The Westminster Larger Catechism contains one reference to ‘disabled’ and two references to ‘disability.’  It was written in the 1640s.

Helpfully, rather than assigning those terms exclusively to people living with disabilities, it assigns them to everyone.  Basically, we are all sinful, incapable of addressing our sin, and incapable of behaving morally.  Thus, we all need God to act on our behalf even when we are hostile to him, to call us out of our sin, and to provide a righteousness which is not our own.

In other words, we need Jesus.

Thank you to Ligonier Ministries for posting the entire text of the Catechism.

Question 25: Wherein consists the sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell?Answer: The sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell, consists in the guilt of Adam’s first sin, the want of that righteousness wherein he was created, and the corruption of his nature, whereby he is utterly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite unto all that is spiritually good, and wholly inclined to all evil, and that continually; which is commonly called original sin, and from which do proceed all actual transgressions.

Question 72: What is justifying faith?
Answer: Justifying faith is a saving grace, wrought in the heart of a sinner by the Spirit and Word of God, whereby he, being convinced of his sin and misery, and of the disability in himself and all other creatures to recover him out of his lost condition, not only assents to the truth of the promise of the gospel, but receives and rests upon Christ and his righteousness, therein held forth, for pardon of sin, and for the accepting and accounting of his person righteous in the sight of God for salvation. 

Question 95: Of what use is the moral law to all men?
Answer: The moral law is of use to all men, to inform them of the holy nature and will of God, and of their duty, binding them to walk accordingly;to convince them of their disability to keep it, and of the sinful pollution of their nature, hearts, and lives; to humble them in the sense of their sin and misery, and thereby help them to a clearer sight of the need they have of Christ, and of the perfection of his obedience.

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This could be a long series, but I think I’ll limit it to this post for now.  Pastor John did a very helpful sermon on this issue which can be read or downloaded here.

On Sunday we welcomed new covenant members into Bethlehem and it reminded me of when Dianne and I  became members in 1992.  I didn’t realize that process in 1992 would lead to something incredible in 1996 that I still carry with me today.

Here’s what transpired:

• In the Fall of 1991 or Spring of 1992 Dianne and I went through the ASK Class and interview process at Bethlehem Baptist Church.
• Part of the process at that time was for potential members to give a testimony in public.   I chose the King’s Friends Sunday School class, which was made up of the most senior members of Bethlehem.
• Paul Knight shows up in 1995 and we leave the church.  That story has been told here if you’re interested, after an introduction by David Michael.
• In 1996, after we had returned to Bethlehem following our dark days away from the faith, one of those elderly saints from that King’s Friends class stopped me.  I couldn’t remember her name but she knew about Paul and remembered me.  Her affections for me and for Dianne and for Paul could not have been more evident.  To say that she was a prayer warrior would not do that term justice – she was a prayer conqueror!

And she didn’t know any of the right words to use about disability.  In fact, after being blown away by the depths of the love this woman had for my family, I realized later that she used old terms for disabling conditions that are now considered offensive.  And I heard none of that while we were together.  God had made my ears hear something very sweet and very precious and life-giving.

Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise,
and apply your heart to my knowledge,
for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,
if all of them are ready on your lips.
That your trust may be in the Lord,
I have made them known to you today, even to you.

Proverbs 22:17-19

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When I read a book about disability and the Bible or religion or church or theology, and an emphasis is made on using ‘people-first’ language (for example, saying ‘a boy with autism’ rather than ‘an autistic boy’) in the opening pages, I can almost guarantee it will not be God-centered.

Using people-first language is a fine thing.  But I haven’t found it to be an indicator of much with regards to whether or not someone will treat my son with love and respect.

Books on disability or suffering that start with God and his authority and the centrality of the cross of Jesus Christ in dealing with sin, however, usually end up talking about people with disabilities in honoring, dignified ways.

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If you haven’t read Joe Eaton‘s statement on disability and the sovereignty of God, please go back and read that first.  It is now the third most-read post of the Disability Ministry blog in our 15 month existence, first on Webjam and now on WordPress.

Joe’s parents, Brian and Cindy Eaton, are two of the most intentional people I have met in terms of their spiritual leadership of their family, which includes five children.  Brian is one of the great encouragers in my life and I am grateful God brought us together.

Brian also happens to be the Director of Children Desiring God.

Children Desiring God was birthed out of Bethlehem Baptist Church, more specifically, out of the faithful call of David and Sally Michael in wanting to bring the rich, deep, life-giving, Biblical message of Christian hedonism to children, even very young children.  (more…)

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