The Treasury of David, Psalm 25, C.H. Spurgeon
The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach His way.
All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. (Psalm 25:9,10)
The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. (Psalm 25:14)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps025.phpLet us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13,14)
The fool hath said in his heart,
There is no God.
They are corrupt,
they have done abominable works,
there is none that doeth good. (Psalm 14:1)
See: the Theological Notes, "Mankind's Guilty Knowledge of God" at Romans 1:29 and the note at Psalm 14:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.Cornelius Van Til makes the theologically valid point that "irrationality in the mind of man, that is, insanity, must be the result of a deflection of man from the source of absolute rationality," God, and consequently "all men have merited insanity because of their departure from God." [Or, not until man repents is he truly sane. -- compiler]. Eternal punishment is "the abyss of irrationalism," and what we call rational or normative experience is a gift of God's common grace. No man is worthy of it." -- Frederick Leahy
And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 15:14b)
The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things that are revealed unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of his law. There are many rare, profound discoveries much gloried of by the masters of several sects, of which you may know the sentence of the Holy Ghost, by that instance, Col. ii. 18 [Colossians 2:18], Let no man beguile you of your reward, in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind. Reverently withdraw from things that are unrevealed, and dispute them not. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)
A proud man affecteth a participation of God's omniscience, and is eager to know more than God revealeth (if he be an inquiring man whose pride runneth this way). Thus our first parents sinned, by desiring to be as God in knowledge. This hath filled the world with proud contentions, and the church with divisions; while proud wits heretically make things unrevealed the matter of their ostentation, imposition, censures, or furious disputes; while humble souls are taken up in studying and practicing things revealed, and keep themselves within God's bounds, as knowing that God best knoweth the measure fittest for them, and that knowledge is to be desired and sought, but so far as it is useful to our serving or enjoying God, and the good which truth revealeth to us; and that knowledge may else become our sorrow, Eccl. i. 1, 8 [Ecclesiastes 1:1,8], and truth the instrument to torment us, as it doth the miserable souls in hell. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)
And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 8:45)
The leading idea is, "Falsehood has laid such fast hold of, has taken such deep root in, your minds, -- you so firmly believe a lie, -- that truth, instead of being a recommendation to my statements, is the very thing which prevents you from receiving them." They had professed faith in him; but that was when they were in a mistake respecting his character. They had concluded that he was "the Messiah," understanding by that word a temporal deliverer. Viewing him in this false light, they were quite ready to be his followers; but no sooner had he told them the truth, that the liberty he came to bestow was a liberty of mind and heart, to be produced by the operation of his doctrine understood and believed, than they retracted their profession, -- they would not acknowledge him as the Messiah, -- they would not "continue in his word," -- they would not be "his disciples." Had he told them a lie, -- had he flattered their prejudices, -- had he promised to "restore the kingdom to Israel," in their sense of these terms, -- then they would have believed him, then they would have followed wherever he chose to lead. But because he told them the truth, that he was not a temporal deliverer, but a spiritual Saviour, -- "therefore," on that very ground, they disbelieved him, and were disposed not only to "go back, and walk no more with him," but even to wish and to plot his destruction. They thus showed that they not only had no appetite for truth, but a positive distaste for it, and proved their spiritual relationship to him who is a liar, who abides not in the truth, in whom there is no truth. So dangerous is it for the mind to get under the influence of error respecting the great fundamental principles of religion. It leads, in innumerable instances, to the mistaking of truth for falsehood, and falsehood for truth, -- and induces men to receive a doctrine for the very reason for which they out to reject it, and to reject a doctrine for the very reason for which they ought to receive it." -- John Brown (of Edinburgh, 1784-1858), (II:62)
"Sri Aurobindo (Aurobindo Ghose, 1872-1950), born August 15, 1872, Calcutta, India, and died December 5, 1950, Pondicherry, India.
"His original name Aurobindo Ghose. Aurobindo also spelled Aravinda. Seer, poet, and Indian nationalist who originated the philosophy of cosmic salvation through spiritual evolution.
"Aurobindo's education began in a Christian convent school in Darjeeling, and then, still a boy, he was sent to England for further schooling. He entered the University of Cambridge, where he became proficient in two classical and three modern European languages. After returning to India in 1892, he took various administrative and professorial posts in Baroda and Calcutta, and then turned to his native culture and began the serious study of Yoga and Indian languages, including classical Sanskrit.
"The years from 1902 to 1910 were stormy ones for Aurobindo, as he embarked on a course of action to free India from the British raj (rule). [Aurobindo claimed credit for India's independence, which was gained on his birthday. (Mira Richards (1878-1973), The Mother on Aurobindo]. As a result of his political activities and revolutionary literary efforts, he was imprisoned in 1908. Two years later he fled British India to refuge in the French colony of Pondicherry (modern Pondicherry), in southeastern India, where he devoted himself for the rest of his life solely to the development of his unique philosophy. There he founded an ashram (retreat) as an international cultural centre for spiritual development, attracting students from all over the world.
"According to Aurobindo's theory of cosmic salvation, the paths to union with Brahman are two-way streets, or channels: enlightenment comes from above (thesis), while the spiritual mind (supermind) strives through yogic illumination to reach upward from below (antithesis). When these two forces blend, a gnostic individual is created (synthesis). This yogic illumination transcends both reason and intuition and eventually leads to the freeing of the individual from the bonds of individuality, and, by extension, all mankind will eventually achieve moksha (liberation [Chapter XX]). Thus, Aurobindo created a dialectic mode of salvation not only for the individual but for all mankind. (Encyclopedia Britannica, May 28, 2001)
"Sri Aurobindo was born in Calcutta on 15 August, 1872. In 1879, at the age of seven, he was taken with his two elder brothers to England for education and lived there for fourteen years. Brought up at first in an English family at Manchester, he joined St. Paul's School in London in 1884 and in 1890 went from it with a senior classical scholarship to King's College, Cambridge, where he studied for two years. In 1890 he passed also the open competition for the Indian Civil Service, but at the end of two years of probation failed to present himself at the riding examination and was disqualified for the Service. At this time the Gaekwar of Baroda was in London. Sri Aurobindo saw him, obtained an appointment in the Baroda Service and left England for India, arriving there in February, 1893.
"Sri Aurobindo passed thirteen years, from 1893 to 1906, in the Baroda Service, first in the Revenue Department and in secretariat work for the Maharaja, afterwards as Professor of English and, finally, Vice-Principal in the Baroda College. These were years of self-culture, of literary activity -- for much of the poetry afterwards published from Pondicherry was written at this time -- and of preparation for his future work. In England he had received, according to his father's express instructions, an entirely occidental education without any contact with the culture of India and the East. (see note 1). At Baroda he made up the deficiency, learned Sanskrit and several modern Indian languages, assimilated the spirit of Indian civilization and its forms past and present. A great part of the last years of this period was spent on leave in silent political activity, for he was debarred from public action by his position at Baroda. The outbreak of the agitation against the partition of Bengal in 1905 gave him the opportunity to give up the Baroda Service and join openly in the political movement. He left Baroda in 1906 and went to Calcutta as Principal of the newly-founded Bengal National College.
"The political action of Sri Aurobindo covered eight years, from 1902 to 1910. During the first half of this period he worked behind the scenes, preparing with other co-workers the beginnings of the Swadeshi (Indian Sinn Fein), movement, till the agitation in Bengal furnished an opening for the public initiation of a more forward and direct political action than the moderate reformism which had till then been the creed of the Indian National Congress. In 1906 Sri Aurobindo came to Bengal with this purpose and joined the New Party, an advanced section small in numbers and not yet strong in influence, which had been recently formed in the Congress. The political theory of this party was a rather vague gospel of Non-cooperation; in action it had not yet gone farther than some ineffective clashes with the Moderate leaders at the annual Congress assembly behind the veil of secrecy of the "Subjects Committee." Sri Aurobindo persuaded its chiefs in Bengal to come forward publicly as an All-India party with a definite and challenging program, putting forward Tilak, the popular Maratha leader at its head, and to attack the then dominant Moderate (Reformist or Liberal), oligarchy of veteran politicians and capture from them the Congress and the country. This was the origin of the historic struggle between the Moderates and the Nationalists (called by their opponents Extremists), which in two years changed altogether the face of Indian politics.
"The new-born Nationalist party put forward Swaraj (independence) as its goal as against the far-off Moderate hope of colonial self-government to be realized at a distant date of a century or two by a slow progress of reform; it proposed as its means of execution a program which resembled in spirit, though not in its details, the policy of Sinn Fein developed some years later and carried to a successful issue in Ireland. The principle of this new policy was self-help; it aimed on one side at an effective organization of the forces of the nation and on the other professed a complete non-cooperation with the Government. Boycott of British and foreign goods and the fostering of Swadeshi industries to replace them, boycott of British law courts, and the foundation of a system of Arbitration courts in their stead, boycott of Government universities and colleges and the creation of a network of National colleges and schools, the formation of societies of young men which would do the work of police and defense and, wherever necessary, a policy of passive resistance were among the immediate items of the program. Sri Aurobindo hoped to capture the Congress and make it the directing center of an organized national action, an informal State within the State, which would carry on the struggle for freedom till it was won. He persuaded the party to take up and finance as its recognized organ the newly-founded daily paper, Bande Mataram, of which he was at the time acting editor. The Bande Mataram, whose policy from the beginning of 1907 till its abrupt winding up in 1908 when Sri Aurobindo was in prison was wholly directed by him, circulated almost immediately all over India. During its brief but momentous existence it changed the political thought of India which has ever since preserved fundamentally, even amidst its later developments, the stamp then imparted to it. But the struggle initiated on these lines, though vehement and eventful and full of importance for the future, did not last long at the time; for the country was still unripe for so bold a program.
"Sri Aurobindo was prosecuted for sedition in 1907 and acquitted. Up till now an organizer and writer, he was obliged by this event and by the imprisonment or disappearance of other leaders to come forward as the acknowledged head of the party in Bengal and to appear on the platform for the first time as a speaker. He presided over the Nationalist Conference at Surat in 1907 where in the forceful clash of two equal parties the Congress was broken to pieces. In May, 1908, he was arrested in the Alipore Conspiracy Case as implicated in the doings of the revolutionary group led by his brother Barindra; but no evidence of any value could be established against him and in this case too he was acquitted. After a detention of one year as undertrial prisoner in the Alipore Jail, he came out in May, 1909, to find the party organization broken, its leaders scattered by imprisonment, deportation or self-imposed exile and the party itself still existent but dumb and dispirited and incapable of any strenuous action. For almost a year he strove single-handed as the sole remaining leader of the Nationalists in India to revive the movement. He published at this time to aid his effort a weekly English paper, the Karmayogin, and a Bengali weekly, the Dharma. But at last he was compelled to recognize that the nation was not yet sufficiently trained to carry out his policy and program. For a time he thought that the necessary training must first be given through a less advanced Home Rule movement or an agitation of passive resistance of the kind created by Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa. But he saw that the hour of these movements had not come and that he himself was not their destined leader. Moreover, since his twelve months' detention in the Alipore Jail, which had been spent entirely in practice of Yoga, his inner spiritual life was pressing upon him for an exclusive concentration. He resolved therefore to withdraw from the political field, at least for a time. (see note 2)
"In February, 1910, he withdrew to a secret retirement at Chandernagore and in the beginning of April sailed for Pondicherry in French lndia. A third prosecution was launched against him at this moment for a signed article in the Karmayogin; in his absence it was pressed against the printer of the paper who was convicted, but the conviction was quashed on appeal in the High Court of Calcutta. For the third time a prosecution against him had failed. Sri Aurobindo had left Bengal with some intention of returning to the political field under more favorable circumstances; but very soon the magnitude of the spiritual work he had taken up appeared to him and he saw that it would need the exclusive concentration of all his energies. Eventually he cut off connection with politics, refused repeatedly to accept the Presidentship of the National Congress and went into a complete retirement. During all his stay at Pondicherry from 1910 onward he remained more and more exclusively devoted to his spiritual work and his sadhana.
"In 1914 after four years of silent Yoga he began the publication of a philosophical monthly, the Arya. Most of his more important works, The Life Divine, The Synthesis of Yoga, Essays on the Gita, The Isha Upanishad, appeared serially in the Arya. These works embodied much of the inner knowledge that had come to him in his practice of Yoga. Others were concerned with the spirit and significance of Indian civilization and culture (The Foundations of Indian Culture), the true meaning of the Vedas (The Secret of the Veda), the progress of human society (The Human Cycle), the nature and evolution of poetry (The Future Poetry), the possibility of the unification of the human race (The Ideal of Human Unity). At this time also he began to publish his poems, both those written in England and at Baroda and those, fewer in number, added during his period of political activity and in the first years of his residence at Pondicherry. The Arya ceased publication in 1921 after six years and a half of uninterrupted appearance. Sri Aurobindo lived at first in retirement at Pondicherry with four or five disciples. Afterwards more and yet more began to come to him to follow his spiritual path and the number became so large that a community of sadhaks had to be formed for the maintenance and collective guidance of those who had left everything behind for the sake of a higher life. This was the foundation of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram which has less been created than grown around him as its center.
"Sri Aurobindo began his practice of Yoga in 1904. At first gathering into it the essential elements of spiritual experience that are gained by the paths of divine communion and spiritual realization followed till now in India, he passed on in search of a more complete experience uniting and harmonizing the two ends of existence, Spirit and Matter. Most ways of Yoga are paths to the Beyond leading to the Spirit and, in the end, away from life; Sri Aurobindo's rises to the Spirit to redescend with its gains bringing the light and power and bliss of the Spirit into life to transform it. Man's present existence in the material world is in this view or vision of things a life in the Ignorance with the Inconscient at its base, but even in its darkness and nescience there are involved the presence and possibilities of the Divine. The created world is not a mistake or a vanity and illusion to be cast aside by the soul returning to heaven or Nirvana, but the scene of a spiritual evolution by which out of this material inconscience is to be manifested progressively the Divine Consciousness in things. Mind is the highest term yet reached in the evolution, but it is not the highest of which it is capable. There is above it a Supermind or eternal Truth-Consciousness which is in its nature the self-aware and self-determining light and power of a Divine Knowledge. Mind is an ignorance seeking after Truth, but this is a self-existent Knowledge harmoniously manifesting the play of its forms and forces. It is only by the descent of this supermind that the perfection dreamed of by all that is highest in humanity can come. It is possible by opening to a greater divine consciousness to rise to this power of light and bliss, discover one's true self, remain in constant union with the Divine and bring down the supramental Force for the transformation of mind and life and body. To realize this possibility has been the dynamic aim of Sri Aurobindo's Yoga.
"Sri Aurobindo left his body on December 5, 1950. The Mother carried on his work until November 17, 1973. Their work continues."
"Note 1: It may be observed that Sri Aurobindo's education in England gave him a wide introduction to the culture of ancient, of medieval and of modern Europe. He was a brilliant scholar in Greek and Latin. He had learned French from his childhood in Manchester and studied for himself German and Italian sufficiently to study Goethe and Dante in the original tongues. (He passed the Tripos in Cambridge in the first class and obtained record marks in Greek and Latin in the examination for the Indian Civil Service).
