Stumbling on a Two-Way Street
Any true understanding of the importance of forgiveness in the life of the Christian begins with an understanding of the significance of sin; because it is sin that necessitates forgiveness (1 Jn. 1:9).
This somewhat passive approach to the sins you and I commit is, I believe, a by-product of our collectively treating so casually the fact that we are sinners–violators of God’s law– as opposed to mere “mistake-makers” (Rom. 3:23). That being said, this commentary isn’t about sin, necessarily. Well, it is but, then, again, it isn’t. It’s actually... Continue Reading
The Imitation of Christ (2)
Antinomianism denies the requirement of imitating Christ.
There is a certain attractiveness to this position, particularly when its adherents passionately proclaim the all-sufficient work of Christ. The same of course may be said about certain liberal preachers who exalt Jesus and love. The Christian naturally leaps at the name of Jesus, his finished work, and love. Problems arise when we redefine terms... Continue Reading
Hope Springs Eternal
Christians know the hope that there is purpose behind all of it, an overruling providence that sustains in the darkness and points toward the light.
I remember some years ago when my sixteen year-old neighbor spent a summer trying to learn how to ride a skateboard. He persisted through embarrassing falls and hostile temperature. And why? I fancy it was because it seem a cool thing to do (and perhaps the girls would love him for it). By the same... Continue Reading
Samuel Davies and the Free Offer of the Gospel
Is the ‘free offer of the gospel’ consistent with Reformed theology?
As a Calvinist, Davies could have falsely reasoned that the number of the elect is determined by God in eternity and, therefore, entreaties to the lost make no difference either way. That is an unscriptural position because God himself makes such general entreaties to the lost in the Scripture. There is always a danger in... Continue Reading
Beauty & the Gospel
True beauty is an ally of the gospel in that it parallels the human dilemma.
Beauty reveals itself somewhere between the opposing forces of darkness and light, major and minor, protagonist and antagonist. Beauty can be appreciated often when seen in contrast with its counterpart — depravity. The honest painter, musician, or writer, gripped by the contrast between good and evil, is unafraid to portray both. In fact, the struggle... Continue Reading
The Gospel for Shame
Among the realities that are bundled into forgiveness is that the gospel is for our sin and shame.
Shame identifies that we are unacceptable. Dirty and disgraced. Sent away. Distanced from people and God’s promises. We notice that life can feel more like death. We become unacceptable because of our own sin; we also become unacceptable because of our association with things connected with death such as weakness, disease, and the sins of... Continue Reading
5 Things You Need to Believe About Jesus’ 2nd Coming
The inauguration of the kingdom, especially in Jesus' resurrection from the dead, secures the kingdom's future consummation at the end of history.
Peter called the crowd to repentance, promising “that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all things about which God spoke by the mouth... Continue Reading
The Imitation of Christ (1)
When it comes to the imitation of Christ we need to be careful to avoid two mortal errors.
On the one hand we must not fall into the trap of thinking that Jesus merely came to set an example for us to follow. And on the other hand, we must not believe that we don’t have to follow his example. These two errors are sometimes referred to as theological liberalism or moralism and... Continue Reading
Do the Psalms Pass the ‘Gospel-Centered’ Test?
If our theological grid for selecting songs doesn’t allow us to sing the Psalms, we might need to rethink it.
Is the song centered on Christ and the gospel? Is it focused on God or focused on the self? Does it celebrate and magnify the Triune God as revealed in Scripture? Is it vague, or specific and clear? Is it light on sin? These questions, and many others, are of upmost importance. I recently... Continue Reading
Our King-Servant-Anointed Conqueror: Jesus
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. (Isa. 53:2–3)
What Israel needed was salvation. What Israel needed was a Savior. One who would come from “outside of themselves.” What Israel (Judah) needed was a Servant Savior who would do what she evidently could not do for herself. This also is our need. Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights. (Isa.... Continue Reading