Three Themes of Study that I Find Essential to Understanding the Bible

After fifteen years of study, I have found that the study of certain themes lend more light than others to the understanding respecting the overall message of God's word: (1) Covenant Theology (2) The Kingdom of God and (3) Judgmental Wrath versus Fatherly Discipline/Chastening are essential to understanding scripture as a whole. Devoting time in these areas enables one to better understand all other doctrines as well. To truly know God's word is to know God. Let us be found diligent in this enterprise for his glory, the salvation of our souls, the common welfare we share with our neighbors, and the advancement of the Gospel.

Theologians and Ministers

All theologians are ministers. And all ministers are theologians. This is true because to truly know theology is to apply theology. Some do this better than others. And some even attempt ministry without theology. But to what end it cannot be known.

Semper Reformanda

Semper Reformanda always reforming is our motto. Theological development is just that--development. Those of the reformed tradition boast of the soundness of their theology; and rightly so, for we are much more accurate in our interpretation of scripture than the various alternative and popular opinions. Let not pride enter into our hearts though. There is a great risk for it when one knows a truth while the other remains in ignorance. Did we not all have to crawl before we began to walk? It is God that teaches us in matters of theology. He coaxes us along, feeds us the milk of the word, teaches us the language, and brings meat consistent with growth. It is unfortunate that some are unwilling to try that which is contrary to their natural tastes, already having made up their minds before hand that something is not palatable. Not being open minded, they are obstinately unteachable of God; and are consequently, malnourished and stunted in their spiritual growth respecting the enlightening of the mind and understanding. Friends let us be open to God on the matters of theology laying aside our presuppositions. Do we dare say,"that so and so is not in character with my God!"? Rather let us say, "perhaps I am out of character with God?" and adjust ourselves accordingly.
Never forget that in always moving forward we never arrive in our theology. And however our theology is deficient it is never acceptable for it to be insufficient.

Scougal Quote: True Religion

"True religion is a union of the soul with God, a real participation of the Divine nature, the very image of God drawn upon the soul, or, in the apostle's phrase 'it is Christ formed within us.' I know not how the nature of religion can be more fully expressed, than by calling it a divine life" (The Life of God in the Soul of Man Henry Scougal).

Augustine Quote

"It is very easy to execrate the flesh, but very difficult not to be carnally minded" (Augustine Of True Religion Pg. 36).

lex talionis

lex talionis is the law of retaliation and is seen in the old testament by way of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Punishment is proportionate to the crime. Justice is absolute.
Though the old testament emphasises the letter of the law it was Jesus that emphasised grace at this point. He said "turn the other cheek," did he not? Forgiveness is better medicine for the soul than justice more often than not. It also bears a strong witness.

Coram Deo

Coming up are some of my favorite Latin theological terms. Here is my very favorite.

Coram Deo means before God. This term is a reminder to me that I am always before God no matter what, and as such, I am reminded of how I ought to live. Do we really believe this to any real degree? If so how much different ought our lives be to line up with such a profound notion?