John Calvin lived from 1509-1564 and was born in France. He initially studied law, but he soon developed an interest in theology after coming under the influence of the Protestant Reformation. Calvin became a pastor, theologian, and leader of the Reformed church. John Calvin became the second most prominent figure in the Reformation behind only Martin Luther. Calvin eventually had to leave France because the Reformed were facing persecution from the Roman Catholic Church there. He ended up in Geneva where he became very influential in the church and society.
John Calvin's major works include "Institutes Of The Christian Religion" and commentaries on almost all the books of the Bible. The "Institutes" was a systematic theology meant to be an introduction to the teaching of the Bible. Calvin's "Institutes" is one of the greatest books in church history. John Calvin held to the great teachings of the Reformation. We are saved by grace alone through faith alone because of Christ alone. Scripture alone is authoritative and to God alone belongs the glory. But unfortunately in some circles Calvin has a bad reputation.
Didn't John Calvin have his daughter-in-law put to death because of adultery? The problem with this one is that Calvin did not have a daughter-in-law. This accusation is obviously not true.
But didn't John Calvin have Michael Servetus executed? First of all Servetus was a heretic who denied the Trinity. He even referred to God as a three headed monster. Calvin held no government position so he had no authority to execute anyone. He was not a crazy tyrant as some would have us to believe. Execution of heretics was the policy in Geneva before Calvin even arrived there. It was simply the common view of the day held by most Protestants and Catholics. They saw the heretic as a murderer of the soul. So by this reasoning a murderer deserved to be executed. Trying to lay the blame for this on Calvin is terribly unfair. People must be looked at in their historical context.
Didn't John Calvin invent that horrible doctrine of predestination? Calvin believed in the absolute sovereignty of God and this leads necessarily to predestination. It is the belief that God has determined beforehand who he will save. He has chosen to save some while passing over others. The doctrine of predestination was not invented by John Calvin. The same view was held by Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, and most of the Reformers. The church father Augustine held to predestination and most importantly it is taught in the Bible. Since it comes from the Word of God it is not a horrible doctrine but a wonderful doctrine.
John Calvin was not a perfect person but the bad reputation is not deserved. He was one of the greatest theologians and leaders in church history. In fact if some of the Calvin opponents would simply read his work they might be surprised to find out how much they agree with him. John Calvin has been described as a fanatic for the glory of God. If only more of us could be described that way.
Monday, September 8, 2014
Monday, September 1, 2014
ISIS, Islam, And The West
The terrorist group known as ISIS has been in the news a lot lately, especially after they beheaded journalist James Foley. The group is active in Syria and Iraq. They have actually existed since 2010 even though they have just recently caught the attention of the Western world. Al Quaeda has distanced themselves from ISIS because they are too extreme even for them. They persecute and murder Christians and others if they will not convert. The group seeks to establish a caliphate (Islamic state). They are seen as a real threat to the United States and the West.
But isn't Islam a wonderful, peaceful religion? Aren't ISIS and other terrorist groups just extremists who are hijacking Islam? In reality these groups may be holding to the actual teaching of the Koran, though we must point out that not all Muslims are terrorists. In fact the history of Islam is one of conquest. In the Koran there is no separation of religion and government. Unfortunately the true nature of Islam is not peaceful. We must realize that not all religions are the same.
America and the West are weak when they need to be strong. They have rejected their Christian roots and have embraced secularism and paganism. The West now lacks a moral foundation to stand on. With the loss of a Biblical worldview we are no longer able to take a strong stand against evil. The West has embraced moral relativism and can no longer stand for truth.
Unfortunately American leadership is weak. President Obama is not a strong leader. He seems to see everything through his Marxist worldview. It is always about the oppressed and the oppressors. Of course Islam has been the oppressed. We have had bad policy in the U.S. and not just from Leftist like Obama. Former President George W. Bush and the neoconservatives have also had bad policy. Going in to Iraq seems to have been a mistake. It created instability and paved the way for ISIS.
The idea of nation building and inserting democracies throughout the middle east was foolish. It simply does not work on an Islamic foundation. Our leaders fail to understand Islam. It is not a wonderful, peaceful religion.
But isn't Islam a wonderful, peaceful religion? Aren't ISIS and other terrorist groups just extremists who are hijacking Islam? In reality these groups may be holding to the actual teaching of the Koran, though we must point out that not all Muslims are terrorists. In fact the history of Islam is one of conquest. In the Koran there is no separation of religion and government. Unfortunately the true nature of Islam is not peaceful. We must realize that not all religions are the same.
