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Irons In The Fire: A Biblical Defense of Theonomy (Part 1)

This article represents part 1 in a shortdivinely-approved standard for questions
series of a brief-but-sound refutation ofpertaining to civil government and
what Lee Iron's calls his 4-page "cheatlegislation. Any other standard would of
sheet" dubbed "Some Common Theonomicnecessity involve a reliance on mere human
Arguments." The operative word here isideas instead of God's, and that is nothing
"cheat." So I have broken down the argumentsless than autonomy.Us: Untrue. The N.O.S.
from his site as Mr. Irons has stated themargument is no assumption, but rather a
(prefixing his name to them), and then postedconclusion from 1. the exegetical details of
a response from me and "the Theonomicnumerous biblical passages (and what these
brethren," here known as "us." Some of Lee'sentail), and 2. A good and necessary
arguments have been abbreviated for the sakeimplication from the biblical doctrine of
of literary sanity, but I have made everySola Scriptura.Lee: The difficulty with this
effort to leave out nothing relevant to theassumption is that it proves too much. If
core argument expressed in his article. Youautonomy is narrowly defined as the use in
can find it at: Let the exchange begin.Lee:any sphere of ideas not specifically revealed
It is hoped that the brief responses givenin Scripture, then we will be paralyzed by
here will enable the non-theonomist to holdinaction, since the Scripture simply contains
his own in future discussions and debatesvery little information about vast areas of
when he or she encounters those of thehuman thought and action.Us: This is another
theonomic persuasion.Us: Hope springsstraw man. No Theonomist defines autonomy
eternal.Lee: 1. The [Theonomic] 'No otherthis way. Theonomists are Trinitarians, which
standard' argument Where else can we findshows that they believe that what Scripture
God's standards for socio-political justice,IMPLIES is as much the Word of God as what
except in Scripture, particularly, the Mosaicthe Word says "explicitly." And Lee knows
civil legislation? If we reject thethis, ergo the "cheat sheet"
divinely-revealed civil law, we are left withreference.Moreover, if the Bible were as
no other standard, condemned to wander in anon-comprehensive as Lee insists, God could
fog of personal bias and subjectivehave said it in 3 chapters. Scripture treats
relativism.One way to respond to thisthe ethical aspects of every possible human
argument is to question the assumption thatendeavor so thoroughly that it specifies the
Scripture is a sufficient source of guidancelimits and requirements needed to perform
for societal and political questions.Us: Thisevery human activity RIGHTEOUSLY (the ethical
response falsely assumes that "politicalaspects of each activity) -- so as to please
questions" are NEVER ALSO ethical questionsthe Lord in the doing (or in avoiding the
(like "Should Christians vote againstdoing) of it.Lee: Scripture is not sufficient
abortion laws?"). This is called thefor the art of cologne and perfume
"either-or fallacy" in informal logic. Sincemanufacture, although one particular recipe
the Word of God is sufficient to answer allis given in the Mosaic law (Exod. 30:23-25).
