The Dominion Covenant: The Importance and Intent of God's Law

The crisis facing Christianity today is largely due to the modernized Christian movement known as Anti-nomianism. While this destructive heresy is as old as the first century Church, it is as much a problem now as it was then. Antinomianism is a theological word derived from two Greek words, anti and nomos, against and law. Antinomianism is the doctrine of anti-law.

Modernized Evangelical Christianity has both failed to accept the absolute standard of God's Will, and also to properly understand and apply God's Law to everyday life as a result of this destructive teaching. Consequently God's Law is reduced to an antiquated system of "dos and don'ts" which is snubbed by many Christians as legalistic and unnecessary for the New Testament Church.


Biblical phrases such as "we are not under the Law, but under Grace" have been used perversely to justify a system of behavior void of faithful obedience to the Biblical Standard of God's Law. Christian obedience is reduced to a vacillating standard based upon emotional feelings, and not upon God's perfect Law-order.


Furthermore, modernized Christianity has also compartmentalized the Christian life to include only the personal and the ecclesiastic, shunning any responsibly to the social order of the culture. A individualized standard of ethics based upon the antinomianism mindset is not a Biblical approach to True Christianity. When every man does what is right in his own eyes, apostasy and judgment results.

The Law of God is the Perfect Standard of Behavior

The Law of God is the basis for all acceptable behavior. The only part of the Law which the believer is exempt from is its condemnation not its standard. The regenerated soul is not under the "condemnation" of the Law, but under the forgiveness of Grace. As Greg Bahnsen states it in his "Theonomy in Christian Ethics,"

"The redemptive work of Christ did not end the function of the Law but rather established man in obedience to the Law. We are redeemed [so that] the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us."

If God's Law is separated from God's Grace, then Grace also disappears. The two are uniquely inseparable. What God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.

 

The Apostle Paul makes it clear that the Law should not be made void through faith but rather established through faith. cf Rom 3:31  The Commandments of God are the perfect tools for Biblical Conquest and Dominion.

"Where there is no vision the people perish: but he that keepeth the Law, happy is he." Proverbs 29:18

 

The alternative is based upon two choices, Theonomy or autonomy. It is either God's Law or man's law which by definition is anti-law.

 

In The Beginning Was The LAW-WORD

Genesis 1 establishes the Sovereign position of God as the Legislator King. Since God is the Creator, and owner, of the entire universe, He is also the legitimate Lawgiver. His perfect Law is the Divine expression of His will, nature and being. It sets forth the divine order of the universe in a framework of justice and righteousness. To reject God's Law is to reject God.

 

All creation was made to be in obedient subjection to the Will of the Creator. Adam's Covenant with God was both a Covenant of Grace, and a Covenant of Law. Both Grace and Law are Covenantal Blessings. Adam's relationship with God was not a Covenant of "works", as if to imply that Adam needed to "work" for God's Grace, but rather it was a Covenant of Obedient Action in dominion and subjugation of his environment. Adam's work in the garden was a response to the Grace of God.


The modern understanding of God's Law is not accurate. God's Law is more than a legal code of moral righteousness. It is a Covenantal mandate which establishes the parameters for a proper relationship between God and man. Re-created man, born again after the image of the Last Adam, Christ, is obliged to obedience according to the Law's moral standard. Regenerated man must live by every word which proceeds forth from the mouth of God. Lawful obedience to God's Word is a result of God's regenerating Grace, not a condition for Grace. Therefore, the only acceptable behavior of the Christian is lawful obedience, which is structure according to His reveled Will. Lawbreaking is the blatant refusal to live within the relationship established by the Covenant of God.

 

God's Law Is Not Restrictive

If the Law of God is viewed in the negative, it is then seen as a code of restrictions. Thou shalt not seems to predominate the life of obedience. This un-Biblical perspective on the Law renders the Christian powerless and oppressed. Yet, the Law is actually an empowering tool and a liberating tool, rather than a restrictive set of ordinances. A misunderstanding and misuse of God's Law always causes bondage, weakness and spiritual poverty.

 

The apostle testifies that those who are born of Grace do not view God's Commandments as grievous. cf 1 Jn 5:3

 

Paul declares that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds and every high thing that exalts itself above God and His majesty. Those weapons are God's precepts and commandments. As Paul, by the Spirit, also declares, the Law-Word of God is the Sword of the Spirit. It is the Law which is mighty through God and which is spiritual in power and efficacy. What the modern Christian's must understand is that God's Law is not a legalistic doctrine but a rule book of instructions for daily living. The Law is given so that men may walk prosperously and productively as kings upon the earth, treading down the wicked of the world.

 


Another misconception of the modern pseudo-Christian - antinomian movement is that the Law is not personal. In other words, it concerns everyone outside of the regeneration Covenant, but exempts all within the regeneration power of Grace. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Both Grace and Law are personal since they both are given by a personal God to people in particular.

 

The Extent of the Law

The Law is exhaustive and comprehensive as it is universal. It includes every and all areas of life. God has something to say about everything, and His Law is given to bring Divine order to a Divine Created Universe.

 

Since God has created all things, including all institutions, He reserves the right to legislate over all things. His rule, and legislative authority, is Total. This was a common understanding and practice of the early church. At one time, Christianity recognized God's Law as the governing standard for both men and nations. Peasants, priests and kings were bound to God's commandments. Today the revolt against the authoritative standard of God's Law is resisted and often abandoned.


There is a revolt underway to undermine the Law's authority both in the secular community as well as the Christian community. No longer is the Law seen as a blessing from God. Cf Deut 10:13. It is now shunned as a restrictive yoke.

 

Those Who Practice Lawlessness

Unlike David, son of Jesse, who loved the Law of God, only those who are false apostles hate God's Law. These wondering souls spew forth the idea that God's Law is an Old Testament notion, only to be disregarded in the New Testament dispensation. Yet, the Lord Christ condemns the false Christian in Matthew 7:23 for this exact doctrine, declaring them workers of iniquity, i.e. "lawlessness". (Gr. 458 lit. lawless, transgressor, [root 459] without law, destitute of the Mosaic Law)

 

Why Do Men Hate the Law?

Men hate the Law because it condemns them of their sins. The Law is an offense to those who want freedom to sin rather than freedom from sin. It also shows them that there is a standard of Truth higher than their own. Remember, sinful men wish to be god-like. Their philosophies take on a Messianic flavor. Yet, without the Word as the source of Truth, righteous law and public policy, cannot be achieved. Autonomy is a sin against God and traces back to the sin of Adam in Eden.

 

The Solution

The solution lies in simple obedience. Legitimate Law-keeping is done from the position of regenerating Grace and not from the desire to merit regenerating grace. By the deeds of the Law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight...cf Rom 3:20


Through the proper application of God's Law to each and every area of life, the saint can begin to overturn the antinomian poisoning of the culture. The Lawful intent and purpose of God's Law needs to be re-examined and re-embraced. Like Josiah of Judah, the Law must be read and followed unto full repentance so that restoration may take place. This must be accomplished on a personal, familial, ecclesiastic and national level. Every area of the culture must be infiltrated in order to bring the full weight of the Law's truth upon it. No discipline should be avoided. Each should be confronted and restructured according to the absolute Truth of God's Holy Standard.


The True Christian must be of Grace and of Law. His work must be executed upon the earth according to the perfect system of moral righteousness as a result of the Work of God's intervening power of regeneration. To reject God's Law is to reject God's Grace.


Soli Deo Gloria

Originally published in 2003

 

Further reading: The Grace of Law: A Study in Puritan Theology  and The Moral Law by Ernest Kevan

 

This is part three in a five part series on the dominion covenant.

