Theology with Ricky Nazworth

 Hebrews 6:4-6 has been a focal point of theological debate, with interpretations ranging from warnings about losing salvation to discussions of forfeiting rewards or blessings. Andy Woods, in his paper "THE PARADIGM OF KADESH BARNEA AS A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM OF HEBREWS 6:4-6", advocates for the latter, positing that the passage addresses the loss of spiritual blessings rather than the possibility of a believer losing salvation. While Woods’ interpretation is thoughtfully presented and aligns with his commitment to Eternal Security, a closer examination of the text, its language, and the broader biblical context suggests that his view may not fully capture the severity and intent of the warning in these verses. This essay argues that Hebrews 6:4-6 indeed speaks to the real and grave danger of apostasy—falling away from faith in such a manner that leads to an irreversible separation from God. The Context of Hebrews 6:4-6 Woods argues that the passage should be understood t...

Historic Premillennialism is, well, historic—so historic, in fact, that the guys who wrote the Bible believed it. Jokes (somewhat) aside, it’s a view that has been cherished by Christians from the very beginning. While Dispensational Premillennialism has become popular in more recent times, I’m convinced that Historic Premillennialism offers a more faithful and enduring understanding of God’s plan for humanity and His creation. 1. Rooted in the Early Church: A Tradition of Hope One of the most compelling aspects of Historic Premillennialism is its deep connection to the early Church. This isn’t a theology that was developed in a modern context; it’s one that was embraced by the very first generations of Christians, who were closest to the apostles and the teachings of Christ. The early Christians, in their anticipation of Christ’s return, laid the foundation for what we now understand as Historic Premillennialism. Irenaeus (130-202 AD), one of the most respected Church Fathers and a d...

 Andy Woods, in his defense of Eternal Security through the doctrine of Preservation of the Saints, seeks to offer believers comfort by claiming that once a person is genuinely saved, their salvation is unconditionally secure. While this might seem comforting, it is a dangerously misleading doctrine that ignores the full counsel of Scripture. As a fellow Evangelical, I firmly believe that salvation comes through faith alone. However, it is crucial to understand that maintaining that faith is what keeps us saved. The idea that nothing can cause you to lose your salvation, no matter how you live, not only distorts biblical teaching but also undermines the very nature of a genuine relationship with Christ. One of the more puzzling aspects of Andy Woods' argument is his attempt to draw a clear line between the "Preservation of the Saints" and the more traditionally understood "Perseverance of the Saints." In reality, this distinction is more theoretical than practic...

John F. Walvoord, a prominent advocate of the pre-tribulation rapture, asserts that the Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24 does not pertain to the rapture of the Church. He claims that the rapture was introduced later in John 14:1-3 and elaborated on in 1 Corinthians 15 and 1 Thessalonians 4, rendering the Olivet Discourse irrelevant to discussions of the rapture. Furthermore, he criticizes post-tribulationists for supposedly ignoring the crucial details of the discourse, suggesting that they misinterpret or gloss over its significance. However, this perspective is not only flawed but also misrepresents the careful and comprehensive interpretation held by those who adhere to a post-tribulation rapture view. The Olivet Discourse is indeed central to understanding Christ’s return, including the rapture, and any attempt to separate these events is an artificial division that does not hold up under scrutiny. The Rapture and the Olivet Discourse: A Unified Event Walvoord’s position rests on the...

 The debate surrounding the timing of the rapture in relation to the tribulation is one of the most contentious within Christian eschatology. The pre-tribulation rapture, which posits that believers will be taken up before a period of intense suffering, has gained significant popularity, especially in evangelical circles. However, a growing number of Christians are turning towards the post-tribulation rapture belief, which asserts that the church will endure the tribulation and that the rapture will coincide with Christ's second coming. This essay aims to justify the post-tribulation belief through a comprehensive examination of scriptural evidence and theological reasoning. Historical Context Early Church Beliefs The early Christian church predominantly held a belief in a singular second coming of Christ, which would follow a period of tribulation. This perspective is evident in the writings of early church fathers such as Irenaeus, who described a future tribulation period that w...

 Molinism, named after the 16th-century Spanish Jesuit theologian Luis de Molina, offers a compelling framework for reconciling divine foreknowledge, human free will, and predestination. Unlike Calvinism and Arminianism, Molinism introduces the concept of "middle knowledge" (scientia media) to bridge the gap between divine sovereignty and human freedom. Molinism Explained Molinism revolves around the concept of middle knowledge, which posits that God knows not only everything that could happen (natural knowledge) and everything that will happen (free knowledge) but also what every free creature would do in any given circumstance (middle knowledge). This allows God to actualize a world in which His divine will is accomplished through the genuinely free choices of individuals. Key Aspects of Molinism Middle Knowledge : God’s knowledge of all potential decisions individuals could make in any circumstance, allowing for genuine human freedom. Divine Sovereignty and Human Freedom :...