Upholding God's Sovereignty: A Response to Openness Theology

 

Summary

In our discussion today, we delved into the implications of the openness of God movement and its impact on the holiness and nature of God. This movement, which seeks to position itself between process theology and classical theism, is seen as a departure from orthodox Christianity. It presents a God who is uncertain about the future, adjusting to events as they unfold, which diminishes His sovereignty and holiness. This perspective is not only sub-Christian but also anti-Christian, as it creates a God that is more like us, rather than the holy, sovereign Creator depicted in Scripture.

The openness theology attempts to absolve God of responsibility for the world's evils by suggesting He is not fully aware of future events. However, this contradicts the biblical portrayal of God, who is sovereign and actively involved in His creation. The flood narrative in Genesis, where God decisively acts against sin, underscores His holiness and sovereignty. The openness movement's portrayal of God as a likable, yet powerless being, is a distortion that undermines His holiness and separateness from humanity.

Reflecting on the holiness of God, we recognize that deviations from orthodox theology often stem from a desire to make God more relatable, which ultimately diminishes His divine nature. The openness of God movement serves as a litmus test for true evangelical belief, challenging us to hold fast to the biblical understanding of God's sovereignty and holiness. As believers, we are called to trust in God's promises and wait on His providence, rather than inventing a new, more palatable deity.

In our personal pursuit of holiness, we must immerse ourselves in Scripture, allowing it to shape our understanding of God and His character. The Word of God is the primary means of sanctification, revealing the glory of God and guiding us in our spiritual growth. As we engage with the Bible, we are reminded of the importance of putting off sin and putting on the graces of Christ, living in a manner that reflects our union with Him.

Key Takeaways:

- The openness of God movement diminishes the holiness and sovereignty of God by portraying Him as uncertain about the future, which contradicts the biblical depiction of a sovereign Creator who is actively involved in His creation. [01:03]

- God's holiness is evident in His decisive actions against sin, as seen in the flood narrative, where He demonstrates His sovereignty and separateness from humanity. This challenges the openness theology's portrayal of God as a powerless being. [04:22]

- Deviations from orthodox theology often arise from a desire to make God more relatable, but this ultimately diminishes His divine nature. True evangelical belief requires holding fast to the biblical understanding of God's sovereignty and holiness. [06:51]

- In our personal pursuit of holiness, immersing ourselves in Scripture is crucial. The Word of God is the primary means of sanctification, revealing God's glory and guiding us in spiritual growth. [32:23]

- As believers, we are called to trust in God's promises and wait on His providence, rather than inventing a new, more palatable deity. This trust is essential for maintaining a biblical understanding of God's character and His work in our lives. [09:31]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction to Openness Theology
- [00:42] - Theological Implications
- [01:24] - Departure from Orthodox Theism
- [02:16] - Identifying Openness Theology
- [03:06] - The False God of Openness Theology
- [04:05] - God's Sovereignty in the Flood
- [05:21] - Holiness and God's Separateness
- [06:32] - The Impact on God's Holiness
- [07:57] - Historical Context of Openness Theology
- [09:03] - Trusting in God's Promises
- [10:23] - The Litmus Test of Theology
- [11:00] - Reflections on Jesus and Holiness
- [15:20] - Sin, Holiness, and God's Judgment
- [19:29] - Holiness in Contemporary Society
- [23:21] - Personal Pursuit of Holiness
- [32:23] - The Role of Scripture in Sanctification
- [39:52] - The Journey of Sanctification
- [47:53] - The Beatific Vision in Heaven
- [50:12] - The Holy Spirit in Difficult Times

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 6:5-8 (The Flood Narrative)
2. Isaiah 6:1-5 (The Holiness of God)
3. Psalm 27:4 (Seeking God's Presence)

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Observation Questions:

1. In Genesis 6:5-8, how does God demonstrate His sovereignty and holiness in response to human sinfulness? How does this narrative challenge the openness theology's portrayal of God? [04:22]

2. According to Isaiah 6:1-5, how is God's holiness depicted, and what is the reaction of Isaiah upon witnessing it? How does this passage contrast with the idea of a God who is uncertain about the future? [05:21]

3. Psalm 27:4 speaks of seeking God's presence. How does this desire for God's presence relate to the sermon’s emphasis on immersing ourselves in Scripture for spiritual growth? [32:23]

4. The sermon mentions that deviations from orthodox theology often arise from a desire to make God more relatable. How does this relate to the biblical understanding of God's holiness and separateness from humanity? [06:51]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the flood narrative in Genesis serve as a testament to God's decisive action against sin, and what does this reveal about His character? [04:22]

2. In what ways does Isaiah's vision of God's holiness challenge the openness theology's depiction of God as a likable but powerless being? [05:21]

