Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?

This quote from Jesus while on the cross served as a puzzle to me for several years. Asking random pastors and Bible students at first revealed little which made sense to me. However, years ago I heard a forgotten preacher on television explain it to my complete satisfaction.

You see, when Jesus asked this question, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” in Mark 15:34, it implies that not only had God forsaken His Son but also that His divine Son didn’t understand the reason. Neither of these prospects made any sense in light of the Christian concept of the Trinity.

This puzzle melts away completely when you consider the culture of first century Judea and turn to Psalm 22. There were precious few written manuscripts of Scripture (Old Testament) available to the public. Many were illiterate. That does not mean they were stupid. They memorized many important passages from the Old Testament and recited them frequently. Many at the time, especially Jewish leaders, would have immediately recognized the quote from what we now know as Psalm 22. Perhaps in His distress, He mumbled, or the clamor of the crowd may have been loud, or perhaps some were merely mocking Him when they said that maybe He was calling Elijah. Many heard clearly enough, including the Apostles present.

This Psalm is about being in extreme circumstances and still maintaining that God is in control and is deserving of all our praise. This is Jesus teaching us a powerful lesson through words even as He is dying on the cross. He tells us to consider Psalm 22 while we ponder His gruesome death. The compassion and presence of mind that He demonstrated with these words is awesome to consider. He knew that God had not forsaken Him. Jesus knew why He was on the cross, that He was there to die a bodily death, and that He would resurrect Himself in three days (as the custom for counting days existed in that culture.) As the old southern gospel song says, while He was on the cross, we were on His mind. What more can I say?

Static Creationism vs. Evolution

Many people, both justified and reprobate, believe in both evolution and intelligent design. Many scientists and non-scientists share these same beliefs and fall into the same categories. The gospel of Jesus Christ has nothing at all to do with our views on evolution. So why do some Christian leaders waste so much time making contrived arguments about evolution instead of winning souls for Christ?

There are scientific problems with evolution theory to be sure, but these are not the problems addressed here. Did God create animals first and then humans, or vice versa? Did man come before plants, or what? Despite what you may have learned, let me suggest that you read Genesis chapters 1 and 2 again very carefully and thoughtfully. There are several points on which two accounts of creation differ if taken in a literal sense. They are not representing an exacting chronological order of events, rather they are speaking to the sovereignty and power of God, the Initiator of all things. If we read the passage in Hebrew, yet more enlightenment and questions may arise.

Evolutionists have no clue, AT ALL, how inanimate matter developed consciousness or self-awareness. Cosmologists have no clue, AT ALL, how a theoretical Big Bang might have come into existence. People, who take the absolute literal sense of the creation stories, have no clue, AT ALL, how to determine which of the two differing Genesis accounts is the scientifically precise one. Evolutionists and Creationists who choose to be at odds with one another, are revealing very restricted views of the physical and spiritual worlds.

The writer of Genesis was not providing an exacting scientific account of the world’s creation. The author(s) of Genesis did give us a profound sense of God’s majesty, power, and grace. We might consider that science is humanity’s study of God’s physical world, while theology is the study of His spiritual world. They must coincide and they obviously do.

Genesis 1:11-12 shows that God created a world, which in turn could further create. Also see Genesis 1:20,24 where God causes the waters and the earth to bring forth living things. He is an AWESOME God. Therefore, the earth creates because God created it so that it would have that ability. Sounds a little like evolution, though certainly not an atheistic one.

Now, I am not saying that Darwin’s theory is right or wrong. It could fall either way. How or why God chooses to create is too much for me to consider as I see through quite a dark glass. However, I am saying that Genesis is not about whether evolution is correct or not. Evolution, IMHO, is not a theological issue. It just doesn’t matter. What will science learn, or teach us that will take away the witness of the Holy Spirit with our spirit? Romans 8:16 . If our belief in Christ or our ability to effectively evangelize depends on the next scientific discovery or theory, then our faith is far less than a mustard seed. Let’s not make our theology dependent on science. Science is what it is. This is revealed to us by God just as the tenets of Christianity are. Both require some searching of one kind or another, but it’s time for a break in the confrontation. Mistakes are made in both arenas as they are human endeavors.