"Note 2: For a more complete statement about Sri Aurobindo's political life see: SRI AUROBINDO BOOK CENTENARY LIBRARY (SABCL), Volume 26, ON HIMSELF, pp. 21-41" and SRI AUROBINDO ON HIMSELF, ISBN: 8170584078 9788170584070, SRI AUROBINDO: A LIFE SKETCH, from Volume 30, SRI AUROBINDO BOOK CENTENARY LIBRARY (SABCL), 1972, pp. 1-6, copyright Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
"When Sri Aurobindo came to Pondicherry in 1910, he lived at first with a few associates from the political field. Afterwards a few more joined him and there slowly developed spiritual relations between these young men and Sri Aurobindo. When the Mother returned to Pondicherry on 24 April 1920, the number of disciples began to increase rapidly, and as the Ashram thus began to take shape, it fell to the Mother to organize it. When in 1926, Sri Aurobindo retired into seclusion to pursue his yogic sadhana, the whole material and spiritual charge of the Ashram was assumed by the Mother. Under her guidance, the Ashram grew into a large diversified community with almost 1200 members. Including the 400 students of the Centre of Education and the hundreds of devotees who live nearby, the community as a whole consists of more than 2000 people." (The Sri Aurobindo Ashram)
"Twentieth-century Hinduism has been chiefly characterized by attempts to purify and reform the doctrines of its medieval period, to deepen its spirituality, to reassert its moral dimension, and to inspire social reform. Mahatma Gandhi and Sri Aurobindo, the founder of a spiritual community and a Communist, were significant in such ventures. Aurobindo has been compared with the French Jesuit paleontologist and theologian Thielhard de Chardin insofar as both have a repeated experience of cosmic consciousness and a profound belief in evolution, both of which point to a divinization of man." (Encyclopedia Britannica, History of the Philosophy of Religion, "Hindu Concepts")
"His voluminous [about 75 volumes], complex, and sometimes chaotic literary output includes philosophical pondering, poetry, plays, and other works. Among his works are THE LIFE DIVINE (1940), THE HUMAN CYCLE (1949), THE IDEAL OF HUMAN UNITY (1949), ON THE VEDA (1956), COLLECTED POEMS AND PLAYS (1942), ESSAYS ON THE GITA (1928), THE SYNTHESIS OF YOGA (1948), and SAVITRI: A LEGEND AND A SYMBOL (1950), [the longest epic poem in the English language, a blank verse story of man's evolution in consciousness to the godhead -- pure occultism, said to be the bible of consciousness, and said to be Aurobindo's initiation]. The Complete Works of Sri Aurobindo (CWSA) are in 22 volumes." (Encyclopedia Britannica, May 28, 2001)
Other works include:
THE ADVENTURE OF CONSCIOUSNESS by Satprem, ISBN: 8185137609 9788185137605 9782915730814 2915730814 9788188893263 8188893269, and THE ESSENTIAL AUROBINDO, by McDermott, ISBN: 0805235159 9780805235159, are considered to be introductory works to Aurobindo.
Overview of Works by the Mother (1878-1973)
http://www.miraura.org/lit/ma/ma-over.html
The Integral Yoga of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother
http://auromere.wordpress.com/2010/10/18/summary-of-savitri-by-jyotipriya/
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. (Proverbs 1:7a)Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 13:16)
Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you. For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men. As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich. They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge. Shall I not visit for these things? saith the LORD: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this? A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof? (Jeremiah 5:25-31). See: the annotation in The Reformation Study Bible.
The Sri Aurobindo Society in many ways epitomizes false religions and their destructive influence on modern society. By integrating the various yoga traditions, and by synthesizing non-Christian religions, Aurobindo's philosophy has undergirded secular humanism and worked to undo Christianity in the West.
Our understanding of the character of God molds our entire existence. See: THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION The Larger Catechism, Questions 1-50, especially Question 1. What is the chief and highest end of man? and Question 7. What is God?
Aurobindo based his philosophy upon false presuppositions about the character of God. He felt God is consciousness, instead of Absolute Truth. Had he seen that God is Absolute Truth, had he accepted the Deity of Christ, and acted in obedience, then the indwelling of The Holy Spirit would have confirmed the truth of it all. He also entertained a false presupposition about the origin of knowledge. He felt knowledge could come from within the self, that is, that right and wrong, truth and falsehood, could be determined from within. Whereas Scripture teaches the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. (Proverbs 1:7a)
These false presuppositions prevented Aurobindo from attaining to Absolute Truth.
Abraham Maslow also theorized that we could be "self-actualized," and this bears a strain of the gnosticism of Hinduism.
Without the fear of Lord Aurobindo was without the beginning of all knowledge (Proverbs 1:7a), and understanding of the infallible, inspired word of God.
Aurobindo, said to be the foremost modern Indian philosopher, was without Christ. He did not believe the testimony of God the Father regarding His Son.
He that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.
If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:9b,11,15-17)Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:21)
For whatever reasons, Aurobindo was blind to the Character of God, the Absolute Truths of Scripture, the Deity of Christ, His All-sufficiency, the Gospel Message of Salvation and the Life to Come, Salvation by Grace Alone, the Reality of the Holy Spirit, Covenant Theology and the Ordinance of Covenanting, The Covenanted Reformation, a Personal Relationship with the True and Living God, the reality of the Fatherhood of God, Personal Prayer, Forgiveness of Sin, Justification, Sanctification, in this life, and Glorification in the life to come.
Selfishness and pride will blind even the gifted and learned to the truth. Lust for power and the will to play God, will blind us to the truth. Perhaps it was his intense nationalistic pride, his political bent, alienation during his convent schooling, or his personal ambitions that blinded him to the "evident connection between Absolute Truth, sovereign authority, holiness, life, loving obedience, moral behavior, justice, freedom (political, economic, and individual), social stability, and real progress. -- Preface to The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:15-21)
Aurobindo represents the essence of liberality, the Cardinal Sin of Eden, usurping the Divine prerogative to establish truth and falsehood -- declaring truth by our own, mortal, finite minds in a futile effort to mold the world to our liking.
There are only two religions, Christianity, and the religion of works righteousness, whereby man attempts to justify himself with God by his own efforts.
Thus have [they] made the commandment of God of none effect by [their] tradition. . . . teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 15:6b)From from the beginning of time the greatest errors have sprung from the idolatrous idea that man could be as God [Genesis 3:6] . . . and that all subsequent error in and out of the church is simply different levels of this same error, from outright heresy to simple inconsistencies within Christianity.
-- John Hendryx
Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (Hebrews 11:3)
"Ideas have consequences."John Locke (1632-1704), widely known as the Father of Liberalism,[2][3][4] was an English philosopher and physician regarded as one of the most influential of Enlightenment thinkers. . . .
"Locke's theory of mind is often cited as the origin of modern conceptions of identity and the self, figuring prominently in the work of later philosophers such as Hume, Rousseau, and Kant. Locke was the first to define the self through a continuity of consciousness. He postulated that the mind was a blank slate or tabula rasa. Contrary to pre-existing Cartesian philosophy, he maintained that we are born without innate ideas, and that knowledge is instead determined only by experience derived from sense perception.[6]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Locke
Both The Mother (1878-1973), and Aurobindo (1872-1950), stated that all the answers to life are to be found in the writings of Sri Aurobindo. (Mira Richards, The Mother on Aurobindo). See: John Brown (of Edinburgh, 1784-1858), DISCOURSES AND SAYINGS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, and The Example and Teachings of The Lord Jesus Christ.
The temptation of the Devil is "You can be like God." That is how he tempted Eve:
The Temptation of Eve (part 1 of 2), a sermon on Genesis 3:1-6 by Brian Schwertley
The Satanic Worldview, as a secondary point, is exegeted from Genesis 3
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=720081817191
The Temptation of Eve (part 2 of 2), a sermon on Genesis 3:1-6 by Brian Schwertley
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=72008182576
Ravi Zacharias Ministries International (RZIM)
http://www.rzim.org/
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8,9)Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:35)
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. As they were increased, so they sinned against me: therefore will I change their glory into shame. (Hosea 4:6,7)
Indeed no truth is inconsistent with any other truth: but yet when two dark or doubtful points are compared together, it is hard to know which of them to reject. But here it is easy; nothing that contradicteth the true nature of God or man, or any principle, must be held. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:6)
Aurobindo taught that knowledge can originate from within (gnosticism). See: RELIGIOUS KNOWLEDGE: PAUL AND AUROBINDO. Alternate title: THE ORIGIN OF KNOWLEDGE: SRI AUROBINDO AND THE APOSTLE PAUL.
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. (Hebrews 13:8)The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. (Psalm 145:17)
The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. (Proverbs 15:3)
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20). See: Matthew 6:23 and John 3:19,20.
He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. (Psalm 33:5). See: Psalm 45:7; Psalm 99:4; Jeremiah 9:24; Psalm 1:5; Psalm 7:6; Psalm 11:3; Psalm 119:142; Psalm 145:17; Psalm 36:6; Hebrews 1:9; Revelation 15:3,4; Genesis 18:25; 2 Chronicles 19:7; Job 8:3; Job 34:12; Job 37:23. Genuine love does not ignore injustice or evil.
Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:29)
If society has no absolutes by which to judge, then society becomes the absolute. -- Francis Schaeffer (1912-1984)
Non-duality is a presupposition of all false religions. Regrettably the most powerful, the most pervasive false systems in our culture, are overlooked by many anti-cult ministries.
The denial of God by the Socinian, Pelagian, Arminian, Antinomian, Erastian, Prelatic, Atheistic, non-dualistic, egalitarian, pluralistic, polytheistic, tolerant, morally relativistic, Secular Humanistic State is the leading obstacle to the coming Kingdom of Christ and to covenant economy. If the God-ordained institution of the State would punish wrongdoers, then the pseudo-Christian and anti-Christian cults would be repressed and suppressed, they would neither exert their destabilizing influence on society, nor would they oppress and destroy the innocent with impunity.
The venerated Roman Catholic Institution (the Reformers, including Luther and Calvin, considered the Pope to be the Antichrist), continues to standby in ruthless opposition to the progress of Western Civilization under the Protestant and Covenanted Reformations.
Freemasonry, including its many splinter associations, had its origins in 17th century Scotland, an apparently reaction to The Covenanted Reformation of Scotland, the highest attainment of Christianity in history, and has a pervasive grip on major Protestant institutions, and the workplace.
Christianity is the highest ethical standard known to mankind. Yet all the cults deny Christ's Crown and Covenant, and therefore, are in a conflict of will with the absolute justice of the Christian ethic and, consequently, they are destructive of society and individuals.
As can be seen by a discerning look at the Gospel message of salvation, conflict of will leads to death. Christ took away the sin of the world, and gave the elect life eternal.
The Concept of Non-Dualism is a basic tenets of Hinduism. But God is Truth, absolute, unchanging, and eternal. Therefore, we associate Him with life, both temporal and eternal. His truth, formulated in his principles, practices, laws and statutes, is altogether good, meant to give us life and keep us from our error of self-will that leads to death.
Non-dualism (there is no absolute right or wrong), underlies all of Aurobindo's writing. Therefore, it has promoted the modern day lack of moral absolutes, antinomianism, judicial activism, situation ethics, values clarification, pluralism, toleration, neutrality, liberalism, existentialism, satanism, and so forth. They are nothing more than contemporary expressions of Hindu non-duality, and have accompanied the neo-pagan occult revival in America that began in the 1960s. By usurping God's authority to declare what is true one fashions the world to one's liking. All this flow from non-dualism.
Non-dualism was a basic tenet of the philosophy of Nietzsche. See: Nietzsche, Friedrich Wilhelm (1844-1900), Walter Kaufmann (translator), BEYOND GOOD AND EVIL: PRELUDE TO A PHILOSOPHY OF THE FUTURE, ISBN: 0585110875 9780585110875.
"Represents Nietzsche's attempt to sum up his philosophy. In nine parts the book is designed to give the reader a comprehensive idea of Nietzche's thought and style. With an inclusive index of subjects and persons." -- Publisher
One of the problems of non-dualism is that it has no answer for the problem of evil. Hindus and Buddhists know the world is an evil place, but their religions have no effective means of coping with the problem of evil. Non-dualism leaves one with no consciousness of sin, guilt, forgiveness, or righteousness. With non-duality we have no reference point from which to discern that Hitler was bad. In this respect all false religions are fatalistic. But Christ took away the sin of the world. (John 1:29)
When the occultist dies his earthly works perish with him. But the works of the righteous, which are based upon God's absolute truth, endure through all eternity.
Engaging Cultures, (part 1), [audio file], Ravi Zacharias
"How did we end up in this postmodernism culture? The change did not happen overnight, but rather took several hundred years to unfold. He [Ravi] will look into the fascinating history of philosophical ideas of man, and contemplate how we ended up in a time that preaches there is not any meaning."
https://www.rzim.org/listen/let-my-people-think/engaging-cultures-part-1
Engaging Cultures, (part 2), [audio file], Ravi Zacharias
https://www.rzim.org/listen/let-my-people-think/engaging-cultures-part-2
*Living in Critical Times (part 1), Ravi Zacharias
"We live in a society that wants nothing to do with God however once you do away with the existence of God, where do you turn for your absolutes? . . . Where do we find our moral framework?"
https://www.rzim.org/listen/let-my-people-think/living-in-critical-times-part-1
Living in Critical Times (part 2), Ravi Zacharias
https://www.rzim.org/listen/let-my-people-think/living-in-critical-times-part-2
Uncovering the New Spirituality, (part 1)
"What do new spiritualists actually believe? Is there any truth to what they teach? Join us this week on "Let My People Think" as Ravi Zacharias examines the new spiritualist movement, and the traction it has gained in western culture."
https://www.rzim.org/listen/let-my-people-think/uncovering-the-new-spirituality-part-1
Uncovering the New Spirituality, (part 2)
https://www.rzim.org/listen/let-my-people-think/uncovering-the-new-spirituality-part-2
Question 4, Westminster Shorter Catechism With Proof TextsAurobindo taught that mortal creatures could evolve in consciousness to be like God. He felt that God is consciousness. THE ADVENTURE OF CONSCIOUSNESS, published in the late 70's, was an introduction to his philosophy.
Q. 4. What is God?
A. God is a Spirit,[7] infinite,[8] eternal,[9] and unchangeable,[10] in his being,[11] wisdom,[12] power,[13] holiness,[14] justice,[15] goodness,[16] and truth.[17]
Scripture proofs:
[7] Deuteronomy 4:15-19. Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the LORD spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire: Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female, The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air, The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth: And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven. Luke 24:39. Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. John 1:18. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. John 4:24. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. Acts 17:29. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.
[8] 1 Kings 8:27. But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded? Psalm 139:7-10. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. Psalm 145:3. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable. Psalm 147:5. Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite. Jeremiah 23:24. Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD. Romans 11:33-36. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
[9] Deuteronomy 33:27. The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them. Psalm 90:2. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. Psalm 102:12,24-27. But thou, O LORD, shalt endure for ever; and thy remembrance unto all generations. . . . I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years are throughout all generations. Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end. Revelation 1:4,8. John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne. . . . I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
[10] Psalm 33:11. The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. Malachi 3:6. For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. Hebrews 1:12. And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. Hebrews 6:17-18. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Hebrews 13:8. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. James 1:17. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
[11] Exodus 3:14. And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. Psalm 115:2-3. Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God? But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. 1 Timothy 1:17. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 6:15-16. Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
[12] Psalm 104:24. O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. Romans 11:33-34. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Hebrews 4:13. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. 1 John 3:20. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
[13] Genesis 17:1. And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. Psalm 62:11. God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. Jeremiah 32:17. Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee: Matthew 19:26. But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. Revelation 1:8. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
[14] Hebrews 1:13. But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? 1 Peter 1:15-16. But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 1 John 3:3,5. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. . . . And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Revelation 15:4. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.
