Salvation by God at the Cross of Christ: A Reflection on Chapter 6 of Christianity and Liberalism (Part 1)
The parting of ways on salvation secures Machen’s thesis that, in fact and by honest assessment, Christianity and theological liberalism are different religions.
Theological liberalism presents not merely a sub-Christian view of salvation but a different conception of it entirely, which depends on and elevates humanity rather than God. Machen sharply contrasts the liberal view of salvation, Christ as example, with Christ as vicarious sufferer in the mode of legal penal substitution. Far from being an arcane and “subtle” theory,... Continue Reading
Contending without Being Contentious
God is glorified when we welcome one another as much as we are able and seek peace and harmony for His glory.
Christians obviously disagree, individually or corporately, over many matters—distinctive beliefs, ministerial philosophy, practical applications, etc. But disagreement is not necessarily the same as persistent disobedience or unbelief. If possible, we should enjoy what levels of fellowship we can have and handle disagreements as charitably as possible. We must contend for the faith. Jude commands... Continue Reading
Freedom and Obligation
We are to defend and stand firm in our freedom. And that very freedom allows us to love, care for, and serve others.
True love is transformative. No, we can’t love perfectly while here on this earth. But it will make a big difference in how we live our lives. Law-keeping is far inferior to walking in love. And that is why walking in God’s pure love while firmly maintaining our hold on grace is our aim. And someday, we are... Continue Reading
The Simplest Way to Grow Your Love of the Bible
We are to make eternal kingdom investments rather than spending our time, finances, and emotional energy on earthly things.
We recognize our emotions are broken, so we pray that God will change our hearts when it comes to reading the Bible. That we would not just do it, but love it. And then in faith, we start reading, believing that God will do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. If we make that... Continue Reading
Problems with Preferred Pronouns
Many people who refuse to use preferred pronouns do so out of a genuine concern.
Some Christians say you’re not required to use a person’s preferred pronouns, but it’s courteous to do so if you’re asked. It’s simply a matter of being a kind Christian. Whether it’s courteous or kind to comply, however, depends on the nature of what is being asked of you. Complying with a transgender person’s request... Continue Reading
Forsaking Voodoo Christianity
Christianity is not a kind of business transaction, like push the right buttons and out comes a blessing or some positive outcome from God.
Much of evangelicalism in today’s America makes Christianity a kind of business transaction. I push the right buttons, and out comes a blessing or some positive outcome from God. It works kind of like a cosmic vending machine. This is not the gospel message. As the Apostles’ Creed concludes, you get the forgiveness of sins,... Continue Reading
Rejecting Gender Essentialism to Embrace Transgenderism?
A Response to Christa McKirland, “Image of God and Divine Presence”
Instead of rejecting gender essentialism to embrace an ideology that leads to the overthrow of the very foundations of nature in God’s good design, we should hold fast to everything that is good, true, and beautiful, which includes complementary humanity created male and female in God’s image for his glory. Some errors are explicit... Continue Reading
Reversing Romans 1
By God’s pleasure and grace, “foolish, faithless, heartless, and ruthless” becomes “wise, steadfast, compassionate, and merciful.”
The pleasure of God is revealed from heaven upon all godliness and righteousness of men, who by their righteousness celebrate the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived,... Continue Reading
Strive to Enter That Rest: Hebrews 4:1-13
Through Joshua, God gave Israel the land of Canaan, but through Jesus, God gives us a heavenly country where He dwells with us forevermore.
God did give the Israelites a sampling of rest in the land of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua. Yet that rest did not last. Joshua 24:31 says, “Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua and had known all the work that the... Continue Reading
Theology for Everyone Obadiah: A Glimpse of God’s Kingdom
This is a snapshot of our Savior’s glorious redemptive work, who receives the nations as His inheritance and sent out his disciples into their midst to proclaim His gospel.
At the beginning of the prophecy, Edom is high and lifted-up while foreigners enter Israel’s gates and carry off her wealth (v. 11). But a reversal is coming! Mount Zion shall gain ascendency and Mount Esau shall be stubble. The ascendency of Israel is described in terms of possession. They will possess Philistia, Edom, Phoenicia, Ephraim,... Continue Reading
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