The Church- Purpose

Consider This...

Theological Thoughts to Encourage the Heart & Stir the Mind

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Volume I September 2011 Issue 34

            Summer is all but over and, as we head into the fall season, one of the events I anticipate most is the fall Bible conference. This year, our theme is, “Standing Strong: A Triumphant Church in a Troubled World.” Therefore, in conjunction with the conference, we have purposely chosen the topic for this month to focus on the church. In this first article, we will look at the purpose of the Church. So keep reading and Consider This…

            There has been much change over the last 100 years regarding how the modern-day church sees itself. Whether it be a corporate environment, CEO leadership style, or program driven schedule, everyone is looking for something new. The problem is that, too often, in our quest for fresh and new, we lose sight of the intended purpose. For many churches today, the result is entertainment focused, professionally staffed, success orientated ministries.                       

            This is not God’s plan for the church. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus says, “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it.” Notice the Lord's one condition to that great promise: I will build… my church.  Christ's guarantee is valid only when He builds the church His way. When you follow His blueprint, you can be sure that He is doing the work through you and that nothing, not even the gates of hell, can stop Him.

            So what determines if a church is God’s Church built God’s way? Well, the best place to start is with the first church–the church at Jerusalem, beginning on the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit filled 120 believers who had gathered for a prayer meeting and then added 3,000 souls later that same day (Acts 2:41).  Notice that:

            They didn't know anything about building a church.

            They had no precedent.

            They didn't have a book on the church.

            They didn’t even have the New Testament.

Yet it was built Jesus' way and, as such, it's the model for the church today.

            What did the early church look like? Acts 2:40-47 gives us a helpful hint. 

1.     It was a place for Believers—Saved / Baptized Members: (vss. 40-41)

“40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, ‘Save yourselves from this crooked generation.’ 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.”

2.     It was a place for Teaching & Training—Producing mature, stable, holy Christians: (vs. 42a)

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching.

     3.             It was a place for Fellowship: (vs. 42 & 46)

                        1. Communion

                        2. Prayer

                        3. Hospitality

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts.

     4.             It was a place for Service: (vs. 44-45)

44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.

     5.            It was a place for Worship: (vs. 46)

46 And day by day, attending the temple together.

       6.            It was a place for Evangelistic Motivation: (vs. 46-47)

46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts. 47 Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

            It is no secret that the church today is facing challenges on a scale that equals that of any other time in history.  But, in all of this, the promise of Christ, that he would build His church despite the forces against it, has remained unchanged. In fact, through the New Testament, God provides believers with reassurance that He will not forsake them when they face difficulties and that, by the instruction of His Word, they will know how to cope with the problems that arise.

Therefore, over the next few weeks, we will be looking at God’s Church done God’s Way, addressing the issues within the context of His blueprint.

The Scriptures- Plenary and Verbal Inspiration

Consider This...

Theological Thoughts to Encourage the Heart & Stir the Mind

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Volume I August 2011 Issue 35

Plenary and Verbal Inspiration

            No other book has been as attacked and condemned for its content as the holy written Word of God. Yet no other book has changed people’s lives and transformed their hearts for the good of mankind and for the glory of God. Many argue the Bible was made to keep people subject to a set of rules or to help weak minded people who need guidance in this world. In reality though, those who follow the Bible, the true Word of God, live lives that have meaning and an expected end. Their lives have hope and are founded on truth that saves them from the fear of death and eternal separation from God. This is not because a human wrote with such persuasion or passion. It is because the author of the Bible is the Creator himself. The Holy Spirit, who draws men to a saving relationship with Christ Jesus their Lord, drives into the born-again Christian a hunger for holiness and the Word of God.

            When I read a book, a magazine, or a tract from a religious group, the Spirit of God within me tells me that this material is false. It is false because it does not line up with the Scripture of Almighty God. How do I know the difference between what is of God and what is not of God in relation to writings that would claim divine authorship? This is where verbal and plenary inspiration find their meaning and way into the life of Scripture.

            The definition of plenary inspiration states that the full, entire, absolute, and complete canon of Scripture is inspired by God. “It is altogether free of error and conveys exactly what God wished to say to man. That there are problems connected with this high view of inspiration goes without saying, but this is nevertheless the teaching of Scripture itself. The problems can be resolved; but even if we cannot now answer all of them, we still must insist this is the only doctrine of inspiration which has any real substance. It is only by plenary (i.e. full) inspiration and verbal (word-by-word) inspiration that God can objectively and accurately convey his word to man. Any lesser theory leaves man to his own devices and, in effect, he becomes his own god.¹

            Verbal inspiration is the belief that the original documents, penned by the writers, were without error and directly from God.

