Exblogitory: Manhattan Declaration

Why should we know God's Word?

In our day and age where anti-intellectualism runs rampant in the visible church, it is not surprising to see poll after poll verify what students of scripture have known for many years. The visible church does not know much about the scriptures they profess to believe in. This is sad considering many saints during the Reformation period lost their lives for the sake of being able to read and study God's word. Not to mention the many passages in scripture that speak as such:

Isaiah 66:2 This is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.

John 8:31-32 Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Psalm 19:7-8 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

Psalm 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.

Psalm 119:11 I have hidden Your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against You.

Psalm 119:103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Psalm 119:130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.

Psalm 119:162 I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil.

The posts on this blog will address essential Biblical doctrines of the Christian faith. You can find much of the background for the posts here. My prayer for these posts is that the people who read them will be encouraged to open their Bibles and not just read a verse or two, but learn them and indeed, be transformed by them. As Jesus prayed, "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." (John 17:17). This is my prayer as well.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Manhattan Declaration - discernment needed

Although as believers in Christ we affirm the sanctity of life and Biblically-defined marriage, and we refuse to capitulate these issues to any government, but we must also remember that these issues do not trump the gospel of Jesus Christ. I believe the Manhattan Declaration, no matter how well intentioned or well written, assumes a gospel unity that is non-existent between Orthodox, Roman Catholics and Evangelicals. Since the dividing line between Biblical Christianity and Orthodox and Roman Catholics is blurred, I agree with the three men below and believe the document should not be signed by any Christian.

These three men speak to this much better than I ever could, and sum up my thoughts nicely.

Chris