America and the West are weak when they need to be strong. They have rejected their Christian roots and have embraced secularism and paganism. The West now lacks a moral foundation to stand on. With the loss of a Biblical worldview we are no longer able to take a strong stand against evil. The West has embraced moral relativism and can no longer stand for truth.
Unfortunately American leadership is weak. President Obama is not a strong leader. He seems to see everything through his Marxist worldview. It is always about the oppressed and the oppressors. Of course Islam has been the oppressed. We have had bad policy in the U.S. and not just from Leftist like Obama. Former President George W. Bush and the neoconservatives have also had bad policy. Going in to Iraq seems to have been a mistake. It created instability and paved the way for ISIS.
The idea of nation building and inserting democracies throughout the middle east was foolish. It simply does not work on an Islamic foundation. Our leaders fail to understand Islam. It is not a wonderful, peaceful religion.
Monday, August 25, 2014
Who Was Augustine?
Augustine lived from AD 354-430. He was born in North Africa to a father who was an unbeliever and to a mother who was a Christian. His mother's name was Monica and she taught him Christianity. Afterward Augustine studied philosophy and came to reject Christianity. But eventually under the influence of his mother and a preacher named Ambrose, Augustine came to embrace Christianity. He revealed that he was converted after reading Romans 13.
Augustine went on to become Bishop of Hippo which is in northern Africa. He became one of the greatest and most influential theologians in church history. His most noted works are "Confessions" and "The City Of God". "Confessions" was his autobiography. In it he tells of his sinful lifestyle and then his conversion to Christianity. "The City Of God" looks at the two cities, the city of God and the city of man. In it he also defends Christianity against accusations that it was the cause of the fall of Rome.
Augustine was involved in a major controversy with a British monk named Pelagius. Pelagius denied original sin, teaching that people were not born sinners. According to him we become sinners because we sin. He even suggested that it was possible to live a life without sin. Pelagius believed that people have an absolute free will to choose God. For Pelagius salvation was basically the work of man.
On the other hand Augustine taught original sin, believing we are born sinners. We sin because we are sinners. He also believed it was not possible for man to not sin. Augustine taught that we are unable to choose God because our will is in bondage to sin. We only have a limited free will, we choose what we want not what we ought. Augustine believed that only those chosen by God would receive salvation. He taught the absolute sovereignty of God and believed salvation was the work of God.
Augustine has been very influential throughout church history especially during the Protestant Reformation. Martin Luther and John Calvin both held Augustine in high regard. In fact those who think that what is today known as Calvinism was invented by John Calvin should take a look back at Augustine.
Augustine went on to become Bishop of Hippo which is in northern Africa. He became one of the greatest and most influential theologians in church history. His most noted works are "Confessions" and "The City Of God". "Confessions" was his autobiography. In it he tells of his sinful lifestyle and then his conversion to Christianity. "The City Of God" looks at the two cities, the city of God and the city of man. In it he also defends Christianity against accusations that it was the cause of the fall of Rome.
Augustine was involved in a major controversy with a British monk named Pelagius. Pelagius denied original sin, teaching that people were not born sinners. According to him we become sinners because we sin. He even suggested that it was possible to live a life without sin. Pelagius believed that people have an absolute free will to choose God. For Pelagius salvation was basically the work of man.
On the other hand Augustine taught original sin, believing we are born sinners. We sin because we are sinners. He also believed it was not possible for man to not sin. Augustine taught that we are unable to choose God because our will is in bondage to sin. We only have a limited free will, we choose what we want not what we ought. Augustine believed that only those chosen by God would receive salvation. He taught the absolute sovereignty of God and believed salvation was the work of God.
Augustine has been very influential throughout church history especially during the Protestant Reformation. Martin Luther and John Calvin both held Augustine in high regard. In fact those who think that what is today known as Calvinism was invented by John Calvin should take a look back at Augustine.
Monday, August 18, 2014
Who Was Justin Martyr?
Justin Martyr lived from around AD 100-165. He was born in Palestine to Greek parents. Justin studied and taught Greek philosophy. He eventually converted to Christianity after being impressed by Christians who were willing to die for their faith.
