Category Archives: Church of Christ Doctrinal Issues

The Fork in the Road: Moral vs. Positive Law: Those led by the Spirit aren’t under law

Argument 2. In Galatians, Paul continues to explain why obedience to the positive command of circumcision is pointless. (Gal 5:18) But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. Now, we try take this statement, turn … Continue reading

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The Fork in the Road: Moral vs. Positive Law: Love Fulfills the Law

I contend that Benjamin Franklin has it exactly backwards: moral law is higher than positive law. Indeed, I question whether God even makes positive law any more. Argument 1. (Rom 13:8) Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt … Continue reading

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The Fork in the Road: Moral vs. Positive Law: Background

Guy wrote a comment asking why I take such a dim view of positive law (and I do). I knocked out a quick comment, but I think the topic bears a more thorough explanation. It’s going to take several posts … Continue reading

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The Fork in the Road: I Can’t Find the Words

BrotherhoodNews.com recently issued this report — MERIDIAN, Miss. (BNc) — The Northside congregation hosted a Bible debate on church benevolence Jan. 21-22. Thursday night Patrick Donahue of Huntsville, Ala., affirmed that, “The Bible does not authorize use of the church … Continue reading

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The Fork in the Road: When Am I Justified?

I continue to try to sort out just where the progressives and conservatives part ways in their theology. Ask any conservative, and he’ll assure you that he believes we are justified by faith, not works, by the grace of God. … Continue reading

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The Fork in the Road: Calvin’s Questions

Thanks to http://www.gocomics.com/ for the lesson in theology. If the image is too small, try either double clicking the cartoon or else right clicking and selecting “View Image.” Or else go here.

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The Fork in the Road: The Progressive Line, Part 4

Fifth, we are taught, (1 John 1:7)  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. “Purifies” is … Continue reading

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The Fork in the Road: The Progressive Line, Part 3

Fourth, we need to spend just a moment regarding obedience. We have a tendency to insist on perfect obedience to the least important commands and to tolerate poor obedience to the most important commands. Thus, we want to damn those … Continue reading

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The Fork in the Road: The Progressive Line, Part 2.5

Let’s see. I put up a post, based on 1 John, suggesting that whether we are remain saved or have fallen away depends on love, and some find that my teaching lacks substance or even implies antinomianism (the absence of … Continue reading

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The Fork in the Road: The Progressive Line, Part 2

Second, one thing that greatly bothers many who first hear this teaching is the lack of objective commands. Faith and penitence are so subjective — surely there are actual commands that must be obeyed! Again, harken back to when we … Continue reading

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