Academic exegesis is that form of interpretation which copies academics or authority figures. The Lord Jesus Christ cut through this in His teaching. Academic exegesis is seen in the translation of several biblical passages. Bible versions are the product of teams of academic translators pooling their collective knowledge to produce a final decision on the …
Category: Definitions
What is Effectual Calling?
Effectual Calling is the call of the Gospel taking effect. The call of the Gospel is often ignored, in spite of its free offer and wonderful terms that sinners might have peace with God and eternal life. Sometimes the call of the Gospel to follow Christ has a temporary effect, as Jesus taught in the …
Atheists believe in God – they just don’t believe in the devil
Agnostics are more honest than atheists. Agnostics acknowledge that they do not know if there is a God, but atheists declare confidently that there is no God. Does this mean that atheists have searched the Universe and concluded that there is no God to be found? No - they have not searched the Universe. Atheists …
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When did the Bible last change your thinking or behaviour?
Christians claim to be submissive to the Word of God. They acknowledge that they are not 'the finished article'. The development of their Christian character is effected by the Holy Spirit applying the Word of God to their thinking, speech and behaviour. It is called sanctification - 'Sanctify them through thy truth: thy Word is …
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The Synoptic Solution to the Synoptic Problem
The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke) have many similar stories, but with very slight variations. For example, Mark tells us Jesus healed blind Bartimaeus Mk 10:46, but Matthew tells us that Bartimaeus had another blind companion Mat 20:30, with the same request at the same time Mat 20:33. So why did Mark mention only …
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What is the Gospel?
The Gospel is the good news of the free offer of eternal life through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The evidence of a living faith in Jesus Christ is love to God, love to one’s Christian brethren and love to one’s neighbour. Jesus said: "If you love Me, keep My commandments" Jn 14:15,23. Faith …
Exegesis and eisegesis
As a divinity student in 1980 I came across the term 'exegesis' in reference to the exegesis of Scripture. It means 'drawing out' the meaning of a written text and Scripture in particular. I was aware of the common problem of people reading into Scripture their own opinion and thus putting into Scripture something that …
The kingdom of heaven
The kingdom of heaven is that kingdom on God’s earth in which heaven is interested, which heaven promotes, with Christ as its King - that spiritual kingdom on earth which prepares for heaven citizens who discern Christ as the Lord from heaven - that kingdom which acts as the portal for and leads to heaven. …
Presbyteries or Church Courts?
It is very common to hear people speak about church courts. However Kirk Sessions, Presbyteries, Synods and General Assemblies become church courts for specific cases. This legal terminology is now so common that people fail to see that ecclesiastical assemblies are for the mutual support and oversight of the people of God. It is no …
A theological dictionary
I have decided to begin an online theological dictionary with definitions of biblical and theological terms. It will probably include and develop into short articles on these and other themes. Much confusion is created in Christian fellowship meetings by failure to define one's terms. Thus people speak at cross-purposes and confusion develops instead of edification …