ethical questions and has the "consent of allDoes that mean we should only make the
the parts," this makes denying the Bible'sLevitical perfume? Are all other non-Biblical
"political or societal" sufficiency anscents autonomous and sinful? .... Examples
implicit denial of biblical sufficiency persuch as these could be multiplied.Us: This is
se. Fun for Romanists, but not a biblicalgetting silly. The Bible is not a
option -- see Psalm 19:7ff., 2 Tim.perfume-makers success manual. It promises,
3:16.]Lee: No doubt the Bible contains manythat if it is obeyed, it will make you
general principles that are to be observed,righteous, not well-scented. This would imply
but why should it be regarded as a detailedlimits on including chemicals in the colognes
blueprint for society?Us: We'll just take ato which some persons (being allergic to
wild stab at this one. Maybe because:1.them) might be harmed, or would at least
Another term for "detailed blueprint forrequire the maker to post a warning label on
society" is "code of law," and the Scripturethe bottle, and other such ethical matters
regularly self-refers as the law of the Lordrelated to perfume making and selling. It IS
(Ps. 19:7; 119), an international law code.sufficient for its intended purpose, which
And law codes are necessarily "detailedLee has here ignored.Lee: It seems too
bluleprints for society." The Bible says "theobvious to point out, but the Bible was never
law of the Lord is perfect." Psalm 119intended to provide specific information and
elaborates on the "perfect" law asguidance regarding the vast majority of human
"graciously sufficient, adequate, lackingspheres of thought and action. These common
nothing, powerful, efficacious." Thisgrace spheres belong to the natural order and
detailed blueprint for national and socialare pretty much up to us to figure out on our
justice takes the form of legal documentsown using the common sense, reason, and
called Testaments (i.e. inscripturatedscientific abilities that God has given to
Covenants).2. Scripture has detailed commandsmankind.Us: It seems too obvious to point out
about all sorts of things, including howthat there are no "common grace spheres,"
folks may or may not dress, and how kingsbecause reality does not come to us in
must judge. Each king of Israel was requiredmislabeled sections with some assembly
to study the law of the Lord daily that herequired. The Bible never speaks this way
might "do justice" in his nation.3. Godeither, though it does speak of matters holy,
commands all nations (societies) to obey himand others which are common. For more on
(Prov. 14:34), not merely individuals. Godthis, see Carson's article, "Critical
commands all kings to do justice in theirThinking To Go: Dodging the Pepperoni Pizza
nations, and nations have to do "detailedFallacy."As far as common grace spheres (the
things," like collect and account for taxes,vast majority of epistemological real estate)
and administer justice in their courts.being "pretty much left up to us to figure
Anyone who thinks this is not a detailedout" -- how does this NOT sound like an
business need only read the U.S. Internalexcuse for imposing one's "autonomy"?? The
Revenue Code to become overly-convinced.4.original Theonomic challenge (N.O.S.)
All Christians are "kings and priests to ourargument says "Reject the biblical standard
God" (Rev. 1:8), and thus must study andand all you have are arbitrary ones. Then you
follow the example of the good kings ofcome along saying, "Standards? We don't got
Israel, insofar as their station in life andto show you no stinking standards! We'll just
calling permit it. Moreover, they must callmake it up as we go and call it "common
upon others in their nation to do likewise --sense," "reason," or "science." Doesn't that
including the civil magistrates (as did JohnILLUSTRATE -- rather than refute -- the
the Baptist, and the other prophets). For itN.O.S. argument?Besides, natural revelation
says: "Rebuke your neighbor frankly, do not(the "light of nature") contains far less
share in his sin."5. God gave specialinformation than written revelation. So any
revelation to Israel AS A NATION, so it woulddiminution of the comprehensive character of
be a royal priesthood and "holy nation." Thiswritten revelation bodes even WORSE for any
is now true of the Church, and of thoseview that depends on "nature's light" for its
nations where the saints of God live. 'Royalethical standard -- which Lee's view in fact
priesthood' means "priests and kings."6.does.Lee: It is not denied that the Bible
Detailed Blueprints for nations arecontains general principles that apply to all
inevitable and inescapable. Legal codes areareas of life - the most important being,
not an option, but a necessity, for every"Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do,
nation. It is never a question of detaileddo it all for the glory of God" (1 Cor.
