Veritas et Lux

The Happiness of God – Part 2

snow covered brown wooden house near trees

Jonathan Edwards helps us comprehend the reality of God’s happiness: “It is of infinite importance … to know what kind of being God is. For he is … the only fountain of our true happiness …”¹ Notice, then, several reasons for God’s happiness.

The Reasons for God’s Happiness

God finds happiness in himself

The primary reason for God’s happiness is this: he is God. We find a God in Scripture whose greatest delight is in – himself! So we begin with the doctrine of the Trinity which helps us understand the supreme happiness among the members of the godhead. C.S. Lewis argues, “The words ‘God is love’ have no real meaning unless God contains at least two Persons. Love is something that one person has for another person. If God was a single person then before the world was made, he was not love.”² Daniel Fuller adds, “God’s love is primarily to Himself … and his infinite delight is in Himself, in the Father and the Son (and the Spirit) delighting in each other … The happiness of the Deity, as all other true happiness, consists in love and society.”³ God has from all eternity been happy in the marvelous fellowship of the Trinity!

God finds happiness in creation

“May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the LORD rejoice in his works” (Ps. 104:31, ESV). God rejoices in his creation because it is a reflection of his glory.

God finds happiness in his Son

In his high priestly prayer, Jesus prays, “Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them” (John 17:24–26, ESV).

God finds happiness in the Son because the Son reflects the glory of the Father (Heb. 1:3). “The infinite happiness of the Father consist in the enjoyment of his Son, writes Jonathan Edwards.⁴

God finds happiness in his people

Listen how the Old Testament zeroes in on God’s happiness in his people:

For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your sons marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you (Isaiah 62:5, ESV).

The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing (Zephaniah 3:17, ESV).

God finds happiness in people, not only because he created them but because, like his creation and like his Son, his people are a reflection of his glory!

God finds happiness in the prayers of his people

Proverbs 15:8 says, “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him.”

Let us marvel at our great God who delight to hear the prayers of his people.

Jonathan Edwards, cited in Randy Alcorn, Happiness (Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), 111-112. ↩
C.S. Lewis, cited in Daniel Fuller, The Unity of the Bible (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1992), 121. ↩
Daniel Fuller, The Unity of the Bible, 122. ↩
Jonathan Edwards, cited in John Piper, The Pleasures of God, 31. ↩

The Happiness of God – Part 1

golden hour photography of sky above ocean

In the film, Chariots of Fire, Eric Liddell is criticized for his desire to train for the Olympic games. In the midst of their discussion, his sister Jennie essentially accuses Liddell of having a problem with idolatry. Liddell utters these words that prove to be the best line in the movie:

God made me fast, and when I run I feel his pleasure.

To view God as happy has a bearing on our worship; it affects our evangelism; it affects the way we approach Scripture. Indeed, it affects our Christian worldview. Randy Alcorn adds, “I believe it’s vital that we not leave our children and future generations of Christians to figure out for themselves that God is happy. Most never will.”¹ Instead of making assumptions about God, we want to see what the Scriptures say about him. Over and over again, we learn that God is a happy God!

In the next two posts, we will come face-to-face with this glorious reality, the happiness of God.

The Reality of God’s Happiness

In 1 Timothy 1, Paul issues a warning against false teachers and those who teach contrary to sound doctrine; doctrine that is “in accord with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God …” (v. 11).

