Unashamed of Grace

Thursday, December 04, 2008

Why you need to keep on reading this blog

by Matthew

Many of you will have been saddened to learn of the death of Zane Hodges, professor of NT Greek at Dallas Theological Seminary. It is my belief that Zane Hodges was an annointed teacher, used by God to restore right soteriology to the church.

God has always raised up annointed men to restore what is lost. God raised up martin Luther to restore the doctrine of justification, John Calvin to restore the doctrine of assurance and the supremacy of Scripture in theology, the Puritans to restore the doctrine of repentance (though sadly they confused it mixed up with faith), Jacob Arminius to restore the universal saving will of God, George Whitefield to restore the need for personal conversion and John Nelson Darby and others in the 19th century to restore a right understanding of prophecy.

In the 20th century God gave us the blessed teaching of Zane Hodges.

This blog is founded on the wonderful insights of this man and seeks to develop and apply them to the Christian life.

As we approach the end times, it is vital that the church pays heed not only to the message of grace, but also the Bible's accountability teaching. Judgment begins in the house of God. We must lives in the light of the judgment seat of Christ.

This blog, founded on the insights of Zane Hodges is a channel of divine blessing for you in which you will find Scriptural teaching that is much needed for these last days. It will contribute to your spiritual life, leading you to deeper fellowship with God and contribute to your deification, that you might realise to a greater degree that you are a partaker of the divine nature.

7 Comments:

Matthew,

I share your assessment of the significance of Zane Hodges' life and ministry for the church. His recognition of and emphasis on the unique nature and primacy which the Gospel of John has in scripture, and the importance of this fact for understanding the beautiful simplicity of God's saving message to a lost world has, in itself, been a contribution of the highest magnitude to the 20th century church. Furthermore, his insights into the biblical truth of the believer's future accountability at the judgement seat of Christ have likewise been invaluable. A couple of remarks that Dr. Earl Radmacher made in his eulogy at Zanes' funeral were, I believe, noteworthy: 1) there still remains work to be done in further study and refinement of the doctrine of accountability for believer's at the bema. Zane led the way and it is now remains for others to further scrutinize and develop this vital truth. 2) Dr. Radmacher pointed out that even though he had at times initially disagreed with Zane on a number of things, he usually discovered, after studying an issue more carefully, that he ended up agreeing with him. I think there are many who would do well to take Dr. Radmacher's words to heart. It was always very important to Zane that no one blindly accept what he taught without searching the scriptures to see for themselves if it was true. Unfortunately, there are some people who unwittingly allow themselves to be deceived by a few misguided and confused zealots into rejecting Zanes' views out of hand without first reading his books for themselves. It is one thing to thoughtfully and respectfully disagree with Prof. Hodges after hearing all that he has written on a subject and then carefully comparing it to scripture. Zane always respected anyone's right to do that. It is quite another to reject his views after merely reading a few isolated and sometimes twisted statements served up by those eccentrics who have given him the preposterous label of "heretic". While it would be unrealistic to expect everyone to agree with Zane, I am convinced that most people, if they followed Dr. Radmacher's wise example, would at the very least come to the conclusion that for anyone to accuse Zane Hodges of being a "heretic of the highest order" is in truth wild-eyed fanaticism of the highest order. The plain fact is, there is today an untold multitude of people all around the world who have come to understand, believe, and proclaim the historical reality, meaning, and purpose of the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ because of the ministry of Zane Hodges. But they, like the gospel of John, would also make sure people clearly understand how they can have the free gift of eternal life that Jesus offers everyone who simply believes His promise to give it. To believe this promise is what it means to believe that Jesus is the Christ. The darkness will never be able to overcome the light of this simple truth, because Jesus has assured us that "the gates of hell will not prevail against it." The Lord used Zane Hodges greatly in the never ending battle against the "gates of hell". He graciously endured much opposition and fought the good fight of faith to the end. This will be his true legacy for all who have eyes to see and ears to hear.

Thanks again, Matthew, for honoring the memory of Zane with your article.

Gary

By goe, at Thursday, December 04, 2008 4:01:00 PM
Matt,

I have been renewed by my visit to Zane's funeral. I will continue to write articles for this blog and my own.

I look forward to some fascinating articles originating from your keyboard as well.

Your articles ought to be a large reason "Why [people] need to keep on reading this blog"

Your spiritual brother,

Antonio

By Antonio, at Thursday, December 04, 2008 4:38:00 PM
Goe, thanks for the comment.

Antonio, you are encouraging.

By Matthew Celestine, at Friday, December 05, 2008 2:11:00 AM
Hi Matthew

I also share your assessment of the significance of Zane Hodges life and ministry for the church. And would include anything that is truly good comes from God.

Hi Gary
I agree totally of your assessment of Zane Hodges and have as my own struggle in Scripture to agree with Dr. Earl Radmacher's conclusion:
after studying an issue more carefully, that he ended up agreeing with him.
that is Zane Hodges.

I think anyone who has come to this conclusion after struggling with these things in Scripture whether it be the starting point which is the absolutely free gift of eternal life. Or the fact that repentance or perseverance are NOT conditions for a gift that is free. You will find that Zane's core issue “believing in Jesus for eternal life” harmonizes with his teachings and are consistent with a GIFT you can take FREELY! And that is why “sin” is NOT the main issue (John 1:29) but “LIFE” is!
Proof of that fact is the open invitation for anyone who desires to take of the water of life freely, and that water is the knowledge that Jesus is the Christ the One who guarantees your eternal destiny (John 1:12; 3:16; 5:24; 6:47; 11:25-27; 20:31; 1 Tim 1:16; 1 John 5:1,13; Rev 22:17).
The other side clearly contradicts something that is free with something that cost, but of course they would call that “intellectual accent” which is another way of saying “Did Jesus really say you can take the living water freely?” And we know where that came from!

And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!”
And let him who hears say, “Come!”
And let him who thirsts come.
Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.

By alvin, at Friday, December 05, 2008 11:06:00 AM
OK, Matthew. I will keep reading the UoG blog. :~)

By Rose~, at Friday, December 05, 2008 11:40:00 AM
Thanks people.

By Matthew Celestine, at Friday, December 05, 2008 12:58:00 PM
Hi Gary,

I just needed to say something about Dr. R., which is that I can't feel assured he knew his statements at the funeral were going to turn the course of theology. That which is quoted by Gary is certainly accurate, he has said that many times, though I think I have also heard him say on some occasions, that he remains with some area of disagreement even now.

-Michele

By Sanctification, at Saturday, December 06, 2008 9:23:00 AM