White Techniques June 24, 2011

I mentioned earlier that it was the PAP’s strategy to lose many votes in order to secure the country’s future. This, they have managed to do – although the opposition was unable to claim as many seats as could have been possible. Currently the PAP holds 93.1% of the seats in Parliament. It is important for the PAP to have some opposition MP’s in Parliament – not just as a checking mechanism, but also as a competitor of sorts, so that the public can compare and agree that only the PAP can do it’s job well. Sure, opposition representives criticize, but when they make mistakes, it is more difficult to cover them up – therefore the opposition can be controlled too. Anyway, it is important for a one-party leadership, such as in Singapore, to focus on it’s key strength: decision making. Therefore, as long as PAP holds the majority of the seats, this strength is not diminished. The opposition voice desired by the population must be there, but it must not be too great. Perhaps between 10% to 25% would be ideal.

The idea that the PAP wanted to give some ground to the opposition during this election is supported by several avoidable mistakes made recently.

We have heard (and seen) some of the MP Tin Pei Lin’s politically-wrong moments. This has dented Goh Chok Tong’s reputation somewhat, especially when he called voters’ complaints ‘noise’ (though to be fair, much of the online hate-speech were made by anonymous trolls). Alhough she is probably a capable lady off the camera, she is a negative example on media. This means that Singaporeans, in order to compare, have been nudged to see positive examples.

Former Minister Mentor Lee released a new book ‘Hard Truths to keep Singapore going’ several months before the General Election. In this book, he lamented that the Malays were not well integrated into Singaporean society. This, of course, provoked a response because it implied that the Malays were not trying to fit in. From this, MM Lee may have the intention of stumbling the Malay voters, making them rethink why they would vote the PAP. This is ideal (although at his  expense), because blind voters could very well vote in an incompetent government, and lead to the fall of Singapore.

At another time, Lee also warned voters in Aljunied that they would have to ‘repent’ if the PAP did not win. It is quite a strong word, and apparently has been successful in creating both outrage and reflection amongst citizens. Anger may or may not last long, but at least Singaporeans have been caused to think of politics as a serious matter which can affect their livelihoods.

In conclusion, the PAP probably knows the limits to it’s power, and is trying to hand over some decision making to citizenry. In this way the country can really belong to it’s people. However, the first step would be to ‘awake’ the population from political slumber/apathy, no matter who is the leading party. Has this been successful? Only time will tell.

White Strategems April 30, 2011

Democracy is, in the end, an ideal – because we can never achieve it. How can the apolitc represent themselves? Is it fair that only the top 1% can qualify to be elected? By choosing the best candidates we adhere to meritocracy, and trump true democracy – for we cannot allow incompetent leadership. Our society is therefore led by a group of people who can never perfectly represent the whole population.

Nevertheless, the article is about choosing a party, rather than the concepts of democracy. Underlying the public opinion is the necessity of progress which, I suspect, even the PAP leaders recognise. Therefore I summarise here briefly: The PAP wants to lose.

Now this may just be a conspiracy theory sprung from the confused depths of my mind, but if the leaders of the PAP actually place the wellbeing of Singapore before their party, then perhaps they may have realized it is time to lose the seat and win the country’s future. This I say, because there has never been a better time in our short histry of PAP to lose.

I will continue this discussion after the results are known, because if this is a scheme, I cannot let it’s revelation affect the result. If it is but a imaginative story, then it should definitely not be allowed to affect your vote.

Warranted Fear December 24, 2010

I have spent more than a year in a certain organization, enough to see plenty of group dynamics. The huge distinction between superior and subordinates despite narrow age gaps pronounces the observations (and effects) that is otherwise dampened by the climate of changing personnel present in other settings.

Unity

Producing an effect greater than the sum of its parts.

Any number of people can be called a group, but a group becomes a team through unity between its members. Leaders often try to attain this ‘teamwork’ because there are obvious advantages when people work together. Not only can a person’s strengths cover another’s weaknesses, but team members spur each other on to accomplish a common purpose.

