"Here's what I understand the good news to be: The good news is that the one and only God, who is holy, made us in His image to know Him. But we sinned and cut ourselves off from him. In his great love, God became a man in Jesus, lived a perfect life. and died on the cross, thus fulfilling the law himself and taking on himself the punishment for the sins of all those who would ever turn and trust in him. He rose again from the dead, showing that God accepted Christ's sacrifice and that God's wrath against us has been exhausted. He now calls us to repent of our sins and trust in Christ alone for our forgiveness, If we repent of our sins and trust in Christ, we are born again into a new life, an eternal life with God." pg.43 The gospel & Personal Evangelism
"First, we tell people with honesty that if they repent and believe, they will be saved. But they will need to repent, and it will be costly. We must be accurate in what we say, not holding any important parts back that seem to us awkward and off putting," pg 55
What is repentance? It is turning from the sins you love to the Holy God your called to love. It is admitting that your not God. It is beginning to value Jesus more than your immediate pleasure. It is giving up those things the bible calls sin and leaving them to follow Jesus." pg 57
Here are excerpts from Mark Dever's 2007 book. It is interesting that Dever has been accused of compromising with CRT as Lord ship salvation has proponents in his circle who are steering in a social gospel direction.
A. "Here's what I understand the good news to be: The good news is that the one and only God, who is holy, made us in His image to know Him. But we sinned and cut ourselves off from him. In his great love, God became a man in Jesus, lived a perfect life. and died on the cross, thus fulfilling the law himself and taking on himself the punishment for the sins of all those who would ever turn and trust in him. He rose again from the dead, showing that God accepted Christ's sacrifice and that God's wrath against us has been exhausted. He now calls us to repent of our sins and trust in Christ alone for our forgiveness, If we repent of our sins and trust in Christ, we are born again into a new life, an eternal life with God." pg.43 The gospel & Personal Evangelism
1 Cor. 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4. And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:"
The Gospel, being good news as Paul teaches it is rather simple. It is a series of propositions to be believed as opposed to Commandments to follow."
romans 1:15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith."
If the Good News of Salvation is the actual power of God to save us. Then the Gospel is exclusively what we need for salvation.
"the one and only God, who is holy, made us in His image to know Him"
Now, elsewhere I have come to understand that the Spiritual nature of the Bible outside of the Gospel is focused upon Sanctifying Man. But the Gospel revelation is unique in the sense that it is designed for Justifying man.
The knowledge that man is created in the image or likeness of God, does not justify man in his actions. It may sanctify man in the sense of the motivation that to live more naturally should be to live more godly. But if the image of God justifies Man then man would be partially justified. But how can man only be partially reckoned to be righteous? Being part righteous does not make one righteous.
" But we sinned and cut ourselves off from him. In his great love, God became a man in Jesus, lived a perfect life. and died on the cross, thus fulfilling the law himself and taking on himself the punishment for the sins of all those who would ever turn and trust in him"
"But we sinned " seems to contradict the good news of creation. This makes the gospel turn paradoxical. If the gospel appears irrational, then we can never have assurance of salvation, because assurance is based upon certainty. We sinned is the the reason we need the good news, but it is not in and of itself good news.
"In his Great love God became a man in Jesus,"
Obviously Mark is pointing to the incarnation of Christ. However, why add a theologically proper doctrine of God to the exclusion of others? Once we have made this step, it appears that other doctrines in the same vain are unnecessary. But that is not the case.
For instance, one of the great heresies recognized by the early church was called adoptionism taught by the proponents of Gnosticism. It taught that God was a spirit and this spirit took over a man Jesus. The problem with this view is simply the fact if Jesus were only a man possessed by God, then his bodily sacrifice would not have a value to atone for the sins of all mankind.
"taking on himself the punishment for the sins of all those who would ever turn and trust in him"
The start of this clause is good discussing the punishment for sins. However, there is a clause "of all those". This is limiting not the effect of salvation but the initial offer of salvation. Now this is evidence by Mark Dever's reputation as a Calvinist proposing the doctrine of limited atonement. Now if the atonement is limited then you are not offered even an opportunity to accept christ, because christ is not offering you salvation. you have to meet certain qualification before beginning have any option other than your destiny of damnation eternally. These qualifications so far are turn and trust; which are obviously so far vague.
"He now calls us to repent of our sins and trust in Christ alone for our forgiveness"
"us" here is not everyone because of what calvinists call election. he is calling people who already "turn and trust" to "repent of our sins".
"If we repent of our sins and trust in Christ, we are born again into a new life, an eternal life with God." So regeneration here is conditioned not on faith alone but on repentance of sins.
titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
B. "First, we tell people with honesty that if they repent and believe, they will be saved. But they will need to repent, and it will be costly. We must be accurate in what we say, not holding any important parts back that seem to us awkward and off putting," pg 55
Here Mark hammers the point across he is being very specific, so he is responsible for what he is saying. Faith is not alone and repentance is costly. If this is salvation and it is costly then salvation is not free.
Matthew 17:25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee."
Matthew 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."
Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Romans 5:15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many."
C. Now let us consider what is repentance of sin?
To repent is to make a decision in our heart. God actually repents.
Genesis 6:7 And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them."
Jonah 3:And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not."