[15] Genesis 18:25. That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? Exodus 34:6-7. And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation. Deuteronomy 32:4. He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. Psalm 96:13. Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth. Romans 3:5,26. But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man). . . . To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
[16] Psalm 103:5. Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. Psalm 107:8. Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Matthew 19:7. They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? Romans 2:4. Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
[17] Exodus 34:6. And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Deuteronomy 32:4. He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. Psalm 86:15. But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. Psalm 117:2. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD. Hebrews 6:18. That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us. -- Westminster Shorter Catechism With Proof Texts
Aurobindo taught that by evolution we can reach higher and higher levels of consciousness until we attain to the consciousness of God (cosmic consciousness). Notice the relationship to Pentecostal Movement, Assembly of God, Positive Confession and Positive Mental Attitude (PMA), Word of Faith and the New Age. Also notice these movements tend to reject and deny the existence of evil, a kind of non-dualism.
Consciousness, however, is culturally conditioned, a variable that changes with time and place. Therefore, God is not consciousness. God is Absolute Truth, unchanging, and eternal. See: Biblical Creationism (Intelligent Design), and Evolutionism.
See the Theological Notes: "The Fall" at Genesis 3:6 in The Reformation Study Bible.
But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. (Genesis 3:3-7)
Matthew Henry commenting on Genesis 3:6-13
https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/genesis/3.html
John Gill commenting on Genesis 3:7
https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/genesis-3-7.html
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:2) Desiring to be as God is a lust for power, a rebellion and stubbornness resulting from our self-will. Yet the Triune God of the Bible is the only source of power, and obedience to his righteousness, in self-denial and sacrificial love, transforms the world.
There is great transforming power in the New Testament sacrificial love of Christ Jesus that says Not my will, but thine, be done. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 22:42b). See: Power and Power Religion.
Of course, the creature not acknowledging his Creator is the greatest error. It is a violation of the First Commandment of the Decalogue. However, such action is in keeping with the Doctrine of Human Depravity, and evidences our need for a Saviour.
"A stone was found in the Libyan desert with this inscription:
I, the Captain of a Legion of Rome, serving the desert of Libya, have learned and pondered this truth in life, there are two things to be sought, love and power, and nobody has both."He is right, no human being ultimately has both in the absolute sense. But there is one who does, and that is God himself. Absolute power and absolute love coalescing in the Trinity in that Godhead where love, and truth and holiness coexist in their absolute sense. . . ." -- Ravi Zacharias in a address
Aurobindo is said to have coined the term "superman." (Mira Richards, [above] The Mother on Aurobindo). This also bear a strain of other errant trends in modern society.
Disciples who yield to demands for unquestioned obedience from a guru or any person, disciples who submit to or who yield to the influence of another, who "kiss the hand" of another, rather than "kissing the Son" (submitting to Christ in his perfect righteousness), are committing idolatry. This is worshipping the creature rather than the creator. If we will to "play god" instead of willing to worship Him, then we idolize self. This all bears a strain of popery. See: The Westminster Confession Larger Catechism, Questions 103-106.
The disciples of Aurobindo say they are for others, but they are really for themselves. By their deceit they effectively steal the soul of others. Therefore, they always experience fear in their relationships. There has been and continues to be constant in-fighting among them. Everyone can not be god. Everyone can not be worshipped.
Dialectic: "the Hegelian process of change in which an entity passes over into and is preserved and fulfilled by its opposite, also: development through the stages of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis in accordance with the laws of dialectical materialism: any systematic reasoning, exposition, or argument especially in literature that juxtaposes opposed or contradictory ideas and usually seeks to resolve their conflict." -- Webster's Seventh New Collegiate DictionaryIn Aurobindo's dialectic, the self is worshipped as god. The emphasis is on evolving into the godhead, instead of glorifying God. Thus man tries to be his own saviour. God is impersonal, pantheistic, polytheistic not worshipped and glorified, not prayed too, not trusted in, but meditated upon with the use of a mantra, which amounts to the invocation of a demon, calling upon the name of a demon. But there is only one Holy Spirit, the third person of The Holy Trinity. See: Gary North, Unholy Spirits. Hinduism is submission to ungodly spirits (idolatry). So the net effect is to demonize, to give free reign to evil, to isolate, to place in bondage, and to destroy the individual, body and soul. See: The Westminster Confession Larger Catechism, Questions 103-106.Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22)
Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 9:55b)
In your patience posses ye your souls. (Luke 21:19) -- The Lord Jesus Christ John Gill commenting on Luke 21:19
Christianity is the only religion that teaches salvation by Grace. All other religions in the world teach that man must earn his salvation by works of righteousness (man can be his own saviour).
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ (by grace ye are saved).Aurobindo tried to be his own saviour, and taught others to try to do the same. This colossal error separates the individual from his Creator, the True and Living God, both in temporal time and in eternity.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:4,5,8,9)
Disciples of Sri Aurobindo lack a new life, and they lack the fruit of the Spirit. Hinduism may bring light, but it does not bring power to change a life, nor does it bring salvation of body and soul. It does not bring real progress. It does not give the fruit of the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22,23)
The sacrificial love of Christ, expressed by his atoning death on the Cross, the Gospel of Grace, is the means of salvation and a new life, temporal and eternal. See: Book-length Presentations of the Gospel Message of Salvation and of the Life to Come.
See: the Theological Notes, "Syncretism and Idolatry," at Hosea 2:13 in The Reformation Study Bible.Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (Hebrews 11:3)
"Ideas have consequences."
Aurobindo was a false prophet of synthesis/syncretism, the assimilation of the beliefs and practices of Eastern and Western religions. He was also known for his Integral Yoga, an effort to synthesis the various forms of yoga. See: INTEGRAL YOGA.
This synthesis/syncretism is analogous to the infiltration and temporization of popery, which over the centuries has attempted to mix Roman Catholicism with the beliefs of local cultures. The Hindu will say, "Hinduism is an extension of Christianity." The deceived Christian will say, "Christ is the crown of Hinduism."
"The Middle Ages saw Christianity watered down with the philosophy of man. Thomas Aquinas mixed Christianity with Aristotle and came up with nothing. Aquinas taught that man's will is corrupt, but not his intellect. This false presupposition paved the way for the humanistic movement of the Renaissance, and its autonomy and particulate worldview. Thomas Aquinas is canonized by the Roman Catholic Institution, which holds that the church wrote the Bible, and thus has the right to interpret it, and to write new law from it. This spurred the Reformation which got back to the Bible as a linguistic incarnation of God to be followed explicitly. The words of the Bible are God incarnate." (Robert Morley, August 19, 1979)
East and West, however, are diametrically opposite and can not be united without a toleration of falsehood, which is fatal to Absolute Truth. Universal toleration is a sign of the decline of a society. A healthy society may show religious toleration, but it never accepts illegitimate systems, never acknowledges the legitimacy of false, destructive systems. See: Toleration, Liberty of Conscience "Religious Freedom," and Pluralism.
The progress of Western civilization following the Protestant Reformation is conclusive historical evidence of the efficacy of Christianity. Connection with The Triune God of the Bible enriches society. Christ changed the world. See: Kennedy, D. James with Jerry Newcombe, WHAT IF JESUS HAD NEVER BEEN BORN? ISBN: 0785282610 9780785282617.
The heritage of individual liberty (Chapter XX) in Western Civilization has its roots in The Covenanted Reformation of Scotland. See: The Overruling Providence of God and History, "His-story."
European countries that did not accept the Reformation have never recovered sociologically. And communism has failed in all countries with a Reformation base. (Schaeffer, Francis (1912-1984), How Should we Then Live? The Rise and Decline of Western Thought and Culture.
Contrast this with Indian society, were children and the elderly starve to death daily. They are seen lying dead in the gutters of big city streets, while cattle and monkeys, held to be sacred, roam freely. Again their belief in reincarnation is based upon false presuppositions and society reflects the error.
See: "Syncretism and Idolatry," Theological Note for Hosea 2:13 in The Reformation Study Bible (New Geneva Study Bible), p. 1362, Idolatry, syncretism, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Isaiah 1:21; Judges 2:17; James 4:4; Exodus 20:3-6; Jeremiah 3; Ezekiel 16; Hosea 2; Romans 1:18-25; Psalm 115:4-7; Isaiah 44:9-20; Isaiah 44:20; 1 Corinthians 8:4-6; 1 Corinthians 10:19-21; 1 Corinthians 10:14; 1 John 5:19-21; Hosea 2:13, and so forth, and so on.
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:24)
Although Sri Aurobindo is little known, and never made an effort to gather a following, he is thought to have been a major, low-profile, behind-the-scenes influence in the paganization of the West, and the occult revival in this country that began in the late 50's. See: A Resolution to Combat Mind Control With Truth. Notice that creating and spreading false religion is the ultimate form of brainwashing, with the most horrific consequences.
Aurobindo's writing is elitist and euphoric. Its influence is mesmerizing -- hypnotic. The reader is drawn to it, to the exclusion of all else. And anything we read often enough, to the exclusion of everything else, we will begin to believe is true. It may be only 70 percent truth, but when read exclusively, the false begins to sound true, and then even the elect may be deceived. See: Mind Control, Intimidation, and Coercion.
Yet if one reads the Bible, then the words of Aurobindo do not ring true. See: Textual Criticism.
And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 15:14b)
If a list could be compiled of all the intellectual elite and leaders who have been influence directly or indirectly by Aurobindo's writing, then probably we would be surprised. Some of the individuals and organizations who are known to have been deceived are as follows:
And the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God. (Revelation 3:12b). See: Revelation 21
See also: UNESCO RESOLUTIONS AT THE GENERAL CONFERENCE IN PARIS FOR 1966, 1968 AND 1970 REGARDING AUROVILLE (Resolution 14C/DR 6 (Oct.-Nov. 1966), Resolution 4.131 (Oct.-Nov. 1968), and Resolution 3.32.1 (Oct.-Nov. 1970), ISBN: 9789230040802 9230040800. The last resolution authorized UNESCO funding of Auroville.
*Augustine, Saint (Aurelius Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, 354-430 AD), (author), Philip Schaff (editor), Marcus Dods (translator), St. Augustine's City of God and Christian Doctrine (A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church -- Volume 2), new edition, 624 pages, English, ISBN: 0802880991. Available (2 volumes, 1872 edition), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Augustine is said to be the greatest Christian thinker next to the Apostle Paul. Luther set the BIBLE and the CONFESSIONS OF SAINT AUGUSTINE above all other books.
"One of the classic texts of Western civilization [it explains the fall of Rome in terms of Scripture -- compiler]. . . . DE CIVITATE DEI is an important contribution of interest to students of theology, philosophy, ecclesiastical history, the history of political thought, and late antiquity." -- Publisher (from the Cambridge University Press edition)
"Calvin paraphrased Augustine about 400 times in THE INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION.
"St. Augustine's final sentence of THE CITY OF GOD is 'All things must be referred to the Glory of God.'
"When you see that, then you will see the key to the story, and you will see the key to history. . . .
"The classic exposition of history in terms of Scripture." -- C. Gregg Singer
"Augustine began writing THE CITY OF GOD at age 59 [shortly after the city of Rome had been sacked by the Goths in 410 A.D., much to the surprise, it is said, of both the Romans and the Goths. -- compiler], and worked on it, off and on, for much of the next 14 years. The impetus for the beginning of this vast work (and its recurring focus), was the charge of Pagans (polytheists) that Christianity was responsible for the decay and demise of the Roman Empire. The charge put forward the claim that the prosperity and social stability of the state was dependent upon polytheistic worship. In response, Augustine arrays several lines of argument, rebutting the assumed 'goodness' of the Pagan state, as such, and detailing the ethical/moral and logical failings of Paganism. Augustine displays tremendous scholarship, employing the writings of Paganism's greatest historians and philosophers in his case against their religious claims. The result is a giant literary, philosophical, historical, theological and exegetical work. . . .
"Against the 'city', i.e., society, of many gods, there is but one alternate society, this Augustine calls The City of God, adopting the expression found in several of King David's psalms. Not only is the society of many gods the society of polytheists, it is also the 'city' of pantheists, atheistic materialists and philosophical Cynics. In the case of the Cynics and atheists, these false gods are the myriad gods of self, indeed, at least as many gods (selves) as there are believers in them. Thus there are two 'cities,' two loves, two ways to understand the big questions of existence, two destinations. Says Augustine:
"The one City began with the love of God; the other had its beginnings in the love of self." XIV:13."Augustine reflects deeply here on human nature and the meaning of eternal life and eternal punishment, within an explication of the 'meaning' of history. He writes of all human history as a single narrative. This also a work of Biblical exegesis, as Augustine treats Scripture as a historical document. For Augustine, creation is good, creation exists in time and has a history. Indeed, since God enters into history to show man His love, history itself is sanctified, through the City of God.
"The city of man seeks the praise of men, whereas the height of glory for the other is to hear God in the witness of conscience. The one lifts up its head in its own boasting; the other says to God: Thou art my glory, thou liftest up my head. (Psalm 3:4). In the city of the world both the rulers themselves and the people they dominate are dominated by the lust for domination; whereas in the City of God all citizens serve one another in charity . . ." (XIV:28) -- Reader's Comment
Please take note of the following:
When a great idea is born, it shows limitless capacity for transcending fixed molds of thought, and for reconciling diverse viewpoints. It goes on growing and expanding, refusing to be confined within the stone walls of any rigidly fixed thought structure. As a living spiritual force it goes on fertilizing the spiritual soil of the world, giving rise to varied forms of practically useful self-expression. . . . Sri Aurobindo has given to the world such a living spiritual force, a dynamic truth-vision.
See also: A Theological Interpretation of American History
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chc.html#stiahis
Uncovering the New Spirituality, (part 1)
"What do new spiritualists actually believe? Is there any truth to what they teach? Join us this week on "Let My People Think" as Ravi Zacharias examines the new spiritualist movement, and the traction it has gained in western culture."
https://www.rzim.org/listen/let-my-people-think/uncovering-the-new-spirituality-part-1
Uncovering the New Spirituality, (part 2)
https://www.rzim.org/listen/let-my-people-think/uncovering-the-new-spirituality-part-2
It's a con game: Eastern meditation, witchcraft, divination, Science of Mind, psychic healing, holistic education -- oh, the list goes on and on -- it's all the same thing, nothing but a ruse to take over people's minds and spirits, even their bodies. -- Frank Peretti
See also: A Theological Interpretation of American History
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chc.html#stiahis
Uncovering the New Spirituality, (part 1)
"What do new spiritualists actually believe? Is there any truth to what they teach? Join us this week on "Let My People Think" as Ravi Zacharias examines the new spiritualist movement, and the traction it has gained in western culture."
https://www.rzim.org/listen/let-my-people-think/uncovering-the-new-spirituality-part-1
Uncovering the New Spirituality, (part 2)
https://www.rzim.org/listen/let-my-people-think/uncovering-the-new-spirituality-part-2
Integral Yoga Centers, Organizations and Study Groups
http://www.miraura.org/grp/geoidx.html
Sri Aurobindo Birth Centenary Library
Annotated bibliography of works by and about Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. An extensive listing.
http://www.aurobindo.ru/workings/bibliography/
On the contrary, he charges them with gross and voluntary ignorance, as if he had said that, by their madness, they brought down destruction on themselves. The meaning therefore is, that the people perished because they despised instruction . . . .
Hence we draw a useful doctrine; namely, that the source of all our calamities is, that we do not allow ourselves to be taught by the word of God, and this is what the Prophet chiefly intended that we should observe. . . .
So then it is a true statement, that the reason why the people endure such a variety of afflictions is, that they are ignorant of God, and will not allow themselves to be taught by him. -- John Calvin commenting on Isaiah 5:13
1. All spiritual knowledge originates from God. The self is not a source of knowledge. Divination is sorcery. See: 11.
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets. (Hebrews 1:1)That thy trust may be in the Lord, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee.
Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge,
That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee? (Proverbs 22:19,20,21)It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,
That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed. (Luke 1:3,4)For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. (Romans 15:4)
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 4:4,7,10)And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. (Isaiah 8:19,20)
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:15)
We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts. (2 Peter 1:19)
Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. (Luke 16:29,31)And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone. (Ephesians 2:20)
For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. (Revelation 22:18)
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16)
Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 22:29,31)
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone. (Ephesians 2:20)
And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Isaiah the prophet unto our fathers. (Acts 28:25)
2. God is not consciousness. God is Truth, absolute, unchanging, and eternal. That Truth was incarnate in the second person of the Holy Trinity, Jesus Christ.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:6)If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:15-21) Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:9-11)Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the LORD spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire: Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female,
The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air,
The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth:
And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven. (Deuteronomy 4:15-19)Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 24:39)
No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. (John 1:18)
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 4:24)
Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. (Acts 17:29)
But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded? (1 Kings 8:27)
Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. (Psalm 139:7-10)Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable. (Psalm 145:3)
Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite. (Psalm 147:5)
Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD. (Jeremiah 23:24)
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?
Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?
For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. (Romans 11:33-36)The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them. (Deuteronomy 33:27)
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. (Psalm 90:2)
But thou, O LORD, shalt endure for ever; and thy remembrance unto all generations. . . . I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years are throughout all generations. Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end. (Psalm 102:12,24-27)
John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne.
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:4,8)The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. (Malachi 3:6)
For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. (Psalm 33:11)
And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. (Hebrews 1:12)
Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us. (Hebrews 6:17-18)
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. (Hebrews 13:8)
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (James 1:17)
And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. (Exodus 3:14)
Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God? But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. (Psalm 115:2-3)
Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:17)
Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. (1 Timothy 6:15-16)
O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. (Psalm 104:24)
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? (Romans 11:33-34)
Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. (Hebrews 4:13)
For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. (1 John 3:20)
And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. (Genesis 17:1)
God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. (Psalm 62:11)
Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee. (Jeremiah 32:17)
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 19:26)
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:8)
But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? (Hebrews 1:13)
But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. (1 Peter 1:15-16)
And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure . . . . And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. (1 John 3:3,5)
Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest. (Revelation 15:4)
That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? (Genesis 18:25)
And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation. (Exodus 34:6-7)
He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. (Deuteronomy 32:4)
Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth. (Psalm 96:13)
But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) . . . . To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. (Romans 3:5,26)
Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. (Psalm 103:5)
Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! (Psalm 107:8)
They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? (Matthew 19:7)
Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? (Romans 2:4)
And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth. (Exodus 34:6)
He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. (Deuteronomy 32:4)
But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. (Psalm 86:15)
The Treasury of David, Psalm 117, C.H. Spurgeon
O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.
For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Paise ye the Lord. (Psalm 117:1,2)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps117.phpThat by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us. (Hebrews 6:18)
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD. (Deuteronomy 6:4)
Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. -- The World of the Lord (Isaiah 44:6)
Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. -- The World of the Lord (Isaiah 45:21-22)
As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth (as there be gods many, and lords many), But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. (1 Corinthians 8:4-6)
But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation. (Jeremiah 10:10)
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. (John 17:3)
For they themselves show of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God. (1 Thessalonians 1:9)
And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. (1 John 5:20)
3. God is the Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (Matthew 3:16-17)Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19)
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. (2 Corinthians 13:14)
Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. (1 Peter 1:2)
Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right scepter. (Psalm 45:6)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)
And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. (John 17:5)
But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. (Acts 5:3-4)
Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. (Romans 9:5)
For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. (Colossians 2:9)
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for ever. Amen. (Jude 1:24-25)
4. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit have personal attributes.
They speak,And the LORD said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them. (Exodus 24:12)
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. (Acts 13:2)
They reason,
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. (Isaiah 1:18)They feel compassion,
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 13:34)For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:16-18)
And God is a heavenly Father to the believer.
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 11:13)For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (Romans 8:15)
5. Salvation is by Grace alone, by Christ alone.
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5:21)But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ (by grace ye are saved).
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:4,5,8,9)Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. (2 Timothy 1:9)
But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. (Titus 3:4)
For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth. (Romans 9:11)
6. Selfishness and pride blind us to Truth.
For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another. (Romans 2:14,15)Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse. (Romans 1:19,20)
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork.
Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. (Psalm 19:1-3)Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. (Romans 1:32)
Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. (Romans 2:1)
But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. (James 1:14)
For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. (Galatians 5:17)
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (James 1:13,14,17)For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (1 John 2:16)
These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes. (Psalm 50:21)
Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves.
For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature.
And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient. (Romans 1:24,26,28)What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. (Romans 11:7,8)
Yet the Lord hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day. (Deuteronomy 29:4)
For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. (Matthew 13:12)
For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. (Matthew 25:29)
But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me.
So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels. (Psalm 81:11,12)And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Timothy 2:10-12)Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. (1 Peter 2:7,8)
And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.
Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. (Isaiah 6:9,10)Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. (Acts 28:26,27)
Behold, the eyes of the Lord God are upon the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from off the face of the earth; saving that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob, saith the Lord.
For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth. (Amos 9:8,9)And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.
Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.
Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west.
Thus saith the Lord, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships. (Isaiah 43:3,4,5,14)
7. The Bible is the inspired, infallible word of God, the measure of all truth. Spiritual knowledge does not arise from within the self (gnosticism).
For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:18)To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. (Isaiah 8:20)
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16,17)
And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written. (Acts 15:15)
Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 5:39,46)
8. Even the elect may be deceived if they neglect the Word of God.
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:24)And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. (Genesis 3:4,5)
9. Satan is a real person and there is evil in this world.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. (1 Peter 5:8-10)
10. Man can not become God, although his rebellious self-will would lead him to try to play God.
See: THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH, The Larger Catechism, Questions 1-50, especially Question 1. What is the chief and highest end of man? and Question 7. What is God?But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. (Genesis 3:3-5)
11. It is vain for man to pursue the occult and to use a mantra which is the invocation of a demon, sorcery.
The Treasury of David, Psalm 25, C.H. Spurgeon
The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach His way.
All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. (Psalm 25:9,10)
The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. (Psalm 25:14)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps025.phpThe secret things belong to the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. Deut. 29:29 [Deuteronomy 29:29]. There are many rare, profound discoveries much gloried of by the masters of several sects, of which you may know the sentence of the Holy Ghost, by that instance, Col. ii. 18 [Colossians 2:18], Let no man beguile you of your reward, in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind. Reverently withdraw from things that are unrevealed, and dispute them not. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)
See: THE NEW NAVE'S TOPICAL BIBLE, "Sorcery," divination by an alleged assistance of evil spirits. Forbidden, Leviticus 19:26-28,31; Leviticus 20:6; Deuteronomy 18:9-14. Denounced, Isaiah 8:19; Malachi 3:5. Practiced: by the Egyptians, Isaiah 19:3,11,12; by the magicians, Exodus 7:11,22; Exodus 8:7,18; by Balaam, Numbers 22:6; Numbers 23:23, with Numbers 22; 23; by Jezebel, 2 Kings 9:22; by the Ninevites, Nahum 3:4,5; by the Babylonians, Isaiah 47:9-13; Ezekiel 21:21,22; Daniel 2:2,10,27; by Belshazzar, Daniel 5:7,15; by Simon Magus, Acts 8:9,11; by Elymas, Acts 13:8; by the young girl at Philippi, Acts 16:16; by vagabond Jews, Acts 19:13; by sons of Sceva, Acts 19:14,15; by astrologers, Jeremiah 10:2; Micah 3:6,7; by false prophets, Jeremiah 14:14; Jeremiah 27:9; Jeremiah 29:8,9; Ezekiel 13:6-9; Ezekiel 22:28; Matthew 24:24. To cease, Ezekiel 12:23,24; Ezekiel 13:23; Micah 5:12. Messages of, false, Ezekiel 21:29; Zechariah 10:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:9. Diviners shall be confounded, Micah 3:7. Belongs to the works of the flesh, Galatians 5:20. Wickedness of, 1 Samuel 15:23. Vainness of, Isaiah 44:25. Punishment for, Exodus 22:18; Leviticus 20:27; Deuteronomy 13:5. Divining by familiar spirits, Leviticus 20:27; 1 Chronicles 10:13; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Isaiah 8:19; Isaiah 19:3; Isaiah 29:4; by entrails, Ezekiel 21:21; by images, 2 Kings 23:24; Ezekiel 21:21; by rods, Hosea 4:12. Saul consulted the Witch of Endor, 1 Samuel 28:7-25. Books of, destroyed, Acts 19:19. See: Charmers and Charming; Clairvoyance; Necromancy. -- The New Nave's Topical Bible
12. There is only one Holy Spirit, the third person of The Trinity.
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD. (Deuteronomy 6:4)As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. (1 Corinthians 8:4,6)But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation. (Jeremiah 10:10)
13. Non-dualism is a denial of God. Hegelian dialectics do not turn man into his own saviour. Non-dualism expresses itself in modern society as lack of moral absolutes, antinomianism, judicial activism, situation ethics, values clarification, pluralism, toleration, neutrality, and liberalism.
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20). See: Matthew 6:23 and John 3:19,20.He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. (Psalm 33:5), See: Psalm 45:7; Psalm 99:4; Jeremiah 9:24; Psalm 1:5; Psalm 7:6; Psalm 11:3; Psalm 119:142; Psalm 145:17; Psalm 36:6; Hebrews 1:9; Revelation 15:3,4; Genesis 18:25; 2 Chronicles 19:7; Job 8:3; Job 34:12; Job 37:23. Genuine love does not ignore injustice or evil.
Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. (Hebrews 1:3)
The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. (Proverbs 15:3)
The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. (Psalm 145:17)
The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.
The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. (Psalm 33:10,11)They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness. (Psalm 145:7)
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God. (Ephesians 3:10)
They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness. (Psalm 145:7)
Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity. (Job 34:10)
14. Poverty, sin, sickness and death are real.
And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them. (Matthew 4:24)And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Mark 14:7)
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23)
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (1 John 1:7-10)
15. Eastern religion, the New Age, non-dualism, syncretism, and temporization are con games to steal the soul, to place it in bondage.
And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. (Genesis 2:7)Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. (Ecclesiastes 12:7)
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 23:43)
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:28)
For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead. Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate. (Psalm 143:3,4)
16. God is the author of freedom (see: Freedom: a Gift of the Grace of God,).
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:19)Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree. (Galatians 3:13)
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2:14)
And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. (1 Timothy 1:10)
Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree. (Galatians 3:13)
Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father. (Galatians 1:4)
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. (Colossians 1:13)
To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. (Acts 26:18)
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. (Romans 6:14)
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. (Galatians 5:13)
As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. (1 Peter 2:16)
While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. (2 Peter 2:19) Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 8:34)
That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. (Luke 1:74)
If ye continue in my word, [then] are ye my disciples indeed;
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 8:31b,32)
17. Unquestioned submission to anyone or anything, to "kiss the hand" of another is idolatry. It is worshipping the creature rather than the Creator.
Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. (Psalm 2:10-12)
18. All religions are not true.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:6)Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:21)
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:24)
And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. (Acts 4:12)
See: The Overruling Providence of God, History, "His-story," and The Attributes of God.
19. Toleration of falsehood is the enemy of Truth.
Thus have [they] made the commandment of God of none effect by [their] tradition. . . . teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 15:6b)Be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. . . . For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. (James 3:1; 2 Corinthians 13:8)
If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? (Psalm 11:3)
See: Toleration, Liberty of Conscience, Pluralism, "Religious Freedom," and Neutrality.
20. Divine Providence for his elect in history is evidence of the efficacy of Christianity, and the personal nature of The Triune God.
Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. (Hebrews 1:3)In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. (Ephesians 1:11)
O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. (Psalm 104:24)
The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. (Proverbs 15:3)
Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. (Acts 15:18)
Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise?
He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see? He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know?
The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity. (Psalm 94:8-11)The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.
The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. (Psalm 33:10,11)As a beast goeth down into the valley, the Spirit of the Lord caused him to rest: so didst thou lead thy people, to make thyself a glorious name. (Isaiah 63:14)
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God. (Ephesians 3:10)
For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. (Romans 9:17)
And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. (Genesis 45:7)
They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness. (Psalm 145:7)
As a beast goeth down into the valley, the Spirit of the Lord caused him to rest: so didst thou lead thy people, to make thyself a glorious name. (Isaiah 63:14)
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God. (Ephesians 3:10)
But I will have mercy upon the house of Judah, and will save them by the Lord their God, and will not save them by bow, nor by sword, nor by battle, by horses, nor by horsemen. (Hosea 1:7)
Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity. (Job 34:10)
21. God is the Creator of all things.
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. (Genesis 1:2)
The same was in the beginning with God.
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. (John 1:2-3)For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him, (Colossians 1:16)
Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds. (Hebrews 1:2)
The same was in the beginning with God.
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. (John 1:2,3)Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself. (Isaiah 44:24)
The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life. (Job 33:4)
By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked serpent. (Job 26:13)
See: Biblical Creationism (Intelligent Design), and Evolutionism
Ravi Zacharias Ministries International (RZIM)
http://www.rzim.org/
*Zacharias, Ravi (1946-2020), The Uniqueness of Christ in World Religions (part 1 of 2)
This is a very sensitive presentation of major differences between Islam and Christianity.
The address also applies to a wide array of other issues such as "duality" (the Western position), logic, the law of non-contradiction, "either/or," absolutism verses relativism, etc. -- and "non-duality" (the Eastern position), "both/and," the Hegelian dialectic (the synthesis of opposites into a "higher truth"), situational ethics, values clarification, political compromise, democracy, "have your cake and eat it too," and so forth, and so on.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJHUOmOpd4U
The Uniqueness of Christ in World Religions (part 2 of 2)
"The reality of human nature is best portrayed in the teaching of Christ."
Christianity alone explains the questions of unity in diversity, the one and the many, The Trinity, and spiritual oneness.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYCdlk67lWY
Secularism and the Illusion of Neutrality (part 1 of 2), Ravi Zacharias
"Pluralism is a good thing. But when extrapolated to moral relativism it is an evil thing." -- Ravi Zacharias
"What does it mean to be human? What does the answer to that question say about our culture? How did secularism become so popular in America -- a supposedly 'Christian' nation?"
http://rzim.org/let-my-people-think-broadcasts/secularism-and-the-illusion-of-neutrality-part-1-of-2/
Secularism and the Illusion of Neutrality (part 2 of 2), Ravi Zacharias
http://rzim.org/let-my-people-think-broadcasts/secularims-and-the-illusion-of-neutrality/
The Spurious Glitter of Pantheism (part 1 of 2), Ravi Zacharias
"Why is the new age worldview and the idea of pantheism growing in popularity? Is the Hindu worldview really as tolerant as they claim? How do you share the Gospel with someone who is Hindu? Ravi Zacharias looks at the appeal of new age worldviews and why they are so popular."
http://rzim.org/let-my-people-think-broadcasts/the-spurious-glitter-of-pantheism-part-2-of-2
The Spurious Glitter of Pantheism (part 2 of 2), Ravi Zacharias
http://rzim.org/let-my-people-think-broadcasts/the-spurious-glitter-of-pantheism-part-2-of-2-2
*Bickersteth, Edward, The Trinity: The Classic Study of Biblical Trinitarianism, ISBN: 0825423945 9780825423949. A Christian classic.
"A must for gaining a grasp of the doctrine of the Trinity." -- Jay P. Green, Sr.
