In understanding the biblical role of church and state – and its implications for homosexuality – we must first understand the transformational nature of God’s kingdom. Christ is not only “head over all things to the church” (Eph 1:22), but also “ruler of kings on earth” (Rev 1:5). Through Christ’s resurrection and ascension he has been given “all authority in heaven and on … [Read more...]
Theonomy
This teaching stream explores Theonomy (theo – God, nomos – law, meaning God’s law).
Theonomy not only demonstrates the harmony of Old Testament and New Testament – of Law and Gospel – but it validates the ethical force of the Old Testament law in all its specifics as a divinely revealed objective standard for the sanctification (ethical holiness) of the believer and for social justice.
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A Biblical View of Law and Grace: Implications for Same-Sex Marriage
For many it is argued, “We are not under law but under grace!” (Rom 6:14). Likewise, Paul declares, “I died to the law so that I might live for God” (Gal 2:19; also Rom 7:6; 1 Cor 9:20). Therefore, the Old Testament law has been abolished, they claim, including the laws concerning homosexuality. And yet, Paul affirms that “the law is holy, and the commandment holy, righteous … [Read more...]
Theonomy
Theonomy (theo – God, nomos – law, meaning God’s law). Historically the Christian movement has been beset by two significant heresies: Marcionism and Antinomianism. Around AD 144 Marcion dualistically represented the God of the Old Testament as a vengeful tyrant, while the superior God of the New Testament was one of love and forgiveness—and never shall the two meet. This … [Read more...]
The Economic Crisis of Ethics
A New Economics In the wake of the Global Financial Crisis, with economic instability on the one hand and environmental impoverishment on the other, ‘economics’ has moved to the centre of public concern, calling its present outlook into question.[1] This outlook is exemplified in the film Wall Street, flaunting the unabashed stance that ethics are unnecessary for economic … [Read more...]
Tithing & The New Covenant
Introduction Throughout the history of the Christian movement the approach to Tithing (one tenth) has been far from unanimous, demonstrating many diverse views (see below). To find clarity on this contended and sensitive issue we must go back to some foundational theological and interpretative principles to discover, with some measure of accuracy, what the Bible … [Read more...]
