Pastor Iho Tree (崔誼厚牧師) (H)

Pastor Iho Tree (崔誼厚牧師) ihotree@aol.com, (H) 314-579-9637
Gospel of Grace Nov 8-9, 2008 Pastor Iho Tree (崔誼厚牧師) (H)

Seeing the Bible through Lens of Covenant The sin of Achan - 1 (Josh 書 7:16-25)
16 約書亞清早起來，要以色列人按著支派前來；結果，猶大支派被抽籤抽中了； 17 他要猶大宗族前來，結果，謝拉的家族被抽籤抽中了；他要謝拉家族的男丁一個一個前來，結果，撒底被抽籤抽中了； 18 他要撒底家中的男丁一個一個前來，結果，亞干被抽籤抽中了，亞干是迦米的兒子、撒底的孫子、謝拉的曾孫，是屬於猶大支派的。 19 約書亞對亞干說：「我兒，我勸你把榮耀歸給耶和華以色列的上帝，向他認罪，告訴我你作了甚麼事，不可向我隱瞞。」

20 亞干回答約書亞，說：「我實在得罪了耶和華以色列的上帝；我作過的事是這樣的。 21 我在戰利品中，看見了一件美麗的示拿衣服、二千二百八十克銀子，和一條重五千七百克的金條；我因貪愛這些物件，就把它們拿去了；現在埋藏在我帳棚的地裏，銀子在底下。」 22 約書亞就派人跑到亞干的帳棚裏，果然見到東西埋藏在那裏，銀子在底下。 23 他們就把東西從帳棚中拿出來，帶到約書亞和以色列人那裏，擺在耶和華面前。 24 約書亞和全體以色列人一起把謝拉的曾孫亞干和那銀子、那件衣服、那金條，以及亞干的兒女、牛、驢、羊、帳棚和他所有的一切，都帶上亞割谷去。 25 約書亞說：「你為甚麼給我們招惹災禍呢？今天耶和華必使你遭受災禍。」於是全體以色列人用石頭把他打死。他們用石頭打死他們以後，就把一切用火燒了。

Who sinned in this incident? Achan 亞干 Who was destroyed as a result of his sin? V. 24 約書亞和全體以色列人一起把謝拉的曾孫亞干和那銀子、那件衣服、那金條，以及亞干的兒女、牛、驢、羊、帳棚和他所有的一切，都帶上亞割谷去。25 約書亞說：「你為甚麼給我們招惹災禍呢？今天耶和華必使你遭受災禍。」於是全體以色列人用石頭把他打死。他們用石頭打死他們以後，就把一切用火燒了。 Were the Israelites unjust in killing others besides Achan?

Seeing the Bible through Lens of Covenant The sin of David - 1 (1 Chron 代上 21:1-14)
1 撒但起來攻擊以色列人，引誘大衛去數點以色列人的數目。 2 於是大衛對約押和民眾的領袖說：「你們去數點以色列人，從別是巴直到但，然後回來見我，讓我知道他們的數目。」 3 約押說：「願耶和華使他的子民比現在增加百倍。我主我王啊，他們不都是我主的僕人嗎？我主為甚麼要作這事呢？為甚麼使以色列人陷在罪裏呢？」 4 但王堅持他的命令，約押不敢違抗；約押就出去，走遍以色列各地，然後回到耶路撒冷。 5 約押把數點人民的數目呈報大衛：全以色列能拿刀的人，共有一百一十萬；猶大能拿刀的人，共有四十七萬。 6 唯有利未人和便雅憫人，他沒有數點在內，因為約押厭惡王這個命令。 7 上帝不喜悅這事，所以他擊打以色列人。 8 大衛對上帝說：「我犯了重罪，因為我行了這事；現在求你除去你僕人的罪孽，因我作了十分愚昧的事。」

Seeing the Bible through Lens of Covenant The sin of David - 2 (1 Chron 代上 21:1-14)
9 耶和華告訴大衛的先見迦得，說： 10 「你去告訴大衛，說：『耶和華這樣說：我給你提出三件事，你可以選擇一件，我好向你施行。』」 11 於是迦得來見大衛，對他說：「耶和華這樣說：『你可以選擇： 12 或是三年的饑荒；或是在你敵人面前逃亡，被你仇敵的刀劍追殺三個月；或是耶和華的刀攻擊三天，就是在國中發生瘟疫三日，耶和華的使者在以色列的四境施行毀滅。』現在你考慮一下，我該用甚麼話回覆那差派我來的。」 13 大衛對迦得說：「我十分作難，我情願落在耶和華的手裏，因為他有極豐盛的憐憫，我不願落在人的手裏。」 14 於是耶和華使瘟疫降在以色列人身上；以色列人死了七萬人。

Who sinned in this incident? 大衛
Seeing the Bible through Lens of Covenant The sin of David - 3 (1 Chron 代上 21:1-14) Who sinned in this incident? 大衛 V. 8 大衛對上帝說：「我犯了重罪，因為我行了這事；現在求你除去你僕人的罪孽，因我作了十分愚昧的事。」 Who died as a result of his sin? V. 14 於是耶和華使瘟疫降在以色列人身上；以色列人死了七萬人。 Was God unjust in killing 70,000 Israelites for David’s sin of pride?

Seeing the Bible through Lens of Covenant The sin of Adam - 1 (Gen 創 3:17-19)
17 耶和華上帝又對亞當說：「因為你聽從了你妻子的話，吃了我吩咐你不可吃的那樹上的果子；地就必因你的緣故受咒詛；你必終生勞苦，才能從地裏得吃的。 18 地要給你長出荊棘和蒺藜來；你也要吃田間的蔬菜； 19 你必汗流滿面，才有飯吃，直到你歸回地土，因為你是從地土取出來的；你既然是塵土，就要歸回塵土。」

Seeing the Bible through Lens of Covenant The sin of Adam - 2 (Rom 羅 8:19-22)
19 被造的萬物都熱切渴望上帝的眾子顯現出來。 20 因為被造的萬物服在虛空之下，不是自己願意這樣，而是由於使它屈服的那一位； 21 被造的萬物盼望自己得著釋放，脫離敗壞的奴役，得著上帝兒女榮耀的自由。 22 我們知道被造的萬物直到現在都一同在痛苦呻吟。

Who sinned in this incident? Adam Consequences of “地就必因你的緣故受咒詛 ” (Cursed is the ground because of you.) Death entering into the animal kingdom because animals ate grass at creation: Gen 創 1:30 “至於地上的各種野獸，空中的各種飛鳥，和地上爬行有生命的各種活物，我把一切青草蔬菜賜給牠們作食物。” Global warming, more violent thunderstorms, stronger hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, tsunami, etc. Pollution, toxic waste, cancer, autism, asthma, etc. Species extinction, ecosystem destruction, dying coral reefs and the impact on the ocean’s food chain, etc.

