Systematic TheologySystematic Theology
Bell’s Hell and the Destiny of Those Who’ve Never Heard of Jesus
Tuesday, 12 April 2011 12:30
Bell’s Hell and the Destiny of Those Who’ve Never Heard of Jesus: "by Sam Storms @ ParchmentandPen.com
In a recent interview with Sally Quinn of The Washington Post, Rob Bell again muddied the waters over the question of the fate of those who’ve never heard about Jesus. In doing so he also greatly misrepresented the evangelical answer to this question. Here are his words:
“If, billions and billions and billions of people, God is going to torture them in hell forever – people who never heard about Jesus are going to suffer in eternal agony because they didn’t believe in the Jesus they never heard of – then at that point we will have far bigger problems than a book from a pastor from Grand Rapids.”
Bell is responding to evangelicals who purportedly believe that people “are going to suffer in eternal agony because they didn’t believe in the Jesus they never heard of.” Let me say this as clearly as I can: No one will ever suffer for any length of time in hell or anywh...
Why is Hell Eternal?
Saturday, 12 March 2011 01:00
Michael Patton does a great job of explaining why Christians believe Hell is eternal punishment. read his blog post below:I have heard this since I was a very young Christian. It seemed somewhat reasonable as it was explained to me by pastors in sermons and by Christians as they explained the seriousness of sin. The claim goes something like this:
All sin is so bad that even the smallest of sins deserves eternal punishment in hell. It does not matter if it is losing your temper at a lousy referee, not sharing your Icee, or speeding 36 in a 35, every sin deserves eternal torment in Hell. Why? Although it may seem unreasonable to us (as depraved as we are), it is fitting for a perfectly holy God who cannot be in the site of sin, no matter how insignificant this sin might seem to us. In fact, there is no sin that is insignificant to God. Because He is infinitely holy, beyond our understanding, all sin is infinitely offensive to Him. Therefore, the punish...
Ten Myths About Calvinism
Monday, 27 December 2010 01:00
Below Michael Patton gives an excellent understanding of Genuine Biblical theology that is so mischaracterized by some who do not want to hold to right theological tension that is found in the scriptures. It disappointsme to see people build straw men of this position (or any other position) and then tear down that straw man position that doesn't exist. I am sure that many Christians who hold to different theological positions have experienced as well. We Christians up to hold the whole counsel of God with the tension it reveals, instead of trying to relieve the tension by denying part of Biblical truth because it doesn't make sense or isuncomfortablebecause it doesn't fit your current worldview.In order for Christians to communicate with each other and proclaim the biblical Gospel we must be more committed to the Scritpure as God's revealtion of himself to man than we are to our traditions and man-centered worldviews. We are all developing theol...
Is Expositional Preaching Really Enough?
Tuesday, 30 November 2010 01:00
Is Expositional Preaching Really Enough?: "by Michael Patton of Parchment and Pen
I love to preach. Arguably, I love to preach more than I love to teach. Yes, there is a difference. But I am getting ahead of myself . . .
I graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) in 2001 with my ThM. I had a double major in New Testament and in Pastoral Ministries. The pastoral ministries department is concerned with practical hands-on training such as the teaching process, leadership development, and counseling. I even had to take a course in the use of media (which came down to how to create a proper PowerPoint presentation). They were all great courses which I often return to for sage advice.
However, the gem of the pastoral ministries department at DTS was the preaching courses. There were a lot of things to fear at seminary (not the least of which was Dan Wallace’s Advanced Greek Grammar course), but nothing more so than the day you had to give you sermon in front of the student...
Nine Step Guide to Studying Theology (or Any Issue)
Sunday, 22 August 2010 03:16
I appreciate Michael Patton over at Parchment and Pen giving these beneficial steps to studying theology:Nine Step Guide to Studying Theology (or Any Issue): "
1. Pray for an open mind and heart
While people can intellectually understand truth without the Holy Spirit moving in their heart, no one can accept the truth without his influence (1Cor 2:14-15). The same goes for us as Christians. We may study and have all the information in the world—even the right information—but this does not mean that we are going to be capable of accepting the truth. In other words, the acquisition of knowledge and understanding is meaningless without the power of God to trade your will for his. Pray that God will open your eyes to see and accept the truth.
2. Recognize your bias
From a human standpoint, you are already biased and you need to realize this. Your history, experience, culture, and personality are already present. These have bent you in one way or a...
Christian Scholarship in a Nutshell
Friday, 13 August 2010 01:00
Here is a great blog by Michael Patton atParchment and Pen on how scholarship works with Bible Study. It seems that for many of us we don't spend enough time with the Bible (and that should be our main focus as believers), but we all participate and must participate in all three areas or types ofChristianScholarship even if we do not realize it. As Christians we should check our brains at the door of our closet or church, but use our intelect under the control and power of the Spirit to understand God, His Word, and His world better. The Three areas should not be seen ascompetitorsfor people or camps that people live in, but as teammates in rightly interpreting and applying the Word of God - The Bible.Christian Scholarship in a Nutshell: "
Three types of Christian scholarship:
1. Exegetes (study) - Level one studies
original research; learning; data; facts
These are the type of people who ar...
A Layman's Historical Guide to the Inerrancy Debate
Tuesday, 16 March 2010 12:23
Here is an great article detaining the Inerrancy Debate that took place over the last half of the 20th Century:
A Layman's Historical Guide to the Inerrancy Debate
Article by William B. Evans February 2010
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