Shadowlands

 Luke 23:45 records that when Jesus died on the cross, the temple curtain was torn in two . This event holds deep theological significance and is closely connected to the destruction of the temple in A.D. 70 and the prophecy that God would establish a new temple with Jesus as the cornerstone. 1. Luke 23:45 – The Tearing of the Temple Curtain "The curtain of the temple was torn in two." (Luke 23:45) The Jerusalem temple had a massive curtain separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (the Holy of Holies). The Holy of Holies was where God’s presence dwelled, and only the high priest could enter once a year (Leviticus 16:2). When Jesus died, the tearing of the curtain symbolized the end of the old sacrificial system and the opening of a new way to God through Jesus (Hebrews 10:19-20). This was not just a supernatural event; it was a clear sign that a major shift was happening in God’s plan . 2. A.D. 70 – The Destruction of the Temple Jesus prophesied t...

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...

  Jacques Ellul’s The Politics of God and the Politics of Man : Explanation and Application for Modern Christians Jacques Ellul’s The Politics of God and the Politics of Man explores how divine politics and human politics fundamentally differ, using historical events from the Bible. He emphasizes that human attempts at political order often conflict with God's political interventions. This book challenges Christians to reconsider their approach to politics in today’s world. 📖 Key Themes and Examples from the Book Ellul contrasts human politics with God's politics by analyzing biblical events. One of the most striking comparisons is between King Ahaz and King Hezekiah and their responses to crisis. 1️⃣ King Ahaz (Human Politics) – Isaiah 7 King Ahaz of Judah faced threats from enemy nations and chose to rely on Assyria for protection. The prophet Isaiah urged him to trust in God, but Ahaz rejected this and pursued a diplomatic alliance instead. As a result, Juda...

  The Conversion Event from a Reformed Theological Perspective Introduction Conversion is one of the most crucial topics in Christian faith, as it represents the process of a sinner turning to God and receiving salvation. Reformed theology understands biblical conversion not as a voluntary decision of man, but as an event brought about solely by God’s sovereign grace. This paper will explore the nature of conversion according to the core doctrines of Reformed theology and examine how it takes place. 1. Definition of Conversion The term "conversion" originates from the Greek word metanoia (μετάνοια) , which means “a change of mind and direction.” It is not merely an emotional shift but a fundamental transformation of one’s being—a turning away from sin and a turning toward God. Reformed theology divides conversion into two aspects: the negative aspect (turning away from sin) and the positive aspect (turning to God). 2. Conversion in Reformed Theology 1) Conversion and...

  John Calvin on Prayer in Institutes of the Christian Religion John Calvin, in his book Institutes of the Christian Religion , considers prayer a crucial practice of faith, through which believers deepen their relationship with God and grow spiritually. He systematically teaches about prayer, particularly in Book 3, Chapter 20, “On Prayer, Which Is the Principal Exercise of Faith” , where he explains its essence and principles. 1. The Importance of Prayer Calvin emphasizes that prayer is the most essential practice of faith . He asserts that prayer is not merely a means of making requests but a way to maintain fellowship with God and experience His providence. “Prayer is the communion with God and the means by which we experience His care for us.” Thus, prayer is not just a petition but an act of forming an intimate relationship with God and exercising faith. 2. Four Principles of True Prayer Calvin presents four key principles for proper prayer: Humility and Reverence...

  The Concept of "Sphere Sovereignty" in Herman Bavinck's Thought Herman Bavinck, a Dutch Reformed theologian, developed the concept of "Sphere Sovereignty" , which is a key principle in the Christian worldview. This idea was primarily advanced by both Bavinck and his contemporary, Abraham Kuyper, and it plays a crucial role in Reformed theology. 1. Basic Concept of Sphere Sovereignty Sphere Sovereignty holds that God has sovereign authority over every area of life , but each sphere functions independently with its own laws and purpose. This concept rejects the division between secular and sacred life, affirming that all aspects of life are under God's rule while maintaining a proper order where each sphere operates autonomously. 2. Classification of Spheres Bavinck and Kuyper categorized life into several "spheres," each with its own unique function: Church : The sphere of faith and worship, dealing with the relationship between God and hu...

  How Satan Tempts Believers – Lessons from The Screwtape Letters C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters is a novel written in the form of letters from a senior demon, Screwtape, to his nephew, Wormwood. Through these letters, Screwtape advises Wormwood on how to lead humans away from God. Here are some of the key ways Satan tempts believers, based on the book. 1. Subtle Compromise & Gradual Corruption Screwtape teaches that the most effective way to corrupt a believer is not through sudden, dramatic sin but through small compromises. It starts with minor lies and slowly escalates to greater sins. The goal is to make people drift away from God without realizing it. 📜 “The road to hell is a gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.” Rather than pushing people into extreme evil, the enemy leads them away from God step by step. 2. Disrupting Prayer Life Screwtape suggests several ways to make prayer ineffective: ...