 

Uncategorized - 09/18/2018

Leadership Defined: The Leadership Pattern

All leaders, to some extent are led. To be an effective leader, one must be a faithful follower. Every leader has a mentor, someone who they have learned from, and respect. Effective leadership uses effective leadership as an example. This is true in every case.

 

The dynamic is simple. Good leadership produces good leaders, whereas, evil, self-seeking and tyrannical leadership produces evil, self-seeking, tyrannical leadership. Every leadership model develops other leadership models "after its own kind."

 

 

The Leadership Pattern

Thus, it is important to have a leadership pattern which is an accurate example of True Leadership. In order for leadership to be true, it must have, as its root and focus, ethical, Christ centered integrity. Sadly, today's culture erects "leaders" which are, by definition, not True Leaders. Modern "leaders" often practice pragmatism and are, in many cases, entirely unethical, or at best, selectively ethical. While they may lead others, and are often followed by others, they are void of authentic goodness, making them destructive examples rather than good leaders.

 

Many of the so-called American leaders of the 20th and 21st century are immoral, and dysfunctional self-seeking  baboons. This includes those who are now dead, and those who are still living. Both the sports industry and the entertainment industry have sought to elevate God-less, disrespectful "low-lifes" as a driving force in American culture. These men and women are considered the new leaders.

 

Even after their wickedness is openly manifested, the public still loves them - sometimes even more-so. These god-hating icons, ironically called "stars" (a reference used By God to identify the True Saints of His Kingdom), are consistently paraded before the public for the express purpose of emulation. The underlying message is, "be like them, and you will be both happy and successful." Nothing could be farther from the truth.

 

True leadership is based upon an absolute standard of ethical and moral Righteousness. This standard is complete and comprehensive. It is a universal standard which engages every sphere of life. That absolute standard is the Holy Law-Word of God.

 

Only those who conform to that standard are worthy of being called leaders. George Washington therefore, can be called a leaders while Bill (Caligula) Clinton cannot. Likewise, John Quincy Adams can be called a leader, while FDR cannot. Although it is true that each of these men were placed in "leadership" positions, they were not all good leaders. If they were not good leaders, then, by definition, they were not leaders at all since they led the people on a destructive path.

 

Leaders vs. Influential People

It should be obvious, by now, that there is not only a crisis in leadership, but a crisis in understanding what leadership really is. If no one knows what leadership truly is, then no one can truly be a leaders. If there is no pattern of true leadership, then any pattern will do. If the American people expect to be governed benevolently they need to understand the nature and anatomy of true leadership. The liberty of the individual and the nation hinges upon leadership.

 

There is also some confusion concerning the distinction between leaders and influential people. Generally speaking, everyone is influential to a certain degree. Every father and every mother directly and dramatically influences their children. Siblings and relatives also create a certain amount of  behavioral pressure, as does the schoolteacher, babysitter, news reporters, media commentator, novelist, legislator, clergyman, policeman, poet, historian, even the local shopkeeper. All human interaction holds some degree of influence. Each of these positions, among many others, effects the individual according to some level of power.

 

While the father may exercise a great influence and authority over the child, the news commentator, of the nightly liberal news network, may exercise great influence over the father. Even though the newsman does not directly influence the child, he does so indirectly and with potentially a greater force since his ideologies are brought to the child through the father.

 

If the infectious ideology poisons the father's world-view, the father may "influence" the child yet, he is not leading him properly. likewise, the news commentator may have the Lead Story and may be the Leading anchorman, yet he is not leading. He is however, tremendously influencing. This is why it is so important for fathers to be True Leaders so as to influence for Good rather than evil.

 

Attila the Hun : A Great Leader?

In 1995 I happened across a book by Wess Roberts, PhD, "Leadership Secrets of Attila the Hun. It was endorsed by Ross Perot as a book which embodied "timeless leadership principles." After skimming the table of contents I thought I would read it. Perot was correct. Wess put his finger upon a great many useful principles of "truth" concerning leadership. Yet, like James MacGregor Burns, he missed the most crucial element - God.

 

Attila was, humanistically speaking, an influential leader. He was not a true leader, according to the standard of Scripture. Remember influential does not necessarily translate into Leader.

 

Wess' Premise and Execution

Wess' book was geared toward the business community. It was well written and included a vast array of situations any executive in corporate management would face in the affairs of everyday business.

 

Although many of the principles were helpful and enlightening, as I read the book, I kept going back to the opening statement Wess made in his preface.

"Attila the Hun is a dubious character...  He's been portrayed as a barbaric, ugly little tyrant whose hordes, in total disregard of accepted principles of conservation, ruthlessly destroyed the beautiful and tranquil countryside, then went on to plunder and pillage numerous cities and villages inhabited by more civilized citizens of European nations."

 

Wess does confess that to use Attila as an example of a brilliant leader is not widely culturally accepted. Usually examples of leadership skills and qualities are reserved for men of a more noble stature. Yet, what is the standard that distinguished a more noble stature? What is the standard used to characterize a man of leadership? Is it that he is more socially acceptable? Handsome? Knowledgeable? Funny? Wealthy? Has many friends? A distinguished family pedigree?

 

Then we must ask the question, "What makes one distinguished from another?" Certainly Jack the ripper was a distinguished individual, even influencing all of London during the nineteenth century, but that doesn't mean he is a distinguished leader.

 

The point again is this: True Leadership is dependent upon ethics and motive. Attila led his men for selfish gain. They were treacherous and evil. He was a barbarian-tyrant. He was not a great leader. He was a murderous wicked sinful man. He was no more a great leader than Hitler or Diocletian.

Yet, he did portray "leadership qualities". By filtering Wess' book through a Biblical God-centered world view, Leadership Secrete of Attila the Hun became one of my favorites. Not because it spoke of Attila, but because it spelled out well-known Biblical truths. Through the eyes of Scripture, Wess' book was a great experience for me.

 

David and Gideon

Every leadership principle spelled out by Wess I transposed over to King David or valiant Gideon. It was glorious. I began to read the Battles of the Bible with a view to leadership motives, goals, strategies and characteristics. It began to learn the true nature and end of Godly leadership, and it was all about God, His Christ, His Law, His World, and the Glory and Righteousness of His kingdom.

 

The Leadership Cover-up

History is full of all kinds of "leaders". Some of them can be considered true leaders. Others should be considered as evil, or inept leaders. Those who are inept or ungodly do not deserve the noble title of leader - but rather "a destructive influencing force in society". Yet, the history books are often given a bias and clouded account of facts, especially if God-hating authorities are issuing the history textbooks. But facts are facts. They are unchangeable. Either a man is a leader or he is not. As John Adams once stated, "facts are stubborn things."

 

Case in point: A modern American high school textbook once devoted a single page to George Washington while devoting almost 10 pages to movie actress, singer, and renown harlot, Marilyn Monroe. This example may be extreme and isolated, but the pattern of historical cover-up is pandemic. Today's mainstream media and educational institutions have exchanged the truth for a lie, broadcasting evil men as leaders and Godly leaders as fanatics and idiots. Even sports figures and music performers such as the Beatles, Puff Daddy, Michael Jackson, Oprah, Elvis and Madonna are found in high school history textbooks while little attention is given to the true substance of American culture - its founders and heroes.

 

This nation was forged by Godly Leadership not hip hop media icons. In a 1954 speech by Chief Justice Earl Warren, addressing the annual prayer breakfast of the International Council of Christian Leadership, he stated:

I believe no one can read the history of our country without realizing that the Good Book, and the Spirit of the Savior, have, from the beginning, been our guiding geniuses... Whether we look to the first charter of Virginia.... or to the Charter of New England.... or the Charter of Massachusetts Bay... or to the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut... the same objective is present: A Christian land governed by Christian principles.