Was God unjust in cursing the whole creation because of Adam’s one act of sin? If so, why? How can God justify putting the whole creation under a curse from the Fall through the second coming of Christ? How can God justify punishing all of Adam’s descendents for Adam’s one act of sin?

God, however, deals with His Creation on the basis of covenants.
Seeing the Bible through Lens of Covenant Western Individualism vs. Covenantal Worldview - 1 We are affected by the “western individualism” mindset and we naturally look at the Bible through that lens. Therefore, we have problem understanding why God would punish seemingly innocent parties. God, however, deals with His Creation on the basis of covenants.

Seeing the Bible through Lens of Covenant Western Individualism vs
Seeing the Bible through Lens of Covenant Western Individualism vs. Covenantal Worldview - 2 God God R Western Individualism Covenantal Worldview

Western Individualism
Seeing the Bible through Lens of Covenant Western Individualism vs. Covenantal Worldview - 3 God Western Individualism God deals with individuals separately Each individual is responsible for his own actions and suffer his own consequences

Seeing the Bible through Lens of Covenant Western Individualism vs. Covenantal Worldview - 4 Covenantal Worldview God mainly deals with the group through their covenantal representative (R) The group is affected by the action of their covenant representative God also take into account individuals God R

Seeing the Bible through Lens of Covenant Western Individualism vs. Covenantal Worldview - 6 Man is the covenant representative of the rest of Creation. Man was created in the image of God and charged to “rule over” the rest of Creation. Gen 創 1:26-28 26 上帝說：「我們要照著我們的形象，按著我們的樣式造人；使他們管理海裏的魚、空中的鳥、地上的牲畜，以及全地，和地上所有爬行的生物！」 27 於是，上帝照著自己的形象創造人；就是照著他的形象創造了人；他所創造的有男有女。 28 上帝就賜福給他們，對他們說：「要繁殖增多，充滿這地，征服它；也要管理海裏的魚、空中的鳥和地上爬行的所有生物。」

Why was Achan’s whole household destroyed because of Achan’s sin?
Seeing the Bible through Lens of Covenant Western Individualism vs. Covenantal Worldview - 5 Why was Achan’s whole household destroyed because of Achan’s sin? Why did 70,000 Israelites died as a result of king David’s sin? Why are the descendents of Adam punished because of Adam’s sin? Why was the rest of the Creation cursed because man sinned?

Seeing the Bible through Lens of Covenant Western Individualism vs. Covenantal Worldview - 7 What does the “image of God” mean? In Gen 1, God is portrayed as the king of the universe. God creates an orderly universe out of nothing God rule over His Creation as a benevolent king All God’s commands are fulfilled completely Thus man’s role in Creation is that of a servant-king He is the crowning achievement of God’s creation He is created in the image of God His role is to rule over the rest of Creation as God’s representative and as a benevolent king He is not autonomous, but accountable to God He is to reflect God’s glory in his role as a servant-king

Seeing the Bible through Lens of Covenant Western Individualism vs. Covenantal Worldview - 8 Implications of man as Covenant Head of Creation: If Satan want to destroy God’s beautiful, orderly, harmonious Creation, he must start by tempting man to sin If God is going to redeem His Creation and restore to its original beauty (which is what Bible teaches), He must start with redeeming man So, is the redemption of man, our redemption, a “means” or an “end?” What is the end goal?

Seeing the World through Lens of Covenant Example of Covenant Principles in the World - 1
In the Political Realm Japanese Warlords waged war in Asia and attacked US Led to fire bombing of Japanese cities & dropping of 2 atomic bombs. Japanese people didn’t chose to declare war. The war ended when each nation’s covenant representatives signed the terms of surrender on a US battleship Bush doctrine led to US invasion of Afghanistan. US soldiers don’t have a say in the invasion because the President is the Commander in Chief. US interest in the 2008 presidential election The President has a great influence in the course of the nation

In the Economic Realm Enron’s greedy CEO & CFO caused the dissolution of the whole company and affected all the employees’ jobs and retirement plan Wall Street’s greed affected the whole US economy and the impact is felt all over the world US Government’s 20+ years of deficit spending => our $53 Trillion Dollar national debt ($175,000 per person, see

In the Personal Realm Divorce of the parents will have a life-long impact on the children Greedy or ignorant parents taking on risky ARM can cause the family to lose their home Children of mother with a drug addiction can be born with a drug addiction We all inherit our DNA from our parents and all the problems that comes with it

Questions for Reflection
Seeing the World through Lens of Covenant Example of Covenant Principles in the World - 4 Questions for Reflection Why is western individualism prove to be inadequate in explaining certain operation of the world? Why does the covenant model better describe the reality that we face in the world? Related issue: Why human beings need to live in a society rather than alone?

Gospel of Grace in the Covenants
Two types of Covenants in the Bible: Covenant of Works Made before the Fall Man to be accepted by God by his own good works Covenant of Grace Made after the Fall Man is to be accepted by God through God’s grace

Gospel of Grace in the Covenants Covenant of Works - 1
Time: Made before the Fall Condition: Man can maintain his fellowship with God by obeying His commandment perfectly (Gen 創 2:16-17) 16 耶和華上帝吩咐那人說：「園中各樣樹上的果子，你都可以吃； 17 只是那知善惡樹的果子，你不可吃；因為你吃的時候，你必要死。」 Result: Adam broke the Covenant (Hos 何 6:4-7) 4 「以法蓮啊！我要怎樣待你呢？猶大啊，我要怎樣待你呢？你們的愛心像早晨的雲霧；又像瞬即消逝的朝露。 5 因此，我藉眾先知砍碎他們，用我口中的話殺戮他們；我的審判必如光一般發出。 6 我喜愛憐恤，不喜愛祭祀；我喜愛人認識上帝的知識，勝過人獻的燔祭。 7 可是他們卻在亞當城背約，在那裏向我行詭詐。 7 Like Adam, they have broken the covenant--they were unfaithful to me there. (NIV)

Gospel of Grace in the Covenants Covenant of Works - 2
Rom 羅 5: 12-14 12 正好像罪藉著一個人入了世界，死又是從罪來的，所以死就臨到全人類，因為人人都犯了罪。 13 沒有律法以前，罪已經在世界上了；不過，沒有律法的時候，罪也不算罪。 14 可是，從亞當到摩西，死就掌權了，甚至那些不像亞當那樣犯罪的人，也在死的權下；亞當正是要來的那一位的預表。 V. 12 “因為人人都犯了罪” (because all sinned, NIV, ESV) As legal Covenant Representative of all his descendents, Adam’s sin means all his descendents have sinned in Adam and suffer the consequences (e.g., birth defects, autism, gout, diabetes, death) Just as Japanese people suffered the consequences of their Warlords’ decision for waging war. After the Fall, Adam became a “sinner.” Since living things reproduce “according to its kind, 各從其類 ” (Gen 創 1:11, 21, 24, 25), we all have become sinners by nature and by choice.