There are scientists who favor the theory of evolution who are devout Christians. There are Christian ministers who believe in the same evolution instigated by God, the Creator. Do some people, both justified and reprobate, just like to argue?

I am reminded of two stories. When Galileo was being tried by the church for his scientific theories, he said, “The Bible tells us how to go to the heavens, not how the heavens go.” It appears that he clearly saw the silliness of the science-Christianity conflicts.

Then there is the story of these future scientists who ask to speak to God. God complies. The scientists tell God, “We don’t need you anymore. You see, we have learned all there is to know and can create anything.”

God replies, “You mean you can create a human? I don’t mean cloning, I mean, you can make a human from dust?”

The scientists say, “Sure, no problem.”

As a scientist reaches down to pick up some dirt God says, “Uhh, get your own dirt.”

Science can’t explain it all. God, the Creator is always required. If your denomination or preacher proclaims a six 24 hour day creation, you can go with the flow if you otherwise enjoy the fellowship, but you don’t have to promote the unnecessary confrontational rhetoric. Now let’s quit arguing over contrived issues and get back to winning souls for Christ and advancing God’s kingdom! Sure, God needs to be taught in our public schools, but this will be effectively done with acts of love, not acts of nonsense. In the meantime, our children will always be exposed to atheistic thinking if they attend public schools. So, we need to ground them in the faith so thoroughly at home and in church that they will always have a way to express their faith in Christ under any circumstance.

For a deeper look into some possibilities within the Genesis creation account check out http://homepage.mac.com/lawsonstone1/Sites/blog/Creation02.html

Almost Christian

My First Sermon 2002
Adapted and expanded from John Wesley’s sermon, "Almost Christian"

All over the world, there are people of every age, race, nationality, and denomination who say, “I am a Christian.” Some will say this because they were raised by church-going parents, or because they attend church. Others will say this because they were baptized, or simply because they live in a community that identifies itself as Christian. Others may say this purely because it suits their worldly purpose at the time.

Let me say, that many people who claim to be Christians, might be more accurately called “almost Christians.” Yet there seems little purpose in only going just so far. People are found everywhere who were almost persuaded to be a Christian. Many possess a vain hope that they have achieved salvation. Surely, some of them have, but, I fear, many have not.

So, what do I mean by “almost Christian?” And what does it mean to be “altogether Christian?”
In being “almost a Christian” is implied that there is simple honesty that even unbelievers possess. By the rules of this honesty the almost Christian will be just, will not steal, will not oppress the poor, and will be sure not to adversely affect the rights of other people. Also, among unbelievers, it is expected that they be truthful and show justice. An almost Christian will not slander a neighbor, nor falsely accuse another, and show low esteem for liars of all sorts.

Again, among unbelievers, there is a sort of love and charity for each person to another. That which is easy to do that helps another is generally done, as long as it does not go against the purposes of the helping one. The unbeliever will generally feed the hungry, if they have food to spare, clothe the naked with their old clothes, and commonly donate things they do not need to people who have a need for them. So these things are the very least that is expected of an “almost Christian.”

A second thing in being almost a Christian is having a form of godliness. By that I mean looking on the outside like a real or “altogether Christian.” Consequently, the “almost Christian” will not take the name of God in vain, will bless people and not curse them, will not commit adultery, etc. etc. This “almost Christian” will not be involved in gossip and back-biting.

“Almost Christians” will abstain from the excesses of alcohol, strive to live peaceably with all people, and if they suffer a wrong they will not seek revenge. They do not pick on the faults and infirmities of others, and will not willingly do wrong to anyone. They make much effort to live by the “Golden Rule.” “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

“Almost Christians,” in doing good works, will not confine themselves to the quick, cheap, and easy efforts. They will suffer toil and pain for the benefit of others. Whatever they may find to do to help their friends and enemies, they will do. They rebuff the wicked, instruct the ignorant, praise the good, and comfort the sick and dying.

