Author: Paul J. Barth

No Rest For The Soul Apart From Christ

The minister discusses the soul’s search for rest and happiness, emphasizing that true rest can only be found in God through Christ. It highlights how both sensual and rational pursuits can hinder the soul’s rest in God. The minister urges a deep communion with God, surpassing mere rational knowledge and sensual delights. And warns against complacency in religious duties alone, advocating for a deep inner communion with God, beyond mere outward exercises of religion or theological intellectualism. … Read More No Rest For The Soul Apart From Christ

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How To Strengthen Your Faith

The Minister advises a young Christian on strengthening faith. He recommends exercising existing faith, praying for its increase, diligently hearing and reading the Bible, and receiving the sacrament regularly. He explains that while these means won’t independently generate or enhance faith, the Spirit of God works through them. The young Christian resolves to diligently use these means for greater faith.… Read More How To Strengthen Your Faith

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God’s Sovereignty & the Means of Grace

The sovereignty of God is displayed in the diverse effects of the application of the gospel, showing His absolute freedom and control. The gospel’s impact varies, with some immediately responding, others taking longer, and still only hardening others. This demonstrates God’s dominion in guiding and determining the outcomes—highlighting the need for our humble acceptance, gratitude, and reliance on Christ for His sovereignty and grace.… Read More God’s Sovereignty & the Means of Grace

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Theodicy & The Concurrence of Primary & Secondary Causes

God ordains all events freely and unchangeably, without authoring sin or impeding free will. God’s concurring power sustains and governs all actions without tainting His holiness. Actions are distinct from their sinfulness, and God’s concurrence with the substance of an action does not corrupt His nature. Actions have separate causes from their sinfulness, and God’s intention differs from man’s intention.… Read More Theodicy & The Concurrence of Primary & Secondary Causes

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Theodicy & God’s Permission of Sin

God’s holiness is not tainted by his permitting of sin. Although God has foreordained whatsoever comes to pass, he does not will or cause sin. God allows sin to occur for a greater purpose, namely the manifestation of his own glory through the triumph of grace over sin in Christ. God’s permission is not the cause of sin, but rather a means to demonstrate his wisdom and goodness.… Read More Theodicy & God’s Permission of Sin

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Heaven or Hades? Old Testament Saints in the Intermediate State

The Intermediate State is a trending belief among Evangelicals, proposing that sheol/hades is a separate place for departed souls aside from Heaven and Hell. This problematic and unbiblical view lacks scriptural support, contradicts the destiny of Old Testament saints, and can lead to theological inconsistencies across doctrines like Christology, Soteriology, and Eschatology. This erroneous understanding serves to reinforce additional errors and should be diligently corrected.… Read More Heaven or Hades? Old Testament Saints in the Intermediate State

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What Are Sheol & Hades? | Geerhardus Vos

Geerhardus Vos explores the meaning of Scripture’s use of the terms sheol and hades. Some argue these terms don’t refer to the place of suffering, but rather a subterranean dwelling place for all of the dead in common. Vos challenges this view, arguing that sheol/hades denotes either the place of destruction (i.e. Hell), or a general state (not place) of death. Believers find eternal blessing in Heaven, not sheol/hades. He emphasizes the need to consider context for accurate translation of these terms.… Read More What Are Sheol & Hades? | Geerhardus Vos

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