Theology

When you are tempted to think you are at war with fellow Christians

March 25, 2021 by wagraham Leave a Comment

When you are tempted to think you are at war with fellow Christians, remember: Christ “has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.” If it’s true for Jewish persons and Gentiles, how much for us already a new creation in Christ (Eph 2:15)?

Social media, online communication, and the speed of the news tempt us to vilify each other for clout, sales, or whatever else. Often, however, the real war is the war in our heart—it deceives and tempts us (James 4:1). [Read more…] about When you are tempted to think you are at war with fellow Christians

Impassibility Is Good News for the Soul

March 16, 2021 by wagraham 1 Comment

Impassibility means that God has no nerves, blood, or flesh. So he doesn’t get hangry, mad due to lack of sleep, or dopey. He is Spirit (John 4:24). So he doesn’t have emotions that fluctuate on the basis of hunger or lack of sleep.

He is not like the Greek and Roman gods whose vices are ever so human. They commit adultery, become enraged, and so on.

Theological Triage: What’s of First Importance?

March 15, 2021 by wagraham 1 Comment

When it comes to theological triage, Paul calls the Gospel (the story of Jesus and its climactic moments) of first importance:

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.”

I strongly suspect that Paul here defines what he means by “raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” as he has done something similar with the cross in the beginning of the letter.

Episode 34: Wyatt Graham on Two-Kingdoms Teaching

March 5, 2021 by wagraham Leave a Comment

In this episode, I talk about two-kingdoms teaching as presented in the early to mid 16th century. I try to show how such a teaching can help us a sort of political theology to make sense of how we relate to governing authorities. Afterwards, two lawyers (Chad Graham and Kristopher Kinsinger) discuss the topic with me.

Make sure to subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and/or Apple Podcasts. Also, see the host page at Anchor and the Youtube page. And bookmark this page to see every episode. [Read more…] about Episode 34: Wyatt Graham on Two-Kingdoms Teaching

Jesus Introduces a New Priesthood, New Law, and New Covenant

February 21, 2021 by wagraham 1 Comment

Hebrews 7:12–28 argues that Jesus brings a new Priesthood, New Law, and New Covenant, fulfilling and abrogating the Old Priesthood, Law, and Covenant.

But the form of the argument and some of the Old Testament allusions do make the argument (if not the main points) hard to follow. To help with that, I’ve made a translation that sometimes paraphrases and explains the text (like a commentary) to help track the argument.

Do read the text for yourself, however, and use this as a commentary. [Read more…] about Jesus Introduces a New Priesthood, New Law, and New Covenant

Between Legalism and Antinomianism

February 14, 2021 by wagraham 3 Comments

Protestant legalism imposes the law of Moses on Christians even though it’s abrogated.

But Peter wisely says: “Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? ” (Acts 15:11).

Protestant antinomianism denies an ongoing role for the law in the Christian life.

But Paul rightly says: “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise)” (Eph 6:2).

Between the two extremes, the reformers emphasized the law of nature, perceived in the moral laws of Moses such as the Ten Commandments. That law still guides us to live wisely and well.

But we do not do so under Protestant legalism because Christ is the end of the law; nor do we reject the law because loving God and neighbour as ourselves marks the Christian. Instead, we live under the law of Christ, allowing the law to wisely shape our lives. [Read more…] about Between Legalism and Antinomianism