19th Century Crosscurrents: Hodge, Finney & Nevin
Showing posts with label Hodge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hodge. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Hodge's "Systematic Theology," Life after Death, TBN & Others
Also posted on our Facebook Wall entitled “Exposing the False Prophets—Reformation Christians Against TBN” found at: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=308173344359
1. “Hodge’s Systematic Theology” and a few miscellaneous afterthoughts on “The State of the Soul After Death” with help from Charles Hodge, “Systematic Theology, Volume Three” (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1992), 713-723.
2. Our reference point for wider inquiry is certainly ourselves, but also TBN, Pentecostalists, Emergents, Liberals, Arminians, Church Growthers, and Contemporary Evangelicals.
3. The Protestant doctrine of the state of the soul after death is one of continued existence after death, burial and dissolution the body. The dying skeptic, David Hume, said as he neared death, “I am about to take a leap in the dark.”
4. The future life in the Old Testament. While other pagan religions believed in the after-life, so did ancient Israel. In the OT, saints are represented as pilgrims and strangers in the world. “Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.” (Ps.73.23,24) The drift and tendency of the entire OT is to lift the saints eyes above, to the future, and to things eternal and invisible.
5. The dead are represented as “going to their fathers,” to “Sheol” (called “Hades” by the Greeks), a place of continued conscious existence, some in a state of “misery, others in the state of happiness.” Necromancy was common amongst non-Israelites, although necromancy, divination, soothsaying and communicating with the dead was forbidden in the OT. (This outlaws Roman Catholic and Anglo-Catholic "invocation of saints.") Samuel, however, is summoned by Saul and appears as recorded in 1 Samuel 28. The representation in Is.14 of the descent of the King of Babylon takes for granted the belief in the continued consciousness of departed spirits.
6. Additional texts. Psalm 16, especially in relation to Christ’s resurrection, was that Christ would not be left in Sheol nor would His body see corruption. The Psalmist while describing the cruelties of the prosperous says, “I will behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake with Thy righteousness.” (Ps. 17.15) See Is.26.19, Dan.12.2. Schultz, a liberal, asserts “That all the books of the Old Testament assume that men are in some way or other to live after death. Even in the Pentateuch this is taken for granted. It is not taught, but assumed as self-evident truth, immanent in the consciousness of the people.” Herman Shultz, Die Voraussetzungen der Christ lichen Lehre von der Unsterblichkeity dargestellt (Gottingen, 1861), 207.
7. The NT forms an inspired, infallible and amplifying commentary on the OT. Our Lord refuted the Sadducees who denied the resurrection and life after death. God is not the God of the dead, but the "God of the living." The serious and direct rebuttal of the Sadducees by Jesus affirmed that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were not dead during Jesus’ time but were “alive” and “living too in fellowship and enjoyment with God.” More might be said. More shall be said, Lord willing.
8. More to follow.
9. Re: the larger inquiry, is this clearly and thoughtfully developed? TBN, Pentecostalists, Emergents, Liberals, Arminians, Church Growthers, and Contemporary Evangelicals? Todd Bentley's communications with the dead? Benn Hinn and Kathryn Kuhlman? We’ll have more to say later.
In closing, we pray:
“Blessed Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.”
Book of Common Prayer, Second Sunday in Advent.
“Hodge’s Systematic Theology”, the Means of Grace and TBN & Others, 466-480
Also posted on our Facebook Wall entitled “Exposing the False Prophets—Reformation Christians Against TBN” found at: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=308173344359
1. “Hodge’s Systematic Theology” and a few miscellaneous afterthoughts on “The Means of Grace” with help from Charles Hodge, “Systematic Theology, Volume Three” (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1992), 466-480.
2. Our reference point for wider inquiry is certainly ourselves, but also TBN, Pentecostalists, Emergents, Liberals, Arminians, Church Growthers, and Contemporary Evangelicals.
