As I wrote at the very early stages of this blog, some of us are in Liberty Forward. We're at the front line where the bullet hits the bone. And sometimes it's ugly up here. If you feel it necessary, please go back to the rear. Go back where the bed is comfortable, the food is warmer and your chances of being shot at are significantly decreased. But up here, I fight on.
Today, let's consider Vision Forum and their symbiotic relationship with theonomic Postmillenialist prophets like Rushdoony, Bahnsen and Grant. They are preaching a different gospel -- contrary to Scripture. And, as I lay in bed last Saturday, I shuddered at the fact that I had participated in that treasure hunt and had unwittingly involved my family and encouraged countless others across the country via the Web.
I can now without any hint of doubt explain the uneasiness that I experienced while in Williamsburg. Wesley and I discussed the uneasiness and have batted the subject around since; but, neither of us could "put our finger on it." As it turns out, "it" was a spirit of discernment that was telling me that something was amiss. And, as I lay in bed last Saturday night studying Christian Reconstructionism and Paul's letter to Galatia, I had an epiphay -- an eye-opener. I had been naive and had overlooked the blatant signals of a different gospel.
According to Rousas John Rushdoony, and in direct contradiction to Galatians 3:2-3, "Man's justification is by the grace of God in Jesus Christ; man's sanctification is by means of the law
of God.... Sanctification depends on our law-keeping in mind, word, and
deed. The perfection of the incarnate Word was manifested in His
law-keeping; can the people of His kingdom pursue their calling to be
perfect in any way other than by His law-word?" (Institutes of Biblical Law, pages 4, 307). And, so that there is no uncertainty, in the same book, Rushdoony admits that he breaks from Orthodoxy by saying, "Protestant theology left man justified but without a way to be sanctified" (page 307).
Sanctification is not by means of the law. The law was fulfilled in Christ. We are sanctified -- made holy -- by submission to the person of God's indwelling Holy Spirit. Yet, men who are propped up for profit and political gain argue that because Jesus didn't abolish the law (Matthew 5:17-18), it must still be binding. That's why these men seek to implement components of the Mosaic Law -- and do linguistic gymnastics to convince you that the Mosaic Law wasn't a complete package and that the Greek word plerosai means "confirm" and that ... well, you get the picture.
Jesus loved the law, obeyed the law and brought it to consummation along with all of the prophesies about him. The law called for perfection and found fulfillment in Jesus' obedient sacrifice on the cross. Otherwise there is a curse: "All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in
the Book of the Law.' ... Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for
us, for it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree'" (Galatians 3:10,13).
According to a book by Elmer Towns, "If, however, the law of Moses bears the same relationship to men today, in terms of its binding status, as it did before Christ came, then it
was not fulfilled, and Jesus failed at what he came 'to do.'"
On the
other hand, if the Lord did accomplish what he came to accomplish, then
the law was fulfilled, and it is not a binding legal institution today.
Further, if the law of Moses was not fulfilled by Christ, and thus
remains as a binding legal system for today, then it is not just
partially binding. Rather, it is a totally compelling system. [Link]
Jesus clearly said that "not one jot or one tittle" would pass away until all was fulfilled. Jesus' death and resurrection fulfilled all of the law. Otherwise, he fulfilled none of it. And anyone who says otherwise is preaching a gospel contrary to Scripture. From Hebrews:
The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the
realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same
sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who
draw near to worship.Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said:
"Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
but a body you prepared for me;
with burnt offerings and sin offerings
you were not pleased.
Then I said, 'Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll—
I have come to do your will, O God.' "First
he said, "Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings
you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them" (although the law
required them to be made). Then he said, "Here I am, I have come to do your will." He sets aside the first to establish the second. (Hebrews 10:1, 5-9, NIV)
Like I said, it's ugly up here on the front. I just hurt some of your sensibilities, but consider this a warning shot across your bow. You now have a choice. You can continue down the destructive path or turn back.