3. How does the desire to make God more relatable, as mentioned in the sermon, potentially lead to a diminished view of His divine nature and sovereignty? [06:51]

4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's promises and waiting on His providence. How does this trust contrast with the openness theology's portrayal of God? [09:31]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you tried to make God more relatable in your own understanding. How did this affect your view of His holiness and sovereignty? [06:51]

2. The sermon encourages immersing ourselves in Scripture as a means of sanctification. What specific steps can you take this week to deepen your engagement with the Bible? [32:23]

3. Consider the flood narrative and God's decisive action against sin. How does this understanding of God's holiness influence your approach to personal sin and repentance? [04:22]

4. How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's promises and providence, especially in areas of your life where you feel uncertain or anxious? [09:31]

5. The sermon challenges us to hold fast to the biblical understanding of God's character. What are some practical ways you can reinforce this understanding in your daily life? [06:51]

6. Think of a situation where you might have tried to adjust your understanding of God to fit your emotional needs. How can you realign your perspective to reflect the biblical portrayal of God? [03:06]

7. Identify one aspect of God's character that you find challenging to accept or understand. How can you seek clarity and growth in this area through prayer and study? [37:26]

Devotional

Day 1: The Sovereignty of God in Uncertainty
The openness of God movement suggests a God who is uncertain about the future, which diminishes His sovereignty and holiness. This perspective contradicts the biblical depiction of a sovereign Creator who is actively involved in His creation. By portraying God as adjusting to events as they unfold, the movement undermines the divine nature of God, making Him more like us. This view is not only sub-Christian but also anti-Christian, as it distorts the image of the holy, sovereign Creator depicted in Scripture. As believers, we are called to trust in the biblical understanding of God's sovereignty and holiness, recognizing that His plans and purposes are beyond our comprehension. [01:03]

Isaiah 46:9-10 (ESV): "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’"

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust God's sovereignty? How can you actively remind yourself of His control and purpose today?


Day 2: God's Holiness in Action
God's holiness is evident in His decisive actions against sin, as seen in the flood narrative, where He demonstrates His sovereignty and separateness from humanity. This challenges the openness theology's portrayal of God as a powerless being. The flood narrative in Genesis underscores God's holiness and His active involvement in creation, highlighting His authority over all things. By understanding God's actions in history, we can better appreciate His holiness and the seriousness with which He views sin. This understanding calls us to a deeper reverence for God and a commitment to living in accordance with His will. [04:22]

Habakkuk 1:13 (ESV): "You who are of purer eyes than to see evil and cannot look at wrong, why do you idly look at traitors and remain silent when the wicked swallows up the man more righteous than he?"

Reflection: How does recognizing God's holiness and His actions against sin influence your view of sin in your own life? What steps can you take to align your actions with His holiness today?


Day 3: The Danger of Relatability
Deviations from orthodox theology often arise from a desire to make God more relatable, but this ultimately diminishes His divine nature. True evangelical belief requires holding fast to the biblical understanding of God's sovereignty and holiness. When we attempt to reshape God into a more palatable image, we risk losing sight of His true nature and the awe that comes with knowing Him as He is. This temptation to make God more like us can lead to a weakened faith and a distorted understanding of His character. As believers, we must resist the urge to conform God to our image and instead seek to know Him as He has revealed Himself in Scripture. [06:51]

Jeremiah 10:6-7 (ESV): "There is none like you, O Lord; you are great, and your name is great in might. Who would not fear you, O King of the nations? For this is your due; for among all the wise ones of the nations and in all their kingdoms there is none like you."

Reflection: In what ways have you tried to make God more relatable in your own understanding? How can you seek to know Him more fully as He is revealed in Scripture?


Day 4: The Role of Scripture in Sanctification
In our personal pursuit of holiness, immersing ourselves in Scripture is crucial. The Word of God is the primary means of sanctification, revealing God's glory and guiding us in spiritual growth. As we engage with the Bible, we are reminded of the importance of putting off sin and putting on the graces of Christ, living in a manner that reflects our union with Him. Scripture not only informs our understanding of God but also transforms our hearts and minds, enabling us to grow in holiness and become more like Christ. This process of sanctification is essential for living a life that honors God and reflects His character to the world. [32:23]

Psalm 119:9-11 (ESV): "How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."

Reflection: How can you incorporate more time in Scripture into your daily routine? What specific passages can you meditate on to aid in your spiritual growth and sanctification?