Justin then became a Christian apologist. An apologist is one who defends the Christian faith. His major works included: "First Apology", "Second Apology", and "Dialogue With Trypho". Trypho was a Jew whom Justin sought to convince that Christianity was the fulfillment of Judaism. Justin defended Christianity as a superior philosophy to Greek philosophy. Greeks saw Christianity as unreasonable and foolish. Justin presented Christianity as reasonable and intellectual. Justin Martyr also made a defense of Christians to the Roman authorities. Rome saw Christians as a threat because they would not worship the emperor or the Roman gods. Justin made the case that the high morality and virtue of the Christians made them excellent citizens.
It does seem that Justin depended too much on philosophy and elevated Plato too highly in his work. But he did also use the Scriptures when making his defenses. Justin did much good work as an early Christian apologist. In AD 165 while teaching at Rome, Justin was executed for teaching an illegal religion and refusing to sacrifice to the Roman gods. This is how he became known as Justin Martyr.
Justin then became a Christian apologist. An apologist is one who defends the Christian faith. His major works included: "First Apology", "Second Apology", and "Dialogue With Trypho". Trypho was a Jew whom Justin sought to convince that Christianity was the fulfillment of Judaism. Justin defended Christianity as a superior philosophy to Greek philosophy. Greeks saw Christianity as unreasonable and foolish. Justin presented Christianity as reasonable and intellectual. Justin Martyr also made a defense of Christians to the Roman authorities. Rome saw Christians as a threat because they would not worship the emperor or the Roman gods. Justin made the case that the high morality and virtue of the Christians made them excellent citizens.
It does seem that Justin depended too much on philosophy and elevated Plato too highly in his work. But he did also use the Scriptures when making his defenses. Justin did much good work as an early Christian apologist. In AD 165 while teaching at Rome, Justin was executed for teaching an illegal religion and refusing to sacrifice to the Roman gods. This is how he became known as Justin Martyr.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Kevin DeYoung's "Taking God At His Word"
Kevin DeYoung usually does good work and this book is no exception. "Taking God At His Word" is a short book that is well worth your time.
In the book DeYoung looks at the attributes of Scripture using the acronym SCAN. The attributes are sufficiency, clarity, authority, and necessity. He also includes a helpful section about Jesus' view of Scripture. Plus he includes a helpful appendix with more related resources.
DeYoung shows that the Bible is all we need for salvation and godly living. We should stop looking everywhere else for God to speak and simply look to the Bible. God speaks through his Word, the Bible is alive. This is a book that all Christians (and non Christians) should read.
In the book DeYoung looks at the attributes of Scripture using the acronym SCAN. The attributes are sufficiency, clarity, authority, and necessity. He also includes a helpful section about Jesus' view of Scripture. Plus he includes a helpful appendix with more related resources.
DeYoung shows that the Bible is all we need for salvation and godly living. We should stop looking everywhere else for God to speak and simply look to the Bible. God speaks through his Word, the Bible is alive. This is a book that all Christians (and non Christians) should read.
Monday, August 11, 2014
Revelation: Four Interpretation Methods
It may come as a surprise to some people to find that there are several interpretive methods for the Book of Revelation. Most probably think there is just one, the futurist view. But there are four basic interpretation methods.
First there is the futurist method. It is the most popular among modern day evangelicals. It is most likely the interpretation most people are familiar with. Futurism see the events in Revelation taking place primarily in the future. Chapters 1-3 are dealing with the first century churches while 4-22 is seen as still in the future. This view expects to see a period of great tribulation followed by the millennium and then the new heaven and new earth.
Next there is the historicist method. This view sees Revelation as using symbolism to describe chronological, historical events. They see the Book of Revelation taking the reader from the early church to the modern church to the return of Christ and then the new heaven and new earth.
Another view is the preterist method. Those who hold this view think that most of the events in Revelation took place with the early church. They see it as symbolic of the persecution and trials endured under the Roman Empire. In this view only the final chapters of the book are still future.
Finally there is the idealist method. They see Revelation as symbolic of the conflict between Christ and Satan. Idealist also see the events of the book as symbolic of the first century, the church through history, a future time of persecution, and the return of Christ followed by a new heaven and new earth.
I prefer a combination of two views. I hold to the preterist/futurist interpretation. In this view Revelation has a first century application as well as dealing with future events. For example the beast is Rome and a future antichrist figure. Also the tribulation would be persecution during the first century as well as an end time persecution. I believe this view makes the most sense and is the best interpretation of the Book of Revelation.