The “almost Christians” who have this form of godliness will frequently attend church, and not loaded with fancy clothes and jewelry, but rather appear generally more civil with those around them that they otherwise might. This, of course, give them claim to the status of “almost Christian.”

“Almost Christians” may be involved in the consistent use of family prayer, and set aside time for private prayer as well. To complete the picture of the “almost Christian” we must add sincerity. By sincerity, I mean a real, inward principle of religion from where these outward actions come. Indeed, if one lacks this sincerity, they lack even the heathen honesty that I mentioned earlier.

Good men avoid sin for the love of virtue. Wicked men avoid sin for the fear of punishment.
So, if a person only abstains from evil, in order to avoid punishment, then “thou hast thy reward. Matthew 6:1-4.

If you do not murder, you will not be hanged, and you have no further reward due to you in heaven. Furthermore, if a self-identified Christian avoids sin, and even does good to improve their reputation, to avoid the loss of friends, or for some other worldly benefit, then they are not even good heathens. Rather, they are hypocrites altogether.

Sincerity, therefore, is necessarily implied in the nature of the “almost Christian.” By sincerity, here, I mean a heartfelt desire in the nature of the “almost Christian” to do God’s will. An “almost Christian” must have a sincere yearning to please God in all things, in all conversation, in all actions, and in all that is done or left undone. This sincerity is the basic principle throughout an “almost Christian’s” life, in doing good, abstaining from evil, and following the commandments of God.

So now you may wonder, what is left? Can a person go this far and yet remain only almost a Christian? Let me say that it is quite possible to go this far and yet not be an altogether Christian. I have spent many years of my life doing mostly good works, or what I thought was good, looking out for the little guy, and generally being charitable. Yet, through this period, I was only almost a Christian.

So, you might wonder, “What more than this is meant in being altogether a Christian?” My first response is , the love of God. For the greatest commandment is “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God will all thy heart and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.” Matthew 22:37-40; Mark 12:28-31; Luke 10:25-28.

The second thing implied in being altogether a Christian involves the second greatest commandment. “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-49; Mark 12:28-31; Luke 10:25-28. If you ask, “Who is my neighbor?” then you will find it in Luke 10:29-37. The short answer is, that everyone in the world is your neighbor. This does not give us any room to make exceptions for our enemies, the enemies of our nation, or even the enemies of God. Luke 6:27-36. Every “altogether Christian” loves all of these people as much as he loves himself. Yes, even as much as Christ loves us.

So God commands us to love. That may sound a bit odd to us. How can someone be commanded to love? Love (agape) is explained at length by Paul in 1 Corinthians 13. The KJV translates agape as charity, and this might be a bit closer than our thought of love only as a feeling. Matthew 25:31-46 explains how we are to love our neighbors, and how this is the same as loving God, Who is also Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, and our Judge.

There remains another thing which must be considered in being an “altogether Christian.” This is the foundation of it all, even faith. 1 John 5:1-5.

NRSV 1 John 5:1-5 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

Therefore, our belief in Jesus as Savior of the world, and our faith in things eternal, gives us power to overcome our sinful nature in this world. Jesus gives us strength so His commandments are not burdensome. He gives us a new heart to spiritually see His commandments, not as burdens but as promises. Jesus' commandments do appear burdensome to those under the dominion of sin. Romans 6:14. Once we have the desire to love God and to love others, and once we confess Jesus as our personal Savior, He makes it much easier for us to avoid sin. He causes our hearts to avoid sin because we love the virtues that please God, and our life centers around pleasing our Creator. Jesus softens the believer’s heart just as God hardened Pharoah’s heart in Exodus. This is for our benefit, and the benefit of God’s kingdom on earth. We learn to seek other Christians for support. And we learn to avoid people with sinful natures, except to serve as a witness to them in word and deed.

