BeReconciled.com » Fruit of the Spirit

Calvinism in the Psalms?

Peter — Sun, 25 Sep 2005 14:38:59 +0000

As I was reading

16:1 Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.”

3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,
in whom is all my delight.

4 The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names on my lips.

5 The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

7 I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
8 I have set the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption.

11 You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (ESV)

', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328562638_6556', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">Psalm 16, I was reminded reminded that Calvinism is all over the place, through out the whole Bible. (Or instead of viewing the Bible in light of the Reformed faith, I should say, there is truth to the Reformers’ reading of scripture. Scripture is the ultimate authority.)

2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.” (ESV)
', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328562638_4451', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">Psalm 16:2 – I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.”

8 I have set the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption.

11 You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (ESV)
', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328562638_3884', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">Psalm 16:8-11 – I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol… You make known to me the path of life.

I praise God that he will never leave me or forsake me. This is wonderful hope!

I’m sure other places in the Psalms teach total depravity and election. For example:

5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin did my mother conceive me. (ESV)

', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328562638_1161', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">Psalm 51:5 – Behold I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.

9 Yet you are he who took me from the womb;
you made me trust you at my mother’s breasts. (ESV)

', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328562638_682', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">Psalm 22:9 – Yet you are he who took me from the womb; you made me trust you at my mother’s breasts.

“Christian” law review article

Peter — Tue, 20 Sep 2005 20:06:11 +0000

I was reading an article entitled “A Faith-Based Perspective On Tort Causation” by Douglas H. Cook. This article explains that accidental injury should not generate tort lilability, because God is the predominant causal actor. In contrast, when a person intentionally sins, it establishes the defendant as the primary causal actor. I agree with these general statements, however, I was uncomfortable with the line “By sinning, D took causal control out of God’s hands, and into his own.” (p.510) I would rather emphasize the mystery of BOTH human responsibility and divine providence. (

9:1 I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. 4 They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. 5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.

6 But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, 7 and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 8 This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring. 9 For this is what the promise said: “About this time next year I will return, and Sarah shall have a son.” 10 And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, 11 though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— 12 she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” 13 As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”

14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! 15 For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.

19 You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” 20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? 22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory— 24 even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? 25 As indeed he says in Hosea,

“Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’
and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.’”
26 “And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’
there they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’”

27 And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved, 28 for the Lord will carry out his sentence upon the earth fully and without delay.” 29 And as Isaiah predicted,

“If the Lord of hosts had not left us offspring,
we would have been like Sodom
and become like Gomorrah.”

30 What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; 31 but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. 32 Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, 33 as it is written,

“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense;
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

Romans 10
9:1 I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. 4 They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. 5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.

6 But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, 7 and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 8 This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring. 9 For this is what the promise said: “About this time next year I will return, and Sarah shall have a son.” 10 And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, 11 though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— 12 she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” 13 As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”

14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! 15 For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.

19 You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” 20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? 22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory— 24 even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? 25 As indeed he says in Hosea,
“Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’
and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.’”
26 “And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’
there they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’”

27 And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved, 28 for the Lord will carry out his sentence upon the earth fully and without delay.” 29 And as Isaiah predicted,
“If the Lord of hosts had not left us offspring,
we would have been like Sodom
and become like Gomorrah.”

30 What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; 31 but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. 32 Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, 33 as it is written,
“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense;
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
Romans 10
10:1 Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

5 For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. 6 But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 or “‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

18 But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, for
“Their voice has gone out to all the earth,
and their words to the ends of the world.”

19 But I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says,
“I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation;
with a foolish nation I will make you angry.”

20 Then Isaiah is so bold as to say,
“I have been found by those who did not seek me;
I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.”

21 But of Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.” (ESV)
', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328562638_279', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">Romans 9,10)

The Practicality of Law

Peter — Tue, 20 Sep 2005 02:17:57 +0000

As I am learning whatthe law is, I am seeing how useful it is. Wrongs that I recall seeing, can now be labeled. I’ve seen false imprisonment, IIED, unlawful search and seizure, unlawful arrest, and trespass to real property. While fighting injustice is inbuilt into me, I think I have a greater passion for conflict resolution issues. God hates relational conflict. Christian mediation, arbitration, peace-making still has an important place in my heart. The gospel message of power for transformation is at the heart of counseling.

Currently reading: Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands.

Sovereign Comfort

Peter — Tue, 13 Sep 2005 23:13:37 +0000

I was reflecting on the Sovereignty of God and how this adds an element of excitement and “zang” to life.

I don’t know a lot of things, including what I will be doing next summer, what job I will be employed at in 3 years, whom I will marry, or where I will be living in the future. I have no clue how much money God will give me or how many children I’ll have. While these elements may seem mysterious (and at times frightening) to me, I can trust that God is in control of all things. I can’t go wrong because even my mistakes will be for His glory.

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (ESV)

', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328562638_588', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">Rom 8:28-32

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

The Lawyer in John Piper?

Peter — Sun, 11 Sep 2005 21:03:56 +0000

As I was reading “What’s the Difference,” a book about Biblical manhood and womanhood, I noticed that John Piper is very careful with his diction.

For example, take a look at his definition of masculinity:

“At the heart of mature masculinity is a sense of benevolent responsibility to lead, provide for and protect women in ways appropriate to a man’s differing relationships.”

Lawyers know that word choice is very important. Meanings of words and phrases can be hotly contested and unpacked. Piper explains that “at the heart of… ” means that the definition is not exhaustive but in general. He then goes on to explain “a sense of” and each phrase of his definition. Piper shows great care at handling God’s word and theological issues. I hope that law school will indirectly make me a better reader of God’s word and a better exegete.