So repentance by itself as a word does not suppose sin. and it can be that people say they need to repent of their unbelief to be saved.
However, repentance of sins changes the context entirely. To understand repentance of sin we should look at the great teacher of Repentance of sin. John The Baptist.
Luke 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. 9 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 10 And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? 11 He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. 12 Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? 13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you. 14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages. 15 And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not; 16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: 17 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable. 18 And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people."
Repentance is about stopping bad works and doing good works. if you are not working it is worthy of repentance.
Another aspect of repentance of sin is the nature of what sin is.
1 john 3:Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law."
Therefore to repent of sin is to follow the law. Thus we would need to be law-keepers to be saved.
Another issue is the fact of John the Baptist, was he under the mosaic covenant and therefore an old testament prophet?
Matthew 11:10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John."
So the gospels show the Christ and the apostles under the Old Covenant with John the Baptist
2. We have several christians separating the time of Christ from the age of grace.
john 7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
john 20:17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
Romans 15:8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name."
Galatians 2;9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision."
Ephesians 3:1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: 7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. 8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:"
The burden of the Law was part of Jewish life. But it does not bind christians under grace specifically as it relates to salvation.
Romans 7:1Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? 2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. 3 So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. 4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. 5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. 6But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter."
Hebrews 7:9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. 10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him. 11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? 12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. 13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. 15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. 17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. 19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. 20 And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: 21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) 22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. 23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: 24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
"What is repentance? It is turning from the sins you love to the Holy God your called to love. It is admitting that your not God. It is beginning to value Jesus more than your immediate pleasure. It is giving up those things the bible calls sin and leaving them to follow Jesus." pg 57
Jeremiah 18:8 If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them."
Is God repenting of his sins? If God is repenting of his sins then who is He repenting to? To himself and how could God repent toward himself and How could he be wrong while always being right?
Genesis 6:5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart."
Once again id Mark Dever wanting us to believe that God "is admitting that" He "is not God"???
Of course not! He is only dealing with repentance of sin and then making it a universal topic in hopes of making it soteriological axiom, in others he wants to make it necessary for getting saved!
As mankind fell in sin God had to change the consequences according to the behavior. When you take the bible according to it's context, then the bible makes sense!!
D. Assurance
1 john 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life."
Does Dever's Lordship provide us with a certainty of salvation?
"I was undecided for years. I spent probably two to four years (depending on how I count) considering the claims of Christ. I understand now John 3:36 that as long as I was unbelieving, God's wrath remained on me. But at the same time I was reading the Bible and thinking about following Christ. From a theological standpoint I would now say that God was drawing me. But at the time, the Christians around me could see only I was "undecided" and that is all I could see of myself." pg 84
Now these passages are not meant to steer christians wrong as much as just discussing evangelism. But when we see the presuppositions of "new calvinism" (lordship salvation + regeneration precedes faith). We will find a confusion of normal evangelism and soul winning.
first...
john 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
similarly.....
John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."
We see the logic of salvation sealed tight, when you don't believe then you are not saved. When you do believe, you are saved.
" But at the same time I was reading the Bible and thinking about following Christ. From a theological standpoint I would now say that God was drawing me"
If you believe that you were born again, prior to believing then getting saved becomes less definite, after all maybe you are simply being drawn and not fully "saved", or maybe you going to be saved because you have been drawn! Now Dever is not fully going this way but based on other texts he is en route.
"Not only was I an "undecided" but I was also a 'wait ' A 'wait' is a lot like an 'undecided' ; both waiting and not deciding have some similarities. those who are undecided. But they may wait but they may wait simply because they don't want the consequences of a decision. A "wait" could be a person who doesn't want to close the door on Christian faith by rejecting it, at least not yet. Or he could be a person who doesn't want to repent of sins at least not yet. Such people may not be self consciously undecided, but they want freedom from having to make a decision for whatever reason, they want more time"
2 Corinthians 6:1 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. 2(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)"
The character of repentance changes when we consider repentance of sin vs repentance to faith. repentance of sin is ongoing while repentance to faith is instantaneous!
hebrews 6:1Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
". A "wait" could be a person who doesn't want to close the door on Christian faith by rejecting it, at least not yet. Or he could be a person who doesn't want to repent of sins at least not yet. "
If regeneration does not take place before faith, then the demand is works based salvation and man can not merit salvation. That means that Dever would be placing believers in the unbelief category also.
Ephesians 1:12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?"
E. Regeneration is immediate to faith and that means that salvation is instantaneous.
Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;"
1 john 5:1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him."
Repentance of all sin is not sustainable in due to the christian having sinful/carnal flesh as well as immaturity.
Romans 7:13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members."
1 cor. 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?"
Hebrews 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.14But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment."
2. The biblical Gospel is complete in it's ability to save.
Acts 16:30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house."
Romans 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. 5For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. 6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) 7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) 8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
Acts 8:35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him."
Matthew 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
Conclusion:
Mark Dever has fame and a great reputation in conservative circles. But looking at this book he does not deserve it. Because he is providing several holes in his gospel presentation which can mislead the saved and worse yet mislead the lost. This is a Pastor who has influence over hundreds of Pastors.
james 3:My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation."
We must not contradict the true saving Gospel!!!!
