Kevin DeYoung's review of Rob Bell's book Love Wins is available on his blog and as a PDF file.
Here's the opening paragraph: Love Wins, by megachurch pastor Rob Bell, is, as the subtitle suggests, “a book about heaven, hell, and the fate of every person who ever lived.” Here’s the gist: Hell is what we create for ourselves when we reject God’s love. Hell is both a present reality for those who resist God and a future reality for those who die unready for God’s love. Hell is what we make of heaven when we cannot accept the good news of God’s forgiveness and mercy. But hell is not forever. God will have his way. How can his good purposes fail? Every sinner will turn to God and realize he has already been reconciled to God, in this life or in the next. There will be no eternal conscious torment. God says no to injustice in the age to come, but he does not pour out wrath (we bring the temporary suffering upon ourselves), and he certainly does not punish for eternity. In the end, love wins.
For a "Reader's Digest" version of DeYoung's review, read Justin Taylor's post here.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Pray for Japan
Dr. R. Albert Mohler: We must pray for the people of Japan. We must pray for the lives that can be saved and for the grieving families who have lost loved ones. We must pray that this horrible disaster may be used to call the people of Japan to the Lord as their only hope and refuge.
Tim Challies: Here is some video; it is shocking to see the power of water and the absolute carnage it can bring with it.
Here are also some photos of the the aftermath. May they prompt us to pray like John Piper below.
John Piper’s prayer for Japan:
Father in heaven, you are the absolute Sovereign over the shaking of the earth, the rising of the sea, and the raging of the waves. We tremble at your power and bow before your unsearchable judgments and inscrutable ways. We cover our faces and kiss your omnipotent hand. We fall helpless to the floor in prayer and feel how fragile the very ground is beneath our knees.
O God, we humble ourselves under your holy majesty and repent. In a moment—in the twinkling of an eye—we too could be swept away. We are not more deserving of firm ground than our fellowmen in Japan. We too are flesh. We have bodies and homes and cars and family and precious places. We know that if we were treated according to our sins, who could stand? All of it would be gone in a moment. So in this dark hour we turn against our sins, not against you.
And we cry for mercy for Japan. Mercy, Father. Not for what they or we deserve. But mercy.
Have you not encouraged us in this? Have we not heard a hundred times in your Word the riches of your kindness, forbearance, and patience? Do you not a thousand times withhold your judgments, leading your rebellious world toward repentance? Yes, Lord. For your ways are not our ways, and your thoughts are not our thoughts.
Grant, O God, that the wicked will forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts. Grant us, your sinful creatures, to return to you, that you may have compassion. For surely you will abundantly pardon. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord Jesus, your beloved Son, will be saved.
May every heart-breaking loss—millions upon millions of losses—be healed by the wounded hands of the risen Christ. You are not unacquainted with your creatures’ pain. You did not spare your own Son, but gave him up for us all.
In Jesus you tasted loss. In Jesus you shared the overwhelming flood of our sorrows and suffering. In Jesus you are a sympathetic Priest in the midst of our pain.
Deal tenderly now, Father, with this fragile people. Woo them. Win them. Save them.
And may the floods they so much dread make blessings break upon their head.
O let them not judge you with feeble sense, but trust you for your grace. And so behind this providence, soon find a smiling face.
In Jesus’ merciful name, Amen.
Tim Challies: Here is some video; it is shocking to see the power of water and the absolute carnage it can bring with it.
Here are also some photos of the the aftermath. May they prompt us to pray like John Piper below.
John Piper’s prayer for Japan:
Father in heaven, you are the absolute Sovereign over the shaking of the earth, the rising of the sea, and the raging of the waves. We tremble at your power and bow before your unsearchable judgments and inscrutable ways. We cover our faces and kiss your omnipotent hand. We fall helpless to the floor in prayer and feel how fragile the very ground is beneath our knees.
O God, we humble ourselves under your holy majesty and repent. In a moment—in the twinkling of an eye—we too could be swept away. We are not more deserving of firm ground than our fellowmen in Japan. We too are flesh. We have bodies and homes and cars and family and precious places. We know that if we were treated according to our sins, who could stand? All of it would be gone in a moment. So in this dark hour we turn against our sins, not against you.
