Deep Dive into The King in His Beauty: A Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments by Thomas R. Schreiner - The Book of Revelation

The General Epistles emphasize that the lordship of Jesus must be lived out in daily life. In Hebrews, Jesus is presented as the final prophet, a Melchizedekian priest, and the king who fulfills the roles of Adam and David by subduing all things. These letters stress that genuine faith is active, expressing itself through works and godly conduct even amidst persecution. Crucially, the church—comprised of both Jews and Gentiles—is identified as the new, restored Israel, functioning as God's temple and the true people of God defined by their relationship to Christ.

The Book of Revelation concludes the biblical narrative by showcasing God’s ultimate reign after a cosmic conflict between good and evil. Earthly powers like Rome are depicted as a harlot and a beast, driven by the dragon, or Satan, to persecute the saints. This opposition manifests through economic discrimination and martyrdom, yet God remains sovereign, even over the power granted to the beasts. Believers are called to persevere to receive the final reward, drawing strength from the knowledge that Jesus has already conquered history and death.

The cross of Christ serves as the hinge of history, where the Lamb’s sacrificial death provides the ransom for people from every nation. This victory allows believers to enter the presence of God, having washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb. The story culminates in a new creation where the whole universe becomes God’s temple, fulfilling the promises made to the patriarchs. This new Jerusalem is a symbolic garden-city that reflects God's glory and ensures unbreachable security. Ultimately, the task originally given to Adam is fulfilled by Jesus, and the goal of redemptive history is reached when the righteous see God’s face and behold the King in his beauty.

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Deep Dive into Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis - Morality and Psychoanalysis

C.S. Lewis argues that creating a Christian society requires individuals to simultaneously learn how to apply the Golden Rule to modern life and become the kind of people who would actually do so. He makes a critical distinction between the medical techniques of psychoanalysis and the philosophical worldview of Freud, noting that while the philosophy contradicts Christianity, the technique of repairing the human mind is compatible. According to Lewis, a moral choice consists of the act of choosing and the psychological raw material, such as impulses and feelings, upon which that choice is made. Psychoanalysis seeks to normalize this raw material by removing abnormal neuroses, but it cannot influence the final moral choice of whether an individual puts themselves or others first.

Because God judges the central act of choosing rather than the psychological material provided by heredity or upbringing, human judgment of others is often inaccurate. A person with severe psychological baggage who makes a small effort toward kindness may, in God's view, show more courage than a naturally healthy person performing a heroic feat. Lewis explains that every choice transforms the central part of a person into either a heavenly creature in harmony with God or a hellish creature characterized by eternal loneliness and rage.

When the physical body dies, the psychological traits caused by health or complexes fall away, leaving the real central person to be seen as they truly are. Lewis emphasizes that even minor sins of thought are significant because of the mark they leave on this eternal self, which either straightens or twists the soul. He concludes that moral progress is like waking up; just as we understand sleep only when we are awake, only those striving for goodness can truly understand the nature of both good and evil.

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Deep Dive into ἀδόκιμος

The Greek word group centered on dokimos and adokimos is rooted in the concepts of testing and approval. Historically, dokimos described things or people that were tested and found genuine, such as purified metals, reliable soldiers, or respected citizens. In contrast, adokimos signifies that which fails a test, referring to spurious coins, worthless dross, or individuals rejected as base. The related verb dokimazo means to examine or verify before granting approval. While these terms were used extensively in commerce and law, they acquired deep religious significance in the New Testament.

In a biblical context, human life stands under divine scrutiny where faith must prove itself. The term dokime describes the proven character resulting from trials, while dokimion refers to the genuine quality of faith refined by suffering. Christians are summoned to test themselves and discern the will of God to remain approved. Failure to meet this standard results in being adokimos, which denotes a state of being disqualified, unfit for good deeds, or possessing a debased mind.

This terminology is also crucial for understanding apostolic authority and ministry. Leaders like Paul speak of being tested by God and approved for service, yet he also warns of the danger of becoming disqualified if his conduct is inconsistent with his message. Ultimately, the sources highlight that true attestation is removed from human categories and placed in the hands of God. This theological orientation ensures that the Christian life is not governed by caprice but by the serious pursuit of divine approval through faith and obedience.

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