That’s a shock. Aren’t we supposed to obey the Ten Commandments? Well … only if you don’t do something else first.
Ten Commandments: God’s Great Compromise with Humanity’s Big Failure
Reply
Category Archives: Interpreting the Bible
Cosmic Disasters = Apocalyptic Imagery for Judgment and Major Change
“Four blood moons!” said popular books. If we interpret the following passages literally, then the cosmos (earth, sky, heavens, stars, worlds, seas, planets, sun, moon, and so on) would not exist as we observe it today. Instead, let’s use wisdom to interpret the Bible in its context.
Who Was Melchizedek?
He seems to be a mysterious figure. Some say he was a Christophany (manifestation) of the preincarnate Christ. But who was he according to the entire Scriptures that mention him? An old-fashioned Bible study here.
Does the Land of Israel Belong to Jews Today by Covenant?
How do biblical covenants bear on that extremely important question today? Does the New Covenant cancel the Abrahamic covenants? What does the remnant mean in the Bible?
Grace to You
Paul begins and ends each letter with grace. Great for your personal edification or a series in a Bible study or sermons.
Alternatives to Grace?
What are those alternatives? Only one man, inspired by the Spirit, turned the problem and solution on its head.
Two Approaches In Interpreting Scripture
One approach says, “Just do it!” The other one says, “It’s already been done.”
What Is Biblical Imputation?
Hint to its meaning: Think about it and take it on credit.
The Law Teaches Virtue and Restrains Vice
Several years ago, my city installed cameras at various intersections, and I got caught three times. I “miraculously” became an awesome driver!
Law versus Grace
The New Testament issues all sorts of commands and imperatives that many of us can’t live up to. What then?
Being Justified in Paul’s Epistles
What does “being justified” mean? Acquittal in law court, put right in a covenant, or both, or what?
Paul Quotes the Old Testament
This study looks at the Old Testament passages that Paul quotes in his writings, and the post places the references in categories.
The Law in Paul’s Theology
The “Grace Revolution” must adequately deal with this topic, for a change.
Law in the Epistle to the Romans
How does Paul use of the Old Testament in this most important epistle? Does he put people under the Old Covenant, by referring to its Scriptures? If not, then why borrow from them in the first place?
Do Christians Have to ‘Keep’ the Ten Commandments?
Do we ignore the Old Law so we can be free to live as we wish in the New Covenant? What about Christian Sabbath keeping? What does the Bible really say?
What Does the New Covenant Retain from the Old?
How much continuity and discontinuity is there between the New Covenant and the Sinai Covenant? This article is designed to answer the confusion between hyper-grace on the one side and legalism on the other.
Law versus Gospel
It is important to distinguish law from the gospel. If we don’t, we’ll get confused about how to walk the walk.
‘Total’ Inerrancy and Infallibility or Just Infallibility?
A brief history of a controversy over the Bible in America, since the 1970s. I offer my view of Scripture, at the end.
Does God Cause Natural Disasters to Punish People Today?
Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, wildfires, earthquakes and tsunamis—natural disasters slam humankind every year. Did God do that? What does the Bible say? Two different covenants make all the difference—a progressive revelation.
How Jesus Christ Fulfills the Law: Matthew 5:17-19
Christ fulfilled or paid off your debt to the Law. It’s paid in full. He accomplishes this by fulfilling the holiness demand in the law and the fullest revelation of God’s character.
How Christians Should Interpret the Old Testament
When the Old and New Testaments are interpreted carefully and rightly, using Scripture to interpret Scripture, this truth will emerge: Jesus Christ fulfills the old law, in many, many areas.
Interpreting the Bible and Accommodation
God accommodated humanity when he inspired ancient authors to write infallible Scripture to ancient people. Now we follow him by accommodating ancient Scripture when it seems to make scientific claims about the world of nature.
Augustine Says No to Silly Interpretations of Genesis
Augustine lived from 354 to 430. He was easily one of the most profound thinkers who ever lived. His words are relevant today.
Works Cited
Here is a list of the principal works referenced or used at this site. More will be added as time goes on, so please check back.
Dr. Jim's Essential Bible Teaching 