3. By “means of grace” is meant the Word of God, sacraments and prayer, the ordinary and customary channels ordained by God for salvation and nurturance, church growth and preservation.
4. The Word of God is “indispensable.” The Church was commissioned to preach Christ and His Words to the nations (Mt.28.18-20). That’s what they did. If you see how Luke summarizes Paul’s years of confinement at Rome, it’s preaching and teaching (Acts 18.28ff.) The preaching of the Word has a two-fold effect, to save and to harden. The sacred writers under the Spirit’s tuition and sovereign superintendence extol the Word of God again and again. (Ps. 19.7, 119). It is a “lamp unto my feet and a light to my path.” (Ps.119.105) “Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?” (Jer.23.29). “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim.3.16). Jesus prays, “Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth.” (Jn. 17.17). We could multiply texts in overwhelming abundance, but our point is to bring light to darkness. It’s not our point to develop a full blown bibliology or doctrine of Scripture; that’s for another time. It is our point to bring this to bear on this things we see about us.
5. We would add the Christianity flourishes in proportion to fidelity to the Word of God in liturgy, hymns, sermons, abundant lections or read sections of the Word of God, biblical sermons, and biblical prayers. We would add that Christianity best flourishes when congregations are faithfully instructed and catechetized. The same applies for children, youth, and collegians.
6. The Word is what it is, irrespective of response. It is not be adjusted to audience receptivity like Mega-church theoreticians would make it. There are times of drought in the Bible: the period of the Judges, days under bad Israelite kings, the days of our Lord Himself, and other periods of history. Or, Jesus’ time when vast multitudes rejected Him (Jn.1.10-13). With Isaiah might we well claim, “O Lord, who has believed our report?” (Is.53.1) There have been other times when the Word has flourished such as at Pentecost when 1000’s believed. The days of the Reformation represented times of refreshment and enlargement. The “responses” to the Word of God is in God’s hands. Just because Paul before his conversion hated Christ and Christians did not change the identity of Christ and His Lordship or the authority and power of the Word of God. Christ is who Christ is, whether the numbers are 10 or 1,000,000. The Word of God is the Word of God whether 10 believe or 1,000,000 believe. After all, only 8 were left in Noah’s day, but the Word of God was the Word of God. If the majority hates, derides, and denigrates the Word of God, the office of the Pastor, the commitment of any true church, and the position of any believer is not to dismiss or reduce the Word of God in preaching, hymns, prayers and views, but to hold fast. Paul was explicit with Timothy in 2 Tim.4.2: “Preach the Word: Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.”
7. Re: TBN we ask. Why isn’t there reading of chapters on their programming? Unbelief. Why isn’t there serious, in-depth, doctrinal and expository biblical preaching? $$$-mongering and unbelief. Why the hype and the enthusiasm? Unbelief in the presence, power and necessity of Biblical exposition. From Isaiah 3 and the Money-Grubbers, you may wish to follow some leads at: http://reformationanglicanism.blogspot.com/2010/03/isaiah-3-and-tbn-pentecostals-arminians.html
8. Re: liberals, we need ask no further. Their views of the Bible is that it’s man’s words. It still remains the Word of God when read. We call your attention to an audio on this by Dr. Michael Horton re: the mainline. http://reformationanglicanism.blogspot.com/2010/03/what-we-should-learn-from-mainline.html
Also, Dr. Carl Trueman at: http://reformationanglicanism.blogspot.com/2010/03/dr-carl-trueman-on-decline-of-mainline.html
9. Re: contemporary evangelicals, we ask. Why are there not 3-4 chapters read during divine worship? Why the contemporary music with 7 words repeated 11 times, what we call 7-11 music? Why are we not singing all 150 Psalms? Why are we not sing vast tracts of canonical Scriptures as many Reformed Churches used to do? These same questions could be put to the TBN and liberal crowd. We call your attention to a good series of articles which you can follow-up at:
http://reformationanglicanism.blogspot.com/2010/03/summary-of-reasons-to-avoid-rick.html
10. Emergents, we need little more than 8. above. They are neo-Marcionites and neo-liberals, although their background is evangelical. More to follow as the light continues to shine.
