Each month the "Cross-Examination" column presents a summary statement of a Reformed and Reconstructionist conviction in theology or ethics, and then offers brief answers to common questions, objections or confusions which people have about that belief. Send issues or questions you would like addressed by Dr. Bahnsen to the editor.

As we saw in the last column, Scripture teaches us that God's holy and unchanging character is revealed to us in the requirements of His law. God's own self-revelation provides moral absolutes which are not variable, changing or relative to particular times, places or cultures. The law declares a universal and immutable standard of moral right and wrong. Accordingly, Jesus did not come into this world to oppose or cancel the total demands of God's previously revealed law, but rather to submit to its required penalty in order to save law-breakers like ourselves. By His own declaration, we believe that not the slightest jot or tittle will Pass away from the law of God until earth passes away - in which case those who teach the breaking of even the least commandment will be judged as least in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:17-19). We maintain a position of moral absolutism. God does not change His mind about righteousness and evil, and Christ did not come to abrogate what God had said, but rather to reinforce and honor it in His own life, teaching and redemptive ministry.

This morning we begin actually entering into the message of Zechariah. The gist of our first message was that our God is a concerned God who speaks to real people regarding their historical circumstances and needs. Our faith is not one of mysticism, but of spiritually based realism.

Our message today is entitled "Mourning Before Morning." The idea behind our tide is that God lays upon us the necessity of mourning for our sins, before He will grant us a new, bright morning of glory in His favor. The necessity of repentance before blessing is as true on the personal level, as it is on the cultural level. And both of these ideas--personal and cultural repentance--are prominent in Zechariah. May the word of God penetrate our hearts, leading us to bow before Him in humble sorrow for our sins, that we might bask in the glory of His favor.

This past year I was appointed by the high school athletic booster's club to supervise the concessions during the basketball games. My two sons played on the varsity team and I felt a responsibility to help the school in any way I could. It is also a good way to make many new acquaintances.

One evening I was showing a volunteer mother how to operate the popcorn machine. This was her first time working in the concession stand and she was very apprehensive and serious as she followed my instructions. I added first one properly portioned measure of salt to the popcorn. Being in a jocular mood, I added a second measure of salt explaining that often I did this. She then asked why I would double the proper portion. I responded with a straight face, "Because we sell more drinks this way." She looked a little surprised at my response, especially since I had previously told her that I was an ordained minister. Later, as I was showing her how to serve the soft drinks I encouraged her to fill the cups to the top with ice. I explained how ice was less expensive than coke and this enabled us to make more money. By this time she must have been wondering if I had received my ordination papers through some mail order catalogue. Maybe I had taken my humor a bit too far.