Terrance Tiessen, has an especially insightful post on the penal substitution theory of Christ’s atonement (PSA). Although the theory is full of complexities and not without controversy noted by many theologians, the value that Tiessen brings shows a warm pastoral heart and very special and important insights into the nature of forgiveness,Read More

I have long held on to two positions which, prima facie, are in tension: 1) a Calvin-esque theology, which at least means that God is providentially in control of all things, including human creatures and 2) the notion that God can know, indeed does know, counterfactuals (see 1 Sam 23:1-13Read More

Apparently a movie is in the making and Forest Whitaker is in negotiations to star in The Shack, an adaptation of the bestselling William Paul Young novel. While there are a deluge of concerns that surround this best seller, our understanding of classic Christian beliefs such as the doctrine ofRead More

My thesis entitled “The Mystery of God Incarnate: An Analysis and Critique of John Hick’s Christology” is a defense of the Chalcedonian confession of the Incarnation of God in Jesus of Nazareth. If, as I argue, Jesus of Nazareth is fully God and fully human, Christianity naturally and logically stands ahead, above, andRead More

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freelyRead More

Graham C. Cole has an outstanding lecture entitled “Trinity without Tiers” (download the MP3 here) introducing the controversy over the eternal subordination of the Son to the Father and the dangers of applying the relationships among the members of the Trinity to male-female relationships. It’s well worth the listen. IRead More

All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. —Mt 11:27 Jesus claims that his Father (i.e., God, cf., vv. 25-26) andRead More

Continuing my read through what I would consider the best introductory theology to date, Michael F. Bird’s Evangelical Theology: A Biblical and Systematic Introduction, section 2.5, “The God Who Reveals Himself”, is quite “illuminating” on several fronts. First I wish to summarize what I believe Mike Bird is getting atRead More

Michael F. Bird’s Evangelical Theology: A Biblical and Systematic Introduction has arrived. I’m only about 130 pp into it and so far I’ve really enjoyed it. I find his style engaging and fresh, his occasional humor witty and thoughtful, and his interplay with historical thought responsible and informed. One ofRead More

In the Bread of Life Discourse in John’s Gospel, Jesus identifies Himself to be the “real food” of which all must partake in order to have eternal life. After experiencing a miraculous object lesson, as well as enjoying a satisfying meal, the people eagerly looked for Jesus on the otherRead More