A great part of God’s glory is his happiness. It was inconceivable to the apostle Paul that God could be denied infinite joy and still be all glorious. To be infinitely glorious was to be infinitely – happy. He used the phrase, ‘the glory of the happy God’ because it is a glorious thing for God to be as happy as he is. God’s glory consist such in the fact that he is happy beyond our wildest imagination.²

“It is of infinite importance … to know what kind of being God is. For he is … the only fountain of our true happiness,” writes Jonathan Edwards.”³ Paul refers to “the glory of the blessed God” (1 Tim. 1:11). The same verse could be rendered, “the good news of the glory of the happy God.” The term blessed indicates “supreme happiness.”⁴ “The gospel … is the gospel of happiness,” writes Spurgeon. It is called, “the glorious gospel of the blessed God.’ A more correct translation would be ‘the happy God.’ Well, then, adorn the gospel by being happy.”⁵

The Greek term markáprios is translated as “blessed” or “happy.” G. Campbell Morgan adds, “I wish we were brave enough to write in our Bibles, ‘happy’ instead of ‘blessed’ for that is the right translation.”⁶ Simply put, the Bible shouts the happiness of God – but we are slow in embracing this important reality. Many people struggle with viewing God as happy because they have not been taught properly.

Henry Scougal brings us back to reality:

It should delight us beyond all expression, to consider that the beloved of our souls is infinitely happy in himself (emphasis mine), and that all his enemies can not shake or unsettle his throne, ‘that our God is in the heavens, and doth whatsoever he pleaseth.’

Oh, that we would delight in the happiness of God. May this glorious reality embolden us and enable our hands and feet for the tasks before us and may we receive strength from the King of kings and the Lord of lords.

Randy Alcorn, Happiness (Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), 110. ↩
John Piper, The Pleasures of God (Portland: Multnomah Press, 1991), 23. ↩
Jonathan Edwards, cited in Randy Alcorn, Happiness (Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), 111-112. ↩
Robert Jameison, cited in Ibid. ↩
C.H. Spurgeon, cited in Ibid, 127. ↩
G. Campbell Morgan, cited in Ibid, 218. ↩

The Serpent and the Serpent Slayer – Andy Naselli

Andrew David Naselli, The Serpent and the Serpent Slayer (Wheaton: Crossway, 2020), 157 pp.

The Serpent and the Serpent Slayer is the most recent offering in Crossway’s Short Studies in Biblical Theology series. Andy Naselli takes readers on a short and illuminating tour of Scripture and reveals the main features of God’s plan in redemptive history. In one sentence, Naselli skillfully summarizes the main theme of the book:

The serpent defeated Adam under a tree (“the tree of the knowledge of good and evil” – Gen. 2.17), and the new and greater Adam defeats the serpent on a tree – a cross for executing criminals.”

Like each of the other books in this tour of biblical theology, The Serpent and the Serpent Slayer offers a short and readable treatment in a key theological area. The theological message of the book is clear and precise: “The Lamb will consummate his kingdom for God’s glory by slaying the dragon and saving his bride.” Or in the words of Joe Rigney, “Kill the dragon, get the girl.”

Naselli demonstrates how the central theme of the book relates to the everyday lives of God’s people. He offers six practical ways to live in light of the biblical plot line:

Don’t imitate the poisonous serpent
Beware of the serpent as the deceiving snake and devouring dragon
Fight the serpent as the deceiving snake and devouring dragon
Exult in the serpent slayer
Enjoy good serpent-stories as echoes of the greatest story
Trust the serpent slayer

In the end, The Serpent and the Serpent Slayer is an uplifting book that will help and encourage the people of God. It, along with the other works in the Short Studies in Biblical Theology is highly recommended.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

Logic: A God-Centered Approach to the Foundation of Western Thought – Vern Poythress

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Logic is one of the last things one would expect to hear about in a church. I have found that some Christians even have an aversion to logic – a statement which interestingly enough is not very logical! We should be thankful to men like Very Poythress who share their gifts with the church as well as the academy. One such gift is his latest book, Logic: A God-Centered Approach to the Foundation of Western Thought.

The first thing readers will notice about this work is volume. It weighs in at over 700 pages which includes a large appendix that supplement the fine work that Poythress presents.

