carlgobelman
Puritan Board Freshman
In the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12), we see the following...
How are these verses interpreted from a Reformed perspective, especially given the overall context of the Sermon on the Mount and the Gospel of Matthew?
The reason I ask is that my old church (I still go there with my wife) is beginning a study called "Life's Healing Choices" based on the book of the same name by John Baker and Rick Warren (of Saddleback fame). The book is a launch for the Celebrate Recovery program, and it uses the Beatitudes as their basis for their eight healing choices. The Beatitudes are considered the God's principles for a happy life. I can't help but think that this is a gross misinterpretation of this passage in an attempt to 'sanctify' yet another worldly paradigm and bring it into the church.
Any help would be appreciated!
3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
How are these verses interpreted from a Reformed perspective, especially given the overall context of the Sermon on the Mount and the Gospel of Matthew?
The reason I ask is that my old church (I still go there with my wife) is beginning a study called "Life's Healing Choices" based on the book of the same name by John Baker and Rick Warren (of Saddleback fame). The book is a launch for the Celebrate Recovery program, and it uses the Beatitudes as their basis for their eight healing choices. The Beatitudes are considered the God's principles for a happy life. I can't help but think that this is a gross misinterpretation of this passage in an attempt to 'sanctify' yet another worldly paradigm and bring it into the church.
Any help would be appreciated!