Captivated by Divine Authority--Part 1

Although the Apostles could do some things we cannot do, God never gave them—or us—the power to forgive sins nor retain persons in a state of unforgiveness. It is God’s prerogative to forgive sin—cancel the elect’s debt of sin on the basis of Christ’s blood. It is the minister’s or believer’s responsibility to pronounce the repentant sinner forgiven. The first is effectually accomplished, and the second is declaratively stated on the basis of a changed life. Where there is no evidence of repentance, we do a disservice by indicating everything is all right with a person who has sinned. Unless men know what God has said concerning the basic Biblical principles, they cannot know what terms and the people to whom the terms apply as God extends the cancellation of sins.

Christ’s finished work includes the following: 1. A covering from sin typified by a robe of righteousness (Ex. 28). 2. The more excellent sacrifice—Abel’s lamb (Gen. 4). 3. Shelter from the storm of Divine judgment—Abel’s sheep (Gen. 4). 4. The only begotten Son typified by Isaac (Gen. 22). 5. Protection from the avenging angel typified by the blood of the Passover Lamb (Ex. 12). 6. A cure for the serpent’s bite (Num. 21). 7. The provision of a life-giving fountain—the smitten rock (Num. 20).

Christ did not say, “I am finished.” He not only died to save, but He lives to save. The first is legal, and the second is actual. There is a third aspect of salvation, and it will be finalized in glorification. Saving is added to saving. Paul said, “Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life” (Rom. 5:9-10).

Christ’s unfinished work includes the following: 1. As Redeemer, Christ’s work is finished; as Restorer, His work is unfinished. 2. As Savior, Calvary’s work is finished; as Sustainer at the throne, His work is unfinished. 3. As Atoner for sin, Christ’s work is finished; as Advocate, His work is unfinished. 4. As Justifier, Christ’s work is finished; as Sanctifier, His work is unfinished. 5. As our Head, Christ is the ruler of the assembly He is continuing to build; as our coming One, He will be the Lord of Lords and King of Kings.

The parable of Luke 19:11-27 has been claimed by many as God’s correction of an immediately established kingdom on earth. Among the figurative forms of Scriptural speech, the parable has a notable preeminence. The word “parable” comes from the Greek word parabole, which means a comparing, a comparison of one thing to another, likeness, or similitude. The verb paraballo means to throw or place by the side of, and carries the idea of placing one thing by the side of another for the purpose of comparison. The general design of parables is to set forth great truths in attractive and impressive forms. This is true not only with such a great subject as the kingdom, but also of reproofs, rebukes, and warnings. (Study Matt. 21:45, Luke 20:19, and Mark 12:12.) Parables have a twofold purpose: (1) to reveal and (2) to conceal (Mt. 13:11).

Luke 19 shows what is meant by the word “kingdom.” The parable of the kingdom is added to Christ’s message as to how He had come to seek and save that which was lost (Luke 19:1-11).

Nothing is more needed today than recognition of authority. Divine authority is never subjected to interrogation by men. Jesus Christ did not stand at the bar of the priests and scribes. They had not responded. Nothing is more needed today than recognition of authority. Christ’s authority was displayed in lowliness. Therefore, the teacher must know not only to whom he has come, but from whom he has come. The teacher never goes back to first principles. The writer of Hebrews said, “Therefore leaving the elementary [word of the beginning] teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God” (Heb. 6:1).

There is little agreement concerning the beginning of the kingdom. Some believe the kingdom of Christ began with His first advent, others on the day of Pentecost, and some at the second advent.

First, let us consider the Christ of Arminianism. He lives and dies for every human person. Having died for every person, He makes it possible for every person to be saved. However, Christ cannot save every sinner, because every sinner does not choose to be regenerated and converted by his own free will. What has the Arminian done to his soteriology? The Christ of the Bible is the opposite of the Christ of Arminianism. Modern minds have been conditioned to think of the cross as providing a redemption which actually does less than it was intended.

There are many today who believe the proper nature of the kingdom is spiritual. Therefore, the Son of God from heaven is King. They say that He has received the kingdom in heaven, and He will give full manifestation of the kingdom from heaven before He returns.

There are those who believe the present state of the kingdom is universal. Christ has stewards of entrusted gifts on earth. There is a life that is higher than the physical order. They say that when the kingdom comes in power, it will also transform the physical order. A. T. Robertson said, “Jesus put into the hands of Peter and all believers the keys of the kingdom, which we should use to open the door for those who wish to enter. This glorious promise applies to all believers who will tell the story of Christ’s laws for men” (Vol. V, p. 315).

God’s love cannot be purchased, because He is not mercenary. How could He be covetous since He owns everything! Furthermore, if Christ’s love could be won by something we bring to Him, it would mean that we have something of equal value with His love.

God’s gifts do not win our love. It is Jesus Christ Himself who attracts the love poured out in our hearts. The Christian does not love Christ because he is free of pain and has good health. The Song of Solomon expresses it well, “My beloved is mine, and I am his” (S. of Sol. 2:16). All the substance of Satan’s domain cannot win the love that has been poured out in the heart of the elect. Paul said, “And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest” (Eph. 2:1-3).

The Father appointed His Son to execute His purpose, fulfill His prophecies, and redeem His chosen sheep. (1) He who knew no sin was appointed to be the representative on behalf of the sins of the elect. (2) The Son of God became the Son of Man in order for the chosen sons of men to become the sons of God. (3) Christ took our misery in order for the elect to take some of His glory. (4) The Son of God was born of woman in order for the elect to be born of God. (5) Christ was made sin by imputation in order for the chosen ones to be made righteous in Christ.

Louis Chafer, a past president of Dallas Theological Seminary, said, “There is a reconciliation which of itself reconciles no one, but which is the basis for the reconciliation of any and all who will believe” (Vol. III, p. 192). Now what kind of reconciliation is that? I believe he has a problem.

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The NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE—UPDATED EDITION is the source of all Scripture quotations in this message, unless otherwise noted.