all these things" (Isa. 45:7).

Is not His power concerned in every event that transpires, even the most minute and apparently unimportant?

It is. "The lot is cast in the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord" (Prov. 16:33). "Aren't two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father's consent" (Matt. 10:29).

Must He not, if possessed of such power, be independent of all other beings?

He is. He "works out everything in agreement with the decisions of His will" (Eph. 1:11). "There is no one who can hold back His hand or say to Him, 'What have you done?'" (Dan. 4:35).

If God is perfectly independent, can any other being in the universe be so?

It is impossible. "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen" (Rom. 11:36).

Is it possible for us, or even an angel in heaven., to gain an adequate conception of this powerful and independent God? 

It is not. "The Almighty--we cannot reach Him--He is exalted in power!"(Job 37:23). "His greatness is unsearchable" (Ps. 145:3).

Since you are wholly in the power of this Almighty being, have you reason to fear or rejoice, judging from your present character and condition?

The learner is again asked to respond to the lesson. Since these things are true, they demand a response. They are tools shaping the heart, moving it toward faith. As the student learns to think about God as independent and omnipotent, he must choose whether or not to trust.

And what about you? Does knowing you are in the hands of the Almighty God make you fear or rejoice? I would love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to leave a comment. We will continue to look at God's attributes next week.

FAQs Mondays: What Are the Attributes of God? Part 1

Last week, we concluded our look at the Scriptures. You can read that post here. 

We  are now shifting our focus slightly to look at the author of Scripture, God. We pick up in Henry Clay Fish's catechism in Lesson 3, part 2. You can review his catechism here. The overarching question for the next few weeks, will be, "What is God like?". This week we will look at the eternity and immutability of God.

Was there ever a time when God did not exist?

There was not. "Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from eternity to eternity, Your are God" (Ps. 90:2). See also: Ps. 102:12, 27; Ps. 135:13; Rom. 1:20; Rev. 1:4. Note: All quotes have been updated to the HCSB, and references have been put into the modern format. You may wish to use the version you prefer.

Will God ever cease to exist?

He will not. He is called the "King Eternal" and the "Everlasting King;" and again it is said, "But You, LORD, are enthroned forever" See 1 Tim. 1:17, Jer. 10:10. Ps. 102:12, 27; 135:13; Job. 36:26; Deut. 32:4.

Is He uncreated and self-existent, or does He depend on some other being for his life?

He is uncreated and self-existent. He styles Himself "Jehovah," [Yahweh], "I am," and Christ declares, "the Father has life in Himself." See Deut. 6:2; Ex.3:14; John 5:26.

Is He subject to change, as are other beings?

He is not. He declares, "Because I, Yahweh, have not changed, you descendents of Jacob have not been destroyed" (Mal. 3:6).

Will any of His plans and purposes be ever, in the least degree, altered?

They will not. "But He is unchangeable; who can oppose Him? He does what he desires" (Job 23:13). See Ps. 33:11; Prov. 19:21; Heb. 6:17.

How are we to understand by those expressions of Scripture which represent God as repenting; as in Gen. 6:6; Ex. 32:14; Jonah 3:10?

It is a change in the external discovery of his purpose, or in His mode of dealing, and not in His actual determinations or principles.

Is there the least ground for believing that God will change His laws by which He governs His creatures, or the plan of mercy by which He saves souls from guilt and pollution?

There is not; for with Him there "no variation or shadow cast by turning" (James 1:17).

If so, what effect should the doctrine of God's immutability have upon the minds of believers?

What effect should it have upon the minds of unbelievers?

Can you rejoice in the truth that God changes not, and never can change; or does it fill you with fear and trembling?

Notice that the last three questions are open-ended. The answers are left for the student to contemplate. This leaves the student room to wrestle with the implications of the the "doctrine of immutability," that is, the teachings of Scripture that tell us God doesn't change.

Considering the first seven questions, how would you answer the last three? I would love to know. Why not answer them in the comments? Next week, we will continue our look at the attributes of God.

