This Thursday we will be studying the Atonement of Jesus Christ and discussing how these truths can be applied to our every day lives. Chapter 27 of Wayne Grudem’s “Systematic Theology” explains the doctrine of the Atonement in a very concise, logical and biblical manor and it is one of the resources I will use to lead our study. Time permitting, we will focus on three concepts of the Atonement. First, we will examine the cause of the Atonement. Second, we will discuss the necessity of the Atonement. Third, we will study how Christ’s death not only paid the penalty for our sins but how His perfect obedience “also became our righteousness before God.”

I’m extremely excited to discuss and share these deep and meaningful truths with our students. Come ready to discuss and think! I hope to see you there.

Tags: Atonement, Systematic Theology, Wayne Grudem

Posted in Youth Atonement Systematic Theology Wayne Grudem Phil Anady
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Doctrinal Standards WSC #20 (3 of 4 weeks)

• Q. Did God leave all mankind to die in sin and misery?
• A. From all eternity and merely because it pleased Him God chose some to have everlasting life. These He freed from sin and misery by a covenant of grace and brought them to salvation by a redeemer.

Memory Verses

• “For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness” (Romans 4:3, ESV).

Study Passage: Romans 4

Support Passages: Genesis 12:1-4; John 3:36, 8:56; Acts 7; Romans 3:21-31; Galatians 3:1-14; Hebrews 11:1-12; James 2:21-24

Bible Story: Genesis 22:1-14

Insight and Application

• The distinction between the Law and the Gospel is something that is found throughout scripture but is a major reoccurring theme in Paul’s epistles. The term law can mean a couple different things in scripture but most of the time is referring to the Old Testament scriptures. When we refer to the Gospel we mean that Salvation and acceptance before God is based solely on gift and imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ.
• In the book of Romans and many of Paul’s other letters he is trying to communicate with the people that if you try and earn acceptance and salvation from God through keeping the Law (Old Testament commands) your efforts will come up short. The Law or the commands of God were never intended to bring about salvation because no one could ever keep them perfectly.
• In Romans chapter 4, Paul explains that Abraham who existed before the Law of God was even given was accepted before God because of the faith he had. Paul never once taught that a Jewish Christian should not keep the Law nor did He ever teach that the Law of God was bad. He taught that if you try and earn your way to God by keeping the Law you are destined to be cursed. If you break the smallest part of the Law you have transgressed the Law and are pronounced a sinner resulting in death. Throughout all of Paul’s missionary journeys he continually preached that salvation is received through faith by the grace of God.

Discussion Questions

• The Bible teaches and the catechism explains that salvation is received through faith. What does this mean?
• The catechism says that God has freed us from sin through a covenant of grace. What is the meaning of the word grace?
• How has God shown His grace?
• The catechism says salvation is provided by a redeemer. What does redeem mean and how does it fit the description of Jesus?
• If we are saved by grace through faith are we required to follow God’s commands? Why?
• Is the Law of God bad or faulty? Explain.
• What could the Law of God not do?

Tags: Westminster Shorter Catechism

Posted in Study Guides Westminster Shorter Catechism Family Devotional Guidelines Phil Anady Genesis 22 Romans 4
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About every 6 weeks we take a Thursday night and discuss various doctrines found in the catechism that we are using within our homes and with our children here at Emmaus (See our “Resource” page for more information about catechism). This week we will examine questions 16-21. I’m really excited about discussing these doctrinal truths because it is at the heart of the gospel. These 6 questions address the doctrine of sin and salvation from a biblical perspective that brings God the ultimate glory and honor. I hope to see you there!

Q. 16. Did all mankind fall in Adam’s first disobedience?
A. Since the covenant was made not only for Adam but also for his natural descendants, all mankind sinned in him and fell with him in his first disobedience. (Ge 2:16,17; Ro 5:12; 1 Co 15:21,22)

Q. 17. What happened to man in the fall?
A. Man fell into a condition of sin and misery. (Ro 5:12)

Q. 18. What is sinful about man’s fallen condition?
A. The sinfulness of that fallen condition is twofold. First, in what is commonly called original sin, there is the guilt of Adam’s first sin with its lack of original righteousness and the corruption of his whole nature. Second are all the specific acts of disobedience that come from original sin. (Ro 5:12,19; Ro 5:10-20; Eph 2:1-3; Jas 1:14,15; Mt 15:19)

Q. 19. What is the misery of man’s fallen condition?
A. By their fall all mankind lost fellowship with God and brought His anger and curse on themselves. They are therefore subject to all the miseries of this life, to death itself, and to the pains of hell forever. (Ge 3:8,10,24; Eph 2:2,3; Gal 3:10; La 3:39; Ro 6:23; Mt 25:41).

