One Bible, One God, One Salvation

What is the goal of the message?

To lovingly shepherd the hearts of the hearers to believe in the consistency of the OT and the NT [one scripture, one God, and one salvation].

How will you meet this goal?

By presenting a historical theology regarding Marcion and how his heresy is evident today

Why is this message necessary?

Because some have incomplete views of history [example: Montanism in Trail of Blood]

Because some need help knowing how to give a reason to those in the culture around them

Because some have genuine questions that need answers

How will you go about this goal sermonically?

By addressing the question about biblical self-contradiction

By addressing the question about the OT God and the NT God

By addressing the question about man’s need for salvation

What’s the Big Idea?

Because the truth [scripture, God, & salvation] is consistent, we must know truth and the relationship of truth to itself. [namely, the OT w/NT]

Preview:

(1) Isn’t the Bible full of contradictions?

(2) How can the OT God be the same as the NT God?

(3) Aren’t all human beings pretty good?

(1) Isn’t the Bible full of contradictions?

Historical Theology:

Marcion rejected the entire OT; accepted an amended version of the gospel of Luke and amended versions of the Pauline epistles; and rejected all other NT writings.

Tertullian of Marcion, “…author of a breach of peace between the gospel and the law” [Allison, Gregg Historical Theology, p. 39]

Two key criteria arose and were broadly accepted: (1) Apostolicity and (2) Antiquity.

Hebrews:

Hebrews 4:12-13, 6:17-18.

Answer:

The Bible intentionally references itself to show consistency rather than attempting to hide inconsistency.

Applications:

(1) Questions are not new; so, solutions are not new.

(2) Common concensus approach helps establish credibility.

(3) See the criteria as a way to recognize and not determine truth.

(4) Christians should take time to listen and carefully respond.

(2) How can the OT God be the same as the NT God?

Historical Theology:

“Adolf von Harnack summarizes Marcion’s criticism of the OT Creator-God in two key aspects, cruel wrath and temporal fulfillment...” [Otto, Randall Theology Matters, Vol. 4 No. 5, Sept/Oct. 1998 “The problem with Marcion: A Second-Century Heresy Continues to Infect the Church]

Eliminate OT Law

Material is evil

Eliminate Jesus fleshly appearance

Hebrews:

Hebrews 1:1-4.

Answer:

The OT God spoke the greatest commands, and He sent the embodiment of those commands in Jesus Christ.

Applications:

(1) You cannot have the NT without the OT.

The OT God has graciously spoken in word and now in Christ.

(2) “Red letter Christians” must be warned about the value of the OT.

(3) The historical, material incarnation of Jesus shows the love of the OT God. (Hebrews 2:14).

(3) Aren’t all human beings pretty good?

Historical Theology:

Marcion saw a radical distinction between the OT Law and NT.

Otto says, “Marcion believed that the God of Jesus Christ had done away with the law and thus with any recognition of sin.” [Ibid]

If there is recognition of the law, there can be no genuine recognition of sin. If there is no genuine recognition of sin, there can be no genuine call for repentance.

Hebrews:

Hebrews 10:1-3 - OT recognition of sin

Hebrews 12:1-2 - NT, post-Christ recognition of sin.

Answer:

Though all human beings possess good qualities of the good God, they all fall short of God’s glory because all have sinned.

Applications:

(1) Recognize the distinction between common grace and salvific grace.

(2) Recognize how the Law points out the need of all mankind (even the “good” people).

(3) Care for the OT.

Lawless Christians have misunderstood and misapplied the gospel. The law brings a self-awareness of sin.

Conclusions:

(1) Do you believe in the consistency of both testaments of the Bible?

(2) Do you believe in the God of the Bible as One?

(3) Have you responded to the salvation of God in Christ?