Rev Dr Quek Suan Yew

Questions from Calvary Pandan Church Camp 2014 (part 4)

1. Why is it that Christians, even mature Christians, have different convictions about what is right and wrong with respect to things like entertainment choices (e.g. movies, music, types of jokes, even bungee jumping), how we ought to conduct ourselves in front of others etc, when we are all instructed by the same Word of God and guided by the same Holy Spirit? Does God have the same standard of holiness for all believers?
All believers have the Word of God and the Holy Spirit to guide them in life. However, there are other factors to consider when it comes to the understanding and application of God's Word into one's life. These factors include the person's background such as his upbringing and education, his spirituality, his walk with the Lord, his prayer life, his holy living, his knowledge of the Bible; whether his heart is surrendered to the Lord; is his life consecrated as a living sacrifice to God; the gifts that God gives to him, the measure of his faith, etc. Any one or more of these factors could result in a different understanding and application of the Word of God. Hence, every believer’s Christian life will differ even though each one might have been brought up in the same church and went through the same Sunday School system. Romans 12:3 (KJV), "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." Similarly, siblings in the same home were brought up in the same environment but they can be very different from one another. Their thinking, personality, eating habits, likes and dislikes, etc can be very varied.

However, they will also have many similarities whereby we can conclude that they are siblings with the same parents. Their manner of speech or their walk or physical features might be the same because they came from the same parents and were brought up in the same home environment. This is also true in the spiritual realm. The differences are there but so are the similarities. These similarities would, and should, be in all the major cardinal doctrines. We all believe that Jesus Christ was born of the virgin Mary, that He died for our sins and rose from the dead for our justification. Differences will continue to exist in all churches but they are to be seen as healthy rather than sickly. We are not robots but people with differing personalities that should continue to change more and more to become like our Saviour. Some are more advanced in their growth and maturity whereas others are slower. Therefore, the understanding will also vary.

There is only one standard of holiness and this standard is in the Holy Bible. Holiness means that whenever a believer sins, he will repent of his sin. All believers are required to do this regardless of their maturity in Christ. Having said that, take note that the consequences of the transgression vary from believer to believer. For example, when an "ordinary" believer in the church commits the sin of adultery, the consequences of his sin may not be as severe as when a pastor commits the same sin. In the case of the "ordinary" believer, he will be counselled to stop and to repent of his sin and to make right his relationship with his wife and family. He will be suspended from all areas of service and he will not be allowed to take the Lord's Supper until the fruits of repentance are clearly seen in his life. These fruits of repentance would include his faithful attendance at all counselling sessions, improvement in his relationship with his wife, his regular attendance at prayer meetings and worship services. In the case of the pastor, he has to do all the above and more, which includes the suspension of his office as pastor with immediate effect, followed by a public confession to the congregation to seek their forgiveness. The pastor's sin of adultery has to be rebuked publicly so that all may fear and not commit this serious sin. 1 Timothy 5:19-20 (KJV), "Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. 20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear." A pastor who commits the sin of adultery will not be allowed to become a pastor again. He has ceased to become blameless which is a crucial requirement of a pastor according to the non-negotiable list of qualifications for the pastor given to the church by God. 1 Timothy 3:1-7 (KJV), "This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil." [Emphasis added]

2. Similarly on a church level, why is it that there are so many different interpretations of the Bible (e.g. Pre / Post / A – millennialism, dispensationalism) in Christianity when these Christians are taught by the same Bible and the same Holy Spirit?
Differences in interpretation are based upon the differences in the interpreters. As mentioned in the answer to question #2, the interpreter's past and present spiritual well-being are crucial to his understanding of God's Word. His background such his studies and upbringing are not erased even though he has become a new man in Christ. For example, if he did not study hard for the subject English when he was a boy, his grammar will not be good and he will not speak good English. After salvation, his English will still be bad. Therefore, when believers study the Bible there will still be differences. However, we must remember the similarities more than the differences in our relationship with one another especially when we are all in the same church.

The systems of theology and principles of interpretation of the Bible that a believer adopts will guide his understanding of the Bible.

