BIBLICAL RESEARCH PAPERS

• Bible Exposition

• Contemporary Issues

• Eschatology (The Teaching Concerning Last Things Such As Prophecy)

• Hermeneutics (The Science of Biblical Interpretation)

• History and Archaeology

• Pneumatology (The Teaching Concerning The Holy Spirit)

• Soteriology (The Teaching Concerning Salvation)

• Theology Proper (The Teaching Concerning God's Nature)

Homosexuality: Fact and Fiction by Joseph P. Gudel
An examination of the truth and untruths about homosexuality.
Homosexual Theology by Kerby Anderson
A critique of homosexual revisionism in theology by Probe Ministries Kerby Anderson.

Rescuing the Gospel From Bishop Spong by Don Closson

Retired Episcopal Bishop John Shelby Spong is a man with a mission. He is out to save Christianity from the fundamentalists. He argues that while liberal, mainline churches have abandoned the Bible, which he claims to love, fundamentalists have made an idol of it. Fortunately, Bishop Spong has discovered the real meaning of the Bible, and not surprisingly, it ends up sounding more like Sigmund Freud than anything remotely familiar to historical Christianity. From Probe Ministries.
Responding to Pro-Gay Theology by Joe Dallas

Good answers to the theological claims of gay activists.

Some Initial Reflections On Slavery In The New Testament by Dr. Daniel B. Wallace, Ph.D.
Did the New Testament really teach slavery? Is it therefore a racist document? Dr. Wallace of Dallas Theological Seminary tackles these questions.
The Journal of Human Sexuality

Articles from a Christian perspective on sexual issues.

' That Which Is Unnatural': Homosexuality in Society, the Church, and Scriptures by Joseph P. Gudel
In response to the homosexual community's revisionism, Gudel examines what the Scriptures, Church history, and society teach us about the unnaturalness of homosexuality.
To Bow or Not to Bow? (An Essay on Daniel 3) by Dr. Daniel B. Wallace
Dr. Wallace looks at civil disobedience from the point of Daniel chapter 3.

What Does Peter Jennings Tell Us About Jesus and Paul? by Gretchen Passantino of Answers in Action.

A critique of Peter Jennings' documentary, Jesus and Paul: Word and Worship (ABC, first aired Monday, April 5, 2004).

What's Wrong with Bishop Spong by Michael Bott and Jonathan Sarfati
John Shelby Spong is an influential public speaker, writer and media figure. He is also Bishop of Newark in New Jersey. He claims he is a Christian yet he champions causes that historic Christianity has often fought tooth and nail against. Bishop Spong is well known for ordaining practicing homosexuals, denying the bodily resurrection and virginal conception of Christ, and for deriving his moral code from modern human experience rather than the Bible.

  666: The Mark of the Beast in Revelation 13 by Dr. Hal Harless
What is the meaning of the enigmatic 666, the mark of the Beast in Revelation 13? This paper analyzes the relevant Scriptures and the culture of the Biblical world for an answer.
  A Land, a Seed and a Blessing: The Abrahamic Covenant by Dr. Hal Harless
An examination of the covenant God made with Abraham and its foundational place in God's dealings with man.
Abuse of Prophecy: Does it Deserve the Contempt it Receives? by Dr. David R. Reagan
Because of abuses in the interpretation of Biblical prophecy, it has fallen into disrepute. Dr. Reagan asks the question, "Does prophecy deserve the contempt it receives?"

Biblical Prophecy Overview by Sid Litke

A short summary of biblical Prophecy.

Blessings and Cursings: The Outworking of the Mosaic Covenant in Leviticus 26 by Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum

In Leviticus 26, Moses gave a preview of Jewish History. When he wrote the Book of Leviticus, this was all prophecy, but by now, most of this chapter has already been fulfilled in history. In fact, the first thirty-nine verses of this chapter have already been fulfilled in history. In this chapter he also pointed out the principle of the Mosaic Covenant; blessings for obedience, curses for disobedience, showing its conditional nature. This, too, was a prophetic preview of Israel’s history. This chapter closely parallels what Moses wrote in Deuteronomy 28-30.

Daniel’s Prophecy Came True When Yeshua Entered Jerusalem by Dr. Mark Eastman
An article from the Messianic Times about the fulfillment of Daniel's prophecy by Jesus' Triumphal Entry.

