The Riddleblog

Year-End Musings (12/19/2025)

Riddleblog and Blessed Hope Updates:

The schedule for Riddleblog posts and Blessed Hope podcasts will be a bit irregular between now and year’s end. I am taking some time off to enjoy the grand kids
Lord willing, in the new year look for an upcoming Riddleblog exposition of the Book of James, as well as a Blessed Hope Podcast season five series on the Book of Romans coming in the Spring of 2026 (upon completion of 2 Corinthians)

Thinking Out Loud:

The best thing about a made-up holiday like Festivus, is that it has pushed another made-up and much more farcical holiday (Kwanzaa) off the public radar
For a host of reasons, I am all in favor of a social media block for kids under sixteen (as Australia has done and the UK is considering). I am also sorta in favor of a social media block for everyone over sixteen
In light of the Reiner tragedy, why do so many podcasters, celebrities, and politicians (many of whom did not know the family personally or anything about their circumstances) feel compelled to pontificate about the Reiner family’s trials and troubles? These folks are playing the role of Job’s counselors—they are nothing but gawkers and click seekers hoping to explain or take advantage of someone else’s tragedy. The only true comfort Job received from his three friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—Job 2:11-13) was when they sat with him as he mourned and kept their yaps shut. There’s a lesson there
There’s a new Democrat candidate running for governor of California—gazillionaire environmentalist, Tom Steyer. Trying to sound like a tough guy, his initial campaign ad begins with Steyer taking the Lord’s name in vain. Not a peep so far from Christians who should be thoroughly offended by such a willful violation of the 3rd commandment
I have a confession to make—I watch Curse of Oak Island on the History Channel. Whew, glad to get that off my chest. The archaeological stuff and the scientific metallurgy for dating old objects and determining their composition is fascinating to me. Nor was Columbus the first European to arrive in the Americas—the Norse beat him by 500 years. But the Templar stuff and the “curse” nonsense is laughable. No wonder there is a “could it be?” drinking game
Two of my grandsons are now old enough for plastic army men as a Christmas gift! My yard is full of petrified decaying plastic relics of the grenade thrower, the mine sweeper, and the machine gunner from my youth and that of both of my sons. Now my sons and grandson’s yard will be a home to lost army men well. Next year will probably be the first electric train

To read the rest, follow the link below

MusingsKim RiddlebargerDecember 19, 2025Islam and War with the West, Festivus vs. Kwanzaa, Army men, Classic Michael HortonComment

Meredith Kline on Common Grace and Millennial Views -- Pre and Post

Danny Olinger’s new volume on Meredith Kline’s views on the book of Revelation is turning out to be an exegetical gold mine—as expected.

When considering Kline’s debate with J. Ramsey Michaels in the Westminster Theological Journal in the Fall of 1996—Michaels defended a premillennial reading of Revelation 20:1-10—Olinger raises an important point about the way Kline’s understanding of common grace impacted his evaluation of millennial views.

Kline expressed concern that the millennial question was too often debated apart from the larger context of the Reformed system of doctrine. Olinger points out that “of special interest” in Kline’s thinking, “is the way the doctrine of common grace fares in different millennial reconstructions, for the doctrine is a cornerstone of the Reformed view of history.”[1] Kline opposed the premillennial view of the first resurrection in Revelation 20:4-6,[2] as well as for another reason raised by Olinger—Kline’s view that premillennialism was in conflict with the Reformed understanding of common grace.

According to Kline, premillennialism fails to grasp the significance of the Noahic covenant in Genesis 8:15-9:17, which reveals that God rules the earth while extending a measure of earthly blessings (common grace) to believers and unbelievers alike. But premillennarians, who contend that Jesus returns to establish a millennial kingdom of a thousand years’ duration, necessarily hold “to a theocracy on earth before the consummation, a universal kingdom of Christ in which those blessings hitherto received in common by all men and often in greater measure by the unjust than the just are no longer apportioned according to the principle of common grace but according to a policy of special favor to the people of God.”[3] Olinger points out the difficult problem this raises for premillennarians. “The redeemed in premillennialism are already in possession of glorified natures and experience their public vindication over against the wicked, a contradiction of God’s covenantal guarantee in Genesis 8-9.”[4] The presence of redeemed saints in a millennial age established by our Lord at his return leads to other serious unintended consequences—such as the presence of evil in the millennium—as I have pointed out here.

Kline’s appeal to the Reformed view of common grace also poses a serious challenge to certain forms of postmillennialism.

