ResponsiveReiding

It has become common in American Evangelicalism to conceive of the notion of repentance, as a mere change of mind. But to be true to the Biblical pictures of repentance, there is much more involved – especially more than simply saying one is sorry, or feeling bad about this or that sin. Repentance does indeed involve a change of mind – but it is more than that.

Repentance necessarily includes – a change of direction. It is coming to the place where I see my sin for what it is, confess it, yes, even mourn over it – but then take the necessary steps to walk differently. And the closing section of the book of Hosea provides one of the best pictures of genuine repentance to be found in Scripture.

The character Hosea was a prophet to the northern kingdom of Israel as opposed to the southern kingdom of Judah. Israel had gone down the route of idolatry almost from its inception. And now, in the mid-700’s B.C., they are nearing their end. Refusing God’s repeated calls to repentance for 100’s of years through his prophets, they are about to be swept away by the Assyrians in judgment. It is a turbulent time. But right up to the end – God sends his men to call them back to fidelity to him alone. They will not listen.

In the 14th chapter of Hosea, God addresses his people over and over and over, exposing their sin. Then, at the very end of the book, he tells them exactly what is needed to avoid their prophesied fate. What true repentance to stay God’s judgment looks like. And it serves as a most wonderful model for all who may have fallen into sin and need to be recovered.

We read in Hosea 14:1-3 – “Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God, for you have stumbled by your iniquity. Bring your confessions and return to the LORD. Say to Him: “Take away all our iniquity and receive us graciously, that we may present the fruit of our lips. Assyria will not save us, nor will we ride on horses. We will never again say, ‘Our gods!’ to the work of our own hands. For in You the fatherless find compassion.”

Let’s break that down quickly. What a sweet model of repentance this is.

a. We can come with nothing but words. There are no gifts to bring. No goods to bestow. No sacrifices. No imagined penance. We come only with our humble pleas.

b. We come asking to have our iniquity taken away – the perverseness of our own hearts removed. We come in recognition that we ARE sinners, not simply those who sin. Surely, when we are in right relationship with Him that is not our primary designation – but when in rebellion, it is once again as though before we were His.

c. We ask Him to receive our gifts and offerings once again – to make our worship acceptable. We stop pretending that worship when we are in rebellion against him can somehow offset our sins.

d. We promise to make good on our previous vows – to fulfill the covenant we already had with Him. To be a faithful spouse.

e. We denounce finding our joy or safety in anything place else but Him. That we will look to Him alone and trust Him in these matters. After all, it is the sin of spiritual adultery which is the foundation of all other sins – seeking from the world, the flesh or the devil, what we ought to seek in him along. For in him alone is true peace, holiness, satisfaction, safety, contentment and the everlasting promises.

f. We utterly forsake every instrument of reducing God to tangible form, and every thing other than Him that claimed our affections and pursuit.

g. We walk in the glory of a God who is mercy and grace itself.

It is then we read the most wonderful promise in verse 4-7:

“I will heal their apostasy; I will freely love them, for My anger has turned away from them. I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like the lily and take root like the cedars of Lebanon. His shoots will sprout, and his splendor will be like the olive tree, his fragrance like the cedars of Lebanon. They will return and dwell in his shade; they will grow grain and blossom like the vine. His renown will be like the wine of Lebanon.”

My fallen brother or sister in Christ – hear me. Your God has not left you without remedy due to your sin. He calls you home. And home, with a promise not just of forgiveness, but restoration and blessing.

Don’t wait. Don’t hesitate. No matter how long it has been or how far you have gone in your sin – he calls afresh to you today. He makes the path home – clear. And he promises to receive you with open arms.

Hosea is God’s U-Turn sign.

You CAN come home.

Simplism as Webster defines it, is “the act or an instance of oversimplifying especially : the reduction of a problem to a false simplicity by ignoring complicating factors.”

And in an age of soundbite news, the problem of simplism is compounded horrifically. Geo-politics get reduced to quippy (or not so quippy) one liners from politicians, pundits and private opinionaters left and right – no pun intended.

People chime in with “the” answer to the economy, social upheaval, disease, racism, poverty, etc. Often, such comments are prefaced by something like “all we need to do is…”, and bingo! We have a one-line, easy-peasy solution to issues impacting millions of people across the globe.

Yeah. Right.

But what’s worse is when this kind of simplism manifests itself in theology and Biblical concerns. When theological concepts and doctrines are so utterly reduced as to ignore broad, deep and thorough examination. I get that we like things in nice, tidy, intellectually portable packages. I like it too. And labels for instance can be a handy form of shorthand at times. But then it backfires. We take a tiny one strand brush and try to cover a vast canvass with it.