Q. 20. Did God leave all mankind to die in sin and misery?
A. From all eternity and merely because it pleased Him God chose some to have everlasting life. These He freed from sin and misery by a covenant of grace and brought them to salvation by a redeemer. (Eph 1:4; Ro 3:20,21,22; Gal 3:21,22)

Q 21. Who is the redeemer of God’s chosen ones?
A. The only redeemer of God’s chosen is the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, who became man. He was and continues to be God and man in two distinct natures and one person forever. (1 Ti 2:5,6; Jn 1:14; Gal 4:4; Ro 9:5; Lk 1:35; Col 2:9; Heb 7:24,25)

Tags: Catechism, Doctrine, Gospel, Salvation, Sin

Posted in Youth Catechism Doctrine Gospel Salvation Sin Phil Anady
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Doctrinal Standards WSC #20 (2 of 4 weeks)

• Q. Did God leave all mankind to die in sin and misery?
• A. From all eternity and merely because it pleased Him God chose some to have everlasting life. These He freed from sin and misery by a covenant of grace and brought them to salvation by a redeemer.

Memory Verses

• “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet” (Matthew 5:13, ESV).

Study Passage: Ephesians 2:11-22

Support Passages: Matthew 5:13-16, Matthew 13

Bible Story: Matthew 5:13-16

Insight and Application

• Scripture teaches us that we have faith in Christ because God has chosen us for salvation. We must understand that God’s choosing has nothing to do with us but has everything to do with Him. Everything is for His will, purpose, and glory.
  • Isaiah 46:10 (ESV) declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.
  • Psalm 115:3 (ESV) Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.
  • Proverbs 19:21 (ESV) “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
  • Ephesians 3:8–10 (ESV) To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, ⁹ and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, ¹⁰ so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
  • Deuteronomy 10:14–15 (ESV)  Behold, to the Lord your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it. ¹⁵ Yet the Lord set his heart in love on your fathers and chose their offspring after them, you above all peoples, as you are this day.
  • Psalm 33:12 (ESV) Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!
  • Psalm 106:5 (ESV)  that I may look upon the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation, that I may glory with your inheritance.
  • Haggai 2:23 (ESV)  On that day, declares the Lord of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel, declares the Lord, and make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the Lord of hosts.”
  • Exodus 33:19 (ESV) ¹⁹ And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The Lord.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.
  • Deuteronomy 7:6–7 (ESV)  “For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. ⁷ It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples,
  • Matthew 11:27 (ESV) ²⁷ All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
  • Matthew 22:14 (ESV) ¹⁴ For many are called, but few are chosen.”
  • Matthew 24:22 (ESV) ²² And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.
  • Matthew 24:24 (ESV) ²⁴ For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
  • Matthew 24:31 (ESV) ³¹ And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
  • Luke 18:7 (ESV) And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?
  • Romans 8:28–30 (ESV) ²⁸ And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. ²⁹ For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. ³⁰ And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
  • Romans 8:33 (ESV)  Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.
  • Colossians 3:12 (ESV) Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:9 (ESV) For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
  • Titus 1:1 (ESV)  Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness,
  • 1 Peter 1:1–2 (ESV)  Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, ² according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.
  • 1 Peter 2:8–9 (ESV)  and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. ⁹ But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
  • Revelation 17:14 (ESV) They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.”
  • Mark 13:20 (ESV) And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days.
  • Ephesians 1:4–5 (ESV) even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love ⁵ he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,
  • Romans 9:11–13 (ESV) though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— ¹² she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” ¹³ As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”
  • Romans 9:16 (ESV) So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.
  • Romans 10:20 (ESV)  Then Isaiah is so bold as to say, “I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.”
  • 1 Corinthians 1:27–29 (ESV)  But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; ²⁸ God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, ²⁹ so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.
  • 2 Timothy 1:9 (ESV)  who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,
  • John 15:16 (ESV) You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
  • Acts 13:48 (ESV) And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.
  • Philippians 1:29 (ESV)  For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,
  • 1 Thessalonians 1:4–5 (ESV) For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, ⁵ because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.
  • 2 Timothy 2:10 (ESV) Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
  • Because we are chosen in Christ we must view our position appropriately with humility. We must realize that our salvation and purpose is rooted in the glorification of our great King. This is why the Lord Jesus said that we are the salt of the earth. This is why Jesus told us to love one another. This is why scriptures tell us to live as set apart and not to live like the world. Our contact towards one another and the way with live our life is to bring glory and honor to the one and true God.
  • We begin to lose a biblical perspective and start developing pride when we think that salvation and this life are about ourselves. God has chosen you and I to live in order that He may be seen and praised my many.

