The Image of God

Introduction The concept of the image of God lies at the heart of the biblical doctrine of humanity.[1]  That man – both male and female – in some way resembles the Creator provides significant meaning and value for the human race.  Throughout history, theologians and philosophers have said and written many things about what it [...]

Rudolf Bultmann and the Quest for the Historical Jesus

Introduction Among the most influential theologians of the twentieth century stands Rudolf Bultmann (1884-1976).[1]  He was a man of towering intellect whose work continues to exercise a significant influence over theological discussions to this day.  Although more people say negative things about Bultmann than those who have actually read him, he has made many important [...]

The “Works of the Law” in Gal. 2:16

“We who are Jews by birth and not from among ‘Gentile sinners’ know that a person is not justified by works of the law, but through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, in order that we might be justified through the faithfulness of Christ and not by works of [...]

Micaiah’s Courtroom Vision: 1 Kings 22:19-23

Introduction The historical narrative of 1 Kings 22 is one of the most theologically challenging passages in the Old Testament.[1]  The issues revolve around the actions attributed to YHWH in Micaiah’s vision of the heavenly courtroom (vv. 19-23).[2]  Numerous explanations have been offered in an attempt to reconcile these actions with the way in which [...]

The God of Qoheleth

Introduction Ecclesiastes is generally considered by readers and commentators alike as being primarily a philosophical rather than a theological work.[1]  This approach to the book has often caused many to miss the important dimension of Deity that permeates the message of Qoheleth.  Although it is clear that the author did not intend his work to [...]

The Messianic Mission in Matt. 1:21

 “And she will give birth to a son, and you will call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” [1] Matt. 1:21 Introduction Recent studies have demonstrated how the beginning of each Gospel performs the role of an overture that introduces the main characters, the major themes, and the world [...]

The Soteriological Legacy of Augustine

Introduction Of all the figures in early Christianity, perhaps none has had such a significant influence on both the world in general, and the church in particular, as that of Augustine.[1]  From his day to the present, the ideas he wrestled with and wrote about have continued to inspire and challenge theologians in areas ranging [...]

The Relationship of the Second Coming to the Cross

Introduction This essay will explore two of the relationships that exist between the Cross and the Second Coming, namely, eschatology and soteriology.[1] Eschatology The New Testament (NT) makes it clear that the cross of Christ marked the beginning or inauguration of the eschatological age.   Paul addressed the believers in Corinth as those “upon whom the [...]

Truth – A Perceptive Definition

Truth is not what I believe. Truth is not even what I know. Truth is fact. I may not believe it. I may not know it. That does not change it. It is there nevertheless, waiting to be discovered and believed. Truth does not depend on the unsettled and changing opinions of men. It was [...]

What is our condition, really?

The two central pillars in Christianity are the badness of man and the goodness of God. We cannot even attempt to grasp latter without understanding the former. But to what extent is sin inherent in our human nature? Are we born with “original sin” as some teach, or are we born without it? This is [...]