WHAT DOES IT MEAN to be "redeemed?" Sure, I could list theological, psychological, and sociological definitions, and there is nothing wrong with that approach. Definitions help define us. They allow us to compare, analyze, ruminate, consider, relate. We quantify and qualify through definitions. Relative to theology, definitions establish parameters; they provide the comfort of knowing …
The Righteous Shall Live by Faith
IT IS DIFFICULT TO image being clothed in the righteousness of God. Exactly how does that happen? How can we possibly be worthy enough and pure enough? Lauren Daigle opens her song You Say with these lyrics: "I keep fighting the voices in my mind that say I'm not enough" (1). This was my dilemma. …
“We Have Lost the Vertical.”
"When you think of it, really there are four fundamental questions of life. You've asked them, I've asked them, every thinking person asks them. They boil down to this: origin, meaning, morality and destiny. 'How did I come into being? What brings life meaning? How do I know right from wrong? Where am I headed …
Let’s Go to Theology Class: The Works of Christ
The following is a summary of my most recent lesson in pursuit of my master’s in theology at Colorado Christian University concerning the “Work” of Jesus. By Steven Barto, B.S., Psy. Grudem joins most Evangelicals in affirming that the penal substitutionary theory is the primary theory and most important way to understand Jesus’ atoning work. …
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Let’s Go to Theology Class: The Person of Christ
The following is a summary of my most recent class in pursuit of my master's in theology at Colorado Christian University regarding the Divine/Human Aspect of Jesus Christ. By Steven Barto, B.S., Psy. I found information under the heading Biblical Perspective—Jesus Christ: Both God and Man to be a great springboard for this discussion. Indeed, …
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Let’s Go to Theology Class: Calvin vs. Arminius
The following is a summary of my most recent class in pursuit of my Master’s in Theology at Colorado Christian University. Written by Steven Barto, B.S. Psy. For the purposes of this exercise, and not necessarily as a reflection of what you really believe, assume the stance of either an Arminian or a Calvinist. From …
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Sin’s Lost Dominion
Paul began his letter to the Romans by setting forth the theme: The righteousness of God (see Romans 1:1-17). In this letter, Paul tells us how to be right—with God, ourselves, and others. Paul also explains to us how one day God will make all of creation right. This is what is meant by restoration, …
Understanding the Concept of Sin
WHY WAS THE INCARNATION of Jesus necessary? Did He have to die? Was it necessary for Him to die in such a way as to cause the shedding of His blood? Did atonement require the death of a divine being? Was His resurrection from the dead a necessary aspect of atonement, or was death alone …
Forming a Christian Worldview
IMPLICATIONS OF A WORLDVIEW Every worldview frames how one understands the world and how one acts in that world. Understanding the phenomenon of worldviews has implications for our thinking in at least three fundamental ways: (1) understanding what happens when variant worldviews meet, (2) recognizing the degree to which worldviews are inherited, and (3) acknowledging …
The Cross
In today's advanced aged of technology, terrorism, and the search for peace, there seems to be no concrete answer. People look for an outcome that will satisfy their needs, but forget to look in the Bible for answers from God. Even though the manuscripts are over 2,000 years old, they remain relevant for many generations, …