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Christians often practice a Christ-centred reading of Scripture. Yet this approach can sound like a pop-a-mole game where Christ just springs up everywhere in Scripture. I do not think that is the case here, but I can understand the concern.
One way to understand the Christ-centered nature of Scripture is to use two key metaphors. That is what I do here before making some conclusions on Christ in the Old Testament. [Read more…] about How Christ Is the Centre of Scripture
Many have attempted to discover the centre of Scripture by reading it according to its own terms, idioms, and storyline. In this attempt, however, theologians have differed on what that centre is. Proposals include justification, God’s glory in salvation through judgment, and God himself. That so many disagree on the centre suggests that such an approach has yet to discover the centre.
Despite the seeming impossibility of discovering the centre, it is possible to name it. In my view, the discipline of biblical theology can grasp the centre only through first considering key apostolic comments on the relationship between Christ and Scripture. Only then does the centre become manifest.
Let me explain. [Read more…] about Does The Scripture Have a Centre, Or Is It a Collection of Writings without a Centre?
Over the last few hundred years, Christians have debated the nature and timing of the kingdom of God. Some argued that Jesus was a failed prophet since the kingdom did not come as he expected. Others argued that the kingdom was delayed due to Israel’s rejection of Jesus. Still others found ways to understand the kingdom apart from either extreme.
From an historical angle, the debate is fascinating since it did not seem to greatly disturb earlier Christians. For example, John Scotus Eriugena (9th ce.) maintained the presence of the kingdom now yet with its full manifestation appearing at a later time.
I think we can be even more precise than John Eriugena since Scripture speaks on this matter. The kingdom of God in its political and geographical reach lies in the future after the second coming, while the presence of the kingdom exists in the people of God because they are in Jesus. [Read more…] about Is the Kingdom of God Here?
What is biblical theology? In simplest terms, it means theology that comes from the Bible. More specifically, biblical theology studies the theology of the Bible according to its own terms, themes, and storyline. It then tries to understand the various theological themes across the whole canon of the Bible to discover shared meaning among Scripture’s diversity.
In this sense, biblical theology provides theological first principles that systematic theology may use to expose the underlying structures of created and uncreated reality. Definitions like these often feel abstract or vague. One way to understand biblical theology with more clarity is to know its limitations since we often learn by contrasts. The limitations include the following: [Read more…] about Three Limitations of Biblical Theology
Francis Chan recently implied that the reformers relegated the Lord’s Supper to a “symbol,” elevated the pulpit and preaching in its stead, and caused division in the church—which now has 30,000 denominations. Any clip excised from a full message (as this one) almost necessitates miscommunication. Almost certainly this is the case here.
Still, many cite narrative that Chan gave above concerning communion to criticize the Reformation. For this reason, it is worth asking whether or not the argument about the Lord’s Supper is correct. As I see it, the major problem with the Lord’s Supper narrative is that it is entirely wrong.
The reformed did and do believe in the real presence of Christ, the pulpit did not replace the Lord’s Supper but complemented it, and there is no where near 30,000 protestant denominations. And besides, a denomination in Protestant theology means a denomination of the whole—it is a practical subgrouping of the catholic church. [Read more…] about Is Francis Chan Right about the Lord’s Supper?
When Jesus confronted Pilate, he said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 19:36). Reader’s of the Gospel of John would know what Jesus meant because John tells us that Satan rules this world’s kingdom. Jesus calls him “the ruler of this world” (John 14:30; 16:11; John 12:31–33). And the devil’s kingdom is characterized by deceit since its ruler has been a liar from the very beginning (John 8:44).
Christ’s kingdom, however, bears witness to the truth (John 19:37). In this sense, telling the truth or rather telling of the Truth (John 14:6) characterizes the kingdom of Christ. One kingdom is full of lies; the other is Truth itself.
One kingdom, represented by Pilate, uses military power and political machinations. The other confronts this world that is full of lies and exploitation. Knowing the power and nature of these two kingdoms provides us with a political theology that can guide how we view and participate in politics. [Read more…] about How Should Christians Think about Politics?
