What exactly is the “Rapture” and what are the different arguments for it? Do they hold up under scrutiny and, if not, is there a critical flaw? While the scope of this study does not allow a full analysis of them, we will show two foundational presuppositions behind the “Rapture” teaching: 1) The Dispensational and Premillennial view of eschatology; and 2) A literal and … [Read more...]
Four Main Approaches to Interpreting the Book of Revelation: Studies in Eschatology
In considering principles of interpreting the Revelation of Jesus Christ (1:1), there are four major schools of thought: Futurist, Historicist, Idealist, and Preterist. FUTURIST It is conceded by this school that the messages to the seven churches had contemporary relevance to them but also represents successive ages of church history up to “the rapture” of the Church. From … [Read more...]
Romans: Justification by Faith Alone Verified from the OT, Part 4c
EXPOSITION: Chapter 4:1-25 The Problem of Gospel Myopia Gospel Clarity With his progressively prosecuted argument from 1:18 to its brilliant climax in the passage 3:21-31, the question must be asked as to why Paul continues with another chapter. Surely it is a case of overkill! Not at all, the apostle now goes for the jugular—the chapter is pure polemics and highly … [Read more...]
The Gospel & Cultural Transformation: Natural Law or God’s Law?
The current emphasis on the Gospel's power to renew cities and culture is a great positive. Nevertheless, it provokes an important question. Let us assume city and cultural renewal gets traction – which, increasingly, it will – the next question is how do we determine the ethics and laws by which a renewed and just society should be governed. As a Christian you would … [Read more...]
The Incarnation: Renovation of the Cosmos
Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a … [Read more...]