And we cry for mercy for Japan. Mercy, Father. Not for what they or we deserve. But mercy.
Have you not encouraged us in this? Have we not heard a hundred times in your Word the riches of your kindness, forbearance, and patience? Do you not a thousand times withhold your judgments, leading your rebellious world toward repentance? Yes, Lord. For your ways are not our ways, and your thoughts are not our thoughts.
Grant, O God, that the wicked will forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts. Grant us, your sinful creatures, to return to you, that you may have compassion. For surely you will abundantly pardon. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord Jesus, your beloved Son, will be saved.
May every heart-breaking loss—millions upon millions of losses—be healed by the wounded hands of the risen Christ. You are not unacquainted with your creatures’ pain. You did not spare your own Son, but gave him up for us all.
In Jesus you tasted loss. In Jesus you shared the overwhelming flood of our sorrows and suffering. In Jesus you are a sympathetic Priest in the midst of our pain.
Deal tenderly now, Father, with this fragile people. Woo them. Win them. Save them.
And may the floods they so much dread make blessings break upon their head.
O let them not judge you with feeble sense, but trust you for your grace. And so behind this providence, soon find a smiling face.
In Jesus’ merciful name, Amen.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
What do you believe concerning the “Holy Spirit?”
Heidelberg Catechism
~Of God the Holy Spirit and our Sanctification
Question 53. What do you believe concerning the “Holy Spirit?”
Answer. First, that He is co-eternal God with the Father and the Son.[1] Second, that He is also given unto me:[2] by true faith makes me a partaker of Christ and all His benefits,[3] comforts me,[4] and shall abide with me forever.[5]
[1] Gen 1:1-2; Isa 48:16; Mt 28:19; Acts 5:3-4; 1 Cor 3:16, 6:19;
[2] 1 Cor 6:19; 2 Cor 1:21-22; Gal 4:6; Eph 1:13;
[3] 1 Cor 6:17; Gal 3:14; 1 Pt 1:2;
[4] Jn 15:26; Acts 9:31;
[5] Jn 14:16-17; Rom 15:13; 1 Pt 4:14; 1 Jn 4:13
~Of God the Holy Spirit and our Sanctification
Question 53. What do you believe concerning the “Holy Spirit?”
Answer. First, that He is co-eternal God with the Father and the Son.[1] Second, that He is also given unto me:[2] by true faith makes me a partaker of Christ and all His benefits,[3] comforts me,[4] and shall abide with me forever.[5]
[1] Gen 1:1-2; Isa 48:16; Mt 28:19; Acts 5:3-4; 1 Cor 3:16, 6:19;
[2] 1 Cor 6:19; 2 Cor 1:21-22; Gal 4:6; Eph 1:13;
[3] 1 Cor 6:17; Gal 3:14; 1 Pt 1:2;
[4] Jn 15:26; Acts 9:31;
[5] Jn 14:16-17; Rom 15:13; 1 Pt 4:14; 1 Jn 4:13
The words ... are spirit, and they are life
Daily Light Devotions - March 14 - Evening
The words ... are spirit, and they are life.
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 1
Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. 2
who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 3
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 4
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life. I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me, for I trust in your word. The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. 5
______________
1 John 6:63;
2 James 1:18;
3 2 Cor 3:6;
4 Eph 5:25-27;
5 Psa 119:9,50,11,16,42,72,93,103,104
The words ... are spirit, and they are life.
