The Manhattan Declaration- all law no gospel

The Manhattan Declaration is a document that has recently been released addressing the issues of marriage, the sanctity of life, and religious freedom- all from a distinctively conservative view. It is a joint declaration put together by Evangelicals, Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox adherents. It is signed by a number of noteworthy Evangelicals (Al Mohler for one). Yet, it has been opposed by at least three reformed evangelical heavyweights- including John MacArthur, Alistair Begg, and James White of Alpha and Omega Ministries. Some such as John Piper have yet to weigh in. Tim Challies also stands opposed.

It is one of those things that is both good and bad with the bad finally trumping the good.

Essentially it is a good document in its goals, but confuses the gospel in its means. It ends up presenting a law solution to sin rather than a gospel solution. The gospel is briefly mentioned, but is never defined, nor is it offered as the solution to the sins of homosexuality and abortion.

It calls out the evils of homosexuality and abortion without giving the answer of the cross. It is like a man who goes down to the local crack house with a bull horn to warn those who pass by that this is an evil place- but never calls the cops to shut the place down. Only the gospel has the power to shut down sin.

The document also easily gives the message that there is essential agreement between Evangelicals, Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox over what the gospel is that saves. Evangelicals and especially Roman Catholics are as far apart on the gospel as is the east from the west. (The Orthodox church has rejected justification by faith alone, but in less bold language as Rome)

The sad truth is that this document has gotten its passing attention in the news media and has been shrugged off. It is like attacking a lion with a paper sword. The thing the world can never ultimately ignore is the gospel- for it alone is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. Too bad the Manhattan Declaration is all bark and no bite.

It is all law and no gospel.

UPDATE: Michael Horton responds here
SECOND UPDATE: RC Sproul responds here

Calvin or Darwin- You choose. But choose wisely.

John Calvin

Charles Darwin

The following article makes a good case that there are two distinct Americas. One is the heir of the reformer John Calvin, and the other is the heir of Charles Darwin. The first holds to objective truth and the sinfulness of man and the second abandons anything but scientific observation and embraces the basic goodness of man. One seeks to protect divinely given liberties from the sinful actions of man (Calvinistic). The other seeks to limit liberties even though believing man is basically good(Darwinian). However why is there a need to limit anything if man is basically good?

Just a simple scientific observation of the newspaper or watching the news each day hoots the idea of man's basic goodness right off the stage. And yet the soldiers of progressive and liberal thought march on with heads held high.

Here is the article from the American Thinker.

There is only one religion of peace

The recent Fort Hood shooting reveals (ad infinitum) that there is only one true religion of peace. Islam is a false religion bent on physical war with the infidel (even though there are many nominal Muslims who do not actively engage in jihad). Christ is the only one who truly brings peace because he has destroyed sin and death- man's real enemies. If you want to understand the teachings of Islam regarding jihad, here is a good site that sets out the very teachings of the Koran, the Hadith and Sira- http://www.answering-islam.org/Silas/jihad.htm

Islam offers no victory from sin, death, and the wrath of God. It is only the cross of Christ that brings the real peace that men need. We all need peace with a three times holy God whose wrath against us is just and beyond imagination in its power to destroy both body and soul in hell.

Christianity offers a God whose love makes a way to overcome the guilt of our sin. God makes atonement for us in the death of Christ. It is an atonement that only comes to those who put their faith in Christ alone.

That message does not cause Christians to kill those who do not believe in Christ. It makes us call all men everywhere to repent and believe in Christ who one day will be called Lord- by every Muslim and non-Muslim (Philippians 2:9-11).

Planned Parenthood leader watches ultrasound of abortion- resigns

The truth will make you free.


4-D Ultra Sound of babies in the womb