God’s Grace And The Army Chaplaincy
I’m currently at Fort Jackson, SC for Phase 1 of the U.S. Army’s Chaplain Basic Officer Leader Course. I’ve settled into a daily rhythm of waking up at 4:30 to get to PT by 5:15. PT lasts until 6:45, and then I get to go back to my room and get ready for Chapel at 8:15. Between stuffing down some food, scrubbing that South Carolina grit off my skin, throwing on my uniform, and running out the door, I’ve been able to squeeze in 5-10 minutes of stillness and reflection every morning.
Lately, God’s grace has been on my heart and mind. I perennially struggle with legalism, and the last week has been a spiritual oasis for me. God has really brought me a level of peace and awareness of His presence that I have not felt in several months. He is really… really… good.
One of our links under the “Toolbox” heading is the Christian Classics Ethereal Library. It is a huge database of public domain literature, to include the complete works of Jonathan Edwards, Calvin’s Institutes, and one of my new fav
orites, C.H. Spurgeon’s devotional Morning and Evening: Daily Readings. Spurgeon’s devotional for today really exemplifies this short but significant journey, and hit me like a ton of bricks this morning. Because this ministered so greatly to me, I thought I’d share it with you all. Enjoy!
Morning, July 14
“If thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.” – Exodus 20:25
“God’s altar was to be built of unhewn stones, that no trace of human skill or labour might be seen upon it. Human wisdom delights to trim and arrange the doctrines of the cross into a system more artificial and more congenial with the depraved tastes of fallen nature; instead, however, of improving the gospel carnal wisdom pollutes it, until it becomes another gospel, and not the truth of God at all. All alterations and amendments of the Lord’s own Word are defilements and pollutions. The proud heart of man is very anxious to have a hand in the justification of the soul before God; preparations for Christ are dreamed of, humblings and repentings are trusted in, good works are cried up, natural ability is much vaunted, and by all means the attempt is made to lift up human tools upon the divine altar. It were well if sinners would remember that so far from perfecting the Saviour’s work, their carnal confidences only pollute and dishonour it. The Lord alone must be exalted in the work of atonement, and not a single mark of man’s chisel or hammer will be endured. There is an inherent blasphemy in seeking to add to what Christ Jesus in His dying moments declared to be finished, or to improve that in which the Lord Jehovah finds perfect satisfaction. Trembling sinner, away with thy tools, and fall upon thy knees in humble supplication; and accept the Lord Jesus to be the altar of thine atonement, and rest in him alone.
“Many professors may take warning from this morning’s text as to the doctrines which they believe. There is among Christians far too much inclination to square and reconcile the truths of revelation; this is a form of irreverence and unbelief, let us strive against it, and receive truth as we find it; rejoicing that the doctrines of the Word are unhewn stones, and so are all the more fit to build an altar for the Lord.”
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I despise war – but like I mentioned before – a chaplain for the army is very noble and brave…I can truly respect that.
“There is among Christians far too much inclination to square and reconcile the truths of revelation; this is a form of irreverence and unbelief, let us strive against it, and receive truth as we find it”
Funny thing to be noted, I see the works of Spurgeon all over this (lol).
This is where me and Spurgeon will butt heads – because unlike his very normal Christian motif/perspective he sets out here – I come to the texts seeking a more Jewish/rabbinical perspective. Basically, we should seek to study, discuss, and defend our arguments one with another – so as to sharpen our wits – and yes – argue with Spurgeon to see if we can move towards ‘truth’.
I could receive truth ‘as I find it’ but it has been my experience that truth unfolds itself over time to us…what is the basics of a truth we start with – then move forward from there into a more in depth understanding (this takes time).
The fact Spurgeon calls this type of thinking unbelief shows his lack of humility on a subject – since this means there is a set standard to believe and any alteration to that standard is ‘off the mark’…just how the hell will we know we have the most correct standard? This is the real problem.
For example, I am prone to argue against the Trinity and even debate the depths of the atonement (and its meaning) – but that is all fair and wise to do. How can I say I believe this or that without any actual challenge to my beliefs? I should just accept something because everyone else does? That, is hanging on the cusp of evil. No, I must challenge myself and what I believe – like a boxer enters the ring to prove himself – so must my life and idea be subject to the same scrutiny.