            Some people would say the concepts presented in Scripture are inspired, but not the words. However, we see the Lord Jesus Christ himself believed in the plenary verbal inspiration. He rebuked Satan by quoting: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).² Would Christ quote Scripture if he was not sure that it was word for word inspired? Would Christ lead us astray into thinking the Word is accurate and word for word inspired, knowing that it actually had some error in it? I do not think so.

            God used men to write his verbal inspirational Word. Some argue that each writer used their own personality in the book or letter making it unlikely that it was inspired by God. But God can use the personality and demeanor of a person to send His Word to mankind. When I read the Gospel of John and the three epistles God used him to write, I see the Apostle and his loving character. His sensitivity and desire for his readers to know the Christ is plainly obvious. When I read the Apostle Peter’s writings, I see the boldness of this man and how, in his maturity, his excellent communication skills were used to relay God’s truth. Finally, when I read the Apostle Paul’s letters, I see a man full of knowledge of the Old Testament. I see both his care and boldness towards his audience. With these three examples, I am confident when I say that these men wrote word for word what the Spirit of God in them moved them to write (2 Peter 1:21). So it was not their words, but God using their mind and knowledge to write His words.

            In 1 Corinthians 2:13, Paul the Apostle writes, in regards to the Holy Spirit and his indwelling presence, “This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.” The Word of God is the believer’s standard for faith and practice. We are taught by the words and the wisdom of the Spirit, as the verse above declares. Man had nothing to do with any input, regarding wisdom, when it came to God teaching us through His Word.

            It is quite odd that many would agree with the Bible in declaring that God is in control of everything (Colossians 1:15-17) and that He is loving and caring over our needs and trials (Psalm 23). They would even go so far to acknowledge that He is the only way to heaven (John 14:6). But when it comes to believing that every word is inspired and “God-breathed,” they disagree and say this could not be so. So is the fickleness of man and what he does and does not believe. I will stick to what the Word of God teaches! I will trust in the Word that has never failed me or given me cause for doubt.

    What are you going through today? Can you confidently say you are trusting in God’s Word because it truly is His Word? Or are you questioning, not only your circumstance, but the Bible itself? Apply the word for word inspired Scripture to your life and see the result of that trust!

                                                                       

                                                                        Ed Delgado

^{1.            Morris, Henry. Many Infallible Proofs. (Green Forest, AR: Master Books, 1996), 173}

^{2.            ibid.}

   

   

   

                                      

The Scriptures- Inerrancy & Infallibility

Consider This...

Theological Thoughts to Encourage the Heart & Stir the Mind

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Volume I August 2011 Issue 34

Inerrancy and Infallibility

            Webster’s Dictionary defines Inerrancy as “exemption from error” and infallibility as “incapable of error.” These terms are similar in meaning and, when used to describe the original Scriptural texts, are inseparable. 

            I believe it is important to make the distinction between modern translations (i.e. KJV, ESV, NASB, NKJV) and the original texts. While these translations are very accurate (as well as a small group of other translations), they cannot be considered inerrant or infallible. These versions are what most Bible Scholars would describe as “reliable” translations, meaning, the words and meanings used in these translations, while not in the original language, are as close to the originals as is conceivable. 

            This method of translation is known as formal equivalence. This is the practice of translating from reliable manuscripts to another language as closely as the language will allow. It does not require a verbatim translation due to the differences between the languages. Rather, it seeks to use words and phrases that mirror, as closely as possible, the exact words that were originally used. 

            The only person capable of producing a document of such content, completely infallible and inerrant is Christ himself. He used inspiration to direct the original writers as they penned the documents. Those original documents were the only words inspired by God. Because God did not use the English language, it is not possible to suggest that our English Bibles are “inspired.” What we have today is as close as we are able to have to the original words of Christ, written in our language. As such, they are worthy to be used for faith, study, and practice in the life of believers. 

