Turning Against Israel

Dr. Couch, I'm convinced that more and more churches are turning against Israel, some even denying that they even existed. What do you say?

ANSWER: This is a sign of the times. I firmly believe we are deep into the apostasy of the church whereby they are turning away from the truth, and the faith, just as the Bible predicted. While I'm not a date setter, I think we're closer to the rapture then we could believe. I think churches have three distinct messages today. (1) the gospel of salvation in Christ, (2) the issue of total depravity and the sinfulness of man, and (3) the doctrine of biblical prophecy. I would also include the fact that the churches should be teaching what is happening in our culture as a warning to our people. This is why elders are also to be called Episcopas, that is we are to be "overseeing" what is coming and giving a warning to the congregation.

Thanks for asking.
—Dr. Mal Couch (7/11)

Total Depravity

Dr. Couch, total depravity tells us that man from the beginning is a sinner. Why do people deny this doctrine?

ANSWER: It is because they do not read their Bible. Man is not born "good" but sinful. Many do not believe this but our founding fathers did. That is why they divided our government into three parts in order to have checks and balances in the running of the nation. You cannot depend on any one man, or group of men. That is why there is a counter-weight with the three branches.

Here are some other verses besides the ones that are so clear about depravity: "The intent of man's heart is evil from his youth; and I will again never destroy every living thing, as I have done" (Gen. 8:21). "The sons of Judah have been doing only evil in My sight from their youth ..." (Jer. 32:30). And, "God is a righteous Judge, and a God who has indignation every day [against sin]" (Psa. 7:11).

In Genesis 8:21 the word for "youth" is "Na' Air" referring to the age that would be a teenager. It is at that age that a youth begins to be more "mature" in his sinful actions with those around him. Everyone goes deeper into sin at that point in their life.

Psalm 7 has the word "indignation." "Za'am" carries with it the idea of God passing sentence on sin. Or that the Lord curses the evil of mankind. Thus, He scolds the sinful ways of humanity. Men are sinners from the beginning and anyone who does not believe this is really very foolish!

Thanks for asking.
—Dr. Mal Couch (7/11)

Calvinism

Dr. Couch, it seems to me that the five points of Calvinism, particularly the belief in limited atonement, cannot be proven scripturally. What do you say? ANSWER:  You are absolutely correct. In the presentation of the five points by those who hold that view, the advocates have the least to say about limited atonement because they cannot prove this as scriptural. It is a long story as to why they even came up with that view, which I won't take the time here to go into.    The other four points are certainly defensible by the Word of God, but limited atonement just won't fly!    The Bible clearly teaches absolute salvation by predestination, and it teaches total depravity, and eternal security, but not the limited atonement view. Salvation is offered to all, but because of depravity, none will by themselves come to Christ. Thus, sovereign election kicks in and those to be saved are brought to Him. There are so many verses that make this clear I don't have space here to present all of them. Just one: "As many as had been appointed to eternal life believed" (Acts 13:48b). "Appointed" is the Greek word "tasso" as a Perfect Passive Participle. "The ones who have been brought to this point of an appointment, a position," they believed.    Here are some verses that I think go against "limited atonement":   Christ "is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but for the whole world" (1 John 2:2).    "Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim. 2:4).    "Who gave Himself a ransom for all" (1 Tim. 2:6).    "But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared" (Titus 3:4).    "Not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance" (2 Pet. 3:9).    Even the false prophets "denying the Master who bought them" (2 Pet. 2:1).    "The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men" (Titus 2:11).    Remember, no one can come to Christ without His drawing him. "There is none who seeks after God" within himself (Rom. 3:11)! Salvation is a sovereign work of God. Though the door is open for all, none will come by themselves! Thus no one can say, "You kept me from coming to You!"    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch (Mar., 10)

What About the Lost?

Dr. Couch, how should we respond to those who ask, "What about those who have never heard the gospel of Jesus Christ?" 

 

    We should answer scripturally. Before the lost person one is witnessing to, the issue is "Have you trusted Christ as your personal Savior?" Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved. It is our responsibility to present the gospel; it is the work of the Holy Spirit to bring whom He pleases to saving faith! This is His world and His work. He is in charge! 

    Now deeper spiritual truth from Scripture will tell us why men do not accept the gospel, and why God has not sent the message to the entire world, which He has not! The world is in denial of God even by the evidence in nature (Rom. 1:18-32). Men are depraved (v. 28), never ever seeking after God (3:9-17), are children of wrath by nature (Eph. 2:3), followers of Satan (v. 2) and dead in their trespasses (vv. 1, 5). Dead men cannot get up and walk! And besides, the sin of Adam has been imputed to his entire race (Rom. 5:12-19). 

    Thus the lost who have never heard the name of Jesus will not be judged on the basis of their rejection or acceptance of Christ, but on the fact that they suppressed the truth (1:18), denied the evidence of Him (v. 19), and are now without excuse for their lostness (v. 20). They refuse to honor God (v. 21) and have become fools (v. 22). They refuse "to acknowledge God any longer" (v. 28). They practice the sins they see and "give hearty approval to those who practice" such sins (v. 32). 

    Remember what I just wrote above, your eyes may not wish to accept because you may be into humanism (wimpy sentimentality) and not strong virile hard truth that comes from the rock of Scripture! 

    You need my book Fundamentals for the 21st Century that has chapters on depravity.

    Thanks for asking. 

    Dr. Mal Couch