Discussion Questions

• If God was not obligated to save any human being, why did He?
• What should be the response of those who God has chosen? Explain
• Why did God give commands to follow? Explain
• Is salvation about God or man? Explain
• What is this life about? (WSC #1)
• Does your life reflect that truth? Explain

Tags: Westminster Shorter Catechism

Posted in Study Guides Westminster Shorter Catechism Family Devotional Guidelines Phil Anady Ephesians 2:11-22 Matthew 5:13-16
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Doctrinal Standards WSC #20 (1 of 4 weeks)

• Q. Did God leave all mankind to die in sin and misery?
• A. From all eternity and merely because it pleased Him God chose some to have everlasting life. These He freed from sin and misery by a covenant of grace and brought them to salvation by a redeemer.

Memory Verses

• “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy” (I Peter 2:9-10, ESV).

Study Passage: 1 Peter 1:13-2:10

Support Passages: Genesis 3:15, 9:8-17, 12:1-3, 15:1-21; Romans 8:28-30

Bible Story: Genesis 19:1-26

Thoughts

• In order to begin to understand the doctrine of election, we must fully comprehend God’s sovereignty, the result of sin in man’s life, and the grace of God.
• The Bible clearly teaches that God is sovereign over everything. God is in control of everything: He sets up governments (Romans 13:1), He ordains where people will live, at what period of time they will live, and when they will die (Acts 17:26). God reigns over Satan and his demons and is able to take the worst they could possible do and turn it into our greatest good (Romans 8:28). God knows what all of our needs are, and He takes care of them (Matthew 5:8). He takes care of and provides for all the plants and animals (Matthew 6:26-28).  He knew that Adam and Eve, while created perfect, would sin and be in need of a savior. That Savior, Jesus Christ, was chosen before the world was formed, and was destined to come to the earth, die, and rise again for the forgiveness of sins (I Peter 1:20). God controls everything through His permissive will, that which He allows, and through His ordained will, that which He actively brings about.
• In order to fully understand predestination, we must understand the consequence of sin. The result of sin is death both physically and spiritually. When someone is physically dead, they are one hundred percent bound by their condition. They cannot move, they cannot speak, and they cannot change their state of deadness. The same is true when someone is spiritually dead. They cannot change from death to life, they cannot seek what is spiritually good, and they cannot choose to follow the life found in Christ because they are spiritually dead. As it is written in Romans 3:10–18 (ESV):  “None is righteous, no, not one; ¹¹ no one understands; no one seeks for God. ¹² All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one. ¹³ Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive. The venom of asps is under their lips. ¹⁴ Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness. ¹⁵ Their feet are swift to shed blood; ¹⁶ in their paths are ruin and misery, ¹⁷ and the way of peace they have not known. ¹⁸ There is no fear of God before their eyes.”  Mankind, in its sinful state, is at odds with God and is completely spiritually dead.  Just as Christ called Lazarus out of the grave and gave him life, God is the only one who can bring to life a dead soul, creating the desire to follow after Him.
• In order to understand how God chooses to save only some through His grace and love, we need to comprehend the true meaning of grace. As we know, the consequence or result of sin is death. Every human being is a sinner and is justly condemned to Hell and punishment. God would be just and righteous to send every individual to Hell, saving no one. God is not obligated to save anyone, but He does. He chooses to save some. This is the true meaning of grace: God shows His grace by saving some when all deserve Hell. Most often we ask ourselves the question, “Why doesn’t God save all or at least more?” Actually, the more biblical question we should ponder is, “Why does God save any?” We often consider the salvation our Lord provides as an obligation required of Him when in reality it is purely a gift that He has chosen to give to some. His salvation is not given out of duty but rather out of His gracious and merciful heart. The response of those who have received His grace should be nothing less than great humility and thankfulness for what the Creator of the universe has done for us.