            That being said, the original signatures or texts are indeed infallible and inerrant. First of all, Romans 3:4 says, “God is true” (KJV). Secondly, 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that God breathed out or “inspired” the Scriptures. This brings us to the conclusion that the Scriptures are true (John 17:17). As God is exempt and incapable of error, so is His Word. God has provided various Scriptures that testify of His inspiration of the Bible, such as 1 Peter 1:20-21, Romans 15:4, and many others. Matthew 4:4 refers to the Authority of Scripture. It is the “word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (KJV).   The Bible has been proven true throughout history. To deny the inerrancy and the infallibility of the Word of God is to deny God’s perfection. John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God and the Word was God” (KJV). 

            We, as Christians, have been given a precious gift—the Word of God. It is “given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, KJV).

Jonathan Halk

The Scriptures- Uniqueness

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Theological Thoughts to Encourage the Heart & Stir the Mind

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Volume I August 2011 Issue 33

            In a world with 130 million (give or take a few) books, could there ever be the possibility of a completely unique book? Even if the selection of books were narrowed down to that of just sacred texts, ancient and modern, will they be, at their essence, the same or could there be a uniqueness found in any one of them? Most in the Christian community would answer these questions with a strong yes, there can be and there is a unique book in this world. The book that is held up is the Bible. It is this book that millions of people through the ages have relied upon to answer every question in life. It is this book that has sold more copies than any of the other 130 million books. It is this book that has been the greatest irritant to some while, to others, it is their most prized possession. No matter how one views this book, it is unique and stands by itself.

            The subject of the uniqueness of Scripture is broken into two separate parts. There is the Apologetic approach and there is the Theological approach. The Apologetic approach shows the uniqueness of Scripture that is understood by both the believer and the unbeliever. This is a discussion that looks at the facts of the Bible that prove it is unique. The Theological approach is one that the believer accepts by faith and which does not prove its uniqueness but is its uniqueness. In the coming pages, we will explore each approach and build our understanding of the uniqueness of Scripture.

            The first aspect of the apologetic approach to the uniqueness of Scripture is the unity found within its writings, in correlation to the number of authors and the years of separation between them. The Bible contains the writings of 40 authors, some who are separated by nearly 1600 years. Whether one believes in divine inspiration or not, the continuity between all of the passages is something at which to marvel. There are passages that seem to contradict each other. Oftentimes, when one takes a verse or two and aligns them with another small collection of verses, there is a contradiction between the statements. However, when each passage is viewed in its complete context, it is easy to see that they actually complement each other.

            In light of other sacred texts, the Bible stands alone in this area. Sacred texts are broken into two categories of authorship. One is that of individual author. This is where one single author writes the decrees of “god” that are given to him. The other category is that of multiple authors where there is a hierarchy of truth. As time progresses, new writers write something that is different or even a contradiction to the previous writings. This is seen in many of the beliefs of Eastern and modern religions. The human authorship of the Bible is an area that proves the uniqueness of the Scriptures. It is evidence that can be clearly seen by all people.  

            The second apologetical aspect is that of the Bible’s space/time reality. This is the understanding that the Bible was written in real history. While other sacred texts often have a date of authorship, the Bible stands alone in its address to one culture and applicability to all cultures. The Old Testament is widely written to the people of Israel and the New Testament written to individual Churches. There are specific events in history that prompted the writing of Scripture. The story of the Bible unfolds in history and is worked out in the lives of real people.

            The third aspect of the apologetical approach to the uniqueness of Scripture is that of its explanation of the world. The description of God, man, their relationship, evil, and salvation are totally unique in the writings of the Bible. No sacred text elevates God to the level of the Sovereign ruler over all. Only the Bible sees man as being completely dependent upon God, not only for Salvation but for life. Only the Bible expresses Salvation initiated and secured by God alone. The appeasement of sin, made by God alone, is never seen elsewhere. In other sacred texts, man is required to work or earn the salvation that is available. Evil is explained in a unique way; it is not seen as just two opposing forces, but as coming about because of a rejection of God. There was perfect fellowship between God and man before man decided to act on his own and turn from the instruction of God.

            When the essential doctrines of the Bible are compared to the doctrines of other religions, it is clear to see that there is a uniqueness about the Word of God. Even the non-believing scholar cannot reject the difference seen within the Bible’s content. It is even seen in that the “Jesus-ethic” is oftentimes implanted into other religions.

            These three reasons together make up the apologetical approach to the uniqueness of Scripture. It is within these that a great defense is given and great encouragement is gained. These are aspects that can be used as tools to aid the unbeliever in their views of the Bible. The world is becoming ever so small and contact with the world’s religions now occurs in one’s own neighborhood. It is imperative that we understand the uniqueness of Scripture, for it is a wonderful evangelistic tool.

