10 Theories of the Atonement
In penal substitutionary atonement we find hope for sinners.
Christ’s death was a substitutionary sacrifice meant to satisfy the demands of God’s justice. Man’s main problem is depravity, and thus the atonement is directed toward God as a payment for the law’s prescriptive and penal demands. This understanding of the atonement does not eliminate every aspect of the other views, but it most fully... Continue Reading
No One in Our Lives “Always” Acts a Certain Way—Except God
The Lord is good, and he is only ever good. And in all his ways with all his people he only ever sends goodness and mercy.
If you cannot feel it now, the Lord is still with you in the valley. He will still walk with you without fail all your days, and one day it may be that you look back on the worst of experiences, the most dreadful of times, the deepest of dark valleys, and you will be... Continue Reading
Count on What You Know Rather Than Speculate on What God Might Be Doing
Trust in the God who, no matter what’s happening and no matter how difficult it is to accept, is making you more like Jesus.
When our desire for knowledge and revelation ram against the unapproachable wisdom and knowledge of God, where do we turn? The surest answer in those moments is to turn to His Word, where mercifully, God has already spoken. He has revealed something of His good intent and loving providence, enough so that through His Word... Continue Reading
How Idols Hijack Our Hearts
The promises our idols make are attractive because they are counterfeit versions of the promises we were made to need and believe.
If what we ultimately seek is health or comfort or material happiness, then we have to admit that these idols are doing a decent job. From one perspective, it makes sense that we continue to rely on them. Our idols don’t make promises explicitly because they rarely speak. But we attribute promises to them—primarily that... Continue Reading
Charles Spurgeon and “the Army of God”
Our calling is to be faithful to His Word and to so serve that church that she might fulfill her calling as the army of God.
By Spurgeon’s death in 1892, the Metropolitan Tabernacle had a membership of over 5300. This is remarkable given how plain their services were, how rigorous their membership process was, and how careful they were to maintain accurate rolls. They weren’t large because of modern attractional gimmicks. These weren’t inflated numbers due to sloppy membership practices.... Continue Reading
Answering Socialism from a Biblical Worldview
Socialism can be expected to continue to fail in the future, because although it attempts to take the role of God, it cannot really do so, and it militates against human nature.
In capitalism, “the individual is important, and this is why it is consonant with the Christian world view, because you are important. Because you are created in God’s image.” In socialism, individual subordination will be justified by saying “this is for the good of the order … this is for the greater good, it’s very... Continue Reading
For the Children
A review of pro-child politics: why every cultural, economic, and national issue is a matter of justice for children, edited by Katy Faust.
At its core, Pro-Child Politics is a call for adults to represent and steward the best interests of children in the realm of politics, culture, and economics—not find themselves beholden to childish wish lists and self-focused desires, regardless of the person’s age. While I would happily opine about various conservative thought experiments, including JD Vance’s... Continue Reading
Prepare Now for Unexpected Turbulence and Resisting Sexual Temptation
Seek refuge in God when the storm hits.
Sisters and brothers, when you’re taken off guard by unsettling news, a scary diagnosis, a harsh disappointment, or any form of unexpected turbulence, your Rescuer is near. He is right there in the storm with you. And when you respond by going back to familiar false refuges, his forgiveness and strengthening comfort are still yours!... Continue Reading
The New Sexual Revolution
Our culture is primed for a life-giving change that only Christianity offers.
In societies that prioritize marriage, citizens are better able to restrain their physical appetites and focus social energy on building the future. In short, sexual “freedom” leads, eventually, to social exhaustion and eventual decline. From impulse purchases to hyper-sexualization to boredom with even short silences, ours is a civilization focused on living in the moment... Continue Reading
Is Faith Alone Enough for Salvation? Sola Fide Explained
We stand justified before God by faith alone, not by works. This doctrine gives us assurance, peace, and freedom in the knowledge that Christ’s righteousness is sufficient.
As believers, we can have assurance that our standing before God is secure because it rests on Christ’s righteousness, not our own. This doesn’t mean we ignore good works, but it means those works flow out of a heart transformed by faith, not as a means to earn salvation. Some may point to James 2:17—“So... Continue Reading
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