The author organizes his book into three parts, namely – Elementary Logic, Aspects of Propositional Logic, and Enriching Logic. Readers familiar with the discipline of logic will be very familiar with the terminology that is included in the table of contents. At first glance, the book seems to have much in common with a standard textbook on logic. But the real beauty of the book is found in the relationship of logic to God. Poythress rightly shows the logic comes directly from the hand of God. Indeed, he is “the source for logic.” The other demonstrates the rationality of logic and the personal nature of logic: “Logic in this sense is an aspect of the mind of God. All God’s attributes will therefore be manifested in the real laws of logic, in distinction from our human approximations to them.”

Poythress captures the essence of presuppositional apologetics and appears to pick up where Van Til left off: “We can praise God for what he has given us in our logic and our ability to reason.” Yet, sinners suppress the truth of God’s existence. “Everywhere we are confronted with the reality of God – and everywhere we flee from this reality.”

Logic helps us discern between truth and error. Logic on its own can not tell us what is true. But it will serve as a powerful aid in the discerning process. This work by Vern Poythress is a powerful anti-venom in a toxic world that is on a death-march away from logic. Sometimes people just don’t make any sense!

The Great Cholesterol Myth – Jonny Bowden and Stephen Sinatra (2012)

ME:“Doc, I cycle 100 miles a week, burn at least 10,000 calories a week, take fish oil, and I’m eating better. I even take advantage of “nature’s broom” by eating oatmeal almost every day. However, my cholesterol just won’t drop.

DOCTOR: “Because of family history and genetics, you simply won’t be able to lower your cholesterol without a statin.”

So for the several years, I’ve taken a well-known statin and the results have been favorable. However, Drs. Jonny Bowden and Stephen Sinatra disagree with the notion that lowering cholesterol prevents heart disease. Their book, The Great Cholesterol Myth contains an argument that pumps feverishly through the arteries of this book: The real causes of heart disease include four key factors, namely – inflammation, oxidation, sugar, and stress. The authors contend the real tragedy is the fixation with cholesterol which has produced an industry that boasts over $30 billion a year in the statin market. In a shocking statement, both authors maintain, “Cholesterol does not cause heart disease.”

Bowden and Sinatra point out that cholesterol is vital for healthy living: “Cholesterol is an essential molecule without which there would be no life, so important that virtually every cell in the body is capable of synthesizing it.” For over fifty years, the so-called lipid hypothesis has dominated the medical community which essentially states that “saturated fat runs up cholesterol levels, and elevated cholesterol leads to heart disease.” The hypothesis has never been proved but continues to rule in the hearts and minds of most Americans.

One of the most helpful aspects of The Great Cholesterol Myth is the discussion about the importance of coenzeme Q10 (better known as CoQ10) which serves an important nutrient, a sort of fuel source for the heart. Statins deplete CoQ10 which may lead to muscle pain, weakness, and fatigue. Yet none of the doctors that have prescribed a stain in my case have ever mentioned that importance of supplementing with CoQ10. The authors plead with readers who take statins to immediately begin supplementing their cholesterol lowering drug with CoQ10 – a minimum of 200 mg daily.

Dr. Sinatra admits that he still prescribes statins on occasion but “almost exclusively to middle-aged men who’ve already had a first heart attack, coronary intervention, or coronary artery disease.” He argues, “Statin drugs are anti-inflammatory, and their power to reduce inflammation is more much important than their ability to lower cholesterol. But [and here’s the clincher] we can lower inflammation (and the risk for heart disease) with natural supplements, a better diet, and lifestyle changes such as managing stress.”

The authors reveal a fascinating study that includes five factors that significantly lowered the risk for heart disease:

1. Don’t smoke.

2. Drink alcohol in moderation.

3. Engage in moderate-to-vigorous exercise for at least half an hour a day on average.

4. Maintain a healthy weight (BMI under 25).

5. Eat a wholesome, low-glycemic (low-sugar) diet with plenty of omega-3 fats and fiber.

Notice that lowering cholesterol is painfully absent from the list. Perhaps this is why, as the authors note, “Cholesterol is a relatively minor player in heart disease and a poor predictor of heart attacks. More than half of all people who are hospitalized with heart attacks have perfectly normal cholesterol levels.”

