在查 email 的時候看到(下面)形容彼拉多的下場, 非常的悲慘. 被解說成他判死耶穌的報應, 好像罪有應得, 如果不是這樣子就沒有公義. 我覺得這想法有一點不符合恩典福音的精神. 耶穌受難重點不在祂被 "害死" 而是祂願意和選擇放下生命, 替我們而受罪的懲罰. 這罪的死刑也是由罪的血手執出; 不是猶大, 該亞法或彼拉多, 就是你, 是我, 是每一個充滿罪惡的人. 如 "害" 耶穌就受永遠翻不了身的悲慘後果, 那耶穌的死是為了什麼?
耶穌在十字架上説, "父啊, 赦免他們, 因為他們不知道他們做什麼." 被害的無罪羔羊都赦免了他們, 為什麼同罪的我們不能? 只有罪人才可以蒙受恩典, 難道彼拉多不值得這誰也賺取不到的禮物嗎? 我們有那一點比他好? 在他的立場上確定我們的選擇絕對是公義的嗎?
彼拉多的故事不是神的懲罰, 因他的罪也被洗清了. 他的悲哀就是沒有感受到神無條件的愛, 赦免他的恩典. 讓我們在人生最黑暗的時候, 相信解救的晨曦必來, 公義的陽光必帶著醫治在祂聖潔的翅膀上! 阿門
James
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
判耶穌死刑的人是本丟·彼拉多（Pontius Pilate又譯為般雀·比拉多），他於西元26至36年間擔任羅馬帝國派駐猶太行省的總督。
彼拉多在此之前也是知道耶穌之名的，他的獨子彼羅一條 腿癱瘓且枯乾，又染上怪病臥床不起，所有的醫生都沒辦法，後來卻被耶穌用神力治好了。
從世間角度上說，耶穌之死，一是死於叛徒猶大的出賣； 二是死於當時因嫉恨發狂的猶太祭司和長老們，以及被他們影響，煽動的希律和民眾們；三是死於彼拉多因私心、膽怯和懦弱而對邪惡的順從。彼拉多在這件事上是絕對有罪的，彼拉多也因此留下了永 久的污名。
那麼彼拉多又遭到了什麼樣的報應呢？當彼拉多宣判完耶穌的死刑，他那曾被耶穌治好絕症救了 性命的獨子彼羅，就仆倒在地，當即死了，彼拉多不久就發燒病倒了，昏迷很久而不省人事。然而這只是報應的開始。
不久，希律王違背諾言，在羅馬皇帝面前排斥彼拉多而推 薦自己的親信，委派到耶路撒冷。彼拉多被召回羅馬敘職，在羅馬國會上因為有人做假證陷 害他，因此受到審判和處分，被判流放高盧，彼拉多的升官夢徹徹底底的破滅了。這一來彼拉多名譽掃地，眾叛親離。他在羅馬的田產，也充了公，最後竟然落得身無分文，過 著奴僕一樣的生活。到了流放地後，所有人都譏諷他，即使是小孩子都避開他。
羅馬皇帝的忿怒並未平息，不久又下令賜死他。彼拉多在聽到消息後，在絕望與瘋狂中自焚身亡。他的屍體連同巨石一同捆綁丟入河裡，雖然綁著石頭，卻 沉不下去，依舊在河面上漂浮，讓魚群吞噬。
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
Friday night testimony
Not sure what the ultimate purpose of a testimony is. Is it to glorify God for coming to our aid, healing us and manifest in near-miraculous interventions?
Is it a witness to His power and love when we experience it in our lives? If so, what about all those times when our prayer seems unanswered? Do we have testimonies in moments of unfulfilled expectations?
I suppose every moment, good or bad, can be a testimony of our heart and our faith. On how He is alive in us no matter the circumstances. That we are grateful in moments of favor, but also with praise when in trial.
Some of the most powerful testimonies of our faith (and His faith) is during the darkest hours, and how we cling to his faithfulness not to forsake us, but will lift us up. That in moments of great loss He will restore to us sevenfolds.
Tonight I don't want to talk about all the goodness God had bestowed upon my life, although there have been so much. The greatest personal miracle in my life has already been demonstrated in His forgiving love, lifting the lamp searching the distance for my return, and unconditionally accepting this great sinner back into his bosom as a righteous son.
And that is the subject of my testimony tonight -- sin.
Brothers and sisters in my fellowship all know that I don't like to talk about sin -- especially the verb form in thoughts and behavior because it had already been judged and punished on the cross and on the body of Jesus Christ. All I seem to talk about is God's infinite grace, and how it can transform a sinner completely from the inside, from the heart.
But without the reality of sin there is no need for grace.
Even before I came back to the Lord, sin (and the concepts of good and evil) has always been heavy on my mind. Unlike many new believers who testify that they previously thought of themselves as pretty decent people, I was fully aware of my sinful nature.
Even without God personally guiding my life, there was an instinctual struggle between my desire of the flesh and yearning for purity and holiness. I detested so much of my finding enjoyment in many worldly pleasures, and a voice haunts me whenever I resolve to be good and do right.