FAQs Mondays: How Should We Respond to the Scriptures?

We began looking at the question, "Are the Scriptures complete?" You can read that post here. We continue to answer the question by looking at the excellence of Scripture.

For what are the Scriptures profitable?
 

They are "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." 2 Tim. 3:16.

How should we receive the word of God?
 

We should "give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip." Heb. 2:1. Luke 8:18.

For what were the Bereans particularly commended?
 

For searching the Scriptures, "They received the word with all the readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so." Acts17:11; 2 Thes.2:10,11;. 1 Pet. 2: 1, 2.

Are the wicked to be condemned by the word, at the last great day, for not practicing what it enjoins?
 

They are. "He that rejecteth me and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day." John 12:48.

If the Scriptures are of superlative excellence and value, ought they not to be given, without delay, to all mankind?

Yes.

Do you heartily believe, and endeavor to practice according to all the truths revealed in the word of God?

The last question is open-ended. A child (or adult) should not be required to memorize an answer to a question that they cannot, in good conscience, affirm. It is one thing to teach historical facts and teachings of the church, it is another to press a child into making a commitment they are not spiritually ready to make.  Feel free to leave a comment.

FAQs Mondays: Are the Scriptures Complete?

Last week, we concluded a look at the integrity of Scripture. You can read that post here.

We are going to be looking at the completeness and excellence of Scripture this week and next. The questions and answers draw from Lesson II, Part VII of Dr. Fisher's catechism. You can find it here.

We have now proved, that the Scriptures are a revelation from God. Are they the only perfect revelation of God's will, that the world will ever possess?

They are. "If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." Gal. 1:8- 9. 2 Thes. 2:2.

Do the Scriptures contain all the truths necessary to our salvation? 

They do. They are "able to make us wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus." 2 Tim. 3:15-17. 2 Pet. 1:4.

What has God said He will do unto him who shall add any thing to His word?

"If any man add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book." Rev. 22:18.  See also Deut. 4:2. Prov. 3:6.

What will God do to him who shall take any thing away from the Scriptures?

"He shall take away his part out of the book of life." Rev. 22:9

To what standard should we refer all our opinions and actions?

"To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." Isa. 7:20. See also Jer. 23:28.

Should we teach, or practice, as a Christian duty, any thing that is not laid down in the word of God?

We should not. "In vain do Ye worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Matt. 15:9. See also Col. 2:8. Tit. 1:13-14.

Should we esteem the Scriptures as of the highest value to us?

We should. "More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold." Ps. 19:10.

This post deals more with our attitude toward the Scriptures, than with the Scriptures themselves. However, it helps us to think through important matters. For many Christians today, the Bible is just another book. For many, it isn't even an important one. The Scriptures are the very words of God. They reveal to us our Creator and Redeemer, so we should give them the highest respect possible. Showing that respect means reading, studying, obeying, and memorizing them.

Nest week, we will continue to look at the integrity of Scriptures. If you have a question or a comment, feel free to post it in the comments.

FAQs Mondays: Can We Trust the New Testament?

We began our look at the integrity of the Bible by answer in the question, "Can we trust the Old Testament?". You can read the post here. Now we turn attention to the New Testament.

What evidence is there that we have the New Testament as it was at first written, or free from corruption?

The multiplication of copies in the original language, and of versions or translations, and their frequent private and public reading, rendered it impossible that any material and general alteration should have been made.

Have not Christians, from the first, entertained a reverence for the Scriptures, and a sense of the guilt of adding to or taking from them?
 

They have.

You know that, from an early period, there have been sects or parties among professed Christians; would not an attempt on the part of one to mutilate the word of God, have been surely noticed and made known by those who differed from them?

It would.

Can you mention any other evidence of the uncorruptedness of the Scriptures?

There is a remarkable agreement between them and all the quotations made from them by early writers.

Is there also a general agreement of all the manuscripts and versions of the New Testament now extant?
 