Day 5: Trusting in God's Promises
As believers, we are called to trust in God's promises and wait on His providence, rather than inventing a new, more palatable deity. This trust is essential for maintaining a biblical understanding of God's character and His work in our lives. When we rely on God's promises, we acknowledge His faithfulness and His ability to fulfill His word. This trust requires patience and a willingness to submit to His timing and plans, even when they differ from our own desires. By trusting in God's promises, we can experience peace and assurance, knowing that He is in control and working all things for our good and His glory. [09:31]

Lamentations 3:22-24 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in him.'"

Reflection: What specific promise of God do you need to trust in today? How can you remind yourself of His faithfulness and providence in your current circumstances?

Quotes



"I believe it's sub Christian and anti-christian and the true Christians ought to flee for their lives from this theology I and and the thing that's so scary to me is that how popular it's becoming with the people because it Bas it's based upon a simplistic hermeneutic or principle of interpreting the scripture and it not only diminishes the Holiness of God it diminishes the whole nature of God." [00:42:48]

"The openness of God movement like all deviations from Orthodox theology from an orthodox doctrine of God wriggles on both these points Point number one it wriggles because it wants to try and create a God who is more like us and point number two it wriggles and this is the point that John is bringing out on the point surely we deserve better from the hands of God than what we are actually getting." [05:50:48]

"Instead of wriggling against that I think our responsibility as exodites of scripture is to see how this plays out in what are admittedly difficult questions that the scriptures themselves recognize are forced Upon Us by sometimes the strangeness of God's providences by the fact that within the scriptures themselves the people of God who absolutely believe in the total sovereignty of God are frequently asking how is it that the promises of God and the providences of God don't seem to coales together to which the biblical answer is wait and see don't invent a new God but wait and see what this God will sure to you." [08:56:40]

"In our personal pursuit of holiness, immersing ourselves in Scripture is crucial. The Word of God is the primary means of sanctification, revealing God's glory and guiding us in spiritual growth. As we engage with the Bible, we are reminded of the importance of putting off sin and putting on the graces of Christ, living in a manner that reflects our union with Him." [27:59:20]

"I think that the agency of sanctification is the word and and one of the reasons in all honesty that I stay in the same church I I haven't had any offers for years but I one of the one of the reasons that's that I stay in the same church is that blessed bondage as I like to call it keeps me in the word and I'm not under any illusions that somehow you can reach some Sanctified plateau and Coast the rest of your life it's that incessant constant Relentless exposure not to the truth itself but to the truth as it's connected to the god of truth." [32:11:40]

"I think constantly been my personal struggle in in this area to seek for that simultaneity of getting rid of what Grieves Christ and at the same time wearing the garments that Christ gives me by the power of His Holy Spirit and you know I think if there is a kind of poine or Pauline secret to thinking about how we are to grow it's that getting of the foundation right our Union of Christ and then our putting off and and our putting on." [27:45:20]

"Reflecting on the holiness of God, we recognize that deviations from orthodox theology often stem from a desire to make God more relatable, which ultimately diminishes His divine nature. The openness of God movement serves as a litmus test for true evangelical belief, challenging us to hold fast to the biblical understanding of God's sovereignty and holiness." [07:01:40]

"God's holiness is evident in His decisive actions against sin, as seen in the flood narrative, where He demonstrates His sovereignty and separateness from humanity. This challenges the openness theology's portrayal of God as a powerless being. As believers, we are called to trust in God's promises and wait on His providence, rather than inventing a new, more palatable deity." [04:16:40]

"Deviations from orthodox theology often arise from a desire to make God more relatable, but this ultimately diminishes His divine nature. True evangelical belief requires holding fast to the biblical understanding of God's sovereignty and holiness. As believers, we are called to trust in God's promises and wait on His providence, rather than inventing a new, more palatable deity." [06:51:40]

"As believers, we are called to trust in God's promises and wait on His providence, rather than inventing a new, more palatable deity. This trust is essential for maintaining a biblical understanding of God's character and His work in our lives. The openness of God movement diminishes the holiness and sovereignty of God by portraying Him as uncertain about the future, which contradicts the biblical depiction of a sovereign Creator who is actively involved in His creation." [09:31:40]

"The Word of God is the primary means of sanctification, revealing the glory of God and guiding us in our spiritual growth. As we engage with the Bible, we are reminded of the importance of putting off sin and putting on the graces of Christ, living in a manner that reflects our union with Him. In our personal pursuit of holiness, we must immerse ourselves in Scripture, allowing it to shape our understanding of God and His character." [32:23:40]

"The openness of God movement diminishes the holiness and sovereignty of God by portraying Him as uncertain about the future, which contradicts the biblical depiction of a sovereign Creator who is actively involved in His creation. God's holiness is evident in His decisive actions against sin, as seen in the flood narrative, where He demonstrates His sovereignty and separateness from humanity." [01:03:40]

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Transcript
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