Explore our collection of theological essays, biblical studies, and reflections on faith and culture.
Keeping the Law Paul states just as emphatically as James that the doers of the law will be justified (Rom. 2:13; James 2:14ff). But who are these doers of the law? Is Paul speaking hypothetically of a class of sinless people who do not really exist? Or does he have…
I have entitled this super-condensed piece to capture interest, but the fact is it sets forth what I have believed and taught long before I had ever heard of the so-called “new perspective.” For example, one can look at my paper on Ephesians 2.15 , written before I had ever…
N. T. Wright and other “New Perspective on Paul” (NPP) theologians have been criticized and condemned for speaking of justification in various “tenses.” In fact, Wright typically begins discussions of justification with future justification and works his way back to the present. But this is hardly a novelty. While the…
A doctrine of “faith alone” must be explicated and lived out in the light of the larger story of faithfulness, a story that reaches its climax in Jesus, the faithful Messiah. Indeed, the idea of “faith alone,” and even Paul’s use of the OT in service of that idea, makes…
In every city in the United States there are at least a couple of Christian radio stations which broadcast preaching around the clock, seven days a week. Many areas have a Christian television station or two which broadcast worship services several hours a day. Almost any bookstore will have a…
The queston has been discussed: which is prior, faith or repentance? It is an unnecessary question and the insistence that one is prior to the other is futile. There is no priority. The faith that is unto salvation is a penitent faith and the repentance that is unto life is…
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The sixth of seven speeches about the tabernacle (Exodus 31:1-11) is about a new Adam, Bezalel, and his helper, Oholiab. Bezalel, son of “My Light” (Uri) of the royal tribe of Judah, is the first man in Scripture to be filled with the Spirit (Exodus 31:3; cf. Genesis 41:38; Exodus…
The storming of the Capitol on January 6 was terrible, doubtless horrifying for those inside, who had no idea how much danger they might be in. Those who trespassed and vandalized offices should be prosecuted. It was a lawless and disgraceful display of mob stupidity. It could have been much,…
I’m tempted to answer Jordan Haddad’s good-naturedly critical response to my article on Alabama football by pointing to Saturday’s scoreboard. Pointing to the score should quiet any doubts – if such exist – about Alabama’s Augustinian appreciation of the ends of football, though that gesture might reinforce Haddad’s worries about…
Exodus 30:34-38 has a fairly neat inclusio at the beginning and end: A. Yahweh said, v. 34 B. Four spices, equal parts, v. 34 C. Incense, v. 35 D. Holy, v. 35 . . . D’. Most holy, v. 36 C’. Incense, v. 37 B’. Not in same measure, v.…
There are different forms of the life of the Spirit. The Spirit gives Bezalel and Oholiab artistic skill to make the furnishings of the tabernacle. The Spirit gives Solomon wisdom to rule and equips the Servant with counsel, might, and a zeal to liberate and to do justice. The Spirit…
Mary, and Mary alone , accompanies Jesus through His entire life. She conceives Jesus when the Spirit overshadows her, and she gives birth in Bethlehem. With Joseph, she escapes to the safe haven of Egypt. She cares for Jesus when they return to Nazareth. Mary is with Jesus through His…
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