This article argues that the "parousia" texts and concept in 1 and 2 Thessalonians teach lessons ... more This article argues that the "parousia" texts and concept in 1 and 2 Thessalonians teach lessons on Christian ethics and eschatological hope for believers during the present age before the imminent appearing of Christ. It also suggests that the prominence of end-times teaching in these two letters demonstrates that eschatology is a fundamental biblical doctrine that should be taught with urgency to Christians, not reserved as a final doctrine as customary in systematic theology.
This article critically engages the redemptive-historical model favored by a majority of contempo... more This article critically engages the redemptive-historical model favored by a majority of contemporary evangelicals as the center for biblical theology. The article demonstrates inadequacies of this model and proposes an alternative, a doxological-historical model, which focuses on God's glory as progressing throughout canonical history. This model is the most satisfactory for centering biblical theology because it recognizes a comprehensive proposition throughout the Scriptures, underscoring God's glory as the end goal and the critical link between creation and redemption.
By way of historical, exegetical, and theological analyses of 1 Timothy 4:1–5, this article argue... more By way of historical, exegetical, and theological analyses of 1 Timothy 4:1–5, this article argues that divine commands, when not interpreted according to a dispensational framework, may, in fact, be doctrines of demons.
The Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society , 2023
This article demonstrates that the phenomenon of righteous suffering, which in the Gospels is pro... more This article demonstrates that the phenomenon of righteous suffering, which in the Gospels is promised on account of Jesus's name only in John 15, suggests an ecclesial shift from the people of God in the Old Testament and between the testaments to the people of God in the New Testament. In other words, the phenomenon of righteous suffering distinguishes different peoples of God throughout history with the church being unique in being explicitly promised suffering for obedient faith.
narrative upon which the populist drive is typically built, whereby The People (dignified and pur... more narrative upon which the populist drive is typically built, whereby The People (dignified and pure) are oppressed by The Elites (corrupt and self-serving). Within this narrative there are also 'dangerous others' who live among The People. In Europe, the appeal to a historical Christian heritage ensures that those of other faiths, in particular Muslims and those from non-Christian countries are firmly within the 'dangerous others' camp. This divisiveness, the authors argue, is an identifying feature of anti-democratic populism, which distorts any aim towards a common good as being for one particular group to the exclusion of others. Part two provides detailed examples of historical and current populist movements across a range of European countries, namely: Germany,
This article was published in Evangelical Quarterly 92 (2021): 201-223. It argues that Habakkuk c... more This article was published in Evangelical Quarterly 92 (2021): 201-223. It argues that Habakkuk contains a subtle yet powerful theology of repentant-faith for believers in Yahweh. Such repentance is not necessarily dependent on the presence of sin or disobedience from which to turn. Following a triadic interpretive method covering history, literature, and theology, the conclusion drawn is that though explicit terms for ‘repentance’ do not appear on the surface of the text, the concept is certainly implied. https://brill.com/view/journals/evqu/92/3/article-p201_2.xml
This article was published in Bulletin for Biblical Research 33 no. 1 (2023): 33- 54, and is the ... more This article was published in Bulletin for Biblical Research 33 no. 1 (2023): 33- 54, and is the first to appropriate a subset of trauma studies called "moral injury" to an often overlooked character in John's Gospel--the βασιλικός (“royal official”) of John 4:46–54. The article engages insights borrowed from moral injury theory, proposing a horizontal reading of the text that sheds light on this father’s inner trauma and suffering. In doing so, it invites similar sufferers today to rely on the Jesus in whom the βασιλικός sought relief.
This paper is the full draft of a presentation I gave at the Lanier Theological Library in Housto... more This paper is the full draft of a presentation I gave at the Lanier Theological Library in Houston, TX for the "Pastoral Implications of Pseudepigraphy and Anonymity in the New Testament," conference sponsored by The International Reference Library for Biblical Research, May 19-21, 2022. An edited version is slated for publication with Wipf&Stock/Cascade for Spring/Summer, 2023.
Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society , 2022
Against the historical backdrop of two prominent approaches to the Gospel of John, this article a... more Against the historical backdrop of two prominent approaches to the Gospel of John, this article argues for an interpretive methodology consistent with evangelical convictions such as divine inspiration and inerrancy. Building on Thomas Brodie's "three waves" classification of Johannine interpretive history and incorporating Andreas Köstenberger's hermeneutical triad, this study offers a methodology for reading the Fourth Gospel that falls within synchronic approaches to John but includes caveats that give due weight to the Gospel's historical and theological veracity.
