Salvation by God at the Cross of Christ: A Reflection on Chapter 6 of Christianity and Liberalism (Part 2)
We should reject adjusting the atonement, sin, and our view of God to meet the tastes or fads of the day, but rather have a clear-eyed focus on sin and the cross as the core of the gospel.
To modify the core message of the gospel in order to receive what we think of as a proper hearing will lead to unfaithfulness. There are temptations within the evangelical church to compromise at the same places where theological liberalism was found defective: the doctrine of sin, character of God, and the accomplishment of the... Continue Reading
Why Reformed Churches Need Contextualization
The goal of contextual translation work is to present the message and life of the gospel in a comprehensible and attractive way.
Take time to explain unfamiliar movements of Christian worship. Explaining and teaching confession and forgiveness as part of our regular worship will make a striking difference in our churches and in society. When we explain the flow of worship, we also explain patterns that should be part of the rhythm and flow of a Christian’s... Continue Reading
That We Might Live
Life in the Holy Family
Like physical life, it’s hard to define. But—leaning hard on Scripture—we can perhaps say that at its heart eternal life is the character and quality of existence that God experiences in himself. Very importantly, this is a trinitarian life—for the Bible reveals that the one God exists as a “holy family” comprised of three distinct persons: Father,... Continue Reading
The Safety Zone: Psalm 2:7-12
When you submit to Christ’s lordship, you will rest securely in your newfound freedom.
The essential message of Psalm 2:1-5 is this: We enter the danger zone when we resist God’s rule and reign in our lives. How then, should people live before God? Psalm 2:6-12 provides an important answer. We will learn that rebels must recognize Christ’s right to rule and respond reverently to his kingly authority. Then and only then, will... Continue Reading
Is There More to Repentance Than Feeling Guilty?
Biblical Repentance Is Grave, Sincere, and Practical
Repentance is both the beginning of the Christian life and its continuation. While our place in Christ is doubtlessly secured when we come to Him in faith, part of what it means to be in Christ is to routinely and readily reject sin as the Holy Spirit makes us aware of it. As we read our Bibles... Continue Reading
The Meaning of “Sabbath” in Colossians 2:16
The reference in Colossians 2:16 is not to the 4th Commandment, but rather to the ceremonial feasts and festivals of the Hebrew calendar.
The overall teaching of the Bible is that the 10 Commandments as unit, including the 4th Commandment, still stand. The context of Colossians 2:16 is Paul speaking of Jewish ceremonies. Those ceremonies can rightly be called “sabbaths.” Rightly understood, “sabbath” of Colossians 2:16 refers to the various ceremonies. Paul also mandates that offerings be received in multiple churches specifically... Continue Reading
Assurance for the Unassured
Finding Hope in the Names of God
When God sent his Son into the world, he sent him with a name — with many names, in fact. And in his mercy, God was pleased to inscribe assurance in nearly every syllable. Some of Jesus’s names do speak directly of his greatness, calling forth fearful awe. He is the Lord who commands creation, the King who rules the nations, the Judge who... Continue Reading
How Do I Face the Deaths of Others?
The gospel does not do away with our grief, but it transforms our grief. Five lines of comfort and encouragement to grieving believers.
Death is about separation. Our hope is about reunion. Soul and body will be forever reunited, gloriously. The believing dead and believers who are alive at the second coming will be reunited, and all believers will be gathered to Christ, forever. Our hope reminds us that death is not the final word. In the providence... Continue Reading
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
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