To read the rest, follow the link below

"Godly Grief" A New Episode of the Blessed Hope Podcast (2 Corinthians 7:4-16)

When Paul left Ephesus to visit Corinth in what is known as the “painful visit,” he became the object of a personal attack from an unnamed party. This was bad enough, but what made the matter worse was the fact that the Corinthians had done little if anything to support the apostle. This forced Paul to send the so-called “severe letter,” the text of which is lost to us. We may not have the letter, but we know the effects it had upon the congregation because they are explained to us in chapter 7 of 2 Corinthians. In the severe letter, Paul called upon the Corinthians to discipline the party who attacked him and caused so much disruption in the Corinthian church. It is also implied that he addressed the fact that some of the Corinthians were still engaging in practices which were not consistent with their profession of faith in Christ–sexual immorality and pagan idolatry.

Paul was forced to wait for word from Corinth to learn of the letter’s impact. Apparently he was on pins and needles until Titus brought word of the letter’s impact. Titus’s report gave Paul joy and comfort, especially when he learned that the letter brought about the desired result–“godly sorrow,” which he contrasts with “worldly sorrow.” The latter is the disappointment of failing to attain worldly things, while the former produced a sense of grief within the congregation that they had not done the right thing and needed to make things right. As difficult as this was for all concerned, the “severe letter” led to the repentance of the Corinthians, which was the best possible result.

Once Paul learned of the outcome, there was a great sense of relief that the Corinthians stepped up and did what was required. Therefore, when Titus brought news of this to Paul, both he and Paul were greatly comforted by this circumstance. Paul is now able to boast both in Titus’s work in Corinth, as well as in his own efforts in dealing with this issue. He can boast that the Corinthians were doing the right thing as difficult as that was. Paul had to confront the Corinthians–which required a painful visit and a severe letter. But things have changed. Now he can boast about them.

To listen to the episode and see the show notes, follow the link below

Blessed Hope PodcastKim RiddlebargerDecember 15, 2025Life of Titus, Godly grief, 2 Corinthians 7:4-16Comment

“The Same Yesterday and Today and Forever” Hebrews 13:1-16; (An Exposition of the Book of Hebrews–Part Twenty-Four)

The Wrap Up Begins

The author of Hebrews brings his letter to a close. He is writing to a church going through a very difficult time of trial. We don’t know where this church was located (probably in Rome or possibly in Alexandria). Nor do we know much about the congregation–which likely was small and met in someone’s home. But we do know that one pressing issue facing this church was that a number of their members had left the congregation and returned to Judaism.

Throughout the first twelve chapters of this epistle the author has made his case for the superiority of Jesus Christ. As the creator of all things, and the redeemer of God’s people, Jesus is far superior to angels, to Moses, and to the priests of Israel. His is an eternal priesthood after the order of Melchizadek, and Jesus serves as priest in the heavenly temple, of which the earthly temple was a type and shadow. But as the author wraps up this epistle he issues a number of direct exhortations to those receiving this letter. These exhortations are well-familiar to readers of the New Testament. These include the need to love others (especially our brothers and sisters in Christ), to exercise hospitality, to have compassion upon those imprisoned (likely because of their faith in Christ), and that Christians must avoid all forms of sexual immorality. Yet, as the author goes on to point out, these exhortations only make sense in light of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for our sins.

The Redemptive Historical Background

We will cover the first half of chapter 13 (vv. 1-16) in this exposition, and then next time, Lord willing, we will conclude our exposition of The Book of Hebrews.

As we saw in Hebrews 11, the author gave us a redemptive-historical survey (the so-called “hall of faith”) to make the point that a number of Old Testament figures were looking ahead to the fulfillment of God’s covenant promise. Some names on the list surprise us. That covenant promise is now fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is, as we read in chapter 12, the founder and perfecter of faith. In light of the fact that God’s gracious covenant promises are fulfilled in Christ, the author exhorts us to run the race (live the Christian life) all the while keeping our gaze fixed upon Jesus Christ at the finish line. As sons and daughters of God (because of Jesus who is our mediator), we must endure the race, and at the same time grow to appreciate the discipline we receive from our heavenly father who loves us and does what is best for us because we are his adopted children.

As we saw last time in the previous installment in chapter twelve, God’s glory was manifest upon Mount Sinai as he give Israel his law. Sinai shook and the sky was filled with the signs of God’s holy presence–thunder and lightening. Because God’s holy presence consecrated the mountain, the people were warned that none dare approach (human or beast). Terrified, the people pleaded with Moses to go up on the mountain, listen to the voice of God, and then come back down to tell the people what it was that God had revealed. Apart from a mediator between sinners and a holy God, no one can dare enter the presence of God or withstand his holy voice. Because we are sinful, we risk being consumed by God’s holy wrath should he approach—unless a divinely-appointed mediator turns aside the wrath of God from us. That mediator is, of course, Jesus Christ.

