It comes as a surprise to some that there are gradations of sin according to the Bible. There are more serious and less serious sins, which is the basis of the later distinction between mortal and venial sins. It comes as even more of a surprise to many that there is no atonement in the OT for certain kinds of sins— the so-called ‘sins with a high hand’ which refers to premeditated sins, like the premeditated adultery with Bathsheba of... Read more

Sin is a huge topic. We will certainly not be able to do more than scratch the surface in these posts. And of course part of the problem is when you make a list of sins, some people will see this as a ‘to do’ list, or at least a ‘to attempt’ list. Such is fallen human nature, I’m afraid. Sin, is by definition an action that is taken against God and is a violation of God’s will. This is... Read more

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8MjCdcy87w In a summer season where the paucity of good movies has reminded me of an old actor in many old Westerns, namely Slim Pickins, finally, finally, there is a wonderful drama that everyone, young and old, should enjoy— Mr. Holmes, starring Ian McKellen (of Gandalf fame) and the wonderful Laura Linney, here playing Mrs. Munro the housekeeper (see e.g. the HBO specials where she plays John Adams’ wife). Add to this, a luminous and bright child, Roger, who is... Read more

It was Socrates who insisted ‘know thyself’, which seems to be advice that all too often Christians, including ministers ignore. Have you ever sat down and done a ‘weaknesses and strengths’ inventory of yourself, with the outside assistance of those who know you the best? If you haven’t you should do this. Identifying weaknesses, the weak chinks in your Christian armor is important. When Paul deals with this whole matter he reminds that while inwardly we are being renewed day... Read more

This post will concentrate on some happier news. To be tempted is not the same as to sin. Temptation itself is not sin, though it can certainly lead to sin. Jesus was tempted like us in every respect, save he did not sin, and was not a sinner (Heb.4.15). Jesus could empathize with our weaknesses, without giving in to his own weaknesses when he was on this earth. He still understands what human nature and mortal flesh is capable of.... Read more

Human beings have a rather infinite capacity for rationalizing or justifying their bad behavior. And one of the favorite tricks in the arsenal of self-justification is ‘objectifying’ things. In the old TV show Flip Wilson, whenever he was caught doing something he ought not to do would immediately exclaim ‘the Devil made me do it’. Interestingly, the Bible, at least when it comes to believers, does not agree with this theology. In fact it doesn’t much agree with objectifying one’s... Read more

peirasmos and its cognates are interesting words. The noun form can refer to trials or temptations, ordeals or enticements. In other words, it can refer to something that could possibly strengthen your character or alternately in other contexts refer to something that could destroy your character. By definition God tempts no one, and cannot be tempted (see James 1.13). God is absolutely not the source of evil, including allurement into sin. We have some difficulty in translating this word when... Read more

Proving that Paul may not be Harvard’s type, but he is Harvard’s typo is the following discovered by alert reader and colleague Philip Jenkins…. Paul the Covert??? I have to share this. One of the classic works on Judaism and early Christianity is Alan Segal’s Rebecca’s Children (1986). Through the centuries, debate has raged over exactly what St. Paul was doing when he took the Jesus Movement on its new directions. I am struck, therefore, to find that the Harvard... Read more

Looking for a good textbook to introduce your audience to both the theology and the ethics of the NT? Well IVP is producing an edited down, simplified version of my The Indelible Image in a 2 volume paperback set. It should be out in the late Fall, and I believe it will be Kindle-ized as well 🙂 The way this stands out from other volumes is that it doesn’t just treat either NT theology or NT ethics, but treats them... Read more

In this final post on my visit to Nova Scotia, I will take you on a lovely walk through one of the finest Arboretums (both gardens and greenhouse) I’ve ever seen as a small college. The Irving Arboretum is in addition one of the newest buildings on campus, and is the very spot where major lectures are given. Here is the schematic of the arboretum…. The plants shown above are on the garden trails, and so can grow outdoors in... Read more