The Divine Stopwatch: Daniel's Seventy Weeks by Dr. Hal Harless
An examination of the prophecy of Daniel chapter 9 that predicted the exact time of the Messiah's appearance.
The Feasts of Israel: A Study in Symbolic Prophecy by Dr. David R. Reagan
A look at the prophetic significance of the Hebrew holidays.
The Folly of Date Setting: Why won't this scourge go away? by Dr. David R. Reagan
In this paper Dr. Reagan examines the folly of trying to set a date for the return of Christ for His Church.
The First Foundation: Consistent Literal Interpretation by Dr. Thomas Ice
In this and the next three papers, Dr. Ice presents the four foundations of the correct interpretation of Biblical prophecy. The first foundation being literal interpretation of the Scriptures.
The Second Foundation: Premillennialism by Dr. Thomas Ice
In this second of a four part series on the correct interpretation of Biblical prophecy, Dr. Ice makes the case for Premillennialism, or the belief that the Messiah will return before the Kingdom of God is established on earth.
The Third Foundation: Futurism by Dr. Thomas Ice
In this third of a four part series on the correct interpretation of Biblical prophecy, Dr. Ice makes the case for Futurism, or the belief that the prophecies of the Tribulation, Messiah's return, Kingdom of God, etc. are future and have not yet been fulfilled.
The Fourth Foundation: The Distinction Between Israel and the Church by Dr. Thomas Ice
In this fourth of a four part series on the correct interpretation of Biblical prophecy, Dr. Ice makes the case for the distinction between Israel and the Church.
The Holy Spirit and the Pretribulational Rapture by Dr. Thomas Ice
Dr. Ice examines the relationship between the Holy Spirit and Believers and the implications for the Pretribulational Rapture position.
The Interpretation of Prophecy: An Exercise in Imagination or the Application of Plain Sense? by Dr. David R. Reagan
Dr. Reagan explains the issues involved in the interpretation of Biblical prophecy.
The Pre-Trib Rapture Doctrine While Standing On One Foot by Dr. Thomas Ice
A short explanation of the Pretribulational Rapture teaching by Dr. Ice.
The Rapture and the Second Coming: An Important Distinction by Dr. Thomas Ice
Dr. Ice explains the difference between the Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ.
The Rapture of the Church: What is it and when will it take place? by Dr. David R. Reagan
Dr. Reagan explains the meaning of the Rapture and its place in God's timetable.

The Tribulation and the Church by Chuck Smith

Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel examines the relationship between the Church and the Tribulation.
What Do You Do With Future National Israel in the Bible? by Dr. Thomas Ice
Dr. Ice explains the importance of national Israel in God's plan.

Biblical Hermeneutics by Andrew S. Kulikovsky

The Science of Interpreting the Bible. The purpose of this page is to present a comprehensive and coherent methodology for Biblical interpretation.

Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy

A concise statement of the meaning of the evangelical doctrine of biblical inerrancy.

Hermeneutics by Don Closson
This article explains the principles behind the correct interpretation of the Bible. 

Scripture Twisting by Dr. Daniel B. Wallace

Dr. Wallace challenges popular interpretations of the Bible that have little or no basis.

The New Egyptian Chronology: A New Egyptian Chronology Results in Startling New Archeological Discoveries Which Authenticate Old Testament Histories, A Special Report by Dr. David Reagan
Egyptologist David Rohl has developed a new chronology of Egyptian events by correcting some faulty assumptions of the traditional chronology. This new chronology has reconciled many events in the Bible with Egyptian history. In this article Dr. Reagan looks at some of these confirmations of biblical history.

Can a Charismatic Theology Be Biblical? by Dr. Jon Ruthven

Dr. Jon Ruthven, Associate Professor of Systematic & Practical Theology at Regent University School of Divinity, contends that "a strongly charismatic theology is also, centrally, a biblical theology, normatively binding on all who claim scripture as their primary principle of religious authority."

Charisma vs. Charismania by Chuck Smith
Pastor Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel's book on the Holy Spirit and the believer. A balanced and biblical presentation.

Ephesians 2:20 and the "Foundational Gifts" by Dr. Jon Ruthven

Dr. Jon Ruthven, Associate Professor of Systematic & Practical Theology at Regent University School of Divinity, refutes the Cessationist argument from Ephesians 2:20.

On the Cessation of the Charismata by Dr. Jon Ruthven

Dr. Jon Ruthven, Associate Professor of Systematic & Practical Theology at Regent University School of Divinity, examines the protestant polemic against post-biblical miracles and finds it unscriptural.  This is a excerpt from his book by the same title. 

Questions Cessationists Should Ask: A Biblical Examination of Cessationism by Charles E. Powell

An exegetical examination of Cessationist and non-Cessationist passages.

The Uneasy Conscience of a Non-Charismatic Evangelical by Dr. Daniel B. Wallace
An interesting article by a non-Charismatic scholar with some very honest critiques of the non-Charismatic world.

Calvinism, Arminianism, and the Word of God by Chuck Smith

Pastor Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel examines both Calvinism and Arminianism in the light of Scripture.

Common Assaults on the Gospel by J. Hampton Keathley III

Keathley examines and disputes the common attacks on salvation by grace alone through faith alone.

Is There Really a Hell? by Rick Rood

Rick Rood of Probe Ministries looks at the Biblical teaching concerning Hell and its practical impact on our lives.