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 1
Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. 2
who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 3
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 4
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life. I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me, for I trust in your word. The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. 5
______________
1 John 6:63;
2 James 1:18;
3 2 Cor 3:6;
4 Eph 5:25-27;
5 Psa 119:9,50,11,16,42,72,93,103,104
Adorn the doctrine of God our Savior
Daily Light Devotions - March 14 - Morning
Adorn the doctrine of God our Savior ...
not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. 1
Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 2
Abstain from every form of evil. 3
If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 4
that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 5
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. 6
Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. 7
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 8
______________
1 Tit 2:10;
2 Phil 1:27;
3 1 Thess 5:22;
4 1 Pet 4:14,15;
5 Phil 2:15;
6 Matt 5:16;
7 Prov 3:3,4;
8 Phil 4:8
Adorn the doctrine of God our Savior ...
not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. 1
Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 2
Abstain from every form of evil. 3
If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 4
that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 5
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. 6
Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. 7
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 8
______________
1 Tit 2:10;
2 Phil 1:27;
3 1 Thess 5:22;
4 1 Pet 4:14,15;
5 Phil 2:15;
6 Matt 5:16;
7 Prov 3:3,4;
8 Phil 4:8
Saturday, March 12, 2011
What comfort is it to you that Christ “shall come to judge the living and the dead?”
Heidelberg Catechism
Question 52. What comfort is it to you that Christ “shall come to judge the living and the dead?”
Answer. That in all my sorrows and persecutions, I, with uplifted head, look for the very One, who offered Himself for me to the judgment of God, and removed all curse from me,[1] to come as Judge from heaven,[2] who shall cast all His and my enemies into everlasting condemnation,[3] but shall take me with all His chosen ones to Himself into heavenly joy and glory.[4]
[1] Lk 21:28; Rom 8:22-25; Php 3:20-21; Tit 2:13-14;
[2] Lk 21:28; Rom 8:23-24; Php 3:20-21; Tit 2:13;
[3] Mt 25:41; 1 Thes 4:16-18; 2 Thes 1:6, 10;
[4] Mt 25:31-46; Acts 1:10-11; 1 Thes 4:16-17; 2 Thes 1:6-10; Heb 9:28
Question 52. What comfort is it to you that Christ “shall come to judge the living and the dead?”
Answer. That in all my sorrows and persecutions, I, with uplifted head, look for the very One, who offered Himself for me to the judgment of God, and removed all curse from me,[1] to come as Judge from heaven,[2] who shall cast all His and my enemies into everlasting condemnation,[3] but shall take me with all His chosen ones to Himself into heavenly joy and glory.[4]
[1] Lk 21:28; Rom 8:22-25; Php 3:20-21; Tit 2:13-14;
[2] Lk 21:28; Rom 8:23-24; Php 3:20-21; Tit 2:13;
[3] Mt 25:41; 1 Thes 4:16-18; 2 Thes 1:6, 10;
[4] Mt 25:31-46; Acts 1:10-11; 1 Thes 4:16-17; 2 Thes 1:6-10; Heb 9:28
O my God, my soul is cast down within me
Daily Light Devotions - March 13 - Evening
O my God, my soul is cast down within me.
and my God. My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember you from the land of Jordan and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar. 1
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock. 2
Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. 3
For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him. 4
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. 5
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. 6
"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 7
Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe." 8
teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." 9
______________
1 Psa 42:6;
2 Isa 26:3,4;
3 Psa 55:22;
4 Psa 22:24;
5 James 5:13;
6 John 14:27;
7 Matt 6:25,26;
8 John 20:27;
9 Matt 28:20
O my God, my soul is cast down within me.
and my God. My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember you from the land of Jordan and of Hermon, from Mount Mizar. 1
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock. 2
Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. 3
For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him. 4
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. 5
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. 6
"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 7
Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe." 8
teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." 9
______________
1 Psa 42:6;
2 Isa 26:3,4;
3 Psa 55:22;
4 Psa 22:24;
5 James 5:13;
6 John 14:27;
7 Matt 6:25,26;
8 John 20:27;
9 Matt 28:20
There is one God, and one mediator
Daily Light Devotions - March 13 - Morning
There is one God, and one mediator ...
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 1
Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 2
"Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. 3
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 4
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 5
he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. 6
Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. 7
______________
1 1 Tim 2:5;
2 Heb 2:14;
3 Isa 45:22;
4 1 John 2:1;
5 Eph 2:13,14;
6 Heb 9:12,15;
7 Heb 7:25
There is one God, and one mediator ...
