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
The Slow Burn of Bitterness
A person who has truly experienced the mercy of God will be merciful.
As we welcome the Spirit’s work in our lives, we find the fires of bitterness are being replaced by the fruit of the Spirit—love replacing contempt, joy replacing irritability, peace replacing angry thoughts, patience replacing our tendency to be so easily offended. We find ourselves increasingly able to be kind instead of cold, appreciating the... Continue Reading
The Significance of Genesis 3:15
“The whole of Scripture is not packed into every scripture, but we may allowably expect every scripture to prepare and make room for the whole."
God is doing something in the history of Israel that has its genesis in a promise given in Eden. When Mary discovers that she is expecting a baby, Gabriel announces to her concerning her future son: “He will be great” (Luke 1:32), clearly picking up a phrase already made to both Abraham and David (Gen.... Continue Reading
Eternal Generation: A Confession of Historical Significance
One doctrine that has recently come in for questioning is the doctrine of the eternal generation of the Son of God.
Over the years there has been discussion as to whether John Calvin affirmed the teaching and theologians fall out on either side on that question. Our concern here is with the substance of the doctrine and how it was briefly yet clearly affirmed in one of the most significant confessions of Protestant Christianity. Of course,... Continue Reading
Engaging With 1689 (3): Administration Or Intrusion?
There are several issues that separate the Baptists of all sorts from the Reformed theology, piety, and practice.
The Baptist traditions as a group confess a more realized New Testament eschatology in distinction from the Reformed who have a more semi-realized or inaugurated eschatology. One of the great questions that separates the Reformed and the Baptists is the role of Abraham in redemptive history. I had intended to move on to consider... Continue Reading