I believe the entire Bill of Rights came into being because of the knowledge our forefathers had of the Bible, and their belief in it - freedom of belief, of expression, of assembly, of petition, the dignity of the individual, the sanctity of the home, equal justice under the Law, and the reservation of powers to the people. I like to believe we are living today in the spirit of the Christian religion. I like also to believe that as long as we do so, no great harm can come to our country.

America is a Christian nation in the same way Israel is a Jewish nation, Saudi Arabia an Islamic nation and India a Hindu nation. This fact should be irrefutable. Yet, the forces of wickedness refute it everyday.

 

Principled Centered Leadership

Author Stephen R. Covey is a nationally known author and leadership consultant. Of his many books, Principled Centered Leadership, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families, and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, Covey sets forth an important principle. He speaks in secular terms, yet his Biblical premise, and message, is clear. All leadership must have a "True North" standard. That true north must be the absolute standard of the Holy Scriptures. Covey explains that maps are not always reliable as a navigational tool since the terrain (i.e. the situation) often changes. But a true north compass will always show the way north.

True leadership boils down to "True North" principles. Those principles are God inspired, God-centered and God-ward. Then, and only then can they be good for the people. This, by definition, is proper leadership.

 

Leaders have a Destination

All leaders know where they are going. If a person doesn't know where he is going, "any train will get them there." Goals are essential for leadership. Leadership skills require that all leaders see the end before they refine the means by which to achieve that end. This requires vision.

Covey identifies this lack of direction as a fundamental problem with would-be leaders. Leadership needs a destination. Various Biblical principles testify to this fact. In Proverbs 29:18 Solomon declares,

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the Law, happy is he.

All true leaders have two things in common. They have both a vision and a perfect standard of Truth by which to execute that vision. Unlike Cain, who was a vagabond and wanderer, leaders have a precise direction as a result of a precise understanding of God's will for their lives. They may not know every detail, but they are generally sure of their purpose in life. Theologically speaking, this is known as "the calling." Perhaps the most important question a Christian can ask is, "What has God called me to do with my life?"

 

While every individual needs to define, understand and undertake his or her calling  under God, so too does each and every family unit. Every family should have a mission statement which identifies their calling as a family unit. This statement is very much like a creed or a confession. It identifies, in clear and simple terms, the family culture. It also spells out the goal which that family is striving to achieve. The mission statement is the family constitution. Since God works through Covenant families, those families need to be especially mindful of their calling before God.

 

Five Initial and General Commandments Concerning God's Calling

God's call can be categorized into 5 distinct general headings.

 

  1. God calls His people to faithfulness. This includes, but is not limited to, a turning from evil, an embracing of good, and a universal practice of righteous obedience.

     

  2. God calls His people to a new way of life which is structured according to His Law of Ethics.

     

  3. God calls His people to full ethical fellowship with Him. God's people are adopted through the restoration and resurrection power of the Lord Jesus Christ making them His Sons. Thus, whatsoever the Son sees the Father do, he does likewise. God is our example, in the person of Christ.

     

  4. God calls His people to labor. Six days shalt thou work. This work is vocational. That is to say it is dedicated to the Glory of God, in His service according to His ethical standards of Law. This vocation is found in every area of life's work. The carpenter has a holy vocation on par with the clergyman, as does the plumber and store clerk. There is no distinction if both execute their work in the service of God as a life's devotion to Him. By this labor Christian Dominion is accomplished.

     

  5. God calls His people to competence. Learned skills, and the ability to perform those skills with diligence and competence is essential. God's people should never think that simply because they are of the regeneration, that God will tolerate sloth and incompetence. Sloth and incompetence only bring dishonor to the Kingdom of His majesty.

 

To those who earnestly and prayerfully seek to better themselves and their performance of their tasks, God blesses. God rewards competence with more competence. He also blesses devotion and "stick-to-itiveness" if it is done from a pure heart. Christians need to understand that every job, no matter how insignificant it may seem at the time, is to be done well, unto the glory of God. Whatever we eat or drink, it is to be done to His Glory.

Soli Deo Gloria

 

Originally published in 2003

This is part two in a series on leadership defined. Part three will be published next week.

 

Leadership Defined - Part 1

 

 

Uncategorized - 09/04/2018

The Dominion Covenant: Principles of Law and Dominion

All Men Seek Dominion

Since the dominion mandate was given to Adam as part of his Covenant responsibility, and since Adam represents all mankind, the commission is essentially for all mankind. Yet, fallen, rebellious man, cannot fulfill the commission in its original intent. Nor can sinful man fulfill his commission to the pleasing of God, or for His glory. They are all covenant breakers, unable and unwilling to properly fulfill the Cultural Mandate.

 

Yet, mankind seeks dominion. Dominion is the natural posture of man, as a result of their being created in the image of God. Unregenerate man will peruse dominion in varying ways. Sometimes he will peruse it furiously, sometimes haphazardly, sometimes lazily, but always for selfish ends. Sinful subjection of the world, by sinful men is always done for their glorying rather than for the glory of God. This subjugation is usually accomplished by cunning, craft, deceit or even unrighteous force, rather than by ethical obedience. Thus, by definition this "type" of dominion-conquest should be re-identified as domination, rather than by the term ethical dominion.

Dominion vs. Domination

Biblical dominion is not humanistic carnal domination. There is a distinct difference. While Biblical Dominion seeks its goal by the faithful practice of ethics, and a strict obedience to God's Law, domination, on the other hand, is the acquisition of power by any means for the profit of the individual.

 

Man's natural tendency is bent toward developing ways to rule over his environment. Rather than subduing the earth ethically, and for God's glory, man's efforts are for the subduing the earth "by whatever it takes". This "power religion" is based upon force rather than God's code of Law.

 

The Common Denominator - Humanism

This power religion, or domination religion, seeks to achieve its goal by every and all means except ethical means. Man envisions victory through the avenues of economics, politics, social change, technological and scientific advance, ecological reform, psychological, physiological, and  anthropological breakthroughs and even by religious means. The only rejected strategy is the plan of reform through careful and faithful obedience to God's system of Law and ethics. This is the one avenue the unregenerate are both unwilling and unable to take.

 

History is full of accounts of sinful man, developing tools and ideas for both pleasure and use, by way of "power religion." Power religion is simply aggressive humanism. Humanism is very much a religion. It glorifies and worship the creature, man, rather than the Creator, God. It has its followers as well as its priesthood. Its temples are the schools and universities which exalt the human race, and by ridiculing and condemning the Creator.

 

The pursuit of money, academic intellectualism, social and political power are just a few ways in which man seeks to rule over his situation and dominate his culture. Yet, not one can fulfill the original dominion mandate apart from the New Birth, and obedience to God's Law. The plans and hopes of the humanism agenda will always fail.

 

Dominion is all about Obedience

Dominion is obedience. Without obedience there can be no dominion. There can be no cultural progression of the Christian faith without careful Covenant obedience.

 

Dominion is also about responsibility. As God's vice-regents upon the earth, and as His judges and ambassadors, we are to be responsible in our stewardship. The earth is our stewardship since it belongs exclusively to God. "The earth is the Lords and the fullness thereof." As Adam in the garden, so are we in the World - called to subdue and take responsibility for its well being, under God, in Righteousness.

 

Culture

Noah Webster defines culture as "the act of tilling and preparing the earth for crops." Culture is the application of labor upon a given area of life. It can be the culture of a field as well as the culture of a community or an individual. The blame for a poor harvest should never be placed upon the soil, but upon the culture. It is through the work of "cultivation" that the produce of the earth brings forth plentifully.

