There probably is no theological term that has suffered more at the hands of modern thought than the word “faith.” The idea that faith is an irrational leap of some kind pervades modern thought and has infected the church as well. The Bible uses the word “faith” in three different ways—as a Read the rest of this entry →

“Conversion” has been a staple of fundamentalist and evangelical theology for a very long time, but what is it exactly?

Its most basic meaning is to turn or to turn around. It occurs in both the Old and New Testaments, and is used with both physical and spiritual meanings. In a spiritual sense it usually applies it to the nation (Israel) in a context of returning to the terms of the covenant after falling away, but it is also used of a Read the rest of this entry →

Christ’s sacrifice on the cross is the atoning work that creates the possibility of salvation. It is Christ giving glory to the Father through obedience that opens an avenue for God’s grace in our lives. But salvation takes place after man has knowledge of God, assents to His reality, and trusts Him for that salvation. This message, this calling is given to man that he might respond. Yet this gospel does not always meet success as it is preached to the lost due to the sinfulness of man. This is an external call and it is to be proclaimed throughout the world. But in spite of the darkness of the human heart, man does affirm these truths and finds salvation. Is the calling invalid? What is the difference between those who accept and those who reject this calling? Is this calling that is often rejected the same use of the word “called” as when Paul uses it to refer to those who are believers? Read the rest of this entry →

The most fundamental question one must answer when beginning to think about subjective soteriology is the definition of the gospel. Its technical meaning is “good news,” but that knowledge doesn’t take you very far. Your stock broker can give you good news, but no matter how good it is, it won’t affect your standing with God.

Once when I asked for a definition in 50 words or less, the answer was “Jesus.” True enough, but will it be the liberal Jesus or the conservative one? Something more is required. Read the rest of this entry →

Imagine hating your little brother so much you arranged for him to be sold on the black market to some stranger in a foreign land thereby getting him out of your life forever. Fast forward your imagination several years where you find yourself arrested on some trumped up charges in some foreign country where you have no access to American jurisprudence. Your fate lies completely with the judge sitting on the bench, and from all appearances you fear he might order you executed. Finally, imagine the judge comes from behind his seat on the bench, calls you by name, takes your hand in his, and informs you that he is your little brother. Would all hope be lost? Would you know you were about to breathe your last? Read the rest of this entry →

In 9^th grade Mr. Ramala had an unusual practice in his Algebra classes. He allowed boys to take the swats meant for girls. I admit I am dating myself with this story, but a few boys did take their turns in accepting the paddling meant for the girls who broke the rules in class. Joe Bowen was the # 1 swat taker. I think I was # 3. Read the rest of this entry →

As we continue to consider the atonement of Christ, let us contemplate our Lord as the sacrifice that brought satisfaction. One definition of sacrifice is “destruction or surrender of something for the sake of something else.” (Merriam-Webster) When thinking about the concept of sacrifice we often envision scenes from our Sunday school days of the Passover Lamb and blood soaked doorways. These Old Testament images are but shadows of Christ and his work on the cross. Read the rest of this entry →

“In the day that you eat of it you shall die,” so said God to Adam and Eve as he pointed out the test tree in Eden. And when they disobeyed his command and ate from it, dreadful punishment came on all parties involved. To eat or not to eat was morally significant and carried a severe penalty for disobedience, a penalty with numerous dimensions summarized by the word “death.” Read the rest of this entry →

The theological word atonement commonly refers to the sacrificial act of our Lord Jesus Christ giving his life as a ransom through his death on the cross. It is traced to the Hebrew word kippur and the Jewish holiday of Yon Kippur, “the day of atonement;” in which the sin of a nation was covered for a year. It encompasses the work of Christ in which he redeems for himself a people, completed on the cross once for all time. Read the rest of this entry →

Soteriology, the doctrine of salvation, is the great theme of the Bible and the heart of the Christian faith. As such it contains many important terms and concepts that will take some time to work through. This article serves to introduce the topic and give a little review to place it in context. Read the rest of this entry →