Life Outside of Class

Peter — Tue, 06 Sep 2005 03:30:00 +0000

Things I am doing in addition to textbooks:

- Memorizing Bible verses using Fighter Verses. I recommend these highly!
- Learning to cook. For now, I’m cooking chicken and pork… It’s fun to cook, but boy, singleness has its disadvantages.
- Exercising. I’ve got to defend my future family you know.
- Making friends. Finding more “Jonathans” and introducing Arminians to the Reformed faith.
- Keeping my clients happy.
- Pondering my calling in life and wondering why God has me where I am now.

Basketball Skills

Peter — Tue, 30 Aug 2005 04:58:19 +0000

Today I was wondering if I would improve in basketball through out my whole life. I feel like I am getting better, smarter, faster, and stronger. I am able to run around for hours, while sinking my 3′s and my lay-ups and stuffing shots on defense.

But obviously, I will grow old. When will I climax? Age 24? Age 30?

39:1 I said, “I will guard my ways,
that I may not sin with my tongue;
I will guard my mouth with a muzzle,
so long as the wicked are in my presence.”
2 I was mute and silent;
I held my peace to no avail,
and my distress grew worse.
3 My heart became hot within me.
As I mused, the fire burned;
then I spoke with my tongue:

4 “O Lord, make me know my end
and what is the measure of my days;
let me know how fleeting I am!
5 Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,
and my lifetime is as nothing before you.
Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah
6 Surely a man goes about as a shadow!
Surely for nothing they are in turmoil;
man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!

7 “And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?
My hope is in you.
8 Deliver me from all my transgressions.
Do not make me the scorn of the fool!
9 I am mute; I do not open my mouth,
for it is you who have done it.
10 Remove your stroke from me;
I am spent by the hostility of your hand.
11 When you discipline a man
with rebukes for sin,
you consume like a moth what is dear to him;
surely all mankind is a mere breath! Selah

12 “Hear my prayer, O Lord,
and give ear to my cry;
hold not your peace at my tears!
For I am a sojourner with you,
a guest, like all my fathers.
13 Look away from me, that I may smile again,
before I depart and am no more!” (ESV)

', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328562638_5932', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">Psalm 39
4 “O LORD, make me know my end
and what is the measure of my days;
let me know how fleeting I am!
5 Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,
and my lifetime is as nothing before you.
Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah
6 Surely a man goes about as a shadow!
Surely for nothing they are in turmoil;
man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!
7 “And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?
My hope is in you.
8 Deliver me from all my transgressions.
Do not make me the scorn of the fool!

Oh, how humbling this is! God is not like us. We are creatures; he is the creator. Even the daily things we do (like: eating, sleeping, and pooping) should remind us of God’s grandeur and sovereignty.

Philadelphia- the city of Brotherly Love

Peter — Tue, 12 Jul 2005 01:31:25 +0000

This last Friday, I went to Philadelphia to spend some time with Matt and Andy. We had a great time talking, watching baseball, and playing basketball.

At the Phillies game, this drunk guy started the wave. It went arround the stadium of 40,000 people at least 7 times. People are easily amused. Saturday morning, we had an excellent balling time. In the afternoon, I went back to Reading, PA with Andy. I’m touched once again by the hospitality of my brothers. We’re getting old; having more obligations to attend to. But while we’re joining the world of adults, we still know how to have fun.

Peace with God

Peter — Tue, 15 Jun 2004 17:29:01 +0000

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. –
5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (ESV)
', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328562638_3410', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">Romans 5:1

Peace with God is the most important type of peace. From that stems peace with ourselves and peace with other people. If we have true peace. We don’t need to worry.

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (ESV)

', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328562638_8346', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">Romans 8:28.

“Why do we worry? Because we do not believe.” – The Practice of Godliness- Jerry Bridges, p.158.

When we begin to worry, we need to remember

14:1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. (ESV)

', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328562638_6895', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">John 14:1, “Let not your hearts be troubled. You believe in God.” (ESV and footnote) Our reason for not worrying, stems from our belief in God. He has saved us from God’s wrath. He will be faithful.

16 There are six things that the Lord hates,
seven that are an abomination to him:
17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked plans,
feet that make haste to run to evil,
19 a false witness who breathes out lies,
and one who sows discord among brothers. (ESV)

', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328562638_8635', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">Proverbs 6:16-19
16 There are six things the LORD hates,
seven that are detestable to him:
17 haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,
19 a false witness who pours out lies
and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.

Peace within the body is a result of peace with God. It shows the love and unity… Christ and the Church, or similarly husband and wife.

Cultivating Joy

Peter — Thu, 03 Jun 2004 17:44:23 +0000

95:1 Oh come, let us sing to the Lord;
let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
3 For the Lord is a great God,
and a great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the depths of the earth;
the heights of the mountains are his also.
5 The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.

6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!
7 For he is our God,
and we are the people of his pasture,
and the sheep of his hand.
Today, if you hear his voice, (ESV)

', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328562638_3710', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">Psalm 95:1-7

1 Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD ;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.

3 For the LORD is the great God,
the great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.
5 The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.

6 Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
7 for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care.

9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. (ESV)

', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328562638_8684', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">John 15:9-11

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

Notice our joy is derived from God’s love. Our joy does not come from our circumstances. It is not an emotion that comes and goes. Our joy is based on God’s love for us. We need to remember that God loves us. He sent his son to die for us! In order to “remain” in his love, we need to show we are his children by obeying his commands. Those who have tasted God’s love are commanded to remain in his love by obedience. Knowing and obeying will produce true joy. We can say with Paul;

“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” –
11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. (ESV)
', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328562639_8821', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">Phil 4:11

Note: Paul was in jail when he wrote this.