The heart of the book explores the real culprit behind heart disease. The authors dogmatically claim “the true cause of heart disease is inflammation” or as they put it, “acute inflammation hurts, but chronic inflammation kills.” Second, oxidation is one of the sure signs of inflammation, which leads to a fascinating conclusion, namely – the only time cholesterol becomes troubling is if it’s oxidized (or damaged). Third, the authors note that “sugar is a far greater danger to your heart than fat ever was.” They go on to demonstrate that “the number one dietary contributor to heart disease is sugar.” Finally, stress is included as a major cause of heart disease.

Bowden and Sinatra wonder out loud if statins will become the next medical tragedy – quite comforting to anyone who has relied on statins for years on end! Side-effects are explored, which is well documented, and side-effects which I have personally experienced. But the alarming news is that some researchers are warning that statins may contribute to Alzheimers, thinking skills, and memory. One researcher comments, “Cholesterol changes the shape of the protein to stimulate thinking and memory.” But the fact that is most often repeated is ability of statins to deplete the body of CoQ10. “The depletion of CoQ10 is one of the most important negative effects of statins, and the one that is pretty much responsible for a host of common side effects involving muscle pain, weakness, and loss of energy.” To summarize, the authors maintain the risk of using statins outweighs the rewards.

Finally, Bowden and Sinatra explore how supplements can lead to heart health such as vitamins, antioxidants, and omega-3 fats included in wild salmon. Additionally, they recommend that stain users immediately begin to supplement their diet with CoQ10. “Just as a gasoline engine can’t work without spark plugs, the human body can’t work without CoQ10.”

I am not ready to pitch my statin until my doctor recommends doing so. But The Great Cholesterol Myth has got me thinking. And it has led to some concrete action steps such as implementing CoQ10 into my daily diet. I’m actually looking forward to my next doctor visit – where my list of questions will be long. Let’s just say, I’ll be getting my money’s worth that day!

The White Flag Unfurled

These are troubling times. We live in a day which is marked by theological error and apostasy. Leaders are falling, truth is routinely maligned, and compromise is celebrated. A glance across the cultural milieu reveals an unfurled white flag. The white flag has been hoisted high and a diabolical deal has been struck. This flag reveals a horrifying reality which must be addressed, namely – final surrender in the church.

The White Flag: When Compromise Cripples the Church diagnoses our current condition and offers biblical action steps for marching forward in a way that glorifies God. It is call to faithfulness in age that is characterized by weak knees, passivity, and capitulation. It instills courage in weary Christ-followers who toil in a post-Christian era.

“Here is a passionate call from a pastor’s heart, from a man widely read, who sees with great clarity the difficult situation the church now faces, with opposition without and weakness and compromise within, who believes the battle will be won by the faithful believing and by the courageous teaching and proclaiming of the Word of God.”

DR. PETER JONES, Director, TruthXchange, Author of “The Other Worldview,” Escondido, CA

Order your copy of The White Flag: When Compromise Cripples the Church here!

Top Picks in 2020

2020 was a year of lockdowns, which freed many people to read more. Thankfully, this past year was a great year for books. My selections this year focus on titles that made a direct impact on my life, sparked additional research, and enriched my pastoral ministry.

