Understanding the Sabbath, Atonement, and Church's Role

 

Summary

In our discussion today, we delved into several profound theological topics, each with significant implications for our faith and practice. We began by exploring the concept of the Christian Sabbath, emphasizing its historical roots and its connection to the fourth commandment. The Sabbath is not merely a Mosaic institution but a creation ordinance, blessed by God for humanity's benefit. This understanding challenges the modern view that Sunday worship is arbitrary, reinforcing the idea that the Sabbath is a divine gift meant to be cherished and observed.

We also examined the profound title of Jesus as the "Lamb of God," a designation that encapsulates His role as the ultimate and sufficient sacrifice for sin. This title, rooted in Old Testament sacrificial imagery, highlights the once-for-all nature of Christ's atonement, contrasting with the repetitive sacrifices of the Old Covenant. This understanding deepens our appreciation for the sufficiency and finality of Christ's work on the cross.

The discussion on John 3:16 and the doctrine of election provided a nuanced view of God's love and the scope of Christ's atonement. We emphasized the importance of interpreting Scripture with Scripture, recognizing that while God's love is universal in a general sense, His saving love is particular and directed towards His elect. This perspective does not diminish evangelism but rather fuels it, as we are called to proclaim the gospel to all, trusting that God will draw His chosen to Himself.

Furthermore, we addressed the role of the church in worship and evangelism. Worship services are primarily for the glory of God and the edification of believers, not for attracting unbelievers. However, when unbelievers do attend, they should encounter a distinct and transcendent environment that points them to the reality of God. This approach challenges the seeker-sensitive model, which often compromises the depth and truth of the gospel for the sake of appeal.

Finally, we discussed the church's response to societal sin and the importance of maintaining a balanced and biblical stance. We must address all sin, not just those that are culturally contentious, and do so with a spirit of humility and truth. This includes engaging with natural law issues and using our voice as citizens to advocate for God's design in society.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Christian Sabbath is a creation ordinance, not merely a Mosaic institution, emphasizing its ongoing relevance and blessing for humanity. It challenges modern views that see Sunday worship as arbitrary, reminding us of the divine intention behind the Sabbath. [02:31]

2. Jesus as the "Lamb of God" signifies His role as the ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling Old Testament sacrificial imagery. This title underscores the sufficiency and finality of His atonement, offering a profound assurance of salvation. [03:42]

3. John 3:16 and the doctrine of election highlight the complexity of God's love, which is both universal and particular. This understanding fuels evangelism, as we proclaim the gospel to all, trusting in God's sovereign work of salvation. [06:38]

4. Worship services should prioritize the glory of God and the edification of believers, creating a distinct environment that points unbelievers to the reality of God. This approach challenges the seeker-sensitive model, which often dilutes the gospel. [31:45]

5. The church must address all sin with humility and truth, engaging with societal issues through the lens of natural law and biblical teaching. This balanced approach ensures that we uphold God's design while advocating for His truth in society. [40:49]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:27] - The Christian Sabbath
- [01:10] - The Lord's Day in the New Covenant
- [01:52] - Creation Institution of the Sabbath
- [03:01] - Jesus as the Lamb of God
- [04:23] - John 3:16 and Election
- [05:53] - Understanding "World" in Scripture
- [07:27] - Definite Atonement
- [08:47] - Evangelism and Predestination
- [10:06] - The Call to Faith
- [11:30] - Calvinism and Evangelism
- [14:09] - God's Love for Everyone
- [17:51] - God's Love and Wrath
- [22:04] - Christ's Rule in the Church
- [29:26] - Purpose of Worship Services
- [36:46] - Responding to Godless Lifestyles
- [41:32] - Introducing Reformed Doctrine

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 2:2-3
2. John 1:29
3. John 3:16

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Genesis 2:2-3, what did God do on the seventh day, and how does this relate to the concept of the Sabbath as discussed in the sermon? [02:31]

2. In John 1:29, John the Baptist refers to Jesus as the "Lamb of God." What Old Testament imagery does this title evoke, and how does it relate to the sufficiency of Christ's atonement? [03:42]

3. How does the sermon explain the use of the word "world" in John 3:16, and what are the implications for understanding the scope of God's love and Christ's atonement? [06:38]

4. What is the primary purpose of worship services according to the sermon, and how does this challenge the seeker-sensitive model? [31:45]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the understanding of the Sabbath as a creation ordinance, rather than merely a Mosaic institution, impact the way Christians view Sunday worship today? [02:31]

2. What does the title "Lamb of God" reveal about Jesus' role in salvation history, and how does it deepen our appreciation for His sacrifice? [03:42]

