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Explore our collection of theological essays, biblical studies, and reflections on faith and culture.

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Biblical Horizons

The Sin of Ham and the Curse of Canaan, Part 1

The history of the sin of Ham and the curse of Canaan comes in the middle of the Generations of Noah, a section of Genesis that begins at Genesis 6:9 and extends to the closing notice, Genesis 11:9. To understand the story better, it is necessary to get in mind…

by James B. JordanJune 3, 1997
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Eucharist

You and Your Son and Daughter: Christ’s Communion with Young Children

This paper was written to persuade people who were members of the Presbyterian Church in America. It should be accessible to anyone who believes in baptizing infants–especially to those who consider themselves a part of the Reformation Tradition. References to “our Confession” or “our standards” invoke the Westmeinster Confession of…

by Mark HorneJune 3, 1997
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Baptism

The Westminster Standards & Sacramental Efficacy

Version 1.2 I write this brief essay in order to address a problem I have encountered. I keep reading explanations of doctrine of the sacraments fundamentally empty of the content which was once held by virtually all Reformed confessions and formulations. Furthermore, I read explanations and commentaries on the Westminster…

by Mark HorneJune 3, 1997
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Biblical Chronology

John Sailhamer Weighs In, Part 2

We continue our analysis of John Sailhamer’s book *Genesis Unbound: A Provocative New Look at the Creation Account* (Multnomah Books, 1996), which argues that Genesis 1:2ff. is not about the creation of the whole world, but about the preparation of the Land of Eden, which is also the Promised Land.…

by James B. JordanMay 31, 1997
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Matthew

Toward a Chiastic Understanding of the Gospel According to Matthew, Part 2

III. Death of God’s Firstborn in the real Egypt: This huge chiasm has as its center the betrayal of Peter, as the leader of the disciples himself rejects Jesus. Peter holds an oficial position as high priest among the disciples of the incarnate Lord. His rejection of Jesus is the…

by James B. JordanMay 31, 1997
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Eucharist

A Response to Rev. Bacon’s Argument that Manna was not a Sacrament

I wrote a response to Rev. Richard Bacon’s tract, What Mean Ye by This Service , a copy of which I borrowed from the library at Covenant Theological Seminary. However, I recently discovered that a new appendix was added to the version available on the Blue Banner’s web page. This…

by Mark HorneMay 29, 1997

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Last Trump?

Andrew Sullivan and others have concluded that the Donald’s candidacy is a blast from the last trump, announcing the end of democracy. These underestimates the federal government's blessed capacity for gridlock, and Trump's chameleon capacity for compromise, change, and moderation. The real worry is less that, if elected, Trump will…

August 10, 2016

Without Defect

I n answer to the question, Who may sojourn in Yahweh's tent, or dwell on His holy mountain? Psalm 15 answers: A man without defect. The word translated in the NASB as “with integrity” is the Levitical term tamim , “without defect,” and usually describes sacrificial animals (e.g., Leviticus 1:3,…

August 10, 2016

Obsessed with Sex?

C hristians are often accused of being obsessed with sexual sin. Why can’t two people, of whatever sex, do whatever they please in the enclosure of their own room? Who is hurt if a guy wants to get off looking at tantalizing pictures and videos on his computer? What’s the…

August 10, 2016

David's Helpers

W hen David was exiled to the stronghold to flee Saul, warriors from Israel's tribes gathered to him. 1 Chronicles 12:16-18 records his reception of men from Judah and Benjamin. He greets with understandable suspicion; these are Saul's kinsman, after all. He asks if they have come in peace or…

August 9, 2016

First Covenant, First Tent

T he key to grasping the argument of Hebrews 9:1-10 is to follow the use of the word “first” (Gr. protos ). There is a first covenant with its regulations of worship (v. 1) and the parable ( parabole , v. 9) of this first covenant is the erection of…

August 9, 2016

Be Holy

L eviticus 20 is mainly concerned with the penalties for sexual crimes. Adultery, homosexual sodomy, bestiality, and some forms of incest are capital crimes. Yahweh Himself punishes other crimes. The chapter begins and ends with more general exhortations to avoid the customs and ways of the Canaanites. Near the end,…

August 8, 2016

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