What do BC, AD, BCE, and CE mean?
In our dating system, BC means "before Christ" and AD means " Anno Domini ," a Latin phrase meaning "in the year of our Lord." AD does not mean "after death [of Christ]." CE is a modern designation…
Theological Flowerbeds - D.A.I.S.Y. vs. T.U.L.I.P.
Calvinism is more than a mere five points; it includes the entire Bible. Such documents as the Westminster Confession of Faith barely skim the surface of what true Calvinism means. Among other things…
Are all Protestants going to Hell (Catholic Dogma)?
A cry of the Roman Catholic Church is often heard. It says, "Outside the Church there is no salvation" ( Extra ecclesiam nulla salus ). The Protestant Church(s) according to Roman Catholics are…
Tongues Have Ceased
(This answer represents my personal views and not necessarily those of everyone at Thirdmill). Introduction Perhaps no other issue has so divided the modern church more than the gift of speaking in…
Did Calvin murder Servetus?
First, let me start with a little history regarding the five points of Calvinism. John Calvin died in 1564, and in 1610 the Arminians the followers of Jacob Arminius, who had died a year before, drew…
What is logos?
In John 1:1 we read, "In the beginning was the Word [ Logos ], and the Word [ Logos ] was with God, and the Word [ Logos ] was God." The Greek term " logos " is translated as "word," "principle" or…
What are Septuagesima, Sexagesima and Quinquagesima Sundays?
These terms are not in the Bible and are rarely used today except in the traditional Latin Mass of the Roman Catholic Church. They were actually eliminated by the Second Vatican Council. They are…
Amillennialism in the Early Church
Unfortunately, it is a bit difficult for us to know precisely what the early church taught about eschatology for a few reasons. First, they don't appear to have written much on the subject. Second…
What is the meaning of God inhabiting the praises of his people in Psalm 22:3?
Psalm 22:3: Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel ("his people" replaces "Israel" in the KJV). Psalm 22 is a Messianic Psalm. The cross and the death of Jesus are portrayed throughout…
Calvinism vs. Arminianism: A Worthwhile Debate
As far as Calvinism and Arminianism are concerned, I do think the issue is an important one. However, for the most part, I also think it is an in-house debate. That is, I believe that most Calvinists…
Passover and the Early Church
The quartodecimans (from the Latin for "fourteen") is a term that has been given to Christians in the second century who believed that Easter was to be celebrated on the same day as the Jewish…
What is Sola Scriptura vs. Tota Scriptura?
Tota Scriptura is related to Sola Scriptura . What is Sola Scriptura ? It is a Latin phrase meaning Scripture Alone . Many in the early church - Ignatius, Polycarp, Clement, Barnabus, Irenaeus…
Crucifixion of Women and Roman Citizens
According to Hengel ( Crucifixion , Fortress Press, 1977), Roman law allowed that Roman citizens could be crucified, but the penalty was rarely inflicted on Roman citizens. Where citizens were…
Calvin, Salvation, Baptism
On the specific issue of Calvin's view of baptism and that represented in the Westminster Standards, the two are basically the same. Also, just as a side note, Calvin himself said that his…
Calvin and Servetus
It is hard to tell from the research that I have seen exactly how many people were executed during Calvin's time in Geneva. I would have to say that the modern day opponents of Calvin like to give…
What are the Twelve Articles of Faith?
The "twelve articles of the faith" is another name for the Apostles' Creed. The Apostles' Creed 1. I believe in God the Father [Isa. 44:5-6], Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth [Gen. 1:1; John 1:3…
Who or what were the Lollards, or Lollardy, or Lollardism?
The word Lollard possibly came from the Dutch word lollaert meaning "muttered," because they made long prayers. Lollardy has been called England's first heresy by Roman Catholics. So, Lollard was…
The Revolt of the Maccabees and Hanukkah
Hanukkah or Chanukah (or more properly hanukiyah ) — the Festival of Lights — is a Jewish holiday. It commemorates the re-dedication of the second temple in Jerusalem during the time of the Maccabean…
Simon the Magician
Simon Magus (a.k.a. Simon the Magician) is a very interesting character. The Bible records his encounter with Peter in Acts 8, and several early Christian writings tell of things that later happened…
Is Calvinism Fatalistic?
Thanks for your question. It is a common one. In actuality, Arminianism, not Calvinism is fatalistic. Among other doctrines in which they also disagree (see the Theological Flowerbeds - D.A.I.S.Y.…
Pharisees and Works Righteousness
It is my understanding that the Pharisees did not teach works-based salvation. According to the New Testament, their doctrine of salvation had some flaws, but trusting in personal merit is not…
In what language was the Bible originally written?
Thanks for your question. The Bible was given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:20-21) and originally written and even spoken in Biblical Hebrew, Aramaic, and Koine Greek.…
Which is the True Church?
There are various ways of describing the true church. My preference is to speak of it as the body that contains the faithful remnant. Faithfulness, in turn, is not reckoned by purity of doctrine.…
Puritan Quotes on Providence
You are most certainly welcome. THOMAS WATSON - God is to be trusted when His providences seem to run contrary to His promises. God promised David to give him the crown, to make him king; but…