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1. Gentle and Lowly – Dane Ortlund

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2. Why Social Justice is Not Biblical Justice – Scott David Allen

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3. Live Not by Lies – Rod Dreher

Live Not by Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents - By: Rod Dreher

4. Strangely Bright – Joe Rigney

5. The Gathering Storm – Al Mohler

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6. Coronavirus and Christ – John Piper

7. Blackout: How Black America Can Make Its Second Escape From the Democratic Plantation – Candace Owens

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8. When the Stars Disappear – Mark Talbot

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9. Lead – Paul David Tripp

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10. Finding the Right Hills to Die on – Gavin Ortlund

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Biblical Apologetics: How Shall We Respond to Unbelief?

photo of three person sitting and talking Unbelief is in the air. Unbelief is gaining ground in postmodern culture. Over 100 years ago, the German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche wrote, “I call Christianity the one great curse, the one great innermost corruption, the one great instinct of revenge, for which no means is poisonous, stealthy, subterranean, small enough – I call it the one immortal blemish of mankind.”

The bankrupt philosophy of the so-called four horsemen of atheism continues to gain in popularity. Why? Apparently, unbelief is in. Unbelief is hip. But the question that is burning a hole in the table for Christians is this: How shall we respond to unbelief? How shall we who have a heart for lost people answer when they malign the Christian faith and mock the very foundations of historic Christianity?

The apostle Peter instructs believers to respond rightly: “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15, ESV). In other words, we must develop the mindset of an apologist (ἀπολογία). John Frame’s definition of apologetics of helpful: Apologetics is “the discipline that teaches Christians how to give a reason for their hope … it is the application of Scripture to unbelief.” Cornelius Van Til writes, “Apologetics is the vindication of the Christian philosophy of life against the various forms of the non-Christian philosophy of life.” Tragically, the mandate to engage in apologetics often turns ugly. Well-meaning Christians have turned apologetics into a nasty slug fest. Nothing could be further from the truth. Notice six crucial principles of biblical apologetics.

1. Apologetics involves verbal proclamation

Christians are commanded to proclaim the good news. The Greek word, “proclaim” (κηρύσσω) means to announce or proclaim; to preach or publish.” St. Francis of Assisi was on to something when he quipped, “Preach the gospel and if necessary, use words.” The point: Make sure your life matches the gospel. However, actions alone cannot convert. Actions must be backed up with verbal proclamation. “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17, ESV). Simply put, the gospel is meant to be published. The gospel must be proclaimed. Postmodern gurus and emergent sympathizers may be quick to downplay preaching and promote a “deeds not creeds” mentality. Jesus disagrees: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to the nations, and then the end will come” (Matt. 24:14, ESV). The first principle of apologetics involves verbal proclamation.

2. Apologetics involves bold proclamation

The New Testament apostles boldly proclaimed the truth. Paul prayed for an extraordinary boldness (Eph. 6:19). And Luke made it clear how bold proclamation characterized his ministry: “He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance” (Acts 28:30-31, ESV). We too, must boldly proclaim the Word of God without apology. Now is the time for bold and courageous proclamation.

3. Apologetics involves logical proclamation

Peter argues that we must “always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you …” (1 Peter 3:15, ESV) “Reason” (λόγος) involves a word, an utterance or reasonable speech. The apostle Paul was quick to reason with the thinkers that flooded the first century marketplace of ideas:

“And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures” (Acts 17:2, ESV).
“So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there” (Acts 17:17, ESV).
“And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks” (Acts 18:4, ESV).

We must be able to spell out the gospel message. We must clearly and logically explain how a holy God created men and women in his image. These image-bearers fell from God when they sinned which separated them from a holy God. But God in his mercy, sent Christ – born of a virgin to live a perfect life, obey the law of God and die on the cross. Christ satisfied the justice of God and extinguished the wrath of God for every person who would ever believe. On the third day, Jesus rose from the dead, conquered sin and death, opening the way to a restored relationship with God for anyone who would repent of their sin and turn to Christ alone for forgiveness. It is our privileged responsibility to proclaim the truth of the gospel in a logically compelling way.

4. Apologetics involves hopeful proclamation

We offer a message of hope! We offer a message that promises liberation (John 8:36). It tells sinners they can be forgiven; that they can be delivered from the penalty and power of sin; and one day they shall be free from the presence of sin (Luke 1:66-67; Acts 5:31; Eph. 1:7; Col. 2:13; Rom. 4:7; 1 Pet. 2:9). Apologetics involves hopeful proclamation.

