Do Muslims share in the plan of salvation?

Through my wife, I recently heard of a quote from Pope Paul VI, which claims that Muslims share in the same plan of salvation as Christians. Let's take just a quick look, here it is:

"The plan of salvation includes those who acknowledge the creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; those who profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind's judge on the last day." -Pope Paul VI in "Lumen Gentium"

I'll try to be very brief in my response and let you be the judge, based on two quotes. One from the Bible, and one from the Quran. Here's the one from the Bible:

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. -1 John 4:1-3

and from the Quran:

O people of the scripture, do not transgress the limits of your religion, and do not say about GOD except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was a messenger of GOD, and His word that He had sent to Mary, and a revelation from Him. Therefore, you shall believe in GOD and His messengers. You shall not say, "Trinity." You shall refrain from this for your own good. GOD is only one god. Be He glorified; He is much too glorious to have a son. To Him belongs everything in the heavens and everything on earth. GOD suffices as Lord and Master. -Surah 4:171

and

GOD will say, "O Jesus, son of Mary, did you say to the people, `Make me and my mother idols beside GOD?' " He will say, "Be You glorified. I could not utter what was not right. Had I said it, You already would have known it. You know my thoughts, and I do not know Your thoughts. You know all the secrets. "I told them only what You commanded me to say, that: `You shall worship GOD, my Lord and your Lord.' I was a witness among them for as long as I lived with them. When You terminated my life on earth, You became the Watcher over them. You witness all things. -Surah 5:116-117

The Quran claims that Jesus is not the son of God, he has no divinity, he is merely a great prophet or apostle. The Bible claims that anyone who does not accept Jesus Christ's divinity is antichrist.

Iowa Judicial Retention

My take on the upcoming vote for judicial retention of the Supreme Court judges in Iowa. This was a response to an email discussion, but summarizes my reasoning around this issue and basic response to the objections I've heard. While you could claim that I'm taking some of these scripture passages out of context they reflect a concise, but rough, idea of the basis for my thinking.

All three Supreme Court judges voted the unanimously on the homosexual “marriage” opinion last year.
I agree that we should vote NO on retention of these judges because of the procedural issue of “legislating form the bench”. More importantly for me is that we vote NO because of their vote on the moral issue of the ruling. We, as Christians, should vote based on our world view. That being a Biblical world view, based on God’s law being the highest, over-riding law. When judges, end even elected officials, make rulings that are so directly against God’s law, we will have injustice in the land.

Deuteronomy 16:18-20, “appoint judges… and they shall judge the people fairly. … Follow justice and justice alone…”

Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

This issue isn’t about the objections that many people claim. Some say we shouldn’t vote them all out because we’d have to start from scratch, but 1 Corinthians 6:4 says, “…appoint as judges even men of little account in the church!”

It’s not about changing the process; it’s not about sending a message to other judges;
it’s about the specific ungodly actions and ruling of these judges according to God’s standard. Using them to send a message to others would be just as unjust as the actions they took. We’re holding them accountable for their actions, within the existing process.

God defines what marriage is, the civil government can’t re-define it; they can only recognize and reward it.

The Biblical Application of the Death Penalty

I recently preached a sermon on Numbers 35 and the Cities of Refuge. One of the themes in this passage is the application of the sixth commandment, “you shall not murder”. As you read through this passage, it is clear that this is a strong case, and application, of the death penalty, at least in the case of murder.

 

 

In this passage, we see the main theme and process when someone in Israel kills another, they must quickly flee to a city of refuge in order to receive protection and to be ensured a trial. Then we get the rules for judging between murder, and accidental killing, then the penalties for each. Toward the end we get the reason for all of this, to ensure the only true justice; His!

 

Starting in verse 16 it says, “he is a murderer; the murderer shall be put to death.” And verse 17, “he is a murderer; the murderer shall be put to death.” And verse 18, “he is a murderer; the murderer shall be put to death.” Verse 19 says, that the “avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death; when he meets him, he shall put him to death.” And verse 21, “that person shall be put to death; he is a murderer. The avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death when he meets him.” That is 6 times that it is repeated that the murderer is to be put to death.

