A working knowledge of Church History is admirable. However, if this enterprise is undertaken without biblical caution, the ambitious students of today will be injured or even mortally wounded in the endeavor. The masses of Christendom wouldn't agree. They are quite content to seek the living among the dead. They have no qualms roaming the graveyard of conventional seminaries looking for the divine. It seems that everyone from just about anywhere is willing to give a hearty salute to the system of "Christian Academia" (Isa. 29:13).
I understand the sentiment. We, being 2,000 years removed from the 1st Advent of Christ, aspire to ground ourselves in an ancient and historic faith that has proven true through the test of time. Yet, what does the Bible teach about how "truth" fairs through many generations of human depravity? Specifically speaking, can "the Church" be trusted as the guardian of the "truth", or will even they mishandle it and allow its corruption through time? I'm afraid you will not like the answer, my reader. For, in reality, according to Holy Scripture, even redeemed men are prone to corrupt the "truth" and mishandle it. Consequentially, the general consensus of "the remnant" in any given generation cannot be trusted. One must resort to Holy Scripture as the only voice of truth - the one and only faithful guardian of the soul.
Leaders of "the Church" nowadays would never cast a shadow of doubt upon the study of Church History. It's truly disturbing. They don't want its appearance to be darkened in the eye of the beholder. They don't want its true shade to become apparent before the onlooking eyes of aspiring pupils. Nevertheless, the Bible speaks for itself (Isa. 29:14). The Bible accurately portrays how successfully "the Church" can guard, preserve, and pass on the "truth".
For, according to Holy Scripture, there is a nigh-invariable course of depravity which runs in cyclical revolutions from generation to generation: namely, that the SONS follow in the sins of their FATHERS from generation to generation. This is not a progressive and steady learning of the truth, this is a progressive and steady unlearning of the truth from generation to generation. My reader, please, let me present to you a brief survey of the Kings of Judah. See for yourself how among the 20 Kings of Judah, only a handful broke the cycle of declension that violently progressed onward from generation to generation.
For, according to Holy Scripture, there is a nigh-invariable course of depravity which runs in cyclical revolutions from generation to generation: namely, that the SONS follow in the sins of their FATHERS from generation to generation. This is not a progressive and steady learning of the truth, this is a progressive and steady unlearning of the truth from generation to generation. My reader, please, let me present to you a brief survey of the Kings of Judah. See for yourself how among the 20 Kings of Judah, only a handful broke the cycle of declension that violently progressed onward from generation to generation.
| THE KINGS OF JUDAH
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Evidently, "the truth" can hardly survive the hands of the Church even as they hope to safeguard it and pass it on to the next generation. Rehohoam rose beyond the crest of the rebellion of his predecessor and father, Solomon, exemplifying the unquenchable thirst of depravity from the beginning. Abijah, secondarily, being encumbered by a guiltier conscience than his father, only continued in the status quo “sins of his father” and not beyond. Asa, though, on the contrary, and very early on in the line of Kings, broke the cycle of depravity and did “as David his father” had done; thanks be to God. Jehoshaphat, also, following in his train, did as “Asa his father” had done. Nevertheless, religious superstition prevailed in that neither Asa nor Jehoshaphat removed the unlawful patriarchal high places. This shows how reverence for pastime religious antiquities is strong among the common people in every generation. Somehow, men are fond of ancient practices of religion, as if such things have become holy through "passing the test of time" ...whatever that means.
Suddenly, and tragically, after this short-lived revival of righteousness, Jehoram swerved into an unprecedented course from all the Kings of Judah before him by following in the way of the Kings of Israel! Why? For similar reasons… it was because he was influenced by the daughter of Ahab, his wife. He couldn’t resist the pastime Family Values. Predictably, Ahaziah his son, also, followed in the ways of his father Jehoram, for he was influenced by his father in law, Ahab, and did likewise. Athaliah, though, as an off-shoot, was notoriously self-seeking and murderous. After her unexpected and bloody reign, Joash, the only son of Ahaziah, was able to stand upon the truth as long as he was positively influenced by Jehoida the Priest, a righteous man, …but, fearfully, after Jehoida’s death Joash caved under the pressure of the status quo widely accepted apostasy. Ah! How the vicious cycle continues in its revolutions!
Suddenly, and tragically, after this short-lived revival of righteousness, Jehoram swerved into an unprecedented course from all the Kings of Judah before him by following in the way of the Kings of Israel! Why? For similar reasons… it was because he was influenced by the daughter of Ahab, his wife. He couldn’t resist the pastime Family Values. Predictably, Ahaziah his son, also, followed in the ways of his father Jehoram, for he was influenced by his father in law, Ahab, and did likewise. Athaliah, though, as an off-shoot, was notoriously self-seeking and murderous. After her unexpected and bloody reign, Joash, the only son of Ahaziah, was able to stand upon the truth as long as he was positively influenced by Jehoida the Priest, a righteous man, …but, fearfully, after Jehoida’s death Joash caved under the pressure of the status quo widely accepted apostasy. Ah! How the vicious cycle continues in its revolutions!
