Posted in Historical Theology on February 28, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
(This was posted originally at theologicalsharpening.blogspot.com)
by Danny Pelichowski
Introduction
I read Augustine’s treatise ‘On Nature and Grace’ for my final primary resource reading assignment for my church history class. It has been a breath of fresh air because I was able to read with excitement and agreement more than being critical and in constant disagreement as I was with [...]
Posted in Historical Theology on February 23, 2009 | 1 Comment »
by Peter Phillips
The Critique
One must always tread lightly when dealing with the work of a brilliant man like Wesley, especially by way of critique, but I have several concerns about the doctrine of Christian Perfection. First, I think it would be helpful to point out that the doctrine is hardly objectionable when it is stated [...]
Posted in Eschatology on February 10, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
by Peter Phillips
The Present Reign of God in Christ
Some people tend to object to a present reign of Christ in the “Kingdom discussion,” because it is clear that Christ has not conquered in the fullest sense, so as to be coercively reigning over his enemies. However, when discussing this issue it is helpful to [...]
Posted in Historical Theology on February 9, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
by Peter Phillips
An Exposition of Christian Perfection
Wesley has several different formulations of his view of Christian perfection, but they all converge upon the idea that one can be “perfected” in love. For Wesley, Christian perfection is “being renewed into the image of Christ” by loving God with all one’s heart, and loving one’s neighbor [...]
Posted in Historical Theology on February 6, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
by Peter Phillips
The Historical Context
Like all theology, Wesleyan theology did not come into existence without a historical context, and therefore it cannot be understood apart from a proper discussion of the historical landscape of which Wesley was part. First, it is helpful to understand that in 17th and 18th century Europe, doctrine had become so [...]
Posted in Historical Theology on February 3, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
by Peter Phillips
Introduction
In a time when the church had succumbed to formulaic and cold expressions of doctrine, and Christian practice had become diluted by antinomianism, John Wesley came onto the scene preaching salvation by faith alone and spoke of the profound freedom Christians have from the power of indwelling sin. Wesley had a significant impact [...]
Posted in Christology, Eschatology on February 3, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
by Peter Phillips
Already/Not Yet
The question regarding the timing of the Kingdom of God has been one of considerable debate throughout the centuries, and it will have a significant impact on whether one thinks Christ is reigning presently or not. However, to set the proper context for “the reign of Christ” discussion, it will be [...]
Posted in Christology, Eschatology on February 2, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
by Peter Phillips
Introduction
The grand theme of the Scriptures is without a doubt the Kingdom of God as revealed through the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The Bible is a book about the Kingdom of God. From the opening verses of Genesis to the closing lines of Revelation, God’s Kingdom is being proclaimed. He is the Sovereign [...]
