The resurrection of our Savior is the greatest proof of his divinity and complete success in saving sinners. Any person could see this sign and know that Jesus really was God manifest in the flesh. However, all did not believe even though there was irrefutable evidence. This was even true before Christ’s resurrection when he…
Parallel Between the Cross and Creation Week
In typical prophetic fashion, it makes sense that Jesus would complete his salvific work on the 6th day of the week (Friday) by saying “It is finished” and then rest in the grave all of the Jewish Sabbath (Saturday). Our savior then rose on the first day of the week (Sunday), signifying a new beginning…
The Record of the Crucifixion from Mark’s Gospel
Last month, Josh Winslett posted an article discussing the day of the week on which Jesus was crucified. The traditional view of Christianity is that Jesus was crucified on a Friday. In recent times, this has been questioned because of the prophecy of Christ regarding the sign of the prophet Jonah, that He would be…
Avoiding Extremes
While controversy often results in precision in how theology is expressed, we must be careful not rush to the opposite extreme of that which we disagree. There is a ditch on each side of the road. Opposing an idea by swerving to the opposite extreme renders one in just as much error as he initially…
A Fixed Heart
My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise.” – Psalm 57:7 King David was on the run as he penned these words. We know from the notation at the beginning of this Psalm that this was penned as David was fleeing from Saul for his life and hiding…
What Day was Christ Crucified?
There are three basic views concerning the day that Christ was crucified. The majority view is a Friday crucifixion, commonly called Good Friday. A second view that has gained some popularity is that Christ was crucified on Wednesday. There is also a third view that blends the other views and places the crucifixion on Thursday….
Justin Martyr on Sunday Worship
Sometimes I read accounts of Christian worship and life from the 2nd century. It’s always interesting to see how those directly after the apostles interacted in public worship. None of these saints were infallible. Some used strange language and others were influenced by Alexandrian philosophy. This should remind us to follow the Bible alone for…
God is not Mocked
An interesting and sobering note from my studies today in Galatians. Paul compares the willful neglect of ministerial support while expecting continued blessing from them to mocking God (Galatians 6:6-7). The word for mocked in Greek (mukterizo) is used as a word picture for turning up a nose at one to ridicule or insult. The…
Jesus is Both the Lion and the Lamb
The Bible often uses visual word pictures to display certain characteristics, or attributes of Jesus Christ. Two word pictures used are Lamb and Lion. Jesus is called Lamb that takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). He is said to be “brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before…