11. The Word of God is the Word of God, irrespective of audience receptivity, audience likes or dislikes. Just because leaders give lip service to the Word as a means of grace, but deny it in practice, is no ground for us to follow them.
12. In closing, we pray:
“Blessed Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.”
Book of Common Prayer, Second Sunday in Advent.
“Hodge’s Systematic Theology," Augustinianism and TBN, Pentecostalists, Emergents, Liberals, Church Growthers, Contemporary Evangelicals," 330-350
Also posted on our Facebook Wall entitled “Exposing the False Prophets—Reformation Christians Against TBN” found at: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=308173344359
1. “Hodge’s Systematic Theology," Augustinianism and TBN, Pentecostalists, Emergents, Liberals, Arminians, Church Growthers, Contemporary Evangelicals. A few miscellaneous after-thoughts on “Augustinianism” with help from Charles Hodge, “Systematic Theology, Volume Two” (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1992), 330-350.
2. All Theists admit that God reigns and His providence extends to all events. The church’s prayers have noted this. Augustinianism affects all loci of theology: God, man, Christ, salvation, church, and eschatology. In this section of Hodge, Augustinianism is related to redemption. It is Christian, Pauline, Augustinian and Calvinistic. It has been an uplifting and empowering doctrine in the church when grasped.
3. The Augustinian view: 1) God's glory is the end of everything. 2) This includes creation, providence and redemption. 3) Adam was the probative head-man and his fall affected all humanity by imputation of Adamic guilt and corruption of human nature. 4) Condemnation and corruption brought a corresponding inability to deliver oneself from divine justice. 5) God elected some to redemption. 6) Election is not based on foreseen faith and repentance. 6) God sent His Son to rescue those whom He elected. 7) While there are common operations of God amongst all nations, yet the Holy Spirit redeems only the elect. 8) The elect are efficaciously brought and kept in the way of salvation.
4. The proofs are many: 1) The facts of providence. 2) The varied dispensations (not dispensationalist) but providential arrangements. 3) The facts of Scriptures. 4) The work of the Holy Spirit. 5) Election “to” holiness, not “because” of holiness. 6) The gratuitous nature of redemption. 7) Paul’s irrefragable proof from Romans 9. 8) Arguments from experience. 9) Express statements of Scripture besides Paul. 10) The words of Jesus.
5. We bypass 4.1 and 4.2 above since they are treated elsewhere, although Hodge is stunning at this point. We present the basics from the other points.
6. God is sovereign, is infinitely exalted above His creatures, and man is fallen. That some are redeemed and others not, establishes the fact of providential determinations and applications. Again, Hodge is stunning here. A must-buy and must-read for Churchmen.
7. The Holy Spirit is referenced time and again as the Agent of regeneration and all the benefits thereof.
8. Election is “to” holiness not because of it. Our purpose is not detailed surveys or exegesis. That’s for the reader to do, as we have done through the decades.
9. Romans 9 spells the banishment of any and all non-Augustinian schemes of redemption. TBN, all Pentecostalists and charismatics, Emergents, Liberals throughout the Protestant mainline, Arminians, Church Growthers like Rick Warren and Bill Hybels, and the vast majority of contemporary Evangelicals march off the biblical cliff and fall into the rocks below---they are completely in error on this. Romans 9 is one piece of the Pauline framework.
10. Jesus was equally clear in this quick sample:
(1) Jesus speaks of those “given Him.” Jn.17.2
(2) To these He gives eternal life. Jn. 17.2, 24
(3) For these alone He prays. Jn. 17,19
(4) Of these, He affirms that He will not lose them, but raise them up in the last day. Jn. 6.39, among other references
(5) “No man can come to Me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw him, and I will raise him up at the last day.” Jn.6.44
(6) “No man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.” Jn.6.65
(7) “It is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.” Mt. 13.11
(8) “I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.” Mt.11.25. The Lucan parallel speaks of Jesus "rejoicing" over this two-fold providential determination. Luke is stunning.
