Request for Resources

Hey 5Pointers,

In the Johanine Epistles class I’m currently taking, I have to write a little research paper (7-10 pages). The topic I picked last night is “The Atonement in 1 John.” There are plenty of meaty verses in 1 John to cover the page limit, and some interesting statements to wrestle with (e.g. “not only for our sins, but also for the whole world” or “the Son of God appeared to destroy the works of the Devil” or “he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins”).

If you have any resources I should consider while researching these passages (and others), please let me know about them in the comments!

Here’s a list of texts (off the top of my head) that I will consult:

Lexicons/Dictionaries: TDNT, BDAG

Commentaries: Bruce, Marshall, Stott, Thompson, Boice, Carson (Gospel of John)

Themed Works: Owen (Death of Death), Murray (Redemption), Pinnock (Grace Unlimited), Olsen (Beyond Calvinism…)

Thanks for your input. And if my paper is any good I’ll put some of it online.  🙂

Also, if you think of it, I could use your prayers as I research and write.

 

A Helpful Explanation of what is meant by the “Active” and “Passive” Obedience of Christ

“The real use and purpose of the [Active/Passive Obedience] formula is to emphasize the two distinct aspects of our Lord’s vicarious obedience. The truth expressed rests upon the recognition that the law of God has both penal sanctions and positive demands. It demands not only the full discharge of its precepts but also the infliction of penalty for all infractions and shortcomings. It is this twofold demand of the law of God which is taken into account when we speak of the active and passive obedience of Christ. Christ as the vicar of his people came under the curse and condemnation due to sin and he also fulfilled the law of God in all its positive requirements. In other words, he took care of the guilt of sin and perfectly fulfilled the demands of righteousness. He perfectly met both the penal and the preceptive requirements of God’s law. The passive obedience refers to the former and the active obedience to the latter. Christ’s obedience was vicarious in the bearing of the full judgment of God upon sin, and it was vicarious in the full discharge of the demands of righteousness. His obedience becomes the ground of the remission of sin and of actual justification.”

From John Murray’s Redemption Accomplished and Applied, pg. 21 & 22.

 

Spurgeon on the birth of Jesus and Christmas

Here are some excerpts from a sermon preached the Lord’s-Day morning December 24th, 1871

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