newtestamentchristianity

                                                                                                                                           I. Introduction: When it comes to the Lord's Table, the doctrines of the Eucharist have been among some of the most debated topics in Christian history, perhaps as much or more than Baptism. While Catholics and most Protestants supported infant baptism at the time of the Reformation, various factions of Western Christianity differed over the subject of the Eucharist.  Through these posts, I will attempt to demonstrate what I believe is the most Biblical view of the Eucharist. This will be no easy task...

   Far too often, is the desire of heaven neglected and set aside for the pleasures of the world. If we truly believe in Christianity, however, then we will look to the New Heavens and Earth (Revelation 21:1-5) as an inspiration to (1) prepare for Christ's Second Coming, (2) attempt to love our neighbor and care for creation.  The establishment of a New Earth should be comforting to all of us. Indeed, God is going to make the world again new. For many in Early Christianity, the final Heaven was not a distinct place from Earth but rather, a renewal and restoration of the Great Garden of Eden which God created in Genesis.  As discussed in the previous post, those who destroy creation are listed as the enemies of God (Revelation 11: 18). Pollution is itself a sin as it disrespects God's created order.  Scripture actually teaches us to preserve God's creation . In Surprised by Scripture  (86-92) by New Testament scholar, N. T. Wright, he discusses how Romans 8...

Historically, Eastern Christianity taught that the final resting place for believers shall be in the New Earth---which they have always interpreted as the restoration of this world. Especially for those who advocate this position, I think that this post will be relevant to them.  C. S. Lewis once said that Medieval people cared more for the earth than no modern people. Of course, to many evangelicals the importance of what the New Testament says on this subject is more important than Medieval practice towards creation. While Monks and Kings in the Middle Ages did much to preserve forests and other aspects of creation, we need to all be familiar with Early Christian thought on issues pertaining to the climate. For more information on the Medieval view of nature, check out the following link: https://www.davidmperry.com/pope-francis-and-traditions-of-medieva/ What were the practices of Early Christians towards the Environment? Did they believe that Christ would soon come and rapture ...

                                                                                                                                   1. Introduction:  There has been much debate about whether Christ's death was particular for the church or in general for all of humanity. Those who hold to the belief that Christ died and provided potential salvation for both elect and non-elect hold to what is called ''Unlimited Atonement.'' Those, on the other hand, who endorse the belief that Christ's salvation was only efficacious for the elect hold to what is called ''Limited Atonement.'' In each camp, there are further different of thoughts concerning Christ's atonement w...

 In my last post, I discussed the Calvinist problems with Romans 9. Today, I would like to discuss their interpretation of Ephesians 1 and how a person can hold to unconditional election without holding to Calvinism.  Historically, the doctrine known as ''Unconditional Election'' was endorsed by Augustine of Hippo, Bonaventure, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, and John Calvin. It was denied by many of the Greek fathers, many Medieval theologians, and the later Arminians. Unconditional Election asserts that God has predestined men for salvation not based on foreseen merits. Today, it is still a common view among Thomists (Roman Catholics) and Lutherans. Many Amyraldists (4-point Calvinists) also hold to unconditional election.  Unconditional Election teaches that God's choice of your salvation is not based upon your given response. Conditional Election, though, says that God has taken your reaction to His calling into account.  Common passages from Scripture used to ju...

Soon, I will be beginning a post on the top of justification according to Early Christianity. For now, however, I wish to explore a related topic: problems with the Calvinist views on Romans 9. Broadly speaking, much could be said about the debate on predestination such as the Thomist and the Molinist interpretations of Ephesians 1. My intention here, though, is simply to prove that the Calvinist reading of Romans 9 is theologically inconsistent with the rest of scripture.  Today, I am starting my first on several posts which take aim at the Calvinist understanding of predestination. In this post, I will be focusing on Romans 9. In the following posts, I hope to cover passages from Ephesians and 1 John concerning both the election and the atonement.  It's very common in American Evangelicalism to read passages of Scripture according to the perspectives of those in the sixteenth century and afterward rather than through the lens that Jewish believers saw the New Testament. If E...

 Biblical Studies generally includes three major disciplines: Old Testament, Biblical Theology, and New Testament/Early Christianity. It is certainly much more than just a reference to a chapter and a verse in an English translation of the Bible.  Old Testament Studies is about the text and history of the Hebrew Bible. Students and lecturers read the Old Testament in its original language and attempt to understand the history of Jewish thought. Considering that the Hebrew Bible covers thousands of years, students of Old Testament Studies will attempt to understand the historical events taking place at the time of the Biblical books to gain further insight as to the meaning of the scriptures.  Biblical Theology includes the study of key doctrines such as Baptism, the Lord's Table, and church government. It comprises the theology of both the Old and New Testaments.  The Study of New Testament Studies and Early Christianity are closely aligned. At some seminaries, the t...