(9) Jesus' words are repeated in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John at other places as well. We could add more.
(10) Like Jesus, Luke summarizes it: “As many as were ordained to eternal life, believed.” Acts 13.48. Repentance, justifying faith, persevering faith, on-going sanctification, the intermediate state, and resurrection to come are providentially governed with precision.
11. Are there objections? Yes, a mighty one. The permission and existence of evil. We face a painful limit beyond which we cannot go. Both Augustinian and non-Augustinian systems face the same objection. Yet, the office of theologian, pastor and Christian is to gather the Biblical evidence on this subject and submit to its plain declarations.
12. Get into a Reformed and Confessional Church.
13. Mark and avoid non-Augustinian contexts such as: TBN, all Pentecostalists and charismatics, Emergents, Liberals throughout the Protestant mainline, Arminians, Church Growthers like Rick Warren and Bill Hybels, and the vast majority of contemporary Evangelicals. They do not submit to God’s sovereignty in redemption. They are rebellious in heart and mind. This is my considered judgment after almost 40 years of study and prayer. God help His people and the rebellious churches in this nation.
“Hodge’s Systematic Theology“ and TBN, Pentecostalists, Emergents, Liberals, Megachurchers, Contemporary Evangelicals," 20-40
Also posted on our Facebook Wall entitled “Exposing the False Prophets—Reformation Christians Against TBN” found at: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=308173344359
1. “Hodge’s Systematic Theology“ and TBN, Pentecostalists, Emergents, Liberals, Megachurchers, Contemporary Evangelicals. A few miscellaneous afterthoughts on “Systematic Theology” with help from Charles Hodge, “Systematic Theology, Volume One” (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1992), 20-40. A quick search reveals this and other deals in hard back and soft cover at: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_2_13?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=charles+hodge+systematic+theology&sprefix=charles+hodge
2. Theology confines its work to natural and special revelation, notably the last since it is God’s corrective, directive, final, authoritative, infallible, sure and amplificatory revelation of Himself to fallen man. Natural theology, e.g. Psalm 19.1ff, Rom.1.18-20, reveals the glory and attributes of God, but the Word of God written is the canon and constitution of His Majesty’s Church.
3. All men are under condemnation throughout the nations, a theme little developed in many circles, even professed Bible and evangelical circles, where sin it is blighted, belittled, minimized, disturbed and adulterated by that obnoxious, self-sufficient and proud Arminianism. Their worship services have no corporate confession of sin or declaration of the remission thereof. On another front re: natural and special revelation, Rome, Billy Graham and some other semi-Pelagians have affirmed that any and all humans, “living up to the light of nature” (without the Gospel) will be saved. As for Rome, this is a departure from her past announcements that “outside the Church none will be saved.“ Emergents, e.g. Brian McClaren, and Protestant liberals of long-standing run from this doctrine of total depravity--altogether. Rick Warren and Church Growthers also diminish the issue of the condemnation of sinners and their inability to read Scriptures savingly. At this blog, http://reformationanglicanism.blogspot.com/, and this FB wall, http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=308173344359, we hold to total depravity. In relation to special revelation or the Bible, vis a vis Hodge’s point, God directed His inspired authors to “put it to the pen” so subsequent generations of sinners could read, mark, learn, inwardly digest, and be saved. We will develop the doctrine of Scripture and depravity, Lord willing, in later scribblings. Suffice it to note, that Hodge discusses natural revelation and the Bible at his point.
