Continued from Part 1. Fesko's misrepresentations are disturbing. As I read his section on Augustine[23], I thought maybe he had misunderstood Augustine when Fesko claimed that Realism was about a "biological" union in Adam—that Realism claimed a physical presence of all men in Adam. However, after Fesko described the views of Shedd and Baird (the … Continue reading A Realist’s Review of J.V. Fesko’s ‘Death in Adam, Life in Christ,’ Part 2
Tag: realism
A Realist’s Review of J.V. Fesko’s ‘Death in Adam, Life in Christ,’ Part 1
By Ken Hamrick As a proponent of the Realistic view, I was interested in this book by J. V. Fesko, Death in Adam, Life in Christ: The Doctrine of Imputation,[1] because it seeks to explain how Covenant Theology deals with imputation on both sides of the Adam-Christ parallel, as well as engaging other views, among … Continue reading A Realist’s Review of J.V. Fesko’s ‘Death in Adam, Life in Christ,’ Part 1
A Strong Argument for Traducianism
Traducianism is the belief that the immaterial nature (the spirit or soul) is propagated from one or both parents. Creationism is the only Christian alternative, the belief that the spirit is created out of nothing. It is my contention that the biblical case for traducianism is strong, and it should not be avoided, as it … Continue reading A Strong Argument for Traducianism
It’s Time for New Thinking on Atonement, Part 8: Realistic Substitution
This eight-part series introduces the new perspective of Realistic Substitution, which unties the knots and answers the questions that previous theories could not. It is the ancient Realistic view of Adam further developed and applied to Christ. Leon Morris, in The Cross in the New Testament, was not optimistic regarding the possibility of a "full and final … Continue reading It’s Time for New Thinking on Atonement, Part 8: Realistic Substitution
It’s Time for New Thinking on Atonement, Part 7: Traducianism
This eight-part series introduces the new perspective of Realistic Substitution, which unties the knots and answers the questions that previous theories could not. It is the ancient Realistic view of Adam further developed and applied to Christ. Traducianism is the belief that the immaterial nature (the spirit or soul) is propagated from one or both parents. … Continue reading It’s Time for New Thinking on Atonement, Part 7: Traducianism
It’s Time for New Thinking on Atonement, Part 6: The Realistic View of Adam
This eight-part series introduces the new perspective of Realistic Substitution, which unties the knots and answers the questions that previous theories could not. It is the ancient Realistic view of Adam further developed and applied to Christ. The parallel between Adam and Christ is striking, as evident in Rom. 5:12-21. Inadequacies in our understanding of how Adam's … Continue reading It’s Time for New Thinking on Atonement, Part 6: The Realistic View of Adam
It’s Time for New Thinking on Atonement, Part 5: Under Wrath Until Reconciled
This eight-part series introduces the new perspective of Realistic Substitution, which unties the knots and answers the questions that previous theories could not. It is the ancient Realistic view of Adam further developed and applied to Christ. A One-Sided Reconciliation? The logic of a one-sided reconciliation, in which God is reconciled to us but we are … Continue reading It’s Time for New Thinking on Atonement, Part 5: Under Wrath Until Reconciled
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Justification
By Ken Hamrick We are justified by faith in Christ. But is that justification a mere legal fiction, as the Catholics object? While many look for the answer in the analogies of marriage and adoption, there is a more explicit answer: it is the spiritual union of Christ in the believer, effected by the Holy … Continue reading The Role of the Holy Spirit in Justification
It’s Time for New Thinking on Atonement, Part 4: Union with the Substitute
This eight-part series introduces the new perspective of Realistic Substitution, which unties the knots and answers the questions that previous theories could not. It is the ancient Realistic view of Adam further developed and applied to Christ. Old Testament Pictures of Union with the Substitute One vital principle of substitution is union with the substitute. How … Continue reading It’s Time for New Thinking on Atonement, Part 4: Union with the Substitute
It’s Time for New Thinking on Atonement, Part 3: Unquantifiable & Nontransferable
This eight-part series introduces the new perspective of Realistic Substitution, which unties the knots and answers the questions that previous theories could not. It is the ancient Realistic view of Adam further developed and applied to Christ. The Unquantifiable Nature of Sin-Debt, Wrath, and Atonement How many sins did Adam commit before he stood in need … Continue reading It’s Time for New Thinking on Atonement, Part 3: Unquantifiable & Nontransferable
It’s Time for New Thinking on Atonement, Part 2: Faith is Required
This eight-part series introduces the new perspective of Realistic Substitution, which unties the knots and answers the questions that previous theories could not. It is the ancient Realistic view of Adam further developed and applied to Christ. Old Testament Requirements for Atonement As we have rightly looked to the Old Testament to define atonement, it is … Continue reading It’s Time for New Thinking on Atonement, Part 2: Faith is Required
It’s Time for New Thinking on Atonement, Part 1: Definition
This eight-part series introduces the new perspective of Realistic Substitution, which unties the knots and answers the questions that previous theories could not. It is the ancient Realistic view of Adam[1] further developed and applied to Christ. The Traditionalist contends that Jesus died for everyone. The Calvinist counters that since not all will be saved, not … Continue reading It’s Time for New Thinking on Atonement, Part 1: Definition
Realism & Retroactive Identity in Christ
By Ken Hamrick John Murray’s treatment of sanctification, particularly his essay, “The Agency in Definitive Sanctification,” makes some surprising inroads toward grasping the believer’s retroactive, realistic identification with Christ.[1] He does not go as far as to acknowledge that the reality of the spiritual union of Christ in the believer brings a title to all … Continue reading Realism & Retroactive Identity in Christ
Realism & The Fall: A Response to Steve Farish
By Ken Hamrick The Winter 2017 issue of The Founders Journal contains a brief, informative article on Original Sin, by Steve Farish, entitled, "The Fall Brought Condemnation and Corruption."[1] To his credit, he does not present only the representationist "party line," but also tries to present the realist side and its problems. This is commendable. But … Continue reading Realism & The Fall: A Response to Steve Farish
Origin of the Soul: A Defense of Paternal Traducianism
Also posted at SBC Open Forum. By Ken Hamrick Was your soul newly created for you by God, or was it passed down to you from the previous generations, much like your DNA was, and originally came from Adam? This may seem an obscure question, but it is actually foundational to most of theology. Whether … Continue reading Origin of the Soul: A Defense of Paternal Traducianism
Toward Theological Reconciliation: Atonement
Also posted at SBC Open Forum and at SBC Voices. by Ken Hamrick What you will find below is neither an argument for the Calvinist view nor one for the Traditionalist view of atonement. Both ends of the spectrum have been asking the wrong questions, and the best perspective transcends that old debate. By emphasizing that Christ stood … Continue reading Toward Theological Reconciliation: Atonement
Who is Guilty of Adam’s Sin? A Centrist Response to Adam Harwood
Also posted at SBC Open Forum and at SBC Voices. by Ken Hamrick Adam Harwood spoke at the 2013 John 3:16 Conference, and the paper he presented there is available on the conference e-book at SBC Today. Like Dr. Harwood, I deny that anyone is born condemned for Adam's sin; but unlike Dr. Harwood, I find … Continue reading Who is Guilty of Adam’s Sin? A Centrist Response to Adam Harwood