I know I might get shot for this one, but take the beloved T.U.L.I.P. If you are of a Calvinistic bent (like me), it forms a handy-dandy summary of some very important Biblical concepts. But. But! When it becomes a substitute for the Gospel – as simplistic – it becomes horrifically problematic. How so? Simple (how’s that for irony) – the T.U.L.I.P. doesn’t contain the Gospel of justification by faith. It articulates some things well, and some things not so well – but gets glommed onto like it is the end-all in theological thought even though there is nothing in the T.U.L.I.P. about the triune nature of God, the deity of Jesus, regeneration or a host of other crucial doctrines. It is great for what it does, but it has its very, very severe limitations. But o, how we love our simplicity, our reductionistic tendency. Michael Horton’s YouTube video is a worthy view in this regard in a piece titled: “The TULIP is not enough.”

Now all of that is but introductory to what I really want to get at in recommending the above-named book: Controversy of The Ages. For if nothing else, what Cabal and Rasor do in this excellent volume, is disabuse the reader of overly simplified approaches to the debate regarding positions on Young Earth vs Old Earth vs some form of Evolution – among Bible believing Christians.

The truth is, its complicated. The science is complicated and the hermeneutical issues are complicated. And to ignore those complexities in favor of quippy one-offs in either direction, is to grossly misstate the facts and leads to unfair and often very incorrect characterizations. Mischaracterizations of other sincere Christians trying to make full sense of the two books of revelation given to us by God: The Written Word of the Bible, and the Book of Nature (Ps. 19). Two testimonies which can never contradict one another – but each of which can be and are often – misinterpreted.

The authors take the time to work through their case by contrasting 3 views using representative ministries. They examine the claims and approaches of the proponents of Young Earth Creationists (YEC) as represented by Ken Ham and Answers in Genesis (also touching on Henry Morris’ Institute for Creation Research); Old Earth Creationists (OEC) as found in Reasons to Believe and headed by Hugh Ross; and lastly, the Evolutionary Creationists (EC) of Biologos.

I will warn you now, there will be a lot of time taken to unpack the historic record of how the debate over heliocentrism was dealt with both theologically and scientifically, and then the rise of evolutionary thought following the publication of Darwin’s The Origin of the Species. But it is well worth the labor. Why? Because, to be overly simplistic – it’s complicated!

Neither pop science nor pop theology are sufficient to work through the issues. Theologians from at least Augustine (see his commentaries on Genesis) through today have had deep and probing questions and discussions on how we are to rightly interpret the opening chapters of Genesis. And it is not a question of “does Science have more authority than Scripture?” Of course not. But it IS a question of how we interpret the way “the heavens declare the glory of God” in light of the Scripture, and the Scripture in light of the revelation in nature. Both come infallibly from the hand of God. And both must be read and interpreted in light of each other. When rightly interpreted, they will never contradict one another. Never. If they do, we are interpreting either one or both wrongly. And sorting out which of those options takes hard, prayerful, thoughtful work.

While all of this is treated in as complete terms as can be given the limitations of a mere 225 page monograph, the aim and outcome of it all is a clarion call to be careful to listen well to one another in the Evangelical Church; to dialog in charity with each other; and to be seriously careful not to make issues which are not inherently Gospel issues, into Gospel issues, and thereby anathematizing genuine brothers and sisters in Christ when we disagree.

I so appreciated the tenor of the work which emerges on every page. There is no stone throwing, even when there is genuine and very serious disagreement. It is a call to value true unity in Christ and the God of Scripture above personal convictions, even in regard to very important topics – especially among those who place a high and unwavering value on the inerrancy and authority of Scripture.

And, to go back to where we started, it is a fine example of refusing to cave to simplism. To recognize that people often come to conclusions different from my own, not because they haven’t thought much about their positions – but because we have thought differently about the very same data. And that that, is a place to sit and dialog in the Spirit of Christ.

I highly recommend this most interesting, informative and useful book. Buy it and read it before you engage someone from one of the other positions again. It will be worth it.

Authors:

Theodore J. Cabal – Senior Professor of Philosophy of Religion at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

Peter J. Rasor II – Assistant professor of Philosophy at Grand Canyon University 

Last evening, Sky and I watched Max Mclean’s 2021 film adaptation of his one-man stage production on the conversion of C. S. Lewis to Christianity.

Co-written by McLean (also the lead actor) and Director Norman Stone – the film does the near impossible – it is a Christian film that is neither cheesy, maudlin nor Pollyanna. It is a real treat and enjoyable as a first rate film even apart from its subject matter.