And yet, as the author of Hebrews points out, as Christians we do not approach Mount Sinai, nor do we serve God under the old covenant with its sinful and weak human mediator in the person of Moses. No, the author says, we have come to a heavenly Mount Zion, a heavenly city (the New Jerusalem), and to the church of the living God (the church of the first born), whose members are even now enrolled in heaven. Because Jesus is the mediator of a new and better covenant, we have received a kingdom which cannot be shaken (unlike earthly kingdoms which will pass away when Christ returns). Because Jesus has died for our sins and covered our unrighteous with his perfect righteousness, it is with grateful hearts that we are now free to offer God acceptable worship with reverence and awe. As the author has pointed out, in every way, the new covenant is a better covenant than the old, because Jesus is a better mediator who offers better promises than God gave to Israel (types and shadows).

So, having made the point that all Christian believers are enrolled in the heavenly city and entitled to all the blessings earned for us by Jesus Christ, in chapter 13 the author now lays out a series of imperatives which flow out from the doctrine he has spent the previous twelve chapters explaining.

To read the rest, follow the link below

HebrewsKim RiddlebargerDecember 10, 2025Hebrews 13:1-16Comment

The Error that Grace Is Mere Persuasion—The Rejection of Errors, Third and Fourth Head of Doctrine, Canons of Dort (7)

Synod rejects the errors of those . . .

Who teach that the grace by which we are converted to God is nothing but a gentle persuasion, or (as others explain it) that the way of God’s acting in man’s conversion that is most noble and suited to human nature is that which happens by persuasion, and that nothing prevents this grace of moral suasion even by itself from making natural men spiritual; indeed, that God does not produce the assent of the will except in this manner of moral suasion, and that the effectiveness of God’s work by which it surpasses the work of Satan consists in the fact that God promises eternal benefits while Satan promises temporal ones.

For this teaching is entirely Pelagian and contrary to the whole of Scripture, which recognizes besides this persuasion also another, far more effective and divine way in which the Holy Spirit acts in man’s conversion. As Ezekiel 36:26 puts it: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; and I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.…”

________________________________________

A modern illustration of this 17th century error can be seen in a famous Christian tract which reflects similar confidence in the human will, claiming: “God has voted for you; the devil has voted against you. Your vote decides” whether you’ll spend eternity in heaven or hell. If the Synod of Dort had been conducted today, they’d have spent countless hours considering similar appeals from Evangelical pulpits proclaiming the same error as the Arminians. Instead of proclaiming Christ and him crucified and trusting the Holy Spirit to grant the new birth and create faith, contemporary preaching often centers around enticements such as the promise of a better and happier life, or even financial prosperity. It is not an accident that testimonies of celebrities are prominently featured. You can have the same spiritual experience they have, if only you are willing. Peer pressure too is used—everyone else is accepting Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior! What are you waiting for . . .

In many ways the refutation of this error addressees the heart of the Arminian system–the denial of the efficacy of grace, which is replaced by “gentle persuasion.” The Arminian system is grounded in the unbiblical assumption that after the fall of the human race into sin, people still retain the ability to respond favorably to the gospel. People are not dead in sin, but are understood to be “wounded in sin.” Evangelism often amounts to attempting to persuade people to believe in Jesus since they can do so if only they are willing to do so.

To read the rest, follow the link below

The Canons of DortKim RiddlebargerDecember 8, 2025Persuasion as faithComment

On the Nature and Extent of the Atonement -- A Look at Paul's Doctrine of Reconciliation in 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Shortly after I released an episode of the Blessed Hope Podcast on 2 Corinthians 5:14-6:2 entitled “God Was in Christ,” a discussion began on social media regarding the matter of “hypothetical universalism” and the question of whether or not this view is compatible with Reformed orthodoxy. The Synod of Dort said “no” to that proposal in the first refutation of errors under the second head of doctrine. So does Paul.

In 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Paul's focus falls upon what reconciliation accomplishes for God’s people. This is Paul's indicative (we are reconciled to God through the death of Jesus) to a congregation in Corinth which had tolerated false apostles who sought to undermine Paul’s apostolic authority as well as the gospel he preached. Paul’s imperative is found in 2 Corinthians 5:20—we implore you, "be reconciled." Paul is, in effect, saying “do not listen to such teachers.” To a church in turmoil, Paul urged the Corinthians to stand upon the gospel which he preached to them previously so as to be at peace with God. Why? Today is the day of salvation (i.e., the age of salvation). This is the context for a section of my exposition of the passage, reproduced below.