This cover story was published in the Messianic periodical, Ariel Magazine (Winter, 2021). It bri... more This cover story was published in the Messianic periodical, Ariel Magazine (Winter, 2021). It briefly argues that the Gospel of John contains a theme of suffering believers who stand as paradigms for suffering believers today. Because Messiah suffered for glory of God, those who follow Messiah are at times called to glorify God in suffering. The language of the essay is particularly sensitive to Jewish readers.
This article was published in Evangelical Quarterly 92 (2021): 201-223. It argues that Habakkuk c... more This article was published in Evangelical Quarterly 92 (2021): 201-223. It argues that Habakkuk contains a subtle yet powerful theology of repentant-faith for believers in Yahweh. Such repentance is not necessarily dependent on the presence of sin or disobedience from which to turn. Following a triadic interpretive method covering history, literature, and theology, the conclusion drawn is that though explicit terms for ‘repentance’ do not appear on the surface of the text, the concept is certainly implied. https://brill.com/view/journals/evqu/92/3/article-p201_2.xml
Didaktikos: Journal of Theological Education , 2021
This article was published in the "Currents" section of Didaktikos, Sep 2021. It surveys the curr... more This article was published in the "Currents" section of Didaktikos, Sep 2021. It surveys the current field of trauma studies called "Moral Injury," and promotes cross-disciplinary engagement with biblical studies. Moral injury helps illumine cases of mental trauma and suffering in Scripture that reach beyond answers offered by retribution theology or simple sin / forgiveness paradigms.
This article offers a critical engagement of a 2016 essay published in Perspectives in Religious ... more This article offers a critical engagement of a 2016 essay published in Perspectives in Religious Studies that claims the pretribulational rapture is a racist doctrine promoting a "cosmic segregation" for white supremacists. Contrary to this claim, the article demonstrates not only the flawed research methodology employed in the original essay, but builds a positive case for rapture doctrine as historically providing hope for the most marginalized in society, motivation for adherents to engage culture, and ultimately serving as an antidote for oppression.
Published in the Journal of Ministry and Theology, this article argues that with Jesus' final pre... more Published in the Journal of Ministry and Theology, this article argues that with Jesus' final predicated I Am declaration as the "true Vine" (John 15:1, 5)--highlighted by surrounding prophecies of the Holy Spirit--a transition of economies was being announced which would later be fulfilled with the birth of the church.
This article considers the hermeneutical approaches of several eschatological positions concernin... more This article considers the hermeneutical approaches of several eschatological positions concerning the book of Revelation, and in particular, the kingdom views attached to each position. Rather than giving a summary statement of the three popular millennial positions, the article's focus is to explore each position’s supporting hermeneutical base against the backdrop of a consistently literal, grammatical-historical interpretation.
This article published in Master's Seminary Journal explores the notion of covenant within biblic... more This article published in Master's Seminary Journal explores the notion of covenant within biblical theology and answers questions raised concerning Christ's relationship to the biblical covenants. While most interpretations favor Christ serving a single fulfillment or typological role to the covenants, this article defends the only option consistent with a literal methodology: Christ relates to each of the biblical covenants "dynamically" as recipient, fulfillment, and/or mediator-and does so without collapsing any promised future for national Israel.
Published in The Baptist Bulletin, this brief article (written for a non-academic yet informed Ch... more Published in The Baptist Bulletin, this brief article (written for a non-academic yet informed Church audience) explores and clarifies the biblical link between eschatology and the Christian life by way of several key New Testament texts. Specifically, it argues that a Christian’s understanding of what the Bible says about the future has a direct impact on their daily discipleship and sanctification in the present.