Gospel of Grace in the Covenants Administration of Covenant of Grace
Covenant of Grace with Adam (Gen 3:15) Covenant with Noah (Gen 9:8-17) Covenant with Abraham (Gen 15:1-7) Covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai (Exo 19-24) Covenant with David (2 Sam 7:11-16) Promise of the New Covenant (Jer 31:31-34; Ezek 36:24-29) Jesus established the New Covenant at the Last Supper (Mt 26:28; Lk 22:18-20)

Gospel of Grace in the Covenants Covenant of Grace with Adam
Time: Made right after the Fall Covenant of Grace with Adam Gen 創 3:15 我要使你和女人彼此為仇，你的後裔和女人的後裔，也彼此為仇，女人的後裔要傷你的頭，你要傷他的腳跟。」 (he will crush your head, NIV; he shall bruise your head, ESV) Gal 加 4:4 但到了時機成熟，上帝就差遣他的兒子，由女人所生，而且生在律法之下 Note: the necessity of virgin birth to fulfill this promise 1 John 約一 3:8 犯罪的是出於魔鬼，因為魔鬼從起初就犯罪。因此，上帝的兒子顯現了，是要除滅魔鬼的作為。 Key: redemption is to be accomplished through “女人的後裔” who is Jesus Christ Why is the virgin birth is necessary to accomplish redemption?

Gospel of Grace in the Covenants Covenant of Grace through Noah - 1
Time: Made right after the Flood Covenant of Grace through Noah (Gen 9:8-17) 8 上帝告訴挪亞和與他在一起的兒子說： 9 「看哪，我現在與你們和你們的後裔立約， 10 並且與所有跟你們在一起有生命的活物立約，包括飛鳥、牲畜和所有地上的走獸，就是與從方舟裏出來的立約。 11 我要與你們立約：凡有生命的必不再被洪水除滅，再沒有洪水來毀滅大地了。」 12 上帝說：「這就是我與你們，與一切跟你們同在有生命的活物所立之約的記號，直到萬代； 13 我把天虹放在雲彩中，作我與大地立約的記號。 14 我使雲彩遮蓋大地時，天虹出現雲彩中， 15 我就記念我與你們和一切有生命的活物所立的約：水不再成為洪水，來毀滅凡有生命的。 16 天虹在雲彩中出現，我看見了就記念我與地上一切有生命的活物，所立的永約。」 17 上帝對挪亞說：「這就是我與地上凡有生命的立約的記號。」

Gospel of Grace in the Covenants Covenant of Grace through Noah - 2
Nature of the Covenant: God will never destroy the earth with a great flood (v. 11 凡有生命的必不再被洪水除滅，再沒有洪水來毀滅大地了。 ). Parties in the Covenant: God with the entire humanity after Noah, both saved & unsaved (v. 9 看哪，我現在與你們和你們的後裔立約 ) God with “every living creature on Earth” (v. 10 並且與所有跟你們在一起有生命的活物立約，包括飛鳥、牲畜和所有地上的走獸，就是與從方舟裏出來的立約。 ) Covenant is mediated through Noah who represented the rest of Creation. Key Idea: Humanity and the rest of creation enjoy a stable biosphere without the threat of a comprehensive big flood. Without it, God cannot have a stable biosphere from which He can implement His redemptive program.

Gospel of Grace in the Covenants Covenant with Abraham - 1
Time: Made after the Tower of Babel (when the entire humanity rebelled against God), see Gen 創 12:1-3, 15, 17:1-14. Covenant with Abraham (Gen 創 15:1-7) 1 這些事以後，耶和華的話在異象中臨到亞伯蘭說：「亞伯蘭，你不要懼怕，我是你的盾牌；你的賞賜是很大的。」 2 亞伯蘭說：「主耶和華啊，我一向都沒有孩子，你還能賜給我甚麼呢？這樣，承受我家業的，就是大馬士革人以利以謝了。」 3 亞伯蘭又說：「你既然沒有給我後裔，那生在我家中的人，就是我的承繼人了。」 4 耶和華的話又臨到亞伯蘭說：「這人必不會作你的承繼人；你親生的才會是你的承繼人。」 5 於是領他到外面去，說：「你向天觀看，數點眾星，看你能不能把它們數得清楚。」又對他說：「你的後裔將要這樣眾多。」 6 亞伯蘭信耶和華，耶和華就以此算為他的義了。 7 耶和華又對亞伯蘭說：「我是耶和華，曾經把你從迦勒底的吾珥領出來，為要把這地賜給你作產業。」

Gospel of Grace in the Covenants Covenant with Abraham - 2
Nature of the Covenant: God promised Abraham: Abraham will be the Father of many nations (17:4-5), 「看哪，這就是我和你所立的約：你要作多國的父。你的名不要再叫亞伯蘭，要叫亞伯拉罕，因為我已經立了你作萬國的父。 Kings will come out of Abraham (17:6), 我要使你極其昌盛，國度因你而立，君王必從你而出。 numerous descendents (15: 5), 「你向天觀看，數點眾星，看你能不能把它們數得清楚。」又對他說：「你的後裔將要這樣眾多。」 to be his and his descendents’ God (17:7), 我要與你，和你世世代代的後裔，堅立我的約，成為永遠的約，使我作你和你的後裔的上帝。 the land of Canaan (15:8), 「我是耶和華，曾經把你從迦勒底的吾珥領出來，為要把這地賜給你作產業。」 Key idea: God is going to bring His kingdom on Earth and He is preparing for Israel to be established.