To read the rest, follow the link below

Who Said That? (7)

Who Said That?

"I should like to make the young gentlemen of the rising generation as unlike their fathers as possible."

Please do not look up the answer—the whole point is to guess! Leaven your guesses in the comments using the link below

But if you can’t restrain yourself please don’t post the source and ruin it for everyone else.

Follow the link below, to leave your guess in the comments section

Who Said That?Kim RiddlebargerDecember 3, 2025Who said tha? # 7 Comments

"The Temple of the Living God" A New Episode of the Blessed Hope Podcast! (2 Corinthians 6:3-7:3)

Episode Synopsis:

Paul continues his defense of his apostolic ministry and office. In chapter 6, verses 3-10, he lays out an incredible catalog of those hardships which he has endured so as to preach the gospel, along with evidence of how God has sustained both Paul and his Gentile mission throughout each of these difficult trials. He has been slandered and praised and has experienced just about every possible human emotion along the way. He is not bragging as his opponents are doing, but pointing out the ways in which God has enabled him to conduct a ministry faithful to the gospel as centered in the cross of Christ and the message of the reconciliation of the holy God to sinners. None of the false teachers and braggarts in Corinth have such a track record of faithfulness.

Paul lets the Corinthians know that he has no secret agenda, nor is he withholding anything from them as their father in the faith. But he does regard them as children in need of instruction and warning. He challenges them to consider what it means to be numbered among the people of God. The Corinthians are to be careful not to ally themselves with those so-called Christians who claim to be believers, but whose conduct shows them to be otherwise. Paul also reminds the Corinthians not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers since Christians compose the temple of the Lord as indwelt by his Spirit. The Corinthians are to break all ties to paganism and separate themselves from it.

As the living temple of the Lord, Christians are to strive to demonstrate godliness and holiness of life which reflects their status before God. As is his practice, Paul distinguishes between the imperative mood (what believers are in Christ) and the imperative (how their conduct should reflect the fact that they are the temple of the living God), and as such are to avoid the defilement of the body typical of Greco-Roman paganism–such as sexual immorality and idolatry. Christians are to strive to bring holiness to completion–part of which is to embrace Paul as an apostle of Jesus Christ, just as he accepts them as those for whom he cares deeply.

To listen to the episode and see the show notes, follow the link below

Blessed Hope PodcastKim RiddlebargerDecember 1, 2025Church as temple, 2 Corinthians 6:3-7:3Comment

A Pastor's Secret Fears

It should not come as a surprise that when pastors get together (at denominational meetings, joint services, or conferences) we talk shop. The usual topics are the three “Bs” — buildings, bodies, and budgets— along with discussions about the latest doctrinal controversy, who is teaching what, and current cultural and political trends which impact church life for good or ill. Since so much of what ministers do is intangible, it makes sense that we would look for ways to evaluate how our particular part of Christ’s vineyard is performing. One of the ways to do this is to compare numbers and talk about trends. Motives here are mixed, of course, but much of this is merely routine chit-chat and part of catching up with other friends in the ministry.

I was ordained in 1988 and have spent much time around other ministers in the years since. What follows (offered in a spirit of informative good humor) are things ministers admit to worrying and fretting about while chatting with their fellows. We tend to keep this stuff to ourselves, but truth be told, most of us have dealt with these fears, worries, and frustrations at one time or another.

So see these “secret” fears, follow the link below

Just having some fun, Riddleblog PublicationKim RiddlebargerNovember 28, 2025A Pastor's fearsComment

May You All Have a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!

A Thanksgiving Prayer (from the URCNA’s Forms and Prayers):

Our Sovereign God, who created all things for your pleasure and who gives to all life, breath, and every good thing, we praise you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life. For rain and sunshine, in abundance and in lack, we acknowledge that our times are in your hands. You supply all of your creatures with your good gifts: the just and the unjust alike. Nevertheless, we especially give you praise for the surpassing greatness of your saving grace that you have shown to us in Christ Jesus our Savior. For our election in him before the foundation of the world; for our redemption by him in his life, death, and resurrection; for our effectual calling, justification, sanctification, and all of the blessings of our union with him, we give you our heartfelt thanks. And we look with great anticipation toward that day when you will raise us to life everlasting, glorified and confirmed in righteousness, so that we may sing your praises without the defilement of our present weaknesses, distractions, and sins. As you have served us with these gifts, we ask that you would give us grateful hearts so that through us you may serve our neighbors. In the name of Jesus Christ our Savior, Amen.

