*Note: This is the first installment in a three-part series. You can access each subsequent article as they are released on the Covenant Confessions blog. Throughout the history of the Western world, few philosophers have managed to define the meaning of human life as succinctly as Saint Augustine. In the opening remarks contained in his […]
Introduction Robert P. George is regarded as one of the greatest intellects of the twenty-first century. From popular-level organizations such as the New York Times to representatives of the most prestigious academic institutions in the world, the overwhelming consensus is that Robert P. George is sui generis.[1] During his time as a student, George amassed […]
See part 1, part 2, part 3, and part 4. As we draw this series to a conclusion, we will consider the pastoral and contemporary relevance for properly understanding the origins, development, and trustworthiness of the New Testament canon.[1] The objective of this series was to demonstrate that the New Testament canon was a concept firmly entrenched in […]
This article will analyze how the Abrahamic Covenant is understood within the Dispensational and Particular Baptist theological frameworks. In keeping with the observable pattern of this portion of the Dismantling Dispensationalism series, each of the three main classifications of Dispensationalism will be categorized with the primary source that corresponds to that respective classification. Furthermore, relevant […]
See part 1, part 2, and part 3. Thus far, in our efforts to understand the origins, development, and trustworthiness of the New Testament canon,[1] we have examined two key premises that refute the notion that Christians did not have a concept of the New Testament canon until the fourth century. In Article 2, we […]
See part 1, part 2, and part 3. Thus far, in our efforts to understand the origins, development, and trustworthiness of the New Testament canon,[1] we have examined two key premises that refute the notion that Christians did not have a concept of the New Testament canon until the fourth century. In Article 2, we […]
See Part 1 and Part 2. Up to this point in the series, we have examined how the canonicity of the New Testament writings are proven by garnering a proper understanding of God’s absolute sovereignty over created reality, in supplementation to apprehending the interconnectedness between the New Testament canon[1] and the redemptive-historical inauguration of the […]
This article will assess how the Noahic Covenant is understood within the Dispensational and Particular Baptist theological frameworks. In keeping with the previous article of this section of the Dismantling Dispensationalism series,[1] each of the three main classifications of Dispensationalism will be categorized with the primary source that corresponds to that respective classification. Furthermore, relevant […]
In keeping with the thesis delineated in this series’ introductory article, we will now turn our attention to unpacking the first premise contained therein: As decreed from eternity past, the canonicity of the New Testament writings was inextricably linked to the redemptive-historical inauguration of the New Covenant in Jesus Christ’s blood (Luke 22:20; 1 Cor. […]
This article will embark upon a critical analysis of Dispensationalism’s aversion to the covenants of redemption, works, and grace. As will be seen below, each of the three main classifications of Dispensationalism will be categorized with the primary source that corresponds to that respective classification. This organizational methodology aims to share pertinent excerpts from the […]
On what basis can the New Testament be trusted as the authoritative word of God (2 Pet. 1:2-3)?[1] After all, wasn’t it simply constructed by the most powerful political and religious leaders of the early fourth century?[2] How can we actually know that the New Testament encapsulates all the writings that God has desired for […]
Before delving into a consideration of the defunct covenant theology of Dispensationalism, it is necessary to ensure that the reader is aware of how the term “covenant” will be used throughout this section of articles. There has been no shortage of ink spilled throughout church history by theologians striving to offer the most precise definition […]
The pupil of Scripture must understand many important themes and concepts if they are to rightly divide the word of truth and adhere to the faith that has been once for all handed down to the saints (2 Tim. 2:15; Jude 1:3). Regardless of whether a self-identifying Christian is familiar with the technical language, some […]