| "And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, yet not like David his father: he did according to all things as Joash his father did." - 2 Kings 14:3 "And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart." - 2 Chronicles 25:2 |
Evidently, saving faith is exemplified by walking in the ways of David, and nothing short (compare 2 Kings 14:3-4 & 2 Chron. 25:2). “Almost Christians” still aren't Christians. Or, in other words, “Incomplete Christians” still aren't Christians. Just like "Unbiblical Believers" aren't real Believers. Therefore, Amaziah, being caught in the cycle, did what his father Joash did but not what David had done with a perfect heart. Azariah, likewise, did what his father Amaziah did but not what David had done with a perfect heart. Jotham, likewise, did what his father Azariah did but not what David had done with a perfect heart. Then, Ahaz, radically swerving from the cycle of depravity in motion among the Kings of Judah, fell a-lusting after the cycle of depravity ravaging the Kings of Israel instead! Veering from one he was sucked into the other like the gravitational pull of orbiting planets! This is fearful. Note: God Himself, and no one else, should be our center of gravity.
Then, at last, Hezekiah broke the cycle of depravity in motion among the Kings of Judah and returned to the LORD “according to all that David his father did”. This is saving faith. This is a true believer. However, sadly, after Hezekiah came Manasseh - a man who rebelled more than them all! Perhaps he was acclimated thereto by the wretched example of Ahaz. Then, at last, ...when the Church was on the verge being judged, Josiah arose! His generation narrowly escaped the wrath of God (1 Pet. 4:17-18). Nevertheless, a revival of righteousness after the ways of David flourished gloriously. It lasted for 13 Years (2 Chron. 34:31-33). Nevertheless, everything was suddenly lost as depravity resumed its course in an ever-increasing stride via the former generational cycle picking up where it left off. Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jeconiah, and Zedekiah, the sons and grandson of Josiah, were all sucked into the unquenchable force until God’s judgment came and Jerusalem was made desolate.
How relevant is the Doctrine of Perfection? In reference to the aforementioned generations of Kings, for example, when the scripture stated of Amaziah, “he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart” (2 Chron. 25:2); this meant, in other words, “he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, yet not like David his father…” (2 Kings 14:3). So, what is perfection? Apparently, David was perfect. Right? My reader, let us understand this vital doctrine, even if the language of it is foreign or distasteful to our “Christian Vocabulary”. Don’t let those heretics who preach “sinless perfection” cause you to reject anyone who renders a correct teaching on the matter of biblical perfection. A correct view of biblical Church History in these terms is vitally necessary.
Then, at last, Hezekiah broke the cycle of depravity in motion among the Kings of Judah and returned to the LORD “according to all that David his father did”. This is saving faith. This is a true believer. However, sadly, after Hezekiah came Manasseh - a man who rebelled more than them all! Perhaps he was acclimated thereto by the wretched example of Ahaz. Then, at last, ...when the Church was on the verge being judged, Josiah arose! His generation narrowly escaped the wrath of God (1 Pet. 4:17-18). Nevertheless, a revival of righteousness after the ways of David flourished gloriously. It lasted for 13 Years (2 Chron. 34:31-33). Nevertheless, everything was suddenly lost as depravity resumed its course in an ever-increasing stride via the former generational cycle picking up where it left off. Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jeconiah, and Zedekiah, the sons and grandson of Josiah, were all sucked into the unquenchable force until God’s judgment came and Jerusalem was made desolate.
How relevant is the Doctrine of Perfection? In reference to the aforementioned generations of Kings, for example, when the scripture stated of Amaziah, “he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart” (2 Chron. 25:2); this meant, in other words, “he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, yet not like David his father…” (2 Kings 14:3). So, what is perfection? Apparently, David was perfect. Right? My reader, let us understand this vital doctrine, even if the language of it is foreign or distasteful to our “Christian Vocabulary”. Don’t let those heretics who preach “sinless perfection” cause you to reject anyone who renders a correct teaching on the matter of biblical perfection. A correct view of biblical Church History in these terms is vitally necessary.
When that which is “right in the sight of the LORD” is incompletely defined
and far short of what is perfectly righteous, will you discern it?
and far short of what is perfectly righteous, will you discern it?
| Amaziah, caught in the cycle, did what his father Joash did but not what David had done with a perfect heart (2 Kings 14:3-4, 2 Chron. 25:2). Azariah (Uzziah), likewise, did what his father Amaziah did but not what David had done with a perfect heart (2 Kings 15:3-5). Jotham, likewise, did what his father Azariah (Uzziah) did but not what David had done with a perfect heart (2 Kings 15:34-35). |
Biblical history describes the lives, generations, and centuries of God’s work of salvation in terms of personal and corporate perfection. Depending on whether or not they obtained biblical “perfection” - this determined their destiny of heaven or hell. The scripture explicitly states that Job (Job 1:1, 8, 2:3, 8:20), Noah (Gen. 6:9), Abraham (Gen. 17:1-2), Joshua (Deut. 18:13), David (Psalm 101), Solomon (1 Kings 11:4, with his repentance, which is in Ecclesiastes), Asa (2 Chron. 15:17), and Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:3) went to heaven because they were perfect. As for all other heaven-bound men, even though it was not explicitly mentioned that they were “perfect”, they nevertheless followed the ways of those who were called “perfect”.
