Why the Third Day?
The Promise of Resurrection in all of Scripture
Following the original creation of humanity, Jesus’s resurrection unto glory is the most decisive event in the history of mankind, for it brings the dawning of the new creation and validates that those in Christ are no longer imprisoned under sin, the payment for which is death. The New Testament is clear that the Scriptures... Continue Reading
On The Canons Of Dort (31): Doubts, Carelessness, and Godliness
The Remonstrants were convinced that the Reformed faith did not produce sufficient godliness.
The Reformed were Augustinian Protestants. They believed the historic doctrine of original sin. They saw Luther’s doctrine of salvation sola gratia, sola fide in Scripture. They were realistic about the Christian life. They knew that sinners sin—that even those who have been redeemed by Christ and regenerated by the Holy Spirit continue to struggle with sin and... Continue Reading
Where then is Boasting? It is Excluded; by What Kind of Law? Of Works? No, But by a Law of Faith
For many years my understanding of salvation and its doctrines was very fuzzy compared to my understanding now.
During those years of doctrinal “confusion” I based my salvation on something I had done. I based my assurance on things I did. When I witnessed to others during that time the emphasis was on bringing people to make a decision followed by them reciting a sinner’s prayer. As well meaning as all of that... Continue Reading
Tried with Fire: Why Us?
Adam’s sin brought death and its brood upon both humankind and the created order.
Romans 8 and Romans 5 have to be taken together. First, Romans 5:12Open in Logos Bible Software (if available) links human suffering and death to Adam’s original sin. Then Romans 8 teaches that human suffering and “natural” suffering (i.e., the suffering of the created order) are tied together. These notions form a single, biblical idea... Continue Reading
Is Homosexual Practice No Worse Than Any Other Sin?
Scripture shows (1) sins do differ in significance to God and (2) God regards homosexual practice as a particularly severe sexual sin.
However, the idea that, if the church had just delivered the message on homosexual practice as sin with more love and more balance, there wouldn’t be any expression of anger and bitterness from the gay-rights community is preposterous. Jesus was a loving guy and yet he was crucified for speaking the truth. Sin hates any... Continue Reading
Christian Liberty
Christians with hearts aflame for God come in all shapes, sizes, and practices of liberties.
The doctrine of Christian liberty can be abused by careless Christians who misunderstand and/or misuse the doctrine. Paul comes to the rescue here. Note his words in Galatians 5:13: “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Peter... Continue Reading
Stay Faithful to Jesus (2 Corinthians 11:1-15)
Stay faithful to Jesus by clinging to the gospel and resisting false teaching.
What does Satan use to draw people away from Jesus? False teaching. Lies about God. It’s what Satan used in the Garden of Eden, and it’s what he continues to use today. Notice what Paul says about the serpent: he uses cunning or trickery. He’s very good at getting us to believe things that are... Continue Reading
4 Misconceptions About Resurrection…And the Truth
Since Jesus is the firstfruits of those who are yet to come, if we trust in Christ, we too will one day have transformed, resurrected bodies.
What is resurrection? As my father and I state in the updated Evidence that Demands A Verdict, resurrection is a return to physical life. But it is not a return to the present physical existence with all its limitations. Resurrected bodies are transformed, incorruptible, and eternal (1 Corinthians 15:20-23). Not long ago, I was... Continue Reading
Why Do We Need Sound Doctrine?
How do we produce mature believers? Sound doctrine.
Just as you physically grow by eating and drinking, our Lord wants us to nourish ourselves on the words of sound biblical doctrine. This is how Christians are to be equipped for the work of the ministry––by learning to abide in the Word. You become like John describes in 1 John 2:14, “You are strong... Continue Reading
Hard Questions Will Only Serve Him: A New Dawn for Christian Apologetics
In the area of sexuality, as in every other area of apologetics, Jesus lies at the heart of the answer.
We believe that marriage is one man and one woman for life because it models Christ’s love for his church (Ephesians 5:22–33). We believe that the scientific method works because the universe is sustained by the all-powerful word of God (Hebrews 1:3). We believe in love across racial and cultural difference because one day people... Continue Reading