 

Adam was commanded to till the earth. He was the chief cultivator. His work, if executed faithfully, would reap a great reward. In Matthew 13, the Lord likens the world to a field. His expectation is that His people would act as cultivators. This idea bears a direct relationship to the cultural mandate of Genesis 1:28.

 

Monasticism and Escapism

Two popular heresies of the ancient world have once again been embraced by the church. During the Middle Ages monasteries were set up as seminaries and places of religious seclusion. While the monasteries of the Middle Ages may have equipped certain faithful men to expand the faith, and to some degree been a useful establishment, today the monastic thought of the modern church has nearly destroyed the faith.

 

Modern monastic thought has given rise to escapism from society rather than a  cultivation of society. While aspects of the monastic life of the Middle Ages may be looked at as highly questionable the monastic practice of the modern church is entirely and outright wicked, rebellious and counterproductive. Instead of influencing the culture for good, they have either remained silent or shamelessly embraced the wickedness and tradition of the culture they have been called to oversee. Being in the world they sinfully became one with the world, trading their Covenant Blessing for a pot of Esau's pottage.

 

The mission of the true Church is cultural leadership, not cultural escapism. The Church is called to lead. It is called to tread upon serpents and scorpions and every unclean thing. These serpents and scorpions are symbolic word-pictures of wicked men and humanistic philosophies. Every imagination (i.e. philosophy, legislation, and public policy) that exalts itself against the Authority of God's Moral Law is to be cast down. The church must be vocal in bringing argument, debate and instruction against public law and policies which rebel against God's Law. Christians should be intolerant of any legislative action which is not in conformity with God's perfect standard of Law, the Holy Scriptures.

 

When the church retreats into the monastery of their four-walled church building,  they cease to be of any use. Their light is extinguished under a bushel, and their salt looses its savor. Thus, they are eventually trodden down under the feet of men by their humanistic ideology. Historically the church has been militant, not monastic! It has been called to leadership and dominion.

 

Dominion Success Begins with a Perfect Standard

Since ethics and Law are the basic tools for dominion success, the Christian needs to be well equipped in the understanding and application of God's Law. God's Law is the perfect standard of all ethics. The Law of God is more than a code of regulations, it is the perfect expression of God's nature and being. The Law of God sets forth His righteousness and Justice. To reject God's Law is to reject God.

 

What many modern Christians misunderstand is that God is both a God of Grace, and a God of Law. Therefore, if we follow that principle to its logical conclusion, His people are people of Grace, and people if Law. The two are completely harmonious. There is no such thing as a lawless Christian, unless that "Christian" is not a true Christian at all. Furthermore, there is no such standard as "no law." Everyone follows some law. It is not a question then, of law or no law, but rather, who's law. Biblical Christians have God as their God and His Law as their Law. Both Grace and Law are Covenantal. They are both a blessing and a gift to the people of God.

 

The Extent of the Law

If the Christian Community is to regain righteous dominion over the culture, the standard of God's Moral Law must be used in every sphere of life. God's legislative claim is both universal and comprehensive. He does not compartmentalize life. There is no such thing as secular life apart from religious life. Every aspect of life is religious, and follows either a standard of religious Humanism or religious Theism. Either God is King or man is king. There is no other ground to stand upon.  Law-breaking is in fact, a refusal to live within the relationship established by the Covenant.

 

The Law of God interfaces with, and claims Sovereignty over, every area of life. It is lord over our private life, our public life, and our secret life. God is the Divine Lawgiver Who gives the Law for our empowerment, rather for our restrictions. His Law is the pure and legitimate law. To be bound by the Law of God is to be at liberty under God, and empowered by God, for Dominion success.

 

Life's Categories Subject To Law

Since God's Law claims dominion over all spheres of life, we should be able to categorize each aspect of life, and then apply God's Law to them. Consider the main particulars, or disciplines of life. Life is composed of these basic categories.

 

  1. Theological/Philosophical

  2. Ethical

  3. Biological

  4. Psychological

  5. Sociological

  6. Ecological

  7. Legal Jurisprudence

  8. Political

  9. Economical

  10. Historical

Each of life's disciplines must be defined, directed, and regulated by a certain standard. If the standard is faulty, the understanding of the disciplines will also be faulty. If the standard is accurate, the understanding will be accurate, and ultimately beneficial. Moreover, the same standard that created the disciplines must also define those disciplines. The one who creates is the one who is qualified to define.

 

It is God, not man, that has conceptualized and manifested these fundamentals of life-relationships. It is man, however, in his rejection of God and His omniscient wisdom, who has sought to re-define these principles of life according to his own flawed understanding. Since God has created all life to exist intimately with each of these disciplines, it is He that must define and legislate it. It is God alone who can point the way to the proper application of life's disciplines. Any and all attempts to usurp the legitimate authority of God will lead to a breakdown of the culture.

 

Consider the Application of God's Word to Life's Disciplines

 

Theology: [Gen 1:1 & Col 2:9 & John 1] The Scriptures teach us that Christ is the fullness of the Godhead Bodily. It teaches us that through Christ was all things made and there wasn't anything made that was not made through Him. God is the Creator of the earth. He alone is the owner of every living thing, and all things that exist. Genesis 1:1 has great theological and Philosophical ramifications. In fact, Genesis 1:1 sets the stage for all life.

 

Philosophy: [John 1:14 & Prov. 8]  Christ is the Word made Flesh. He is Wisdom, and in Him is all knowledge. This is a Philosophical concept. The word philosophy means "the love of wisdom." It is the "explanation of things." It is the art of logic and reasoning. Yet, modern philosophers reject the root and source of Wisdom and look inwardly to themselves for the well spring of truth. Christ is the Truth. In man there is only darkness. God's Word is the Truth. Yet, men despise knowledge as a result of their rejection of the fear of the Lord.

 

Ethics: [Gen 2:9 & Rom 7:12] This is the system of morality - the application of that which is right and good to all areas of life. God is the source and definer of what is right and what is wrong. He tells us, by His Law, what is good and what is evil. The tree in the midst of the Garden was a tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Adam was forbidden to eat of it not because He didn't want Adam to know the difference between right and wrong but because he was not to use the LAW as a means to receive Grace. The moment he did, he died. God had already spelled out his task. Adam already knew what was right and what was wrong.It was enough.

 

Biology: [Genesis 1:21 Gen 30] God tells us clearly that all things would reproduce after their own kind. This is a biological idea. Jacob used God's biological Law to become a crafty sheepherder. He was skilled in genetically breeding his sheep. God is the God of Biology.

 

Psychology: [Gen 2:7] This is the study of the mind. Who can know the mind but God? He made the soul and is the discerner of the hearts and the intentions of men.

 

Sociology: [Gal 4:6] Sociology is the study of society and social relationships. Sociology is pertaining to men in social relationships. Society began in the garden of Eden within the confines and protection of the family unit. Society began with Adam, who was the son of God. Sociology's fundamental unit of  meaning comes from the family, particularly from the Son of God.

 

Ecology: [Gen 1:28-29]  God gave Adam the task of ecological stewardship. He was to maintain he balance of nature through the tilling of the soil. He was the protector of the Lord's creation. The earth was his stewardship responsibility. Today's ecology is perverted. It worships the earth as opposed to caring for it under God and for the Glory of God. [cf Rom 1]

 

Jurisprudence: [Gen 3:11] God's word is His Law. His commandment is His legal decree. The whole Bible is a legal covenantal document. There is nothing that God says that is not law. Everything reflects Him as Lawgiver and Judge. The Scriptures are replete with Laws. To ignore the impact of the Bible on the discipline of jurisprudence is to ignore God.