Faculty ii All Greek quotations are from Nestle-Aland 28 and LXX/BNT (BGT) and all Hebrew quotati... more Faculty ii All Greek quotations are from Nestle-Aland 28 and LXX/BNT (BGT) and all Hebrew quotations are from Codex Leningradensis Hebrew Text (WTT), BibleWorks 9 th ed.,
This article argues that the "parousia" texts and concept in 1 and 2 Thessalonians teach lessons ... more This article argues that the "parousia" texts and concept in 1 and 2 Thessalonians teach lessons on Christian ethics and eschatological hope for believers during the present age before the imminent appearing of Christ. It also suggests that the prominence of end-times teaching in these two letters demonstrates that eschatology is a fundamental biblical doctrine that should be taught with urgency to Christians, not reserved as a final doctrine as customary in systematic theology.
This article critically engages the redemptive-historical model favored by a majority of contempo... more This article critically engages the redemptive-historical model favored by a majority of contemporary evangelicals as the center for biblical theology. The article demonstrates inadequacies of this model and proposes an alternative, a doxological-historical model, which focuses on God's glory as progressing throughout canonical history. This model is the most satisfactory for centering biblical theology because it recognizes a comprehensive proposition throughout the Scriptures, underscoring God's glory as the end goal and the critical link between creation and redemption.
By way of historical, exegetical, and theological analyses of 1 Timothy 4:1–5, this article argue... more By way of historical, exegetical, and theological analyses of 1 Timothy 4:1–5, this article argues that divine commands, when not interpreted according to a dispensational framework, may, in fact, be doctrines of demons.
The Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society , 2023
This article demonstrates that the phenomenon of righteous suffering, which in the Gospels is pro... more This article demonstrates that the phenomenon of righteous suffering, which in the Gospels is promised on account of Jesus's name only in John 15, suggests an ecclesial shift from the people of God in the Old Testament and between the testaments to the people of God in the New Testament. In other words, the phenomenon of righteous suffering distinguishes different peoples of God throughout history with the church being unique in being explicitly promised suffering for obedient faith.
narrative upon which the populist drive is typically built, whereby The People (dignified and pur... more narrative upon which the populist drive is typically built, whereby The People (dignified and pure) are oppressed by The Elites (corrupt and self-serving). Within this narrative there are also 'dangerous others' who live among The People. In Europe, the appeal to a historical Christian heritage ensures that those of other faiths, in particular Muslims and those from non-Christian countries are firmly within the 'dangerous others' camp. This divisiveness, the authors argue, is an identifying feature of anti-democratic populism, which distorts any aim towards a common good as being for one particular group to the exclusion of others. Part two provides detailed examples of historical and current populist movements across a range of European countries, namely: Germany,
This article was published in Evangelical Quarterly 92 (2021): 201-223. It argues that Habakkuk c... more This article was published in Evangelical Quarterly 92 (2021): 201-223. It argues that Habakkuk contains a subtle yet powerful theology of repentant-faith for believers in Yahweh. Such repentance is not necessarily dependent on the presence of sin or disobedience from which to turn. Following a triadic interpretive method covering history, literature, and theology, the conclusion drawn is that though explicit terms for ‘repentance’ do not appear on the surface of the text, the concept is certainly implied. https://brill.com/view/journals/evqu/92/3/article-p201_2.xml
This article was published in Bulletin for Biblical Research 33 no. 1 (2023): 33- 54, and is the ... more This article was published in Bulletin for Biblical Research 33 no. 1 (2023): 33- 54, and is the first to appropriate a subset of trauma studies called "moral injury" to an often overlooked character in John's Gospel--the βασιλικός (“royal official”) of John 4:46–54. The article engages insights borrowed from moral injury theory, proposing a horizontal reading of the text that sheds light on this father’s inner trauma and suffering. In doing so, it invites similar sufferers today to rely on the Jesus in whom the βασιλικός sought relief.
This paper is the full draft of a presentation I gave at the Lanier Theological Library in Housto... more This paper is the full draft of a presentation I gave at the Lanier Theological Library in Houston, TX for the "Pastoral Implications of Pseudepigraphy and Anonymity in the New Testament," conference sponsored by The International Reference Library for Biblical Research, May 19-21, 2022. An edited version is slated for publication with Wipf&Stock/Cascade for Spring/Summer, 2023.
Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society , 2022
Against the historical backdrop of two prominent approaches to the Gospel of John, this article a... more Against the historical backdrop of two prominent approaches to the Gospel of John, this article argues for an interpretive methodology consistent with evangelical convictions such as divine inspiration and inerrancy. Building on Thomas Brodie's "three waves" classification of Johannine interpretive history and incorporating Andreas Köstenberger's hermeneutical triad, this study offers a methodology for reading the Fourth Gospel that falls within synchronic approaches to John but includes caveats that give due weight to the Gospel's historical and theological veracity.
