I hope the title of this article reveals the importance of the doctrine of imputation. Many conservative evangelicals pushed back on Evangelicals and Catholics Together in 1994. Charles Colson represented evangelicals and Richard John Neuhaus represented the Catholics. The gospel was watered down. “We affirm together that we are justified by grace through faith because of Christ.” (click to open). But the indispensable word "alone” was left out. Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. R. C. Sproul wrote Justification by Faith Alone to correct this biblical error.
Read moreFreedom of the Will verses Bondage of the Will
Are the unsaved responsible for believing the gospel of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection that we witness or preach? Do they have a choice? Are unbelievers only the passive recipients of regeneration? These questions have been debated for centuries. Michael Barrett (click to open) writes articles on this debate between Augustine/Pelagius, Luther/ Erasmus, Calvin/Arminius, and John Edwards/John Wesley. The debate rages today between proponents of Free Will and the Bondage of the Will. My thoughts on the debate are that some who teach the freedom of will promote a free will that is too free. Some who contend for the bondage of the will advocate a will that is to bound.
Read moreThe Three Imputations
L.S. Chafer in his 1948 Systematic Theology said that “thirty-three stupendous works of God” took place the moment we trusted Christ as Savior (Volume 3, 234-265). Justification and imputation are two of these supernatural works. Justification is a legal courtroom word where the judge declares the person either guilty or innocent whereas imputation is a business word.
Read moreThe Immaculate Conception of Jesus
At Christmas, we celebrate the miraculous virgin birth of Christ. We also commemorate the immaculate conception of Christ. The angel spoke to Mary in Luke 1:28 of the supernatural conception: “And the angel said unto her, ‘Fear not, Mary: for you have found favor with God. And, behold, you shall conceive (emphasis added) in your womb, and bring forth a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.” Before we discuss what is called in Roman Catholic theology the Immaculate Conception, I want to remind you of what has been called the Immaculate Reception because of one NFL football pass or reception that was also considered immaculate or miraculous.
Read moreIs There a Difference between Preaching and Teaching in the Pulpit?
There is an intermural debate among Christan preachers as to whether a pastor is preaching or teaching or a combination of both when he is in the pulpit.
R. C. Sproul in The Difference Between Preaching and Teaching (click to open), makes little distinction between preaching and teaching in the pulpit:
Typically, we distinguish between preaching and teaching. Preaching involves such things as exhortation, exposition, admonition, encouragement, and comfort, while teaching is the transfer of information and instruction in various areas of content. In practice, however, there is much overlap between the two. Preaching must communicate content and include teaching, and teaching people the things of God cannot be done in a neutral manner but must exhort them to heed and obey the Word of Christ. God’s people need both preaching and teaching.
Sproul acknowledges that the element of persuasion is essential to teaching. Teaching like preaching includes persuading the listeners “to heed and obey the Word of Christ.”
Read moreWhat is preterism?
Preterists Kenneth Gentry defines preterism: “The term ‘preterism’ is based on the Latin preter, which means ‘past.’ Preterism refers to that understanding of certain eschatological passages which hold that they have already come to fulfillment” (He Shall Have Dominion: A Postmillennial Eschatology, page 159).
Read moreHAS BIBLE PROPHECY ALREADY BEEN FULFILLED (Part 1)?
"The Olivet Discourse is not about the Second Coming of Christ. It is a prophecy of the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70." --David Chilton (Preterist)"
Read moreStep Six: Prepare the Introduction
If what Haddon Robinson said is true of our average congregation, then we preachers have our work cut out: “When you stand up to preach, people are bored and expect you to make it worse" (Biblical Preaching, Second Edition. page 166).
Read moreThe process and result of Fuller Theological Seminary abandoning their doctrinal statement
Fuller Theological Seminary illustrates the effect of a Christian institution or local church abandoning a solid doctrinal statement. The Domino Effect took place at Fuller Theological Seminary which was founded in 1947 by Charles Fuller.
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