Bickersteth, The Trinity by E.H. Bickersteth
http://archive.org/details/TheTrinityByEHBickersteth
*Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), The Everlasting Righteousness, or How Shall man be Just With God? A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language.
"First published in 1874, THE EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS, may be the best book on the doctrine of justification by faith alone ever written.
"Since the seventeenth century, the church's adherence to the central doctrine of the Christian faith has been weakening; in the twentieth century it has all but disappeared. But to those who remain faithful -- to those who are called of God -- justification by faith alone is the best news there could ever be: that Christ died for our sins, and we shall live forever because of Christ's righteousness.
"Justification by faith alone -- the 'principal hinge of religion,' according to John Calvin, the 'doctrine by which the church stands or falls,' according to Martin Luther -- is salvation. Without it, all hope is lost; with it, Heaven gained. Bonar's discussion is without equal in the English language." -- John W. Robbins
The Everlasting Righteousness, Horatius Bonar
http://books.google.com/books?id=nQMDAAAAQAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
*Brown, John (of Edinburgh, 1784-1858), Discourses and Sayings of our Lord Jesus Christ, 3 volumes, ISBN: 0851515819 (one ISBN for the set of 3 volumes). A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Spurgeon says of this great commentary: 'Of the noblest order of exposition. Procure it.' Elsewhere in COMMENTING AND COMMENTARIES, he wrote, 'Dr. Brown's work must be placed among the first of the first-class. He is a great expositor.' Again, 'Brown is a modern Puritan. All his expositions are of the utmost value.'
"These volumes cover much of the Gospel of John, plus many portions of the other three Gospels. In them he reveals his encyclopedic mind, and a profound regard for the Bible and the very Word of God. In addition, it is seen why it was said that he had the best clerical library in the whole nation of Scotland.
"There is little doubt in the mind of this reviewer that any reader of these volumes will become possessor of myriads of new insights into the Scriptures, and what they reveal of our God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. It is indispensable to the student of the Gospels." -- Jay P. Green, Sr.
"Based upon the revised and enlarged edition of 1852. Rich in thought. Pastors will appreciate the writer's application of spiritual truths to the needs of men and women." -- Cyril J. Barber
Recommended for daily devotions, as are all the books in the listing of Books Considered to be Among the ten Greatest in the English Language.
Discourses and Sayings of our Lord Jesus Christ: Illustrated in a Series of Expositions, 1854, vol. 1 of 2.
http://archive.org/details/discoursessaying01brow
Discourses and Sayings of our Lord Jesus Christ, vol. 2 of 2.
http://archive.org/details/discoursessaying02brow
Discourses and Sayings of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Illustrated in a Series of Expositions. . . . by John Brown, published 1856 [Complete in 2 volumes. New York: Robert Carter and Brothers], original from the University of Michigan, digitized Feb. 17, 2006.
http://books.google.com/books?id=SZl9u8v0Yi8C&dq=Discourses+and+Sayings+of+Our+Lord+Jesus+Christ&ie=ISO-8859-1&source=gbs_summary_s&cad=0
This University of Michigan digitized edition, that appears in Google Books, is available in paper from two publishers: (Gardners Books, 2006), and (Hard Press, November 26, 2007).
Both volume are "produced from digital images created through the University of Michigan University Library's preservation reformatting program." -- Publisher
*Brown, John (of Haddington, 1722-1787), The Absurdity and Perfidy of all Authoritative Toleration of Gross Heresy, Blasphemy, Idolatry, Popery, in Britain. In two letters to a friend in which the doctrine of the Westminster Confession of Faith [1646] relative to Toleration of a False Religion, and the power of the civil magistrate about sacred matters; and the nature, origin, ends and obligation of the National Covenant and Solemn League are candidly represented and defended, 1797. Alternate title: A COMPEND OF THE LETTERS OF THE REV. JOHN BROWN, LATE MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL IN HADDINGTON: ON AUTHORITATIVE TOLERATION OF GROSS HERESY, BLASPHEMY, IDOLATRY, POPERY IN BRITAIN, AND ON NATIONAL COVENANTING; IN WHICH THE DOCTRINE OF THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH . . . AND OF THE NATIONAL COVENANT AND SOLEMN LEAGUE ARE CANDIDLY REPRESENTED AND DEFENDED, 1797, and "REFORMATION ATTAINMENTS VERSUS BACKSLIDING RELIGIOUS PROFESSORS," appears to be an excerpt. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #7, #25, #26.
The Absurdity and Perfidy of all Authoritative Toleration of Gross Heresy, Blasphemy, Idolatry, Popery, in Britain
http://archive.org/details/absurdityperfidy00brow
"Reformation Attainments Versus Backsliding Religious Professors (excerpt from THE ABSURDITY AND PERFIDY OF ALL AUTHORITATIVE TOLERATION . . .
"Here Brown deals with three major Reformation attainments (anti-tolerationism, establishmentarianism and the obligations of lawful covenants as they biblically bind posterity), that Satan has always been especially concerned to overthrow -- in every major demonic move to open the floodgates of lawlessness, anarchy and misrule. Fletcher, in the preface to the 1797 edition, relates this truth as it comes to bear on various religious professors, stating, 'Papists were enemies to our covenants because they were a standard lifted up against their system of abominable idolatries. Episcopalians were enemies to them, because they were a standard lifted up against their anti-scriptural church-officers and inventions of men in the worship of God. Some Presbyterians are enemies to them in our day through ignorance of their nature and ends; and others through fear of being too strictly bound to their duty.' (cited in Johnston, Treasury of the Scottish Covenant, p. 486)
"A History of Heresy
"It is also interesting to note the long list of backsliders and heretics that often oppose one or more of these points. 'The ancient Donatists, a sect of Arian separatists, who appeared about the beginning of the 4th century, seem to have been among the first who held out these opinions to the Christian world. Feeling the weight of the arm of power for their schismatical practices, by way of reprisal, they stripped the magistrate of all power in religion; -- maintaining that he had no more power about religious matters than any private person, and refusing him the right of suppressing the propagators of doctrines different from those professed by the Church, or the observers of a different form of worship. From them the German Anabaptists adopted the same views. Then the Socinians (i.e. an early form of Scripture-denying liberals -- RB), and remonstrant Arminians, whenever the magistrate ceased to patronize their cause. The English Independents during the time of the Long Parliament were the zealous supporters of the same opinions. In their rage for liberty of conscience, they formed the strongest opposition in the Westminster Assembly which the Presbyterians had to encounter. Through their influence that venerable body was much embarrassed (hindered -- RB), in their proceeding; and by their means (in collusion with that "Judas of the Covenant," Cromwell -- RB), certain passages of the Confession of Faith never obtained the ratification of the English Parliament. The English Dissenters of the present age are generally in the same views, especially the Socinians, the Arians, and the Quakers, who have most to dread from the Laws of the Land against their blasphemies. And who knows not that the high reputation of Mr. Locke as a Philosopher . . . has given these opinions such an air of respectability, that many youth in the Universities have been thereby inclined to embrace them?' (Preface, pp. vi-vii).
"The Covenantal Hammer Smashing the Idols of our day
"In our day the tree of toleration (and the anti-Scriptural principles which logically grow out of it), has spread its branches in ways that could have never been envisioned by those that took the first steps away from biblical and covenanted uniformity. What Brown is fighting against here is an error so foundational that when left unchecked it permeates all of society, cutting out the foundational roots that are necessary for all national Reformations. And if the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? (Ps. 11:3 [Psalm 11:3]). Furthermore, as the preface notes 'liberty of conscience and of opinion' are 'the great idols of the day.' Here Brown takes out his covenantal hammer and smashes these idols with an inconoclastic zeal worthy of our earlier Reformed forefathers. This book is especially useful in answering the persistent fear and questions that always arise when these old Reformed views are discussed: that is, the questions dealing with religious persecution. Brown spends much time in clearing the Westminster Divines of such false charges, while also setting these controversial Reformed teachings on a thoroughly biblical foundation.
"Westminster's View of the 'Everlasting' Solemn League and Covenant
"Interestingly, in the section defending the continuing obligation of the National and Solemn League and Covenant, we also note that the Westminster Assembly considered the Solemn League and Covenant an 'everlasting covenant.' Brown cites the following as proof, 'That the body of the English nation also swore the Solemn League and Covenant, is manifest. The Westminster Assembly and English Parliament, affirm, 'The honourable house of Parliament, the Assembly of Divines, the renowned city of London, and multitudes of other persons of all ranks and quality in this nation, and the whole body of Scotland, have all sworn it, rejoicing at the oath so graciously seconded from heaven. God will, doubtless, stand by all those, who with singleness of heart shall now enter into an everlasting covenant with the Lord.' (p. 161, emphasis added). The footnote tells us that the words Brown was quoting were taken from 'Exhortation to take the Covenant, February, 1644.'
"Our Modern Day Malignants
"Brown also includes a helpful section on a point some modern day malignants are once again attempting to use to overthrow the biblical attainments of the Covenanted Reformation. This section shows that 'the intrinsic obligation of promises, oaths, vows, and covenants which constitutes their very essence or essential form, is totally and manifestly distinct from the obligation of the law of God in many respects.' (p. 120)
"Brown's Dying Testimony to his Children
"Finally, we cite a portion of Brown's dying testimony to his children given in the introduction (p. xix). Such testimonies, from notable Christian leaders, often contain singularly pertinent charges to their hearers. (For another notable example of this see James Renwick's dying testimony, as he was about to be martyred for his adherence to the Solemn League and Covenant, when he recounts what was later to become most of the terms of communion in Covenanted Presbyterian churches. This testimony can be found in Thompson's A CLOUD OF WITNESSES FOR THE ROYAL PREROGATIVES OF JESUS CHRIST BEING THE LAST SPEECHES AND TESTIMONIES OF THOSE WHO HAVE SUFFERED FOR THE TRUTH IN SCOTLAND SINCE . . . 1680. Here are Brown's dying words to his children: 'Adhere constantly, cordially and honestly to the Covenanted Principles of the Church of Scotland, and to that Testimony which hath been lifted up for them. I fear a generation is rising up which will endeavour silently,' (O how prophetic!), 'to let slip these matters, as if they were ashamed to hold them fast, or even to speak of them' (as with many "reformed" publishers and preachers today, who dare not touch the topics Brown deals with in this book -- RB). 'May the Lord forbid that any of you should ever enter into this confederacy against Jesus Christ and his cause! This from a dying father and minister, and a witness for Christ' (Signed) 'John Brown'."
"Do you Have What it Takes?
"If you have the courage to compare the original Reformed faith with that which is often promoted under its name today (and in many ways the old Reformed faith bears little resemblance to the 'new light' Reformers and innovators of our day), then this is an ideal book to obtain and study." -- Reg Barrow
Following are three works related to THE ABSURDITY AND PERFIDY OF ALL AUTHORITATIVE TOLERATION OF GROSS HERESY, BLASPHEMY, IDOLATRY, POPERY, IN BRITAIN by John Brown of Wamphray.
1. Barrow, Reg, Calvin, Covenanting, Close Communion and the Coming Reformation, 1996, a book review of ALEXANDER AND RUFUS . . . by John Anderson, 1862. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Shows how Calvin practiced covenanting and close communion and how the biblical view of these ordinances is intended to purify the individual, church and nation. Refutes the Popish, Independent and paedocommunion heresies -- as well as all views of open communion (so common in our day). Also argues that Arminians, anti-paedobaptists, anti-regulativists, and all those who openly violate the law of God (and are unrepentant), should be barred from the Lord's table -- as a corrective measure ordained of God for their recovery. Also demonstrates that those that would not swear to uphold the Geneva Confession (or 'human constitution,' as it was agreeable to the Word of God), of 1536 in Calvin's day were to be excommunicated and exiled from Geneva. This is Reformation History Notes number two." -- Reg Barrow
Calvin, Covenanting and Close Communion
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/CalvinCC.htm
2. Price, Greg L., Terms of Communion: Covenants and Covenanting, a series of 7 audio cassettes [audio file]. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Explains and defends the fourth term of communion, which is 'That public, social covenanting is an ordinance of God, obligatory on churches and nations under the New Testament; that the National Covenant and the Solemn League are an exemplification of this divine institution; and that these Deeds are of continued obligation upon the moral person; and in consistency with this, that the Renovation of these Covenants at Auchensaugh, Scotland, 1712 was agreeable to the word of God.' Includes the studies offered separately on the National Covenant (2 tapes), the Solemn League and Covenant (1 tape), the Auchensaugh Renovation (2 tapes), as well as two introductory lectures (only available in this set), on the biblical principles related to the ordinance of covenanting, the descending obligation of lawful covenants, objections against covenanting, etc. Roberts, in his REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CATECHISM, catches the spirit of this tape set in the following question and answer:
"Q. May we not indulge the hope, that, in the goodness of our covenant God, and by the promised outpouring of his Holy Spirit, 'the kingdoms of the world' at large, and the British empire in particular, will dedicate themselves to God in a covenant not to be forgotten -- animated by the example of our covenant fathers exhibited in these memorable deeds?
"A. Yes. We have the most cheering grounds for this blessed hope; for it is written, that the nations at large in the spirit of devoted loyalty, shall cry -- 'Come and let us join ourselves to the Lord in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten': and it cannot be well doubted, that the death-cry of the martyred Guthrie has been heard on high, and shall be verified -- 'The covenants, the covenants, shall yet be Scotland's (and the world's -- RB), reviving.' (p. 151)
"A thoroughly amazing set of tapes -- among our best!" -- Publisher
3. Cunningham, John (1819-1893), The Ordinance of Covenanting, 1843. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #3, #27.
"This book is considered by many as the classic work on covenanting. 'The theology of Covenanting is here unfolded with a richness of scriptural research and a maturity of intellectual strength which would have made the grey eye of Peden glisten with delight. The treatise is a valuable addition to that solid theological literature of which the Reformed Presbyterian Church has produced repeated and enduring specimens, and stamps Mr. Cunningham as a distinguished disciple of the thoughtful and scriptural school of Mason and the Symingtons' (Presbyterian Review (1844), as cited by Johnston, Treasury of the Scottish Covenant).
"The author himself notes that 'prayer and the offering of praise are universally admitted to be duties of religion. The Scriptures announce a place among these for the exercise of solemn Covenanting . . . What the word of God unfolds concerning it, is addressed to the most resolute consideration of all, and is capable of engaging the most extensive and prolonged investigation. And yet, though none have found this subject, like all God's judgments, else than a great deep, still in meditating upon it, the ignorant have been brought to true knowledge, and the wise have increased in wisdom. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. (Psalm 25:14). Mutual federal engagements, concerning things religious and civil, whether entered into merely by simple promise, or confirmed by the solemn oath, have been made from the highest antiquity to the present. The hostility to some such engagements, and also the proud disregard for their obligation, which have been evinced by some in all ages, demand a most careful examination into their nature and design . . . Furnished with the key of Scripture, approaching the subject, we are enabled to open the mysteries in which ignorance and prejudice had shut it up; and equipped with the armour of light shooting forth its heavenly radiance, in safety to ourselves we assail the darkness thrown around it, and behold the instant flight of the spirits of error which that darkness contains. Standing alone in beauteous attractions descended from heaven upon it, this service beckons us to approach it, and engages to connect extensive good with a proper attention to its claims. The observance, under various phases, is described in Scripture as an undisputed and indisputable reality.'
"In this book Cunningham exhaustively covers the subject of covenanting in over 400 pages. He deals with the manner, duty and nature of covenanting (including personal and social covenanting), the obligation covenanting confers, how covenanting is provided for in the everlasting covenant, how it is adapted to the moral constitution of man and how it is according to the purposes of God. Numerous Divine examples are cited from Scripture and covenanting is shown to be one of the great privileges of the Christian life.