Truly as Paul said in Romans 7:19, "For the good that I will [to do], I do not do; but the evil I will not [to do], that I practice." That was me, a walking contradiction. And it was because this self-perceived weakness and sinfulness that I kept hiding from His bright light -- as Adam did when He did not obey God's words.
Thought I always felt the presence of God, I escaped to philosophy to find justification and meaning for my life, and the ever-present contradiction. I struggled through intellectual pursuit to make sense of my existence. As a few of the brothers are studying now on the "meaning of a Christian life" from the book, and trying to find purpose beyond just a rat race.
Looking back, I found that with all the fancy intellectual arguments and logic, no matter which branch of philosophy, whether on premise of man is good or evil, pragmatic or idealistic, altruistic or selfish, self-aggrandizing or denying..., they all fall short on account of two factors: the limitation of self and death.
What produces meaning is relationships or identity, and what validates meaning is continuity. There is purpose in our worldly relationships, but the ultimate meaning of our existence must come from a relationship with a greater being that is also intimate. What validates our existence as valuable and purposeful is an eternal life.
Without these two important gateways to break through, our search for meaning ultimately results in self-deception or the acceptance of total hopelessness.
On the cross, Jesus gave us both a relationship with Him and eternal life. In Him is our meaning for existing; for Him is the reason we live on this earth. There is now unshakable purpose to life when it is no longer about us, but about Christ; no longer about this life, but the one forever in heaven.
By His grace I am no longer a prisoner of sin, but of His righteousness. And my sinful nature no longer has power over me because the blood of Christ has washed me clean.
I want to share this quote by Jack Welch. Jack is the former CEO of GE, who made the company into a business giant with record profits. He wrote many books about how to be successful in both business and management. He helped a lot of people with both his wisdom and money. In his latest book, "Winning," there was a question asked of him, "Do you think you will go to heaven?" It was an unusual question, and he answered in the book this way, "As for heaven, who knows? I am sure not perfect. But if there are any points given out for caring about people and giving life all you've got, then I suppose I have a shot."
What do you think of this statement? How many feels what he says is nice, and makes sense?
Keep in mind, Jack Welch is a catholic.
By any measure, Mr. Wesch is someone who accomplished so much and worthy of admiration. But even he is not sure if will get into heaven. How many of you feel the same way about your place in heaven?
Ask anyone at a street corner, doens't matter if it is a believer or unbeliever, the answer to that question is most like similar -- to be a good person, do good things, and help others.
For a unbeliever, it is understandable; but for brothers and sisters in Christ, the true gospel of grace must be made crystal clear that our eternal life with Christ is already accomplished on the cross two thousand years ago by His death, burial and resurrection. All our sins have been washed away, and we will never be judged again for our behaviors but our faith in Him who is ever faithful. The only sin that truly matters now is the sin of unbelief. Our sinful nature has no chance when our hearts are filled with the grace of God and the holy spirit.
As for me, two years ago, we could be considered very successful in our investments. We bought many properties, and the cash flow was enough to support a very comfortable life. My outside seems very bright, but the soul inside was living in darkness.
Today, the financial storm has hit us very hard, and there seems to be no end in sight. We have to supplement a lot of the negatives in properties that dropped substantially in value and income. It is a very dark time, but my soul is joyful and sings of God's glory. Why? Because I have the greatest treasure one can have -- a relationship with Jesus Christ and an eternal life in heaven. I hope you feel the same way as a fellow believer, not matter your circumstance, your health or age.
This life is but an illusion, keep our eyes on the cross and know that our place in heaven is assured.
wisdom,
made whole
Is it a witness to His power and love when we experience it in our lives? If so, what about all those times when our prayer seems unanswered? Do we have testimonies in moments of unfulfilled expectations?
I suppose every moment, good or bad, can be a testimony of our heart and our faith. On how He is alive in us no matter the circumstances. That we are grateful in moments of favor, but also with praise when in trial.
Some of the most powerful testimonies of our faith (and His faith) is during the darkest hours, and how we cling to his faithfulness not to forsake us, but will lift us up. That in moments of great loss He will restore to us sevenfolds.
Tonight I don't want to talk about all the goodness God had bestowed upon my life, although there have been so much. The greatest personal miracle in my life has already been demonstrated in His forgiving love, lifting the lamp searching the distance for my return, and unconditionally accepting this great sinner back into his bosom as a righteous son.
And that is the subject of my testimony tonight -- sin.
Brothers and sisters in my fellowship all know that I don't like to talk about sin -- especially the verb form in thoughts and behavior because it had already been judged and punished on the cross and on the body of Jesus Christ. All I seem to talk about is God's infinite grace, and how it can transform a sinner completely from the inside, from the heart.
But without the reality of sin there is no need for grace.
Even before I came back to the Lord, sin (and the concepts of good and evil) has always been heavy on my mind. Unlike many new believers who testify that they previously thought of themselves as pretty decent people, I was fully aware of my sinful nature.
Even without God personally guiding my life, there was an instinctual struggle between my desire of the flesh and yearning for purity and holiness. I detested so much of my finding enjoyment in many worldly pleasures, and a voice haunts me whenever I resolve to be good and do right.