There is: so close is this agreement, that the worst manuscript extant does not misrepresent one article of faith, or destroy one moral precept.

Will You now state, in their order, the Proof's in support of the integrity or uncorruptedness Of the sacred Scriptures?

Ques. 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17. Note: Questions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, and 11 are on the previous post. You can read them here. Questions 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 are the first 5 questions of this post. 

Does it not become us to be very thankful that we possess the word of God in its original purity?

It does.

Again we see that the evidence points to the integrity of the Bible. What we have today reflects what was written by the biblical authors. We have a sure Word that is worthy of trust. Next week, we will look at the completeness or excellence of Scripture. Feel free to leave a comment.

FAQs Mondays: Can We Trust the Old Testament?

We begin our look at "the integrity or uncorruptedness of the Scriptures," this week. We are going to look at the first 12 questions from Lesson II, Part VI in Henry Clay Fish's Baptist Scriptural Catechism. They focus on the Old Testament. It is important to remember that this document was written in 1850. Since then, there have been several more discoveries that further demonstrate the integrity of Scriptures.

Have we conclusive evidence that the books of the Bible have been preserved free from material errors or alterations, since they justify the hands of their respective authors?

We have.

Were not the Jews extremely sedulous (diligent) in their efforts to preserve the manuscripts of the Old Testament in their original integrity?

They were.

Did they exercise the utmost care in transcribing them?

They did, comparing the transcriptions with the original, and even numbering the words and the letters.

What is the testimony of Josephus on this point?

He asserts that there was such a veneration of the Jews for the sacred Scripture that no one down to his time dared to add or take away from them, or even to make the least alteration. (See Josephus Against Apion, b. 1, 8). 

You know that Christ, and the later prophets before him brought many serious charges against the Jews; but did they ever charge them with mutilating the Scriptures?

They did not.

Did they even intimate that they were guilty in this respect?

They did not.

Had they been guilty of it, would so great a sin passed unrebuked?

It would not.

Do the different versions and manuscripts of the Old Testament, now extant, agree, in all essential particulars?

They do. (Of these manuscripts there are now extant about 1200). 

Is it supposeable that good men, since the time of Christ should have altered the Old Testament?

It is not.

Have Christians ever charged the Jews with doing it?

They have not.

Is it possible that it should have been done by any individual or company of individuals, and not detected by either Christians or Jews; especially since copies have been so numerous and so widely scattered?

It is not.

Is not all this satisfactory evidence to the purity and integrity of the Old Testament?

It is.

The Baptist Scriptural Catechism was written at a time when the Bible was coming under attack. The author moves his students to consider the evidence and the logical implications of that evidence. The first question concerning "conclusive evidence" of the lack of errors in the Bible anticipates the following questions. The remaining questions are the evidences.

A lot of accusations are thrown around. Believers are expected to doubt the accuracy of the biblical text, but as these questions demonstrate the opposition can show no real proof that Bible contains errors. Those who disbelieve the Bible operate from their own belief systems. Disbelievers are no less biased than believers. They are just biased in a different direction.

This catechism encourages believers to question the assumptions of their opposition. Next week, we will look at the questions concerning the integrity of the New Testament. Feel free to leave a comment.

FAQs Mondays: What is Inspiration? Part 3

Last week, we looked at question 8-14, from the Baptist Scriptural Catechism (Lesson 1, Part V). You can read that post, "What is Inspiration? Part 2," here. Now we are going to finish out this section of the catechism.

Question seven is still our guide. It reads, "Can you mention some of these truths; and show that no one, uninspired, could have known and recorded them?".

Did many of perform miracles? Can you mention some of them?

Note: The "them" refers to biblical authors. Notice that the question is open ended. The student is to supply a list of names and miracles. For instance, Moses parted the Red Sea, and Paul raised a young man from the dead.

What is a miracle?

An effect, or event, contrary to the established constitution, or course of things; or a deviation from the know laws of nature.

Will you give an example of what would be a miracle?