4. Hodge divided theology into five heads:
(1) Theology Proper--Being and Attributes of God, Trinity, Creation and Providence
(2) Anthropology--origin, fall and sin
(3) Soteriology or Salvation--Person and Word of the Redeemer (Christology), application of redemption, regeneration, justification and sanctification, and the means of grace
(4) Eschatology--intermediate state (after death), resurrection, second advent, general judgment, heaven and hell
(5) Ecclesiology--the Church, attributes, prerogatives and organization
5. Rather than five points, this scribe organizes it along six points: God, man, Christ, salvation, Church, and Eschatology.
6. There are some technicalities in this. Just as a brief comment on this. Systematic Theology requires the practitioner to be an exegete (hence, studied in the original languages), a Biblical Theologian (studying the development of doctrines within the Bible itself, as the “acorn” of revelation grows to “an oak tree“), an Historian (of the church and doctrinal developments) and a Practical Theologian. Am reminded of the sage dictum of the famous Lutheran theologian, Paul Althaus: “A theology is only as valuable as one is able to preach it.” (A reason this scribe didn’t pay continuing attention to Cornelius Van Til in earlier years…this does not deny valuable points he offered…but he never wrote clearly, an indecorous thing to do, and rarely did exegesis or historical theology.) Hodge, by the way, writes clearly and accessibly. A layman will do well to buy Hodge’s 3-volume set for review.
7. We would hasten to add for younger readers, that the great Reformation Confessions, notably the Westminster Standards (Confession, Larger and Shorter Catechisms), are tremendous “organizations” or “systematics” of the Bible. It is imperative to learn them. (The forum has recommended others as well.)
8. TBN--no systematics. You will never hear any of their money-grubbers teaching Biblical doctrines. Why? Money, market-share, teaching in accordance with “itchy ears” for no doctrine. Emergents--neo-liberals and a renascent form of the ancient heresy of Marcionitism. Non-confessional evangelicals? Their credo is “No Creed but Christ,” ergo, no systematic. No “man-made confessions” except their minimalist creed. Pentecostalists? They aren’t interested in doctrine, church history or a relationship between doctrine and life.
9. The simple question comes to every dear saint of God.
Who is God?
What about humanity and myself?
Who is Jesus Christ?
What is salvation about?
What is the church?
What about final things?
10. Serious Christians, young and old alike, want food. Not what is on offer with TBN, Pentecostalists, Emergents, Liberals, Arminians, Church Growthers, and Contemporary Evangelicals. Get away from these folks into a serious church.
11. Thank God for Confessional Christian Churchmen. Thank God for those who have not given up on old Prayer Book services either. We commend for your reading Dr. Scott Clark’s “Recovering the Reformed Confessions.” It’s a good start. See our beginning review at: http://reformationanglicanism.blogspot.com/2010/03/dr-r-scott-clarks-recovery-reformed.html
12. Make a difference in your circles by learning Systematic Theology. Don't let weak Pastors, weak churches, or your circle to govern your situation as many do. We are not of that breed. Help the young people.
1. “Hodge’s Systematic Theology“ and TBN, Pentecostalists, Emergents, Liberals, Megachurchers, Contemporary Evangelicals. A few miscellaneous afterthoughts on “Systematic Theology” with help from Charles Hodge, “Systematic Theology, Volume One” (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1992), 20-40. A quick search reveals this and other deals in hard back and soft cover at: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_2_13?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=charles+hodge+systematic+theology&sprefix=charles+hodge2. Theology confines its work to natural and special revelation, notably the last since it is God’s corrective, directive, final, authoritative, infallible, sure and amplificatory revelation of Himself to fallen man. Natural theology, e.g. Psalm 19.1ff, Rom.1.18-20, reveals the glory and attributes of God, but the Word of God written is the canon and constitution of His Majesty’s Church.