Consider that in order to bring about unity, the prerequisites of clear objectives and clear benefits are needed. Unity cannot be named as an objective – it is really a means to achieving the other goals. Objectives must be clear, because individuals in a group tend to reinterpret or ignore vague targets. Benefits ought to be longsighted, but leaders often do not cite them in the first place. Clear incentives are necessary, because the effort needed to work towards objectives are often rejected by people in favour of short-term comforts (i.e. laziness).

Truly, any individual wants a certain unity, so that they are not alone in their purposes. However, without clear objectives and benefits, people adopt a mindset that “it’s good to work together, but I want us to choose my direction”. Since everyone has personal wants, cohesion would be temporal at best and absent at worst.

Harsh tactics to force (as opposed to foster) unity is a shortsighted means of creating bonding. Simply put, camaraderie is not friendship. Whether it is between people who normally dislike each other, or for leaders who need to be part of the team, a balance must be struck. It is all too human to issue threats and punishments instead of positive encouragement. Perhaps this is due to our Asian cultural tendency for adults to chide children, but it is no excuse. The effects of punishments will be described in the next segment.

Collective and Individual Punishment

All for one, but none for all?

Punishment needs to be just and sensible. Resentment eventually occurs when the innocent are punished along with the guilty, and respect is lost when the punishment is perceived as stupid.

Collective punishment is an easy way for a leader to vent his anger, or otherwise satisfy a superiority complex. This might be because he does not need to find the real culprit, or because he does not need to look any one person in the eye. In any case, this form of punishment wreaks havoc on the morale of the group under him. The innocent individual will see no point in doing what’s right – because he receives the same result as those who do not. It is not his responsibility to ensure his peers correct their ways, simply because he is not empowered to do so. As for the guilty, he will only correct his ways if he sees himself as an important member of a team. If not, selfish tendencies prevail so that he does not care others are suffering because of him.

Issuing punishments on a case-by-case basis is more difficult, and indeed may be impossible when the culprit refuses to own up. Nonetheless, singling out the worst offenders sends a clear signal to a group that wrongdoing is not tolerated. The perception that the punished person is but a scapegoat can be avoided by using a consistent scale of punishment, as well as properly explaining the reasons to the rest of the group. Therefore communication between leaders and subordinates is key. Confidential consultation with innocent persons on what level of punishment to issue can actually help leaders develop a good system.

Any collective punishment may be best followed up with individual punishment. This ensures the whole team knows the reason why they suffered, as well as serving the guilty party justly. Nevertheless, punishments ought to be only one side of the coin – the tail. It is observed that other side is often unused when superiors interact with subordinates.

Positivity

Complement, don’t complain!

Criticism is a necessary part of developing a team’s potential, but it is hardly the best tool. Rewards, especially unexpected ones, are effective ways of showing you are happy when people do the right things, and encouraging them to keep it up. (A dog trainer could tell you that!) Everybody wants to be appreciated, and will usually appreciate in return. As opposed to collective punishment, praising an individual and rewarding the entire group might actually garner better results.

Rewards do not just entail offs or cancellation of work, and must be appropriate to the deed. Choosing rewards is not easy, and sometimes may cost a little. Yet surely seeing joy on people’s faces is worth it, in comparison to the negative atmosphere when punishment is issued. Giving is not an act limited to superiors – team members need to realize that they can give more than just good performance, thanking superiors when they stand up for the team, or simplify matters in cutting red tape, for example.

However, it is also necessary for leaders to be firm in meting out rewards. Just as a punishment promised must be carried out, positive rewards should not be cancelled or multiplied without sufficient reason. Superiors should not yield when subordinates ask for a yard after receiving a foot; yet subordinates should not be snubbed for asking either. Instead, challenge them to greater performance.

Presents are but a display of goodwill; it is that attitude which is fundamental to any service, service toward the nation included. Remember that fulltime servicemen are paid little for that time, so treat them kindly. Avoid mistaking fear for respect. Conversely, younger servicemen ought to recognize the experience the older ones have, and be ready to hear them out (despite the long stories) even on matters outside the job. Pick up the positive character traits, so you yourself can pass it down in the future.