Gospel of Grace in the Covenants God’s promises to Abraham Fulfilled - 1
Abraham will be the Father of many nations (Gen 17:4-5) Rev 啟 5:9 “他們唱著新歌，說：「你配取書卷，配拆開封印，因為你曾被殺，曾用你的血，從各支派、各方言、各民族、各邦國，把人買了來歸給上帝” Numerous descendents (15: 5) To be his and his descendents’ God (Gen 17:7) Fulfilled in us Christians, the true children of Abraham Rom 羅2:28 “因為表面上作猶太人的並不是猶太人，在肉身上表面的割禮也不是割禮。 29 唯有在內心作猶太人的才是猶太人；割禮也是心裏的，是靠著聖靈而不是靠著儀文。” Col 西 2:11 “你們也在他裏面受了不是由人手所行的割禮，而是受了基督的割禮，就是除掉你們的罪身。”

Gospel of Grace in the Covenants God’s promises to Abraham Fulfilled - 2
Kings will come out of Abraham (Gen 17:6) Near term: kings of Israel, Jesus Christ, King of Kings, future Christian heads of state The land of Canaan (Gen 15:8) Canaan is only a type (預表) of the New Heavens and New Earth Heb 來 11:9 “因著信，他在應許之地寄居，好像是在異鄉，與承受同樣應許的以撒、雅各一樣住在帳棚裏。10 因為他等待那座有根基的城，就是上帝所設計所建造的。” Heb 來 11:13 “這些人都是存著信心死了的，還沒有得著所應許的，只不過是從遠處看見，就表示歡迎，又承認他們在世上是異鄉人，是客旅。14 因為說這樣話的人，是表明他們在尋求一個家鄉。15 如果他們懷念已經離開了的地方，還有可以回去的機會。16 但是現在他們所嚮往的，是一個更美的、在天上的家鄉。所以，上帝不以他們稱他為上帝而覺得羞恥；因為他已經為他們預備了一座城。”

Gospel of Grace in the Covenants Covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai (Ex 19-24)
Nature of the Covenant: God promised the Israelites that He will be their God and they will be His people (Ex 出 19:1-6). 1 以色列人從埃及地出來以後，滿了三個月的那一天，就來到西奈的曠野。 2 他們從利非訂起行，來到西奈的曠野，就在曠野安營；以色列人在那座山前安了營。 3 摩西上到上帝那裏去，耶和華從山上呼喚他，說：「你要這樣告訴雅各家，吩咐以色列人說： 4 『我向埃及人所行的，你們都看見了；也看見了我怎樣像鷹一樣把你們背在翅膀上，帶領你們到我這裏來。 5 現在你們若是實在聽我的話，遵守我的約，你們就必在萬民中作屬我的產業，因為全地都是我的。 6 你們要歸我作君尊的祭司和聖潔的國民。』這些話你都要對以色列人說。」 Key idea: God establish His kingdom on Earth, prepare for the coming of the Messiah

Gospel of Grace in the Covenants Covenant with David - 1
2 Sam 撒下 7:4-16 4 那天晚上，耶和華的話臨到拿單說：5 「你去對我的僕人大衛說：耶和華這樣說：『你要建造一座殿宇給我居住嗎？ 6 因為自從我把以色列人從埃及帶上來的那天起，直到今日，我都沒有住過殿宇。我一直都住在帳棚和會幕裏，到處漂泊。 7 我與以色列眾人一起走過的地方，我可曾對以色列的一個支派的官長，就是我所吩咐要牧養我子民以色列的，說：你們為甚麼不給我建造一座香柏木的殿宇呢？』 8 現在你要對我的僕人大衛這樣說：『萬軍之耶和華這樣說：我把你從牧場中、從照顧羊群的工作中揀選出來，使你作我子民以色列的領袖， 9 你無論到哪裏去，我都與你同在；我必在你面前剪除你所有的仇敵。我要使你得享大名，像世上那些偉人的名一樣。 10 我要為我的子民以色列選定一個地方，不再受騷擾；惡人也不能再像以前那樣苦待他們， 11 像我立了士師治理我的子民以色列的那天以來那樣。

2 Sam 撒下 7:4-16 (continued) 我要使你安享太平，不受你所有的仇敵侵擾。耶和華向你宣告，耶和華要親自為你建立一個朝代 12 到了你的壽數滿足，你與你的列祖一起長眠的時候，我必興起你親生的後裔接替你，並且我要堅固他的國。 13 他必為我的名建造一座殿宇，我要永遠堅固他的國位。 14 我要作他的父親，他要作我的兒子，他若是犯了罪，我要用人的刑杖、用世人的鞭子糾正他。 15 但我的慈愛必不離開他，像離開在你面前的掃羅一樣。 16 你的家和你的王國，也必在我的面前永遠堅定，你的王位也必永遠堅立。』」 Ps 詩 89:3-4, 35-36 3 你曾說：『我和我所揀選的人立了約，向我的僕人大衛起了誓，說： 4 我必永遠堅立你的後裔，也必世世代代建立你的王位。』」 35 我斷然指著自己的聖潔起誓，說：『我決不向大衛說謊。 36 他的後裔必存到永遠，他的王位在我面前必像太陽長存

Key ideas: God promised David he will always have a descendent sitting on his throne and one will sit on it forever. 2 Sam 撒下 7:13 我要永遠堅固他的國位 ). The prophets often focused Israel’s hope on this unique “son of David.” God’s redemptive program which started with a single person (Abraham), and later expanded to a nation (Israel), is now narrowly focused on a single descendent of David who is to sit on the throne of David and rule forever. Only Christ who resurrected from the dead can fulfill this promise.

Gospel of Grace in the Covenants Promise of a New Covenant - 1
Jer 耶 31:31-34 31 「看哪！日子快到（這是耶和華的宣告），我要與以色列家和猶大家訂立新的約。 32 這新約不像從前我拉他們祖先的手，領他們出埃及地的日子，與他們所立的約；我雖然是他們的丈夫，他們卻違背了我的約。」這是耶和華的宣告。 33 「但那些日子以後，我要與以色列家所立的約是這樣（這是耶和華的宣告）：我要把我的律法放在他們裏面，寫在他們的心裏。我要作他們的上帝，他們要作我的子民。 34 他們各人必不再教導自己的鄰舍和自己的同胞，說：『你們要認識耶和華。』因為所有的人，從最小到最大的都必認識我。我也要赦免他們的罪孽，不再記著他們的罪惡。」這是耶和華的宣告。

Eze 結 36:24-28 24 我必從列國中領你們出來，從萬邦中聚集你們，把你們帶回故土。 25 我必用潔淨的水灑在你們身上，你們就潔淨了；我必潔淨你們的一切污穢，使你們遠離所有可憎的像。 26 「『我必把新心賜給你們，把新靈放在你們裏面；我必從你們的肉體中除去石心，把肉心賜給你們。 27 我必把我的靈放在你們裏面，使你們遵行我的律例，謹守遵行我的典章。 28 你們要住在我賜給你們列祖的地；你們要作我的子民，我要作你們的上帝。

“New Covenant” is in contrast with the old covenant which was made at Mt. Sinai through Moses Jer 31:32b 這新約不像從前我拉他們祖先的手，領他們出埃及地的日子，與他們所立的約 . Promises of the New Covenant: God will put a new desire in His people’s heart to obey Him. Jer 31:33 我要把我的律法放在他們裏面，寫在他們的心裏 . Eze 36:27 我必把我的靈放在你們裏面，使你們遵行我的律例，謹守遵行我的典章。 The old covenant was written in stone but not in the heart. The people lack the ability to obey God’s Laws due to a corrupt heart. They need a new heart (a new nature), a “circumcised heart” so they can obey God.