3. In what ways does the doctrine of election, as discussed in the sermon, influence the approach to evangelism and the proclamation of the gospel? [08:47]

4. How does the sermon suggest the church should respond to societal sin, and what role does humility play in addressing these issues? [40:49]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your personal observance of the Sabbath. How can you better honor this day as a divine gift meant for rest and worship? [02:31]

2. Consider the significance of Jesus as the "Lamb of God" in your own life. How does this understanding of His sacrifice affect your daily walk with Christ? [03:42]

3. How can you actively participate in evangelism, trusting in God's sovereign work of salvation, while also respecting the doctrine of election? [08:47]

4. In what ways can your church create a worship environment that prioritizes the glory of God and the edification of believers, while still being welcoming to unbelievers? [31:45]

5. How can you engage with societal issues through the lens of natural law and biblical teaching, ensuring that you uphold God's design while advocating for His truth? [40:49]

6. Identify a specific sin that is culturally contentious today. How can you address this issue with humility and truth in your community or church? [40:49]

7. Reflect on your role as a citizen and a Christian. How can you use your voice to advocate for God's design in society, particularly in areas where natural law is being challenged? [39:24]

Devotional

Day 1: The Sabbath as a Creation Ordinance
The Christian Sabbath is not just a relic of Mosaic law but a creation ordinance, established by God for the benefit of humanity. This understanding challenges the modern perception that Sunday worship is arbitrary, reminding us that the Sabbath is a divine gift meant to be cherished and observed. By recognizing the Sabbath as a creation ordinance, we acknowledge its ongoing relevance and the blessing it brings to our lives. It is a time set apart for rest, reflection, and worship, allowing us to realign our lives with God's purposes and find renewal in His presence. [02:31]

"So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his." (Hebrews 4:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally set apart time this week to observe the Sabbath as a gift from God, allowing it to bring rest and renewal to your soul?


Day 2: Jesus, the Ultimate Sacrifice
Jesus as the "Lamb of God" signifies His role as the ultimate and sufficient sacrifice for sin. This title, deeply rooted in Old Testament sacrificial imagery, highlights the once-for-all nature of Christ's atonement, contrasting with the repetitive sacrifices of the Old Covenant. Understanding Jesus as the Lamb of God deepens our appreciation for the sufficiency and finality of His work on the cross, offering us profound assurance of salvation. It reminds us that through His sacrifice, we are reconciled to God, and our sins are forgiven, freeing us to live in the light of His grace. [03:42]

"For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God." (Hebrews 10:4, 12, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you live out the reality of Christ's sufficient sacrifice in your daily life, embracing the freedom and forgiveness it brings?


Day 3: The Complexity of God's Love
John 3:16 and the doctrine of election highlight the complexity of God's love, which is both universal and particular. While God's love is universal in a general sense, His saving love is directed towards His elect. This understanding fuels evangelism, as we are called to proclaim the gospel to all, trusting in God's sovereign work of salvation. Recognizing the depth and breadth of God's love encourages us to share the good news with confidence, knowing that God is at work in drawing His chosen to Himself. [06:38]

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him." (Ephesians 1:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively participate in sharing the gospel this week, trusting in God's sovereign plan to draw people to Himself?


Day 4: Worship as a Distinct Encounter with God
Worship services should prioritize the glory of God and the edification of believers, creating a distinct environment that points unbelievers to the reality of God. This approach challenges the seeker-sensitive model, which often dilutes the gospel for the sake of appeal. When unbelievers attend worship services, they should encounter a transcendent environment that reveals the truth and majesty of God. By focusing on God's glory and the edification of believers, worship becomes a powerful witness to the reality of God's presence and His transformative power. [31:45]

"Let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire." (Hebrews 12:28-29, ESV)

Reflection: How can you contribute to creating a worship environment that glorifies God and edifies others, making His presence known to all who attend?


Day 5: Addressing Societal Sin with Humility and Truth
The church must address all sin with humility and truth, engaging with societal issues through the lens of natural law and biblical teaching. This balanced approach ensures that we uphold God's design while advocating for His truth in society. It is important to address not only culturally contentious sins but all sin, doing so with a spirit of humility and truth. By engaging with societal issues in this way, the church can be a voice for God's design and advocate for His truth in a world that often strays from His ways. [40:49]

"Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light." (Ephesians 5:11-13, ESV)

Reflection: What is one societal issue you feel called to address with humility and truth, and how can you begin to engage with it in a way that reflects God's design and love?

