Rules and exceptions and relationship with God.
Thinking through it historically, one overarching story has been repeatedly told. It is the story of Numbers 3.2-4 and the story of Nadab and Abihu, the priestly sons of Aaron. In the story, Nadab and Abihu are stricken dead before the LORD because they made an offering with "unauthorized fire."
The message? There are no exceptions!
But yesterday, we noticed a contrasting passage to the Nadab and Abihu story -- the story of Hezekiah's intervention in 2 Chronicles 30 on behalf of four tribes of Insraelites who partook in the Passover celebration while not ceremonially clean.
Perhaps you thought yesterday of other examples. For instance, why did God strike Ananias and Sapphira dead on the spot for keeping back a portion of the proceeds on their land transaction while David breaks half of the 10 Commandments in one fell swoop and yet, his life is spared and he is recognized after his death as a "man after God's own heart"?
Does God ever make exceptions to the rule? Obviously, the answer is yes. But the critical question is: Is it safe to build a theology upon the exceptions? No!
Take baptism for example. The rule of New Testament scripture is clear that those who confessed the Lordship of Jesus Christ were immersed in order to make contact with the saving blood of Jesus Christ.
Will God make an exception to that "rule"? I don't know. We cannot know the mind of God in that regard. But we do know His will for the means of justification of the lost: to be placed into Christ and His saving act at Calvary through immersion in water.
When it comes to the means of justification, I am grateful to be part of a heritage with an unashamed commitment to teach the rule of Scripture.
And what if God makes exceptions to the rule? What if God chooses to save the "pious unimmersed," honoring their motive even if their method was found lacking? Then I will no haggle, argue or object to the will of God; I will praise Him for His grace and mercy, without which even the most pious immersed could not be saved.