Promises of the New Covenant: continued God promised them He will put His Spirit (the Holy Spirit) in them to produce a new obedience Eze 結 36:26 我必把新心賜給你們，把新靈放在你們裏面；我必從你們的肉體中除去石心，把肉心賜給你們。27 我必把我的靈放在你們裏面，使你們遵行我的律例，謹守遵行我的典章。 God promises all His people will know Him in a new way Jer 耶 31:34 他們各人必不再教導自己的鄰舍和自己的同胞，說：『你們要認識耶和華。』因為所有的人，從最小到最大的都必認識我。

Promises of the New Covenant: continued God promises forgiveness of sins forever! Eze 36:25a 我必用潔淨的水灑在你們身上，你們就潔淨了；我必潔淨你們的一切污穢. Jer 31:34 我也要赦免他們的罪孽，不再記著他們的罪惡。 Not so under the Old Covenant! Part of the covenant is that there are “blessings” and “curses” (Dt 28-30). God promises to solve their problem of idolatry. Eze 36:25b 我必潔淨你們的一切污穢，使你們遠離所有可憎的像。 When Israel sinned against God and committed idolatry, God punished them according to the terms of the Covenant in Dt The result is the Exile -- the reversal of Exodus.

Promises of the New Covenant: continued Terms of Blessings under the Old Covenant (Dt 申 28: 9-14) 9 如果你謹守耶和華你的上帝的誡命，遵守他的道路，耶和華就必照著他向你起過的誓，立你作他自己的聖民。 10 地上萬民見你被稱為耶和華名下的人，就必懼怕你。 11 在耶和華向你列祖起誓應許要賜給你的土地上，他必使你身上所生的、牲畜所產的、土地所出的，都豐富有餘。 12 耶和華必為你打開他天上的寶庫，按時降雨在你的地上，在你手裏所作的一切事上賜福給你；你要借貸給許多國的民，卻不會向人借貸。 13 耶和華必使你作頭不作尾，居上不居下，只要你聽從耶和華你的上帝的誡命，就是我今日吩咐你的，謹守遵行； 14 不可偏離我今日吩咐你的一切話，不偏左也不偏右，以致去隨從和事奉別的神。

Promises of the New Covenant: continued Terms of Curses under the Old Covenant (Dt 申 28: 15-21) 15 「但是，如果你不聽從耶和華你上帝的話，不謹守遵行我今日吩咐你的一切誡命和律例，以下這一切咒詛就必臨到你身上，把你趕上。 16 你在城裏必受咒詛，在田間也必受咒詛。 17 你的籃子和摶麵盆都必受咒詛。 18 你身所生的、土地所出的、牛生殖的和羊所產的，都必受咒詛。 19 你出必受咒詛，你入也必受咒詛。 20 「耶和華必在你手所作的一切事上，使咒詛、紛亂和責備臨到你身上，直到你被消滅，速速地滅亡，因為你行惡，離棄了我的緣故。 21 耶和華必使瘟疫隨著你，直到他把你從你進去得為業的地上滅絕了。

Fulfillment of the New Covenant Mt 太 26: 27 耶穌又拿起杯來，祝謝了就遞給他們，說：「你們都喝吧， 28 這是我的血，是為立約的，為許多人流出來，使罪得赦。 Acts 徒 2:37-39 37 他們聽了以後，覺得扎心，就對彼得和其餘的使徒說：「弟兄們，我們應當作甚麼呢？」 38 彼得說：「你們應當悔改，並且每一個人都要奉耶穌基督的名受洗，使你們的罪得赦，就必領受所賜的聖靈。 39 這應許原是給你們和你們的兒女，以及所有在遠方的人，就是給凡是我們主上帝召來歸他的人。」扎心 (Cut to the heart, NIV – circumcision of the heart)

Fulfillment of the New Covenant – Continued Col 西 2:11 你們也在他裏面受了不是由人手所行的割禮，而是受了基督的割禮，就是除掉你們的罪身。 Jn 約 3:5 耶穌回答：「我實實在在告訴你，人若不是從水和聖靈生的，就不能進上帝的國。 6 從肉身生的就是肉身，從靈生的就是靈。 Tit 多 3:4 然而，到了上帝我們的救主顯明他的恩慈和憐愛的時候， 5 他就救了我們，並不是由於我們所行的義，而是照著他的憐憫，藉著重生的洗和聖靈的更新。 6 聖靈就是上帝藉著我們的救主耶穌基督豐豐富富澆灌在我們身上的， 7 使我們既然因著他的恩典得稱為義，就可以憑著永生的盼望成為後嗣。

Covenant of Grace with Adam (Gen 3:15) Covenant with Noah (Gen 9:8-17) Covenant with Abraham (Gen 15:1-7) Covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai (Exo 19-24) Covenant with David (2 Sam 7:11-16) Promise of the New Covenant (Jer 31:31-34; Ezek 36:24-29) Which one of the above covenants were abolished? Why?

Covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai (Exo 19-24) was succeeded by the coming of the New Covenant Heb 來 8:8-13 8 可是上帝指責他們，說：「看哪，主說，日子要到了，我要與以色列家和猶大家訂立新約。 9 這新約不像從前我拉他們祖先的手，領他們出埃及的日子與他們所立的約。因為他們沒有遵守我的約，我就不理會他們。這是主說的。 10 主說：『因為在那些日子以後，我要與以色列家所立的約是這樣：我要把我的律法放在他們的心思裏面，寫在他們的心上。我要作他們的上帝，他們要作我的子民。 11 他們各人必不用教導自己的鄰居，和自己的同胞，說：你要認識主。因為所有的人，從最小到最大的，都必認識我。 12 我也要寬恕他們的不義，決不再記著他們的罪惡。』」 13 上帝既然說到新的約，就是把前約當作舊的了；那變成陳舊衰老的，就快要消逝了。

Covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai (Exo 19-24) was succeeded by the New Covenant A major reason for the passing of the Old Covenant: it has served its typological (預表) purpose Exodus from Egypt => deliverance from bondage of sin & death Promised Land => New Heavens and New Earth Law => leads us to know our need for a Savior Sacrifices => Christ’s ultimate sacrifice on the cross Temple => the Body of Christ Prophet, Priest, King => Christ (3 offices in one)