Our Attitude Toward Earthly Rulers November 14, 2009

Romans 13:1-5

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

~

Colossians 3:22-25

Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

~

One third of my NS is over, and more and more do I understand why this is called a ‘Service’ to the nation. Given a choice, I would never do the things I have to do now; especially not for such a meagre sum of money. Yet I serve it as a part of my responsibility as a Singaporean.

In another sense I have experienced the concept of service. It comes to me when I am tasked by a superior commander - basically I’m working for his profit, not mine. This is very different from a corporate environment, whereby your ‘boss’ is merely someone you have a contract with – a contract you can withdraw if dissatisfied.

It is is such circumstances that the above verses have become more relevant to me. Nowadays we hardly see ourselves as ‘servants’, so it is generally difficult to apply such passages. However, I believe we are ignoring God’s word if we unreasonably speak ill and demonstrate malice against employer or government.

~

The greatest reason why we should serve those in authority over us is because this glorifies God. God ordained our superiors to be there – He chose them by His sovereign power, and placed us underneath. It is therefore our joy to do our work to the best of our ability, heartily, for we would be fulfilling our calling. This too, is part of our testimony, for others can see the effort and sincerity in our work.

Now it is sometimes a difficult concept that those above us have their authority from God. After all, they are but fallible humans, so why should we fear them? Consider that the good order of society requires that some bear rule over others, with two points in particular. First, this reflects the rule of God over all creation; that we should submit to Him so much more than we submit to men placed above us. The second is that of justice: rulers have the responsibility to discourage people under them from sinning, therefore they reward and punish according to what they perceive is right or wrong.

Unfortunately, this world is no longer perfect, and often rulers do not recognise correctly what is right and wrong. In that case, we must obey God rather than man (Acts 5:29b); for even as power comes from God, so his laws are higher than man’s. Though we may suffer ‘punishment’ (i.e. persecution) for doing what is right in God’s eyes, we can rejoice, for it is better to suffer wrongfully than to suffer for wrongdoing. That is acceptable to God, and is but following Jesus, who experienced persecution too (1Peter 2:19-21).

Finally, we must believe that our reward is of God. Often we do not receive our due for efforts, and sometimes superiors may even be taking advantage of us. If we cannot change the situation (though it is not wrong to do so), let us accept it. Ultimately we serve Christ, so we can expect a more glorious reward when providence refuses us earthly ones.

Joy in a Life of Vanity September 20, 2009

Ecclesiastes is a book about the vanity of living without God. The book may sound sad to people not well acquainted with God’s Word (and indeed it should, for godly sorrow works repentance). Yet, Ecclesiastes also offers great encouragement for Christians in times of despair, for it beckons us to look unto our God.

 

 Chapter 9:1-10

1 For I considered all this in my heart, so that I could declare it all: that the righteous and the wise and their works are in the hand of God. People know neither love nor hatred by anything they see before them.

2 All things come alike to all: One event happens to the righteous and the wicked; To the good, the clean, and the unclean; To him who sacrifices and him who does not sacrifice. As is the good, so is the sinner; He who takes an oath as he who fears an oath.

3 This is an evil in all that is done under the sun: that one thing happens to all. Truly the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil; madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

4 But for him who is joined to all the living there is hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion.

5 For the living know that they will die; But the dead know nothing, And they have no more reward, For the memory of them is forgotten.

6 Also their love, their hatred, and their envy have now perished; Nevermore will they have a share In anything done under the sun.

7 Go, eat your bread with joy, And drink your wine with a merry heart; For God has already accepted your works.

8 Let your garments always be white, And let your head lack no oil.

9 Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your vain life which He has given you under the sun, all your days of vanity; for that is your portion in life, and in the labor which you perform under the sun.

10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.

 

Providence is something we can never understand. Though we can be sure that God supplies our needs, we might think that our lot in life is an unfair one. Is God’s way thus unequal? No, for He has power to deal with his creation as He deems fit. We do not need to question our circumstance if we are Christians, for we know all things are for our good and that our life is hid with Christ. Our works are thus not in vain, for our reward is in heaven, therefore it behoves us to give effort unto labour.

Furthermore, there shall be grace given us, such that we shall have some measure of joy upon this earth. Though it is vanity, we can take such comforts, as long as we are reminded that every good gift comes from above.

