Explore our collection of theological essays, biblical studies, and reflections on faith and culture.
“And it shall be in those days when you are multiplied and increased in the land,” declares the Lord, “they shall say no more, ‘The Ark of the Covenant of the Lord.’ And it shall not come to mind, nor shall they remember it, nor shall they miss it, nor…
Elsewhere, I have argued that there is grace in the so-called covenant of works (see, e.g., my colloquium essay, “A Response to ‘The Biblical Plan of Salvation,’” in The Auburn Avenue Theology: Pros and Cons , edited by Calvin Beisner (pages 118-148). It may be equally surprising to find justice…
Years ago, as a layman, I had the privilege of attending a Bible study led by a gifted teacher. His story was interesting: back when he was a student he had been severely sanctioned for affirming that one must repent in order to be saved, that one must trust Jesus…
Believing that God really exists Defining “faith” is sometimes made too complicated. The theologian, Louis Berkhof, for example, distinguishes “faith in general” from “faith in the religious sense and particularly saving faith.” Berkhof’s core definition of saving faith is not so bad. He says that it is “a certain conviction,…
It is generally acknowledged that when Paul wrote letters to churches, he expected his letters to be read in the worship service to the congregation. It is interesting, then, that when Paul wrote letters to a congregation he could feel free to address children and tell them to obey their…
Book 4 of Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion is a classic work of ecclesiology. This book is the longest section of the Institutes , showing Calvin’s deep interest in and love for the church. Among its many salutary features is a full scale exposition of those ecclesiastical leaders Calvin…
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Jesus is the Good Shepherd (John 10). That means He cares for His flock, leading them to pasture and water (Psalm 23; 1 Peter 5:2; Revelation 7:17). The Good Shepherd is a gentle, nurturing shepherd. Also a shattering shepherd. Jesus shepherds ( poimaino ) with an iron rod, suitable for…
Revelation 3:1-2 is organized in a new chiasm: A. Thus saith He who has seven Spirits, even the seven stars B. I know your deeds ( erga ) C. You have a name that you are alive, but you are dead D. Wake up and strength the remainder C’. Which…
Psalm 26 is a chiastic text: A. I have walked with integrity and truth, vv 1-3 (Yahweh 3x) B. I don’t sit with the deceifful or wicked, vv 4-5 C. I wash in innocence, process around the altar, love Yahweh’s house, vv 6-8 (Yahweh 2x) B’. Do not take me…
Jesus’ message to Sardis uses the word “name” ( onoma ) four times, first in the sense of “reputation” (Revelation 3:1), then as a stand-in for person (v. 2), and finally twice in Jesus’ promise to those who keep up with their laundry (v. 5). We have the odd phenomenon…
Peter Winch argues that any comparison of social realities across cultures is self-contradictory ( The Idea of a Social Science , 108). We say X is a social fact, that it is what it is only because of the way social actors use and evaluate it. The “natives” deny that…
Bard Eirik Hallesby Norheim summarizes what Practicing Baptism means. It is “about letting oneself to be made a receiver, a beggar over and over again (204). It is about renunciation, the call to give up our lives to gain them (205). Baptism is practiced well only if it is practiced…
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