Gospel of Grace in the Covenants Unilateral and Bilateral Covenants
Unilateral Covenant (a promise) Only one party is obligated by the covenant E.g., A father says: “I will take you to Disney World next summer.” Bilateral (conditional) Covenant Each party has obligations Often involve “blessings” and “curses” E.g.: A father says: “If you get a 3.5 GPA this year, I will takes you to Disney World next summer.” All the major covenants in the OT are unilateral covenant with the exception of the Covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai

Gospel of Grace in the Covenants Gospel is rooted in God’s Promise - 1
The gospel of Jesus Christ is always traced back to the Covenant with Abraham. Why? Gal 加 3:14 這樣，亞伯拉罕所蒙的福，就在耶穌基督裏臨到外族人，使我們因著信，可以領受所應許的聖靈。 Gal 加 3:27 你們所有受洗歸入基督的人，都是披戴基督的， 28 並不分猶太人或希臘人，作奴僕的或自由人，男的或女的，因為你們在基督耶穌裏都成為一體了。 29 如果你們屬於基督，就是亞伯拉罕的後裔，是按照應許承受產業的了。羅4:16 所以，成為後嗣是因著信，為的是要按著上帝的恩典，使給所有後裔的應許堅定不移，不但臨到那屬於律法的人，也臨到那效法亞伯拉罕而信的人。亞伯拉罕在上帝面前作我們眾人的父， 17 如經上所記：「我已經立了你作萬國的父。」他所信的，是叫死人得生命、使無變為有的上帝。

The gospel must be traced back to the Covenant with Abraham Gen 創 15:1 這些事以後，耶和華的話在異象中臨到亞伯蘭說：「亞伯蘭，你不要懼怕，我是你的盾牌；你的賞賜是很大的。」 2 亞伯蘭說：「主耶和華啊，我一向都沒有孩子，你還能賜給我甚麼呢？這樣，承受我家業的，就是大馬士革人以利以謝了。」 3 亞伯蘭又說：「你既然沒有給我後裔，那生在我家中的人，就是我的承繼人了。」 4 耶和華的話又臨到亞伯蘭說：「這人必不會作你的承繼人；你親生的才會是你的承繼人。」 5 於是領他到外面去，說：「你向天觀看，數點眾星，看你能不能把它們數得清楚。」又對他說：「你的後裔將要這樣眾多。」 6 亞伯蘭信耶和華，耶和華就以此算為他的義了。

The gospel must be traced back to the Covenant with Abraham Gen 創 15: 7 耶和華又對亞伯蘭說：「我是耶和華，曾經把你從迦勒底的吾珥領出來，為要把這地賜給你作產業。」 8 亞伯蘭說：「主耶和華啊，我憑甚麼能知道我必得這地為業呢？」 9 耶和華對他說：「你給我拿一頭三歲的母牛，一隻三歲的母山羊，一隻三歲的公綿羊，一隻斑鳩和一隻雛鴿。」 10 亞伯蘭就把這一切拿了來，每樣都從當中劈開，一半一半相對擺列；只是鳥卻沒有劈開。 11 有鷙鳥下來，落在這些屍骸上，亞伯蘭就把牠們嚇走了。 12 日落的時候，亞伯蘭沉沉地睡著了，忽然有可怕的大黑暗落在他身上。

The gospel must be traced back to the Covenant with Abraham Gen 創 15: 13 耶和華對亞伯蘭說：「你要確實地知道，你的後裔必在外地寄居，也必服事那地的人，那地的人苦待他們四百年。 14 他們所要服事的那國，我要親自懲罰。後來他們必帶著很多財物，從那裏出來。 15 你必得享長壽，被人埋葬，平平安安地回到你列祖那裏。 16 到了第四代，他們必回到這裏，因為亞摩利人的罪孽還沒有滿盈。」 17 日落天黑的時候，忽然有冒煙的爐和燒著的火把，從那些肉塊中經過。 18 就在那時候，耶和華與亞伯蘭立約說：「我已經把這地賜給你的後裔了，就是從埃及河直到幼發拉底河之地； 19 就是基尼人、基尼洗人、甲摩尼人、 20 赫人、比利洗人、利乏音人、 21 亞摩利人、迦南人、革迦撒人、耶布斯人之地。」

Why such a gruesome practice of animals cutting into two parts? 15:9 耶和華對他說：「你給我拿一頭三歲的母牛，一隻三歲的母山羊，一隻三歲的公綿羊，一隻斑鳩和一隻雛鴿。」 10 亞伯蘭就把這一切拿了來，每樣都從當中劈開，一半一半相對擺列；只是鳥卻沒有劈開。 Why didn’t Abraham cut the animals into two halves when God did instruct him to do so (v. 10)? Why did a smoking firepot went through the cut animals? 17 日落天黑的時候，忽然有冒煙的爐和燒著的火把，從那些肉塊中經過。 To understand it, we must look at a similar passage in Jer耶 34:13-20.

An historical recount of the Covenant at Sinai. Jer 耶 34:13-20 13 「耶和華以色列的上帝這樣說：『我把你們的列祖從埃及地為奴之家領出來的那日子，就和他們立了約，說： 14 「一個希伯來兄弟賣了身給你，服事了你六年，到第七年，你們各人就應釋放他，容他自由離去。」但你們的列祖不聽從我，毫不在意。 15 現今你們悔改，行我眼中看為正的事，各人向自己的同胞宣告自由，並且在稱為我名下的殿中，在我面前立了約。 16 你們卻又反悔，褻瀆我的名；各人把得了釋放隨意離去的奴婢叫回來，強迫他們再作奴婢。』 17 「所以，耶和華這樣說：『你們各人沒有聽從我，向兄弟、同胞宣告自由；看哪！我現在向你們宣告自由，容讓你們遭受刀劍、瘟疫和饑荒，使你們成為地上萬國所驚懼的。』這是耶和華的宣告。

An historical recount of the Covenant at Sinai. Jer 耶 34:13-20 18 『我必把那些違犯我的約的人交出去；他們沒有履行在我面前和我立約的誓言，就是他們把牛犢劈開兩半，並且從兩半中間走過去時立下的。 19 那些從牛犢兩半中間走過去的人，就是猶大的領袖、耶路撒冷的領袖、宮中的臣宰、祭司和這地的眾民。我必把他們交在他們仇敵的手中，和那些尋索他們性命的人的手中；他們的屍體必給空中的飛鳥和地上的走獸作食物。 21 我也必把猶大王西底家和眾領袖交在他們仇敵的手中，和那些尋索他們性命的人的手中，以及那些從你們面前暫時撤退的巴比倫王的軍隊的手中。 22 看哪！我必下令，使他們回到這城來；他們必攻打、奪取這城，用火焚燒；我必使猶大的城鎮都荒涼，沒有人居住。』」這是耶和華的宣告。

Animal cutting is part of a covenant making ceremony in the ancient near East. Instead of us “signing” a treaty, the people in the Ancient Near East “cut” a covenant. Procedure for “cutting” a covenant: (part 1) Before the ceremony: A Covenant Document would be written a. Historical background – what has happened between these two parties in the past. What is the background that lead to this cutting of a covenant. b. Conditions (requirements) – what are the responsibilities of each party in the covenant. c. Curses (punishment) or blessings (rewards) - what are the punishment for breaking the covenant and what are the conditions to continue to receive the blessings.