 

 Chapter 11:7-10

7 Truly the light is sweet, And it is pleasant for the eyes to behold the sun;

8 But if a man lives many years And rejoices in them all, Yet let him remember the days of darkness, For they will be many. All that is coming is vanity.

9 Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, And let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; Walk in the ways of your heart, And in the sight of your eyes; But know that for all these God will bring you into judgment.

10 Therefore remove sorrow from your heart, And put away evil from your flesh, For childhood and youth are vanity.

 

Light here represents the good times in life. All of us wish that our days be filled with joy, yet sorrow is wont to come. While we do not deceive ourselves that things are fine when they are not, we must not dwell upon misfortunes either. It is good to rejoice when there is aught we may thank God for, but let us first walk pleasing in God’s sight.

CoF Testimony May 16, 2009

God leads His dear children along.

I was born into a Christian family, and baptised as an infant; but as I grew in my childhood years, I had not assurance of faith. I just knew my status as a Christian, and so I did what I was supposed to do (or not to do). It pleased God, however, to lead me onward in the faith.

 

Are you washed in the blood,

In the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb?

Are your garments spotless? Are they white as snow?

As I became more self-aware, I would question myself more often where I really stand in the Lord’s sight. Sometimes I wondered if there was a God. Usually I would conclude such thoughts with the hope that I would trust God to save me from my sins. Yet, had I realised my sins? It was not until the middle teens that I began to identify and struggle with my sins. I could not prove victorious, however, without God’s grace. 

 

Foul, I to the fountain fly;

Wash me, Saviour, or I die.

More and more I sought God, even as my wrongdoings became more glaring. Sometimes I did not like what I read in the Bible, because it condemned me. Yet somehow, as time went by, I turned to read God’s word more often. Perhaps because I had to send DYD messages, or perhaps I found comfort in the mercies given to God’s people, despite our shortcomings. In any case, I noted that I gradually become more sincere when praying for forgiveness and help. I began to see my worthlessness, and so turned to Christ to be washed. Only then did I find the strength to resist temptations. 

 

Love so amazing, so divine,

Demands my soul, my life, my all.

Now it was not until the recent months where God showed me practically in the Psalms how he played such a large part in my life (from salvation to guiding my steps). Sure, I knew and understood theology, but I had found it difficult to experience God’s love. It was when I picked up the Bible more often when I saw his faithfulness to his people. One day, as I read Luke 7:36-50, it struck me how much I owed the Lord. I am now more willing to serve God in thankfulness, rather than just out of duty. 

 

In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever;

Till my raptured soul shall find rest beyond the river.

I admit that I am inconsistent in looking forward to the life that is to come. This I confess, trusting that the Holy Spirit will sanctify me to better appreciate and anticipate Christ’s return. For now, I think it does suffice to stand unashamed of Christ, for he is my Saviour.

Regeneration. February 23, 2009

Text: Ezekiel 37:1-14

The vision of the Valley of Dry Bones was meant to give hope to the scattered Israelites that God will one day return them from their captivity, but I believe that it also alludes to the regeneration of all Christians. We will look particularly at the way the dry bones was restored to become a living person.

A valley full of bones was before Ezekiel’s eyes. These are the remains of a vast number of people, later revealed to be the house of Israel. For this essay, we will consider it to be the spiritual house of Israel. Each and every one of us, before our conversion, were as a skeleton. We were dead in sins, and so bereft of form that we barely resembled the likeness of God (even as Adam once did). Our soul was lost, scattered and blown about by four winds.

Yet God had mercy upon us. He has sent preachers to tell us the good news, to announce unto us the gift of eternal life through the Saviour. Words to the dead would have no effect, however, if not for the work of the Holy Spirit. He softens our hearts: Just as the frames of bone began to be covered by sinews, flesh, and skin, we are made ready to accept Christ – we begin to believe in the existence of a most righteous God, we become aware of our sins, and we start to look for a Saviour. All this is wrought by the Spirit that we might be the good ground in which the gospel seed grows.