Done in a narrative style, the cinematography and locations (I hear there were about 20) are superb. The writing – drawn from Lewis’ own – sticks to the facts. The acting is spot on. All around the production values are as high as any could hope for in a good movie. Thank you Fellowship of Performing Arts and 1A Productions for being committed to producing something of quality and excellence in the telling of Lewis’ conversion.

If you are not familiar with Lewis’ personal life, the brief primer in this movie is worth the watching alone, since it adds depth and context to his other writings.

Clive Staples Lewis was no ivory-tower elitist. At least not in the usual sense. Yes, he held on to his early rejection of Christianity, foray into occultism and philosophical materialism. But he was a also a man of real life. Losing his mother when he was a very young man. The strained relationship with his father (throughout his life) – especially in his father’s personality shift after the death of his wife. The pained distance between his father and both of the boys. Then on the front lines in WWI – wounded, sent back and wounded yet again. He grappled with the horrors and hardships of living in this fallen world. So for instance, when we pens his Mere Christianity lectures, they come from a place of having lived real life – not from behind the alabaster walls of isolated academia.

The film is available now on Amazon – free if you are a Prime member. And well worth the viewing. As you see him cave first to mere deism and then to embracing Christ full on – it will remind you of the power of God to scale the seemingly unassailable intellectual fortresses of those unsaved loved ones of yours. Our God knows how to conquer souls, and make them trophies of his grace – no matter where they are.

Enjoy!

Jeremiah 17:19–22 (BSB) — This is what the LORD said to me: “Go and stand at the gate of the people, through which the kings of Judah go in and out; and stand at all the other gates of Jerusalem. Say to them, ‘Hear the word of the LORD, O kings of Judah, all people of Judah and Jerusalem who enter through these gates. This is what the LORD says: Take heed for yourselves; do not carry a load or bring it through the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. You must not carry a load out of your houses or do any work on the Sabbath day, but you must keep the Sabbath day holy, just as I commanded your forefathers.

In Jeremiah’s day, the Mosaic Law was still in full effect. One of the Law’s key components was the way in which a strict rest from all labor was required on the Sabbath. And yet, as the nation slid into idolatry and the neglect of God’s Law, the Jews fell into a pattern of violating that Law to the extent that not only would they keep transacting business on the Sabbath, they would actually carry their goods through the Temple grounds as a short-cut to other parts of the City. Even after the Babylonian captivity, we see the same issue addressed by Jesus (Mark 11:16). While there, it may not have been a Sabbath issue, the use of the Temple courts as a cut-through for merchandising still was.

As we read, the Sabbath was noted by God in Exodus 31:12–13 (BSB) — “Surely you must keep My Sabbaths, for this will be a sign between Me and you for the generations to come, so that you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you. ” To not do so was a capital offense.

Under the New Covenant, Believers are no longer bound in the same way to the Sabath as the Jews were. And while sound scholars will debate the extent of the Sabbath’s abrogation, or what form the actually takes, we can still derive a most potent principle from what Scripture lays before us in this regard. And that, in one parallel in particular.

I would argue (as do others) that in this transition into the New Covenant, carrying the burden of our own works or righteousness when we come to worship the Lord, is a direct repudiation of our trust in – and total reliance upon – Christ as our righteousness and the fulfillment of the Law.

In other words, we do not come to Church, into gathered worship, relying on our own obediences, perfections, works or righteousness in any way for our acceptance before God. We come, burden free, resting fully in the finished work of Christ.

We do not come to gathered worship to gain God’s approval – as a rite of acceptance.

We do not come to gathered worship hoping that in the act, our burdens of sin will get lifted.

We come to gathered worship as those who are trusting already in Christ’s having taken the whole of our sin burden upon Himself – on the Cross.

We come to gathered worship to rejoice in His finished work – not as a work unto itself.

We come to gathered worship in faith.

And this, is how we fulfill the Sabbath now. We rest, in Him.

Do not carry anything on the Sabbath beloved. He has borne it all.

Some things get better with age. I’m told wine does – but I’m no judge. To be honest, wine tastes like lighter fluid and I simply cannot bring myself to drink it. Some cheese does. Though I do watch out for mold. I’d like to say I do. But my wife can tell you better. Or should I say – she can tell you the truth.

All that said, J.I. Packer’s “Keep in Step with The Spirit certainly has gotten better since its initial release in 1985, and that even without owing to its expansion and update in 2005. For any Believer wanting to understand what life in the Spirit of Christ looks like, or wrestling with how to grapple with the complexities of Pentecostal/Charismatic teaching and practice- I do not think you can do better than Packer’s treatment here.