Procedure for “cutting” a covenant: (part 2) The “covenant cutting” ceremony: a. Animals would be brought and cut into half b. The two parties making the covenant would walk through the cut half of the animals while holding each other’s hands. They would call on their own god to be their witness while they make a vow. They would ask their god to treat them as these cut-up animals if they were to violate the terms of the covenant.

Procedure for “cutting” a covenant: (part 3) After the ceremony: Preservation of Covenant Document a. Two copies of the covenant documents would be made. There were two copies of the 10 commandments made at Sinai. Both copies were kept in the Ark of the Covenant. One copy belongs to YHWH. The other copy belong to the God of Israel – in this case, also YHWH. b. Each party would keep it in their god’s temple -- meaning their god is their overseer and judge. c. Some times the term of the covenant would involve periodic public reading of the covenant to remind each party & their descendents of their covenant obligations. (hence covenant renewal ceremony in the OT).

Who went through the cut animals at Sinai? YHWH & the Israelites. Thus the Israelites were obligated under the terms (blessings & curses) of the Covenant. When Israelites failed to keep their promises and followed other gods, they were punished per terms of the covenant: natural disasters, lost in wars, and ultimately Exile, which is the reversal of the Exodus. Who went through the cut animals at the cutting of the Abrahamic covenant? YHWH alone! Abraham was asleep! (A case of food coma?) God caused Abraham to fall asleep, (divine passive) Implications: Only YHWH is obligated under the terms of the covenant Thus the Abrahamic Covenant is a promise (unilateral covenant) Abraham’s responsibility, is to have faith in God’s promises.

The Davidic Covenant and the New Covenant is rooted in the Abrahamic covenant. They are all based on God’s promises. Each succeeding covenant further zeros in on Christ and His death on the cross Jesus: establish the New Covenant through His blood Promise of a New Covenant: forgive sins, renewed heart, rest Davidic Covenant: Messiah will come & fix everything! Sinaic (Mosaic) Covenant: the Law given Abrahamic Covenant: all the nations will be blessed Noahic Covenant: stable biosphere for the redemptive program Adamic Covenant: Seed of the woman

How could a righteous God bless Israel when they have violated their covenant and sinned against Him? Gal 加 3:17 我要這樣說，上帝預先立好的約，那四百三十年後才有的律法，不能把它廢掉，使那應許落空。18 因為所承受的，如果是出於律法，就不是出於應許；但上帝是憑著應許賜給了亞伯拉罕。 How were the OT saints saved before Christ dies on the cross? Rom 羅 3:25 上帝設立了耶穌為贖罪祭，是憑著他的血，藉著人的信，為的是要顯明上帝的義；因為上帝用忍耐的心寬容了人從前所犯的罪， 26 好在現今顯明他的義，使人知道他自己為義，又稱信耶穌的人為義。 Ill: Benefit of salvation by credit card or cash transaction.

We, in Christ, are under the New Covenant. Moses, was the covenant representative of the Israelites and served as their mediator (中保) Exo 出19:3 摩西上到上帝那裏去，耶和華從山上呼喚他，說：「你要這樣告訴雅各家，吩咐以色列人說： 4 『我向埃及人所行的，你們都看見了；也看見了我怎樣像鷹一樣把你們背在翅膀上，帶領你們到我這裏來。 5 現在你們若是實在聽我的話，遵守我的約，你們就必在萬民中作屬我的產業，因為全地都是我的。 6 你們要歸我作君尊的祭司和聖潔的國民。』這些話你都要對以色列人說。」 7 摩西去把人民的長老召了來，把耶和華吩咐他的這一切話都擺在他們面前。 8 人民都一致的回答，說：「凡是耶和華吩咐的，我們都要遵行。」摩西就去把人民的話回覆耶和華。 Christ is the covenant representative of Christians and is our mediator (中保) : prophet, high priest & king.

Gospel of Grace in the Covenants Covenant Representation - 1
We are united with our Covenant Representative, Christ On the cross, our sin is imputed to Christ Christ dies for our sins & sinful nature Christ lived a sinless life and His righteousness is imputed to us As Christ was resurrected, we too will be resurrected As Christ went the Father, we too will be with Him God R

Gospel of Grace in the Covenants Covenant Representation - 2
Rom 羅 6:3 難道你們不曉得我們這受洗歸入基督耶穌的人，是受洗歸入他的死嗎？ 4 所以我們藉著洗禮歸入死，與他同葬，為的是要我們過新生命的生活，像基督藉著父的榮耀從死人中復活一樣。 5 我們若在他死的樣式上與他聯合，也要在他復活的樣式上與他聯合。 2 Cor 林后 5:21 上帝使那無罪的替我們成為有罪的，使我們在他裏面成為上帝的義。 Isa 賽 53:4 原來他擔當了我們的病患，背負了我們的痛苦；我們卻以為他受責打，被上帝擊打和苦待了。 5 然而他是為了我們的過犯被刺透，為了我們的罪孽被壓傷；使我們得平安的懲罰加在他身上，因他受了鞭傷，我們才得醫治。 6 我們眾人都如羊走迷了路，各人偏行己路；耶和華卻把我們眾人的罪孽，都歸在他身上。 Gal 加 3:27 你們所有受洗歸入基督的人，都是披戴基督的，28 並不分猶太人或希臘人，作奴僕的或自由人，男的或女的，因為你們在基督耶穌裏都成為一體了。

Gospel of Grace in the Covenants What is Grace?
God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense

Two Covenants, Two Representatives Adam vs. Christ (Rom 羅5:12-21) - 1
12 正好像罪藉著一個人入了世界，死又是從罪來的，所以死就臨到全人類，因為人人都犯了罪。 13 沒有律法以前，罪已經在世界上了；不過，沒有律法的時候，罪也不算罪。 14 可是，從亞當到摩西，死就掌權了，甚至那些不像亞當那樣犯罪的人，也在死的權下；亞當正是要來的那一位的預表。 15 但恩賞和過犯是截然不同的；如果因著那一人的過犯，眾人都死了，上帝的恩典和這一人耶穌基督在恩典裏的賞賜，對眾人就更加豐盛了。 16 這賞賜和那一人犯罪的後果也是不同的；因為審判是由一人而來，以致定罪，恩賞卻由許多過犯而來，以致稱義。 17 如果因著那一人的過犯，死就因那一人而掌權，那些蒙豐富的恩典並且得公義為賞賜的，就更要因這一位耶穌基督在生命中掌權了。 18 這樣看來，因一次的過犯，全人類都被定罪；照樣，因一次的義行，全人類都被稱義得生命了。 19 因著那一人的悖逆，眾人就被列為罪人；照樣，因著這一人的順服，眾人也被列為義人了。 20 律法的出現，是要叫過犯增多；然而罪在哪裏增多，恩典就更加增多了。 21 罪藉著死掌權；照樣，恩典也藉著義掌權，使人藉著我們的主耶穌基督進入永生。

Two Covenants, Two Representatives Adam vs. Christ (Rom 羅 5:12-21) - 2
(Covenant of Works) Christ (Covenant of Grace) 審判是由一人而來，以致定罪 (v. 16) 恩賞卻由許多過犯而來，以致稱義。因一次的過犯，全人類都被定罪；(v. 18) 照樣，因一次的義行，全人類都被稱義得生命了。因著那一人的悖逆，眾人就被列為罪人；(v. 19) 照樣，因著這一人的順服，眾人也被列為義人了然而罪在哪裏增多(v. 20) 恩典就更加增多了罪藉著死掌權 (v. 21) 照樣，恩典也藉著義掌權，使人藉著我們的主耶穌基督進入永生

Two Covenants, Two Representatives Adam vs. Christ (1 Cor 林前 15) - 1
19 如果我們在基督裏只在今生有盼望，就比所有的人更可憐了。 20 現在基督已經從死人中復活，成為睡了的人初熟的果子。 21 死既藉著一人而來，死人復活也藉著一人而來。 22 在亞當裏眾人都死了，照樣，在基督裏眾人也都要復活； 23 只是各人要按著自己的次序：初熟的果子是基督，以後，在他來的時候，是那些屬基督的人。 42 死人復活也是這樣。所種的是必朽壞的，復活的是不朽壞的； 43 所種的是卑賤的，復活的是榮耀的；所種的是軟弱的，復活的是有能力的； 44 所種的是屬血氣的身體，復活的是屬靈的身體。既然有屬血氣的身體，也會有屬靈的身體。 45 經上也是這樣記著說：「第一個人亞當成了有生命的人，末後的亞當成了使人活的靈。」 46 但那首先的不是屬靈的，而是屬血氣的，然後才有屬靈的。 47 第一個人是出於地，是屬土的；第二個人是出於天。 48 那屬土的怎樣，所有屬土的也都怎樣；屬天的怎樣，所有屬天的也都怎樣。 49 我們既然有了屬土的形象，將來也必有屬天的形象。

(第一個人亞當 ) Christ (末後的亞當 ) 死既藉著一人而來，(v. 21) 死人復活也藉著一人而來。在亞當裏眾人都死了， (v. 22) 照樣，在基督裏眾人也都要復活； 23 只是各人要按著自己的次序：初熟的果子是基督，以後，在他來的時候，是那些屬基督的人。所種的是必朽壞的，(v. 42) 復活的是不朽壞的所種的是卑賤的，(v. 43a) 復活的是榮耀的；所種的是軟弱的， (v. 43b) 復活的是有能力的所種的是屬血氣的身體，v. 44) 復活的是屬靈的身體。

(第一個人亞當 ) Christ (末後的亞當 ) 「第一個人亞當成了有生命的人， (v. 45) 末後的亞當成了使人活的靈。」但那首先的不是屬靈的，而是屬血氣的，(v. 46) 然後才有屬靈的。第一個人是出於地，是屬土的；(v. 47) 第二個人是出於天。那屬土的怎樣，所有屬土的也都怎樣；(v. 48) 屬天的怎樣，所有屬天的也都怎樣。我們既然有了屬土的形象，(v. 49) 將來也必有屬天的形象。

The Difference Between Religion and the Gospel - 1 (Tim Keller 2006, http://www.redeemer.com/#Begin)
“I obey - therefore I’m accepted” “I’m accepted - therefore I obey” Motivation is based on fear and insecurity. Motivation based on grateful joy. I obey God in order to get things from God. I obey God to get God--to delight and resemble him. When circumstances in my life go wrong, I am angry at God or myself, since I believe, like Job’s friends, that anyone who is good deserves a comfortable life. When circumstances in my life go wrong I struggle, but I know all my punishment fell on Jesus and that while he may allow this for my training, he will exercise his Fatherly love within my trial.

When I am criticized I am furious or devastated because it is critical that I think of myself as a ‘good person.’ Threats to that self-image must be destroyed at all costs. When I am criticized I struggle, but it is not critical for me to think of myself as a ‘good person.’ My identity is not built on my record or my performance but on God’s love for me in Christ. I can take criticism. That’s how I became a Christian. My prayer consists largely of petition and it only heats up when I am in a time of need. My main purpose in prayer is control of the environment. My prayer life consists of generous stretches of praise and adoration. My main purpose is fellowship with him.

My self-view swings between two poles. If and when I am living up to my standards, I feel confident, but then I am prone to be proud and unsympathetic to failing people. If and when I am not living up to standards, I feel humble but not confident - I feel like a failure. My self-view is not based on a view of my self as a moral achiever. In Christ I am simultaneously sinful and lost yet accepted in Christ. I am so bad he had to die for me and I am so loved he was glad to die for me. This leads me to deeper and deeper humility and confidence at the same time. Neither swaggering nor sniveling. My identity and self-worth are based mainly on how hard I work, or how moral I am -- and so I must look down on those I perceive as lazy or immoral. I disdain and feel superior to ‘the Other.’ My identity and self-worth is centered on the one who died for his enemies, who was excluded from the city for me. I am saved by sheer grace. So I can’t look down on those who believe or practice something different from me. Only by grace I am what I am. I’ve no inner need to win arguments.

Since I look to my own pedigree or performance for my spiritual acceptability, my heart manufactures idols. It may be my talents, my moral record, my personal discipline, my social status, etc. I have to have them so they serve as my main hope, meaning, happiness, security, and significance, whatever I say I believe about God. I have many good things in my life--family, work, spiritual disciplines, etc. But none of these good things are ultimate things to me. None of them are things I absolutely have to have them, so there is a limit to how much anxiety, bitterness, and despondency they can inflict on me when they are threatened and lost.

Pastor Iho Tree (崔誼厚牧師) (H)

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