5. Apologetics involves faithful proclamation

This message of hope is for everyone. Therefore, our task is to share this hope with people as we are given opportunity: “And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation'” (Mark 16:15, ESV). The Great Commission involves faithful proclamation to all peoples (Rev. 5:9).

6. Apologetics involves Christ-centered proclamation

Peter makes it clear: “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15, ESV). First, we must maintain an attitude of gentleness (πραΰτης), which implies humility or an unpretentious spirit. It involves a kind answer. Additionally, we must be respectful (φόβος) as we engage in apologetics, a term that conveys deep admiration for another person.

Our response to unbelief is crucial. The world is watching. May our apologetics match the biblical model. And may we proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ in a winsome and compelling way. For in the final analysis, all of God’s elect will hear and believe.

“Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen” (Acts 28:28).

The Vanishing American Adult – Ben Sasse (2017)

sasse Ben Sasse, The Vanishing American Adult New York: St. Martins Press, 2017, 306 pp.

Senator Ben Sasse is concerned. He is concerned about the next generation. To put it bluntly, Sasse argues in so many words that we are experiencing a crisis of maturity. Young people are being raised to be lazy, self-indulgent, ungrateful, and unproductive citizens.

The Vanishing American Adult by Ben Sasse focusses on “rebuilding a culture comprised of resilient, literate, thoughtful individuals.” Tragically, many Americans fail to achieve this high standard. In a fascinating twist of irony, one of the first reviews I read on Amazon (which incidentally rated this book with one star) weighed in: “Did not hold my attention. I got very bored.” Such a comment only heightens the appeal that Sasse makes and should prompt this reviewer to reconsider.

After brilliantly articulating our propensity to be passive, Sasse proposes five character building habits:

Discover the body its potential and its frailty, and the many diverse stages of life that lie ahead – by breaking free of the tyranny of one generation.
Develop a work ethic.
Embrace limited consumption.
Learn how to travel and to travel light.
Learn how to read and decide what to read.

The author develops each character building habits and provides “stepping stones” at the conclusion of each chapter. Readers who participate will no doubt be encouraged and will likely take great steps to repudiate the prevailing passivity that dominates American culture.

The Vanishing American Adult is a much-needed corrective and will benefit many readers. The crisis that Senator Sasse presents is real and dangerous. Left unchecked, this crisis will lead to the the steady erosion of American culture and the loss of virtue. Thankfully, Sasse offer workable solutions to “stop the bleeding.” My hope is that many will listen, learn, and change. The future generations will thank us.

Rejoice in God!

Open the morning newspaper. Watch the evening news. Pay careful attention to the culture that surrounds us. You will be prompted to protest. You will be cajoled to complain. You will feel the steady pull of pundits who invite you to join their campaign. Emotions will range from fear to frustration. Anger dominates much of the time. When anger doesn’t reign, anxiety is sure to take its place.

Followers of Jesus Christ have a higher calling. We must be discerning and live distinctly Christian lives (1 Pet. 1:14-17). A little phrase is tucked away in Romans 5:11 that helps refocus our attention on what really matters:

“More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”

“We also rejoice in God.” This is exactly the opposite of what our culture demands. Rejoicing in God, then, is countercultural. It is also commanded!

Paul’s argument in this unit of thought in Romans chapter 5 ends on a high note. The guilty have been pardoned (v. 9). The condemned have been saved (v. 9). Enemies have been reconciled (v. 10). The posture of rebellion has turned to a posture of joy!

Do you want to impact lives? Do you want your life to be a reflection of God? Do you want to glorify the great God of the universe? Refuse to bow down to the idols of the age. Refuse to get caught up in the pettiness that characterizes our day. Choose today to rejoice in God!