Truly as Paul said in Romans 7:19, "For the good that I will [to do], I do not do; but the evil I will not [to do], that I practice." That was me, a walking contradiction. And it was because this self-perceived weakness and sinfulness that I kept hiding from His bright light -- as Adam did when He did not obey God's words.
Thought I always felt the presence of God, I escaped to philosophy to find justification and meaning for my life, and the ever-present contradiction. I struggled through intellectual pursuit to make sense of my existence. As a few of the brothers are studying now on the "meaning of a Christian life" from the book, and trying to find purpose beyond just a rat race.
Looking back, I found that with all the fancy intellectual arguments and logic, no matter which branch of philosophy, whether on premise of man is good or evil, pragmatic or idealistic, altruistic or selfish, self-aggrandizing or denying..., they all fall short on account of two factors: the limitation of self and death.
What produces meaning is relationships or identity, and what validates meaning is continuity. There is purpose in our worldly relationships, but the ultimate meaning of our existence must come from a relationship with a greater being that is also intimate. What validates our existence as valuable and purposeful is an eternal life.
Without these two important gateways to break through, our search for meaning ultimately results in self-deception or the acceptance of total hopelessness.
On the cross, Jesus gave us both a relationship with Him and eternal life. In Him is our meaning for existing; for Him is the reason we live on this earth. There is now unshakable purpose to life when it is no longer about us, but about Christ; no longer about this life, but the one forever in heaven.
By His grace I am no longer a prisoner of sin, but of His righteousness. And my sinful nature no longer has power over me because the blood of Christ has washed me clean.
I want to share this quote by Jack Welch. Jack is the former CEO of GE, who made the company into a business giant with record profits. He wrote many books about how to be successful in both business and management. He helped a lot of people with both his wisdom and money. In his latest book, "Winning," there was a question asked of him, "Do you think you will go to heaven?" It was an unusual question, and he answered in the book this way, "As for heaven, who knows? I am sure not perfect. But if there are any points given out for caring about people and giving life all you've got, then I suppose I have a shot."
What do you think of this statement? How many feels what he says is nice, and makes sense?
Keep in mind, Jack Welch is a catholic.
By any measure, Mr. Wesch is someone who accomplished so much and worthy of admiration. But even he is not sure if will get into heaven. How many of you feel the same way about your place in heaven?
Ask anyone at a street corner, doens't matter if it is a believer or unbeliever, the answer to that question is most like similar -- to be a good person, do good things, and help others.
For a unbeliever, it is understandable; but for brothers and sisters in Christ, the true gospel of grace must be made crystal clear that our eternal life with Christ is already accomplished on the cross two thousand years ago by His death, burial and resurrection. All our sins have been washed away, and we will never be judged again for our behaviors but our faith in Him who is ever faithful. The only sin that truly matters now is the sin of unbelief. Our sinful nature has no chance when our hearts are filled with the grace of God and the holy spirit.
As for me, two years ago, we could be considered very successful in our investments. We bought many properties, and the cash flow was enough to support a very comfortable life. My outside seems very bright, but the soul inside was living in darkness.
Today, the financial storm has hit us very hard, and there seems to be no end in sight. We have to supplement a lot of the negatives in properties that dropped substantially in value and income. It is a very dark time, but my soul is joyful and sings of God's glory. Why? Because I have the greatest treasure one can have -- a relationship with Jesus Christ and an eternal life in heaven. I hope you feel the same way as a fellow believer, not matter your circumstance, your health or age.
This life is but an illusion, keep our eyes on the cross and know that our place in heaven is assured.
wisdom,
made whole
Monday, February 1, 2010
(response to) Why I abominate the prosperity gospel
Dear Cxxxx:
I really appreciate all the good work and spiritual pursuit you have obviously dedicated your life to. I thought long and hard whether to respond or not -- especially in light of today's worship message by Elder Kxxxx, but feel it should be addressed in a way that promotes mutual understanding and goodwill.
I agree, and believe above all that brothers and sisters in Christ must accentuate the unarguable fact of Jesus as our eternal savior, and should give the benefit of the doubt to all who profess such belief as deeply sincere. Any difference of opinion on Christian theology and practice must not rise above the blood-bond borne by our Messiah on the cross; otherwise we lose all purpose and meaning as a body in Christ from our disagreement, and relegate it to mere academic exercise. Even worse, an appearance of disunity only dims God's glory in the eyes of unbelievers and new believers.
Still, harmony should not subordinate our pursuit of truth, but work together in our mutual quest for God's heart. And in doing so, I feel the dialogue must remain respectful, and both sides careful about the use -- intentional or inadvertent -- of hurtful expressions and accusatory tones. If one's attempt is to elevate God' children and to reveal His great love for us, it benefits no one by taking on an antagonistic posture, or using words like "abominate."
Just as laws are an empty shell or form that saves not one soul until the love of Christ fulfilled it and brought true life to the world, if we separate and segregate from one another on the basis of theology, but have not love enough for fellow believers flawed in any way, what is the point of claiming victory and being proven right? That is exercise of a more dangerous sort -- vanity. (I should take heed as well.)