            The other approach to the uniqueness of Scripture is that of Theology. This has a more narrow focus in that it is hard for the unbeliever yet it is vital for the believer. This approach is singular as it deals with the authorship of the Bible.

            While the Scriptures were written by men in history, it is also seen that the Scriptures were written entirely by God. We call this Inspiration. It is by this method of God using and guiding men that the uniqueness of Scripture is seen. All other sacred texts implore a dictation or conscience writing. Either the “god” told them word for word what to record or, by observation, the person wrote down that which was needed to create a peaceable society. In each of these, they lack a personality. The Bible, however, has great personality, both of the human author as well as the divine.

            The uniqueness of Scripture, by itself, does not prove the truthfulness of Scripture, but it does give evidence and encouragement that the Bible is the true Word of God. This study is useful for both evangelism and surety in the Christian faith. While all other sacred texts claim to be the truth, they all lack the unique content that is found in the Bible. The Bible’s content is clearly that of the divine. This Divine has given us His Word in a personal and truthful way. It is our job to know, study, and grow in its content.

Sola Deo Gloria

John A. Frey III

The Scriptures- Canonicity

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Theological Thoughts to Encourage the Heart & Stir the Mind

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Volume I August 2011 Issue 32

            This month, our articles will center on the Bible. The English term Bible comes from the Latin word, Biblia, which comes from the Greek word, Biblos, which means a collection of writings. The Bible has two sections, the Old and New Testaments. In the English editions, the Old Testament is divided into 39 books and 4 sections:

              5 Books of the Law (Pentateuch)

            12 Books of History

              5 Books of Poetry

            17 Books of Prophecy

In the English editions, the New Testament is divided into 27 books and 4 divisions:

              5 Books of History (Gospels & Acts)

            14 Pauline Epistles (Assuming that Paul is the author of Hebrews)

              7 General Epistles

              1 Book of Revelation

            The Bible was written by some 40 human authors over a span of nearly 1600 years and yet there is no contradiction among the books in the areas on which they touch. The Bible provides a steady unfolding of God’s plan of salvation starting in the book of Genesis and ending with the completion of salvation in the book of Revelation.

            This month, we will discuss the uniqueness of the Scripture, the inerrancy and infallibility of Scripture, as well as the verbal and plenary inspiration of Scripture.

            In this article, we begin with a look at the canon of Scripture. Canonicity has to do with the authenticity (genuineness) of the individual books of the Bible. It seeks to answer the question, “How can we know which books belong in the Bible?” So, keep reading and Consider This.

            The word canon comes from a Hebrew word, kaneh, which means a reed or a measuring rod. The resulting meaning is a rule or norm. Thus, as Christians, we refer to the Bible as our rule for faith (what we believe) and practice (what we do). When we talk about canonicity, it is not a question of who wrote the books of the Bible; it is a question of who made them into a collection.  It is not a question of their origin and content; it is a question of their history.  It is not a question of God’s part; it is a question of man’s part. In considering how our present canon of Scripture came into being, always remember that our same sovereign God who gave His men the Scriptures valued those Scriptures enough to preserve them and bring them together into THE HOLY BIBLE. We must remember that what ultimately determines the canonicity of a book is its inspiration. An inspired book was canonical the moment it was written. Canonicity is determined by God, men simply recognized what God has revealed. Here are some important Scriptures to remember when studying about canonicity.

II Timothy 3:16 – “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

II Peter 1:19-21 – “We have also a more sure word of prophecy, unto which ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation.  For the prophecy came not at any time by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

Zechariah 7:12 – (This verse is to the Old Testament what II Tim. 3:16 is to the New.) “Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the Lord of hosts hath sent in His Spirit by the former prophets; therefore came a great wrath from the Lord of hosts.”

            In regard to the canonicity of the Old Testament, the Dead Sea Scrolls provided solid evidence of a fully develop canon of the Old Testament as early as the 2^nd century BC. Along with that, Christ recognized the genuineness of the Hebrew canon of the Old Testament by referencing it often in His teaching (Luke 24:44; Matthew 5:17-18; John 10:35). Paul also quoted extensively from the Old Testament, indicating his belief that it was an authoritative rule.

            Likewise, the canon of the New Testament was not formed by a council but was a spontaneous coming together of the New Testament Scriptures during the first century.