As Ezekiel observes, the bones become bodies, but there is yet no life in them. Neither can a man be considered born again until the Holy Spirit regenerates them fully. We must be thankful, then, that the Lord never leaves a work incomplete (Mark 8:22-25). He causes us to have a soul restored from judgement, and makes it willing to live unto Him. Now somewhere before a person’s baptism, the Christian is given a new spirit (God replaces our stony heart with a living one). Sometimes it takes the form of a conversion experience, but for many it does not. Either way, the important thing is this, after being regenerated we who were once dead are now alive. God’s breath has come into us, and we become able to do good works through faith.

Of course, like the army, we remain in this valley of the earth for a while. However, from our regeneration onwards we begin to make the spiritual journey to Heaven (think Pilgrim’s Progress). God will eventually bring us into the land of rest which he has prepared for us.

_

What can we learn about regeneration from this picture? Let us look first at faith. Can a skeleton/body, so dead in sin, be capable of true faith? No, there is no way it can have a proper hope in the salvation of God. It can’t even stand without God restoring it. Indeed, all the restoration was worked by God and Him alone. Even the prophet Ezekiel was no more than a messenger. Therefore faith comes after regeneration (and so we reject the Arminian view that faith precedes regeneration).

What of  regeneration itself? We know it only wrought by the Holy Spirit, but is it done at one point in time (an instantaneous act) or is it over a period of time (a process)?

1. It is the common view that regeneration is akin to being born again. If that is the case, then just as one’s physical birth is quick, then regeneration is an instantaneous act. With relation to the vision, this ‘regeneration’ would be the point when breath came into each body.

2. However, if we take the entire sequence of events as regeneration, then we see that it represents the transformation process from a skeleton to a body to a person. Just as the truth of the gospel slowly dawns upon a non-Christian before he finally accepts it, the Holy Spirit often labours over a period of time to regenerate a sinner.

Instead of rebirth and regeneration being the same thing (to avoid giving multiple terms to one definition), it is my suggestion that we could see that being born again is a essential part of regeneration, but not regeneration itself. Therefore let us consider regeneration as the process which the Spirit works up till a man is converted. Rebirth is an act where a soul finally comes alive, and is the ‘grand finale’ of regeneration.

I have used the vision of dry bones to illustrate that there are two parts to regeneration. First, the preparation of the heart. Second, the realization of faith. Both are wrought by the Holy Spirit – and He may decide to take  any length of time He wishes. There are overnight conversions, and there are those who are slowly persuaded; then there are children who seem to grow in faith since their physical birth. It is not for us to ask why the Holy Spirit uses different ways, but truly we must be willing vessels to carry the gospel message and tell others of our hope.

_

Notes. 

The Greek word for ’regeneration’ occurs only twice, in Matthew 19:28 and Titus 3:5. The first does not apply here, because it speaks of the coming of the new heavens and earth. The second states that we are saved through the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit. It seems that regeneration serves to wash away the sin and guilt we once had – as though our dry bones became covered with healthy flesh once again. (We are then completely renewed by the Holy Spirit, repairing the effects of the Fall upon our soul so that we may live righteous before God.)

The new-born Christian soul is of water and Spirit (John 3:5). Indeed, the desire to be baptised shows that the Spirit has completed it’s regenerating work (though now it begins it’s sanctifying work).

The book Essentials of Reformed Doctrine describes regeneration in 2 senses. It appears that my short essay has taken regeneration to be in the broader sense, occuring from God-knows-when (see below) to conversion. As to the narrower sense (which I have submitted as rebirth), it refers to the point in time when the person is first spiritually alive in Christ – the climax of regeneration.

_

A Further Question.

When does the Holy Spirit begin regeneration in an elect? At birth, when the person first hears of Christ, or some other point in time? Can we know, and therefore does it matter? (no, and it probably doesn’t, as long as we know it happens)

Of Milk, Meat, and Spiritual Growth January 21, 2009

2Peter 3:18a
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

1Peter 2:2
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

The question asked was thus, ‘Will we forever remain as spiritual babes?’ In summary, the answer can only be ‘it depends’, for we cannot tell the future. It is altogether possible, and right, to grow and mature spiritually. Anybody who constantly searches the Scriptures and lives a life unto God in holy fear is expected to grow (and they will!). Unfortunately, many Christians never do so, refusing to grow in the Lord.