There is so much for which to be thankful! May you and yours have a very blessed Thanksgiving!

Current Events, Riddleblog PublicationKim RiddlebargerNovember 26, 2025Happy Thanksgiving!Comment

“Jesus, the Mediator of a New Covenant” Hebrews 12:18-29 (An Exposition of the Book of Hebrews–Part Twenty-Three)

The Centrality of the Covenant of Grace

It has been said that the biblical teaching about the covenants lies at the heart of Reformed theology. No doubt, this is true. It has also been said that Jesus Christ is the central figure in redemptive history because he is the mediator of the covenant of grace. This is also true. Both themes of covenant and Christ’s work as mediator are found in the second half of Hebrews 12. In fact, as the author of Hebrews points out, apart from the mediator of God’s gracious covenant, we must face a holy God whose very presence will consume us.

In a culture such as our own where seemingly everything is trivialized–including the God of the Bible–it is vital that we take careful account of the God with whom we have to do. The God of the Bible is not the God of the sinful human imagination. Although he is loving and gracious toward us in Jesus Christ, he is also a consuming fire whose wrath will destroy us if not turned aside by the cross of Christ. As the author of Hebrews begins to wrap up this epistle, he reminds us that God’s people do have a gracious covenant with God because we have a gracious covenant mediator, Jesus Christ.

Keeping Our Eyes Upon Christ

We are making our way through the second half of Hebrews chapter 12. Recall that in the opening half of this chapter, the author set forth an exhortation for the persecuted Christians receiving this letter to persevere in the Christian life, all the while keeping their eyes on Jesus Christ, who is the founder and perfecter of faith. Using an athletic metaphor–the Christian life is like a race–the author reminds God’s people that Jesus Christ fulfilled the demands of God for us and in our place, so that when we grow tired or give up, when we complain and whine about our circumstances, we can take heart knowing that we can look to Jesus (at the finish line), “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Jesus fulfilled his messianic mission, unlike us, who are very prone to quit or fail.

Because of Jesus’s perfect endurance (in fulfilling the demands of God’s law), we are to run the race knowing that God disciplines us because we are his sons and daughters. Using our earthly fathers as an analogy, the author of Hebrews informs us that God disciplines us because it is for our good—even if we do not like it, nor understand it—and because God loves us. This fact provides us with a perspective on life that non-Christians can never have–they see whatever happens to them as the result of cruel fate, nature gone amuck, or a vengeful God who is out to get them. But as Christians, we see in all our suffering and hardship both the discipline of God and the bloody cross of Jesus Christ, who knows our human weakness and understands our suffering. It is only when we keep these things in mind that we can run the marathon of life with our eyes trained upon the founder and perfecter of our faith, the Lord Jesus. The knowledge of what lies ahead enables us to run the race with endurance, and to see the value of the discipline of a loving father in the midst of the trials and tribulations of life.

To read the rest, follow the link below

HebrewsKim RiddlebargerNovember 24, 2025The New Covenant Comments

One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church

Here’s my chapel talk at Westminster Seminary California on one holy catholic and apostolic church— part of their on going series on the Nicene Creed

Follow the link below to watch my lecture

Ecclesiology, History and Culture, Reformed ResourcesKim RiddlebargerNovember 21, 2025 Comments

The Error that Faith Is Merely a Human Act — The Rejection of Errors, Third and Fourth Head of Doctrine, Canons of Dort (6)

Synod rejects the errors of those . . .

Who teach that in the true conversion of man new qualities, dispositions, or gifts cannot be infused or poured into his will by God, and indeed that the faith [or believing] by which we first come to conversion and from which we receive the name “believers” is not a quality or gift infused by God, but only an act of man, and that it cannot be called a gift except in respect to the power of attaining faith.

For these views contradict the Holy Scriptures, which testify that God does infuse or pour into our hearts the new qualities of faith, obedience, and the experiencing of his love: “I will put my law in their minds, and write it on their hearts” (Jer. 31:33); “I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring” (Isa. 44:3); “The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (Rom. 5:5). They also conflict with the continuous practice of the church, which prays with the prophet: “Convert me, Lord, and I shall be converted” (Jer. 31:18).