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 1
Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 2
"Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. 3
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 4
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 5
he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. 6
Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. 7
______________
1 1 Tim 2:5;
2 Heb 2:14;
3 Isa 45:22;
4 1 John 2:1;
5 Eph 2:13,14;
6 Heb 9:12,15;
7 Heb 7:25
Friday, March 11, 2011
What does this glory of Christ, our Head, profit us?
Heidelberg Catechism
Question 51. What does this glory of Christ, our Head, profit us?
Answer. First, that by His Holy Spirit He pours out heavenly gifts upon us, His members;[1] then, that by His power He defends and preserves us against all enemies.[2]
[1] Acts 2:33; Eph 4:7-12;
[2] Ps 2:9, 110:1-2; Jn 10:27- 30; Acts 2:33; 1 Cor 15:25-26; Rev 19:11-16
Question 51. What does this glory of Christ, our Head, profit us?
Answer. First, that by His Holy Spirit He pours out heavenly gifts upon us, His members;[1] then, that by His power He defends and preserves us against all enemies.[2]
[1] Acts 2:33; Eph 4:7-12;
[2] Ps 2:9, 110:1-2; Jn 10:27- 30; Acts 2:33; 1 Cor 15:25-26; Rev 19:11-16
Jesus wept
Daily Light Devotions - March 11 - Evening
Jesus Wept.
Jesus wept. 1
He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 2
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 3
For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. 4
Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 5
The Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I turned not backward. I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting. 6
So the Jews said, "See how he loved him!" 7
For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 8
______________
1 John 11:35;
2 Isa 53:3;
3 Heb 4:15;
4 Heb 2:10;
5 Heb 5:8;
6 Isa 50:5,6;
7 John 11:36;
8 Heb 2:16,17
Jesus Wept.
Jesus wept. 1
He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 2
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 3
For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. 4
Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 5
The Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I turned not backward. I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting. 6
So the Jews said, "See how he loved him!" 7
For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 8
______________
1 John 11:35;
2 Isa 53:3;
3 Heb 4:15;
4 Heb 2:10;
5 Heb 5:8;
6 Isa 50:5,6;
7 John 11:36;
8 Heb 2:16,17
The LORD bless thee, and keep thee
Daily Light Devotions - March 11 - Morning
The LORD bless thee, and keep thee.
The LORD bless you and keep you; 1
The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. 2
For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield. 3
He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand. The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. 4
I, the LORD, am its keeper; every moment I water it. Lest anyone punish it, I keep it night and day; 5
And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 6
The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. 7
______________
1 Num 6:24;
2 Prov 10:22;
3 Psa 5:12;
4 Psa 121:3-5,7,8;
5 Isa 27:3;
6 John 17:11,12;
7 2 Tim 4:18;
The LORD bless thee, and keep thee.
The LORD bless you and keep you; 1
The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. 2
For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield. 3
He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand. The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. 4
I, the LORD, am its keeper; every moment I water it. Lest anyone punish it, I keep it night and day; 5
And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 6
The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. 7
______________
1 Num 6:24;
2 Prov 10:22;
3 Psa 5:12;
4 Psa 121:3-5,7,8;
5 Isa 27:3;
6 John 17:11,12;
7 2 Tim 4:18;
Why is it added: “And sits at the right hand of God?”
Heidelberg Catechism
~His Reign
Question 50. Why is it added: “And sits at the right hand of God?”
Answer. Because Christ ascended into heaven for this end, that He might there appear as the Head of His Church,[1] by whom the Father governs all things.[2]
[1] Eph 1:20-23; Col 1:18;
[2] Ps 110:1; Mt 28:18; Jn 5:22-23; 1 Pt 3:22
~His Reign
Question 50. Why is it added: “And sits at the right hand of God?”
Answer. Because Christ ascended into heaven for this end, that He might there appear as the Head of His Church,[1] by whom the Father governs all things.[2]
[1] Eph 1:20-23; Col 1:18;
[2] Ps 110:1; Mt 28:18; Jn 5:22-23; 1 Pt 3:22
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