August 24, 2020 (Monday)
I want to take some time to track Abraham’s faith
development. How did it develop? What steps happened?
Let’s give some credit to his family. He would have known and had contact with Noah and Shem. He would
have heard about the flood and the wickedness of humanity before the flood. But
family stories and family faith will only get a person so far. There is a point were
the individual must develop a mature faith of their own.
It might be the family influence that allowed Abram to know
it was the voice of God speaking to him. When God speaks we tend to miss it.
How does God speak to us? I am so glad you asked.
The first “obvious” way God speaks to us is through nature. Theologians
call this “natural revelation.” This is based on Romans 1:20, “Ever since the
creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities—God’s eternal power and divine
nature—have been clearly seen, because they are understood through the things
God has made. So humans are without excuse.”
[CEB] Paul was probably reflecting on Psalm 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the
skies proclaim the work of his hands.” [NIV]
So, can a person be “saved” without specific knowledge of
Jesus? The answer is both yes and no. Paul argued that “humans are without
excuse.” This indicates the answer is yes. If a human is held responsible then a route (notice I did not say “means”) to justification is available. In Romans
4, Paul notes Abraham was justified, before there was the Law. By implication,
this was also before there was a church. So the damned will not be judged on their rejection of Jesus,
rather their rejection of what can be known.
The answer, according to Evangelical theology is “no.” This
is based on Acts 4:21, “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other
name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” [ESV] Since Jesus is known, we are now responsible
for that knowledge. In theory, knowledge of Jesus is more complete and
compelling.
Another way God speaks to us through the work of the Holy
Spirit. Jesus said, “But when the Father sends the Advocate as my
representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will
remind you of everything I have told you.” [John 14:26 NLT] We need
to be very careful understanding this concept. The action is a dual action.
First, the Holy Spirit will teach you everything. Second, the Holy Spirit will
remind you.
I believe the Holy Spirit does not give NEW information
outside the text of the Bible. Period. There may be times when a prophecy is
given, but this is not new information that changes the nature or practice of
the faith. It think Jesus is saying the Holy Spirit will give us insight based
on the information inside the text of the Bible. In a sense it is “connecting
the dots” of the Bible’s truth and the reality of the situation.
I believe the Holy Spirit primarily speaks by reminding us
of the text of the Bible. You know when a Bible verse runs through our mind?
That’s the Holy Spirit. That’s why we need to exercise the discipline of
shutting out the noise and listening to God. Too many of us are swallowed up by
the volume of life and circumstances. This undisciplined mind will have a
difficult time even hearing God. If we are not hearing, then we are not listening, and not obeying God.
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among
the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” [Psalm 46:10 ESV]
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