This cover story was published in the Messianic periodical, Ariel Magazine (Winter, 2021). It bri... more This cover story was published in the Messianic periodical, Ariel Magazine (Winter, 2021). It briefly argues that the Gospel of John contains a theme of suffering believers who stand as paradigms for suffering believers today. Because Messiah suffered for glory of God, those who follow Messiah are at times called to glorify God in suffering. The language of the essay is particularly sensitive to Jewish readers.
This article was published in Evangelical Quarterly 92 (2021): 201-223. It argues that Habakkuk c... more This article was published in Evangelical Quarterly 92 (2021): 201-223. It argues that Habakkuk contains a subtle yet powerful theology of repentant-faith for believers in Yahweh. Such repentance is not necessarily dependent on the presence of sin or disobedience from which to turn. Following a triadic interpretive method covering history, literature, and theology, the conclusion drawn is that though explicit terms for ‘repentance’ do not appear on the surface of the text, the concept is certainly implied. https://brill.com/view/journals/evqu/92/3/article-p201_2.xml
Didaktikos: Journal of Theological Education , 2021
This article was published in the "Currents" section of Didaktikos, Sep 2021. It surveys the curr... more This article was published in the "Currents" section of Didaktikos, Sep 2021. It surveys the current field of trauma studies called "Moral Injury," and promotes cross-disciplinary engagement with biblical studies. Moral injury helps illumine cases of mental trauma and suffering in Scripture that reach beyond answers offered by retribution theology or simple sin / forgiveness paradigms.
This article offers a critical engagement of a 2016 essay published in Perspectives in Religious ... more This article offers a critical engagement of a 2016 essay published in Perspectives in Religious Studies that claims the pretribulational rapture is a racist doctrine promoting a "cosmic segregation" for white supremacists. Contrary to this claim, the article demonstrates not only the flawed research methodology employed in the original essay, but builds a positive case for rapture doctrine as historically providing hope for the most marginalized in society, motivation for adherents to engage culture, and ultimately serving as an antidote for oppression.
Published in the Journal of Ministry and Theology, this article argues that with Jesus' final pre... more Published in the Journal of Ministry and Theology, this article argues that with Jesus' final predicated I Am declaration as the "true Vine" (John 15:1, 5)--highlighted by surrounding prophecies of the Holy Spirit--a transition of economies was being announced which would later be fulfilled with the birth of the church.
This article considers the hermeneutical approaches of several eschatological positions concernin... more This article considers the hermeneutical approaches of several eschatological positions concerning the book of Revelation, and in particular, the kingdom views attached to each position. Rather than giving a summary statement of the three popular millennial positions, the article's focus is to explore each position’s supporting hermeneutical base against the backdrop of a consistently literal, grammatical-historical interpretation.
This article published in Master's Seminary Journal explores the notion of covenant within biblic... more This article published in Master's Seminary Journal explores the notion of covenant within biblical theology and answers questions raised concerning Christ's relationship to the biblical covenants. While most interpretations favor Christ serving a single fulfillment or typological role to the covenants, this article defends the only option consistent with a literal methodology: Christ relates to each of the biblical covenants "dynamically" as recipient, fulfillment, and/or mediator-and does so without collapsing any promised future for national Israel.
Published in The Baptist Bulletin, this brief article (written for a non-academic yet informed Ch... more Published in The Baptist Bulletin, this brief article (written for a non-academic yet informed Church audience) explores and clarifies the biblical link between eschatology and the Christian life by way of several key New Testament texts. Specifically, it argues that a Christian’s understanding of what the Bible says about the future has a direct impact on their daily discipleship and sanctification in the present.
