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Visio Dei, Vision Pro: Beatific Vision And Technological Singularity, John Paul Arceno

Liberty Theological Review

This paper offers a retrieval of the classical Christian theology of beatific vision. The reason behind this is the challenges posed by the progress of digital technology, including Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, and robotics, which are prevalent today. This rapid progress somehow threatens the classical view of beatific vision with its version of technological singularity. Hence, the retrieval of the beatific vision, which is grounded in divine ontology, is much needed. The paper is divided into three parts: (1) Visio Dei, which discusses the doctrine of beatific vision, (2) Vision Pro, which discusses technological singularity, and (3) conclusion, which …

Biblical Church Governance: Returning To Plural-Elder Congregationalism From Policy-Based Governance Models, Jacob R. Ray

Liberty Theological Review

This paper critiques the growing adoption of policy-based governance models in local church contexts and argues for a return to plural-elder congregationalism as the most biblically faithful and historically rooted model of church government. While policy-based governance, derived from John Carver’s framework for nonprofit leadership, offers administrative strengths such as consistency, accountability, and efficiency, its application within the church often results in the diminishment of biblically mandated roles—particularly the deacon—and fosters a corporate rather than ecclesial culture. The author contends that such models misunderstand and misapply the New Testament offices of elder and deacon, violating the biblical pattern of shared …

The Marriage Metaphor Of Jesus And The Samaritan Woman: A New Interpretative Reading Of John 4:1-45, Bao B. Vang

Liberty Theological Review

This paper explores the marriage metaphor in John 4:1–45, arguing that Jesus’s encounter with the Samaritan woman is a symbolic representation of the relationship between Christ and the Church. Through an exegetical analysis of the text, the study examines key elements such as the double entendre of the well motif, living water, and the concept of worship. The results of this study reveal the depth of John's narrative strategy in intentionally presenting Jesus as the Messianic Bridegroom, illustrated through his explicit use of Old Testament marriage motifs. The study concludes that the episode of Jesus and the Samaritan woman functions …

The Tabernacle Hermeneutic: Mosaic Permission From Ex 25:40 To Behold Christ, Christopher G. Miller

Liberty Theological Review

Ex 25:40 is a hermeneutic used by Moses which gives the reader permission to behold Christ and “heavenly things” (τῶν ἐπουρανίων) in the tabernacle instructions (Ex 25-40). This Mosaic hermeneutic is highlighted by the author of Hebrews (Heb 8:5). The overwhelming textual and thematic connections between the tabernacle instructions and the creation account (Gen 1-3) demonstrates that this tabernacle hermeneutic (Ex 25:40) may be useful in other contexts in the Pentateuch. This tabernacle hermeneutic should be used on passages that share words, plot, and ceremonial practices with the tabernacle instructions. The use of “horn” (qeren) is analyzed in each major …

Deuteronomy And Ane Worldview Apologetics In A Postmodern Context, Eric Mcconnell

Liberty Theological Review

Postmodern Christianity seeks to divorce the miraculous and divine elements from Scripture and shape biblical morality in a way that relates to postmodern culture. Responding to Postmodern Christianity’s errors requires a consistent literal hermeneutic in one’s exegesis and a sound biblical framework in one’s apologetic method. The message of Deuteronomy presents a possible paradigm for this task, as its contents present a culturally-relevant polemic against false maxims and errant religion that God’s people faced within their own milieu. Moses’ polemic in Deuteronomy 4 presents a paradigm that would be employed by the prophets to counter the faulty syncretistic worldview that …

Towards A Biblical Theology Of Natural Theology, Armen Oganessian

Liberty Theological Review

This article aims to construct a biblical theology of natural theology through an examination of the Book of Job. This examination will employ a three-pronged approach. Firstly, it will place the Book of Job within the overarching redemptive-historical narrative of Scripture. Secondly, it will analyze the book's structure, viewing it as crucial for interpreting its message on natural theology. Finally, it will examine Job's dialogue with his companions (chapters 3:1-31:40) as a discussion of natural theology. This tripartite analysis will demonstrate that Job’s author prompts readers to assess the conversation between Job and his friends within the framework of the …

Defending The Doctrine Of Hell, Jordan P. Ballard

Liberty Theological Review

The doctrine of hell, or the final state of the wicked, has become one of the most objectionable Christian doctrines because it depicts God as vengeful and wrathful, which is offensive to human sensibilities. As an extension of the problem of evil, where God is put on trial for allowing what may appear to be gratuitous pain and suffering in the world, many Christians and non-Christians alike wonder how a loving God could consign people to suffering in hell forever. After all, why didn’t God make a world where all would be saved if He is truly loving? Belief in …