Maybe this message was unintended as a response, but from recent email exchanges there is no denying two distinct interpretations of the new covenant have been presented and argued about. I have been told on more than one occasion that what I propose falls in line with the oft-maligned "Prosperity Gospel," exactly as John Piper accused of in the video. This may come as a surprise: neither do I have much sympathy for those TV preachers who promise the world and ask for money left and right! Their intent is superficial and the message bore me because the great love of Christ is not revealed through rigorous scriptural context.
The gospel I believe in deeply is not about prosperity nor healing (although how can one say with all seriousness that God has little interest in our present day welfare and health?) but is all about grace and its personification in Christ Jesus. And in Christ are all good things promised by God. Why is that so wrong? We all know that money is not the root of all evil but the love of it. Same can be said about anything we desire above Christ. If in our hearts we do not exalt Jesus above all else in this world it is idolatry. This includes self-righteousness and the seeking of it with intent to justify or retain salvation. If one elevates obedience above, equal or even just part of the finished work of Christ on the cross as necessary redemption for our sin, it takes away full glory of His death. This is the essence of grace gospel, advocating spiritual purity, not simplification.
But what concerns me most is the anger and venom many Christian detractors of full grace gospel level at fellow believers who they deem spiritually lazy, soft and world-loving. In defending God's holiness if one loses love for a brother or sisters even if deemed misguided, I am not certain such zealous defense of God's holiness pleases Him. I believe there can only be good in revealing more of Jesus Christ from the scriptures, for it is the single source of spiritual nourishment which equips a believer with armor of faith and righteousness to persevere in times of hardship and battle through temptations from Satan. I certainly don't believe that a Christian walk is easy, but fully expect that with ever deepening devotion to the Lord Satan throws more obstacles in our path to create doubt and self-loathing. That is why we fight the spiritual battle in our minds by filling it with the righteousness already inherited through grace (once given cannot be taken back) rather then the constant reminder to "justify or lose" our righteousness.
I hope that in everything I wrote about I have not tried to counter anyone's claim that a believer should be Christ-like, walk in holiness and be obedient to God's will; the question is how we can transform intrinsically from the heart and not only extrinsically in the command or will to do so. Yes, this world is but for only a moment, and we have eternity with God to look forward to. But we came to this world without choice, were convicted of sin without choice and apart from good deeds (by the act of one man, Adam); God is not unmerciful to our plight and weakness but loves us so much that he Himself took our sin, became sin and return to us our righteousness apart from work. He healed all who came to Him for he wants us well even in this temporary form; he fed us with much more leftover for He wants us not wanting, but satisfy our desires with good things (Psalm 103). Why is a good life contrary to the will of God I simply can't understand! As long as we lean on Him only and fully, why won't our all-powerful and all-loving Daddy in heaven not spoil us with His riches? Yes, there are famines and poverty in this world -- but is it Godly to be such and remain such? Or should we joyously bring blessing to all those suffering by the overflowing goodness He blessed us through our faith without doubt? Is He a God of abundance or a God of just getting by?
We should not seek prosperity, nor should we seek poverty; we only seek the kingdom of Christ! We should not ask if we are good, neither should we measure if we are bad; we only ask for and measure ourselves according to His goodness! And there is nothing wrong with prosperity, but everything wrong if without grace; and so it is right to be obedient, but not so right if not all for Jesus (from the heart). Amen
God's blessing be upon each and every soul who seek Him.
James
I really appreciate all the good work and spiritual pursuit you have obviously dedicated your life to. I thought long and hard whether to respond or not -- especially in light of today's worship message by Elder Kxxxx, but feel it should be addressed in a way that promotes mutual understanding and goodwill.
I agree, and believe above all that brothers and sisters in Christ must accentuate the unarguable fact of Jesus as our eternal savior, and should give the benefit of the doubt to all who profess such belief as deeply sincere. Any difference of opinion on Christian theology and practice must not rise above the blood-bond borne by our Messiah on the cross; otherwise we lose all purpose and meaning as a body in Christ from our disagreement, and relegate it to mere academic exercise. Even worse, an appearance of disunity only dims God's glory in the eyes of unbelievers and new believers.
Still, harmony should not subordinate our pursuit of truth, but work together in our mutual quest for God's heart. And in doing so, I feel the dialogue must remain respectful, and both sides careful about the use -- intentional or inadvertent -- of hurtful expressions and accusatory tones. If one's attempt is to elevate God' children and to reveal His great love for us, it benefits no one by taking on an antagonistic posture, or using words like "abominate."
Just as laws are an empty shell or form that saves not one soul until the love of Christ fulfilled it and brought true life to the world, if we separate and segregate from one another on the basis of theology, but have not love enough for fellow believers flawed in any way, what is the point of claiming victory and being proven right? That is exercise of a more dangerous sort -- vanity. (I should take heed as well.)
