Understanding God: Revelation, Christ, and Assurance of Salvation
Summary
In our time together, we explored a range of profound theological questions that challenge and enrich our understanding of Scripture and the Christian faith. We began by addressing the complexities of interpreting the book of Revelation. It's crucial to approach Revelation with a proper hermeneutic, understanding it within its historical and literary context rather than over-interpreting its symbols and metaphors. This approach helps us avoid confusion and misinterpretation, which often arise from preconceived notions and teachings that lack a solid biblical foundation.
We also discussed the nature of Jesus Christ as truly God and truly man, affirming the creedal language that accurately reflects His divine and human natures. This understanding is vital for our faith, as it underscores the mystery and majesty of the Incarnation.
The topic of prayer to the Holy Spirit was another point of discussion. While the New Testament pattern is to pray to the Father in the name of the Son by the help of the Holy Spirit, it is appropriate to address each member of the Trinity in prayer. This reflects the unity and diversity within the Godhead and enriches our prayer life.
Our conversation also touched on the assurance of salvation provided by the Trinity's work. Romans 8 beautifully illustrates the cooperative work of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in our salvation, offering us profound assurance and comfort.
Finally, we examined the statement "God is love" and its implications for our faith. While God's love is central, it must be understood alongside His other attributes, such as holiness and justice, to avoid a distorted view of God. This balanced understanding helps us appreciate the fullness of God's character and His redemptive work through Jesus Christ.
Key Takeaways:
1. Interpreting Revelation: Understanding Revelation requires a proper hermeneutic that respects its historical and literary context. Avoid over-interpreting symbols and metaphors by seeking to understand them within their original context. This approach helps prevent confusion and misinterpretation. [03:18]
2. Nature of Christ: Jesus Christ is truly God and truly man, a mystery that underscores the Incarnation's majesty. This dual nature is essential for our faith, as it affirms the fullness of His divinity and humanity, providing a foundation for our salvation. [05:33]
3. Prayer to the Trinity: While the New Testament pattern is to pray to the Father through the Son by the Spirit, it is appropriate to address each member of the Trinity. This practice reflects the unity and diversity within the Godhead, enriching our prayer life. [06:54]
4. Assurance of Salvation: The cooperative work of the Trinity in our salvation, as illustrated in Romans 8, offers profound assurance. The Father's plan, accomplished by the Son and applied by the Spirit, provides a solid foundation for our faith and hope. [08:52]
5. God's Love and Holiness: While "God is love" is central to our faith, it must be understood alongside His holiness and justice. A balanced view of God's attributes prevents a distorted understanding and helps us appreciate the fullness of His character and redemptive work. [09:59]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:18] - Introduction to Q&A
- [00:45] - Understanding Revelation
- [03:18] - Proper Hermeneutics
- [05:08] - Nature of Christ
- [06:54] - Praying to the Holy Spirit
- [08:19] - Assurance of Salvation
- [09:26] - God's Love and Holiness
- [13:00] - Old Testament Relevance
- [15:41] - Heresy of Marcionism
- [18:19] - Sharing Truth in Love
- [22:15] - Church Segregation
- [24:57] - God's Choice of the Elect
- [27:37] - Dealing with Unchosen Loved Ones
- [30:44] - Witnessing with Gentleness
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Revelation 1:1-3
2. John 1:14
3. Romans 8:1-17
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Observation Questions:
1. What are some of the challenges mentioned in the sermon regarding the interpretation of the book of Revelation? [03:18]
2. How does the sermon describe the nature of Jesus Christ in terms of His divinity and humanity? [05:33]
3. According to the sermon, what is the New Testament pattern for prayer, and how does it relate to the Trinity? [06:54]
4. How does Romans 8 illustrate the cooperative work of the Trinity in our salvation, as discussed in the sermon? [08:52]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why is it important to approach the book of Revelation with a proper hermeneutic, and what might be the consequences of failing to do so? [03:18]
2. How does the dual nature of Christ as truly God and truly man provide a foundation for our faith and salvation? [05:33]
3. In what ways does addressing each member of the Trinity in prayer enrich our prayer life, according to the sermon? [06:54]
4. How does understanding the statement "God is love" alongside His other attributes prevent a distorted view of God? [09:59]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current understanding of the book of Revelation. How might adopting a proper hermeneutic change your perspective or approach to studying this book? [03:18]
2. Consider the dual nature of Christ. How does this understanding impact your personal faith journey and your view of the Incarnation? [05:33]
3. How do you currently address the Trinity in your prayer life? Are there ways you can incorporate a more balanced approach to enrich your prayers? [06:54]
4. Romans 8 provides assurance of salvation through the work of the Trinity. How does this assurance affect your daily life and spiritual confidence? [08:52]
5. When you think of God's love, do you also consider His holiness and justice? How can you cultivate a more balanced understanding of God's attributes in your personal study and worship? [09:59]
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you might be over-interpreting or misinterpreting Scripture. What steps can you take to seek a clearer understanding within its proper context? [03:18]
7. How can you share the balanced view of God's love and holiness with someone who might have a distorted understanding of God's character? [09:59]
Devotional
Day 1: Understanding Revelation in Context
Understanding the book of Revelation requires a careful approach that respects its historical and literary context. Many people fall into the trap of over-interpreting its symbols and metaphors, leading to confusion and misinterpretation. By seeking to understand Revelation within its original context, we can avoid preconceived notions and teachings that lack a solid biblical foundation. This approach not only clarifies the message of Revelation but also enriches our understanding of Scripture as a whole. [03:18]
Revelation 1:3 (ESV): "Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near."
