Signs of Salvation: February 2009

Interesting brief article on historical-critical Scripture study by Dr. Michael Waldstein, here.

Why "Signs of Salvation"?

Christianity is about a relationship with Jesus, the "living sign" of our salvation. All through Scripture, both Old and New Testaments, we encounter various images and narratives of God delivering His people. In Wisdom of Solomon Ch. 16, a Jewish wisdom text from about 50 B.C., recalls the time of the ancient Israelites, wandering in the desert, and finding deliverance by looking to the bronze serpent, held up by Moses:

"For when the terrible rage of wild beasts came upon your people, and they were being destroyed by the bites of writhing serpents ... they were troubled for a little while as a warning, and received a sign of salvation to remind them of your law's command.

Yet, as the text points out, it was not merely looking at the bronze serpent that saved those faithful Israelites, but the merciful God who continually offers deliverance and true freedom:

... For he who turned to it was saved, not by what he saw, but by you, the Savior of all ... (Wisdom of Solomon 16:5ff)
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This primary mission of this blog is to discuss the true and living sign of our salvation, Jesus Christ. Over time, we'll discuss many issues related to the Old and New Testament, how to interpret them in the fullness of faith, and from the richness of historical inquiry.

As we do so, we will grow in our appreciation for Scripture, and how the New Testament is hidden in the Old, and how the Old is fully revealed in the New. We'll focus especially on the Gospels and the Jesus story within them, and how it was shaped by true authors, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

We'll interact with the arguments of various biblical scholars -- not being afraid to "critique criticism" along the way, and really wrestle with hard questions.

But we'll proceed from a point of view that upholds 'faith' as a means of growing and understanding who Jesus is, who we are, and how to love one another more.

This is our focus. This is what "Signs of Salvation" is all about.

Mostly. That is to say, we'll discuss other topics of a less serious (but not necessarily less salvific!) nature.

Such as: interesting music, great food, and cool films. Consider it a great place to check-in periodically, grow in faith, think, and laugh a bit, too.

Signs of Salvation

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

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Signs of Salvation

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Blog Archive

Facebook Badge

About Me

Subscribe

Fav Blogs, Sites

Labels

Why "Signs of Salvation"?

Bronze Serpent

Bear Fan

Recommended Books on Scripture

Great Music