Faculty ii All Greek quotations are from Nestle-Aland 28 and LXX/BNT (BGT) and all Hebrew quotati... more Faculty ii All Greek quotations are from Nestle-Aland 28 and LXX/BNT (BGT) and all Hebrew quotations are from Codex Leningradensis Hebrew Text (WTT), BibleWorks 9 th ed.,
This paper was presented in the Johannine Literature Section at the annual ETS meeting in San Die... more This paper was presented in the Johannine Literature Section at the annual ETS meeting in San Diego, 2024. The paper argues that John intentionally finalized his logic of Christian suffering by signifying that Peter—representing followers of Jesus in any age—was to glorify God by following Jesus through suffering and death. Through a textual analysis of the verbs δοξάζω (“glorify”) and ἀκολουθέω (“follow”), a paradoxical lesson of pain emerges for Christians today that their trauma can glorify—even reveal—their God’s presence in moments of affliction.
This paper is the full draft of a presentation I gave at the Lanier Theological Library in Housto... more This paper is the full draft of a presentation I gave at the Lanier Theological Library in Houston, TX for the "Pastoral Implications of Pseudepigraphy and Anonymity in the New Testament," conference sponsored by The International Reference Library for Biblical Research, May 19-21, 2022. An edited version is slated for publication with Wipf&Stock/Cascade for Spring/Summer, 2023.
Presented at the 2020 annual Evangelical Theological Society conference (Rhode Island / virtual),... more Presented at the 2020 annual Evangelical Theological Society conference (Rhode Island / virtual), this paper offers an historical, literary, and theological exploration of the Blind Man (John 9) and the Lazarus family (John 11) to argue that the Gospel of John contains a subtle, yet intentional theme of believers in Christ who suffer for the glory of God. The paper concludes by offering implications for Christians today who are suffering afflictions.
Originally presented at the 2019 annual Bible Faculty Summit held at International Baptist Colleg... more Originally presented at the 2019 annual Bible Faculty Summit held at International Baptist College and Seminary in Chandler, AZ this article offers a critical response to a 2016 essay published in Perspectives in Religious Studies which suggested the doctrine of rapture was an idea used to promote “cosmic segregation,” a heavenly avenue of escape for white supremacists from blacks and other ethnic groups which society had marginalized. Framed against contemporary notions of social justice, the article first exposes a flawed methodology used to validate positions condemning the rapture as a racist doctrine before building a positive case for the rapture as a biblical antidote for oppression against minorities in the current economy.
This was presented at the Far-West Evangelical Theological Society in March 2019 at California Ba... more This was presented at the Far-West Evangelical Theological Society in March 2019 at California Baptist University and explores questions related to Christ and His relationship to the biblical covenants. The paper defends the only option consistent with a literal methodology: Christ relates to each of the biblical covenants dynamically as recipient, fulfillment, and/or mediator—and does so without collapsing any promised future for national Israel.
This paper was presented at the Far-West Evangelical Theological Society conference held at Grand... more This paper was presented at the Far-West Evangelical Theological Society conference held at Grand Canyon University (Phoenix, AZ) in 2018. In John 9:2-4, Jesus gets hung on the horns of a false dilemma when His disciples asked for the reason why a man suffered from congenital blindness. Rather than accepting His disciples' premises, Jesus asserts a third option: that God be glorified through it. Thus, the man's lifelong handicap provided a powerful and public catalyst for God to be revealed in Jesus as "the Light of the World." However, certain Johannine scholars do not favor the traditional English punctuation of vv.3-4 which takes the Greek construction in its plain sense. Holding disdain for implications concerning God, evil, and suffering, some scholars choose to repunctuate vv.3 and 4, and thus bypass what they consider to be an unthinkable act attributed to God viz., that He would determine a man be born blind for the purpose of one day healing him. As such, this particular episode marks what many consider to be both an exegetical and theological problem, with one's view of Christian suffering hanging in the balance. With this in mind, the paper seeks to answer one hermeneutical question: When should verse three end, and verse four begin? The following presentation will highlight the trustworthiness of mainline English punctuation of John 9:3-4 as an accurate reflection of the Greek text, specifically via two conjunctions: ἀλλά (but) and ἵνα (so that). With a view to representing a wide range of denominational tradition, the method promoted throughout will be one that takes the grammar at face value against the backdrop of those who do not. In so doing, a defense is made of a consistently literal, grammatical-historical interpretation which reveals that God purposely ordained the man's blindness-and by extension, all congenital physical handicaps endured by believers-as a catalyst carrying a doxological intention and function. As such, attention is given in this paper to a unique Christology highlighted in dramatic fashion, as Jesus' power of recreating the blind man's eyes is showcased. 1 Cory M. Marsh, M.A., M.Div., Th.M. is Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies and Bible and Theology Programs Coordinator at Southern California Seminary in El Cajon, CA.