 

Then in verse 29, we are reminded that we just heard how the killer was to be judged. It says, “These are to be legal requirements for you throughout the generations to come, wherever you live.” In verse 30 we start seeing the rules to ensure justice as it reminds us that “no one is to be put to death on the testimony of only one witness.” But we go right back to the insistence on the death penalty, in verse 32, there is no substitute, it says, “Do not accept a ransom for the life of a murderer, who deserves to die. He must surely be put to death.”

 

Those are the cold, hard facts. Guilt is determined in a very objective, black and white manner. The penalty is clear, there are no options.

 

Most people misunderstand the death penalty, and the reasons for it.

• Some think the reason is life-for-life in terms of bringing redemption to the family who lost a loved one; but this is only a partial reason which doesn’t satisfy, another life only adds to the loss.
• Some think the reason is the extremeness of the penalty is to deter the potential criminal from the crime; this seems reasonable and pragmatic, but even where the penalty is in play, people still murder, so it’s not entirely effective.

The real reason is given in the end of the chapter, verse 33 says, “bloodshed pollutes the land, and atonement cannot be made for the land on which blood has been shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it.” We are brought back and reminded of the first murder, where Cain killed his brother Able, and God says to him in Genesis 4:10, “Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.”

 

To understand this better, we look at to David we tells us, “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight”. And we look when Moses writes of Noah when he gets off the ark after the flood and God makes a covenant with him in Genesis 9. God tells Noah in verse 6 that “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed” then he continues and gives the reason, “for in the image of God has God made man.” When we kill another, we destroy His image! God takes that seriously, that is why “bloodshed pollutes the land” and tells us the ultimate reason, to protect God’s image, God’s holiness, to “not defile the land…where I dwell.” from verse 34.

 

To summarize: The death penalty is put in place not to reconcile man to man, but to maintain God’s holiness, from pollution, and from destroying His image in each of us. When we fail to use God’s law for justice in determining the guilt of the murderer, and fail to implement His judgment, then the cry of the land grows stronger for our injustice and our defiling God’s land.

Growing Through Family Worship

This blog posting is a copy of the text of a speach that I gave at my local Toastmasters club last week. I've added the scripture references into this post so you know where they came from, but left them out of the speach. It evoked some negative reactions...

Today, I would like to introduce you to the foundational Christian practice of Family Worship. I was introduced to Family Worship two years ago and began to practice it with my family. Don’t let me fool you, this was not an easy thing to get started and convince the family of, but its benefits far outweigh the struggle of getting started. Once you get past the initial resistance, it is simple and requires only minimal effort to keep going. Let me tell you why you should begin to practice Family Worship.

God Commands It:
First of all, God commands it. We read early on in the history of the Bible, when Moses was leading Israel through the wilderness, that God gave Moses many commandments and he told them to “teach them to your children. Talk about them when you sit down and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” –Deuteronomy 6:7

Solomon also gave us his wisdom when he reminded us to “train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” –Proverbs 22:6

And Paul tells us, as fathers, to “bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” –Ephesians 6:4

You will grow closer to your family:
Again, why should we do this? Or why does God command this?

First of all, Moses tells us that we should do this “so that we may enjoy long life, and so that it may go well with you, and you may increase greatly.” –Deuteronomy 6:2-3  One of the benefits that I have seen is a better connection and relationship with my children, and my wife. If you practice this regularly, in time, you will also see this happen. When you spend time together in this way, reading, praying, and asking questions, you will grow closer to each other.

It is simple to do:
The next reason to practice Family Worship is that it is very simple and gives a high return on investment. Many people don’t practice this because they think they don’t know enough, or it will be too hard.

It doesn’t need to be hard; here is what you need to do. Find a time to gather your family every day. Then, sit down together and read the Bible. There is no better tool to teach your family about God, than His Word. In fact, this is the most effective way; not through a ‘devotional’ or a ‘life-application’ bible, or a ‘Bible study guide’; just God’s Word, pure and simple.

