The Apostles’ Creed says: “He descended into hell.” Or does it? This short little confession of the essentials of the faith is thought to have begun as questions that were asked of applicants for baptism: “Do you believe . . . ?” It was soon compiled into the form we have today - except for … Continue reading Did Jesus descend into hell?
crucifixion
The inconvenient Jesus
Jesus was the enemy of formalism and legalism, the one who castigated the religious leaders of His day for their hypocrisy. He was the friend of the poor, the oppressed, the outcasts and the sinners. We like to believe that no matter what others may think of us, Jesus is our unconditional friend. That isn’t … Continue reading The inconvenient Jesus
All power
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Matthew 28:18 These are bold words, yet coming as they did from the mouth of one who had risen from the dead we must grant their credibility. The question then is, at what point was Jesus … Continue reading All power
Contagious holiness
“True evangelism is the result of a contagious holiness. Untrue evangelism is simply marketing or recruiting.” -Doug Wilson, from Blog & Mablog, http://www.dougwils.com Doug Wilson writes from a Calvinist / Reformed point of view, therefore we differ on some very fundamental issues of the Christian faith. Yet a lot of what he writes about the … Continue reading Contagious holiness
In praise of pilgrims and strangers
It is right and good to honour outstanding Christian leaders and missionaries of the past, and to follow their example. However, they are a very small part of the story of Christianity. Throughout the centuries since the time of the apostles, a vast number of unknown believers, led by the Holy Spirit, have kept the … Continue reading In praise of pilgrims and strangers
Evidences of the Resurrection
People despise Christian faith. They hate it, and are afraid that it may be true. - Blaise Pascal Unbelievers say that the disciples stole Jesus’ body and lied about the resurrection to save face. How believable is that? How long would the disciples have kept up that fiction, if it was a fiction, when they … Continue reading Evidences of the Resurrection
Dispensationalism Justifies the Crucifixion – Conclusion
Written by Philip Mauro (1859-1952). A KINGDOM “NOT OF THIS WORLD” When the Lord Jesus Christ and His forerunner, John the Baptist, were publicly announcing in the hearing of many thousands of people that the Kingdom of heaven was “at hand,” that is, about to be introduced, what actually was at hand was this present … Continue reading Dispensationalism Justifies the Crucifixion – Conclusion
Dispensationalism Justifies the Crucifixion – Part 5
Written by Philip Mauro (1859-1952) THE TRUE WITNESS We come lastly to John’s account, where facts are mentioned which will help us comprehend the positive and uncompromising judgment of Pilate that the Lord was wholly innocent of any word or act contrary to the rule and authority of Caesar. One peculiarity about this strange judicial … Continue reading Dispensationalism Justifies the Crucifixion – Part 5
Dispensationalism Justifies the Crucifixion – Part 4
Written by Philip Mauro (1859-1952). CHRIST BEFORE PILATE Matthew does not record the beginning of the proceedings before Pilate, nor does Mark: but Luke supplies the important facts — “And the whole multitude of them arose and led Him unto Pilate. And they began to accuse Him, saying, we found this fellow PERVERTING THE NATION … Continue reading Dispensationalism Justifies the Crucifixion – Part 4
Dispensationalism Justifies the Crucifixion – Part 3
Written by Philip Mauro (1859-1952). CHRIST BEFORE THE SANHEDRIN The Jewish law, divinely given in its marvellous completeness many centuries before the Roman Empire came into existence, was scrupulously careful in its safeguards against miscarriage of justice where human life was at stake. Particularly was their law rigorous in respect to the matter of evidence. … Continue reading Dispensationalism Justifies the Crucifixion – Part 3
Flatlander Faith 