This paper was presented at the annual Council on Dispensational Hermeneutics conference held at ... more This paper was presented at the annual Council on Dispensational Hermeneutics conference held at Southern California Seminary (El Cajon, CA) in 2018. It argues that an underlying intention of Jesus' final "I Am" statement at John 15 was to announce a transitioning of economies which would be realized with the coming of the Holy Spirit.
This paper was presented at the Far-West Evangelical Theological Society conference held at Gatew... more This paper was presented at the Far-West Evangelical Theological Society conference held at Gateway Seminary (Ontario, CA) in 2017. With a focused interaction of Martin Luther's three most controversial treatises published against the Catholic Church in 1520, the paper will analyze and compare his manifesto with later reformer John Nelson Darby's three most controversial treatises dealing with identical notions of Scripture and clergy published against the Established Church in the 19th century. This comparison will show the furthering of Luther's legacy into movements which emphasized ecclesiastical independence and individual Bible interpretation that would in turn directly influence American evangelicalism. By highlighting a literary connection between two reforming giants separated in time—Martin Luther and John Nelson Darby—this paper will provide a justification for the modern day, local independent church as the proper governance continuing faithfully the legacy of New Testament ecclesiology. And in so doing, it will demonstrate that without the Reformation's recovery of Sola Scriptura, Rome would still retain its unlawful captivity of the Western Church. Thankfully, God saw fit to raise up two men that would forever leave an indelible mark on the doctrine of the Church supported by Scripture alone.
This paper was presented at both the Far-West Evangelical Theological Society meeting held at San... more This paper was presented at both the Far-West Evangelical Theological Society meeting held at San Diego Christian College (San Diego, CA) and the annual Council on Dispensational Hermeneutics conference held at Grace College and Seminary (Winona Lake, IN), both in 2016. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the hermeneutical approaches of several key eschatological positions concerning the book of Revelation, and in particular, the various Kingdom views associated with each approach. However, rather than give a summary statement of the three different millennial positions, the focus throughout will be to expose each position’s supporting hermeneutical base that provides the spring board to their differing eschatological views. This will be done with a view to comparing and contrasting each position’s hermeneutical method against the backdrop of a consistently literal, grammatical-historical interpretation which results with the eschatological view seeing the Kingdom of God as still awaiting a future and literal fulfillment—a position unique to the system known as Dispensational Premillennialism.
Against the back drop of Dispensationalism’s literal approach, the legitimacy of a consistent application of the literal, grammatical-historical hermeneutic will be demonstrated as the best hermeneutical methodology in regards to all things Scripture related including prophecy. Moreover, it will be shown that any abandonment of the literal interpretation of Scripture results in placing the interpreter as the arbiter over Scripture, rather than drawing out the author’s intended meaning of the sacred Text. In contrast to this approach, it will also be demonstrated that when the literal hermeneutic is consistently applied, the only legitimate result is the Premillennial-Dispensational understanding of eschatology to include its instance on the future and literal thousand year Kingdom found in Revelation 20. Thus, this papers ends with a promotion of Dispensational Premillennialism, and a plea for consistently applied literal, grammatical-historical hermeneutics.
Forged From Reformation: How Dispensational Thought Advances the Reformed Legacy , 2017
This is chapter 7 of the multi-authored book, Forged From Reformation: How Dispensational Thought... more This is chapter 7 of the multi-authored book, Forged From Reformation: How Dispensational Thought Advances the Reformed Legacy, published by SCS Press and released in celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.
The chapter demonstrates the irony and inconsistencies of Martin Luther's application of literal hermeneutics as he essentially dismissed the historicity of any prophecy given to national Israel. Thus, Luther held to an unbalanced application of the grammatical-historical hermeneutic. As such, Luther applied an allegorical interpretive methodology, which he inherited, to key texts ultimately justifying his radical anti-Semitism during the end of his otherwise heroic life.