God's Sovereignty In Jeremiah's Call (Jer. 1:4-19), Joseph Peters

Liberty Theological Review

In Jeremiah 1:4-19, God reveals to Jeremiah that God had chosen him to be a prophet over the nations before Jeremiah was even born. Even though Jeremiah presents objections to his commission, God assures Jeremiah that he will proclaim God’s message and does not need to fear as God will be with him. The message is concerned with both destruction and reconstruction, especially concerning Judah. Knowing that such a message would inevitably meet with opposition, God reassures Jeremiah that he has given Jeremiah the words to say and the protection that he needs to fulfill his task. This article will …

A Man After Yahweh-Chemosh's Own Heart: Syncretism And Davidic Allusions In The Story Of Jephthah, J. Christian Doling

Liberty Theological Review

Jephthah's story has caused no small amount of confusion among scholars as they wrestle with what to make of Jephthah's oath and subsequent sacrifice of his daughter. Some have believed that Jephthah was acting in accordance with Yahweh's wishes, others believe that he was acting out of selfish interest. However, there are two aspects of the literary makeup of the Jephthah story that can help shed some light on the subject. Firstly, the story is filled with Davidic allusions, and the second aspect is syncretism. The Davidic allusions paint Jephthah as a prefigurement of David. In other words, David and …

"Restoration Under The Davidic Shepherd-King": An Exposition Of Ezekiel 37:15–28, Angela Gloria Erum

Liberty Theological Review

Considering what is happening to Israel in the Middle East these days, this exposition of Ezekiel 37:15–28 provides hope for the people of Israel as well as the Gentile believers in Christ. Ezekiel 37:15–28 exhibits Yahweh’s covenantal promise to gather His people (the people of Israel) from other nations, restore them to their land, and reunify them (both northern and southern kingdoms) as one nation under one king, the Davidic shepherd-king; thus, other nations would realize that Yahweh is God. By examining Ezekiel 37:15–28, this paper will attempt to demonstrate the exegesis and the theological implications of the passage through …

The Decalogue As A Transitional Model For Fear, Pamela Jensen Ikasalo

Liberty Theological Review

God’s original intention for relationships was disrupted by the fall of man as recorded in Genesis 3. From that point, fear of man played an intricate role in both interpersonal relationships and decision-making. The purpose of the Decalogue was to moderate relationships among the people and with their God. However, there is an additional purpose as well. The Decalogue serves as a transitional model from fear of man to fear of the Lord. When God’s people live according to the precedents found in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5 their lifestyle no longer follows the pattern set by fallen humanity. Both …

Review Of The Return Of The Kingdom: A Biblical Theology Of God’S Reign By Stephen G. Dempster., Abigail Hamilton

Liberty Theological Review

Dempster, Stephen G. The Return of the Kingdom: A Biblical Theology of God’s Reign. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2023. 213 pages. $19.59. ISBN-13: 978-0830842919.

Echoes Of Eden In Proverbs: Towards A Biblical Theological Ethic, Armen Oganessian

Liberty Theological Review

Abstract:

This study argues for a biblical-theological approach to the ethics of Proverbs. It proposes that the ethical foundation for Proverbs lies in the principles established in Genesis 1-4 The argument unfolds as follows: Tracing the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants, one sees Solomon, the author of Proverbs, as a partial fulfillment of the promised seed in Genesis 3:15. Furthermore, other biblical writers depict Solomon as an Adamic king ruling in an Eden-like context. Consequently, understanding Proverbs' position within redemptive history encourages readers to interpret it through an Edenic framework. In other words, a biblical-theological approach compels readers to interpret Proverbs …

Unveiling Messiah In Obadiah: Kingdom, Apocalypse, Eschatology, Abel Arias

Liberty Theological Review

This study analyzes a messianic approach of interpretation in Obadiah, the shortest book of the Old Testament. Understanding such a hermeneutic could prove useful for understanding messianic concepts throughout the canon. While Obadiah offers hope for God's remnant, the book also presents significant interpretive challenges. Despite these difficulties, key themes emerge, including the importance of God's faithful ones, the animosity between Israel and Edom, and the promise of ultimate divine judgment. Building on the established link between Obadiah and other Bible texts, this paper presents a book introduction, arguments and rationale for the messianic interpretation, and a brief application of …

