Engaging With 1689: On Galatians 4
For Paul, Abraham is the paradigm of salvation by grace alone
“It has been suggested that, however much Paul’s emphasis in chapter 3 is on the distinction between Moses and Abraham the point of chapter 4 on the continuity between Moses and Abraham or even their identity in the allegory in 4:21–31.” In part 3 we considered the difference between the Reformed view that the covenant... Continue Reading
Braving Hard Passages: Hard Passages to Holiness
The passages are hard because the passage is hard that is the highway of holiness
God’s word tells us that conformity to the image of God’s Son means we cry, “Abba, Father” in the midst of a life of suffering to become like him (Romans 8:12-17). The written text of God’s word through the work of God the Holy Spirit is the primary means through which we experience sanctifying sufferings.... Continue Reading
Is God Far Away When He Feels Far Away?
Faith at its heart is objective — it’s about someone who is there, irrespective of how I feel
“People can be tempted to give up on God, looking for a quick a fix, weighing God’s closeness by a feeling, experience, or sense. And, God may give a sense of his presence. He may show up in some way that’s visible and evident in what happens—a change of circumstances.” So Crushed in Spirit... Continue Reading
Reading the Bible: For Content vs. For Devotion
How does one go about reading the Bible for both devotion and content at the same time?
“The first step is to have a reading plan that takes you through the whole Bible in a reasonable amount of time (1-3 years). Anything slower is too slow. Second, use a Bible that does not have subheadings in the text. Instead, once you have read through your reading for the day, go back and... Continue Reading
The Victorious Soldier
To be united to and thus identified with the once crucified Savior means that the Christian’s life in this present mode of existence will necessarily entail suffering.
Timothy, in his particular capacity as a minister of the New Covenant, is likened to a soldier. Surely, however, the analogy of a soldier is proper not just to ministers of the Gospel, but to each individual Christian. And not just to Christians as individuals, but to the church corporately in its present mode of... Continue Reading
On Abusing Matthew 18
Not every alleged sin must be dealt with under the directive found in Matthew 18.
The impression one derives from reading Matt 18 is that the sin in question is not, at first, publicly noticed (unlike the publication of a foolish but influential book). It is relatively private, noticed by one or two believers, yet serious enough to be brought to the attention of the church if the offender refuses... Continue Reading
Eight Myths About Hell
The reality of hell and eternal punishment is not a popular topic, even among Christians.
One of the more blasphemous notions about hell is that there are people in hell who don’t deserve to be there. Nothing could be farther from the truth. God’s justice is impeccable and he never consigns anyone to punishment in hell who does not fully deserve to suffer there. The reality of hell and... Continue Reading
Will We Be Finally “Saved” By Faith Alone (Sola Fide)?
John Piper says “We are not justified through sanctification….But we are finally saved through sanctification.” Is he correct?
The Scriptures simply do not support the inference that there are two stages of salvation and that our putative “future salvation” is contingent upon sanctification. Saying that our future sanctification is “decisively” wrought by God does not alleviate the problem. The whole construct rests on the premise that so long as we assert divine sovereignty... Continue Reading
The Stings of Death: An Article Not Just for Old People
Following are three areas–three stings–where you can reduce the sting from your family and church community.
However, in today’s world, there are practical, earthly matters that intensify the sting of death for those left behind. There are stings still related to death. Burying a loved one can be a complex and confusing matter that feels like an intrusion in one’s time of grieving. The good news is that there are several... Continue Reading
Is It Okay for a Woman To Write Theology And Be Read by Men?
Women teach some of the most wondrous theology in Scripture.
I get questions like this often. It is curious that most men are not called to the offices of ruling or teaching elder either, but we do not question whether we can learn from men. It further perplexes me because we have women “tradents,” who think through and pass down theology and tradition, throughout Scripture,... Continue Reading