Maybe this message was unintended as a response, but from recent email exchanges there is no denying two distinct interpretations of the new covenant have been presented and argued about. I have been told on more than one occasion that what I propose falls in line with the oft-maligned "Prosperity Gospel," exactly as John Piper accused of in the video. This may come as a surprise: neither do I have much sympathy for those TV preachers who promise the world and ask for money left and right! Their intent is superficial and the message bore me because the great love of Christ is not revealed through rigorous scriptural context.
The gospel I believe in deeply is not about prosperity nor healing (although how can one say with all seriousness that God has little interest in our present day welfare and health?) but is all about grace and its personification in Christ Jesus. And in Christ are all good things promised by God. Why is that so wrong? We all know that money is not the root of all evil but the love of it. Same can be said about anything we desire above Christ. If in our hearts we do not exalt Jesus above all else in this world it is idolatry. This includes self-righteousness and the seeking of it with intent to justify or retain salvation. If one elevates obedience above, equal or even just part of the finished work of Christ on the cross as necessary redemption for our sin, it takes away full glory of His death. This is the essence of grace gospel, advocating spiritual purity, not simplification.
But what concerns me most is the anger and venom many Christian detractors of full grace gospel level at fellow believers who they deem spiritually lazy, soft and world-loving. In defending God's holiness if one loses love for a brother or sisters even if deemed misguided, I am not certain such zealous defense of God's holiness pleases Him. I believe there can only be good in revealing more of Jesus Christ from the scriptures, for it is the single source of spiritual nourishment which equips a believer with armor of faith and righteousness to persevere in times of hardship and battle through temptations from Satan. I certainly don't believe that a Christian walk is easy, but fully expect that with ever deepening devotion to the Lord Satan throws more obstacles in our path to create doubt and self-loathing. That is why we fight the spiritual battle in our minds by filling it with the righteousness already inherited through grace (once given cannot be taken back) rather then the constant reminder to "justify or lose" our righteousness.
I hope that in everything I wrote about I have not tried to counter anyone's claim that a believer should be Christ-like, walk in holiness and be obedient to God's will; the question is how we can transform intrinsically from the heart and not only extrinsically in the command or will to do so. Yes, this world is but for only a moment, and we have eternity with God to look forward to. But we came to this world without choice, were convicted of sin without choice and apart from good deeds (by the act of one man, Adam); God is not unmerciful to our plight and weakness but loves us so much that he Himself took our sin, became sin and return to us our righteousness apart from work. He healed all who came to Him for he wants us well even in this temporary form; he fed us with much more leftover for He wants us not wanting, but satisfy our desires with good things (Psalm 103). Why is a good life contrary to the will of God I simply can't understand! As long as we lean on Him only and fully, why won't our all-powerful and all-loving Daddy in heaven not spoil us with His riches? Yes, there are famines and poverty in this world -- but is it Godly to be such and remain such? Or should we joyously bring blessing to all those suffering by the overflowing goodness He blessed us through our faith without doubt? Is He a God of abundance or a God of just getting by?
We should not seek prosperity, nor should we seek poverty; we only seek the kingdom of Christ! We should not ask if we are good, neither should we measure if we are bad; we only ask for and measure ourselves according to His goodness! And there is nothing wrong with prosperity, but everything wrong if without grace; and so it is right to be obedient, but not so right if not all for Jesus (from the heart). Amen
God's blessing be upon each and every soul who seek Him.
James
成功神學
親愛的...
對不起, 沒有用中文寫全文, 要不然又要搞到半夜了! 我很感謝幾位弟兄姊妹支持我的一些想法. 但是不論各人理念是如何, 更重要的是我們在主內的互相尊重關懷. 我非常重視每一位的觀點, 也從將近一年來的聚會中學到許多!
我 有看了一些 John Piper 的寫作和一本書. 我可以瞭解他對所謂 "富裕福音" 或 "成功神學" 的反感. 我也同意如果信徒認神當一個 ATM 專是要滿足他這一生的物質跟生活品質要求, 那他對基督教的最中心理念沒有基本瞭解, 而所傳的福音是有嚴重的偏差. 但是這種錯失不止有可能發生在這一面的論解, 它(福音)也同樣可能被 180 度的扭曲成 "苦行禁慾成聖" 主義 (不知道這算不算福音?) 我相信的不是 "富裕福音"而是 "純恩典福音", 相信主完全的赦免因祂完全的愛我們, 只要看著(沉思)為什麼耶穌被釘在十字架上, 成為替我們贖罪的毒蛇, 讓我們只要信(感覺到祂的愛, 打開心門接獲祂溫暖的愛, 完全順服依靠在祂的愛), 就有了，也才會有主的聖潔公義刻在心上，而活在自然願意討祂喜悅的感恩中
如不同意只傳神的愛, 相信神的愛是足夠感化改變人心, 那就只傳神的忿怒, 神的無私審判, 如達不到祂最高的聖潔要求就被推入火湖; 但是不要說祂又是全愛, 又憎恨罪人; 又赦免了所有的罪而又不饒過我們再犯的罪; 又是白白給了永生而又可能把永生拿走. 要熱就熱, 要冷就冷, 不要不冷不熱, 又溫又暖, 自相矛盾. 如果人性是徹底敗壞, 神又是全知, 那耶穌的死就不是要我們聖潔而是要交換給我們祂的聖潔, 因祂早知人性脫不了罪. 如祂全義的可以無罪被判有罪, 那我們有罪的也可以無義被稱有義. 神就是這麼愛我們也信祂這一次的犧牲足夠感化全世, 只要人有純心瞭解接受. 但是有人不信神的愛有這麼的深, 心有這麼的慷慨, 恩典有這麼大的力量; 而更是不信人聽到這美好的福音會被感動流淚, 愛主勝於愛己, 就是怕如不靠律法管制, 人還是無法無天, 濫用恩典所賜的福份.