"An interesting chapter covers 'Covenanting Enforced By the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals;' which touches on circumcision, baptism, the Sabbath, the Priesthood, the new heart and the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Furthermore, this book demonstrates how God's approbation rested upon Covenanters in former ages, how covenanting is predicted in prophecy, how it is recommended by the practice of the New Testament Church and at what seasons it is appropriate. The appendices touch on the relationship of covenanting to immoral and unscriptural civil governments, the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, the British constitution and the apostasy of the Revolution settlement.
"Additionally, Cunningham acknowledges that the true church is 'bound by the obligations of the Church of God is past times' and is still obligated to pay what it has vowed to the Lord in those magnificent attainments of the Second Reformation (the epitome of these attainments being embodied in the Solemn League and Covenant and the Westminster Standards).
"If you are interested in the ordinance of covenanting this is the most extensive treatment you will find in one book. It is a gold mine of Scriptural references and should be read at least once by everyone who calls upon the name of Christ." -- Publisher
"David Steele dedicated this work [NOTES ON THE APOCALYPSE -- compiler], to John Cunningham (1819-1893), author of THE ORDINANCE OF COVENANTING." -- Publisher
The Ordinance of Covenanting
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/6/29/ordinance-of-covenanting
*Bunyan, John (1628-1688), and Robert Philip (1791-1858), The Greatness of the Soul: and The Unspeakableness of the Loss Thereof; No way to Heaven but by Jesus Christ; The Strait Gate. Alternate title: THE GREATNESS OF THE SOUL, AND UNSPEAKABLENESS OF THE LOSS THEREOF: WITH THE CAUSES OF THE LOSING IT: FIRST PREACHED AT PINNERS HALL, AND NOW ENLARGED, AND PUBLISHED FOR GOOD. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language.
"In the 1660s, Charles II, King of England, asked John Owen (1616-1683), why he went to hear the preaching of an uneducated tinker. [John Bunyan -- compiler]. Looking the King in the eye, Owen answered, 'May it please your Majesty, could I possess the tinker's ability for preaching, I would willingly relinquish all my learning'." -- Andrew Thomson, John Owen, Prince of Puritans
Owen would not have been surprised to learn that Bunyan's most influential work, PILGRIM'S PROGRESS, would be translated into more languages over the next 400 years than any book except the Bible.
The Greatness of the Soul: and The Unspeakableness of the Loss Thereof; No way to Heaven but by Jesus Christ; The Strait Gate
http://archive.org/details/greatnessofsoulu00bunyuoft
Pilgrim's Page: A John Bunyan Archive
This is the complete set of THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN, George Offor edition, reprinted by The Banner of Truth. It is free online, and is downloadable in the following formats: HTML, RTF, TEXT, and PDF.
http://www.chapellibrary.org/literature/bunyan/
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN is also available at Project Gutenberg.
Bunyan, John (1628-1688), Saints Knowledge of Christ's Love, ISBN: 0851517390 9780851517391. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Pilgrim's Page: A John Bunyan Archive
This is the complete set of THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN, George Offor edition, reprinted by The Banner of Truth. It is free online, and is downloadable in the following formats: HTML, RTF, TEXT, and PDF.
http://www.chapellibrary.org/literature/bunyan/
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN is also available at Project Gutenberg.
Fergusson, James (1621-1667), Refutation of the Errors of Toleration, Independency, Erastianism, and Separation, 1692. Alternate title: A BRIEF REFUTATION OF THE ERRORS OF TOLLERATION, ERASTIANISM, INDEPENDENCY AND SEPARATION. DELIVERED IN SOME SERMONS FROM I JOH. 4. I [1 John 4:1]. PREACH'D IN THE YEAR 1652. TO WHICH ARE ADDED FOUR SERMONS PREACH'D ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS (1692).
http://archive.org/details/briefrefutationo00ferg
See: Johannes G. Vos, THE BIBLE DOCTRINE OF THE SEPARATED LIFE: A STUDY OF BASIC PRINCIPLES.
*Gaussen, Louis, David Scott (translator), John W. Robbins (editor), God-breathed: The Divine Inspiration of the Bible, ISBN: 0940931575. Alternate title: THEOPNEUSTIA: THE PLENARY INSPIRATION OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES, 1854. Available (a previous edition), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (a previous edition), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #15.
"The fundamental doctrine of Christianity is the reliability of Scripture. Through the centuries, Christianity's enemies have concentrated their attacks on the inerrancy [infallibility -- compiler], the sufficiency, and the clarity of the Bible, alleging that it contains errors, is inadequate, or is in need of an interpreter. These attacks come from the Roman Catholic Church, zealots, modernists, and unbelievers of various other sorts. God has used these attacks as goads to prod Christian thinkers into defending his Word, and one of the greatest defenses of Scripture ever penned is the book you hold in your hands. Louis Gaussen was a 19th-century Swiss Reformed pastor, defrocked for his fidelity to God's Word. Christians in the 21st century will also face persecution, but they can answer their opponents using Gaussens's arguments." -- Publisher
"The turning-point of the battle between those who hold 'the faith once delivered to the saints' and their opponents lies in the true and real inspiration of the Holy Scriptures. This is the Thermopylae of Christendom. . . . In this work the author proves himself a master of holy argument. Gaussen charms us as he proclaims the Divine veracity of Scripture. His testimony is clear as a bell." -- C.H. Spurgeon
Gaussen, Louis, Theopneusty: or, The Plenary Inspiration of the Holy Scriptures (1844)
http://archive.org/details/theopneustyorpl00gausgoog
*Hassan, Steven, Combating Cult Mind Control: The #1 Best-selling Guide to Protection, Rescue and Recovery From Destructive Cults, ISBN: 0892814225 9780892814220.
Recognize the signs of destructive organizations and protect yourself from psychological manipulation.
"Remarkably useful and important. I heartily recommend this book to anyone affected by the cult experience. Hassan's work will be valuable to health professionals, clergy, attorneys, and all those involved with cults, their members, and the families whose lives they touch." -- Louis Jolyon West, M.D., Chairman, Department of Psychiatry, UCLA School of Medicine.
Chapter 4, "Understanding Mind Control," explains how to recognize mind control activities.
Includes bibliography, bibliographical footnotes, index, and an appendix of resource organizations. Recommended as a valuable reference work. A secular author.
An Understanding of Cult Mind Control
http://www.shassan.com/
*Kennedy, D. James (1930-2007), with Jerry Newcombe, What if the Bible had Never Been Written? ISBN: 0785271546 9780785271543.
"Following its predecessor, WHAT IF JESUS HAD NEVER BEEN BORN, WHAT IF THE BIBLE HAD NEVER BEEN WRITTEN is a veritable compendium of the major accomplishments of the western world. D. James Kennedy demonstrates quite capably that many of the most fundamental stages of advancement for mankind over the last 2000 years began with the impetus of people whose lives were influenced by the Holy Scriptures. The book reads easily and keeps the attention of the reader as the author moves from one aspect of human development to another. He also explodes some myths along the way with clear and concise excerpts from personal letters, writings and biographies of the individuals about whom he writes. All in all, I would recommend this book to those who question the validity and potency of the Bible and to those who need to bolster their faith and resolve in the Book of books." -- Reader's Comment
Kennedy, D. James (1930-2007), with Jerry Newcombe, What if Jesus had Never Been Born?
Hospitals, universities, literacy and education, capitalism and free-enterprise, representative government, separation of political powers, justice and common law, civil liberties, abolition of slavery, modern science, and so forth, can all be attributed to Christianity.
*Leahy, Frederick S., Satan Cast out: A Study in Biblical Demonology, ISBN: 0851512348.
"It is often said that wherever there is a rejection of faith in the living God a corresponding upsurge of the demonic will eventually appear. That is true not only in the pages of the Bible and in the annals of Christian missions; it has also become a striking feature of the life in our materialistic, post-Christian society. . . . Full of sane exposition and wise counsel, his work has been widely appreciated since its first publication in 1975." -- Publisher
"Probably one of the best, most Scriptural books written today on the subject of demonology." -- Presbyterian Journal
*Luther, Martin (1483-1546), Commentary on Galatians, English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge, ISBN: 0825431247. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"I prefer this book of Martin Luther's (except the Bible), before all the books I have ever seen, as most fit for a wounded soul." -- John Bunyan
"This is a great, historic work, and is beyond criticism on account of its great usefulness. As a comment its accuracy might be questioned; but for emphatic utterances and clear statements of the great doctrine of the Epistle it remains altogether by itself, and must be judged per se." -- C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)
"The reissue of a famous series of lectures delivered at Wittenberg University in 1553." -- Cyril J. Barber
Commentary on Galatians, Martin Luther
http://archive.org/details/cu31924029294133
Luther's Commentary on Galatians, That He might deliver us from the present evil world. (Galatians 1:4 excerpt), English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge
http://www.lettermen2.com/luther2.html
Luther's Commentary on Galatians, Who hath bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth. (Galatians 3:1 excerpt), English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge
http://www.lettermen2.com/luther1.html
*Marshall, Walter (1628-1680), The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification: Growing in Holiness by Living in Union With Christ, ISBN: 189277724X. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Reformation Heritage Books edition is a reprint of the 1954 edition set by Oliphants and includes an introduction by Joel R. Beeke. Also includes the author's famous sermon on "The Doctrine of Justification Opened and Applied."
See: the WorldCat record for various foreign language editions.
Other editions:
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification, ISBN: 1597520543 9781597520546.
"This is by far the best book on the doctrine of Sanctification in print. It was originally written in the 17th century, but has been put into modern English with this edition. This book will help you better understand the Gospel and its power not only for our Justification, but our Sanctification as well." -- Reader's Comment
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification, ISBN: 1589600630 9781589600638.
"Here you will read the most closely reasoned defense of scriptural sanctification to be found anywhere. . . . Fourteen directions are given to the reader, all perfected with the aim of explaining to sincere souls what sanctification is, what it is not, and how to attain a holy walk before God. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr.
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-mystery of Sanctification, Opened, in Sundry Practical Directions: Suited Especially to the Case of Those who Labor Under the Guilt and Power of Indwelling Sin. To Which is Added a Sermon on Justification (1859)
http://archive.org/details/gospelmysteryofs02mars
Olsson, Eva, The Philosophy of Sri Aurobindo in the Light of the Gospel.
Includes bibliography.
*Owen, John (1616-1683), Hebrews, 7 volume set, volumes 17-23 of Owen's WORKS (Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1999). Alternate titles: EXPOSITION OF HEBREWS and AN EXPOSITION OF THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS.
*Owen, John, (1616-1683), The Complete Works of John Owen, 16 volumes, ISBN: 0851513921 9780851513928. A Christian classic. Alternate title: THE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN. See: Volume 1 for annotation on all 16 volumes. Many separate works by Owen may be found on the Puritan Hard Drive and the Reformation Bookshelf 30 CD Set. Available (THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN including HEBREWS, OCR digital text), DVD One, CD #1.
John Owen "is by common consent not the most versatile, but the greatest among Puritan theologians. For solidity, profundity, massiveness and majesty in exhibiting from Scripture God's ways with sinful mankind there is no one to touch him. . . ." -- J.I. Packer in A Quest for Godliness, p. 81
"To master his works is to be a profound theologian." -- C.H. Spurgeon
"The Banner of Truth Trust completed in May, 1968, the re-issue of the complete English works of Owen, his seven volumes on the Epistle of Hebrews excepted. All of these volumes 'are of the greatest value' (Dr. Lloyd-Jones), but for newcomers to Owen we especially recommend the four volumes in the Practical Division (vols. 6-9) . . ." -- William J. Grier
"His works on communion, Christian life, and the person and glory of Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit, etc. are of the utmost value to any serious-minded Christian." -- Jay P. Green, Sr.
*Indexes to The Complete Works of John Owen, Banner of Truth, volume 16
Volumes 17-23 are the 7 volumes on Hebrews. Apparently they are not included in the "Indices."
http://spurgeon.wordpress.com/2006/11/08/download-free-index-to-the-works-of-john-owen-16-volumes/
*Hebrews, 7 volume set, volumes 17-23 of Owen's WORKS (Carlisle, PA: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1999). Alternate title: EXPOSITION OF HEBREWS and AN EXPOSITION OF THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS.
Volume 17 of Owen's Works: Exposition of Hebrews, ISBN: 0851516122 9780851516127.
Volume 18 of Owen's Works: Exposition of Hebrews, ISBN: 0851516130 9780851516134.
Volume 19 of Owen's Works: Exposition of Hebrews, ISBN: 0851516149 9780851516141.
Volume 20 of Owen's Works: Exposition of Hebrews, ISBN: 0851516157 9780851516158.
Volume 21 of Owen's Works: Exposition of Hebrews, ISBN: 0851516165 9780851516165.
Volume 22 of Owen's Works: Exposition of Hebrews, ISBN: 0851516173 9780851516172.
Volume 23 of Owen's Works: Exposition of Hebrews, ISBN: 0851516181 9780851516189.
Powell, Jim, Wilson's War: How Woodrow Wilson's Great Blunder led to Hitler, Lenin, Stalin, and World War II, ISBN: 1400082366 9781400082360.
*Robbins, John W. (1949-2008), Ecclesiastical Megalomania: The Economic and Political Thought of the Roman Catholic Church (Unicoi, TN: The Trinity Foundation ISBN: 0940931753 9780940931756.
"This book is a detailed examination of the official statements of the Vatican on economic and political matters. It demonstrates the collectivism and totalitarianism of the Roman Catholic Church-State. It is the only such book written by a Christian in the twentieth century.
"This book explores the conflict between Roman Catholic social thought and human freedom, relying on official pronouncements from the Vatican to show that the political and economic theory of the Roman Church-State justifies feudalism, corporativism [corporatism -- compiler], liberation theology, the welfare state, and fascism.
"Dr. John W. Robbins attended Grove City College (A.B. 1969), and The Johns Hopkins University (M.A. 1970, Ph.D. 1973). He has served as chief of staff for a Member of Congress [Ron Paul of Texas], editor of The Freeman magazine, Economist for The Heritage Foundation, and Professor of Political Philosophy in The Freedom School." -- Publisher
Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox, Samuel Rutherford, John Owen, Thomas Manton, The Westminster Assembly, James Renwick, Archibald Mason, Christopher Ness, Francis Turretin, The Reformed Presbytery, David Steel, James R. Willson, Alexander M'Leod, William L. Roberts, James Aiken Wylie, Andrew Wilet, Henry Wilkinson, James Wylie, Patrick Fairbairn, James Aiken, Andrew Wilet, Alexander Hislop, Francis Nigel Lee, Arthur W. Pink, and so forth, and so on, have all believed and argued in print that the seated Pope is the Antichrist of the Bible.
The Roman Church-State is "the world's oldest, largest, most powerful and most influential politico-ecclesiastical institution" and it "may also be the world's wealthiest." The Roman Catholic Institution is the ultimate "negative guide to the positive," the reformers ultimate "opposite guide to political and economic reform."
*Roberts, William Louis (1798-1864), The Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, ISBN: 0524065543 9780524065549. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available from ATLA 1991-2638.
A magnificent catechism that sets forth the Crown Rights of The King of Glory and Lord of Lords. It also presents incontrovertible evidence that the United States Constitution is not a Christian document, and that it is, in fact, a slavery document.
