Theology

Who Are the 144,000 in Revelation?

March 11, 2020 by wagraham Leave a Comment

Revelation 7 describes two armies—the 144,000 and the multitude from the nations. These two groups are identified in various ways.

Some have argued that they represent Jewish and Gentile believers respectively (dispenational).Others see them as two visions of the same group (non-dispensational).

Probably the best way to understand the vision, however, is as a recapitution of the earlier vision of the Lion and Lamb in Revelation 5:5–6. A number of reasons lead to this conclusion.* [Read more…] about Who Are the 144,000 in Revelation?

“I am not leaving you. I am changing forms”—is this modalism?

March 5, 2020 by wagraham 2 Comments

A well-known pastor created a bit of an uproar recently when he paraphrased Jesus in John 16:7. The pastor summarized Jesus as saying: “I am not leaving you. I am changing forms.” The language of “changing” forms sounded to a lot of people like he taught the ancient heresy of modalism.

Did he teach modalism? Perhaps, but probably not because he explained himself just afterwards by paraphrasing Jesus again: “When I send my Spirit, I will be in you. So I am not leaving you. I am just changing locations.”

The point he is making, at least in this short clip, seems to be that the Spirit of Jesus makes Jesus present on earth even though he is located in heaven. In any case, it is worth reflecting on what Modalism is since—for better or worse—Christians are now discussing it. [Read more…] about “I am not leaving you. I am changing forms”—is this modalism?

What Does Tribulation Mean in Revelation 1–3?

March 3, 2020 by wagraham 1 Comment

The word tribulation has become so uncommon in the English language that it conjures up the idea of a grandiose event or some far out future time that has little to do with today. Yet for John, it is a normal word that means signals a fiery trial or suffering—something that he and the seven churches that he addresses must prepare for.

While more could be said here, since the Book of Revelation speaks of all sorts of fiery trials or events, it is worth pausing to see how John (and Jesus) speak of tribulation in Revelations 1–3 to get a sense of what the word means. (I will leave the question of tribulational timing for another time.)

Revelation Is a Fifth Gospel in Which Jesus Fully Reveals Himself

February 26, 2020 by wagraham 1 Comment

Most of us read the four Gospel books to hear the recorded words and deeds of Christ. Yet few of us think about reading Revelation for the same reason. That is a mistake. Revelation is an epistle from Jesus Christ that not only records his words but also his deeds throughout. In this sense, it is like a fifth Gospel book.

What makes Revelation unique is that Jesus no longer keeps his messiahship a secret. The hidden has become manifest. He is the ascendant Lord. And to his churches, he reveals himself in his full splendour. Consider a few points to explain this idea further. [Read more…] about Revelation Is a Fifth Gospel in Which Jesus Fully Reveals Himself

Review of Truth We Can Touch by Tim Chester

February 23, 2020 by wagraham 1 Comment

Tim Chester has skillfully written a short book on how baptism and communion should shape our lives. His easy communication style makes Truth We Can Touch accessible to a large audience—even to those who do not often read theological books.

In this sense, the book could easily help churches teach their congregations the meaning of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. It could also be a textbook at the college level. I recommend the work to anyone interested in the topic—I had only some minor quibbles with the work. [Read more…] about Review of Truth We Can Touch by Tim Chester

Jesus Fulfills Some Old Testament Passages about Conquering Gentiles by Saving Gentiles

February 22, 2020 by wagraham Leave a Comment

One of the most unrealized yet central scriptural patterns of New Testament proclamation is Christ’s fulfillment of eschatological promises. This fulfillment of the universal and eschatological passages in the Old Testament is the reason why the Gospel goes to all nations.

Through Christ, the end has begun to be realized. The Gospel, by its very nature, is eschatological. It is the last hour. The kingdom of God is near. Hence, the Gospel saves all who believe since Jesus reigns over all creation.

In this regard, the New Testament applies passages about the subjugation of gentiles to the church. To be more accurate, the New Testament sees Gentile conquest passages as first all a subjugation by faith and inclusion into the people of God. And then second, in the end, these passages point to Christ’s subjugation of the nations by force (e.g., Rev 19).

Let me explain how this works before spending time in Romans 15 to see an important example of this apostolic proclamation in practice. [Read more…] about Jesus Fulfills Some Old Testament Passages about Conquering Gentiles by Saving Gentiles