Quotes

"GODFREY: Well, it's interesting to me as a church historian that almost all Protestants in America through the seventeenth, eighteenth, nineteenth, well into the twentieth century regarded Sunday as a Christian Sabbath. And then somewhere around the 1960s probably, an age of rebellion generally, there were many evangelical voices raised to say there really is no connection between Sunday and the fourth commandment of the Old Testament." [00:11:36]

"GODFREY: When it comes to the fourth commandment, the critical question is, 'Is the Sabbath of the fourth commandment simply a Mosaic institution in which one could well argue it has passed away with so much of the Mosaic institutions for Israel, or is it a creation institution, in which case in some sense it continues forever with creation?' And my argument would be, one of the most important things we're taught in Genesis 1 and 2 is that God not only created in six days, but rested on the seventh day and blessed the Sabbath." [00:49:08]

"ARDAVANIS: Well, I hit that on Friday night. Of course, that's in John 1:29 when John the Baptist set his eyes on Christ. And it's really kind of a fascinating verse, 'Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world,' and obviously that picture goes back to the Old Testament sacrifices that were being made. The writer of Hebrews said that they would be offered time and time again, and the atonement was in that blood according to Leviticus 17:11." [00:30:30]

"LAWSON: Well, obviously, both are taught in Scripture. I mean John 3:16 is Scripture, and there are two ways to look at it. I personally think that those are the words of Christ that extend through verse 21 that Christ is still addressing Nicodemus as opposed to that being John's own commentary of what has preceded. And there are two ways of looking at it. One is that John 3:16 would be a universal offer of the gospel couched in those terms." [00:46:56]

"GODFREY: I think sometimes this question arises just like this or in other forms on the part of people who think, 'If you believe in predestination, it's going to undermine evangelism.' And I think it's very important to say— what Steve said was exactly right and helpful— but I think it's important to say genuine Calvinism is never restrained in calling everyone to believe. And that's important for us to be very, very clear about." [00:51:12]

"LAWSON: The modern missions movement with William Carey, etc., etc., they were all five-point Calvinists. John Calvin himself sent out waves after waves after waves of students from his own, what we would call today 'seminaries,' the academy across the street. He sent missionaries out as far away as Brazil to plant churches and to preach the gospel. And if you would read Calvin's own sermons, when he comes to the end of many sermons, he is very passionate in pleading with people in his own manners of expression to come to faith in Christ." [00:55:09]

"LAWSON: Well, the primary purpose of the worship service is not to attract the unbeliever. So, the seeker-sensitive movement has flipped the church upside down on its head. The primary purpose of the worship service, amazingly, is to worship. So, that sounds like an oxymoron. No, it's a truism. And so, we are here, first and foremost, soli Deo gloria, for the glory of God and to ascribe honor and glory and blessing to God." [00:58:08]

"LAWSON: We are not here to entertain the goats. We are here to worship the Great Shepherd and to build up the sheep. It is in that context according to 1 Corinthians 14 that unbelievers come into the service and they are so struck that this is so different from the world, that there is male leadership here. There is not a woman preacher, that the music is transcendent and majestic, and 'This isn't like the nightclub I was in last night, that when I come into church I am struck that I am in another world.'" [01:03:06]

"GODFREY: I do think as the church in particular we have to make clear to the world that we are not picking on certain sins and ignoring other sins. So, we have to be sure we preach as much against heterosexual sins as we do against homosexual sins, as much against premarital sex and as against adultery. And what is the great issue that many, many churches never speak to anymore? The issue of divorce." [01:07:05]

"GODFREY: And there are biblical grounds for divorce, I believe, but we have to be clear that the moral law of God applies across the board among us, not only in certain areas. I always say it's easy to preach against sins to which I am not attracted. It's harder to preach against the sins to which I am attracted, and we have to be careful about that in our ministry as a church in particular." [01:09:31]

"LAWSON: And to turn that battleship around is not easy. But what Scott just said, to preach the Bible, of course. And, second, I always had a men's, either Friday morning or Saturday morning, Bible study that would be a smaller setting and asked the elders to come, asked every Sunday school teacher to come, ask any man who wants to come and to teach them sound doctrine in a setting where you can raise your hand, ask me any question you want to ask me, which you can't really do in a sermon." [01:13:10]

"GODFREY: I've had the experience, I bet many of you have, of somebody coming to me and saying, 'I don't believe in predestination.' And I try to smile and say, 'Oh, you don't believe the Bible.' 'Well, what do you mean?' I say, 'Well, in Ephesians 1 Paul talks about predestination. You said you don't believe in predestination.' I love it when they have given us the Word. I could explain what an Arminian would interpret Ephesians 1 as being, but I don't really think that's my calling." [01:11:53]

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Transcript
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