3. Since scripture interprets scripture, why are there different schools of thought? How do we know which explanation is correct?
It is true that Scripture interprets Scripture but whether we allow Scripture to interpret Scripture is another matter. Furthermore, the degree in which interpreters of the Bible apply and understand the teaching of Scripture interpreting Scripture varies. For example, there is a system of interpretation known as the literal method of interpretation according to antecedent Scripture that has become quite popular nowadays. What this method teaches is that the biblical human writer always knows fully all that he writes at the time of inspiration of Holy Scriptures. The next assumption that follows is that he only knows what Scripture that has been written before hand and not whatever Scripture that has not been written in the future. Based upon these two principles, interpreters will interpret the whole Bible in this manner. For example, they would interpret Isaiah 7:14 not as a prophecy but a typology. Isaiah 7:14 (KJV), "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." These interpreters would say that the virgin mentioned in Isaiah 7:14 was either the king's virgin wife or Isaiah's own wife or a particular virgin in Isaiah's time who would give birth and name her son Immanuel. Thus they say the Bible uses Isaiah 7:14 as a type of Christ. It is not prophecy. To these interpreters their understanding of Scripture interpreting Scripture is based only upon antecedent Scripture!

However, we disagree with this method of interpretation. We believe in the correct literal method of interpretation according to consequent Scripture, not antecedent Scripture. The assumption in this method of interpretation is that the human writers did not have to understand all that they wrote because there were instances when the method of inspiration was by dictation. They were told to write down what God wanted them to write especially when it comes to prophecy. In other words, the emphasis in inspiration is not the human writer but the Holy Spirit who is the true Author of Holy Scripture. There were instances in the Bible when the human writer could not understand what they had written and asked God for the interpretation. Daniel was given revelations from God pertaining to the future and he did not understand them until three weeks later. (cf. Daniel 10) Since the Holy Spirit is the real author of Holy Scripture, He knew what He was writing from the beginning to the end of Scripture. This means that the believer can use future revelation to help him understand and interpret the Scriptures. Isaiah 7:14 is a true and pure prophecy and not a typology. Matthew 1:22-23 (KJV) states this clearly when Christ was born, "Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." Matthew 1:23 reveals to us that Isaiah 7:14 is true prophecy and that the woman in Isaiah 7:14 was indeed a virgin and not a young woman as some argue. This is what we understand by Scripture interpreting Scripture.

The believer would know what he understands to be true because the Holy Spirit in him will help him realize that. This is a spiritual and divine experience. Believers hear the voice of their Good Shepherd! Jesus says so in John 10:27-29 (KJV), "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand." The natural man understands only natural things whereas the spiritual man understands spiritual things. The only one who is truly born again is a spiritual man. He has the Holy Spirit in him to help him understand God's truth correctly. He does not have perfect inerrant understanding but he understands God's truth correctly and sufficiently to save him and he knows that he is on the narrow path that leads to eternal life. 1 Corinthians 2:9-16 (KJV), "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ."

4. Would like to understand Satan’s "omnipresence" and "omniscience" ability. He seems to be everywhere attacking Christians and the church (Job 1:7). To what extent is his "omnipresence"? His knowledge to read Christians seems to reflect "omniscience" (Mark 4:15).
"Omniscience" means to know all things all at the same time. The person who is omniscient does not gain or lose knowledge. "Omnipresence" means that everywhere is in the presence of the person at the same time. God alone has these two attributes including the attribute of omnipotence. Satan does not have these attributes. God alone has these three attributes and they are all qualified by the word "immutability." That is why the Bible says that Christ who is God is the same yesterday, today and forever. (cf. Hebrews 13:8).
Mark 4:15 (cf. Matthew 13:19) is not meant to be understood as Satan being everywhere. The parable of the sower teaches that when some people reject the Word of God, it is a spiritual rejection rather than a carnal one. That is the emphasis of the verse. It is not about the "omnipresence" of Satan at all but the spiritual nature of witnessing and sharing of the Word of God. When a person is hearing the Word of God, the preacher or evangelist must pray because it is a spiritual warfare that he is in.

5. Why are sexual sins deemed more serious than other sins? What about murder whereby a person’s life is taken away?
Sexual sins are the worst of all the sins of the flesh. There are sins that are not considered of the flesh, like attacking the Bible (e.g. the Bible has mistakes), or the Name of Christ (e.g. Christ was not born of the virgin Mary or He is not God), as well as sins of the mind and heart like the pride of life. Sins of the flesh would include lying, killing, stealing, etc. Sexual sins are the worst of all the sins of the flesh because they are sins against one's own body! 1 Corinthians 6:18 (KJV),"Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body." For example, when a person kills another person, the victim did not sin, he is just a victim. The one who had his things stolen is a victim whereas the thief committed the sin of theft. However, in the sin of adultery both parties are willing transgressors. When a man commits adultery with a woman, he sins against the woman. When the woman consents, she commits adultery against him. If she resists, then it is rape, not adultery!
The sin of adultery involves the participation of two persons. One causes the other to sin as well!

