In our
ReformedWomen group this month, we embark on the wonderful and awesome
study of A.W. Pink’s book, “The Sovereignty of God.”
This book is about the Absolute Sovereign God of the universe.
It is a book about the study of God (theology) and doctrine.
The question was asked, "Why do we need to study and understand
this doctrine?" In answer to that question, I share some of
my reasons for our study of this most profound and God-glorifying
doctrine and the importance of why we must study it and the negative
consequences if we do not.
My first
answer would be that if one does not know who God is in His absolute
sovereignty, then they are unable to understand or make heads or tails
out of God's Word and thus they are disabled in their ability to live
the Christian life as commanded in Scripture. Understanding
God’s sovereignty thus enables believers to apply practically what
they know theologically to their Christian life.
Secondly, they are denied the peace that Christ gives that passes
understanding because they are tossed to and fro with every wind of
doctrine. They are insecure because of their inability to
understand the whys and wherefores of life, and to know who is ruling
all of Creation. Understanding God’s sovereignty gives stability,
soundness of faith and peace to heart and life. It answers the
questions of life.
Thirdly, they have no understanding of the God of salvation and of
God’s providence and plan for redemption for His people. Thus, they
have a God that cannot save or keep those whom He has redeemed.
The result of their lack of knowledge is an erroneous works-motivated,
works-related salvation or, as some would say, no salvation at all.
Understanding God’s sovereignty increases faith and trust in God
alone and His predeterminate counsel and wisdom in salvation from
eternity past to eternity future.
Fourthly, they do not have the understanding to teach and train others
and thus fulfill their responsibilities as Christians in their homes
and in society. Understanding God’s sovereignty equips the
saints with the tool[s] necessary to teach, train and disciple God’s
people to live a life that is “pleasing” to Christ.
We, as Reformed women, understand the importance of doctrine in the
Christian life and how that without understanding doctrine, it is
impossible to understand and practically work out how we must live and
serve Christ in this present world. Thus, we know that
“doctrine” or the “theology” of what we believe is important
as foundational to understanding the Christian life. This is why
Reformed believers study the Bible, the confessions and creeds and why
we train our children in Bible and catechism memorization. It is
so that we have a firm and biblical foundation of understanding so
that we can “rightly” apply the Scriptures in a “daily” and
“practical” way in our lives. Thus, we are seeking to be a
reflection of God’s glory “daily” as we live out the Christian
life.
Christ tells us in Proverbs 9:10: “The fear of the LORD is
the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is
understanding.” That means that we are to “know” God
in His fullness and when we do, we will have “understanding.”
The Bible is God’s “revealed” will and word to us so that we can
gain this understanding and for us to truly “know” Him as He is.
God has also given us good pastors, teachers and books to help us in
this understanding. We are additionally commanded in 2 Timothy
2:15 to "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman
that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of
truth." Thus, we must study and be educated believers
in God’s doctrines.
I am reminded of Dr. Philip Ryken’s admonition that women are
“commanded to learn Christ” and that “every Christian woman is
called to be a theologian.” In
other words, we are commanded to “know” Christ and to truly know
Him, we must study about Him. Theology is the study of God.
Thus, we now embark on the study of this glorious subject. We
will read this book by Pink and we will read and study other sound,
biblical theologians and enjoy their works of diligence in
understanding this doctrine. We have great tools to help us “grow in
grace and knowledge.” May we learn in great humility of
mind and submission to His Word and be truly “women of the Book”
as we serve our Mighty God and Saviour in the role He has for us.
My prayer for this study is that He alone receives all glory, honor
and praise and that we grow more in faithfulness and thankfulness for
such a great salvation that He has freely given to us.
"Which
in his times He shall shew, who is the blessed and
only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath
immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto;
whom no
man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting.
Amen."
I Timothy 6:15-16