"A manual of instruction, drawing from such notable authors as William Symington and J.R. Willson, presenting arguments and facts confirming and illustrating the 'Distinctive Principles' of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. Chapters deal with: 'Christ's Mediatorial Dominion in General;' Christ's Exclusive Headship Over the Church;' 'The Supreme and Ultimate Authority of the Word of God in the Church;' Civil Government, the Moral Ordinance of God;' Christ's Headship Over the Nations;' 'The Subjection of the Nations to God and to Christ;' The Word, or Revealed Will of God, the Supreme Law in the State;' 'The Duty of Nations, in Their National Capacity, to Acknowledge and Support the True Religion:' 'The Spiritual Independence of the Church of Christ:' 'The Right and Duty of Dissent From an Immoral Constitution of Civil Government;' 'The Duty of Covenanting, and the Permanent Obligations of Religious Covenants;' 'The Application of These Principles to the Governments, Where Reformed Presbyterians Reside, in the Form of a Practical Testimony;' and finally 'Application of the Testimony to the British Empire. . . '." -- Publisher
Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, William L. Roberts D.D.
http://archive.org/details/ReformedPresbyterianCatechism
On the Mediatorial Dominion of The Lord Jesus Christ, excerpted from THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CATECHISM.
http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/roberts_rp_catechism_section_01_mediatorial_dominion.html
The Exclusive Headship of The Lord Jesus Christ Over the Church of God, excerpted from THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CATECHISM.
http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/roberts_rp_catechism_section_02_christs_headship_over_the_church.html
Civil Government the Moral Ordinance of God, excerpted from THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CATECHISM.
http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/roberts_rp_catechism_section_04_civil_government.html
On Christ's Headship Over the Nations, excerpted from THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CATECHISM.
http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/roberts_rp_catechism_section_05_christs_headship_over_nations.html
The Subjection of the Nations to God and to Christ, excerpted from THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CATECHISM.
http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/roberts_rp_catechism_section_06_subjection_of_nations_to_christ.html
See also: The Scottish Covenanting Struggle, Alexander Craighead, and the Mecklenburg Declaration, SECRET PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION; CONSPIRACY IN PHILADELPHIA: THE ORIGINS OF THE U.S. CONSTITUTION, and A THEOLOGICAL INTERPRETATION OF AMERICAN HISTORY.
Schaeffer, Francis (1912-1984), How Should we Then Live? The Rise and Decline of Western Thought and Culture, ISBN: 0800708199 9780800708191.
"Christianity is defended in the context of world history from the time of the Roman Empire to the present. A study guide is available. This bestselling title is "now available in paperback with the original pictures, and is a complete, unabridged edition." -- GCB
Includes bibliography.
*Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), From Rationalism to Irrationality: The Decline of the Western Mind From the Renaissance to the Present, ISBN: 0875524281 9780875524283 and a reprint of the P&R Publishing edition of 1979 (Wipf and Stock, 2006), 479 pp.
"Now, frankly students, this course is presented from obviously the Reformed Theology. I hold unabashedly, unashamedly to the whole of Reformed Theology as we find it specifically in the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) and the Longer and Shorter Catechisms.
"At the same time I hold to a position in regard to Apologetics generally known as Presuppositionalism, and particularly that view held by Cornelius Van Til.
"This book is an attempt to enlarge and to broaden the scope of Van Til's own Apologetical system, and also his Epistemology. By that I mean, and I worked this book with him, so anything that I say is not to be construed as a criticism of Cornelius Van Til. I might add he wrote me a letter. He is delighted with this book. But what I did was to take his principles, both of Apologetics and of Epistemology, and apply them to all realms of modern thought.
"Dr. Van Til, for good and sufficient reason, sought to limit to the main stream of what we might call pure Philosophy, that is from Saint Thomas, well even before them, back to the Greeks, but particularly in the more modern period, from Saint Thomas Aquinas, William of Ockham (Occam), down through Descartes, the Rationalists, the Empiricists, down to Kant and Hegel, and of course Modern Philosophy and Modern Theology. Very seldom has he gone into what we might call the arena of Political Philosophy, or the arena of Social Thought, or the arena of Psychology and Psychiatry, the realm of Educational Philosophy, and into Art, Music, and so on, to the Fine Arts.
"This book is an attempt to apply his system, and show what happens when the Western mind has forsaken his principles, or the principles which he has espoused, and turned into its own way. And thus the book called FROM RATIONALISM TO IRRATIONALITY. The thesis being that the Rationalism inherent in Saint Thomas and the post-Thomists, and more particularly, and more openly, in the Philosophy of the Renaissance, and Descartes, and Spinosa, and Leibniz has, as it's gained momentum in the modern world, brought Western Culture to its knees. We are living, as I would think, in the death throws of the Western Cultures, the Western Civilization." -- Dr. C. Gregg Singer, in the introductory address to his course in Apologetics soon after FROM RATIONALISM TO IRRATIONALITY came off the press in 1979
Apologetics: #01: Classical and Medieval Thought #1
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Apologetics, 56 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=2250511453
"Locke endeavored to set forth a political philosophy which would anchor his democratic political thought on what he felt were the firm foundations of his empiricism. However, his insistence that nature has bestowed upon mankind certain basic and inalienable rights was an assumption quite contrary to his empiricism. His denial of conscience as an innate possession or quality makes it impossible for men to know that they possess the rights of life, liberty, and property. The very concept of a human right is moral in nature and has its basis of authority in the human conscience. It is thus impossible for men to know through the senses that they have these cherished human rights. Granted that it was far from Locke's intention to undermine or destroy the traditional English concept of personal rights, his empiricism removed from his political thought the necessary foundations on which a government could be built for the protection of these rights. His empiricism supported neither the idea that men have such rights nor that they are inalienable. (p. 61)
"Underlying the secular and naturalistic assumptions of the thought of the Enlightenment was a related and equally serious problem. In their political and economic thought the leaders of this era were passionately devoted to the pursuit of freedom, and yet they seemed to be completely unaware of this incompatibility between their quest for freedom on the one hand and their reliance upon natural law on the other. How can an impersonal and deterministic concept of law produce and sustain a meaningful concept of freedom? Blindly convinced that there was no problem involved in the contradiction, the leaders of the Enlightenment pushed boldly ahead in the quest for political and economic liberty. However, their failure to recognize the issues involved in this quest led not only to the disaster of the French Revolution but to the growth of the totalitarian political and economic philosophies which first appeared in Hegel and Marx during the nineteenth century and reached their culmination in the totalitarianism of the twentieth century." (p. 73) -- quoted at the blog, Imago Veritatis: Post-modern Reformed Paleo-orthodoxy
Singer used this as textbook for his course in Apologetics. Epistemology is a recurring theme throughout the textbook and the course. The series of 24 addresses on Apologetics is available free online. See: "Apologetics" under:
Works of C. Gregg Singer
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr3ch.html#cgsinger
*Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), A Theological Interpretation of American History, 1994 edition, 354 pages, ISBN: 0875524265 9780875524269. A Christian classic.
This book portrays "the influence of theology and the changing doctrines in the life of the church on the pattern of American political, constitutional, social and economic development.
"The author shows that the decline of constitutional government in this country is the result of the departure from historical Christian faith and the resulting rise of alien political philosophies. Particularly does he emphasize the intimate relationship between theological liberalism on the one hand and political, social, and economic liberalism on the other. This theological liberalism has been a major agent in the decline of the Constitution in the political life of the people and in the appearance of a highly centralized government." -- Publisher
"There is between the democratic philosophy and theological liberalism a basic affinity which has placed them in the same camp in many major political struggles.
"This condition exists because theological liberalism shares the basic postulates of the democratic philosophy. . . .
"Theological liberalism at heart has been a continuing protest against Calvinism, particularly against its insistence on the Sovereignty of God and the Total Depravity of the race. These two Biblical doctrines have often proved to be a stumbling block to theologians within the church as well as to the unbelieving world.
"The result of theological liberalism has been the movement away from constitutionalism and away from liberty, and a movement toward collectivistic society and totalitarian regime." -- C. Gregg Singer, A Theological Interpretation of American History, p. 290
See: John Knox, the Scottish Covenanters, and the Westminster Assembly (tape 3 of 5), in a series of addresses, History Notes on Presbyterianism, Reformation, and Theology by Dr. C. Gregg Singer on SermonAudio.com
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12607114250
Dr. C. Gregg Singer at SermonAudio.com (161 messages)
http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?SpeakerOnly=true&currSection=sermonsspeaker&Keyword=Dr.^C.^Gregg^Singer
*Weaver, Richard M., Ideas Have Consequences, ISBN: 9780226090061 022609006X.
"Originally published in 1948, at the height of post-World War II optimism and confidence in collective security, IDEAS HAVE CONSEQUENCES uses 'words hard as cannonballs' to present an unsparing diagnosis of the ills of the modern age. Widely read and debated at the time of its first publication, the book is now seen as one of the foundational texts of the modern conservative movement. In its pages, Richard M. Weaver argues that the decline of Western civilization resulted from the rising acceptance of relativism over absolute reality. In spite of increased knowledge, this retreat from the realist intellectual tradition has weakened the Western capacity to reason, with catastrophic consequences for social order and individual rights. But Weaver also offers a realistic remedy. These difficulties are the product not of necessity but of intelligent choice. And, today, as decades ago, the remedy lies in the renewed acceptance of absolute reality and the recognition that ideas-like actions-have consequences. This expanded edition of the classic work contains a foreword by New Criterion editor Roger Kimball that offers insight into the rich intellectual and historical contexts of Weaver and his work and an afterword by Ted J. Smith III that relates the remarkable story of the book's writing and publication." -- Publisher
"Before THE CLOSING OF THE AMERICAN MIND, there was IDEAS HAVE CONSEQUENCES. Nearly two decades before Bloom, Richard M. Weaver rhetorician, Southern agrarian sage, and a founding father of the postwar conservative revival published this spirited disquisition on the Western intellectual tradition." -- Reader's Comment
*Westminster Assembly (1643-1652), The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), [completed and first printed in 1646, approved by the Assembly, August 27, 1647, Session 23 -- compiler] (Glasgow, Scotland: Free Presbyterian Publication [133 Woodlands Road, Glasgow G3 6LE], 1994), ISBN: 0902506080 (case-bound), and ISBN: 0902506358 (paperback). Among the ten greatest works in the English language. Available (THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646) with all its subordinate documents in searchable format) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Also available (THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646) with all its subordinate documents in searchable format) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) With Scripture Proofs
http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/
The Confession of Faith, the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, With the Scripture Proofs at Large: Together With The sum of Saving Knowledge (contained in the Holy Scriptures, and held forth in the said Confession and Catechisms), and Practical use Thereof, Covenants National and Solemn League, Acknowledgment of Sins and Engagement to Duties, Directories, Form of Church-government, &c. of Public Authority in the Church of Scotland, With Acts of Assembly and Parliament, Relative to, and Approbative of the Same (1757) [the original version of 1646, prior to the changes of the "American Version" of 1789 -- compiler]
http://archive.org/details/confessionofscot00chur
" 'The product of Puritan conflict,' stated Shedd, reaching 'a perfection of statement never elsewhere achieved.' All that learning the most profound and extensive, intellect the most acute and searching, and piety the most sincere and earnest, could accomplish, was thus concentrated in the Westminster Assembly's Confession of Faith, which may be safely termed the most perfect statement of Systematic Theology ever framed by the Christian Church,' writes Hetherington. (The History of the Westminster Assembly of Divines, p. 345).
"Concerning The Shorter Catechism, which is one of the items also included in this book, Mitchell notes: 'it is a thoroughly Calvinistic and Puritan catechism, the ripest fruit of the Assembly's thought and experience, maturing and finally fixing the definitions of theological terms to which Puritanism for half a century had been leading up and gradually coming closer and closer to in its legion of catechisms.' (Westminster Assembly: Its History and Standards, p. 431).
"THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646) is the greatest of all the creeds of the Christian church. The church of Christ cannot be creedless and live. Especially in an age of doubt and confusion, it is her duty to define and proclaim the one true faith. Nowhere has the Reformed church done this so effectively as in the WESTMINSTER CONFESSION, and family of documents. This book represents Reformed thinking at its purest and best. It was intended, as part of the Covenanted Reformation taking place during its compilation, to be adopted as the binding confessional standard for every individual, family, court, church, and legislature in the British Isles." -- Publisher
This is considered to be the definitive publication of the Westminster family of documents. It includes the following:
*Williamson, G.I. (Gerald Irvin), The Westminster Confession of Faith [1646] for Study Classes, ISBN: 0875525385. A Christian classic.
"The most thorough work on the Confession since A.A. Hodge." -- William Grier
"Describes the Christian faith. You will also find this treatment excellent in coverage and application to contemporary living. Examples of divergent doctrine, problems with other philosophy and cultural standards are presented. The arguments and Q&A after each section makes it practical for knowing and living a Christian life. This is not feel-good theology, but how intelligent and responsible people can seek to understand the breadth of scripture in a concise book." -- Publisher
The Complete Scripture Index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms. Alternate title: SCRIPTURE INDEX TO THE WESTMINSTER STANDARDS. Available on Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Complete Scripture Index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/index01.htm
Bordwine, James, A Guide to the Westminster Standards: Confession of Faith and Larger Catechism (Unicoi, TN: (The Trinity Foundation, 1996), ISBN: 0940931303 9780940931305.
Includes a unique, 100-page topical index to both the Confession and the Catechism.
*Zacharias, Ravi (1946-2020), Jesus Among Other Gods: The Absolute Claims of the Christian Message, 195 pages, ISBN: 084991437X 9780849914379.
"In his most important work to date, apologetics scholar and popular speaker Ravi Zacharias shows how the blueprint for life and death itself is found in a true understanding of Jesus. With a simple yet penetrating style, Zacharias uses rich illustrations to celebrate the power of Jesus Christ to transform lives. JESUS AMONG OTHER GODS contrasts the truth of Jesus with founders of Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, strengthening believers and compelling them to share their faith with our post-modern world.
"Ravi Zacharias is president of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries. Born in India and Cambridge educated, he has lectured in several of the world's most prominent universities, as well as in more than fifty countries. He is author of several books, including CAN MAN LIVE WITHOUT GOD, CRIES OF THE HEART and DELIVER US FROM EVIL. He and his wife, Margie, are the parents of three children." -- Publisher
Faith Under Fire: Jesus Among Other Gods, part 1 of 4
"Who is Jesus? Why is He the answer? This week on Let My People Think, Ravi Zacharias examines the four fundamental questions we all ask at some point in our lives and the events in his life that ultimately led him to Jesus."
https://www.rzim.org/listen/just-thinking/faith-under-fire-part-1-of-4
Faith Under Fire: Jesus Among Other Gods, part 2 of 4
https://www.rzim.org/listen/just-thinking/faith-under-fire-part-2-of-4
Faith Under Fire: Jesus Among Other Gods, part 3 of 4
https://www.rzim.org/listen/just-thinking/faith-under-fire-part-3-of-4
Faith Under Fire: Jesus Among Other Gods, part 4 of 4
https://www.rzim.org/listen/just-thinking/faith-under-fire-part-4-of-4
*Zacharias, Ravi (1946-2020), Why Jesus? Rediscovering His Truth in an Age of Mass Marketed Spirituality, ISBN: 1455508608 9781455508600.
"Ravi Zacharias is a very gifted communicator. Whether he is discussing literature, philosophy, religion, or everything in between -- he makes it interesting, engaging, and thought provoking. In this book he tackles the search for meaning in the West and in the East and how that ultimately all searches are empty if they do not lead to truth. He gives a very solid case for how all truth is God's truth and that the ultimate truth that we all long for leads us to the person and work of the historical Jesus revealed in the Bible and the accounts of His life, death, resurrection, ascension and future return.