            1.  Synoptic Gospels – Oral accounts were written down and finally gave way to the

                 inspired Synoptic Gospels (Jesus’ life and ministry).

              2.  Paul’s epistles were read often as there was a need for doctrinal interpretation.

            3.  Acts was needed for a historical sketch of the development of the church.

            4.  John’s writings came later as well as the other epistles which were added to the

                 collection of writings accepted and valued by the early church.

CRITERIA FOR NEW TESTAMENT CANONICITY

            1.  Apostolicity – written by a bona fide apostle or close associate (Mark, Luke, James, Jude)

            2.  Content – Subject matter pertinent to early church.

            3.  Universality – Church as a whole would receive book.

            4.  Divine inspiration – Unmistakable evidence of being God-breathed (II Timothy 3:16).

By AD 200, the canon, as we have it today, was pretty much defined.

            The Bible was accepted as authoritative by Israel (Joshua 1:9; Deut. 6;6-7). It was considered authoritative by Christ (Matt. 5:17-18; Luke 24:27, 44). It was viewed as authoritative by the apostles (2 Peter 3:15-16; Acts 1:16). However, we must remember that, ultimately, the authority of the Bible is based upon the authority of God.

            In the words of Dr. William Evans, “These facts, as well as others, sufficiently indicate the course of the argument by which the canonicity of the sacred Scriptures is proved. Let it be proven that these books were written by the men whose names they bear and that these men wrote under the inspiration of the divine Spirit and the canonicity of the Bible is a settled fact. We have, therefore, a right to believe that we have in our Bible a rule of faith and life--yea, the supreme and ultimate rule--by which we may govern our lives in order that they may be in accordance with the revealed will of God.”[1]

---

[1] The Bible Institute Colportage Association, Chicago © 1902

Other Sources: Ungers Bible Handbook

                         Eerdman’s International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

The Incommunicable Attributes of God- Immensity

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Theological Thoughts to Encourage the Heart & Stir the Mind

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Volume I July 2011 Issue 31

The Immensity of God

    A favorite children’s chorus of mine is:

   My God is so great, so strong and so mighty, there's nothing my God cannot do...¹

   This little chorus truly describes the definition of the theological term the Immensity of God!

       This attribute, the Immensity of God, means that God is so magnificent and of such magnitude that he fills everyplace with his presence and his being. He is above and over all things that exist and have been created. He is not partially in one place and partially in another place. His full presence is in every place in the same measure.

God is Immense in his Presence

    David declares in Psalm 139:7-8,"Where can I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend up into heaven you are there: If I make my bed in hell, behold you are there.”

  The Lord speaks to Israel through the prophet Isaiah in chapter 57:15 where the Lord declares, "I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."

    In Jeremiah 23:24, God says, “‘Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him?’ saith the Lord. ‘Do not I fill heaven and earth?’ saith the Lord.”

    God is present with the one who sleeps soundly and believes in him, as well as the one who is being persecuted and about to die...in the same full measure. He is that great of a God.

Omniscience; hand in hand with Immensity

    The attribute of immensity is closely paralleled to the omniscience of God. He is all-knowing. This is because he is everywhere at the same time.

        In 1 Kings 8:27, King Solomon prayed unto the Lord at the dedication of the temple he built for God, “But will God indeed dwell on earth? Behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?”

    God knows the thoughts of all men. Once again, in 1 Kings 8:39, Solomon says, "...For thou, even thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men." This shows how God's immensity goes hand in hand with his omniscience.

   Solomon knew the grandeur of God. He knew God to be the self-existing one. He is independent of anything and independent of anyone. With the knowledge of God and his unity, God's immensity was something that Solomon and the people of Israel knew and never questioned.

    This falls in line with the transcendence of our Lord. He is not contained only in the universe he created. He is everywhere outside of the universe! He is free from any limitation that we as humans could try to overcome.

     This incommunicable attribute shows itself as supreme when it comes to being at a certain place at a certain time. We, as created beings, are only in one place at one time. Consider Satan; he is a created being so he can only be at one place at one time. He does not know what any one person is thinking. He cannot read your mind. He cannot personally be attacking you and another believer at the same time, at the same moment. He is limited and he does not possess the same incommunicable attributes as God.