6. Can you please explain the Holy Trinity (God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit) in detail? How can they exist together and separately? More specifically, when God the Son died on the cross, how can God the Father be separate? Certain things are unknown to us due to our mortal, weak minds, but is there an easy way to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity to unbelievers?
The Bible teaches us clearly that there is only one God. Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (KJV), "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: 5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." In the Godhead there are three Persons: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. All three of them were mentioned at the baptism of Christ in the gospels. When Christ came to be baptised by John the Baptist to begin His earthly ministry proper, God the Father declared from heaven that Christ is His beloved Son in whom He is well pleased. The Bible also says that the Holy Spirit descended from heaven like a dove and "lighting upon" Christ. (cf. Matt 3:13-17). However, there is one passage in the Bible that best defines the doctrine of the Trinity. 1 John 5:6-9 (KJV), "This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. 7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. 9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son."

This is a cardinal doctrine. Anyone who does not believe in the doctrine of the Trinity is NOT a believer! Unitarians are people who call themselves Christians but they are not because the Jesus they believe in is not according to Scriptures. Unitarians believe in God but do not believe that there are three persons in the Godhead, i.e. the doctrine of the Trinity. The doctrine of the Trinity is indispensible for the salvation of mankind. God the Father sent the Son to die on the cross for our sins. When the sinner is saved, the Son baptizes him with the Holy Spirit so that he is transformed instantaneously into a saint and a child of God. The Holy Spirit then dwells in him and he becomes a spiritual person who is able to understand spiritual truths as revealed in Holy Scriptures. The doctrine of one God with three Persons in the Godhead is to be accepted and not understood. There is no way our human minds can grasp this concept. As believers, we know that this is true. But to try and use an illustration to understand or explain it fully is impossible. We need to humble ourselves before God and just accept this doctrine and thank God for this revelation.

There is no "separation" between God the Father and the Son in terms of their relationship. God the Father did not go to the cross. To say that God the Father went to the cross is to teach a heresy called "patri passionism", i.e. the passion of the Father. God the Son went to the cross alone. When He cried on the cross why God had forsaken Him, it must not be understood that there was a severing of relationship. What the words mean is that God the Father did not come to His Son’s aid to save Him from the cross and the abuse of sinful men! God the Father and the Son loved us when we were all sinners. In order to save us, God’s only begotten Son must die for our sins. That is why God the Father left Christ to die alone on the cross and did not lift one finger to bring Him down when he had all the power to do so. For our sakes and in order to save us, He did not!

It is impossible to explain the doctrine of the Trinity to one who is not born again. It is impossible to explain to a person who was born blind the beauty of a sunset with all its colours streaming across the expanse of the sky. Sinners are dead in sin and transgression and therefore what they need first is the gospel and for God to open their eyes before they can "see". Once their eyes have been opened, then the doctrine of the Trinity will be understood and accepted.

7. Do goats know that they are goats?
I believe the context of this question is from Matthew 25:31-33 (KJV) which says, "When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: 33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left." The goats here refer to "unbelievers." As mentioned before, unbelievers are dead in sin and blind to spiritual things. They would not know that they are goats. The greatest tragedy is that there are certain goats who believe that they are sheep when in reality they are still goats. These "false sheep" think they are going to heaven but sadly they are still heading for hell. The Bible reveals to us that there will be many of them. By the time they find out, it is too late! They will all be cast into Hell. Jesus says in Matthew 7:21-23 (KJV), "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." [Emphasis added]

8. How would you categorise doctrines into milk and meat? Should any singular doctrine be considered as a milk doctrine since the Word of God is infinitely deep and every doctrine has numerous applications? Could the milk and meat rather refer to the extent one studies/obeys the word?
The milk doctrines are defined by God, not the church. Hebrews 6:1-2 (KJV), "Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment." All doctrines are infinitely deep and even after a thousand life-times a believer will not be able to understand fully even one doctrine of the Bible. But "milk and meat" is not defined by the Bible as the depth of the understanding but the scope of it. There are many today who claim to be Christians for more than 20 years, who are like the believers described in Hebrews 5:12-14 (KJV), "For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." They are still struggling with understanding the above few doctrines and do not go beyond these doctrines. They are content with their superficial understanding to the point where they are not able to explain or teach them properly. They definitely cannot teach other doctrines outside of the list mentioned in Hebrews 6:1-2.

A believer matures as his knowledge of the Word of God increases. Stagnation in growth in the knowledge of God's Word is a very serious problem. Hebrews 6 verse 3 onwards teach us that this failure to grow is not acceptable because God does not save any man for him to have no desire or love for God's truth. That is why when a believer says that he is not interested in theology, which is the study of God, or that he is tired of the preaching of God’s doctrines, his salvation is questioned by God's Word. He might, sadly, belong to the group mentioned in Matthew 7:21-23.