Forged From Reformation: How Dispensational Thought Advances the Reformed Legacy , 2017
This is chapter 5 from the multi-authored book, Forged From Reformation: How Dispensational Thoug... more This is chapter 5 from the multi-authored book, Forged From Reformation: How Dispensational Thought Advances the Reformed Legacy published by SCS Press and released in celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.
It compares two reformers separated by time and geography, Martin Luther and John Nelson Darby. The chapter demonstrates how the abuses that the German reformer called out against the Roman Catholic Church were essentially identical issues that J. N. Darby called out against the Established Church of England and Ireland. However, it was the latter reformer, Darby -- often credited as "the father of Dispensationalism -- who further carried Luther's reforms which had a unique impact on American evangelicalism, most notably through the Bible College movement.
Review of Biblical Literature, Nov 2021
https://www.sblcentral.org/home/bookDetails/13372
Review of Marc Cortez, Christological Anthroplogy in Historical Perspective published in Midweste... more Review of Marc Cortez, Christological Anthroplogy in Historical Perspective published in Midwestern Journal of Theology, 2020.
Journal of The Evangelical Theological Society, 2019
Published in JETS, this review discusses the book's goal: to help readers discover the “big Greek... more Published in JETS, this review discusses the book's goal: to help readers discover the “big Greek idea” (or main exegetical point) of John’s epistles.
Kibbe's purpose is summed up nicely in its title, “from topic to thesis.” That is, what Kibbe hop... more Kibbe's purpose is summed up nicely in its title, “from topic to thesis.” That is, what Kibbe hopes to accomplish in the work is to guide the student in crystalizing a chosen topic into an actual working thesis. That the entire work is around 150 pages in half-size proportion makes it a book accessible to the busy student or researcher, able to be read in a few hours.
This extended review is on volume 49 of Aquinas' Summa Theologiae, comprised of Questions 7–15 t... more This extended review is on volume 49 of Aquinas' Summa Theologiae, comprised of Questions 7–15 titled, "The Grace of Christ." It is this particular tome where Aquinas best extols the mystery of Christ’s humanity, much of which is supported by his theological, rather than literal, interpretive approach. Accordingly, while much of the volume is certainly commendable, this review of Aquinas’ work will not conclude without first evaluating The Grace of Christ from a dispensational perspective, as it is particularly in the realm of hermeneutics that dispensational thought has much corrective light to shed several on some of Aquinas’ thought-provoking, but erroneous conclusions.
Journal of Biblical and Theological Studies , 2019
The book’s overarching theme is simple, yet vital: all academic writing occurs within a larger co... more The book’s overarching theme is simple, yet vital: all academic writing occurs within a larger conversation. It is to this idea the book expands and offers templates for students to employ, helping remind them that they are entering paths traversed by others. Because of the ongoing dialogue in which the academic writer participates, the book provides a memorable paradigm throughout its pages which also serves as its title, “they say / I say.” That is, the authors exert their energy by drilling into their target audience (the academic student) not to write papers with the assumption that their ideas are isolated from others on a topic. Rather, an academic writer is almost exclusively writing in response to others’ ideas that have been proffered before them; hence the paradigm: “they say this, but I say that.”
A common methodology for basic Bible study consists of three sequential steps: observation, inter... more A common methodology for basic Bible study consists of three sequential steps: observation, interpretation, and application. While mountains of tomes have been written on the first two steps negotiating their exegetical nature, the final one—application—has generally suffered from a lack of attention in the scholarly community. Sadly, many Christians have never considered developing a biblical theology and responsible method of application. It is here where Casilla's work makes a noteworthy contribution and does so with a view toward both the church and the academy as its audience.