    In this knowledge, we can take comfort. Only God can truly know our hearts and the motives within them. Only he knows what we are thinking in relation to him and those around us. Jeremiah 12:3 reads, "... You know my hearts attitude towards you" (NASB). Because God is the only one who is immense and transcendent, he is the only one we should be seeking to live for and please while here on this earth.

    We can take refuge in our God because of his incommunicable attributes. He is the Infinite, Almighty God, One in Unity, and Immutable.

    Once again, this causes me to sing:

  “My God is so great, so strong and so mighty

There’s nothing my God cannot do!”

              -----Ed Delgado

_{1.Ruth Harms Calkin. 1959-2002 Nuggets of Truth Publishing.}

The Incommunicable Attributes of God- Immutability and Unity

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Theological Thoughts to Encourage the Heart & Stir the Mind

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Volume I July 2011 Issue 30

Immutability and Unity

     “God is not a man that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good (Numbers 23:19)?” In fact, God was never a man in the way some cults or false religions would espouse. He never laid down a law or set up a principle only to change his view or thoughts on the subject at a later time. “Since God is truth, he does not lie; in fact he cannot lie. He is unchanging. God is utterly different from man. Something that comes far too easily for many men is impossible for almighty God¹.^”

    As we look at God’s incommunicable attribute of immutability, we will come to the conclusion that God does not change. This is comforting to know as a believer in Christ Jesus, who is God Himself. When it comes to our salvation, having been chosen and saved, we know God will never change his mind on the matter. When you sin, confess and repent of it and continue on your walk with the Lord. He has not changed his mind or his purpose concerning your salvation. When it comes to how we are to conduct ourselves in the world, we can be confident that the path we are taking of holiness and righteous living will not one day be set aside with a new standard of immorality given by God. God will not some day allow the hatred or the murder of other people into our lives as a practical way of living. God is immutable. He will never go against his word and he will never change what he has established in his doctrines.

    From a scriptural point of view, God has shown us his heart on the matter. Israel, as a nation, backslid, rebelled, and disowned their God on more than one occasion. Yet God and his plan for Israel, even today, have not changed! The Lord speaks through the Prophet Malachi. In rebuking his people and their lack of concern for the ways of God, Malachi states, “I do not change, therefore… you are not consumed” (Malachi3:6).

    Another familiar verse regarding the immutability of God is found in the book of Hebrews. As I noted earlier, what a comfort to know that when I blow it by sinning against my God, he does not write me off or abandon me. He says in the Scriptures, “I will never leave thee or forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). God graciously forgives me when I confess and repent. I am once again able to approach the throne of grace and to remember I have been chosen by God to do this (Psalm 65:4).

     Another verse that really drives home the immutability of God is the verse in Deuteronomy that Hebrews uses. It is found in Deuteronomy 31:6; “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy GOD, he it is that doth go with thee: He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee”. These verses should sum up the fact God will never change. It is for our trust and benefit and it is for his glory!!

   

            The last incommunicable attribute of God is unity. Here we see that God is equal in all aspects of his nature, and attributes. One way to explain it is as this: As a human, if I had an enemy or someone I really disliked, I would find it hard to be kind to that person. Since I did not care for that person, I would tend to be standoffish or rude towards them. It would be hard to show the equal amount of love, mercy, and compassion to that person while, at the same time, dealing with them about a certain issue. One communicable attribute that I possess, patience for example, might not be displayed in the proper way or amount that it should be.

     God, on the other hand, because he is full of graciousness and the other attributes ascribed to him, is able to pour out his wrath on an individual and yet still show love, mercy, and righteousness in equal amounts at the same time towards that individual.

    Another way of explaining this is as follows: I am a father, a son, and a husband, but I am not all of those to one person. I hold a different title and position toward each person who would call me any of these names. But this is not so with God. God is in total unity with himself. He is one in essence. He is God the father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Equal in all aspects of his attributes, his essence, at all times. He is all of these titles at the same time. He works in the capacity of each position equally toward the other person of the Godhead. He is equal in displaying his incommunicable attributes. (To think on these things too long may cause a headache! Seriously though, this is good to study and meditate on.)

    A lot of false religions do not believe in the Deity of Jesus Christ because they cannot reconcile it with their logic. Therefore they do not believe it. But that is why we walk by faith, not by sight. This is what sets God’s incommunicable attributes apart from his communicable attributes. Actually, this is what sets us apart from a holy, holy God.

                                  -Ed Delgado

   

^{King James Study Bible.1988 Thomas Nelson publishing.}