I remember first reading this book back when it was originally published. It was good. But now, after decades of my own reflection and experience, and, as mentioned above, the expansion of the original – this book is an exceedingly timely, Biblical and wise resource. It ought to be read by every thoughtful Christian.

Take note, this is not an especially easy book to read. Packer takes the time to reason very closely on controversial topics (i.e. spiritual gifts and the Pentecostal/Charismatic movements). And, he walks you through some very sophisticated Biblical exegesis.

This is not a book of fluff, nor of mere, unconsidered opinions. It is that rare combination of being both irenic and unapologetically truthful. Packer is generous, but honest. Thoughtful and careful. And he refuses to pronounce absolutes where Scripture itself fails to speak as definitively as we might like. No babies get thrown out with the bath water. No bath water is spared while the baby is still in need of more cleaning. No nonsense is tolerated in the name of unexamined love.

As is typical with Packer, the book refuses to budge at any point from its Christ-centeredness. The author’s conviction regarding the Spirit’s own Christ-centeredness leads him to write with the same cast. He will de-mystify what it means to be “spirit filled”. And he will point us over and over to the focus of the Spirit’s ministry, so that we are not distracted by what else the Spirit may grant in his ministrations. Like little children, how easily we can be more dazzled by the wrapping paper on a beautiful gift than the gift itself. Even worse – more enamored by the gift, than the giver. And just as bad if not worse yet, distracted from the focus, the purpose of the gift itself as intended by the giver.

Read Keep in Step with the Spirit slowly. Better yet, read it with friends. Consider the arguments with some deep reflection. Open your Bible and follow the exegesis with care. Deep and troubling questions will be answered. Not all of them. But at least they will be addressed in a solid and useful manner. Whether you agree with all of Packer’s conclusions or not – you will experience what good, analytical thinking looks like for a Christian.

As the title of this brief review states – this is the best book I’ve read so far in 2026. But the problem is, this sets the bar so high, I am doubtful I’ll read another one this year as engaging, helpful and Christ-centered. But, the year is young! And God has many, many treasures poured out through his children I’ve yet to encounter.

Proverbs 13:19 “Desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but turning from evil is detestable to fools.”

Biological human life has certain non-negotiables to consider one alive. The Johns-Hopkins website states: “The four main vital signs routinely monitored by medical professionals and health care providers include the following:

• Body temperature
• Pulse rate
• Respiration rate (rate of breathing)
• Blood pressure”

No body temperature other than the ambient one? You’re not alive. No pulse rate? Same thing. Not breathing? Not living. No blood pressure, no life.

There are vital signs of spiritual life as well. And one of them is explicated perfectly in this verse. It is couched in the contrast between one spiritually alive and one not. And it is quite the contrast: A desire fulfilled versus turning from evil.

And herein is the great divide between those regenerate, and those not: Nothing is more desirous for the regenerate than being freed from their sin, while for the unregenerate – nothing is more detestable than having to turn away from their evil.

Many a sincere Believer is plagued by a lack of assurance over their salvation due to their ongoing struggle against the remaining pull of indwelling sin. It makes them both miserable and doubtful. Can I be a true Christian and still find such repulsive inclinations within? It is a heartfelt cry. Little do they know that the struggle is in and of itself, a vital sign of true spiritual life in Christ.

The unregenerate do not grieve over and long for freedom from – the very presence of sin – as sin. They may want deliverance from the consequences of it if it has produced certain miseries. But they do not care to turn from sin simply because it IS sin, and is contrary to the new desires implanted by the Holy Spirit in every true Believer.

In contrast, every true Christian hates their sin. They grieve over the fact that some sinful impulses remain, and break out from time to time. They long to be rid of it all. They look forward to the day when in the resurrection – sin will be no more. Nothing is sweeter to the soul. Nothing is more desired.

A number of years ago I presided over the funeral service for a man in our congregation. He was a character and a half. A true individual. Not Joe-Average Christian. Sometimes I had no idea where he was coming from on things. But one day, in the midst of a most casual conversation, with tear filled eyes, he looked at me and said – “I can’t wait until the day when I no longer have any desire for sin.” He went on to lament just how much sin grieved him. His spiritual heartbeat was a strong as it could be.

Maybe this is you today. The pain of sin’s inward impulses grieve you to no end. And sometimes, they are so relentless, you begin to wonder if such could be the case in a genuine Christian. Dear brother, dear sister – nothing could be a greater testament to the reality of your regeneration than to hate sin for sin’s sake – and how it impairs your joy in walking after Christ as you would.

Take heart beloved. The day will come when this desire will be so completely and sweetly fulfilled in Christ. He who began that good work in you, will be working to complete it until that day.