Note: Again, we have an open ended question. The students are being prompted to study and recall the miracles recorded in Scripture.

Of what where the miracles proof?

The divine authority of one's mission and teachings.

Since, then, the prophets and the apostles wrought miracles, is it not equivalent to God's own testimony that their doctrines were divine origin?

It was.

Did not the writers of the Scripture often predict future events?

They did.

Have many of these events already come to pass?

They have.

Will you specify some of them?

Note: Yet another open ended question. Students are being encouraged to interact with this catechism.

Is not this another proof of their inspiration?

It is.

Do not the blessed effects of the Bible upon individuals and national character, prove it to be from heaven?

They do.

Is not the believer's own consciousness or internal conviction of its heavenly origin, a proof in point?

It is. Note: We should be careful with this question. Unbelievers may try to turn it around and suggest that their lack of conviction is proof that it is not of "heavenly origin." This question, more so than any of the others, focuses on a subjective proof.

This concludes our look at the inspiration of Scripture. More could be said, but this catechism is not a systematic theology. It is an introduction to the concepts and proofs that accompany the doctrine of inspiration. It was designed to give students a working knowledge of what is meant by "inspiration," and a structure from which to give the reasons for their beliefs. Next week, we'll begin looking at "The integrity or uncorruptedness of the Scriptures."

FAQs Mondays: What is Inspiration, Part 2

Last week, we begin looking at the inspiration of Scripture in the Baptist Scriptural Catechism. You can find part 1 here. If you still haven't looked up Henry Clay Fish's catechism, you can find it here.

Question 7 frames the rest of the discussion for this portion of the catechism. So we'll begin by restating the question which is answered by the questions that follow it.

Can you mention some of these truths; and show that no one, uninspired, could have known, and recorded them?

Did not the writers of Scriptures claim to be inspired?

They did. 2 Sam 13:2; Jer. 1:4; Ezek. 1:3; 2 Cor. 2:13; Gal 1:10

What is the testimony of Paul on this subject?

He declared that "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God" 2 Tim. 3:16 (KJV).

We have already proved that the writers of Scriptures were honest men, and spoke the truth; they could not there for have intentionally asserted what was not true. Could they have been deceived in respect to their being inspired?

They could not.

Is not their testimony, then, positive proof of their inspiration?

It is.

Is not the remarkable preservation of the Scriptures, for so long a time, and amid so many effort to destroy them, and evidence they are from God?

It is. (It is a remarkable fact, that, had the New Testament been early banished from the earth, nearly the whole of its contents [all but 7 or 11 verses, at the most] could have been gathered from the controversial writings of the first five centuries. In proof, see "Bible Evidences," &c, p. 101, and "Life of Dr. Campbell.") Note: I am unfamiliar with either of these texts mentioned. They were probably cutting edge research in 1850 when this catechism was compiled. Today, Josh McDowell's book, Evidence that Demands a Verdict, would be a good resource.

Can we account for the sublimity of their style, and the purity of their doctrines, on any other ground?

We cannot. Note: Sublimity means nobility in thought or feeling or style.

The writers of the Bible lived in different centuries, and different places; and yet their is a perfect agreement between them all in what they have written. Is this not proof  of their inspiration?

It is.


 The questions lead the reader. This catechism is as much as training in thinking as it is in inspiration. The learners are being taught to question the presuppositions (opinions) of those who would reject the doctrine of inspiration, and how to frame response to those objections. Next week, we will finish looking at the inspiration of the Scriptures. Tune in for part 3. Feel free to leave a comment.

FAQs Monday: What is Inspiration? Part 1

We begin our look at Henry Clay Fish's Baptist Scriptural Catechism this week. The copy I have is an abridgment that I found at The Reformed Reader website. You can view it here. This catechism leads the reader to think about the answers, and encourages them to defend their faith. Today, we ill begin by looking at part of Lesson 1, part 5, dealing with the inspiration of Scripture. We will look at the first 7 questions.