James 2: What is a Dead Faith? by Dr. Zane Hodges

What is the relationship between faith and works? Some have erroneously concluded that faith includes works or that “true” faith guarantees a life-long pattern of good works. The result of this teaching has caused many to seek assurance of their salvation by examining their good works. Many have become trapped by dwelling on the question, “Have I shown enough good fruit in my life to prove that I am really saved?”  This is chapter 3 of The Gospel Under Siege by Zane C. Hodges.

My Understanding of the Biblical Doctrine of Election by Dr. Daniel B. Wallace.
Dr. Wallace explains the meaning of the biblical doctrine of election.

Not Only Necessary-But Enough by Dr. H. A. Ironside

An article by Dr. Ironside that shows that faith is not only necessary--It is enough.

Our Living LORD: Rom. 10:9 - 10 by Dr. Zane C. Hodges

A fresh look at confession and Romans 10:9,10 from chapter 15 of Absolutely Free! by Zane C. Hodges.

Problem Passages in Paul by Dr. Zane C. Hodges

The author deals with passages found in Paul's epistles which are sometimes understood to base salvation and/or assurance on good works. This is chapter 7 of The Gospel Under Siege by Zane C. Hodges.

Repentance by Dr. Zane C. Hodges

A discussion in which biblical repentance is distinguished from faith: the sole condition for eternal salvation from chapter 12 of Absolutely Free! by Zane C. Hodges.
The Atonement of Christ by Dr. Lehman Strauss
Dr. Strauss explains the meaning of the atonement of Christ in this article.

The Doctrine of Rewards by J. Hampton Keathley III
Keathley examines the Biblical teaching on rewards and the Judgment Seat of Christ.
The False God and Gospel of Moral Government Theology by E. Calvin Beisner
Beisner critiques Moral Government Theology. This is the theology that Charles G. Finney developed and, more recently, Gordon Olson, Harry Conn, and Winkey Pratney have taught.

The Five Warnings of the Book of Hebrews by Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum

What is the author of the Book of Hebrews really talking about in verse 29 of chapter 10? In The Five Warnings of the Book of Hebrews, Manuscript number 135, Dr. Fruchtenbaum thoroughly explains the purpose and meaning of this much misinterpreted book. As you read this excerpt, be encouraged to keep pressing on in your grace-based faith.

The Mosaic Law: Its Function and Purpose in the New Testament by J. Hampton Keathley III

Are we still under the Law? Keathley looks at the function and purpose of the Law in the New Testament.

The Rich Young Ruler A Study on Mark 10:17-30 by Dr. Zane C. Hodges.

The famous encounter between Jesus and the rich young ruler is a focus today in the discussion about eternal salvation. This is from Grace In Eclipse, chapter 5 by Zane C. Hodges.

The Truth About Heaven by Rick Rood

Rick Rood of Probe Ministries examines the teaching of the Bible about heaven is analyzed, as well as the practical effects of the Christian belief in heaven.

What About Hell? by Douglas Groothuis

Is the doctrine of hell a hindrance or a help in witnessing? Many evangelicals are ashamed of this biblical doctrine, viewing it as a blemish to be covered up by the cosmetic of divine love. But this dishonors God’s Word. Jesus warned His hearers of the eternal punishment awaiting those who reject Him (Matt. 13:40-42; 25:46). If we clearly and compassionately expound the truth about hell, we may be surprised to find people responding to it in faith.

Why A Moral Life Won't Get Us To Heaven by Jimmy Williams

Jimmy Williams of Probe Ministries answers the question, "Won't a good, moral life get me to Heaven?"

Evidence for God's Existence by Sue Bohlin

Sue Bohlin of Probe Ministries presents the evidence for God's existence.

Is The Creedal Doctrine Of The Trinity Biblical? by Bob Passantino

Bob Passantino of Answers In Action makes the case for the Trinity.

Is There a God? by Marilyn Adamson

Marilyn Adamson presents reasons to believe in God.

Neotheism: The Dangers of Making God in Our Image by Dr. Norman Geisler

Dr. Geisler examines the "Openness of God" teaching of Pinock and Bassinger.  This also has implications for some Moral Government teachers such as Olson, Conn, and Pratney that deny God's knowledge of the future.

The Biblical Basis of the Doctrine of the Trinity

Scriptural support for the doctrine of the Trinity.

What Determines the Future? by Gregory Koukl

If God is omniscient, He knows the future--so the future is fixed. Therefore we have no free will. True or False? Read this article by Greg Koukl of Stand To Reason to find out.

Why We Should Believe in the Trinity by Pat Zukeran

Pat Zukeran of Probe Ministries answers the question, "Why should we believe in the Trinity?"

Yahweh/Yashua?

This article from Christian Research Institute responds to some of the teaching that emphasizes the name Yahweh for God and Yashua for Jesus.

"Ye are gods . . ."

A critical evaluation of the teaching that we are "little gods" from Christian Research Institute.

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, correction, and training in righteousness."

-- Paul of Tarsus