 

Politics: [Psalm 2 & Rev 19:16 & 1 Tim 6:15] The title King is a political title. Nothing could be plainer. The Scriptures speak of politics and political maneuvers as much as anything else. to miss the political impact of the Scriptures is the miss the forest for the trees.

 

Economics: [Gen 1:29 & Mark 12:42 & Luke 16] The Scriptures speak of ownership and trade throughout. these are concepts of economics. God speaks of poverty and wealth, industry and sloth, progress and failure. All of these relate to economics. The Bible also points to all kinds of business and trade associations. All these are given for our learning and application.

 

Historical: [Gen 3:15] All of history revolves around the Covenant promise of God's Deliverance. Every aspect of history is perfectly and meticulously orchestrated to bring about the full restitution and restoration of the Kingdom reign and dominion of Christ upon the earth in behalf of the Covenant elect. History is the manifestation of God's will worked out over time, on earth, through people and events. The purpose of history is summed up in Genesis 3:15. "God shall place enmity between the seed of the women and the seed of the serpent." He shall crush the serpents head by the bruising of His heel. It is Christ that sustains time. He is both the fullness of time and exists both inside and outside of history's time - Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.

 

Soli Deo Gloria
Originally published in 2003

Uncategorized - 08/28/2018

The Christian Home School: Education Defined

"For the Commandment is a lamp; and the Law is light; and reproofs and instruction are the way of life." Proverbs 6:23

 

A couple of years ago I was introduced to a book by Stephen C. Perks entitled, "The Christian philosophy of Education Explained." After reading its review I was eager to read it, in its entirety, for myself. To my delight, Perks was able to clearly state what most Christians are not even able to consider in the abstract. His work is perhaps one of the most important works on this topic. [Stephen C. Perks - Pub. Avant Books, P.O. Box 1 Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 1HP, England 1992]

 

In an effort to accurately reproduce Perks' insight upon the topic of Christian Education and the Covenant responsibility of all Christians, I began to structure my Sabbath Day lectures according to his outline with great success.

 

Since it is my solemn belief that Christ-centered Education is the high ground for the Christian goal of Cultural Dominion, Perks' work proved to be a formidable companion for realizing that end.

 

Education Defined

Education is the single most important discipline of life. Everyday we learn. The one thing that never ceases to take place is learning. While it is true that some are not adapt at learning well, nevertheless, they are learning something, even if it is that they are unable to learn well.

 

Yet, all education is not proper education. Some things learned are blatantly wrong and potentially destructive. Other things which are learned are useless, never bringing positive fruition to the life of the individual. What needs to be pursued, by every soul upon earth, is an Education which is True and profitable.

 

Education cannot exist in a vacuum. All education has, at its root, a fundamental presupposition. In other words, education cannot be neutral. It is not simply a list of facts, unattached to intentions that are fundamentally Theological in nature. The nature of education is religious. education either presupposes GOD or presupposes no God. All education has an epistemological [i.e. knowledge] base. That base is either God-centered [Theological/Theonomic i.e God's Law] or man centered [Humanistic - man's law].

 

Furthermore, education must have relevance. It must be applied if it is to have the transforming effect that it is intended for. The fact of the matter is that education is the means to change society. The simple equation then becomes clear. Good, Godly education, produces good and Godly societal change, while bad, humanistic, education produces bad, humanistic societal change. Without any doubt, education produces change. The question we face is "What kind of change will it produce?"

 

Education also must be all-encompassing. It must teach moral and spiritual character as well as practical academic knowledge. to teach facts in a vacuum without the Godly application of those facts, coupled with morality and ethics, merely produces "educated criminals". Once God's precepts of education are removed from the academic system, the system is doomed to produce Godless results. We see these results today.

 

Noah Webster emphases this in his 1828 Dictionary.

EDUCATION, n. [L. educatio.] The bringing up, as of a child, instruction; formation of manners. Education comprehends all that series of instruction and discipline which is intended to enlighten the understanding, correct the temper, and form the manners and habits of youth, and fit them for usefulness in their future stations. To give children a good education in manners, arts and science, is important; to give them a religious education is indispensable; and an immense responsibility rests on parents and guardians who neglect these duties.


Thus, Webster includes, as an all important aspect of education, the manners and dispositions of the student. He also understands, and expresses, that the goal of education is to become useful and productive in society, for good. The focus of proper a good education, during the 1600 through the early 1800 was fundamental Christian. Webster notes this by use of the word, "religious". He then points to the parent as the principle source of education.

 

Education for Cultural Change

During the early 1930's, Germany's charismatic leader, Adolph Hitler, commanded the leaders of the Third Reich to begin the transformation of Germany. Hitler envisioned a New Germany, structured according to his personal vision. His goal was to solve the nations problems through national reform. The Nazification of the culture was under way.

 

Hitler's initial focus was upon the churches and the schools. Both institutions were educational and highly influential. Hitler's genius, as evil as it was, saw that by controlling these institutions, his task of dictatorship would be easy. Sadly, the German Christians supported the Nazi doctrines and leadership principles and wanted them to apply to their congregations. They would be come a Reich Church destined to bring the "Protestants into one all-encompassing body." Hitler gradually and then totally gained control over the churches and the doctrines they would teach.

 

Hitler provided jobs, restored Germany's military might, created general prosperity and brought Germany into the light of the world with his foreign policy. These accomplishments blinded the Christians into sacrificing their freedom for a bit of pottage.  By 1941 the task to control the churches was complete, and Hitler declared the churches to be the National Reich Church.

William Shirer's "The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich" lists the demands upon the church. Among them were the following.

 

1. The National Reich Church [NRC] claimed exclusive rights and ecclesiastic control over all German churches.

2. The NRC would have no pastors, scribes, priests or chaplains. Only the National Reich orators would be allowed to speak.

3. The NRC would display no other book than the book written by Adolph Hitler, Mein Kampf. Since Mein Kamph was nationally declared as the most important document of all time, containing the purest of ethics and truest doctrines, no other book was permitted upon the alters of the churches. Hitler declared that Mein Kampf was the most sacred book, to both the people and to God Himself, publicly placing himself above God.

4. Bibles and all religious artifacts were to be removed from all churches.

5. All crosses would be replaced with the Nazi swastika.


The education system was also transformed. A new national state, beginning with the re-indoctrination of the youth, was begun in 1933.

 

All professors and educators were screened to determine their political allegiance to the Nazi cause. Curriculums were revised and altered promoting only the Nazi agenda. A national brainwashing campaign was begun. Mandatory schooling of all children was enforced.

On November 6,1933 Hitler calmly stated,


"Your child belongs to us already. Who are you? You will pass on. Your descendents now stand in the new camp. In a short time you will know nothing except this new community."

 


And on May 1,1937 he stated,

"This new Reich will give its youth to no one, but will itself take youth and give to youth its own education and its own upbringing."


Every discipline was taught through the Nazi World View. This view was fundamentally religious. It was fundamentally destructive. It is an event which will teach us nothing, if we do not learn from it and apply it to our situation today. The parallels are astonishing.

 

The Principle for Dominion

Since the World belongs to God, and He is the Creator, Lawgiver, Judge and Sovereign, God must define the World. Any definition apart from, or in contempt of, God and His Truth, is erroneous and potentially destructive.

 

Christian Education is the fundamental tool for Righteous, God- honoring, Cultural reconstruction. Without a solid Christian foundation of an explicitly well developed Christian World and Life view, victory and dominion, even liberty and life itself, cannot be established. All life must be viewed with and through Biblical understanding.