Discussion Questions

• What is man’s spiritual condition because of sin? Explain
• The Bible teaches that the result of sin is death. It also teaches that those who sin are slaves to sin. Discuss the characteristics or abilities of someone who is dead or a slave.
• What are the desires of someone who is spiritually dead?
• If all of mankind is sinful and, therefore, spiritually dead and slaves to sin, do we have the ability to choose and follow after Christ? Explain
• If no one can choose to follow after Christ, why do some people receive Jesus Christ as their Savior and follow His commands? Explain
• The story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the grave illustrates exactly how God gives spiritual life to the spiritual dead (John 11:1-44).  Discuss the similarities.

Posted in Study Guides Family Devotional Guidelines Phil Anady 1 Peter 1:13-2:10 Acts 17:26 Genesis 12:1-3 Genesis 15:1-21 Genesis 19:1-26 Genesis 3:15 Genesis 9:8-17 I Peter 1:20 I Peter 2:9-10 Matthew 5:8 Matthew 6:26-28 Romans 3:10–18 Romans 8:28 Romans 8:28-30
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Have a great week off from school!

Posted in Youth
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Last week, we looked at what it means that God is sovereign. We examined numerous passages and scripture and determined that when we say God is sovereign we mean that God is in control of everything and knows everything. He had ordained where and when we should live, he has numbered our days, He has allowed evil to enter into the world, and He has caused great good to come from various trials and tribulations. Scripture clearly teaches that God is control of everything and He either causes or allows something to take place for no other reason than to bring about His purposes. If this were not true God would not be God.

This week, we are going to continue our study on God’s sovereignty but focus on how man is to relate to the sovereignty of God.  We are going to focus our study on three central questions: If God knows everything, why should pray? If God is the one who gives spiritual life to an individual, why should we evangelize? If God is in control of everything, why do we have so much worry and anxiety?

I hope to see you there and I really enjoy discussing these deep theological issues with our young adults!

-Phil

Posted in Youth
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Doctrinal Standards WSC #19

• Q. What is the misery of man’s fallen condition?
• A. By their fall, all mankind lost fellowship with God and brought His anger and curse on themselves. They are, therefore, subject to all the miseries of this life, to death itself, and to the pains of hell forever.

Memory Verses

• “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings” (Jeremiah 17:9-10 ESV).

Study Passage: Matthew 25:31-46

Support Passages: Deuteronomy 28; Lamentations

Bible Story: Luke 16:19-31

Thoughts

• We always need to be reminded that sin has resulted in a separation from or broken relationship with God. Because of our sins, we all deserve the full wrath of God. God would be just and righteous in condemning every single human being to hell for the punishment of their transgression. This truth is extremely important to understand. God does not have to save a single individual from the punishment they rightly deserve. But He does choose to save some. The fact that He saves some when He is not obligated to do so clearly expresses the true meaning of God’s grace and mercy.
• After Adam and Eve sinned against God, they were told that as a consequence they would experience misery and pain for the remainder of life (Genesis3:14-19). This misery, like sin, is passed down from generation to generation. Suffering, heartache, frustration, and a longing for things to be perfect is a result of sin entering into the world.

Discussion Questions

• What is sin?
• What is the punishment for sin? Explain.
• Is it both a physical and spiritual death? Explain.
• Besides death, what other effects does sin have on life?
• Would God be just to punish and send every single human being to Hell? Why?
• If God can justly send every human being to Hell for their sins, why doesn’t He?
• After answering the previous two questions, explain God’s grace and mercy.

Posted in Study Guides Family Devotional Guidelines Phil Anady Deuteronomy 28 Luke 16:19-31 Matthew 25:31-46
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