The most important questions that will ever be asked in this world are those regarding the identity of Jesus of Nazareth. Who was he? What was his mission? Why did he die? Was he resurrected?
Jesus, himself, asked his disciples, “Who do men say that I am?” Below you will find some of the answers that have been offered; many of the thoughts being far removed from what the Bible teaches.
* * *
Anthony Kenny describes Anselm’s theory of the Atonement, from Medieval History: A New History of Western Philosophy, Volume 2. (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 2005), page 43
Kenneth Latourettes explanation of Anselm’s theory of the Atonement, from A History of Christianity (NY: Harper & Brothers, 1953, page 501
Robert P. Lightner charts the major theories of the Atonement, from Sin, The Savior, and Salvation (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1991) page 105
Everett Ferguson on Anselms theory of the Atonement, from Church History: Volume 1, From Christ to Pre-Reformation (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2005), pages 433-435
Here is is another article that I contributed to the Dictionary of Premillennial Theology . As with the previous articles, I would change some things in this material if contributing to this or a similar compilation. Nevertheless, I believe the following to be both accurate and helpful.
* * * * * * * * * *
Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) is generally recognized as America’s greatest theologian and philosopher. At the time of Edwards’ ministry most of Protestant theology, being heir to the amillennialism of Augustine and Calvin, spiritualized the Scripture’s teaching concerning the millennium. Edwards, on the other hand, was innovative in the development of a postmillennial eschatological vision. Edwards saw the millennium as a literal historical reality which was the telos toward which history had been progressing since the fall of Adam. He thought it probable that this latter-day glory would begin in America. His millennial expectation is often considered to have been a major factor in the social movement resulting in the American Revolution.
Edwards interpreted tribulational passages as predictions of the apostasy of the Roman Catholic Church and the suppression of true religion. He believed that the Reformation marked the shortening of days (Matt. 24:22), which is to be identified with the restricting of the powers of spiritual Rome and the papal Antichrist. Applying the year-day theory of interpretation to the twelfth chapter of Revelation, Edwards proposed that the millennium would arrive approximately 1260 years after 606 A.D., when the Bishop of Rome was recognized as having universal authority. Thus, the millennium was imminent and the revival fires of the Great Awakening could very well be harbingers of the coming age when great progress in technology would free mankind from material concerns to engage more fully in the noble exercises of mind and vital religion. At this time the kingdom of Antichrist will be utterly overthrown and there will be a national conversion of the Jews. Following the millennium will come a period of great apostasy and tribulation, which will be superseded by the personal Second Coming of Jesus Christ in infinite majesty. The saints will be gathered unto their Head, forever to be in his presence, and the wicked will be summoned before the judgement-seat of Christ. (Kevin Stilley )
BIBLIOGRAPHY: Jonathan Edwards, The Works of Jonathan Edwards, general editors Perry Miller and John E. Smith, 10 volumes (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1957-1993); ______, The Works of Jonathan Edwards, reprint 1992, 2 volumes (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Press, 1834).
____________
RELATED CONTENT
When Ken Blanchard asked Hall of Fame football coach Don Shula what he wanted on his epitaph, Shula replied that he wanted to be remembered as never having been guilty of “not noticing.”
As my children grow in number as well as size I’m afraid that I may be guilty all too often of “not noticing.” Do I notice the stick figure drawings that they pour their hearts into and post on the refrigerator? Do I notice enough of the details to genuinely praise them for their efforts? Do I notice which are their favorite toys? Do I notice when they add new words to their vocabulary? How much do I really notice?
I have often said that the most important thing we can learn about interpersonal relationships from Jesus of Nazareth is that he always treated the person in front of him as if that person was the most important person in the world. No one could ever accuse him “not noticing”. Zachaeus in his tree, the man born blind, the little children that surrounded him — Jesus noticed them, and treated them as if they were the most important people in the world.
If I plan on making this a model for my own life, maybe the best place for me to practice is in my own home.
