Shadowlands

1. The Prophecy of Jesus’ Resurrection in the Old Testament The Old Testament does not explicitly state, “Jesus will rise from the dead,” but it foreshadows His resurrection through various prophecies and typologies. (1) The Sign of Jonah (Jonah 1:17, Matthew 12:39-40) Jesus referred to Jonah’s experience as a sign of His death and resurrection. Jonah 1:17 – “Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.” Matthew 12:40 – “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” ➡ Jonah’s deliverance from the fish symbolizes Jesus’ resurrection. (2) The Psalms of David (Psalm 16:10, Acts 2:25-31) Psalm 16:10 – “For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.” In Acts 2:27-31, Peter interprets this Psalm as a prophecy of Jesus’ resurrection. ...

‘The Day of the LORD’ is a significant eschatological concept in the Bible, referring to the decisive day when God's judgment and salvation are revealed. This concept runs through both the Old and New Testaments and carries three key meanings. 1. Characteristics of the Day of the LORD ① A Day of God's Judgment The Day of the LORD is primarily described as a day of divine judgment . In the Old Testament, it refers to the coming judgment upon Israel and the nations due to their disobedience. Isaiah 13:9 “See, the day of the LORD is coming—a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger—to make the land desolate and destroy the sinners within it.” Joel 2:1-2 “The day of the LORD is coming. It is close at hand—a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness.” Thus, the Day of the LORD is associated with God's righteous judgment against sin. ② A Day of God’s Salvation However, it is not only a day of judgment but also a day of salvation for God's people...

Introduction: Conversion as a Turning Point in Life Throughout Christian history, conversion has not merely been a change in belief but a transformative experience that redirects one's entire life. Many people, after encountering God, abandoned paths of sin and aimlessness to embrace a completely new purpose. Some discovered their life's mission through conversion, while others experienced a miraculous transition from death to life. Here, we explore seven modern figures who underwent a powerful conversion and how it changed their lives. 1. Charles Colson (1931–2012) – From Power and Corruption to Humble Service Charles Colson was a special advisor to U.S. President Richard Nixon and was at the peak of political power before being imprisoned for his involvement in the Watergate scandal. Just before going to prison, he heard the message of Christianity from a friend and experienced a profound conversion. Afterward, he dedicated his life to prison ministry, founding "Pris...

 Here’s the explanation about C.S. Lewis’s "Mere Christianity" and its defense of the Christian faith : 1. The Moral Law as Evidence of God’s Existence Lewis points out that humans universally recognize right and wrong, good and evil—what he calls the Moral Law . This law exists beyond cultures and time periods, holding a force greater than mere instinct. The existence of this Moral Law suggests that it is not merely a social construct but rather given by a transcendent being—God. Therefore, the presence of an absolute standard of right and wrong is strong evidence for the existence of God . 2. Christology – Who Is Jesus? (The Liar, Lunatic, or Lord Argument) Lewis presents his famous "Trilemma" regarding Jesus’ identity: Jesus claimed to be the Son of God , which means there are only three possible explanations: Liar – He deliberately deceived people. Lunatic – He was delusional, believing himself to be divine. Lord – He was truly t...

  The Order of Salvation in Reformed Theology In Reformed theology, the Order of Salvation (Ordo Salutis) refers to the sequence in which God applies salvation to the elect. The general order is as follows: 1. Election The beginning of salvation lies in God's eternal decree . Before the foundation of the world, God sovereignly chose certain individuals for salvation, not based on their deeds or merit, but solely according to His will and grace. Biblical Basis Ephesians 1:4-5 "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will." Romans 9:11-13 “Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God's purpose in election might stand: not by works but by him who calls… Just as it is written: ‘Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.’” 2. Calling God calls the elect to salvat...

  The Five Points of Calvinism In Christian theology, soteriology (the doctrine of salvation) is one of the most important topics. Among various theological perspectives, the Five Points of Calvinism form the core of Reformed theology . These doctrines are based on the teachings of the 16th-century Reformer John Calvin and were officially formulated at the Synod of Dort (1618-1619) . The Five Points of Calvinism are commonly summarized by the acronym "TULIP" , representing Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints . These doctrines emphasize that salvation is entirely dependent on God’s sovereign grace , not on human effort or merit. Salvation is determined by God's divine election and protection. Calvinism is often contrasted with Arminianism , a theological perspective promoted by Jacobus Arminius and his followers. Arminians emphasize human free will, arguing that God’s election is based on fores...