"Hilaskesthai" Revisited
A good understanding of the meaning of propitiation is dependent on a good rendering of "hilaskesthai," as discussed by Nicole in this article.
A good understanding of the meaning of propitiation is dependent on a good rendering of "hilaskesthai," as discussed by Nicole in this article.
What processes are involved in conversion? The author reflects on this subject of conversion, paying particular attention to the place and nature of saving faith and repentance unto life.
The place and scope of induction and deduction in the task of ascertaining the truly biblical view of scriptural inspiration is a feature that has been debated at length. In this article these approaches are explained. The author then attempts to find out whether there is any other option besides strictly siding with one of these approaches.
This article considers the New Testament canon and the grounds for its canonicity, and reviews seven criteria that have been at times used in the church.
In this article, Nicole interacts with current views on three important topics in Reformed dogma: definite atonement, a universal call in the presentation of the gospel, and the covenant of grace.
How did John Calvin understand the authority of Scripture? Can he be included in modern views on inerrancy? After giving a short description of Calvin's view of the inspiration of Scripture, the author gives a bibliography on literature that is helpful for further research in this area.
What method should be used in arriving at the doctrine of inspiration? This article examines the induction approach and the deduction approach and how they phrase the doctrine of inspiration and inerrancy. It calls for a combination of the two methods.
Nicole wants to reword the so-called five points of Calvinism in an effort to prevent misunderstandings.
What was the Amyraut controversy? This controversy is associated with teachings on universal grace that flared up in the Reformed churches of the seventeenth century. Nicole provides a brief survey of the major developments in this controversy and follows this up with a summary of the most important arguments advanced by both sides.
Nicole considers seven theories of atonement and evaluates each.
In this part of a series of three articles, Nicole continues to answer the views of J.D.G. Dunn on the inspiration and authority of Scripture. The author provides a summary of the practical impact of Dunn’s view of inspiration on his theory of interpretation and his conception of authority.
Nicole reacts in this essay to the criticisms of J.D.G. Dunn on the positions of both B.B. Warfield and the International Council on Biblical Inerrancy on biblical authority and inspiration.
Nicole argues for an understanding of the atonement as definite. He wants to argue the exact point at issue: the chief purpose of the Father in sending the Son and the chief intention of Christ in laying down his life in sacrifice. The author goes on to give the main arguments for his understanding of definite atonement, and to answer objections against his view.
The New Testament contains a large number of Old Testament references and quotations. This article reflects on the nature of the New Testament's use of the Old as it bears upon hermeneutical issues and the doctrine of Scripture.
Nicole presents a discussion of John Calvin's doctrine of Scripture. The larger part of the essay is a bibliographical appendix.
This essay considers the canon of the New Testament and reviews seven criteria of canonicity that have been at times invoked in the church.
Christians are called to contend earnestly for the faith (Jude 3). This is a form of apologetics. Nicole argues that there are three major questions we must ask when confronted with views with which Christians differ strongly: What do I owe the person who differs from me? What can I learn from the person who differs from me? How can I cope with the person who differs from me?
While the Bible calls Christians to contend for the faith, this article shows that disputing in a godly way is not easy, for we must show love and apply the golden rule to those who differ from us. The focus of this article is that in disputation, the goal is winning the other person to Christ, not winning the argument.
While the Bible calls us to contend for the faith, this article shows that disputing in a godly way is not easy, for we must show love and apply the golden rule to those who differ from us. Here focus is given to doing polemics in biblical way by being protective and constructive, taking into account reason, history and tradition.
While the Bible calls Christians to contend for the faith, this article shows that disputing (polemics) in a godly way is not easy, for we must show love and apply the golden rule to those who differ from us. In learning to deal with those who differ from you, it is important to reflect on whether you are being true to the facts and fair, and to be aware of possible double meanings or dangers in the position you take.
While the Bible calls us to contend for the faith, this article shows that disputing (polemics) in a godly way is not easy, for we must show love and apply the golden rule to those who differ from us. Therefore, the author shows that in talking with those who differ from us, we must seek to understand their perspective. In this way, we lay the ground to deal with disputes in a godly manner.
It may surprise some to find that the word "conversion" does not appear in the Westminster Confession or Catechisms. But the verb "convert" does appear in the chapter on free will: "When God converts a sinner...". The words "convert" and "conversion" are equally rare in the Bible. Even though the word itself may be rare in the scriptures, the reality of a new life in which people turn to God and away from a sinful life, is not foreign at all.