Category Archives: Theology

Atonement: Christus Victor

Christus Victor Christus Victor is a phrase I imagine very few of my readers are familiar with. In fact, I’ve had to do a little study on it myself … because we in the Churches of Christ don’t spend much … Continue reading

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Atonement: In Reply to Price and Guy

I posted two extensive comments in reply to comments of Price and Guy in my most recent post. I’m reposting edited versions of my comments here. I follow with a couple of reflections. One of my problems with Reformation era … Continue reading

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Atonement: Ransom; Learning Obedience

Ransom The explanation for how the atonement works found in Matthew and Mark is found in — (Mat 20:26-28 ESV)  26 “It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,  27 … Continue reading

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Atonement: Abraham’s Blood Oath

Abraham’s covenant with God This makes better sense if we try to think like First Century Jews — and so look for understanding in the Torah — not so much the Law of Moses as God’s covenant with Abraham. (Rom … Continue reading

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Atonement: Propitiation, Part 2

The Suffering Servant But then again, we’ve hardly answered the original question, which is just how is it that the cross results in our forgiveness. And before we go on to other theories, we have to consider — (Isa 53:4-8 … Continue reading

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Atonement: Propitiation, Part 1

I guess I need to pause for a moment to clarify a couple of things. * First, I do not for a minute deny that God’s wrath is real and important. Indeed, Paul’s theological discourse in Romans begins with — … Continue reading

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Atonement: Introduction

We in the Churches of Christ don’t spend much time talking about atonement theory. Rather, our focus has been how the individual appropriates atonement for his own benefit. We focus on the question: “What must I do to be saved?” … Continue reading

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Faith That Works/Available Light: An Interpretation of Romans II, Part 4

He will render to each one according to his works (Rom 2:6-8 ESV) 6 He will render to each one according to his works:  7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he … Continue reading

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Faith That Works/Available Light: An Interpretation of Romans II, Part 3

Romans 2, from the start We just demonstrated that if we approach Rom 2:14 starting with Rom 2:29, we find that Paul is not speaking of Gentiles who’ve never heard the gospel. Rather, he’s speaking of saved Gentiles whose hearts have … Continue reading

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Faith That Works/Available Light: An Interpretation of Romans II, Part 2

But if you call yourself a Jew … (Rom 2:17-24 ESV)  17 But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God  18 and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you … Continue reading

Posted in Available Light, Faith That Works, Grace, Romans, Uncategorized | 18 Comments