The Case for Christian Psalms
Christian Psalms are singable settings of biblical Psalms that are embroidered with the beauty of the gospel.
As demonstrated in Scripture and throughout the history of the church, Christian Psalms have occupied a precious place in the praise of God’s people. They “exemplify the Reformed doxological tradition at its best.” There is great value in continuing to sing these classics as they exalt the life, death, resurrection, ascension, and coming again of... Continue Reading
Even Heretics Know Hebrew
How to Interpret the Bible in Partisan Times
May local churches become places where readers are formed not to be partisans of earthly kingdoms but martyrs of the kingdom of heaven, able to say with Luther, “Here I stand,” with a boldness tempered by an openness to being corrected. Learning how to embody these interpretive virtues is sanctification too—and perhaps the best way... Continue Reading
7 Assertions Regarding Justification & Sanctification
Clarity for Our Soteriology
To be justified is not only to be forgiven, but also to be accounted as righteous in God’s sight….So, how do sinners receive a righteousness with which to stand before God? In answering this question, we make a distinction between infused and imputed righteousness. There is an important discussion taking place within the church... Continue Reading
Why Did Jesus Compare God’s Kingdom to a Mustard Seed and Leaven?
Jesus anticipated the misconceptions people would have about the type of kingdom He was bringing upon them.
The present form and working of the kingdom is mysterious and humble. A mustard seed and a pinch of yeast—no one would expect the kingdom out of these. No one notices a mustard plant growing; we cannot see yeast at work. This is the paradox of Christ’s kingdom, and it is both wisdom and comfort... Continue Reading
The Shocking Secret to Jesus’ Ministry Success
His ministry is better because his covenant is better. And his covenant is better because its promises are better. Its promises are better because they promise to make the people better.
The problem with the old covenant was not primarily with the covenant but with the covenant’s people. They were sinners who kept on sinning. They had ways to deal with their sin, but only in copies and shadows. Never the real deal. In short, God made promises to and about these people in the old... Continue Reading
Are Sinners Worthless?
Yes, we are worthless, but we are also worthwhile—but not in the same way and in the same relationship.
How can we say that man has inherent dignity (the image of God) and yet at the same time he is a terrible sinner—worthless (total depravity)? Isn’t he either the former or the latter? The answer to this false dilemma is simply “yes.” We are both. Man is far above all other creatures (Ps. 8:5); he... Continue Reading
The Difference between the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
What we need to realize after hearing this parable is that which makes the difference between the Pharisee and the tax collector is Jesus, the one telling the parable.
The Pharisee outlined his accomplishments; the tax collector summed up all of his actions when he confessed to God that he was “the sinner!” One was a prayer of self-congratulation, and one was a prayer of self-abasement. The end result: The Pharisee went home still in his sins, and the tax collector went home as... Continue Reading
The Problem with Servant Leadership
Evangelicals promote a vision of masculinity so bleak, no wonder men don’t want to sign up for it.
Many influencers offer teenage boys an aspirational vision of manhood. Some, like Mr. Peterson, say men are important for the sake of others, but present it as part of a heroic vision of masculinity in which men flourish as well. “You have some vital role to play in the unfolding destiny of the world,” he... Continue Reading
Expository Thoughts: Creation and New Creation in Ephesians
The idea that God’s election in Ephesians is merely the election of Christ simply doesn’t do justice to the text and the creation theme that runs through it.
The fact that we are able to express the faith that justifies is only a consequence of the fact that we have been regenerated from spiritual death. The ordo salutis needs to shape our theological understanding of salvation. The emphasis on creation-new creation also highlights the sovereignty of God in salvation. It anchors and grounds the... Continue Reading
How Can I Know What’s True?
If we try to find what’s ultimately true without grounding our thinking in the Bible, our efforts are doomed to fail.
The Bible is not a textbook of science, math, physics, or art. However, it gives us the only worldview that ultimately makes all those things possible. In other words, the Bible not only teaches us ultimate truths about man, the world, salvation, the future, and a host of other subjects that make up a worldview,... Continue Reading
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