Tag: Diversity and Unity

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He is Greater: The Tower of Babel

Summary of my sermon, bassed on Genesis 11:1-9. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on June 25, 2023.

Biblical Theology encompasses the diverse and unified nature of the Bible, recognizing its collection of 66 books written by approximately 40 authors over a span of 1500 years in different languages. While the Bible’s various books offer unique perspectives, genres, and purposes, they all contribute to the overarching story of Salvation, known as “Redemptive History.” Through typology and tension, Biblical Theology seeks to uncover symbols, figures, and events that point to Jesus Christ, creating a longing that can only be fulfilled by Him. This blog post explores the Tower of Babel story, revealing its underlying desires, God’s response, and how it relates to our lives today.

Typology is a concept within Biblical Theology where individuals, places, objects, or events in the Old Testament function as symbols that point to Jesus Christ. For instance, the bronze serpent in Numbers 21 serves as a typological representation of Jesus, providing salvation and healing when the people looked upon it. Tension, on the other hand, signifies a longing that can only be fulfilled by Christ. It arises from symbols, individuals, objects, or events that don’t explicitly point to Jesus but create a yearning for His redemptive work.

Desire for Security

The Tower of Babel narrative in Genesis 11:1-4 introduces two fundamental desires. The first desire revolves around security, illustrated by the people’s resolution to build a city. Although desiring security isn’t inherently wrong, the problem arises when we seek ultimate security outside of Christ. True security comes from placing our faith in Jesus, recognizing that every good and perfect gift comes from Him (James 1:17). While we embrace God’s provision, we must adopt a posture of faith and become good stewards of His blessings. Tithing can also serve as an act of faith, demonstrating our trust in God’s security by giving back a portion of what He has blessed us with.

Desire for Praise

The second desire present in the Tower of Babel story is the longing for praise. The people aimed to build a tower that would reach the heavens and make a name for themselves. We can all relate to this desire for recognition and praise, but it becomes problematic when it leads to pride. Pride opposes God, and He extends grace to the humble (James 4:6). The Tower of Babel’s narrative serves as a reminder of the futility of pride, as even a tower reaching the heavens fails to impress God. Recognizing that God alone deserves our praise can help us navigate the fine line between courageous initiative and pride.

God’s Response: Judgement and Scattering

God’s response to the Tower of Babel reveals His opposition to pride and His desire for humility. In Genesis 11:5-7, God “came down” to see the city and tower as a symbolic act emphasizing the insignificance of human pride. While humanity can achieve great things, God confused their languages and scattered them across the earth. This scattering and confusion still persist today, manifesting in diverse languages, nation-states, and conflicts. However, amidst this judgment, God’s grace and deliverance remain available to us.

The Tower of Babel narrative creates a tension that can only be resolved in Christ. Revelation 7:9-11 beautifully portrays the unity of diverse nations, tribes, peoples, and languages before the throne of God, worshipping the Lamb. GCF Toronto embraces this vision, seeking to make disciples of all nations and teaching them to observe Christ’s commands (Matthew 28:19-20). Through our actions, we strive to reflect the unity and diversity found in Biblical Theology, acknowledging Jesus Christ as the ultimate source of security, praise, and salvation.

Understanding Biblical Theology allows us to appreciate the diverse yet unified nature of the Bible. The story of the Tower of Babel highlights the dangers of seeking security and praise outside of Christ. While the desire for security is natural, our true security lies in Jesus, and we can practice this by adopting a posture of faith and becoming good stewards. Likewise, the desire for praise must be channeled towards God alone, avoiding pride and embracing humility. As we engage with Biblical Theology, we recognize the tension created by symbols and longings that find their resolution in Jesus Christ, leading us to embrace His grace and share His love with all nations.

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He is Greater: Noah’s Ark

Summary of my sermon, based on Genesis 7:1-5. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on June 4, 2023.

Biblical Theology, as we practice it today, encompasses the understanding that the Bible is both diverse and unified. It consists of 66 separate books, written by around 40 authors over a thousand years, in three different languages. While each book contributes to the overarching story of salvation, we also employ typology and tension to uncover deeper meanings and connections within the text. Typology involves symbols and figures in the Old Testament that point to Christ, while tension creates a longing that can only be fulfilled by Jesus. We will delve into the story of Noah’s Ark and uncover its profound theological implications.

The Seriousness of Sin

Genesis 6:5-7 presents a sobering portrayal of the wickedness that consumed humanity: “The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. So the Lord said, ‘I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.'”

This description of humanity’s sinfulness still holds true today. Turn on the news, and we witness the pervasive evil and darkness that plagues our world. It is crucial to recognize the seriousness of sin, as it not only destroys society but also directly opposes the holiness of God. Scripture, such as Psalm 11:5-7, emphasizes God’s righteousness and His hatred for wickedness. Sin creates a separation between us and God, hindering our ability to experience His presence and hear His voice (Isaiah 59:2).

Righteousness in the Midst of Evil

Genesis 6:8 reveals a remarkable statement about Noah: “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” How can Noah be considered righteous when Scripture declares that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)? The answer lies in Hebrews 11:7, which explains that Noah’s righteousness came by faith. Noah’s righteousness was not based on his own actions but on his unwavering trust in God. This aligns with the concept of righteousness in the Old Testament, where faith alone is the means of salvation.

