Friday, December 30, 2011

The Gospel Of Moralism - New Years Resolutions

January 1 has rolled around again as the perpetual reminder that our finite human existance marches on like sand through our fingers. It was the psalmist who wisely said "teach me Lord to number my days". In the light of eternity we can see the futility of pouring our energy into worldly pursuits. Even botox will not travel into the next life - which must be a shock to some!

But the line in the sand that happens on the first of January each year is also a timely reminder of the futility of moralism and a reminder that Calvin got it right with his doctrine of total depravity. New years resolutions have about as much going for them as Rick Warren's moralistic therapeutic sermons. Fallen men vow anew to change their fallen nature just like the church growth gurus who spend their time week in/week out trying to persuade goats to act like sheep.

The heart of the human problem remains the problem of the human heart. A professing Christian recently handed back a Gospel tract I gave him saying "I'm already a Christian so I don't need that". He would do well to heed the counsel of the Apostle Paul and examine himself to see whether he is "in the faith". We never outgrow our need for the Gospel either as a reminder of our total dependence on Christ or as a reminder of our desperate need for Him. Unless God breathes on our valley of dry bones then we remain but dust! I've never been one for new year's resolutions but I am a passionate advocate of the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.

Salvation is of the Lord. Without Him we can do nothing. If you must start the new year with a resolution, then meditate on those two thoughts.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

The doctrine of original sin and total depravity was based on an awful mistranslation in the Latin Bible that Augustine was reading. Research it. Romans 5:12 was mistranslated "in whom" all men have sinned in the Latin Bible. The Greek word means "because," not "in whom." Original sin is blasphemy against God. Even the horrible translators of the NIV caught this.

It is shocking to me that men hold so closely to the teachings of John Calvin, a man who was openly anti-semitic and taught that Jews deserve to suffer unendingly and without pity or remorse.

One question, as you are the expert on the Bible, do you still believe that Jesus spoke Aramaic when he taught?

Ezekiel said...

Anonymous how about you? What sort of theology do you stand on? Cameron should only answer if you can explain what your views are too. It is not fair you question him and remain hidden and not reveal what you stand on.

You are a Hypocrite to claim Cameron is using blaspheming views for the very words you use condemns you on the spot!

The Bible makes it very clear that we are all sinners and condemned because of the fall of Adam and Eve. But Christ came to free us from the chains of death which is sin!

Romans 7:24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?

Because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. (Rom 8:2)