First there is the futurist method. It is the most popular among modern day evangelicals. It is most likely the interpretation most people are familiar with. Futurism see the events in Revelation taking place primarily in the future. Chapters 1-3 are dealing with the first century churches while 4-22 is seen as still in the future. This view expects to see a period of great tribulation followed by the millennium and then the new heaven and new earth.
Next there is the historicist method. This view sees Revelation as using symbolism to describe chronological, historical events. They see the Book of Revelation taking the reader from the early church to the modern church to the return of Christ and then the new heaven and new earth.
Another view is the preterist method. Those who hold this view think that most of the events in Revelation took place with the early church. They see it as symbolic of the persecution and trials endured under the Roman Empire. In this view only the final chapters of the book are still future.
Finally there is the idealist method. They see Revelation as symbolic of the conflict between Christ and Satan. Idealist also see the events of the book as symbolic of the first century, the church through history, a future time of persecution, and the return of Christ followed by a new heaven and new earth.
I prefer a combination of two views. I hold to the preterist/futurist interpretation. In this view Revelation has a first century application as well as dealing with future events. For example the beast is Rome and a future antichrist figure. Also the tribulation would be persecution during the first century as well as an end time persecution. I believe this view makes the most sense and is the best interpretation of the Book of Revelation.
Monday, August 4, 2014
Revelation: An Overview
Author
The author is simply identified as John. In the Book of Revelation, John does not actually identify himself as the Apostle. This has led some to doubt that the author is the Apostle John. They also point to the difference in the style of Greek that is used in Revelation with the Greek that is used in the Gospel of John. The Greek in John is smooth while that used in Revelation is rough. But this could possibly be explained by the use of a scribe by John. Early historical sources do point to the Apostle John as the author of the book. Justin Martyr (A.D. 150) and Irenaeus (A.D. 185) both said that John the Apostle was the author of Revelation. Their testimony has great weight because they lived very close to the time of the writing. Early church tradition and the best evidence points to the Apostle John as the author of Revelation.
Date
Irenaeus states that John received Revelation during the end of the reign of Domitian. Domitian was the Roman emperor from (A.D. 81-96). There are a few scholars who date the book during the reign of Nero (A.D. 54-68). However most scholars date the book in the 90's. It was written most likely around (A.D. 95).
Literature Type
Revelation is an apocalypse and prophecy. The term apocalypse means to unveil or reveal. It is the revelation of Jesus Christ to John. The book has many great visions and also uses much symbolism.
Basic Outline
Chapters
1 Introduction
2-3 Letters To The Seven Churches
4-5 Heaven Opened
6-19 The Great Tribulation
19 The Second Coming Of Christ
20 The Millennium
The Great White Throne Judgment
21-22 New Heaven And New Earth
Four Millennial Views
Historic Premillennialism
Dispensational Premillennialism
Amillennialism
Postmillennialism
Four Interpretation Methods
Futurist
Preterist
Historicist
Idealist
The author is simply identified as John. In the Book of Revelation, John does not actually identify himself as the Apostle. This has led some to doubt that the author is the Apostle John. They also point to the difference in the style of Greek that is used in Revelation with the Greek that is used in the Gospel of John. The Greek in John is smooth while that used in Revelation is rough. But this could possibly be explained by the use of a scribe by John. Early historical sources do point to the Apostle John as the author of the book. Justin Martyr (A.D. 150) and Irenaeus (A.D. 185) both said that John the Apostle was the author of Revelation. Their testimony has great weight because they lived very close to the time of the writing. Early church tradition and the best evidence points to the Apostle John as the author of Revelation.
Date
Irenaeus states that John received Revelation during the end of the reign of Domitian. Domitian was the Roman emperor from (A.D. 81-96). There are a few scholars who date the book during the reign of Nero (A.D. 54-68). However most scholars date the book in the 90's. It was written most likely around (A.D. 95).
Literature Type
Revelation is an apocalypse and prophecy. The term apocalypse means to unveil or reveal. It is the revelation of Jesus Christ to John. The book has many great visions and also uses much symbolism.
Basic Outline
Chapters
1 Introduction
2-3 Letters To The Seven Churches
4-5 Heaven Opened
6-19 The Great Tribulation
19 The Second Coming Of Christ
20 The Millennium
The Great White Throne Judgment
21-22 New Heaven And New Earth
Four Millennial Views
Historic Premillennialism
Dispensational Premillennialism
Amillennialism
Postmillennialism
Four Interpretation Methods
Futurist
Preterist
Historicist
Idealist
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