In the beginning, God created the universe (Gen 1:1). He spoke, and it came into being. Apart from the Word of God, nothing would be made that was made (John 1:3). God speaks his Word, and creation comes into being. When he speaks, he spirates, and his breath animates what has come into being (Gen 2:7). When God speaks, things happen. His word creates and still does. [Read more…] about When God speaks, he creates
What Does the Bible Say about Repenting for the Guilt of Others?
Current theological discussions on justice sometimes dip into the question of, “Are we responsible for the sins of our forebears?” It is a good question, and it is one that the Bible answers. Here are four questions and answers related to the question of whether or not we are responsible for the guilt of our forebearers.
[Read more…] about What Does the Bible Say about Repenting for the Guilt of Others?
Should We Use Non-Biblical Words to Describe the Bible and Theology?
Some have argued that we must not use non-biblical words to define biblical doctrines and theology. The point seems to be that if we use words found in the Bible, then we will be more biblical. Generally, however, such arguers will affirm the doctrine of the Trinity or inerrancy, both of which are words that do not appear in the Bible.
For this reason and others, the argument that we should only use biblical words not only does not work practically, it is nearly impossible to accomplish.
[Read more…] about Should We Use Non-Biblical Words to Describe the Bible and Theology?
Why Christ’s Enhypostatic Union Matters to Our Salvation
Theology matters. Christianity hangs on the conviction that the invisible God can transform the visible world. If he cannot, then how can Christ’s death and resurrection save us from our sins? Sin against God, after all, exists invisibly as a genuine concept. Sin against God only makes sense if we believe that the invisible God exists and that our actions transgress his laws.
If none of this matters, then theology does not matter. Yet God does exist, sin does exist, and salvation does exist. So theology matters. What we believe and do reaches to the spiritual realm; and the spiritual realm reaches to the physical realm. And these realities require careful thinking about what Christ did for us when he became flesh (John 1:14). In light of this requirement, here are a few thoughts on Christ’s incarnation and specifically why his enhypostatic union matters. [Read more…] about Why Christ’s Enhypostatic Union Matters to Our Salvation
What Can Spiritual People Understand That Others Cannot? (Or Can the World Teach Christians Anything?)
The apostle Paul declares that “the natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Cor 2:14). So unlike the spiritual person (1 Cor 2:13), the natural person does not accept nor is able to understand spiritual truths.
So that’s what Paul says. But what does he mean? Surely, natural people have something to say when it comes to grammar, maths, sciences, or even giving directions to the local market! So what is it that natural people do not accept or understand? [Read more…] about What Can Spiritual People Understand That Others Cannot? (Or Can the World Teach Christians Anything?)
We can be Gospel-centered by talking about God
We can be Gospel-centered by talking about God since the Gospel exhibits the economy of God in accordance with the eternal relations of God and the nature of God.
To say God is good means that he is “the Good” and the source of goodness (see Mark 10:18). And something that is good will share of itself; so the Father eternally shares of his goodness in his Son. The Gospel reflects the goodness of God and his beneficence.
[Read more…] about We can be Gospel-centered by talking about God