blueprint vs. no detailed blueprint, only10:31). But the Scripture is not sufficient
WHICH detailed blueprint (law code) Godto provide practical, detailed guidance for
requires nations to follow in order to obeythe sphere of common grace; that sphere is to
Him.7. The contrary to theonomy isbe guided by "the light of nature."Us: Oh, we
impossible. Notice Lee has not refuted theget it now. The Bible is foggy and says
point in question by offering an alternative,almost nothing. But thankfully we have this
equally detailed blueprint sufficient forextraordinarily comprehensive, detailed, and
social and national justice; he has simplycrystal clear "natural revelation," so that
denied that one exists by challengingwe never needed the Old Testament in the
(unsuccessfully) the only game in town --first place. This is both an inversion of
biblical law. This ignores the firstwhat the Bible actually teaches about the
principle of debate: You cannot beatrelationship between general and special
something with nothing.Lee: After all, werevelation, and the flagship of
don't go to the Bible to find specificDispensational thought. You say "Titanic," we
directions for other equally important humansay "Iceberg." A few brief points:1. The Old
endeavors, such as art and architecture,Testament was given by God so that the fall
literature, the culinary arts, medicine,(having marred the clarity of natural
technology, etc.Us: Surely you jest.revelation) could have its obfuscating
Administering justice -- the duty of theeffects "progressively undone" as redemptive
civil magistrate -- is NOT "equallyhistory moved forward with the growth of the
important" with pizza baking or artfullycanon. Lee wants this progress REVERSED,
sculpting pottery. The former is a holy duty,favoring the natural revelation, which is
and the latter is common. This is why oneless clear and comprehensive than the written
must be "sworn in" (take an oath of office)revelation, over the more clear and
as the civil magistrate who is "God's deacon"comprehensive. We call this, "making room for
(Rom. 13). No one may properly require anautonomy."2. The case laws of the OT are
oath to join the Iron Chef Association.regularly cited by Jesus and the apostles as
Unjust verdicts can destroy people's lives,binding under the new covenant, including
unlike flawed desserts. Okay, unlike MOSTlabor laws like Deut. 25:4 (Do not muzzle the
flawed desserts.Lee: The Westminsterox while it treads out the grain, 1 Cor. 9, 1
Confession acknowledges that there are areasTim. 5), judicial due process requirements
of life "which are to be ordered by the lightlike Deut. 18 (that every matter may be
of nature, and Christian prudence, accordingestablished by the testimony of two or three
to the general rules of the Word, which arewitnesses, 2 Cor. 13:1), etc., etc.Lee's view
always to be observed" (WCF I.6).Us: Thecannot tolerate these passages, which shows
immediate context of WCF I.6 relates only tothereby that his is not the New Testament
affairs "common among men," not holy matters.view of the OT either.Lee: Properly defined,
This adiaphora clause ends in "general rulesthe doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture
of the Word." Even here written revelation,states that the Bible is "the only rule of
not the light of nature, is the finalfaith and obedience," (WLC # 3), directing us
standard. Affirming the specific application"how we may glorify and enjoy" God (WSC # 2).
of such general rules remains consistent withThe Scriptures "principally teach what man is
the Thenomic position. Here, Lee pretends toto believe concerning God, and what duty God
offer a counterinstance to that view, butrequires of man" (WSC # 3). In other words,
does nothing of the kind.Moreover, theas Paul states, the primary purpose of
Westminster divines practiced what is knownScripture is to "make us wise unto salvation
as the "regulative principle of worship" inthrough faith in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim.
their churches. This is a minimalist3:15).Us: Yes, but the biblical view of
principle which says that in holy matterssalvation is more than merely justification.
(such as oath-taking), whatever God has notIt necessarily includes SANCTIFICATION, for
commanded (explicitly or implicitly), God"without holiness no one will see the Lord."
forbids. And the Westminster confessionAnd since Christians will be kings in the
affirms that all oaths -- like the ones a manresurrection, reigining on earth, what
must take to hold either a civil ordetailed law code (blueprint for society)
ecclesiastical office -- are A MATTER OFwill God expect them to use to make righteous
WORSHIP.Thus, WCF I.6 does not apply to thejudgments (as Christian judges must do even
administration of justice, but to commontoday? Whole-life holiness requires a
matters only. God has but one, holy standardcomprehensive and detailed ethical standard
by which he will judge men on Judgment Day,not offered by common sense, reason, science,
which is the same single standard by which Heor the light of nature. If this is not found
judges nations now. Nations do not exist inin the canon (OT and NT), then where? This
eternity, so if God will judge them at all --kinda puts us back at question #1.-- To Be
and the entire body of literature attributedContinued --Carson Day has written some 1.3
to the prophets says He does -- He must do sogazillion aritcles and essays on all manner
within the bounds of what we considerof diverse topics. These aim to glorify God
ordinary human history. Lee has leftand offer people real help to live wisely and
unanswered the obvious rejoinder: By whatwell. You can visit Carson's websites at
standard does God judge nations? If not by(The Omniblog, where Carson blogs everything)
God's law, then by whose?Lee: The "No otheror (Carson's Day Trading Outpost). Thanks
standard" argument assumes that specialfor stopping by.
revelation in Scripture is the only



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