__________________________________

The Dutch Arminians (the Remonstrants) were seeking to establish several points in opposition to the Reformed. The first was to affirm that salvation is a gift from God, and is freely available to all who will choose it. But in order to establish the first point, the Arminians sought to deny the Reformed distinctive that people are dead in sin and inclined toward unbelief and self-interest—the manifestation of the “flesh” or fallen human nature. Therefore, the Arminians must contend that Adam’s Fall did indeed impact the entire human race, but God’s grace was universally available to all, and sufficient to save any willing to believe, provided they exercise their willingness to do so. According to Arminians, the Fall left Adam and his progeny wounded and sickened by sin, but nevertheless still able to seek grace, and once having done so, would find more grace available until such time as they are able and now willing to exercise faith in Christ (see the prior refutation of errors, number five). This is often framed as truism which is agreeable to many Americans, “God helps those who help themselves.” To put the matter in theological terms, Arminians speak of sin as act (not condition), so they also understand coming to faith as a human act.

But as the authors of the Canons have been pointing out from the opening article (and responding with appropriate biblical passages), such an optimistic and rosy view of human nature is contrary to the clear teaching of Scripture. We are dead in sin, we cannot come to faith in Christ unless and until we are given the new birth and called to trust in Christ through the preaching of the gospel. Human nature is thoroughly corrupt and Adam’s children are all sinful from head to toe. As dead in sin, we retain no natural ability nor desire to come to faith in Christ if left to ourselves. This ability and desire was lost in Adam’s Fall. For anyone to exercise faith in Jesus Christ (i.e., trust in him to save us from the guilt and power of sin) they must be born again through the power of the Holy Spirit, regenerated, and effectually called to faith through the Gospel. Regeneration (the new birth) precedes faith.

To read the rest, follow the link below

The Canons of DortKim RiddlebargerNovember 19, 2025Faith as act Comments

"God Was in Christ" A New Episode of the Blessed Hope Podcast (2 Corinthians 5:14-6:2)

Episode Synopsis:

I am reluctant to say that one portion of Scripture is more important than others. But there are biblical passages packed with theological content and which have stirred much debate among the people of God across time, as does our text for this episode, 2 Corinthians 5:14-6:2. In this section, Paul lays out what might just be the big picture thesis statement for Paul’s Gentile mission–and perhaps even for the entire New Testament–1 Corinthians 5:19- “In Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.” Christ’s redemptive mission is made clear–he came to save sinners, not help us become better people nor transform culture. He also gave to the church our marching orders–preach the message of reconciliation, the basis for all Christian hope–the knowledge that God is no longer angry with us.

Reconciliation is an important matter for Paul. The term refers to removing the ground of hostility between two parties so that they might be reconciled. In this case, the human race, fallen in Adam, is estranged from the holy God because of the guilt of our sins. But Paul’s emphasis falls upon the fact that we have been reconciled to God through the saving work of Christ. This raises questions about the nature and extent of the atonement–a major point of contention between Calvinists and those who hold to some version of a universal atonement. How can Calvinists affirm that Christ died for the elect only when Paul says Jesus died for the world? But then how can those holding to a universal atonement (as do Arminians) affirm that Christ’s death does not avail for all those for whom he died? People can and do perish eternally (on this view), after Christ has died for them. We’ll discuss the debate over the nature and extent of the atonement in this episode because our text raises these important questions.

A second issue raised by Paul is eschatology. His “two Adams” doctrine (cf. Romans 5:12-21) and his eschatology of new creation culminating in a day of final judgment is set out in these verses. In Paul’s federal or representative categories, Adam represents the entirety of the human race (all), while Christ represents those truly in the new covenant (for our sake). Paul ties the new creation to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (v. 17) and sees it as a present reality to be fully realized on the day of salvation, when our Lord Jesus returns to raise the dead, judge the world, and usher in the fullness of new creation–a new heaven and earth. This leaves no room for a future millennial age as many assume.

When Paul speaks of a favorable time before the day of salvation, he’s referring to the mission of the church as assigned here. Christians are ambassadors for God, and are given the assignment of taking the message of reconciliation (the cross of Christ) to the ends of the earth. Paul’s instructions not only define the church’s mission and evangelistic endeavors, but he also defines the church’s message– “God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself.” Any message proclaimed by the church other than that specifically assigned by Paul will inevitably reflect pagan influences such as those against which the Corinthians found themselves struggling. We are not to be gospel-peddlers, but preachers of Christ and him crucified!