Second, pray together. This can be short and simple, but praying for each other and for others lets your family see your heart and desires for them. We began asking each person to thank God for a blessing each day in order to help keep a positive, thankful, attitude in them.

Third, sing together; even if you are out of tune, or can't carry a tune. You may have some songs your family knows from memory, or you can find some songs and music online. We use an old hymnal that our church gave away when they got new hymnals. You can sing a cappella, or if someone is talented sing with a piano or guitar.

If you are short on time for one reason or another, you can skip the singing, but don’t skip the reading or the prayer.

You will grow spiritually:
The last benefit I will mention is your own spiritual growth. Through the process of reading God’s Word you will learn. You will learn from your children and spouse asking you questions. You don’t have to know all the answers, just promise to take some time to investigate give an answer the next day. They usually aren't looking for a long, complex answer, just simple answers to their questions.

Conclusion
As a parent, this is a simple thing to do. All you really need is a Bible, and 15 minutes each day. Do this every day without excuses to skip and you will grow spiritually, grow together as a family, and gain more influence in your child’s life than even their peers.

I urge you to begin Family Worship today. Don’t delegate this to someone else! Not the church, nor even a school. This is a “do-it-yourself” project. That is the only way you will get these benefits.

Spiritual Growth 101

Recently I have run into several references to the concept of Spiritual Formation. In concept this seems like a good idea, but some of the ideas and practices promoted by those in the Spiritual Formation movement are counter to the Biblical examples and commandments. I may address some of the other practices promoted by the Spiritual Formation movement, but first let me address the core of spiritual growth from a Biblical perspective.

What are the basics of growing as a Christian?
This is an important question, and every Christian needs growth whether they are a new Christian, a mature Christian, or a struggling Christian. Maybe you've grown and are experiencing a spiritual plateau or a dry spell. Maybe you just don’t know where or how to start.

One of my hobbies is playing table tennis. Just as in table tennis and any other pursuit you may be involved in, if you want to improve you need to practice. You also need to learn and add disciplines to your practice. At first, you may just spend time playing. Then start practicing your serve, or your spin, or ball placement. Later you add to your growth by learning and practicing new techniques for different aspects of your game.

Likewise, to grow spiritually, spend time practicing. As you want to take that next step, refocus, or learn new techniques. Avoid learning some of those bad habits or techniques that could slow or limit your growth.

What are the core practices for spiritual growth?
There are three core practices of the Christian faith. They are to:

1. read God’s Word


2. pray, and


3. worship God

All three of these are required, none are optional. It is important for each of these, as you are beginning, and growing, to keep each of these pure. In other words, don’t add to them with other aids or props. Adding to them may get you into harmful or limiting techniques. I’ll go into more on each of these, but this is important to keep it simple to start with, and to keep it free from pollution as you mature.

Each of these practices should be done individually, as a family, and as the body in church. Each of these contexts is important, for they are all commanded in God’s Word. These three core practices should all be done every day (not necessarily corporately, but at least individually.

I make a distinction between these practices and the sacraments. The sacraments are signs and seals to remind us of God’s love and covenant with us. The sacraments can be classified in the context of corporate worship and faithful administration of the sacraments is one of the signs of a true church.

What are the goals of spiritual growth?
As you faithfully practice these with discipline, you will grow in maturity, and knowledge of the Lord. Through these you will get spiritual food, to sustain you. In John 15, Jesus reminds us,

”I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit;”

We will bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

As we bear fruit and grow, we must not forget that we may get pruned (disciplined). When we are disciplined, it may feel like we've been cut off, but God will not cut off those that are His.

Conclusion
As you grow, you will see your growth, you will see more and more of God’s hand in your life and in the history of the world, and you will sense God’s leading through His promised Holy Spirit.

Here are a few closing scriptures of encouragement:
1 Corinthians 9:24b,

“Run in such a way as to get the prize.”

Galatians 5:7,

“You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?”

Hebrews 12:1b,

“let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

Spiritual growth is important; it takes discipline, and yields its fruit. A fruit does not grow to maturity in a day, but grows as it gets the nourishment that it needs. Don’t get discouraged, keep running and you will finish the race well, God is faithful!