What is the meaning of inspiration?

It literally means the act of breathing into; but, as applied the the Scriptures, it means the supernatural influence of the Spirit of God on the minds of the writers, by which they were enabled to communicate the divine will.

May a book be genuine and authentic, but, at the same time, not inspired?

Will you give me an example? Note: This question is answered by a question. It reminds the learner that the responsibility of proof is on the person asking the question. If someone wants a believer to disbelieve the Bible, they should be forced to prove, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the Bible is in error.

Will you now state, definitely, what is meant, when the writers of the Scriptures are spoken of as having been inspired?

It is meant that they were specially guided and instructed by God in what they spoke and wrote.

Is it meant that they were always or at all times under the special influence from God?

It is not; but as such times only as they were communicating the will of God.

You know the language of wicked men, and Satan is, in some instances found in the Bible: is it meant that this was inspired?

It is not; but only that holy men recorded it under the direction and influence of the Spirit. Note: John Broadus put's it this way: "Does the Bible contain any errors? The Bible records some things said by uninspired men that were not true; but it is true and instructive that these men said them" (A Catechism of Bible Teaching, Lesson 3, part 1, question 13). View it here.

What are the proofs or evidences by which we know that the Scripture is inspired?

The nature of the truths which they communicated was such that must have been taught to them by God. Note: I modernized this answer, the emphasis is in the original.

Can you mention some of these truths; and show that no one, uninspired, could have known, and recorded them?

Note: The remaining questions deal with these truths. I will give you a summary, and then next week we will begin looking at them in detail.  Fish lists the testimony of the writers, the preservation of Scriptures, the sublimity of their style, the purity of their doctrine, the unity of the Bible, the miraculous powers of some of the authors, prophecy, the Scriptures power to convict and convert.


I hope this has whetted your appetite for further study. Next week, will delve deeper into the subject. I think these questions approach this important subject in a manner that encourages investigation. I hope you find these posts helpful. Feel free to leave a comment.

FAQs Mondays: The Baptist Scriptural Catechism

In the weeks to come, I want to spend some time looking at a new catechism. The Baptist Scriptural Catechism (1850) was written by Henry Clay Fish. You can view an abridged copy at The Reformed Reader. This catechism is for advanced students. The questions encourage deeper thought.

We will definitely look at the questions and answers that deal with the Scriptures, and we may look at other parts as well. I encourage you the to follow the link above or this one, and begin reading through it. We will start next Monday by looking at "The Inspiration of the Scriptures."

FAQs Mondays: "If a Tree Falls in the Forest . . ."

I want to look at a familiar question this week, and how it relates to apologetics. The question is:

If a tree falls in a forest, and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?

Let me say a couple of things up front. First, this question, in and of itself, has nothing to do with apologetics. Second, this is the kind of question that it meant to drive the mind to meditate on nothingness.

However, the question helps us to understand the necessity of apologetics, and some of the inherent difficulties of the process. For the record, apologetics is the process of giving a reasoned defense of one's believes.

I know a lot of people who are terrified of the thought of sharing the message of Jesus with another person. Most are scared because they think they will be asked a question they don't know the answer to. Some are afraid they will be asked a question that will cause their faith to unravel. Questions like the one above, remind us that their are questions lurking in the wings, and many of them are difficult to answer (But none of them are fatal to Christianity--the lack of an answer isn't proof that Christianity isn't true. It simply means we don't have all the information we need to answer the question at this time.)

I have discussed the question with several people through the years, and heard other peoples' opinions on it. I would have to say most of the ones I know, are frustrated by the question. Most never take the questions intent into consideration. They assume the question wants a logical answer. However, the question wants to push the mind beyond logic into the realm of nothingness. Whether you want to view this kind of meditation as a uniting with nothing or a uniting with everything doesn't matter. The question is designed to shake logic.

In this way, the question can teach us the necessity of apologetics because we sense the frustration question generates. We are rational beings, and we were designed to be such. There is a reason that most cultures look down on irrationality. Most attacks against God and the faith are really attacks on logic and reason. There is a press to redefine what is rational and logical.