To see the show notes and listen to the episode, follow the link below

B. B. Warfield on "False Religion and the True"

Warfield’s sermon on Acts 17:23 was first published in The Power of God Unto Salvation (218-254) and reprinted in Bibl ical and Theological Studies, 560-580. You can also find it online here. It is well worth a read, since much of what Warfield finds in Paul’s challenge to the Greco-Roman pagans in Athens applies today.

Warfield’s text, “what therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you,” leads him to discuss Paul’s approach to pagan Gentiles during his Gentile mission. Below are a few excerpts.

Warfield distinguished between Paul’s approach to pagan Gentiles (as he does here) and those Jews familiar with the Old Testament.

These words give the gist of Pau l's justly famous address at Athens before the court of the Areopagus. The substance of that address was, to be sure, just what the substance of all his primary proclamations to Gentile hearers was, namely, God and the judgment. The necessities of the case compelled him to approach the heathen along the avenue of an awakened conscience. . . . The peculiar circumstances in which (this sermon) was delivered have imprinted on this address also a particular character of its own. Paul spoke it under a specially poignant sense of the depths of heathen ignorance and of the greatness of heathen need. The whole address palpitates with his profound feeling of the darkness in which the heathen world is immersed, and his eager longing to communicate to it the light intrusted to his care.

Given the similarities between the Greco-Roman audience gathered on the Areopagus and our own age (ignorance of the things of God, the angst of our age, the triumph of the subjective over the possibility of finding objective truth), Warfield describes Paul’s preaching as bringing light into darkness. “Heathen” is a great term to describe many of the unbelievers of our age, and I wouldn’t mind seeing it come back to common usage.

Warfield describes Paul’s passion to approach the pagan intellectuals of his day (who were much like the podcasters and influencers of our own) by challenging them at the very point where their self-perceived “wisdom,” is merely a cover for their ignorance of the things of God.

[Paul] was in Athens, as it were, in hiding. But he could not keep silence. He went to the synagogue on the Sabbath and there preached to the Jews and those devout inquirers who were accustomed to visit the synagogues of the Jews in every city. But this did not satisfy his aroused zeal. He went also to the market place—that agora which the public teachers of the city had been wont to frequent for the propagation of their views—and there, like them, every day, he argued with all whom he chanced to meet. Among these he very naturally encountered certain adherents of the types of philosophy then dominant—the Epicurean and Stoic—and in conflict with them he began to attract attention.

To read the rest, follow the link below

B. B. WarfieldKim RiddlebargerNovember 14, 2025Acts 17:23, Mars Hill, Warfield on Paul in AthensComment

Who Said That? (Updated)

Who Said That?

"Thus, we look in vain for a statement in which Paul would speak about himself as an actual sinner. When he speaks about his conscience, he witnesses to his good conscience before men and God."

Please do not look up the answer—the whole point is to guess! But if you can’t restrain yourself, or if you know the answer, please don’t post the source and ruin it for everyone else.

The answer can be found by following the link below

Who Said That?Kim RiddlebargerNovember 12, 2025Did Paul claim to be a sinner? Comments

New Meredith Kline Volume on the Book of Revelation

In a recent post, I mentioned that there were three important new books soon to be published. I was not aware of this book at the time, but soon after learned of it through a good friend (Dr. Andrew Compton). I followed up by listening to a Reformed Forum podcast episode (October 31, 2025) which discussed this gem in great detail.

I cannot say enough good things about this volume. Meredith Kline had written much on the Book of Revelation, but it was widely scattered among a number of publications, many of which can be found here (including mp3s). However there was much work on Revelation by Kline which had not been published until now. It is great to find it all in one place in a book with a quality binding and nice print. Reformed Forum did a great job with the project.

Kline’s books and essays are often tough going, with the common quip (which is often said of Geerhardus Vos as well), that his writings need to be translated into English. But his sermons (published in part two of the volume) are simple biblical expositions of texts from Revelation, and provide a nice primer to Kline’s academic work. The sermons are Christ and gospel centered and demonstrate his ability to explain the apocalypse with such great clarity that you’ll find yourself want to read it again, this time through the new eyes Kline provides. It has been a long time since I read gospel sermons on difficult texts from the Book of Revelation which are as clear, profound, and moving as these—his Easter, Christmas, and Lord’s Supper sermons especially.

To read the rest, follow the link below

The Staying Power of Dispensationalism -- Some Observations

In a recent tweet, Aaron Renn (November 5, 2025) opined that “the death of dispensationalism is greatly exaggerated. It seems to me that the vast bulk of evangelicals are still dispensationalist . . . I don't think most evangelicals have ever even heard the term dispensationalism, or have thought much about it. They just think they attend a church that preaches the Bible.”