主渴望與祂的兒女們有親密的關係, 不是程式上的遵從; 而關係是有施也有受, 全施或全受都不成良好關係. 在神學裏追求的就是主與民, 父與子的完美關係. 在人與人間施比受為福, 但是與全能全愛的神, 我們是受比施為福, 也是最討祂喜悅的. 而完全的受就是完全的信, 也是我們從感恩回應主中，而順福的唯一動能. 我們愛祂因祂先愛我們, 我們愛祂多因(心中感)受到祂的赦免多. 信不在我們要為祂作什麼而是懂的接受耶穌替我們完成使命的最深涵
這樣我們就真實的感受富裕是在祂的愛，而貧苦乃是感受不到祂在十字架
堅持神是為我們, 愛我們的救贖主不是 "富裕福音" 而是完全的依靠祂的恩典, 完全的信賴耶穌的寶血受予我們今天的永生與祝福. 阿門
對不起, 沒有用中文寫全文, 要不然又要搞到半夜了! 我很感謝幾位弟兄姊妹支持我的一些想法. 但是不論各人理念是如何, 更重要的是我們在主內的互相尊重關懷. 我非常重視每一位的觀點, 也從將近一年來的聚會中學到許多!
我 有看了一些 John Piper 的寫作和一本書. 我可以瞭解他對所謂 "富裕福音" 或 "成功神學" 的反感. 我也同意如果信徒認神當一個 ATM 專是要滿足他這一生的物質跟生活品質要求, 那他對基督教的最中心理念沒有基本瞭解, 而所傳的福音是有嚴重的偏差. 但是這種錯失不止有可能發生在這一面的論解, 它(福音)也同樣可能被 180 度的扭曲成 "苦行禁慾成聖" 主義 (不知道這算不算福音?) 我相信的不是 "富裕福音"而是 "純恩典福音", 相信主完全的赦免因祂完全的愛我們, 只要看著(沉思)為什麼耶穌被釘在十字架上, 成為替我們贖罪的毒蛇, 讓我們只要信(感覺到祂的愛, 打開心門接獲祂溫暖的愛, 完全順服依靠在祂的愛), 就有了，也才會有主的聖潔公義刻在心上，而活在自然願意討祂喜悅的感恩中
如不同意只傳神的愛, 相信神的愛是足夠感化改變人心, 那就只傳神的忿怒, 神的無私審判, 如達不到祂最高的聖潔要求就被推入火湖; 但是不要說祂又是全愛, 又憎恨罪人; 又赦免了所有的罪而又不饒過我們再犯的罪; 又是白白給了永生而又可能把永生拿走. 要熱就熱, 要冷就冷, 不要不冷不熱, 又溫又暖, 自相矛盾. 如果人性是徹底敗壞, 神又是全知, 那耶穌的死就不是要我們聖潔而是要交換給我們祂的聖潔, 因祂早知人性脫不了罪. 如祂全義的可以無罪被判有罪, 那我們有罪的也可以無義被稱有義. 神就是這麼愛我們也信祂這一次的犧牲足夠感化全世, 只要人有純心瞭解接受. 但是有人不信神的愛有這麼的深, 心有這麼的慷慨, 恩典有這麼大的力量; 而更是不信人聽到這美好的福音會被感動流淚, 愛主勝於愛己, 就是怕如不靠律法管制, 人還是無法無天, 濫用恩典所賜的福份.
主渴望與祂的兒女們有親密的關係, 不是程式上的遵從; 而關係是有施也有受, 全施或全受都不成良好關係. 在神學裏追求的就是主與民, 父與子的完美關係. 在人與人間施比受為福, 但是與全能全愛的神, 我們是受比施為福, 也是最討祂喜悅的. 而完全的受就是完全的信, 也是我們從感恩回應主中，而順福的唯一動能. 我們愛祂因祂先愛我們, 我們愛祂多因(心中感)受到祂的赦免多. 信不在我們要為祂作什麼而是懂的接受耶穌替我們完成使命的最深涵
這樣我們就真實的感受富裕是在祂的愛，而貧苦乃是感受不到祂在十字架
堅持神是為我們, 愛我們的救贖主不是 "富裕福音" 而是完全的依靠祂的恩典, 完全的信賴耶穌的寶血受予我們今天的永生與祝福. 阿門
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
祂的最愛
親愛的...
