A Theological Response to G. K. Beale’s Article: “An Exegetical and Theological Consideration of the Hardening of Pharaoh’s Heart in Exodus 4-14 and Romans 9”

By Stephen Marcy, March 2008 / Revised March 2010, Oct. 2022 Beale’s Method and Purpose We need to state up front that Beale is a Calvinist,[1] and we also need to be clear that Calvinists believe in universal divine causal determinism.[2] I have demonstrated this as a fact in many places on this website and here … Continue reading A Theological Response to G. K. Beale’s Article: “An Exegetical and Theological Consideration of the Hardening of Pharaoh’s Heart in Exodus 4-14 and Romans 9” →

From Sandy Hook to Uvalde: A Moral Tragedy or Triumph of DNA?

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” Jesus, John 11:25, 26 “In a universe of blind physical … Continue reading From Sandy Hook to Uvalde: A Moral Tragedy or Triumph of DNA? →

“My Hope America” – Reflections on Two Incompatible Gospels

On November 7, 2013 the Fox News Channel aired the “My Hope America” special in which Billy Graham confidently proclaimed the gospel message.[1] A key element of his message was “God loves you.” If this is truly a proclamation of God’s Word, then it expressed the truth about God’s disposition of love to all who … Continue reading “My Hope America” – Reflections on Two Incompatible Gospels →

A Christian’s Reflections on an Election in America

Introduction The title I originally chose for this article was “Christian Reflections on an American Election.” But being presently convinced - for reasons that I will give below - that there was very little about our 2020 Presidential election that was truly “American,” I changed the title to “Christian Reflections on an Election in … Continue reading A Christian’s Reflections on an Election in America →

1 Timothy 2:4-6: Leighton Flowers, Charles Spurgeon and the Hermeneutical Divide

The Christian Standard Bible translates 1 Timothy 2:4-6 in the immediate context as follows: “First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good, and … Continue reading 1 Timothy 2:4-6: Leighton Flowers, Charles Spurgeon and the Hermeneutical Divide →

The Friends of Israel, the Sovereignty of God and Election

Introduction Although the controversy over God’s sovereignty and election in relation with human freedom and responsibility goes back to Augustine (354 – 430 A.D.), it is typically set in terms of the Reformation era debate between Calvinism and Arminianism. Generally speaking, the doctrine of divine sovereignty is understood as God ruling or reigning over … Continue reading The Friends of Israel, the Sovereignty of God and Election →