But the question also teaches us the difficulties of apologetics. How does one answer a question like this? No matter what answer you give, the immediate response is: "How do you know?". Now, the person answering the question is caught in the questioners trap. The initial question we must ask when dealing with someone who questions the faith is, "What sort of evidence are you willing to consider?"

Would it answer the question to suggest placing listening equipment in the forest to capture the sound of the falling tree? The equipment, while not a person, would function as a surrogate ear, thus "hearing" the tree. If you turn to the laws of physics, and suggest that a tree falling in the woods would disrupt the air around it as it fell and struck the ground sending sound waves rippling through the forest, then it could be countered that we only know that to be factual in cases where there has been an ear to observe it.

Do you see how logical implications can be skirted by willful refuse to weigh the evidence? Some people have legitimate questions about God, Jesus, and the Bible. Other people are trying to push their minds beyond the logical implications of the gospel. They don't want to live in a world in which they are obligated to honor God with their life. They don't want to live in a world where they deserve death and hell because of their rebellion against God. They don't want to live in a world where they can't save themselves.

When pressed with a biblical truth, they will respond with, "How do you know your right?". If you press further, with legitimate, logical reasons, they will push back with a similar response. Defending our faith is important because we are called to do it (see 1 Pet. 3:15), but apart from the work of the Holy Spirit in a person's heart--it will never open the eyes of the spiritually blind.

Experience teaches us that a tree that falls in the forest, when a person is there to hear it, makes a sound. Evidence, both logical and empirical, can be given to explain why this happens. Yet, no evidence can be given to explain why it wouldn't still happen in the absence of a hearing ear. Likewise, evidence can be given to support the existence of color. Color does not cease to exist because an eye cannot perceive it. Spiritual truth cannot be so easily dismissed just because one does not have an ear to hear or an eye to see.

FAQs Mondays

FAQs Mondays will return next week. Thank you for you patience. If you have any questions or topics you would like to address, please leave a comment.

FAQs Mondays: "What Happens to People When They Die?"

Last week, we answered the question," Where is Jesus?". You can read that post here. This week, we answer the question, "What happens to people when they die?".

What happens to people when they die?

They body returns to the dust, and the soul awaits the final judgment.

Will the bodies of the dead be raised to life again?

Yes; there will be a resurrection of the righteous and the wicked.

What will happen to the wicked in the day of judgement?

They will be cast into hell.

What is hell?

Hell is a place of dreadful and endless punishment.

What will happen to the righteous in the day of judgement?

They will live with Christ for ever, in a new heaven and a new earth.

In light of these truths, what should you do?

I should strive with all my energy to repent of sin and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Through these questions and answers, we learn that eternity awaits all people. The righteous, that is, those who trust in Jesus Christ, will live in eternal reward. The wicked, those who reject Christ, will live in eternal punishment. Each person is called to repent of their sin and place faith in Christ.

This concludes our look at A Catechism for Boys and Girls. I'm considering devoting some of the future FAQs Mondays to answering ethical and apologetic questions. If you have a question you would like to ask, leave a comment.

FAQs Mondays: "Where Is Jesus?"

Last week, we looked at the Lord's Supper and how it demonstrates the gospel. You can read that post here. We are moving toward the conclusion of this catechism which closes on the doctrine of final things. This week, we are answering the question, "Where is Jesus?".

Did Christ remain in the tomb after his crucifixion?

No; he rose from the tomb on the third day after his death.

Where is Christ now?

Christ is in heaven, seated at the right hand God the Father.

Will Christ come again?

Yes; at the last day he will come and judge the world.

We learn, from the question and answers, that Jesus is alive. We need to help our children understand these basic truths. Jesus isn't just "in their hearts." He is King of kings and Lord of lords. He is returning to judge the living and the dead. Next week, we will explore the question, "What happens to people when they die?".