 

The good Christians in Hitler's Germany fell prey to Nazism simply because their Biblical Worldview, and concept of God-centered Dominion was flawed. Their epistemological basis of the Christian faith was undeveloped, which led to their deception.

 

What is Christian Dominion?

As a result of Christ's definitive Victory at Calvary, the New Testament Christian is placed in the responsible position of legislating and judging the world according to the Righteous decrees of God. His task is to put down all philosophies, notions, doctrines, and practices that seek to undermine the Truth of God's Law. Wherever and whenever the saint is presented with opportunity, he is to expound and apply God's Law in the public venue.

 

Providence dictates when and where we are to exercise Dominion. Dominion is to be sought whether it is in the home, the marketplace, in civil service, political service, business, or any other everyday situation. Wherever God has providentially placed us, we are to declare, and practice the Commandments.

 

The commission to subdue and take dominion rule over the earth is a command for the Christian to execute during his life on the earth.

 

Influence

Since the Christian is given such a commission, he is to actively seek to be privately and publicly influential. Escapism is not Biblical. Hiding behind the religion of Christianity so as not to become to vocal on political and economic issues is condemned by the Scriptures.

 

Knowledge of God's Truths, and the application of God's precepts are the tools of Dominion.

Perks sets the opening standard for the Christian, when he explains that,

"The task of theology, therefore is two fold: First the theologian aims to understand and communicate effectively the Truth of God's Word, and secondly, to apply the command word to God to the contemporary situation, thereby providing an intelligible basis for the practical out working of the Christian faith."


The task of each Christian is understanding and application. This is to be accomplished through Covenant Christian Education.

 

The Statist schools cannot accomplish this, nor do they try to. In fact, they seek to undermine God's definitive Truth by either forbidding it, or revising it. Simply speaking, the Christian should have absolutely nothing to do with the humanism of statist education. Christ must be the Sovereign Definer of Truth. All education must come under His Dominion in order for Righteous Dominion to flourish.

 

Deo Vindice

Originally published in 2003

Uncategorized - 08/14/2018

Conservatism or Christ

Political Conservatism is often viewed as the political expression for the Orthodox Christian. Many God fearing people are convinced that Christianity and Conservatism are one and the same. Some Christians even call themselves Christian Libertarians, aligning themselves with the Conservative community of Constitutional Liberty, while others equate themselves with the Republican Party.

Many well meaning, Bible believing Christians hold to the belief that the principles of these Political Parties are in direct accordance with the principles of Christ, when it comes to morality, liberty, law and public policy. Yet is this really true?

What is the nature of today’s political Conservatism? Is it rooted in Biblical Law or in tradition? Does it hold to a fundamental Scriptural ideology or does it rely upon a certain humanistic perception of reality in order to formulate its position?

While the official platform of the Conservative Republican Party is a wonderful expression of family values, economic freedom, government limitation, and basic libertarian policy, in practice Conservatism falls far short of the true expression of Christ-centered principles. Since it was these basic Christo-centric precepts that formulated the nation, it should be these principles that maintain the nation. Conservatism should “conserve” those principles, not reinvent or reinterpret them.

But what is the root of modern Conservatism? Does it come from the Scriptures or from something else? According to political expert Paul Henry, “Political Conservatism is a tradition of political thought having its origins in reactions against the libertarianism and individualism of the French Revolution of 1789…”

This reaction was based upon human reason. As Edmund Burke declared, “Government is a matter of practical wisdom stemming from the historical experiences of a given people.”

Thus, Burke’s “wisdom” would be influenced arbitrarily by history, experience, and the passions of men rather than God’s Word. According to this “Enlightenment rationality” and evolutionary ideology, no people could be really secure since law and public policy was always subject to change. The Reverend William O. Einwechter rightly asserts that under this Enlightenment ideal, even liberty itself would be subject to incremental change depending upon the need which history would dictate.

Burke did not suggest that law and public policy would be applied to various changes of societal matters but that the law and policy itself would change depending upon experience and certain historical revelations. This dogma places every individual at risk to either totalitarianism or anarchy.

Burke’s conservatism ideal declared that change must take place according to changing traditions and the “self conscience” practices of a given people. Therefore, according to Burke, conservatism conserves nothing, but rather makes way for any and every kind of change, depending on the whim of the people and their elected official.

According to Russell Kirk, Conservatism never was intended to be a fixed and immutable body of dogmas but rather its essence is the “preservation of the ancient moral traditions of humanity.” For Kirk, the essence of Conservatism is to re-express ancient tradition, thus allowing for change within a set, yet somewhat flexible, perimeter of tradition.

Rather than structuring the societal order according to the set standard of Divine Wisdom found exclusively in God’s Law, the Conservative structures societal order based upon a universal morality and transcendental order of “natural law”. This natural law, while having a form of Divine basis, actually is determined by man’s tradition and past history. Thus modern Conservatism has no standard but the standard of historical, evolutionary and incremental change. This is why it is destined to failure unless the unchangeable standard of Biblical Law is reintroduced as its fundamental policy. Again Einwechter sates it most clearly: “In conservative circles Christ and Biblical Law are out, while Locke, rationality and natural law are in.”

While there are fundamental differences between the Liberal socialist and the Republican Conservative, the lines are often blurred. The modern Conservative is as often as secular in his politics as his liberal counterpart. One need only to look back upon recent history to see that the “Conservative movement” has undoubtedly and progressively shifted toward the left while the Democratic socialist movement has progressively shifted to the far left.

It has been said repeatedly that while the Democrats seek to destroy this country by driving her off the cliff and into the depths of socialism and egalitarianism at 100mph, the Republicans seek to do the same, only at a slower rate. So what’s the difference?

Christian Politics is Christ centered not man centered. It is not conservatism, libertarianism, rationalism or Enlightenment thinking. It is Christian based thinking rooted in Biblical Law. While conservatism places man as king, Christian thought sets Christ as King of kings and Ruler of Nations. Christian thought is Biblically based where the Scriptures reign as the Supreme Standard of Law and Public Policy. Christian politics seeks to bring all men in subjection to His rule as ministers of good and the punishers of evil. Theologian and political analyst, John Fielding observes that today’s conservatives have taken Thomas Jefferson as the king in rejection of the True King of Kings. May we claim what Benjamin Rush declared; “I am neither a democrat nor an aristocrat. I am a Christocrat.”

Soli Deo Gloria

About the author: The Rev. Dr. Paul Michael Raymond pastors the Reformed Bible Church In Central Virginia and is the Chief Director of the Institute for Theonomic Reformation, an online Christ-Centered Educational Resource Center. He can be reached at his website HisGlory.us.

Uncategorized - 11/06/2017

The Dominion Covenant: An Introduction to the Cultural Mandate

The modern church is merely a shadow of what it once was, and no where near to what it was meant to be. Christianity has suffered an attack of both spiritual epilepsy and historical amnesia.1 It is confused, disoriented and fearful. Today's modernized Christian faith bows to just about every wind of doctrine, resulting in an epistemological basis2 set upon sinking sand. Instead of setting forth righteousness, justice, mercy and faith, they have embraced iniquity and every false way.

In both doctrine and practice, the majority of modern churches, have sought to exonerate themselves from any real cultural confrontation, thus relieving them of any societal obligation and responsibility. Yet, it is precisely this cultural confrontation which distinguishes the True Church from the "country club" church. The mission of the Church has been clouded by the modernists, with a "feel good religion", which is nothing more than humanism dressed in the holy rags of religion.

God expressly calls the Church to be a city set upon a hill.

He calls them to be light and salt, as well as a kingdom of priests, judges, princes and kings. Without righteous cultural confrontation, the Church is unable to fulfill Her Divine calling under God, and therefore cannot be called a True Church.