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Papers by Cory M Marsh
In John 9:2-4, Jesus gets hung on the horns of a false dilemma when His disciples asked for the reason why a man suffered from congenital blindness. Rather than accepting His disciples' premises, Jesus asserts a third option: that God be glorified through it. Thus, the man's lifelong handicap provided a powerful and public catalyst for God to be revealed in Jesus as "the Light of the World." However, certain Johannine scholars do not favor the traditional English punctuation of vv.3-4 which takes the Greek construction in its plain sense. Holding disdain for implications concerning God, evil, and suffering, some scholars choose to repunctuate vv.3 and 4, and thus bypass what they consider to be an unthinkable act attributed to God viz., that He would determine a man be born blind for the purpose of one day healing him. As such, this particular episode marks what many consider to be both an exegetical and theological problem, with one's view of Christian suffering hanging in the balance. With this in mind, the paper seeks to answer one hermeneutical question: When should verse three end, and verse four begin? The following presentation will highlight the trustworthiness of mainline English punctuation of John 9:3-4 as an accurate reflection of the Greek text, specifically via two conjunctions: ἀλλά (but) and ἵνα (so that). With a view to representing a wide range of denominational tradition, the method promoted throughout will be one that takes the grammar at face value against the backdrop of those who do not. In so doing, a defense is made of a consistently literal, grammatical-historical interpretation which reveals that God purposely ordained the man's blindness-and by extension, all congenital physical handicaps endured by believers-as a catalyst carrying a doxological intention and function. As such, attention is given in this paper to a unique Christology highlighted in dramatic fashion, as Jesus' power of recreating the blind man's eyes is showcased. 1 Cory M. Marsh, M.A., M.Div., Th.M. is Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies and Bible and Theology Programs Coordinator at Southern California Seminary in El Cajon, CA.
It argues that an underlying intention of Jesus' final "I Am" statement at John 15 was to announce a transitioning of economies which would be realized with the coming of the Holy Spirit.
With a focused interaction of Martin Luther's three most controversial treatises published against the Catholic Church in 1520, the paper will analyze and compare his manifesto with later reformer John Nelson Darby's three most controversial treatises dealing with identical notions of Scripture and clergy published against the Established Church in the 19th century. This comparison will show the furthering of Luther's legacy into movements which emphasized ecclesiastical independence and individual Bible interpretation that would in turn directly influence American evangelicalism. By highlighting a literary connection between two reforming giants separated in time—Martin Luther and John Nelson Darby—this paper will provide a justification for the modern day, local independent church as the proper governance continuing faithfully the legacy of New Testament ecclesiology. And in so doing, it will demonstrate that without the Reformation's recovery of Sola Scriptura, Rome would still retain its unlawful captivity of the Western Church. Thankfully, God saw fit to raise up two men that would forever leave an indelible mark on the doctrine of the Church supported by Scripture alone.
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the hermeneutical approaches of several key eschatological positions concerning the book of Revelation, and in particular, the various Kingdom views associated with each approach. However, rather than give a summary statement of the three different millennial positions, the focus throughout will be to expose each position’s supporting hermeneutical base that provides the spring board to their differing eschatological views. This will be done with a view to comparing and contrasting each position’s hermeneutical method against the backdrop of a consistently literal, grammatical-historical interpretation which results with the eschatological view seeing the Kingdom of God as still awaiting a future and literal fulfillment—a position unique to the system known as Dispensational Premillennialism.
Against the back drop of Dispensationalism’s literal approach, the legitimacy of a consistent application of the literal, grammatical-historical hermeneutic will be demonstrated as the best hermeneutical methodology in regards to all things Scripture related including prophecy. Moreover, it will be shown that any abandonment of the literal interpretation of Scripture results in placing the interpreter as the arbiter over Scripture, rather than drawing out the author’s intended meaning of the sacred Text. In contrast to this approach, it will also be demonstrated that when the literal hermeneutic is consistently applied, the only legitimate result is the Premillennial-Dispensational understanding of eschatology to include its instance on the future and literal thousand year Kingdom found in Revelation 20. Thus, this papers ends with a promotion of Dispensational Premillennialism, and a plea for consistently applied literal, grammatical-historical hermeneutics.
The chapter demonstrates the irony and inconsistencies of Martin Luther's application of literal hermeneutics as he essentially dismissed the historicity of any prophecy given to national Israel. Thus, Luther held to an unbalanced application of the grammatical-historical hermeneutic. As such, Luther applied an allegorical interpretive methodology, which he inherited, to key texts ultimately justifying his radical anti-Semitism during the end of his otherwise heroic life.
It compares two reformers separated by time and geography, Martin Luther and John Nelson Darby. The chapter demonstrates how the abuses that the German reformer called out against the Roman Catholic Church were essentially identical issues that J. N. Darby called out against the Established Church of England and Ireland. However, it was the latter reformer, Darby -- often credited as "the father of Dispensationalism -- who further carried Luther's reforms which had a unique impact on American evangelicalism, most notably through the Bible College movement.
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