謝謝你，如此用心的花時間給我(們)這些參考資料，有關神的愛和恩典。首先，我希望你會相信我完全同意你與作者的強調 -- 那就是痛恨罪惡，追求聖潔。我不知道我寫的有那裏主張放縱罪而不愛聖潔？
我原先寫了不少回文，目的是仔細的解釋我對福音的看法。我不希望我鼓勵弟兄姊妹們依靠恩典成聖被誤解為假福音。但是再多的文字也說不清如果一個定念已經形成。我相信如果再深看一點我上次寫的概念，你應該會明白，我們對一個活在主愛中的基督徒的生活期望並沒有很大的異差。
沒有錯，恩典不是個犯罪的執照。如果有人真的這樣子認為，那他絕對是還未承受到在主耶穌愛中的感動，和恩典真理的感受。一位得到了神最偉大犧牲之愛的人怎麼會這麼輕視耶穌以血為他贖來的聖潔呢？ 會這樣認知的人根本就沒有被耶穌的愛打動他的心，因為這樣子他並不愛耶穌，不重視聖潔，不憎恨罪惡。他懷著的只是個利用恩典的意念。
但是真正有多少基督徒是這樣呢？ 我相信絕大部分的基督徒是真心承受到神的感動，熱心愛主。就算有些人真的誤解了神的恩典，我堅信靠著不息的分享耶穌的愛，恩典的福份，罪的因果與赦免，會比以審判和地獄警告的嚴厲鞭打更有可能使他們回心轉意。
信心不堅定的，或還被大小罪魔綑綁著的，很可能被這種警告式的指責而軟弱，或甚至跌倒。如果因著恩典而將律法的聖潔標準提的更高，既得到了恩典就要更小心不能犯罪，一犯罪就要悔改，時時都要悔改因我們時時都會犯罪，不時的都需要省察我們的罪行罪念，這樣的基督徒有真正的安息嗎？ 這樣不如回到舊約的律法，至少清清楚楚，一人的罪一人擔，只要外表做的到遵行律法就行了。如果新約是有些罪得到了赦免，有些沒有，信主前的罪得到了赦免，信主後沒悔改不得赦免，忘記悔改怎麼辦？ 不知道犯了罪的罪怎麼辦？ 不僅行為有罪，什麼念頭也會有罪？ 什麼是不可赦的故意犯罪...？
這樣是耶穌要帶來的好消息嗎？這樣的信仰有力嗎？ 穩確嗎？ 跟神親近嗎？
怕主的人行為遵守，心裏不安穩。愛主的人心裏遵守，行為結好果。懺悔在希伯來文的意思是"回轉到恩典"。只要我們隨時不忘神的恩典，一心思考著祂的恩典， 祂就在我們心裏提醒我們，改造我們。神喜悅的不是行為的改變 (behavior modification), 而是心靈的轉變 (heart transformation), 心對行就對。感覺到主的愛，我們就有愛，就有力量克服罪，難道祂的愛還不夠嗎？
我不同意"恩典有條件"(作者)，因為那就不是恩典，而是契約。悔改與信不是條件，是人領取恩典的必要步驟。悔改就是知道我們需要恩典，信就是我們領取恩典所伸出的手。就如有人無條件的給我們一個好禮物，會領受的人必須想要 (悔改，因為比起現有的更好) ，然後伸手拿來 (相信，因那是為己有益的)。除了因信接受，恩典毫無別的條件 -- 沒有遵守誡命的規定，而更是沒有懲罰的威脅。真的，禮物就是無條件的付出，要不就失去恩典的意義。
那這恩典給的又是什麼？ 不就是耶穌的死洗清了所有的罪，賞給了我們祂的義，讓我們有永生嗎? 既然恩典是神無條件給的，祂怎麼又會要因任何理由拿走呢？ 聖經是沒有衝突的，但是有些章節似乎與恩典的主要意義 (我們的拯救是完全靠主犧牲贖來的，而祂給我們的救恩是永久不變的)有直接衝突。希伯來書6:4-6 跟10:26-29 可能會讓一個信徒覺得他 "必須" 處處小心不要犯罪，而犯了罪就 "必須" 馬上悔改，要不就失去了神的救恩。神好像隨時在監看著我們，有沒有順服，有沒有犯罪，有沒有悔改。主要觀念是在"必須" 這兩個字。這是由法律的動機，而恩典的動能是在於因相信 "必會"。
其實我們看這兩條經節必要考慮到大內容 (context)， 合作者寫給的對象。希伯來書的重點在於信，而保羅 (I believe is the author)寫給的對象是猶太人(希伯來人)。在羅馬書 14:23, 保羅說， "...凡不出於信心的都是罪"。繼然他講的是有關於信，那在這裡提到的罪應是關於不信。猶太人熟悉與習慣的是什麼？ 律法，對不對？ 他講的對象也是知道耶穌與恩典的理念的人。法利賽人觀察了耶穌那麼久，祂的教訓他們多麼熟悉? 猶大跟隨主，是那麼的親近 (除了心)，他沒有蒙了光照，嘗過天恩的滋味嗎？ 多少猶太人看過耶穌行奇蹟，聽祂的教學，但是後來還是選擇要祂死？ 他們想要永生嗎？ 當然! 靠信嗎？ 沒有。他們嘗了恩典，不願接受，又回去律法。因離棄了真理 (耶穌)， 他們只能靠行為得救，但已經不能用獻祭(舊約的悔改方式)贖罪，因為真正的，與最後一次的獻祭已經在十字架上徹徹底底，完完全全救贖了我們所有的罪，昨天，今天，明天，直到永遠! 阿們