Editorial Board & Table Of Contents

Liberty Theological Review

Editorial Board & Table of Contents

Annotated Bibliography Part 2

Liberty Theological Review

Beale, Gregory Kimball. Union with the Resurrected Christ. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2023. 576 pages. $49.99. ISBN-13: 978-1540960429

Cessario, Romanus. The Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2023. 304 pages. $32.99. ISBN-13: 978-1540962546

Hernández, Dominick S. Engaging the Old Testament: How to Read Biblical Narrative, Poetry, and Prophecy Well. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2023. 320 pages. $21.99. ISBN-13: 978-1540962836

Laird, Benjamin P. Creating the Canon: Composition, Controversy, and the Authority of the New Testament. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2023. 272 pages. $30.00. ISBN-13: 978-1514001103

Marsden, George Mish. An Infinite …

The Practical Application Of Biblical Theology To Christian Apologetics, Matthew T. Johnson

Liberty Theological Review

Many Christians are skeptical regarding the practical relevance of theology for the common believer. Exploring how the subdiscipline of biblical theology can be applied can effectively dispel this misconception. In particular, the apologetic applications of biblical theology’s primary deliverances underscore the relevance theology has to the average Christian. Given the growing need for effective Christian apologetics, it would be wise for the Church to further explore biblical theology and to incorporate it into the defense of Christianity. Existing scholarship has largely overlooked biblical theology’s apologetic potential. Thus, there is a need to explore this relationship for the benefit of the …

An Appeal To Mystery Without "Punting": Revisiting Molinism’S Biblical Problem In Light Of Ephesians 1:4–11 And Romans 11:33–36, Jeffrey S. Kennedy

Liberty Theological Review

Molinists maintain that middle knowledge is the best candidate for settling the historical debate on God’s sovereignty and man’s free will. The philosophical sophistication of the view can be alluring, and the efforts of Molinists to rationally defend it against criticisms have been impressive. But does Molinism still have a biblical problem? Proponents argue that the doctrine is compatible with the Bible's teaching on God's knowledge of counterfactuals, though admittedly, it is not explicitly taught in Scripture. But this claim is more problematic than advocates for the theory have alleged. The present study maintains that in the absence of a …

Forward Pointing Introductory Formulas In The Gospel Of Matthew: A Solution To One Of Matthew’S Most Problematic Scripture Citations, Donald C. Mcintyre

Liberty Theological Review

This paper will seek to interpret one of the most problematic passages in intertextual studies. Matthew 2:23 does not have a clear Old Testament referent, and this presents a problem. How can an unknown prophecy be fulfilled; where is the text cited to be found? However, by keeping the original in mind during interpretation, it seems that Matthew was intentionally creating a hermeneutic of suspicion creating a deliberate rhetorical effect. This paper will seek to determine how Matthew artistically arranged and derived the significance of the Old Testament for his contemporary readership in light of the Christ event. It will …

Extending חָ֑סֶד (Hesed) To The Poor As An Obligation In The Psalter And Matthew 25, Clement Chen

Liberty Theological Review

Psalter has much to contribute to the biblical theology of missions and the biblical theology of socio-economic justice. Through an examination of Psalm 109 and the Psalter, this paper will demonstrate that the theological motif of Yahweh caring for the poor, specifically showing חָ֑סֶד (hesed) to the poor, is found in the Psalter; furthermore, it will be argued that the Psalter also features a missiological aspect, in harmony with the prophets and the rest of the Psalter, exhorting and obligating Israel to participate in practicing חָ֑סֶד (hesed) towards the poor with the consequence of not practicing …

Editorial Board & Table Of Contents

Liberty Theological Review

Table of Contents for Volume 7, Issue 2 (Fall 2023).

Platonism’S Influence On The Hermeneutic Of Augustine: Exploring The Philosophical Roots Of Augustine’S Interpretive Approach, Kent T. Maitland

Liberty Theological Review

This paper contends that Augustine was a significant contributor to the “Spiritual Vision Model” of the Christian conception of heaven described by Craig Blaising. This model is premised on the Platonic understanding of perfection in which the soul unites with the Good, and heaven is primarily a cognitive state in which the individual possesses perfect spiritual knowledge. This model also provides a rational basis for favoring a figurative or spiritualized interpretation of Scripture over its literal meaning. Augustine’s early life and conversion reflects a commitment to the SVM’s Platonic ideals, as demonstrated in his deference to Cicero, his journey into …