Saved from the Flood but not from Sin

Genesis 7:1-5 describes how Noah and his family were saved from the flood. They entered the ark as the rain poured down, and they remained inside until the floodwaters receded. While Noah became a type of Christ, representing salvation, he was still an imperfect version. This imperfection is evident in Genesis 9:20-21, where Noah’s drunkeness reveal his fallibility. Sin remained, highlighting the need for a perfect Savior who could fully redeem humanity.

The Coming Judgment of Sin

The story of Noah’s ark ultimately points to the salvation that Jesus provides. 1 Peter 3:18-20 highlights the connection between Noah’s ark and the redemptive work of Christ. Just as Noah and his family were brought safely through the waters, Jesus suffered for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring us to God. The wrath that God displayed in the flood is redirected to Christ on the cross. Romans 5:8-9 beautifully expresses this truth, stating, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.”

The Depths of Redemption

The story of Noah’s Ark holds profound theological significance beyond its familiar Sunday school portrayal. It reveals the seriousness of sin, the possibility of righteousness through faith, and the need for a perfect Savior to bring salvation. Noah’s ark becomes a symbol of Christ’s redemptive work, as He rescues us from the wrath of God by His sacrifice on the cross. As we explore the depths of this narrative, we are reminded of the gravity of sin, the power of faith, and the hope found in our Savior, Jesus Christ. May we embrace the complete message of Noah’s Ark and proclaim the transformative power of God’s redeeming love to the world.

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He is Greater: Adam and Eve

Summary of this sermon, based on Genesis 3:16-24. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on May 28, 2023.

Understanding the Bible’s Richness and Unity

Biblical Theology is a fascinating field of study that aims to uncover the unity and diversity present in the Bible. It is a response to modern biblical criticism, which emerged in the late 18th century as an academic study of the Bible using evidence, observations, and reason. Contrary to the negative connotation of “criticism,” this approach analyzes the Bible in a scholarly manner, similar to studying literature or social sciences. While some critical scholars have disconnected the Bible from the Christian faith, Biblical Theology affirms the Bible as the inspired Word of God while recognizing the benefits of using critical methods.

Diversity and Unity

The Bible is not merely a single book but rather an anthology—a collection of 66 separate books written by approximately 40 authors over 1500 years in three different languages. This diversity of authors, perspectives, and purposes contributes to the overarching story of the Bible. It is comparable to a functioning human body where diverse parts, like a hand and an eye, work together for the body’s unity. Similarly, the Bible’s theology is enriched by its complementary diversity, leading to a greater understanding of God’s plan for humanity.

Typology and Tension

Biblical Theology also employs typology and tension to explore the connections between different stories and themes in the Bible. Typology refers to symbols and narratives that clearly point to Jesus Christ, such as the story of the bronze serpent in Numbers 21. When the Israelites were afflicted by fiery serpents due to their rebellion, God instructed Moses to create a bronze serpent and lift it up on a pole. Anyone who looked at the serpent would live. Jesus later referred to this event, stating that just as the serpent was lifted up in the wilderness, He, the Son of Man, must also be lifted up for eternal life (John 3:14-16).

Tension arises from the longing for relief and fulfillment found in the Old Testament, which can only be satisfied by Christ. The Old Testament’s symbols, situations, and unfulfilled promises create this tension, highlighting the need for a Savior. By understanding the typology and tension within the biblical text, we can see how every story, symbol, and prophecy point to Jesus, revealing His central role in God’s redemptive plan.

Grace in the Midst of Judgment

In Genesis 3, we witness the aftermath of Adam and Eve’s first sin and God’s subsequent judgment. Both Adam and Eve receive specific judgments related to their roles in marriage and work. These judgments introduce tensions, creating a longing for relief that can ultimately be fulfilled in Christ. Eve is told that her pain in childbirth will be multiplied, and conflict will arise in her relationship with her husband. Adam, on the other hand, is informed that work will become toilsome, with thorns and thistles, and he will return to the dust from which he was taken.

These judgments, seemingly arbitrary at first glance, actually serve as reminders of the brokenness caused by sin. They create tensions and dissatisfactions in areas of life that should be rewarding, leading us to yearn for relief and restoration. The world often presents alternative paths to relief, such as victimhood or seeking societal solutions, but true relief can only be found in Christ. As Jesus promises in Matthew 11:28-30, those who labor and are burdened can find rest in Him alone.

Foreshadowing the Gospel

Genesis 3:14-15 contains the first articulation of the Gospel, as God pronounces judgment on Satan. The offspring of the woman is prophesied to bruise the head of the serpent, while the serpent will bruise his heel. This promise finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the ultimate offspring who defeats Satan through His crucifixion and resurrection. The New Testament clarifies that this offspring refers to Christ (Galatians 3:16) and foreshadows the ultimate triumph over Satan (Romans 16:20).

He Is Greater

Biblical Theology unveils the beauty and interconnectedness of the Scriptures, revealing Jesus as the focal point of the Bible’s diverse stories, symbols, and prophecies. The tensions and typologies throughout the Old Testament create a longing that can only be fulfilled in Christ, who offers rest, redemption, and victory. As we delve into the depths of Biblical Theology, we become like detectives, searching for connections that lead us to the truth of God’s redemptive plan. May we recognize that Jesus is greater than Moses, greater than David, and greater than any figure in the Old Testament. As Sally Lloyd-Jones so beautifully puts it, “Every story whispers His name”. They point us to the ultimate source of grace and salvation.