As a professor at a Bible College in Houston, this question is often raised when I am teaching on... more As a professor at a Bible College in Houston, this question is often raised when I am teaching on the subject of the eternal security of the believer. Some students consider this objection to be sufficient reason to discredit the clear biblical teaching of eternal security. Rather than discredit the doctrine of eternal security, this question actually demonstrates the fact that the objectors who use this argument are looking at sanctification from the wrong perspective. This question is indicative of a man-centered generation who constantly asks the question, "What is in it for me?" This question is posed as if the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit, eternal salvation, the substitutionary atonement and imputed righteousness of Christ are not enough personal motivation for the believer to live a holy life. However, the motivation for holy living must extend beyond this man-centered logic and return the motivation for sanctification to the appropriate God-centered focus that the Bible teaches. Once eternal security is looked at from God's perspective, the appropriate motivation for holy living can be ascertained.
If Our Salvation is Secure, Why Should We Live Holy Lives?
As a professor at a Bible College in Houston, this question is often raised when I am teaching on... more As a professor at a Bible College in Houston, this question is often raised when I am teaching on the subject of the eternal security of the believer. Some students consider this objection to be sufficient reason to discredit the clear biblical teaching of eternal security. Rather than discredit the doctrine of eternal security, this question actually demonstrates the fact that the objectors who use this argument are looking at sanctification from the wrong perspective. This question is indicative of a man-centered generation who constantly asks the question, “What is in it for me?” This question is posed as if the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit, eternal salvation, the substitutionary atonement and imputed righteousness of Christ are not enough personal motivation for the believer to live a holy life. However, the motivation for holy living must extend beyond this man-centered logic and return the motivation for sanctification to the appropriate God-centered focus that the ...
My remembrance of Dr. Bill Arp: I am thankful for Dr. Arp and his influence on my life. I am part... more My remembrance of Dr. Bill Arp: I am thankful for Dr. Arp and his influence on my life. I am particularly thankful that he arranged for my wife to be mentored by his wife during our visits to Baptist Bible Seminary. That was especially helpful as we were newly married and trying to navigate PhD studies and marriage. I really appreciate what he taught me about illumination having less to do with identifying the meaning of the text but instead welcoming how to apply the text. His emphasis on the importance of singularity of meaning and authorial intent impacted my studies of the Scripture and is addressed in my evaluation of Plowshares and Pruninghooks by D. Brent Sandy.
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Papers by Joseph Parle