An Exegesis of Romans 7:7-25

Exegesis Isaiah 40:1-11

Gap Theory

Niphal Verb Form

Paul’s Perspective on “Works of the Law”

Since 1977, when E. P. Sanders’s Paul and Palestinian Judaism landed on traditional Pauline scholarship with a thud, a raging debate over Paul’s perspective of the Law ensued. Central to the ongoing debate is the interpretation of the Pauline phrase “works of the Law.”

Martin Luther’s Righteousness of God

One of the most theologically rich phrases in the corpus of the Apostle Paul’s writings is the “righteousness of God.” In many ways, Martin Luther’s breakthrough interpretation of the phrase provided the impetus for the Protestant Reformation. However, modern scholars have disputed Luther’s interpretation, which has potentially put a core construct of Protestant theology at risk.

Barth Revelation

This research will show that Barthian revelation is manifested in a transcendent, operative, and triune God. First, it will be shown how God exists in Barthian revelation by exploring God’s transcendence. Second, the question of how God is known in revelation will be investigated by exploring the specific forms of God’s operative work. Third, the topic of how God is present within revelation will be addressed by exploring the triune nature of God. Finally, an analysis of two notable critiques will be provided followed by a brief defense of each accusation.

Luther Salvation

This research shows that Luther’s view of the nature God’s righteousness culminates in an alien righteousness characterizing Luther’s distinct breakthrough. This study provides a brief etymological introduction of the righteousness of God, followed by an analysis of Luther’s break with the theology of his peers, the via moderna. The distinct nature of Luther’s breakthrough will then be revealed in his divergence with Augustine. An exploration of potential traditional alternatives to Luther’s distinct breakthrough will be reviewed, and finally, a fascinating look into a possible non-traditional alternative embodied in Ritschlian theology will be investigated.

Substitutionary Atonement

Cur Deus Homo is Latin for, “Why God became man?” Anselm of Canterbury is an ingenious medieval theologian who is credited for the current evangelical understanding of Substitutionary Atonement. This research explores the concept of iustitia in the development of Anselm’s Satisfaction theory of atonement and provides evidence proving the validity of the theory in light of three influential modern critiques.

Intertestamental Period

Synoptic Problem

This research will provide a brief overview of the Synoptic Problem, a history of the investigation into the relationship between the Synoptic Gospels, a summarization of the similarities and differences of the Synoptics, proposed solutions to the Synoptic Problem emphasizing the dependent and independent hypotheses as well as a further exploration and defense of the Augustinian Proposal.