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Holy for the unholy

In Levitical law you would choose the firstborn, innocent, and ritualistically pure animal to have its blood shed for individual and corporate sin. The blood would be sprinkled on the mercy seat, on the High Priest, who advocated for the sins of the people via the sacrifice. (Leviticus 1-7) The spotless, pure, and innocent animal would be sacrificed for the one deserving death. In effect, the innocent taking punishment for the guilty, the confessor acknowledging they deserve to die for their wickedness and rebellion, the animal is enduring what he should endure for his sin (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14; Hebrews 9:22). The innocent was substituted for the guilty, imputed with the guilt of the sinner, dying the death deserved of the trespasser “the soul that sins shall surely die,” “ you disobey, you will die,” “I lay before you life and death, choose life.”(Ezekiel 18:20; Genesis 2:17; Deuteronomy 30:19).  This all was temporary, needing reapplication every year, reminding them co...
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Incarnation

Have you heard the phrase, “So spiritually minded, you make no earthly sense”? The statement highlights the importance of understanding the Incarnation and its implications in the Christian life. God does not disregard the physical for sake of the spiritual. We are a duality in being, spiritual and physical in nature, one foot in the metaphysical with one in the physical. We are currently bound by time and space for a short amount of time on this earth.  The gnostics glorified the spiritual over the physical, denying Christ bodily incarnation, as if it was a feigned simulation. That he only appeared to be human, because the physical is impure and the spiritual is without blemish. Other religions, Islam being one, also deny Jesus death on the cross, because as true prophet he only appeared to be crucified. Liberal Theology denies the miraculous resurrection, ascribing it to a psychosis, or making it a spiritual, not physical, resurrection. Yet, the pattern we see is the denial of Je...
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Introduction to the Beatitudes

 In Matthew 5 we see Jesus give an exposition of what is commonly called the Beatitudes. They are statements of blessings on those who demonstrate certain qualities in their lives. Note here that Jesus is speaking to his disciples, who came to him after he withdrew from the crowds (v 1).  First, a disciple is one who is under the instruction of Christ. In this instance we see the twelve, those chosen of Christ, receiving his instruction (discipline). Discipline can have positive and negative connotations to a western mindset. We discipline children, meaning to instruct/guide/teach/correct their behavior and demeanor. This is exercised positively because it brings to them fruition and maturity. Its says in Hebrews 12:5-11 (ESV): “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him.   6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,  and chastises every son whom he receives. 7 It is for discipline that you have to end...
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Authentic Faith

The greatest divide in humanity is the one between the brain and heart. We can sit under great preachers/teachers, learn all the greatest doctrines of the Bible, yet, be fallen. Why? Because that information has been simply that, information, and not traversed the great chasm to the heart.  What is the means whereby the information comes to enter the heart? The Gospel is brought to bear on the heart of man by the Holy Spirit. He is the one who awakens the dead sinner, shows them Christ, and points them to Him (John 15:26; John 3:1-8). That regeneration comes by the grace of God, leading to faith in Christ, and sanctifies the believer throughout their life (Ephesians 2:1-10). One does not believe of their own will but when drawn by the Father to Christ (John 6:28-71 is Jesus exposition of this truth).  Ask yourself, do I believe or just make an external assent to the truth? Has that truth taken hold in my heart? Has it lead me to love, obey, and live with hope in God’s redempti...
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Prevenient Grace: An Arminian Fallacy

 “Prevenient Grace: An Arminian Fallacy” In response to https://evangelicalarminians.org/prevenient-grace-an-introduction/ I write this in response to the article “Prevenient Grace: An Introduction” posted on November 2016 at evangelicalarminians.org and here on blogspot at beyondcalvinism.blogspot.com. My response is regarding your their views of Calvinism and construal of Scripture in support of Arminianism. I begin with a quote from Robert Hamilton in their article:  “Arminians argue that not all who are drawn/enabled by the Father to exercise faith and repentance do in fact ultimately choose to do so (i.e., prevenient grace is resistible), though it is equally true that without such drawing/enabling no person would of himself have the desire or ability to come to Christ in faith. Arminians are able to adopt this position precisely because the drawing and enabling of the Father are presented in the Gospel of John as necessary, not sufficient, conditions for coming to faith ...
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