Note that newborn babes refer to new converts. They ought to be fed with spiritual milk. All a new convert might know about the doctrines of Christianity is simply that Christ has paid for his sins so that he may bear the guilt and punishment no more, looking forward to the promise of heaven. We do not immediately approach him with the in-depth meat of the prophets or God’s eternal plan, among other mysteries. Instead, what he first needs is the milk of the gospel – the essentials such as the nature of salvation. Should this convert develop as a Christian, he will grow in the Lord, eventually moving on to meat:

It is possible to attain maturity/full age, for if that were not the case, why is there meat? Paul in 1Corinthians 3:2 speaks of witholding spiritual meat because the Christians at Corinth were yet babes, unable to discern well good and evil. Still, that does not disprove that meat exists, rather he is willing to proffer it to them who are ready.

Hebrews 5:12-14
For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
For every one that useth milk is unskillfull in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Yet, there are some Christians who do not grow, even when we expect them to have matured. They have forgotten the first principles – milk, but attempt to plow into difficult doctrines. This is dangerous (2Peter 3:16), for we must have a good foundation lest we be unstable. Instead, it is our duty to grow spiritually first by milk, and then by meat. In all our doctrinal strivings we must not forget that Christianity is about Christ.

Many other Christians do not grow because they are content with the foundation (Hebrews 6:1,2). However we are commanded to grow, and to go onwards in understanding. Otherwise we will easily be swept off our feet by every wind of doctrine:

Ephesians 4:14-15
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

It is not wise to remain as babes in Christ. Yea, though we are to come to him as a child, and be undeveloped in the ways of the world (1Corinthians 14:20), we must grow in knowledge. God has given us the Bible, we must read it and desire to know more of Him. Only then can we grow, and be changed from glory to glory.

To help us, the Lord has provided gifts too, in the form of preachers and teachers. These must be able to give milk to those young in the faith, and yet provide meat to the mature. See, even those who are spiritually mature have to grow, although they can swallow meat. We will not be thoroughly perfect until we reach heaven. Yet on earth, it is still profitable to study the sovereignty of God, His providence us-ward, the nature of His covenant (meats etc.) All these ought to result in a greater respect for God, while strengthening our hope and trust. Indeed, we must always realise at the end that we are indebted to the Lord, and so be thankful.

Thus might we say, To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen! (2Peter 3:18b)

Questions on Belgic Confession (14/12/2008) December 26, 2008

These questions are from Song Jia and Qian Hui. I hope I have answered them as best as I might. Do ask if elaboration/clarification is needed. (the questions are bolded)

 

1) Is there a difference between ‘evangelical reformed church’ (ERC) and just ‘reformed church’ (RC)? If yes, what is the difference?

I think we need to define the terms first. We understand that ‘reformed’ refers to a constant desire to hold to the truths in scripture. This applies to both ERC and RC.

However, there are 2 different meanings to ‘Evangelical’:

1. A church that is Wesleyan-Armenian, as in the US. (We do not follow this meaning)

2. A church which proclaims the gospel to unbelievers.

Thus, the ‘Evangelical’ in ERC simply reminds us of our calling to spread the gospel. Every RC is an ERC, so to say, because as reformed Christians we are aware of our duty to preach the gospel to the ends of the world. However, not every Evangelical Church is Reformed – take the Papal Church for example: they spread the gospel too, and so are evangelical, but they are clearly not reformed.

 

2) Referring to Article 28, is the ‘church’ mentioned, invisible or visible?

Actually, our church hasn’t got a formal stand on whether we ought to use the terms ‘church visible’ and ‘church invisible’ yet. Anyway, every believer will in the end be in the glorified congregation praising God. Yet while they are on earth, they have a duty to seek out a True Church and join themselves to it as members. So this Article would refer to the physical gathering of believers in our life on this earth.

Every True Church is part of the Catholic Church (though not all it’s members may be saved). Some call this Catholic Church the ‘church invisible’, although it might make it too easy to claim that there is no True Church, since then there might be believers in any ‘church visible’.

