Dr Paul Allen

The basic structure of the relationship God has established with His people is the covenant. A covenant is usually thought of as a contract. While there surely are some similarities between covenants and contracts, there are also important differences. Both are binding agreements.  Contracts are made from somewhat equal bargaining positions, and both parties are free not to sign the contract. A covenant is likewise an agreement. However, covenants in the Bible are not usually between equals. Rather, they follow a pattern common to the ancient Near East suzerain-vassal treaties. Suzerainvassal treaties (as seen among the Hittite kings) were made between a conquering king and the conquered.  There was no negotiation between the parties . The first element of these covenants is the preamble, which lists the respective parties. Exodus 20:2 begins with “I am the LORD your God.” God is the suzerain; the people of Israel are the vassals. The second element is the historical...

Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation (2 Cor. 6:2). Paul opens this sixth chapter of Corinthians with a perplexing exhortation:  “We then, as workers with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.” What does he mean by “not to receive the grace of God in vain”?  First, he is not implying that some people can accept the atonement of Christ, which is described in the preceding chapter, and yet continue to live in sin . To receive the grace of God in vain does not mean a person may be justified while remaining unsanctified. Scripture never separates these two aspects of redemption. Those who are reconciled to God through Christ will certainly be sanctified. The pardoned believer cannot continue to live in sin as he or she did prior to the Holy Spirit’s regenerating work. Second, Paul does not mean by this statement that Christians can lose their salvation. The “grace of God” that Paul is speaking about in this pass...