Do not deceive yourself. Remember this. Faith that is not accompanied by true repentance, love, and all good works, is not that right and living faith, but a vain and satanic one. Yes, I said satanic. For even Satan and his demons believe that Christ was born of a virgin, performed miracles, declared Himself to be God, that for our sakes, He suffered a most painful death to redeem us from eternal damnation, that on the 3rd day he raised Himself from the dead, that He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father, and at the end of this world, He will come again to judge the living and the dead. Mark 1:23-24; Luke 4:33-34; James 2:19. Though they believe all these articles of our Christian faith, they remain in their damned state because they lack the very true Christian faith.

The proper Christian faith is not only to believe that the Holy Scripture is true, but also to have a sure trust and confidence that we are saved from everlasting damnation by the eternal Christ. It is a sure trust and confidence, which we must have in God, that by the merits of Christ, our sins are forgiven and that we are reconciled with God and have found favor in His eyes. From this necessarily follows a loving heart, that desires to obey His commandments. We will know them and ourselves by the fruit of our faith.

Whoever has this faith, also receives power from God, Who dwells in our hearts, to purify us from pride, anger, desire for all unrighteousness, and lusts of the flesh and spirit. We are then filled with love stronger than death, both to God and to humanity, love that does God’s work, love that rejoices in sacrificing for others, not merely our circle of family and friends, love that endures with joy the worldly people who mock and despise us. Whoever has this faith, working with this love, is not almost only but altogether a Christian.

Now, some may ask, “Who are the living examples of these things?” I ask you now, in the presence of God, Who knows your heart fully, that you would ask yourself, “Am I in that number?” Do I so far practice justice, mercy, and truth as even the honest heathens require? If so, do I have the outer appearance of a Christian? The form of godliness? Do I abstain from evil; from all that is forbidden in the Bible? Do I do whatever good my hands find to do? And is all of this done with a sincere purpose of pleasing God in all things?

Are any of you made conscious that you have never come this far? That you have not been even “almost a Christian?” Are your actions, your words, your works, your business, your studies, your hobbies, and your entertainment all done for the glory of God? Do you even desire that whatever you do, should be done “in the name of Jesus Christ?”

If you have come this far, then you are very nearly a Christian, except for the central point of it all. Suppose you have strong desires to be a Christian and do good works to reveal the glory of God. Still, this must come to some good effect. After all, the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. Can you cry out, “My God and my all!” Do you desire nothing but Him?! Are you happy in God? Is He your glory, your delight, your crown of rejoicing? And is this commandment truly in your heart, “That those who love God love their fellow humans also?” Do you then love your neighbor as yourself? Do you love every person, even your enemies? Even the enemies of God? As Christ loves you?

And do you believe that Christ loves you, personally, and gave His life for you?! Do you have faith in His soul-cleansing power? Do you believe that the Lamb of God has removed all of your sins and replaced it with holy love?! Do you recognize your spirit as Christ-like and does your spirit give witness to you along with the Holy Spirit that you are a child of God? Romans 8:16.

God, the Father Who stands before us now, knows that if anyone dies without this faith, and this love, it would be better for them if they had never been born. If there are sinners among you , WAKE UP! Call upon God! Do not allow His goodness to pass away from you. Believe and trust in Jesus. Commit your life to His glory and love. Accept the strength and desires that He will surely give you when you decide to turn away from the world and follow Him.

Dear heavenly Father, almighty, all-knowing Creator of all things, I fully recognize that I am a wretched sinner and unworthy to approach the gates of heaven. Please show me the way, Your way, the only way to eternal life with You. Save me from the pits of hell. I believe in Your divine Son, Jesus Christ, Who came to teach, suffer, and die for me. Help me to love You, O Lord, in the manner, and with the strength, that You love me. My sincere desire is to learn about You and what You would have me do during my short time in this temporary world. Please help me to recognize and rid the desire for all sin in my life and make my only desire be to please You. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer and need assistance in discovering God’s plan for you, feel free to e-mail me at nfrobinson@sbcglobal.net. Better yet, talk with mature Christian friends in your area, and seek community with a church in your area. There will be people there who understand more and less than you do. That is OK. It is about personal growth within a Christian community. Keep your eye on God and on His holy word, the Bible. Listen for the Holy Spirit.