The initial goal of the Institute for Theonomic Reformation is to clearly define the Scriptural Role of Christ's True Church. Then, in order to equip, exhort, and encourage the community of God's people, the ITR will make available as many tools as necessary in order for the saints to fulfill the Cultural mandate.3

Through the use of articles, sermons, study guides, web-links, books, correspondence and a myriad of Scriptural tools, of both doctrinal and practical application, the ITR hopes to become a networking station for the Church, so that She may once again be called Militant and Triumphant, a Glorious City set upon a Hill. In this way we hope and pray that those who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal will heed Christ's call and lead in the way of righteousness.

The ITR is not merely an informational outlet. While it is in actuality, a Theological/Theonomic think-tank, the Institute is an active, on hands, resource center which can assist in practical strategies and plans of action.4

Through research and analysis the ITR will assist the Righteous Community of God's people in achieving the goal of Godly, Christ-centered Cultural Dominion.

The time for Reformation, by the proper and unceasing application of God's Law-Word to every sphere of life, is now. Both Scripture and history demand it. If the Church is ever to fulfill Her God-given mandate, She needs to understand, embrace and apply the principles of God's Word to the entire culture around them.

Soli Deo Gloria
Originally published in 2003

1 Note: A careful study of history will prove astounding to the student of insight. Never have the Scriptures allowed for the church to remain silent or neutral in the culture in which they were placed into. Never has the historic Christian church succumbed to such an anti-Christian notion of "escapism".

Since God places the church amidst human culture the commission of the historic Christian church is to engage the community with God's precepts. The church is placed upon the earth so as to be actively involved in societal affairs. From the Old Testament accounts through the first eight centuries of the New Testament era, the Church was the guardian of familial, ecclesiastic and civil matters.

What today's modern church practices and preaches is called, "monasticism." This is nothing more than hiding behind the four walls of the church building or behind a barrage of church programs and activities that have little or nothing to do with the Dominion Commission. Like Adam, after the fall hiding in the garden, so too does the church hide behind their religion, professing themselves to be wise, they become fools.
For an excellent discussion on the Dominion Mandate read, Gary North's "The Dominion Covenant", and "Backwards Christian Soldiers". These, and others, are freely available on-line at the Institute for Christian Economics (ICE).

2 Epistemology is the study of "Knowledge".  We get our word for Epistle from the Greek "Episteme". By definition this word simply means, "the study of knowledge, it's nature, origin and theory."  The Christian must have a Biblical "Knowledge Base." i.e. a Biblical Epistemology.

3 NOTE: The Cultural mandate is found in Genesis 1:28 where God commissions Adam to subdue the earth and take Dominion over it. This Commission was rebelled against and Adam could not fulfil it after the fall. Christ reinstates that calling and enables the Christian to fulfil that mandate during the Church age. each Christian is given this commission. 

The word "Culture" is a form of the word "to cultivate". God likens the entire world to a field or a garden that needs righteous cultivation. It is the task of each Christian to perform this deed of cultivation unto the Godly of God, and for the furtherance of His Kingdom. 

4 NOTE: Networking and correspondence is one of the most effective ways to bring about Cultural Change for the Glory of Christ. If you have any questions or need an initial plan of action write to us via our contact form.

Uncategorized - 11/02/2017

Theonomy: A Christ-centered World and Life View

A Definition

Theonomy is a composite Greek word which simply means God's Law. [Theos = God & Nomos = Law]. While the word itself may have a simple meaning, its implications are not at all simple.

The Theonomic Creed holds to the doctrine that God's Law is Supreme, universal, and comprehensive, and that all flesh is bound to obey it. Theonomy insists that all human action, law and public policy be entirely, and comprehensively subject to the Divine Standard of the Holy Scriptures. In regard to moral Law and legislation, the question is not "law or no law" but rather who's law? To ask that question is to answer it. Mankind will either follow God's Law or a law of his own making. The issue is one of Theonomy or autonomy - God's Law or self-law.

While it is true that no son of Adam can perfectly keep the Holy Law of God, they are commissioned and commanded to totally keep it, in every area and aspect of life. This obligation is given to everyone without exception. All those who are created in the image of God are entirely held accountable and responsible to obey. The fact that by nature they will not, nor cannot obey does not exempt them from adhering to the Divine Commandments.

On the other hand, those who are regenerated by the Last Adam, the Lord Christ, are empowered by the Holy Spirit, so as to appropriately exercise the commission of obedience to the Law of God totally. Yet, even the Sons of God, cannot keep the Law perfectly. They do however, strive to keep it totally.

 

Every Christian a Theonomist

Every true Christian is a Theonomist. Mankind is divided into two distinct groups when it comes to God's Law. They are either in support of God's Law, or they are in rebellion against God's Law. They are either pro-Law or anti-Law, i.e. pro-nomos, or anti-nomos. Those who are against God's Law are called anti-nomians. (Lit. against God's Law)

Many are they which profess to be Christian, yet, in reality are in stark rebellion against the Law of God. By perversely using Scripture, these claim liberty from the Law, sighting texts such as Romans 6:14.

 

"...for ye are not under the Law but under Grace." Romans 6:14

 

Where the Apostle declares that the saints are free from the condemning power of the law's demands, antinomians read it as being free from obeying the Law's perfect standard of obedience. Consequently they become a law unto themselves, and practice a form of godliness without the power of God's Lawful standard. Antinomians cannot reconcile the words of the Psalmist with their erroneous doctrine.

"Oh how love I Thy Law..." Psalm 119

Contrary to the lawless, the Theonomist does not find the moral, Judicial Law of God a burden. The Law to him is a delight and an empowering tool for personal and cultural dominion. Theonomists love the Law because they love the Lawgiver. They obey out of love and childlike faith.Antinomians do not love the Law, but rather seek to change the Law in order to fit their autonomous lusts.

The Theonomic approach to the Christian life is the only approach. "If ye love me, keep my commandments." No clearer principle can be set forth than this. Love and careful obedience are yoked together.

 

The Success of the Reformation based upon Theonomy

The reason behind the success of the 16th Century European Reformation can be directly traced back the principles of Theonomy. This is especially evident in the Scottish arena. John Knox is considered by many to be the most Biblically consistent and theologically thorough of all the great reformers. His posture on the Regulative Principle of Worship and Life sparked a great awakening and revival among the reformers which followed through to many generations.

Of all the reformers, Knox remains the most ardently loved and fiercely hated. No Reformational leader saw so clearly the need to apply the Law of God totally to every aspect of life - politically, socially, economically, ecclesiastically, familiarly (i.e. to the family), and personally, than Knox.

Knox, along with many of the other great Reformers of his day saw the Old Testament as a book of Case-Study Laws. These were actual, historical cases of legal precedence which were to be used as a source-book of law and policy. These laws also were to be binding upon all nations to the same extent as they were binding upon Israel and Judah. This binding power of God's Law was simply due to the fact that, like God Himself, so too were His Laws immutable and universal to all nations and peoples, regardless of geographical location or religious affiliation.

Although much of the Theonomic emphasis is upon the role of the Civil governing authorities, it is a complete doctrine which intervenes into all areas of life. Theonomic principles are the principles of Law and Ethics for the home and the family as much as it is the standard for the Government, not to mention the church and the individual.

Theonomy is not legalism - it is obedience. It is an obedience which has no boundaries, that is to say, obedience is to be practiced everyday in every area of life's realms without exception, and without delay.