I like Spurgeon’s message – I think he is giving fair warning to us about playing with God’s word and changing meanings to suit some purpose of our own – I could not agree more (bravo!). But I would suggest most people enter the conversation in a more humble manner unless by taking the ‘high seats’ in the convo they find they are ‘moved to the back’ (via being humiliated for not being humble). I find those last words Spurgeon uses have this sense to them – that kind ‘I am on the right path as compared to those professors’. I think it may be so – but then humility is a virtue to remember – let other talk well of you.
Holy crap! Look up my bro-in-law when you are there. Matt Shirkey. He’s from STL (by ways of Jackson, MI). Man it’s a small world.
You can check out Matt’s blog here: http://shirkdogs.blogspot.com/
I’m glad you wrote this Brad… all the way from the PALMTREE STATE!!! Yippie! :)
Mark,
Hahaha… actually, Shirkey is in my platoon, and I sit next to him every day. It is a small world!
Society,
Spurgeon was nothing if he was not appreciative of the Jewish perspective and influence in scripture. That is a Hallmark of reformed theology (with a possible exception of Luther).
You are discussing a very specific form of Judaic understanding that is far more common in recent than in scriptural context. Just like Christianity, there are many streams within Judaism, and MANY Jews would stand equally strong in what the Scriptures communicate firmly. Spurgeon, like any theologian worth his salt, states firmly what the bible communicates clearly, and holds conclusions loosely that are unclear in scripture. Grace is not one of those “unclear” aspects of the Bible. Difficult? Absolutely, but not unclear.
“But I would suggest most people enter the conversation in a more humble manner unless by taking the ‘high seats’ in the convo they find they are ‘moved to the back’ (via being humiliated for not being humble).”
Spurgeon ministered through some of the most intense suffering a person could fathom, and he was anything if not dependent on God’s grace through humility. However, he does absolutely hold God’s word in very high, exalted regard. Ultimately, God’s truth is not merely humble, it is glory. To hold loosely that which God communicates firmly is a disservice to scripture and His truth. Spurgeon understood this better than most.
“Spurgeon was nothing if he was not appreciative of the Jewish perspective and influence in scripture” (Brad)
By that comment I used in comment #1 - I mean the Jewish way of learning and discussing Jewish theology - via argumentation - very similar to the blogging world and comments back n forth. This is not a Christian tradition per se - and is actually rather shunned in most Christian circles. I was thinking of that rabbinic tradition more or less.
“To hold loosely that which God communicates firmly is a disservice to scripture and His truth. Spurgeon understood this better than most.” (Brad)
But that’s where the actual disservice can also exist - not saying it does with Spurgeon - that surety of understanding in theology/interpretation. I raise my question because we need to someone to play that role also if we are to become ’sharpened’ or ‘refined’. Just as iron sharpens iron - we need 2 conflicting things to occur - a roughness - to promote the smoothness. I see this in theology also and in interpretation - we need to hear all sides then make the decision of what is being said.
Alone we can make a concensus of one - which is fine and dandy - but we also need to put our ideas under the hot oven for some refining - the heat seems to make the idea easier to mold (and make our best mold also).
Oh I absolutely agree! But my rub comes when certainty in communication is assumed to be prideful, or at least “less than humble.” Spurgeon preached confidently, but his confidence was not in himself (pride), but in God and His Word. Does that make sense?
wonderful post. thank you for the reflections, the update, and the Spurgeon meditation. may God continue to be with you and bless you, Brad. know that what you do is deeply, deeply appreciated, respected, and held in high admiration..
i found the words of Spurgeon agreeable on most levels, and i do think what he is aiming for comes across. however, i would agree with Societyvs that there is a big problem underneath it all - namely the simple self-evident nature of truth that is presupposed. while probably the majority of believers that i know would attest to experiencing doctrinal truth as presented unadulterated and unhindered, it seems problematic considering more intricate subjects (i.e. the Trinity)…
“The fact Spurgeon calls this type of thinking unbelief shows his lack of humility on a subject – since this means there is a set standard to believe and any alteration to that standard is ‘off the mark’…just how the hell will we know we have the most correct standard? This is the real problem.” (Societyvs)
this is dead on.
all of this being said, i think the caution against intellectualized pride and argument and, in Heschel’s words, a ‘bag of opinions we have no burden to carry’, is just and important.
“Every trial, even the smallest, every opportunity to deny ourselves, every chance to offer some kind of sacrifice, is to be regarded as a grace, as a favor, as a providential opportunity to grasp at freedom.”
-thomas merton