I am of the opinion that Daniel Hummel’s recent book, The Rise and Fall of Dispensationalism, makes a compelling case that dispensationalism (at least that academic form which Hummel identifies as “scholastic dispensationalism”) is clearly on the wane in those circles where it once held dominance (seminaries and evangelical publishing). The perfume is long gone, although a faint scent remains in the empty bottle. But I do think Renn is correct to point out that the majority of rank and file evangelicals are still largely dispensational in their eschatology and overall understanding of the purpose of the church in the end times—which they believe are upon us. Here are some observations as to why I think this is the case.

Effective Dispensational Catechesis:

The current generation of evangelicals and the bulk of those who now attend evangelical churches grew up on Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins’s Left Behind novels, or else attended churches which offered a steady diet of dispensational teaching. Despite whatever doctrinal ills someone like me may find in dispensationalism, the Bible is open in these churches and taught simply and as true. In many cases, the gospel is present (though often watered down and not always clearly presented). Jesus is proclaimed to be the only savior and it is taught that good works do not save. The litmus test in many of these circles is a born again conversion experience. People who attend such churches are likely well satisfied with what they hear from the pulpit and assume what they are hearing is correct. These folks are not likely to investigate other views, nor are they going to rush out and buy A Case for Amillennialism.

To read the rest, follow the link below

November Musings (November 5, 2025)

Riddleblog and Blessed Hope Podcast Updates:

The R’s and a dozen or so friends were headed to the Civil War battlefields of Manassas, Harper’s Ferry, Antietam, and Gettysburg, before spending a few days playing tourist in Washington DC. Alas the government shutdown forced us to reschedule for next Spring. We are disappointed—but for a whole bunch of reasons, the cancellation was providential and also allowed me to take a short break
I am close to wrapping up my exegetical work in 2 Corinthians, and then it is on to Romans! I can’t wait! Lord willing, the Blessed Hope Podcast will resume in a couple of weeks and I’ll finish up chapters 5-13 of 2 Corinthians

Thinking Out Loud:

My contempt for our current Congress (both parties) grows by the day
Gambling in the NBA? “I’m shocked, shocked to find gambling is going on in here” (using my best Claude Rains accent)
I’ve been a die-hard baseball fan since I saw the Angels play the Yankees in Dodger Stadium on July 29,1964 (Anaheim Stadium was still under construction and BTW, the Yankees won 5-0 behind Jim Bouton’s 4 hitter). I’ve seen lots of great players come and go, but Shohei Ohtani is the best baseball player I’ve ever seen, period. People talk about Babe Ruth doing similar things, but we didn’t get to watch the Babe—we just remember his accomplishments. But we do get to see Shohei play. But after playing an 18 inning game and starting the next game Shohei came back to earth and looked tired during the last two games in Toronto
Yoshinobu Yamamoto was 4-0 with 1.13 ERA in the World Series (including last year). Then to come back and win Game 7 after going 6 innings and winning Game 6 was simply amazing. But lest we forget, Madison Bumgarner's World Series stats include a career record of 4-0, a remarkable 0.25 ERA, 31 strikeouts, and one save. His 0.25 career World Series ERA is the lowest in history for a pitcher with at least 20 innings pitched. Baseball fans really do live in the moment
When Don Mattingly played for the Yankees, he was my favorite player—evident by my signed Mattingly print in the background of the cigar photo above. After 40 years in baseball, Donny Baseball finally made it to the World Series as the bench coach for the Blue Jays. Does retirement await? If so, he’s earned it
Trump-achadnezzar plans to build a monument to himself. Sorta echoes Daniel 3
Trump called Reagan’s speech on tariffs, “fake news.” Trump obviously has not listened to to Reagan’s remarks lately. I have. I think Reagan was absolutely right that tariffs are a tax on consumers and raise prices, but then I’m a Milton Friedman, F. A. Hayek guy when it comes to economics
Good ole governor Gavin signs 700 new laws—just what California needs, more regulation

To read the book review and see the recommended links, follow the link below

I Was a Recent Guest on “Issues, Etc.” Discussing Peter Thiel, AI, and the Antichrist

I was interviewed by Todd Wilken and we discussed Peter Thiel’s view of the Antichrist and AI.

The interview was based upon an essay I had written several weeks ago which can be found here: AI and Recent Antichrist Speculation

Amillennialism, End Times Nuttiness, eschatologyKim RiddlebargerOctober 30, 2025Antichrist speculation, Antichrist and AIComment