 

Resources and Further Study:

Theonomy and Christian Ethics by Greg Bahnsen

The Institutes of Biblical Law I II III by R.J. Rushdoony

No Other Standard by Greg Bahnsen

By This Standard by Greg Bahnsen

The Grace of the Law by E. Kevan

Clark's Biblical Law by H.B. Clark 1943

Knox's Appellation to the Civil Magistrates by John Knox

The Reformation in Scotland By John Knox

Puritan Political Ideas by E. Morgan

The Sinai Strategy by Gary North

The Reconstruction of the Church by J. Jordan

Claims to Dominion by James Willson 1832

Civil Government by James Willson  1853

Uncategorized - 10/18/2017

Leadership Defined: Defining and Developing Godly Leaders

"Behold, I have given Him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people." Isaiah 55.4

 

In 1978, Pulitzer Prize winner, and political science professor, James MacGregor Burns rightly assessed, "There is a crisis in leadership. One of the most universal craving of our time is a hunger for compelling and creative leadership."

While MacGregor Burns rightly points out the problem of our age, his concluding solution is violently incorrect. The principles of true leadership cannot come from men, nor from the imaginations of men. Although MacGregor Burns sets forth a series of useful precepts concerning leadership, he entirely misses the needful antidote for the crisis which America and the world faces. The world does not need more leaders, it needs more God-fearing, God-honoring leadership.

But what is true leadership? What is its source? What standard is it measured by? What is its nature and purpose? How does it interact with others? Is there such a thing as counterfeit Leadership? Is there a moral aspect of leadership, or is leadership to be judged according to a goal - or goals - accomplished? All these questions must be addressed first before true leaders can be identified and refined.

 

Leadership Defined

Leadership is not something you do - it is something you are. True leaders lead comprehensively - in every sphere of life, even when there is no one to follow. For the most part, leadership is a natural God-given grace. Yet, that grace, although evident, natural and perhaps strong, often needs refinement.

Leadership is the outward manifestation of a caring heart, passionately concerned for the Glory of God, the preservation of justice and equity, and for the universal good of the people. This is accomplished by the grace of God through a diligent effort, by the individual, to rightly perform that leadership duty.

 

Leadership is about People, Not Power

True leadership is relational. It's core, and root, focuses upon people, rather than things. Leadership is God-ward firstly, then people-ward after. With leadership comes power. It is the relationship with Holy God that limits that power and checks the rising of pride and arrogance. True leaders relate to God in humble sincerity and truth, which enables them to rightly lead, and relate to their fellow man, in wisdom, sincerity and truth.

Leaders are not managers. One who manages, manages things not people. Leadership is not based upon a command and control premise. Leaders do not manage, they inspire and persuade. Leaders focus upon people for their good and their benefit, with a self-sacrificial posture.

True leaders passionately acknowledge the organic Law of Heaven as the only legitimate rule for life and faith. They are also well instructed in its application to all spheres of societal life. True leadership endorses the application of God's standard as the only vehicle for cultural blessings and prosperity. 

Furthermore, when leaders focus upon God's legislative, judicial and executive Majesty, with the understanding that there are rewards and punishments for actions executed, a great sense of personal humility is maintained. Godless counterfeits do not recognize consequences for evil actions or selfish motives. They recognize no sovereign authority nor divine restraint. This attitude of conscience is only found among the God-fearing leaders. Therefore, only the God-fearing can be viewed as legitimate and beneficial leaders. 

Today's pseudo-leaders often fail to realize this sense of accountability. True leadership never uses tyranny, oppression or coercive power, of any kind, to bring about a desired result. True leaders gently, yet decisively, move the masses through inspiration and vision. They share their goal through God's revelation of logic and reason and execute it by wisdom. 

True leadership is infectious. It powerfully relates to people by first identifying with them, then caring for them, and finally persuading them, always honoring their God-given rights as image bearers of God. Godly leaders can be trusted because they are trustworthy.

 

Leadership - No Quick Fix

Contrary to popular belief, leaders do not surface overnight. Nor are they perfected in a day. Leaders are perfected daily, over time, amidst many diverse circumstances. True, effective, God-centered and principled leadership arises from long-term training and perseverance. True leadership does not develop from a "quick fix", "short term" approach. In other words, there is no "one" seminar that can produce a leader. Leaders are first born, then refined. 

Leaders are often not aware of their capability. It is often called out by others. While some leaders have initially shunned leadership positions, desiring to live a simple, quiet life, other great historical leaders have even gone so far as to run from the call of leadership.

We can begin our list with the Prophet Moses and continue through to Elijah, Jeremiah, Amos, Ezekiel, and the apostle Peter. History also bears out this fact in the early Church and in the Middle Ages with Ambrose, the Bishop of Milan (339-397), St. Augustine (354-430), Patrick, the missionary to Ireland (389-461), not to mention the Reformation leaders, Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox and William Tyndale, among many others.

While a careful study of these men will plainly manifest their humility and initial unwillingness to lead, it would be great error to conclude that this hesitation was from an unwillingness to serve God and the people. This unwillingness was due to immense sensitivity to the depth of responsibility of the task of leadership, and their personal uncertainty in executing it to God's Glory. 

Leadership is an office given to those who least expect it, but are perfectly suited for it.

 

Leadership and Ethical Purity

True leadership must be pure leadership. This is not to say that leaders must be sinless and perfect to be true leaders. Even some of the most God fearing leaders of Scripture were flawed in many ways. Yet leaders must be sincerely and totally ethical, striving for perfection even amidst their shortcomings. True leadership is committed to ethical motives, actions and results.

Leadership is all about ethics. True leadership can only be held by those who are of a moral and ethical excellence. Those who are best equipped morally and ethically, are those who have the most perfect standard of ethics and morally. That standard must, therefore, be the Law-Word of God.

 

True Leadership is Christ-Centered

And may that Infinite Power which rules the destinies of the universe, lead our councils to what is best, and give them a favorable issue for your peace and prosperity.
Thomas Jefferson, March 4, 1801
 
"Jesus saith unto him, "feed my sheep."
John 21:17
 

The simple fact of the matter is that there is only one type of leadership which fits the definition of true leadership - Godly, Christo-centric leadership. Since true and beneficial leadership is based upon a sincere caring for people, and is to be firmly based in pure ethics and morals, then by definition the only true leadership is Christian based leadership. Cultures flourish under God-centered Christian leadership, while under tyrannical Godless rule cultures collapse. This dynamic is both doctrinally accurate and historically evident.

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. Proverbs 29:2

 

Leadership is Ethics Based

True leadership and Biblical ethics cannot exist apart from one another. True leaders are Biblical leaders. A true leader analyses everything from an ethical standpoint. All law and policy is either embraced or rejected based upon its ethical purity. True leadership has it's world-view and long term vision beginning with God and ending with God.

True leaders are sincere followers of God and His Holy Counsel. Leaders are men of grace and men of Law. This is what separates true leaders from the counterfeit. While many may lead, there are not many that lead God-ward.

Godly leadership goes beyond simply leading. It is a shepherding vocation. True leaders embrace leadership responsibilities with fathering attitudes. This is why fathers must look upon their responsibilities with awe. By virtue of their fatherhood, they automatically become leaders. Yet, they do not automatically become good and Godly leaders. 

 

Godly Leadership is Generational

True leadership looks at the long term and plans over many generations. True leadership is leadership with a vision which goes beyond the next 50 or 100 years. True leadership is concerned just as much with the present as it is with the past, and very concerned with the future. Godly leadership looks at the "deep future" and makes it possible.

Soli Deo Gloria

Originally published in 2003

 

Uncategorized - 10/01/2017

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    The Institute for Theonomic Reformation (ITR) is a Christ-centered, non-profit organization, which seeks to empower the Christian, and the church, so as to fulfill God’s cultural commission of Christian responsibility.

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