The Voice Of The Singers At The Watering Places: Victory Songs As A Celebration Of Recreation, J Christian Doling

Liberty Theological Review

Victory songs were sung by women to welcome home the men from victorious war. Some prophetic variants appeared from these songs that had a theology of salvation and recreation. Beside the message of the songs, the context of these songs also show that recreation was a major theme of these musical compositions. Warfare was about the expansion of creation from an ordered center in the Ancient Near East. For Israel the center was Yahweh’s presence with Israel being a new Eden. Recreation of the chaotic lands around Israel required that Israel went to war to subdue those lands and people. …

Esv Expository Commentary: Matthew-Luke, Donald C. Mcintyre

Liberty Theological Review

A book review of ESV Expository Commentary: Matthew-Luke by By Daniel M. Doriani, Hans F. Bayer, and Thomas R. Schreiner.

A Reappraisal Of The Johannine Well Scene In Light Of Recent Research, Donald C. Mcintyre

Liberty Theological Review

Previously, Donald C. McIntyre has argued for a reappraisal of the typology of the Old Testament Well scenes contrary to popular interpretations espoused by Alter and Sailhamer.[1] This reappraisal has implication for John 4:1-45 with the meeting between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. Evangelical theologians have typically failed to apply their understanding of the Old Testament well scenes consistently to the text of John 4:1-45 because of the implications that would have on Christ’s marital desires. Other theologians, particularly feminist theologians, have been more consistent in their application of the type scenes of the Old Testament …

Shepherds And Hirelings In John 10: An Intertestamental Correction, Donald C. Mcintyre

Liberty Theological Review

This article will examine the Good Shepherd discourse attempting to analyze whether the Pharisees were in purview as false-shepherds as commonly assumed and finding that interpretation lacking. Given the events of inter-testamental history, septuagintal usage of μισθωτὸς, and the setting of the discourse occurring during the feast of dedication, this article will find that Jesus is drawing a contrast between the foreign false-shepherds found in the political rulers, as well as the hireling pharisee and himself as the true shepherds. Through a careful reading of the text, it becomes apparent that Jesus is not solely disappointed in the Pharisees actions, …

Secrets And Watchers: A Markan Demonology, Christopher W. Peters

Liberty Theological Review

Mark’s use of a secrecy motif is well known to commentators. This article explores the messianic secret by analyzing its most common violators, the demons of the Gospel of Mark. Mark’s various exorcism accounts function to provide a working demonology of the Evangelist, and this biblical theology is correlated with other extant Second Temple Period Jewish literature, primarily 1 Enoch and its Watchers tradition. Mark relies upon both Leviticus and the Book of Watchers to describe the function and identity of demons, explaining their own supernatural knowledge of the identity of Christ, knowledge which necessitates his commands to keep silent. …

An Examination Of Biblical Archaeology’S Impact On Exegetical And Theological Method With Attendant Case Study, Donald C. Mcintyre

Liberty Theological Review

The chief concern of this paper is to examine how one can integrate archaeological data into the exegetical and theological processes so that one might profitably learn how to understand and rightly apply the text. This paper will argue that archaeology informs the exegetical process through providing historical and literary context to the study of the Bible when properly understood, and that it can also be useful in the theological process as one seeks to rightly integrate illumination from other sources. After an analysis of how archaeology can be rightly integrated in the exegetical and theological processes the paper will …

An Evaluation Of 2 Peter As A Testament, Joel Thomas

Liberty Theological Review

The authorship of 2 Peter is one of the most disputed areas of NT studies. There are many facets to this issue. This paper will address the contention by many scholars that 2 Peter is testamentary in nature and is therefore pseudepigraphal. The various testamentary genres will be analyzed for characteristics, and then those characteristics will be compared to 2 Peter to determine whether 2 Peter is testamentary in nature and the likelihood that it is pseudepigraphal. The conclusion of this study is 2 Peter does not meet the characteristics of any testamentary genre and that it is in fact …

Algorithmic Manipulation: How Social Media Is Shaping Our Theology, Ethan Jago

Liberty Theological Review

The average individual in Generation Z spends nine hours a day on social media and derives over 62% of the information retained from social applications such as YouTube and Instagram. Social media applications are designed to track and adapt a user's activity to custom-tailor their internet experience resulting in a controlled, one-sided view of the information flow custom-tailored to an individual's usage, which subtly changes the disposition concerning the interpretation of theological and biblical truths. The algorithm of social media responds adapts and directly impacts individuals in what they think, purchase, and places they visit. Social media is not neutral …