New Page
I have a new page on the site detailing why I use the ESV on this site and in my personal study. The issue of Bible translation is something I feel passionate about, so please check it out. It’s on the tab labeled “Scripture” at the top.
It’s About Time!!
This has been a long time in the making! Remember last time I talked about what I don’t believe regarding Calvinism? I said that it appears people think I believe that when someone comes to Christ, God must first make sure they are on the “Election List” before accepting their faith/repentance. I refuted this saying it’s not what I believe. Anyone who comes to Christ truly will be saved. This is not to say that everyone who comes is saved, for Christ Himself said there will be those who call on Him in vain. No, only those who come to Him truly will be saved.
So the question, then remains, what do I believe? If God does indeed save anyone who comes to Him, why do I believe Calvinism? Doesn’t Calvin teach that only those whom God has chosen will be saved? If you’re asking these questions, then good. I think you are starting to discover the nature of the problem. Many people reject Calvin on these grounds, and they do so to their detriment because they reflect misunderstandings about what Calvinism is. The short answer to the question is that nobody who is not already on the “Election List” will come to Christ. They cannot, for they are not elect. (more…)
Our DNA
God has for each of you a DNA - not just a physical DNA but also a spiritual DNA
This quote is from the commencement address at ICS Uijongbu, delivered by Dr. Josephine Kim of Harvard University - a former ICS graduate - on Saturday May 26, 2007 and it blew out the left side of my head! I almost couldn’t contain the outburst that welled up inside me at hearing her say this, and for the whole rest of her speech, I don’t think I hear anything she said because I couldn’t stop mulling over this quote and plumbing the depths of its implications. It is probably going to be the springboard of a long series of discussions as I intend to unpack the doctrines that have most significantly impacted my life over the last few years - that is the doctrines of soteriology as innumerated by John Calvin. Now I say it that way instead of saying Calvinism because it is not as though I believe them for any merit I see in Calvin. I simply believe these doctrines on the basis of the Bible first and foremost and the conclusions of my own logical journey through the philosophical issues - with the Bible as my filter. (more…)
Mission Statement
I find it appropriate to start this blog off by stating its purpose. I’ve been seeking a milieu lately for my own random thoughts, particularly with regards to theology. I have a xanga blog, but that is more of a ‘hey this is what’s going on with me’ type of blog. It’s sometimes performed this function, but I desired to have something I could devote solely to this purpose. I have found myself in minor disagreement lately with some of the people around me on the ‘finer points’ of theology, and I’ve only had one recourse when it comes to discussing these: my wife. But while she agrees with me on many things, and humors my ramblings, she has trouble understanding that when I ramble about such, I’m not trying to complain about the people I disagree with, I’m just trying to speak the Truth. Besides which, it is a lot to dump on her, and it stresses her out. So I have this as an alternative outlet. (more…)