No doctrine appears more horrid to Christians and non-Christians alike as the doctrine of Hell, the belief in eternal, conscious punishment against sin. However, despite the efforts of many to dismiss the doctrine, the Biblical testimony is clear. Why is Hell so common in the Bible? Why does Jesus talk about Hell so often? In this short book, we will take a stark look at what the Bible says about Hell as retribution--punishment against sin. More importantly, we will see why this doctrine matters. It matters because only in light of Hell do we understand the Cross of Christ. Hell is a revelation of God--of His mercy, love, and justice. Finally, Hell reminds us that we are surrounded by many who will die and face Hell if they do not believe in Jesus Christ and receive the mercy of God offered through Him.
Of all the teachings of Christianity, the doctrine of hell is easily the most troubling, so much so that in recent years the church has been quietly tucking it away. Rarely mentioned anymore in the pulpit, it has faded through disuse among evangelicals and been attacked by liberal theologians. Hell is no longer only the target of those outside the church. Today, a disturbing number of professing Christians question it as well. Perhaps more than at any other time in history, hell is under fire. The implications of the historic view of hell make the popular alternatives, annihilationism and universalism, seem extremely appealing. But the bottom line is still God’s Word. What does the Old Testament reveal about hell? What does Paul the apostle have to say, or the book of Revelation? Most important, what does Jesus, the ultimate expression of God’s love, teach us about God’s wrath?Upholding the authority of Scripture, the different authors in Hell Under Fire explore a complex topic from various angles. R. Albert Mohler Jr. provides a historical, theological, and cultural overview of “The Disappearance of Hell.” Christopher Morgan draws on the New Testament to offer three pictures of hell as punishment, destruction, and banishment. J. I. Packer compares universalism with the traditional understanding of hell, Morgan does the same with annihilationism, and Sinclair Ferguson considers how the reality of hell ought to influence preaching. These examples offer some idea of this volume’s scope and thoroughness.Hell may be under fire, but its own flames cannot be quenched by popular opinion. This book helps us gain a biblical perspective on what hell is and why we cannot afford to ignore it. And it offers us a better understanding of the One who longs for all people to escape judgment and obtain eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Throughout the history of the Church, Christian theology has been waged on the battlefield of ontology. Ontology touches on nearly every aspect of intellectual engagement, and so our conclusions in this area are far-reaching. Ontology, is usually considered the study of "being" or "reality." Yet even this definition presupposes a non-Christian view of reality. Rather, ontology investigates the connection between our thoughts and reality, between what we believe and truth, and between language and the things to which it refers. The Bible has much to say on these topics; retrieving a Biblical perspective on these matters is essential if we are going to rightly understand theology, the Bible, and the world we live in. We will see that only the Bible can offer a coherent vision of reality and a way of appropriately understanding God, history, and the world around us.
The act of martyrdom in the worldview of the Apocalypse has been considered to be an exemplification of non-violent resistance. Paul Middleton argues here, however, that it is in fact a representation of direct participation by Christians, through their martyrdom, in divine violence against those the author of Revelation portrays as God's enemies. Middleton shows that acceptance of martyrdom is to grasp the invitation to participate in the Revelation's divine violence. Martyrs follow the model laid down by the Lamb, who was not only slain, but resurrected, glorified, and who executes judgement. The world created by the Apocalypse encourages readers to conquer the Beast through martyrdom, but also through the experience of resurrection and being appointed judges. In this role, martyrs participate in the judgement of the wicked by sharing the Lamb's power to judge. Different from eschewing violence, the conceptual world of the Apocalypse portrays God, the Lamb, and the martyrs as possessing more power, might, and violent potential than the Emperor and his armies. Middleton believes that martyrdom and violence are necessary components of the worldview of Revelation.