Likewise, the Scripture explicitly states that Abijam (1 Kings 15:3) and Amaziah (2 Chron. 25:2) went to hell because of a single indictment – that they were NOT perfect. Furthermore, every major vocation is taught the saving expression of their office and duties by the term perfection. Kings (Psalm 101), Priests (Lev. 22:21), Judges (2 Chron. 19:9), Warriors (Ps. 18:32), and all, were taught what it is to be perfect in the execution of their office, and depending on whether or not they were perfect, they went to heaven or hell. All other men and women of every generation were taught perfection in the principle of its meaning, even though the very word is not explicitly used.
Therefore, shouldn't it alarm us if we don't even know what "perfection" is in the sight of God? For, how shall we escape the declension of Amaziah, Azariah, and Jotham - who did “right in the sight of the LORD” as their fathers had done - but not as David had done with a perfect heart! How susceptible are we to doing what is widely accepted and venerated as “right in the sight of the LORD”, and, at last, we lose our souls! How vulnerable are we to adopt a status quo righteousness as we have been taught and instructed by our fathers (a righteousness supported by Scripture but far short of perfection), so that all our faith and practice as we know it amasses to an unpardonable violation of the Doctrine of Perfection before the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:9-11).
Did not our Lord say, “And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasure of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection” (Lk. 8:14)? Here, in this text, a “perfect repentance” is exactly what God is expecting and demanding; and, because John the Baptist understood this doctrine he commanded the 1st century Jews, “Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father…” (Lk. 3:8). If John the Baptist were here today he would preach this to the Christians of this century. The only difference is, Christians don’t say, “We have Abraham to our father”, rather they say, “We have God as our Father and we are eternally secure”. This statement may be true, notwithstanding Christ was burdened for the perfection of God’s children when He said, “Be watchful, and strength the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God” (Rev. 3:2)! Here, in this text, a "perfect repentance" is God’s expectation, and without it Christ warned that He would blot their name out of the Book of Life (Rev. 3:5)! What does this mean? The text is very clear: without perfection, Christ told the saints that they were eternally insecure (blamable, unholy, unsanctified, & spotted).
Likewise, the Scripture explicitly states that Abijam (1 Kings 15:3) and Amaziah (2 Chron. 25:2) went to hell because of a single indictment – that they were NOT perfect. Furthermore, every major vocation is taught the saving expression of their office and duties by the term perfection. Kings (Psalm 101), Priests (Lev. 22:21), Judges (2 Chron. 19:9), Warriors (Ps. 18:32), and all, were taught what it is to be perfect in the execution of their office, and depending on whether or not they were perfect, they went to heaven or hell. All other men and women of every generation were taught perfection in the principle of its meaning, even though the very word is not explicitly used.
Therefore, shouldn't it alarm us if we don't even know what "perfection" is in the sight of God? For, how shall we escape the declension of Amaziah, Azariah, and Jotham - who did “right in the sight of the LORD” as their fathers had done - but not as David had done with a perfect heart! How susceptible are we to doing what is widely accepted and venerated as “right in the sight of the LORD”, and, at last, we lose our souls! How vulnerable are we to adopt a status quo righteousness as we have been taught and instructed by our fathers (a righteousness supported by Scripture but far short of perfection), so that all our faith and practice as we know it amasses to an unpardonable violation of the Doctrine of Perfection before the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:9-11).
Did not our Lord say, “And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasure of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection” (Lk. 8:14)? Here, in this text, a “perfect repentance” is exactly what God is expecting and demanding; and, because John the Baptist understood this doctrine he commanded the 1st century Jews, “Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father…” (Lk. 3:8). If John the Baptist were here today he would preach this to the Christians of this century. The only difference is, Christians don’t say, “We have Abraham to our father”, rather they say, “We have God as our Father and we are eternally secure”. This statement may be true, notwithstanding Christ was burdened for the perfection of God’s children when He said, “Be watchful, and strength the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God” (Rev. 3:2)! Here, in this text, a "perfect repentance" is God’s expectation, and without it Christ warned that He would blot their name out of the Book of Life (Rev. 3:5)! What does this mean? The text is very clear: without perfection, Christ told the saints that they were eternally insecure (blamable, unholy, unsanctified, & spotted).
Without a working knowledge of biblical Church History, we are bound to believe whatever is purported as extra-biblical Church History. While unacquainted with what God thinks, we will comply with whatever man thinks about God even if it isn't perfect. This is dangerous. What's more important? ...what men say about the stalwarts of Church History, or what God says about the heroes of biblical Church History? Should we aspire to learn more about Calvin or Wesley, both of whom taught many right things, while abiding ignorant of the perfect things of Holy Scripture? You be the judge.
"...let God be true, but every man a liar" - Romans 3:4
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