"In chapter one after a scintillating discussing of movie making agendas in the East and the West he writes, 'Why are we always beguiled by something foreign? In the West, Eastern mysticism is 'in' -- chants, sounds, and practices with foreign words have made an appeal of culture -- shifting proportions -- while in the East, where these very same techniques have been tried for centuries, many are disillusioned and seeking solace somewhere else. Before me the entertainment elite of the East gave their full attention to a talk on 'Why Jesus Is the Ultimate,' while in the West, entertainers are looking toward the East for their answers.'
"In the first half to about seventy percent of the way into the book Ravi tackles what he calls 'Western' thought -- a hybrid of western and eastern thought blended into one. He takes the time to demonstrate how eastern thought has penetrated the west, and how western thought has penetrated the east. He cogently and brilliantly synthesizes how this has taken place through the medium of television, philosophy, religion, and irreligion and highlights old and modern voices alike. Zacharias weaves the themes of induction, seduction, deduction, and reduction among these differing mediums of communication resulting in a 'New Spirituality.'
"Ravi makes so many excellent observations with reference to the 'New Spirituality' that it would make for a very long review were I to recount the excellencies of his presentation. On the postmodern influences of the likes of Michael Foucault and Jacques Derrida on 'Westernism' he writes about the authority of the 'New Spirituality' in this fashion by way of a modern tale:
" 'In the beginning, God. God spoke. But that was a long time ago. We wanted certainty -- now. For this, only Reason and Rationalism would do. But that was not enough. We wanted to 'test.' So we went into the senses and found the empirical. But that's not what we meant by testing. We really meant 'feeling.' So we found a way to generate feeling into the picture. Truth was framed into a scene. But the scene was left open to interpretation. Scenes are not absolute. So the story was told as an art form. But the reader still didn't like it, because he was not the author. So he read the story while he sat in a reconstructed and deconstructed cubicle to make of the story whatever he wished. But what does one do with the long reach of the empirical? The best way was to find a blend between the empirical and the satirical and end up with God again. The only difference was that God could not be the storyteller. We still needed God. So we became God.'
"Ravi talks about Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, and various other 'isms' and demonstrates how people in the East like Deepak Chopra, and people in the West like Oprah Winfrey have developed syncretistic systems of thought that have blended eastern and western thinking and religion. One interesting example of this mixing is when he quotes Elizabeth Lesser when she writes of the difference between the 'Old Spirituality' and the 'New Spirituality'.":
'AUTHORITY: In the 'old' spirituality authority is held by the church; in the 'new' spirituality the individual worshiper has authority to determine what is best for him or her.
'SPIRITUALITY: In the old spirituality God and the way to worship have already been defined and the worshiper just follows the rules; in the new spirituality the worshiper defines spirituality for him -- or herself.
'THE PATH TO GOD: In the old spirituality there is only one way to God, all else is wrong; in the new spirituality there are unlimited paths or combinations of paths one can follow . . . you can string a necklace all your own making.
'SACRED: In the old spirituality parts of yourself are considered evil (the body, ego, emotions), and must be denied, transcended, or sublimated; in the new spirituality anything goes.
'TRUTH: In the old spirituality truth is knowable and constant. Leading to the same answers at every stage of life; in the new spirituality you never quite arrive at the truth as it is constantly changing to accommodate your growth.'
"Zacharias responds to Lesser in this manner, 'With the safety net she has provided for determining truth, who can ever fall?' "The evangelist from the Old Spirituality pleaded with his audiences to 'invite Jesus into your heart;' the New Spirituality tell you to invite yourself into your heart.
"Ravi spends the rest of the book answering the following questions: Why Jesus? What difference does it make what you believe? Is truth really even knowable? Could it be that postmodern spirituality is really the expression of a universal hunger rather than an answer to anything? What are the deep-seated questions that drive the quest for spirituality? Why is it that in the West we seem to have discarded the message of Christ, while in the East they have begun to realize that he is the one they are looking for?
"Ultimately all worldviews and religions need to examine their beliefs and views and answer these three unavoidable questions: 1) How do they handle the question of exclusivity as it relates to their own belief? 2) What is the ultimate source of their authority for belief and behavior? And 3) How relevant is what they believe to the common experience and what difference does it make?
"According to Zacharias correspondence to facts and systematic coherence are the test for any worldview. In constructing a good worldview they must consist of the following eight components:
'A good worldview must have a strong basis in fact. This point alone has a two-edged reality: First, can the assertion being made be tested against reality? And second, is the assertion clearly false? If one assertion in the system is clearly false or cannot be tested against reality, there is a failure to meet the test of truth.
'A good worldview must have a high degree of coherence or internal consistency.
'A good worldview must give a reasonable and logical explanation for the various undeniable realities that we sense all around us.
'A good worldview will avoid the two extremes of either being too complex or too simplistic.
'A good worldview is not explained by just one line of evidence.
'A good worldview must explain contrary worldviews without compromising its own essential beliefs.
'A good worldview cannot argue just on the basis of private experience, but must have some objective standard of measurements.
'A good worldview must justifiably explain the essential nature of good and evil, since those two alternatives are principal characteristics differentiating human beings from all other entities or quantities.'
"Two thousand years ago when Jesus quoted the prophet Isaiah in Luke 4 on the Sabbath day in the Synagogue, and stood up and read, The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed be to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. Then he rolled back the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began saying to them, Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.
"Ravi comments on this passage and concludes in this manner, 'This is the message of freedom for those in bondage, a message that will open the eyes of our darkened spirituality to the bright light of his grace, that will convince a Church to live the love of God by taking care of the poor and taking up the cause of the oppressed, that assures us there is an end of time where eternity awaits, and that all who long for his presence will live in the fulfillment of their faith to the grand consummation of seeing the Ultimate One, face-to-face. . . . It is in him [Jesus] that we find it all.'
"Zacharias meticulously and clearly shows in this book the miserable failure of the 'New Spirituality' to deliver on any of these eight components that make up for a coherent and compelling worldview. On the other hand, in a very captivating manner he demonstrates how all of the best thinking of the west and east when brought together converge in the person and work of Jesus of Nazareth -- and the worldview known throughout the world as 'Christianity.'
"I highly recommend this book because it makes a compelling case for the cogency of Christianity, and helps you to understand where eastern and western thought have large 'holes' that can only be filled with the water of life by the same Jesus who said that in Him we will never thirst again -- spiritually." -- Reader's Comment
"For over thirty-five years, Ravi Zacharias has spoken all over the world in great halls and universities, notably Harvard, Princeton, and numerous universities internationally. He is listed as a Senior Research Fellow at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford university. He has appeared on CNN and other international broadcasts. The author of several books for adults and children, he powerfully mixes biblical teaching and Christian apologetics. His most recent works include WALKING FROM EAST TO WEST, a memoir; THE GRAND WEAVER, an exploration of God's intention in both the ordinary and the startling elements of life; and THE END OF REASON, a rebuttal of the claims of the so-called New Atheists. His weekly radio program, 'Let My People Think,' is broadcast on 1,692 stations worldwide, and his weekday program, 'Just Thinking,' is on 412. He is founder and chairman of the board of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with additional offices in Canada, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. Dr. Zacharias and his wife, Margie, have three grown children and reside in Atlanta." -- Publisher
Zacharias, Ravi K. (1946-2020), and Abdu Murray, Seeing Jesus From the East: A Fresh Look at History's Most Influential Figure, ISBN: 9780310531296 0310531292.
"Encounter Jesus Like Never Before through Eastern Eyes Throughout these pages, Ravi Zacharias and Abdu Murray invite readers to rediscover the cultural insights we often miss when we ignore the Eastern context of the Bible. They offer a refreshing picture of Jesus, one that appeals to Eastern readers and can penetrate the hearts and imaginations of postmodern Westerners. In SEEING JESUS FROM THE EAST, Ravi Zacharias and Abdu Murray show us why a broader view of Jesus is needed -- one that recognizes the uniquely Eastern ways of thinking and communicating found in the pages of the Bible. Zacharias and Murray capture a revitalized gospel message, presenting it through this Eastern lens and revealing its power afresh to Western hearts and minds. Incorporating story, vivid imagery, and the concepts of honor and shame, sacrifice, and rewards, SEEING JESUS FROM THE EAST calls believers and skeptics, both Eastern and Western, to a fresh encounter with the living and boundless Jesus." -- Publisher
*Zacharias, Ravi (1946-2020), and Scott Sawyer, Walking From East to West: God in the Shadows, ISBN: 0310259150 9780310259152.
The biography of Ravi Zacharias.
Auroville Charter
http://www.miraura.org/aa/av/av-charter.html#charter
The Catalog of the Mount Olive Tape Library in PDF Format
http://www.lettermen2.com/olivecat.pdf
Chopra's Manufactured Jesus, an interview with Ravi Zacharias
"He's been presented as a counter-cultural hippie, a rebellious zealot, a compassionate carpenter and the central figure of the world's most popular religion. But who is Jesus of Nazareth really? In his book, THE THIRD JESUS, author Deepak Chopra uses Scripture to reveal the message of Jesus not as one of repentance and salvation through faith in Him, but one of god-consciousness that every person can achieve on their own. Is Chopra correct? Join us for a fascinating program as we investigate Chopra's claims about Jesus with Ravi Zacharias."
https://www.christianbook.com/chopras-manufactured-jesus-ravi-zacharias/9781612561509/pd/1072BD?event=ESRCG
Christ's Influence on Western Civilization
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1cha.html#ciowc
Combined Interactive Contents for The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
http://www.lettermen2.com/combtoc.html
The East and the West (part 1), [audio file], a message by Ravi Zacharias
"Join Ravi as he explains how the West must be on guard against the infiltration of eastern thought which threatens to redefine language and morality and undermine truth, meaning, and certainty."
This message touches on pseudo-Christian system, absolute truth, the irrationality that derives from the non-duality of Eastern religion and has deeply penetrated modern society.
https://www.rzim.org/listen/let-my-people-think/east-and-west-part-1
Epistemology of Theology, The Theory of Knowledge
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1cha.html#epist
The Google Advanced Search
This feature may be used to search one specific domain/website. For example, to search for "John 3:16" in "lettermen2.com," (THE WEB EDITION OF BIBLICAL COUNSEL: RESOURCES FOR RENEWAL), enter the search terms on the search screen in "this exact word or phrase:" and "site or domain:".
A link to Google Advanced Search may be added to the Internet Explorer toolbar, so that any favorite website may be conveniently searched.
https://www.google.com/advanced_search
Mount Olive Tape Library of Reformed Theology
This collection has been in the custody of the Greenville Presbyterian Seminary since 2006. It appears (September 8, 2016) that the Media Center at the Seminary have digitized practically none of the audio cassette and video tape addresses.
"The following listing was developed by George Calhoun, the founder of Mt. Olive Tape Library, over the course of some thirty years. This catalog reflects the personal quest of Mr. Calhoun for a balanced education in Reformed Theology. The speakers herein have been scrutinized for their faithfulness to the Bible. These tapes will enable students to pursue the study of Reformed theology at a minimum of financial expense."
"FOR YOUR INFORMATION . . . [from the introduction to the Mount Olive Tape Catalog -- compiler]
"The tapes included in this catalog are recordings of sermons and lectures given by various pastors, theologians, Bible teachers, and conference speakers who confess adherence to the broad perspectives of historic Reformed theology. We have diligently tried to screen all the materials as to their basic commitment to the Biblical perspectives reflected in the Reformed creeds and confessions.
"Since, however, no human interpreter of God's Word is infallible, it is the prayer of those responsible for sending forth these tapes that all who listen to them will cultivate the spirit of the Bereans, who 'searched the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.'
"Also, it should be emphasized that the tapes included in this catalog have been evaluated in terms of their basic content as they were originally given, and the inclusion of them in this catalog should not be construed as an unreserved approval of the men who originally gave them. Christians grow in grace and knowledge with the passing of time, yet it must be recognized that some turn aside from the norms of Scripture. It is our hope, therefore, that no one will attach himself to any of the men whose tapes are included in this catalog on the basis of the tapes alone. We are all commanded to be discerning toward those who would instruct us in the faith.
"Finally, it would be a tragic abuse of the intent in providing these sermons and lectures should they in any way cultivate a party spirit so clearly condemned by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 3. Paul reminded the Corinthians that all things were theirs -- Paul, Cephas, and Apollos included. We, too, may recognize that the various servants of Christ whose voices are heard on these tapes are God's gifts to us and that we are to follow them only insofar as they follow Christ and the clear teachings of His holy and infallible Word! Since not all men have the same gifts, learn to drink from the gifts of many men -- not just one fountain."
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Mount Olive Tape Library lectures (MP3 audio files), approximately 161 of 171
http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?speakeronly=true&currsection=sermonsspeaker&keyword=Dr._C._Gregg_Singer
The Catalog of the Mount Olive Tape Library in PDF Format
http://www.lettermen2.com/olivecat.pdf
Mt. Olive Audio Library, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
http://gpts.edu/media/index.php?currpage=1&sa_action=
Greenville Seminary and Mt. Olive
http://www.sermonaudio.com/source_detail.asp?sourceid=gpts
Overview of Works by Sri Aurobindo
http://www.miraura.org/lit/sa/sa-over.html
Overview of Works by The Mother
http://www.miraura.org/lit/ma/ma-over.html
Pseudo-Christian Movements: A Selection of Works, The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappd.html
Radio Archives List, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (broken link)
http://www.rzim.org/radio/archives.php?p=LMPT&o=10&i=10
Savitri by Sri Aurobindo
http://savitribysriaurobindo.com/index.html
Savitri by Sri Aurobindo Links
http://savitribysriaurobindo.com/links.html
SermonAudio.com
"SermonAudio.com is the largest library of audio sermons on the web from conservative Christian churches and ministries with over 438,500 FREE MP3 sermons which can be streamed online for immediate listening or downloaded to your computer or MP3 player for listening at a later time. You can easily search through the entire sermon library by broadcaster, Bible reference, topic, speaker, date preached, language, or any keyword.
"The mission of SermonAudio.com is to help faithful, local churches broadcast their audio sermons to the maximum amount of people with the least amount of cost. Our chief purpose is for the preservation and propagation of great Bible preaching and teaching in its audio form for this generation and the next.
"Additionally, through our Transcription and Translation service, any sermon that is available on SermonAudio.com can be professionally and accurately transcribed by a real human and then machine-translated into 20 plus foreign languages."
http://www.sermonaudio.com/
Sri Aurobindo: A Brief Biography
http://savitribysriaurobindo.com/biography.html
Sri Aurobindo Birth Centenary Library
The Sri Aurobindo Ashram
http://www.miraura.org/aa/as/as.html
Sri Aurobindo International Centre of Education
http://www.miraura.org/aa/as/saice.html
A Theological Interpretation of American History, annotated bibliography
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chc.html#stiahis
The Trinity
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1cha.html#ttrin
Warning Signs of Destructive Cults
http://www.lettermen2.com/warncult.html
The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646, The Westminster Standards) and Related Works: A Study Guide
http://www.lettermen2.com/suggest.html
Westminster Larger Catechism With Proof Texts
http://www.reformed.org/documents/wlc_w_proofs/index.html
Westminster Shorter Catechism With Proof Texts
http://www.reformed.org/documents/WSC_frames.html
Works of C. Gregg Singer
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr3ch.html#cgsinger
Ravi Zacharias Ministries International (RZIM)
http://www.rzim.org/
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13,14)He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? (Micah 6:8)
That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. (1 Timothy 6:14-16)
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