Disclaimer: This letter is intended for a hypothetical college student who has just read Jesus Before the Gospels (Bart Ehrman), and in doing so, has experienced an acute crisis of faith. This was originally written to satisfy a doctoral seminar requirement at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Greetings, It was great to see you during winter […]
See article one here, article two here, and article three here. Critique #3- Dispensationalism Has No Concept of the Law/Gospel Distinction in Scripture By way of drawing this article to a conclusion, the third and final critique of Dispensationalism’s approach to interpreting Scripture will center upon its non-existent conception of the Law/Gospel distinction.[1] Due to Dispensationalism’s refusal […]
See article one here and article two here. Critique #2- Dispensationalism’s Inconsistency on Sensus Plenior and New Testament Interpretive Priority A survey of the New Testament’s use of the Old Testament reveals at least two essential distinctives about the hermeneutic of Scripture. First, it can be observed from the New Testament that there are several occasions in which […]
Perhaps the most glaring issue with Dispensationalism’s hermeneutic is that its application to God’s Word is often exalted to the same authority of Scripture itself…
Christianity is true insofar that the Holy Bible is God’s self-revelation to mankind.[1] The entirety of the Christian faith and its corresponding worldview hinges upon the Bible being the inerrant, inspired, and infallible Word of God (2 Cor. 2:17; 4:2). At least two frightening consequences would result from the Bible simply being another book from […]
The Importance of Trinitarian Orthodoxy for True Worship The doctrine of the Trinity is the most important doctrine of the Christian faith because it tells us who the God is that we worship.[1] In the progressive unfolding of redemptive history, God has disclosed Himself to be one being (ousia) who exists in three co-equal, co-essential and […]
Some Preliminary Thoughts to the Reader I’m not a person who goes out of the way to look for controversy. If you ask those who know me best, they’ll confirm that I tend to be more of a “people-pleaser.” Under most circumstances, if it means making somebody else happy or avoiding conflict, I’m willing to set […]
Devotion From Genesis to Revelation, God’s desire is to showcase Himself as the origin and goal for all comprising His created order, demonstrating how He has worked in many portions and in many ways to accomplish His impeccably good purposes (Isaiah 46:9-11; Hebrews 1:1-2). Tragically, one of the most neglected realms of examining how God […]
My life as a Christian was forever changed on an ordinary day off from work in early December (2019). As my wife left for her job at a local preschool, I trudged from our bedroom to the living room table to embark upon another lengthy day of homework. The Fall semester was nearing its conclusion, […]
Devotion We live in a world dominated by hedonism: the ideology insisting that pleasure and/or happiness is the chief good in life. To be sure, hedonism “sells” to sinners navigating through a fallen world (James 1:14). In a created order full of turmoil, adversity, and hardships, it undoubtedly appeals to the human senses to prescribe […]
Devotion You and I are liars by nature (Psalm 116:11; Romans 3:4). How’s that for an introductory statement? Although it may not be a “politically correct” or popular accusation to make, there are few characterizations that are more accurate in describing sinful humanity. Lying and deceit have been fundamental traits of Satan and his legion […]
Devotion During my childhood, my younger brother and I attended Little Country Daycare in Haslet, Texas. It was at that daycare center where I first began to learn how to pray. To this day, I can still vividly remember the two types of prayers that the Little Country staff taught us to recite on a […]
Devotion When examining the nine fruit of the Holy Spirit cited in Galatians 5:22-23, kindness and gentleness may receive the least amount of study and discussion. Myriads of books, songs and sermons have been produced on God’s love, goodness and faithfulness. When listening to a Christian share their testimony, it is likely they will reference […]
*This article is written from the Presbyterian point of view. A Baptist evaluation will be the final part of the series. How should the broader Christian community interact with Federal Vision Theology? Asking such a question will elicit diverse responses within American Christendom. Many self-identifying evangelicals have likely never heard of Federal Vision Theology.[1] In […]
Devotion[1] In 1533, God set into motion a series of events that would provide His church with one of its greatest gifts received over the past 500 years. After coming to saving faith in Jesus Christ and renouncing his commitment to Roman Catholicism as a priest, Alexander Canus was sentenced to death for heralding the […]