如果有人不信，就不會懺悔，而不被得救。這是這幾節的警告。這是說給外表聖潔但心裡不信的人，因在希伯來書 6:9，保羅的語氣軟化，明顯的轉向信主的人，稱呼他們為"親愛的"(beloved in King James version, 與神在約旦河稱耶穌一樣)， 而稱不信的人為"這些"。
信與懺悔是分不開的。有信才會懺悔而懺悔是因信。猶太人因不信所以也不可能懺悔，而不是神不再給他們一次又一次的機會。雨水是落在每一塊地，福音的種子灑在 每一顆心。生長蔬果或荊棘是在於我們心中有沒有完全依靠耶穌恩典的信！既然不信恩典就是罪，罪就是如希伯來書 6:6 說的, "離棄(fall away)真理(恩典)..." 。加拉太書 5:4 說, "...靠律法稱義的， 是與基督隔絕，從恩典中墜落(fallen away)了。" 在這兩節英文都用了同樣的字句。 那如有人離棄恩典，他將墜落那裡？照這裡講，就是律法的束縛。律法的束縛就是看行為。所以當我們看行為成得救得聖的"必須"程式，我們就是處在律法的束縛，離棄恩典，犯那不信恩典全能的罪。
整本聖經一篇又一篇的都是在預言，訴說與解釋耶穌基督和恩典的奧妙。整體說起來， 神的愛化為肉身，耶穌基督在十字架上達成的救恩，及賜給我們白白領取的恩典，是一個毫無疑問的結論。有關之章節遍遍都是，但是為何有人不靠大綱，卻要用那 幾項表面似異其實吻合的經文而形成一論，造成在福音上多方的矛頓，疑問，不穩及爭執？耶穌說 "新布不能補在舊衣服上，新酒不能裝在舊皮袋裏，" 就是說，我們如在基督裏，已經是新造的人了，要完全活在(裝在)新約的恩典中，而千萬不要回到舊約的想法，覺的我們的拯救不只是靠信也要靠行，不只是要看耶穌，也要看自己。如果是這樣，兩樣都要失去效率，信仰不安，心中不平。因為如是靠自己的信，自己的行，必是這般後果。
魔鬼怕恩典，不怕律法。律法是牠的武器。撒但的意思是"弟兄們的控告者"。他只需要動嘴告訴我們那裏做的不對，那裏做的不夠，那裏做的不好。我們如果聽他，信他，他就進入了我們的心。聽的多了就信心軟弱，自暴自棄，離神越遠，不能夠忍受試探。如亞當一樣的自覺羞愧，不配神的榮耀而躲避神。其實神沒有要他離開，而是亞當自己覺的失去和虧欠神的榮耀(赤身露體)，因為他吃進了撒但的話，自判不配而遠離神。神是因為我們知道善惡而不容入天國，因分善惡和得永生就會稱神，而這是神不可允許的自拜偶像，犯了第一，也是最大的誡。我們今天再次得了神的榮耀，不要再犯那分善惡的罪，就是不信靠主。反而，我們只要再次回到伊甸園（恩典，意思就是喜樂)，完全的信靠於主懷，披上了稱義的聖袍，不再去聽撒但的控告，就可以從生命裏，也在生命中坐王位。
如今我們靠耶穌的信，靠耶穌的行，知道，明白，而且體會祂已經代替我們的罪受了神的審判，達成我們救恩所有的工作了，我們只要感激領取，這就是給了祂最大的喜樂。 為什麼有些人就是要提醒信者他們多麼的不配又不配？好像他們美好的主替我們這些敗壞惡毒的罪人死是太可惜了。既然已經成了，那這些白白受到這麼多好處的人，怎能不天天懺悔，流淚，反省，做更多事來報答主的恩惠呢？悔改，聖潔，愛主，服恃，一項一項都成為交換恩典，保持救恩的訓令（如不是條件）。這樣是恩典嗎？神是這 樣的心胸狹窄嗎？還是人以人的心衡量神的心？忘了感謝或犯了罪就被打一個巴掌。這是恩典嗎？
我知道我的神不是這樣的。祂赦免了我一切的罪，醫治了我所有的傷痛，救贖我的命脫離死亡。祂愛我無條件，我完全的信靠祂，仰望祂。我跌倒祂扶我起來，我寂寞祂靜靜的陪著我。沒有人比祂更清楚我的軟弱，但祂不嫌骯髒，不嫌厭煩的洗著我，數著我的頭髮，用慈祥欣賞的眼神看著我...祂跟我說我是祂的最愛...
耶穌我愛祢。
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)