Embark on a Journey Through Time: The Essential Guide to Understanding the Last Days Within the pages of "Revelation's Call: The Urgency of the Second Coming," readers are invited into a journey that intertwines the past, present, and future, beckoning to unlock the mysteries of the book of Revelation. This comprehensive guide serves not only as an exploration but as a clarion call to awareness and action in the face of the approaching end times. Embark on this exceptional odyssey beginning with the "Journey Begins: Understanding Revelation," setting the stage for the profound depth of prophecy that lies within the scriptures. The early chapters delve into the prophetic landscape, offering clarity and insight into the roles of prophecy, laying foundational knowledge from both the Old and New Testaments, and painting a vivid picture of the historical and spiritual context that frames this last book of the Bible. Engage with the intriguing narrative of The Author and the Isle of Patmos, where the life of John and the peculiar, isolated locale of Revelation's birth are brought to life, offering readers a tangible connection to the divine visions received on that remote island. Discover the significance of the Letters to the Seven Churches, incorporating warnings, encouragements, and the varied characteristics of these early Christian communities. This exploration extends into the celestial and the apocalyptic through detailed examinations of the Throne Room of Heaven, the Seven Seals, and beyond--each chapter immersing the reader further into the cosmic drama and divine sovereignty displayed in Revelation. But "Revelation's Call" goes beyond mere exploration; it challenges its readers to reflect on the relevance of Revelation today. Through the final chapters, the book presents a compelling case for spiritual vigilance, the importance of eschatology, and the personal and communal imperative to live in hope and prepare for the Second Coming. Concluding with a powerful appeal to repentance, faith, and empowerment for mission, "Revelation's Call" is not just a guide to understanding future events, but a transformational book that inspires readiness, perseverance, and an unwavering trust in the victory of Jesus. This book is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to comprehend the complexities of Revelation, to find hope in its promises, and to respond earnestly to its urgent message. As history unfolds and the future approaches, let "Revelation's Call" equip and guide you through understanding one of the most fascinating and significant books of the Bible.
This contribution to The New International Commentary on the New Testament is a revision of Robert Mounce's original entry on the book of Revelation and reflects more than twenty additional years of mature thought and the latest in scholarship.
How are Christians to think about the intellectual tasks that make up everyday life in the modern world? It is clear we are not to do so as the "world" does, but what does it look like to engage Christianly in our thinking? In the first part of the series, God's Gifts for the Christian Life, J. Alexander Rutherford shows how the Bible equips us to confidently engage in the interpretation of and engagement with the Word of God and the world he has created. In God's rich mercy, he has enabled us to know him, his word, and his world. In a world where it is preposterous and arrogant to claim to know anything certainly, we are in desperate need of renewed foundations. In God's Gifts for the Christian Life, see some of the ways that God through his limitless power has made available to us everything necessary for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
Jessie Heaton is a fearless, flame-haired computer hacker. Independent and feisty, she's relied on no-one but herself since the age of sixteen. Working for the Russians, she is finally close to getting the one thing she wants most in life, when she's stopped in her tracks by the notorious Ryan brothers. The Ryans are Irish Mafia. They are unstoppable. No-one stands in their way. And nothing comes between a Ryan and his family. That is, until the hurricane that is Jessie, crashes into their lives. With a world full of secrets and a past that she can't outrun, will she be their salvation or their downfall? Ryan Rule is Book 1 in the New York Ruthless series. A Reverse Harem/ Dark Mafia Romance full of heat and suspense that will keep you turning the pages. Publishers Note: this book deals with mature themes.
"Impossible!" "Indiscernible!" "Too mystical!" "Beyond us!" These are just some of the discouraging comments typically made about the Book of Revelation. Yet every believer, pastor, and scholar needs to understand this vital book that consummates the Bible and all its prophecies. And everyone can - given the right interpretation. This commentary provides it. In lay-friendly terms and with informational entries, thought-provoking footnotes, and inspirational "additional gleanings," it walks the reader through each chapter and verse of John's apocalypse, explaining its context, language, and principles for Christian living. Anyone who reads it with an open mind will come away with a clear, life-changing understanding of John's awesome vision of Jesus, Jesus' timely messages to this Church Age, and the wondrous Kingdom Age and Eternal World yet to come. And, with delight, they will realize Revelation is . . . "Possible!" "Discernible!" "Not too mystical!" "Not beyond our grasp!"
Humanity has reached the stars, joining the vast galactic community of alien species. But beyond the fringes of explored space lurk the Reapers, a race of sentient starships bent on 'harvesting' the galaxy's organic species for their own dark purpose. The Illusive Man, leader of the pro-human black ops group Cerberus, is one of the few who know the truth about the Reapers. To ensure humanity's survival, he launches a desperate plan to uncover the enemy's strengths - and weaknesses - by studying someone implanted with modified Reaper technology. He knows the perfect subject for his horrific experiments: former Cerberus operative Paul Grayson, who wrested his daughter from the cabal's control with the help of Ascension project director Kahlee Sanders. But when Kahlee learns that Grayson is missing, she turns to the only person she can trust: Alliance war hero Captain David Anderson. Together they set out to find the secret Cerberus facility where Grayson is being held. But they aren't the only ones after him. And time is running out.
