Category Archives: Jesus

DID JOHN THE BAPTIST DOUBT?

Jesus April 17, 2026 Leave a comment

PMW 2026-027 BY KENNETH L. GENTRY, JR.

In this posting I will focus on the question as to whether John experienced doubt regarding Jesus’ identity as the Messiah. As I approach this question, I would note that we need to be aware that “there was messianic ferment in the land of Israel in the first century” (Scott 1995: 320). Because of this anticipation, many who meet Jesus or hear him speak and see him perform miracles are convinced he is the expected Christ/Messiah (John 1:41; 4:29; 7:31, 41; 10:24).

Even though Jesus had indeed come as such, he initially warns his own disciples to “tell no one that He was the Christ” (Matt. 16:20). This was due to the problem of widespread apocalyptically-charged anticipation. This could lead to a wrong-headed and dangerous response from the populace. We see this danger operating, for instance, on one occasion when the people tried to “take Him by force to make Him king” (e.g., John 6:15). Indeed, because of the messianic excitability in these times, Jesus warns that “many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many” (Matt. 24:14; cp. vv. 23–24).

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OUR PERFECT SAVIOR

Jesus, salvation March 6, 2026 Leave a comment

PMW 2026:017 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.

We are called “Christians” (Acts 11:26) and are committed to the “Christian” faith (Acts 26:28; 1 Pet 4:16). Consequently, Christ is central to our doctrine and practice. Indeed, he is not only central to Christianity, he is absolutely essential to it. And as such he is fundamental to explaining The Truth about Salvation.

As we begin a two-chapter study of Christ as Savior we must first recognize that:

MAN NEEDS A PERFECT SAVIOR

As we saw in earlier chapters, man is wholly corrupted by sin. As Isaiah poetically pictures Israel’s condition, so may we characterize mankind’s condition before God: “the whole head is sick / And the whole heart is faint / From the sole of the foot even to the head / There is nothing sound in it, / Only bruises, welts and raw wounds” (Isa 1:5–6).

Indeed, David observes that “in Your sight no man living is righteous” (Psa 143:2). He states this because “there is no man who does not sin” (1 Kgs 8:46; cp. Eccl 7:20; Rom 3:10, 20). Yet as an immortal creature made in God’s image (Gen 1:26), he desperately needs salvation. He must have his positive relationship with his Creator restored, for as we read in Ecclesiastes: “God made men upright, but they have sought out many devices” (Eccl 7:29).

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THE ISRAEL OF GOD: THE LAND

Israel, Jesus February 7, 2025 Comments: 2

Israel of GodPMW 2025-011 by O. Palmer Robertson

It has been rightly observed that the idea of the “land” as a theological concept has been largely overlooked by both Judaism and Christianity. Except for eschatological speculations concerning the return of Israel to the land, the whole concept of the land as presented in Scripture has been generally neglected. The reasons for this neglect might be variously evaluated.¹ But unquestionably the significance of the land as a theological idea needs fuller exploration.²

The concept of a land that belongs to God’s people originated in Paradise. This simple fact, so often overlooked, plays a critical role in evaluating the significance of the land throughout redemptive history and in its consummate fulfillment.³ Land did not begin to be theologically significant with the promise given to Abraham. Instead, the patriarch’s hope of possessing a land arose out of the concept of restoration to the original state from which man had fallen. The original idea of land as paradise significantly shaped the expectations associated with redemption. As the place of blessedness arising from unbroken fellowship and communion with God, the land of paradise became the goal toward which redeemed humanity was returning. Continue reading →