I do not yet understand the part about there being no salvation outside it yet – the linked verses are unclear – so I cannot fully answer this question.

 

3) What if you truly believe and have the marks of a true believer, but you are misled by the Word of God or by people and believe in the wrong doctrine, as compared to what a true Church believes?

Then I sincerely hope that God will forgive me my errant doctrines and so receive me into his kingdom. The Bible teaches us that for a person to be saved, they must believe in Jesus Christ’s atonement, repenting from their sins and seeking baptism. See, salvation is not of works (including the act of claiming false doctrines), but faith. Many people shall see their doctrines to be judged false, but shall be saved nevertheless (please read 1 Cor 3:10b-15). The foundation is Christ – we must not pronounce a person damned just because they don’t agree with us; as long as he claims to believes in Jesus (and so fights against sin) we should not doubt his salvation. Note it is still our duty to seek the right doctrine.

 

4) Referring to Article 31, does it mean that an elder does not have higher authority than a deacon?

I hope I am not mistaken in my opinion. Now ministers of God’s Word have equal power and authority. Who are these ministers? It seems that refers only to the teaching elders (of whom the pastors are one too). Therefore deacons and ruling elders are not involved in that paragraph of the article.

Read 1 Peter 5:1-3. This article was written partly to reject the complex bureaucracy practiced by the Papal Church, where bishops and priests lorded over one another and over the congregation, and craved after filthy lucre (via Penance, Indulgences, and the like). Now Peter did not command the other elders, but rather exhorted them. Though he was an apostle, in his capacity as elder he was equal to the others.

Deacons, however, are to minister physical needs to the flock (while the elders proffer spiritual food). Their function is very different and are perhaps more like the grassroots leaders in our government. Therefore deacons follow decisions made by the elders.

 

5) Is a church that does not believe/confess the Three forms of Unity considered a true Church?

A church is not considered True based on the confessions is claims to hold, but whether it lives out the confessions through the 3 marks of a True Church:

1. The faithful and pure preaching of the Word. (Note this also tells us that the church must interprete the Bible correctly, and not base beliefs on man’s ideas.)

2. Proper administration of the Sacraments.

3. Execution of church discipline. (This is necessary to keep out both false doctrines and members who live offensive lives.)

As to the purpose of the 3 Forms of Unity, they are but summaries of the teachings of the Bible. There are several other confessions such as the Westminster Catechisms which are regarded as accurate too, so we usually accept churches which profess them. However, I would like to emphasize that a True Church isn’t just all doctrine – it also needs to have members who live lives of godliness and love.

No other religion/means will suffice December 3, 2008

“.. every religion is a way to God”, as was quoted in the newspaper on Tuesday. Is this so?

This article was intended to show that man may not reach heaven except through Jesus Christ. I hope that you, the reader, shall ‘harden not your heart’, and contemplate this issue carefully, with prayer and with God’s word (that is, read this article with a Bible in hand, to verify what I have typed).

 

1. The Doom of Man

In the first place, all people on earth cannot deserve to be in heaven, not a single one of us. We are told in Romans 3:23 that ‘all have sinned and lack God’s glory’. Do we not understand the meaning of sin? Every single wrongdoing, big or small, is sin. Christ himself said ‘that for every unfounded word people utter they will answer on Judgement Day’ (Matthew 12:36); every little swear word, every passing insult, and every white lie, we will have to account for it as sin before God. It is hence important to know what our sin will do to us. In Ezekiel 18, we read that ‘the one who has sinned is the one to die’, that is, God will not save the unrepentant. Rather, they will be condemned to hell.

As all of us humans have commited sin before, we have no other option but to conclude that the entire human race is doomed to die – not just in body, but our soul should be sent to hell. For this is also the result of Adam’s first sin, whereof the consequences was death. This shows God’s justice, for he is most holy and righteous, and thus will not tolerate sin.

Is this unrighteous of God to condemn the whole world, then? How can it be, for this is but justice to the criminals that each one of us are! (as was adapted from Romans 3:5,6) Yes, all of us deserve to experience death many times over, for every sin we have done, to burn in hell forever. Even the best of us, even the most ‘innocent’ of us; all people. So all would be sent to damnation if not for the mercies of God, who has saved some to himself.

