Resources by Topic: Doctrine and Theology

Back in the 1970s when I was a brand-new Christian, it was popular for people to ask questions like, “Can God create a stone so heavy that He cannot lift it? If not, then He is not all powerful, and if so, He is not all powerful. Therefore, if it is impossible, that contradicts Scripture.” To some it seemed convincing, but it was just a ridiculous self-contradiction that proved nothing at all.

This issue is a huge controversy, and in searching online I did see some people identify me with the notorious (to them) “lordship salvation” position. To me, it is just the position that biblically informed Christians have always taken, but to people with the Grace Evangelical Society, it is heresy.

My goal is not to be a consistent Calvinist but a consistent interpreter of Scripture. The Bible is my authority, not any church leader or theologian.

In order to delight and meditate on the law of the Lord, we must understand correctly what Scripture actually says.

The Bible must be read as it was intended. There are so many different types of writing—historical narratives, apocalyptic (revelatory), wisdom literature, etc. Its cohesiveness is supernatural…no other book even comes close. From beginning to end it’s the story of God’s unending effort to bring humans back into relationship with Him.

I believe this person’s comments are right on target: “I think…that Satan is the ultimate egomaniac. That being the case, he might overestimate his ‘power’ (which is clearly under God’s control).” Let’s look at some Scripture that supports this conclusion.

To understand the message of Matthew 7:21-23, again it’s critical to look at the whole passage and consider who Jesus is talking to and about.

I met and talked with author and psychologist David Powlison only once, but I will never forget the sweetness of his spirit, and how I saw Jesus in him. His insights were penetrating and gospel-centered.

Our theology tends to come from whatever we trust. The fact that a writer or teacher has some good insights along the way makes the heresy all the more effective.

I really like this segment from Kevin DeYoung's new book Daily Doctrine: A One-Year Guide to Systematic Theology. I’ve been reading it, and it is outstanding. The following article is adapted from the book, and is unusually steeped in doctrine—one of the most important doctrines, in fact.

Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, preached a prototype gospel message, asserting three times the happiness of the one who is at the center of the gospel—Jesus. Yet how many people, unbelievers and believers alike, have ever heard a modern gospel message that makes this point? 

I’ve heard critics of biblical inerrancy say, “I believe the Bible was written by human beings, not God.” This statement shows a fundamental ignorance of what people who affirm biblical inspiration and inerrancy actually believe.

This is one of those topics that we have to hold loosely in both hands because it involves paradox. In God’s mind, two things can be true at once even though to us they appear to be at odds. Scripture puts several such concepts before us.

When people say something like, “Your loved one in Heaven held your baby before she/he was born,” I’m sure they are trying to provide well-meaning comfort. But this sentiment is not supported by Scripture.