Reflection: Consider a symbol or metaphor in Revelation that you find confusing. How can you research its historical and literary context to gain a clearer understanding today?
Day 2: The Dual Nature of Christ
The nature of Jesus Christ as truly God and truly man is a profound mystery that underscores the majesty of the Incarnation. This dual nature is essential for our faith, as it affirms the fullness of His divinity and humanity, providing a foundation for our salvation. Understanding this mystery helps us appreciate the depth of God's love and the significance of Christ's work on earth. It is through this lens that we can grasp the true meaning of the Incarnation and its implications for our lives. [05:33]
Colossians 2:9 (ESV): "For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily."
Reflection: Reflect on how the dual nature of Christ impacts your understanding of His work in your life. How does this understanding influence your relationship with Him today?
Day 3: Praying to the Trinity
While the New Testament pattern is to pray to the Father through the Son by the Spirit, it is appropriate to address each member of the Trinity in prayer. This practice reflects the unity and diversity within the Godhead, enriching our prayer life. By acknowledging the distinct roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we can deepen our relationship with God and experience a more profound sense of His presence in our lives. This understanding encourages us to embrace the fullness of the Trinity in our daily prayers. [06:54]
2 Corinthians 13:14 (ESV): "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."
Reflection: In your prayer time today, intentionally address each member of the Trinity. How does this practice change your experience of prayer and your connection with God?
Day 4: Assurance of Salvation through the Trinity
The cooperative work of the Trinity in our salvation, as illustrated in Romans 8, offers profound assurance. The Father's plan, accomplished by the Son and applied by the Spirit, provides a solid foundation for our faith and hope. This assurance is not based on our efforts but on the steadfast work of the Trinity, giving us confidence in our salvation and comfort in our spiritual journey. By understanding this cooperative work, we can rest in the security of God's promises and live with hope and peace. [08:52]
Ephesians 1:13-14 (ESV): "In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you doubted your salvation. How can the understanding of the Trinity's cooperative work in your salvation provide you with assurance and peace today?
Day 5: Balancing God's Love and Holiness
While "God is love" is central to our faith, it must be understood alongside His holiness and justice. A balanced view of God's attributes prevents a distorted understanding and helps us appreciate the fullness of His character and redemptive work. By recognizing the harmony between God's love, holiness, and justice, we can develop a more comprehensive understanding of His nature and how it influences our faith and actions. This balanced perspective encourages us to live in a way that reflects God's character in all aspects of our lives. [09:59]
1 John 4:8-10 (ESV): "Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."
Reflection: How can you balance your understanding of God's love with His holiness and justice in your daily life? What changes might this balanced view inspire in your actions and attitudes today?
Quotes
"I think Revelation, if understood and sought to be understood in its own proper context, you know, and as a book like all the other books of the Bible addressed to a certain people in a certain time in a certain context, you might find it an easier interpretation than you probably first initially thought." [00:03:19]
"And it really is our problem as Christians in general and our lack of having a good hermeneutic or a good method of interpretation. That's where the church has really failed and we as pastors have failed in many ways. We've not taught our people hermeneutics. And you really can't study the Bible and you can't really study theology properly, of course, unless you have good hermeneutics." [00:04:14]
"All three persons of the Godhead is God -- Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And so in that regard, it is appropriate to pray to either of those members. There is a pattern in the New Testament that we pray to the Father in the name of the Son by the help of the Holy Spirit, but it is appropriate to address each member of the Godhead." [00:06:28]
"I think you covered that kind of, I'm going through Romans 8, you know you see the Trinitarian work in Romans 8, all throughout Romans 8 and you can see that, you know, the work of the Father, accomplished by the Son, being applied by the Holy Spirit is effectual." [00:08:28]
"Because we're a culture that wants to be emotionally driven, we're a culture that wants affirmation, we're a culture that wants love and only love and if allowed to, we will focus only on the softer, the kinder, gentler attributes of God, particularly His love and His mercy. And if we're not careful we'll have a very imbalanced view of God." [00:09:13]
"So when I hear that, I think, we have to be careful that we say, 'No, God is the sum of all of His attributes,' and as R.C. was very well known for teaching, the attribute of love is not to the third power, but it's the attribute of holiness. So if we want to focus on some essential attribute of God that's more basic than others that might be a little safer." [00:09:47]
"We know God's love through His Son. It is not some general term we get to define on our terms -- God's love is through His Son. Also I would say that I think sometimes we tend to, especially, at least in Reformed churches, I think we tend to downplay that attribute to some degree." [00:11:06]
"And then you realize that it is not so much the eloquence of your argument, you know, as much as it is, you know, the Spirit of the Lord opening their eyes as they are endeavoring to read and study and understand the Scriptures. So point them to the Scriptures, yeah, keep pointing to it." [00:19:37]
"And I think, because this relative is resistant, I cling to the promises of God, and I think of John 3 and 8 that 'the wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it and you don't know where it came from, you don't know where it's going.' And I just rejoice that the wind can reach places I can't reach." [00:33:02]
"And so let's trust in the promises of God, dependence upon God's divine help, and remembering that I'm a trophy of God's grace myself. I think those should help me to share the good news of Jesus Christ with gentleness and with respect." [00:33:31]
"And we need to be very careful that we are not bordering on being an affront to God in questioning Him. We need to remain silent when He has closed His mouth in His Word." [00:27:13]
"Allow them to shepherd the flock that is among them so that you can walk through, and they can answer all the nuances of that question because that question is full of so many nuances that whatever answer you receive from this panel, all it's going do is probably foster in you more questions." [00:29:49]
Chatbot
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