Search results for ""Author Graham A. Cole""

In the midst of a troubled world, Christians believe in a good God who, as the Creator, has never lost interest in his broken creation. The key evidence for, and the chief symbol of, this divine commitment is the cross of Christ. This God, revealed Scripture, has a project; and central to the divine strategy is Christ, his coming and his cross. The troubles and calamities will end. The cross â€" which has been scandalous from the start â€" touches the individual, the church and the wider creation. The cross makes peace, and brings shalom. The canon of Scripture presents a 'divine comedy', where the story of Jesus, his cross and empty tomb are set in the framework of God's grand plan to restore the created order. Graham Cole's excellent study takes the broad approach, but not in a way that masks 'the cruciality of the cross'. He examines who God is and what humanity has become, then focuses on the divine provision for humanity in its plight. He explores how the 'peace dividend' of the cross works itself out at the personal, corporate and cosmic levels, and asks how we are to live if these things are really so. Finally, he discusses God's grand purpose, reviews the journey, and addresses the question of how God the peacemaker brings shalom through atonement in both the broad and narrow senses of the term. An appendix deals with a range of controversial aspects of the cross.

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The study of themes plays a major part in biblical theology, and great events and roles that are pivotal in Christology can be successfully placed in a 'promise-fulfilment' framework. However, is incarnation an anomaly? Was incarnation part of the hope of Israel? Graham Cole's stimulating study addresses such questions. He begins by exploring the purpose of creation in terms of God fashioning a palace-temple for dwelling with the creature made in the divine image, then follows God's acts in Israel's history to redeem a people of his own among whom he can dwell. In particular, he examines theophanic language: God is presented as a person who speaks, acts and feels as though embodied. He considers Israel's messianic hope, and then the testimony of the New Testament: 'The Word became flesh and dwelt among us' (John 1:14), in the person of Jesus Christ. Cole also addresses the question raised by Anselm - 'Why did God become man?' - and finds abundant New Testament answers. He concludes with a consideration of the theological and existential significance of the incarnation. Readers will gain a deeper appreciation of the astonishing providence of God that subtly prepared the way for the mystery of the incarnation, and of the depth of love that God showed in sending the beloved Son who became human.

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Many books have been written on the person and work of the Holy Spirit, and his ministry continues to be a vital and fascinating area for further exploration. Graham Cole's study, based on his lectures at the Tenth Oak Hill Annual School of Theology, focuses on important questions of practical relevance. Each one confronts us with challenges about our relationship with the Spirit, whether as Christian believers or unbelievers. Professor Cole demonstrates the value of having a clearly defined and articulated theological method, that takes the biblical text seriously, learns from others in the process of interpretation, and works hard at application to the contemporary context.

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This book explores the doctrine of angels and demons, answering key questions about their nature and the implications for Christians’ beliefs and behavior.

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In this addition to the Short Studies in Systematic Theology series, Graham A. Cole examines the concept of divine glory as well as God’s plan for redeeming individual believers, the church, and the universe.

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This comprehensive theology of the Holy Spirit examines and explains the role of the third member of the Trinity.

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In this addition to the Short Studies in Systematic Theology series, pastor Jeremy Treat gives a foundational understanding of what Scripture teaches and what the church confesses about the doctrine of atonement.

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In this addition to the Short Studies in Systematic Theology series, Fred Sanders teaches readers how to hold a proper understanding of both the person and power of the Holy Spirit, exploring his role in both the Old and New Testaments.

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In this addition to the Short Studies in Systematic Theology series, Thomas R. Schreiner examines the biblical and historical background of the doctrine of justification.

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In this addition to the Short Studies in Systematic Theology series, theologian Gerald Bray examines the communicable and incommunicable attributes of God.

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In this addition to the Short Studies in Systematic Theology series, Andrew David Naselli carefully examines the doctrine of predestination and encourages believers to respond in worship.

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Centered in the words of Scripture and especially the teaching of Jesus himself, this volume unpacks the doctrine of Scripture as taught by the church through the ages, helping to strengthen readers’ confidence in God’s word.

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In this addition to the Short Studies in Systematic Theology, Stephen J. Wellum examines the divinity and humanity of Christ, focusing on who Jesus is from Scripture and historical theology, showing readers why Jesus is unique and how they should think about the incarnation.

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In this volume, Gregg Allison offers an overview of specific doctrines and practices that unite and distinguish different churches and denominations as each finds its unique expression through churches' views of identity, leadership, church government, sacraments, ministries, and the future.

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In this volume in the Short Studies in Systematic Theology series, Scott R. Swain examines the Trinity, presenting its biblical foundations, systematic–theological structure, and practical relevance for the church today.

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