3. All men are under condemnation throughout the nations, a theme little developed in many circles, even professed Bible and evangelical circles, where sin it is blighted, belittled, minimized, disturbed and adulterated by that obnoxious, self-sufficient and proud Arminianism. Their worship services have no corporate confession of sin or declaration of the remission thereof. On another front re: natural and special revelation, Rome, Billy Graham and some other semi-Pelagians have affirmed that any and all humans, “living up to the light of nature” (without the Gospel) will be saved. As for Rome, this is a departure from her past announcements that “outside the Church none will be saved.“ Emergents, e.g. Brian McClaren, and Protestant liberals of long-standing run from this doctrine of total depravity--altogether. Rick Warren and Church Growthers also diminish the issue of the condemnation of sinners and their inability to read Scriptures savingly. At this blog, http://reformationanglicanism.blogspot.com/, and this FB wall, http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=308173344359, we hold to total depravity. In relation to special revelation or the Bible, vis a vis Hodge’s point, God directed His inspired authors to “put it to the pen” so subsequent generations of sinners could read, mark, learn, inwardly digest, and be saved. We will develop the doctrine of Scripture and depravity, Lord willing, in later scribblings. Suffice it to note, that Hodge discusses natural revelation and the Bible at his point.
4. Hodge divided theology into five heads:
(1) Theology Proper--Being and Attributes of God, Trinity, Creation and Providence
(2) Anthropology--origin, fall and sin
(3) Soteriology or Salvation--Person and Word of the Redeemer (Christology), application of redemption, regeneration, justification and sanctification, and the means of grace
(4) Eschatology--intermediate state (after death), resurrection, second advent, general judgment, heaven and hell
(5) Ecclesiology--the Church, attributes, prerogatives and organization
5. Rather than five points, this scribe organizes it along six points: God, man, Christ, salvation, Church, and Eschatology.
6. There are some technicalities in this. Just as a brief comment on this. Systematic Theology requires the practitioner to be an exegete (hence, studied in the original languages), a Biblical Theologian (studying the development of doctrines within the Bible itself, as the “acorn” of revelation grows to “an oak tree“), an Historian (of the church and doctrinal developments) and a Practical Theologian. Am reminded of the sage dictum of the famous Lutheran theologian, Paul Althaus: “A theology is only as valuable as one is able to preach it.” (A reason this scribe didn’t pay continuing attention to Cornelius Van Til in earlier years…this does not deny valuable points he offered…but he never wrote clearly, an indecorous thing to do, and rarely did exegesis or historical theology.) Hodge, by the way, writes clearly and accessibly. A layman will do well to buy Hodge’s 3-volume set for review.
7. We would hasten to add for younger readers, that the great Reformation Confessions, notably the Westminster Standards (Confession, Larger and Shorter Catechisms), are tremendous “organizations” or “systematics” of the Bible. It is imperative to learn them. (The forum has recommended others as well.)
8. TBN--no systematics. You will never hear any of their money-grubbers teaching Biblical doctrines. Why? Money, market-share, teaching in accordance with “itchy ears” for no doctrine. Emergents--neo-liberals and a renascent form of the ancient heresy of Marcionitism. Non-confessional evangelicals? Their credo is “No Creed but Christ,” ergo, no systematic. No “man-made confessions” except their minimalist creed. Pentecostalists? They aren’t interested in doctrine, church history or a relationship between doctrine and life.
9. The simple question comes to every dear saint of God.
Who is God?
What about humanity and myself?
Who is Jesus Christ?
What is salvation about?
What is the church?
What about final things?
10. Serious Christians, young and old alike, want food. Not what is on offer with TBN, Pentecostalists, Emergents, Liberals, Arminians, Church Growthers, and Contemporary Evangelicals. Get away from these folks into a serious church.
11. Thank God for Confessional Christian Churchmen. Thank God for those who have not given up on old Prayer Book services either. We commend for your reading Dr. Scott Clark’s “Recovering the Reformed Confessions.” It’s a good start. See our beginning review at: http://reformationanglicanism.blogspot.com/2010/03/dr-r-scott-clarks-recovery-reformed.html
12. Make a difference in your circles by learning Systematic Theology. Don't let weak Pastors, weak churches, or your circle to govern your situation as many do. We are not of that breed. Help the young people.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)