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Writing

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

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Revelation

What is the Worth of 666 Talents of Gold?

The 666 talents of gold are worth an awful lot, not just in terms of money but in terms of theological meaning–at least worth a lot more than most modern Evangelical commentators would think. In Revelation 13:18 we are told that the number of the beast is a number “of…

by Mark HorneJune 7, 1997
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Creation

The Days of Genesis 1: A Test Case for Evangelical Hermeneutics

There is a debate going on between professing Bible-believers about the meaning of Genesis One and the six "days" recorded therein. Is the cosmos about six thousand years old or is it many billions of years old? Was the universe six days old when human life came into existence or…

by Mark HorneJune 7, 1997
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Baptism

In the Spirit of Elijah

Understanding John the Baptist in Light of Biblical Theology Anyone who has read Geerhardus Vos’ Biblical Theology cannot help but recognize its immense value to those wanting to better understand Scripture. Nevertheless, we would dishonor Vos if we did not seek to go beyond him once he has placed us…

by Mark HorneJune 6, 1997
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History

Heart of Gold, Mouth of Gold

John Chrysostom’s Commitment, Communication, & Conception of the Pastoral Office (Completed in December 5, 1996, in fulfillment of the requirements for the J. R. Wilson Preaching lectures delivered by Dr. Robert S. Rayburn) In Antioch and then in Constantinople, John Chrysostom grew in wisdom and stature with men and God…

by Mark HorneJune 5, 1997
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Angels

Twelve Fundamental Avenues of Revelation, Part 4

This kind of language is revelatory in a particular way, different from ordinary language. It reveals man as the image of God, as the ruler of creation, as having authority over other persons in various ways, etc. It is the particular kind of language used by rulers as they rule,…

by James B. JordanJune 3, 1997
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Biblical Chronology

John Sailhamer Weighs In, Part 3

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. JordanJune 3, 1997

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Romans

Jew and Gentiles Under Sin

Romans 1-2 are like a one-two punch, Paul's prophetic trap to bring his Jewish readers to a shock of repentance. First he gives a blistering indictment of the world. It's dominated by idolatry, sexual perversion, depravity and all unrighteousness (Romans 1:18-32). It's an indictment that every Jew would agree with.…

August 26, 2019
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Romans

Righteousness of God

Nearly every commentator on Romans recognizes that 1:16-17 contains the theme of the letter. Paul boasts of His gospel because in it the righteousness of God is revealed, from faith to faith. Everyone agrees the verses are crucial. But there's little agreement about what the verses mean. In the medieval…

August 21, 2019
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Apostasy

Apostasy Comes First

The day of the Lord has not come, Paul assures the Thessalonians (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2). It will not come until two things happen: the apostasy and the revelation of the man of lawlessness (v. 3). Paul tells Timothy the same: In the latter days, some will fall away from the…

August 19, 2019
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American CultureSexuality

What Jeffrey Epstein Got Right

This essay was written by Rev. Ralph Smith, a missionary in Tokyo, Japan, and a regular contributor to Theopolis . Jeffrey Epstein called our bluff. Writing in the New York Times , James B. Stewart reports Epstein’s opinion that “criminalizing sex with teenage girls was a cultural aberration and that…

August 14, 2019
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Romans

Gospel of God

Paul introduces himself to the Roman church as an apostle, set apart for the "gospel of God." What is the good news? We don't have to guess because Paul tells us. It's a message rooted in the promises of the prophets in the Scriptures (Romans 1:2). It's about the Son…

August 12, 2019
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AbortionAmerican Culture

Killing in God's Name

The Sixth Word says, “Thou shalt not kill.” But the Bible doesn’t treat all forms of man-slaying equally. It doesn’t prohibit every form of killing. Scripture permits killing animals for food, self-defense (Samson kills a lion), or protection of property (David kills a bear that threatens his flock). Israelites were…

August 7, 2019

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