 

2. Salvation is through Christ alone

‘Jesus said: I am the Way; I am Truth and Life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’ (John 14:6) This is why we must believe that any other religion which doubts the centrality of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross to be one which cannot lead us to God, nor heaven. For Christ suffered the wrath of God as a substitution for us (as illustrated in Isaiah 53). ‘We had all gone astray like sheep, each taking his own way, and Yahweh brought the acts of rebellion of all of us to bear on him.’

For Christ said of himself, ‘I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for my sheep.’ in John 10:14,15. Therefore we, as Christians, may repent of our sins and lay claim to the blood of Christ. Now why would Jesus die for those who do not call themselves Christians? For they are not followers of Christ, so Christ does not own them, neither did he pay for their sins. Therefore all who are without the church cannot attain to heaven.

What of those millions who never heard the Gospel? Well, they shall sadly perish too. For we are told to preach the gospel far and wide. If we say that people may be reconciled to God without knowing Christ, nor recognising why he died, then why do we need to spread the gospel? We make both the gospel and the death of Jesus to be of none effect, as though it were useless. However, though this may be hard to accept, it should actually spur us on to tell the world about Christ. For there are millions who have yet to hear the good news of Christ – we ought to bring it to them, peradventure God will save them.

So we all deserve death for our sins. Yet God has said to Moses in Exodus 33:19, ‘I am gracious to those to whom I am gracious and I take pity on those on whom I take pity.’ Nothing can stop God from performing his perfect will, and may we take joy in it, that we of all the people on earth should be given grace and mercy.

 

3. People who do Right (in our eyes)

Nonetheless, we may wonder, why would Jesus be so selfish as to ‘pass over’ the multitudes of well-meaning people in this world simply because they do not desire him? Hath he not power to save all? In our weak human reasoning we often fail to account for God’s justice. The first few chapters of Romans teaches us that the law requires us to do good, so when we see the good in the world, that is merely our duty. Yet when we fail to do good, as all humans have (except Jesus), then we break the law, and so commit iniquity. As a result all men deserve death, as was covered in point 1.

For Isaiah lamented, ‘We have all been like unclean things and our upright deeds like filthy rags. We wither, all of us, like leaves, and all our misdeeds carry us off like the wind.’ (Isaiah 64:5) Nothing that a fallen human can do is pleasing to God, except the Holy Spirit help us. Though we see that many non-Christians do good, this is still not good in the eyes of God, as having not the Spirit, they do it not unto God. Therefore the Lord shall not grant them salvation from their misdeeds, even if he does reward their earthly works with earthly peace of mind, wealth, or fame (as this so-called ’karma’).

Why then should God even desire to save people? He does so to show his mercy; but what is mercy if it is deserved? Jesus explained, ‘Mercy is what pleases me, not sacrifice. And indeed I came to call not the upright, but sinners.’ (Matthew 9:13) Therefore it is neither in the Lord’s pleasure nor will to save those we consider to be upright, if they do not themselves repent and turn to Christ. We cannot receive mercy, even if we give of all we have, but do not follow Jesus.

Saint Peter declared before Cornelius in Acts 10, ‘I now really understand that God has no favourites, but that anybody of any nationality who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him’ and ‘that all who believe in Jesus will have their sins forgiven through his name.’ Therefore it is not enough to do what is right for God to save you, but also to fear God and believe in Jesus. This we may do through the working of the Holy Spirit, wherefore we must be always thankful to God. Those who know not Christ as their Saviour will not have their sins forgiven.

 

4. In summary

Romans 6:23 reads, ‘For the wage paid by sin is death; the gift freely given by God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ How few in this world’s history have come to know of this gift, and how much fewer have claimed it! For there is a dichotomy: either God, or earthly things; with the saved, or with the damned; within the fold, or without; repentant, or ignorant. By default we are on the ill side of those, for we are Fallen man, having a sinful nature since Adam’s sin. Yet the Bible has been provided for us. It is God’s Word, a message, a love-letter, from the Lord to mankind. May we read it, and be convinced of what Jesus has done for His people, the Christians.

Praise the Lord for his goodness!