BROWSE THE COLLECTION
Category: Studies
Topical biblical theology, apologetics, Christology, history, and ethics.
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How to best navigate my websites
Watch Marc Bates’ live-video replay introducing how to navigate his websites. The approximately 12-minute recording is available on Substack.
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Epigraphy, Historical Skepticism, and the Origins of Islam: A Critical Realist Evaluation of Seventh-Century Rock Inscriptions against the Space-Time Bedrock of the Promise-Plan
This study evaluates what early Arabic rock inscriptions can contribute to debates about Islamic origins. It compares traditional, revisionist, and moderate readings of the evidence, considering religious identity, the development of confessional language, and the limits of arguments…
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The Historical Bedrock of the Cross: A Promise-Plan Defense of the Crucifixion
This study examines the evidence for Jesus’ crucifixion under Pontius Pilate and the interpretive debates surrounding his execution. It connects historical inquiry with early atonement traditions, the biblical covenants, and the cross as the climax of God’s promise-plan.
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Bultmann’s Demythologizing Theology and the Proclamation of the Word of the Cross: An Evaluation from the Horizons of Biblical Theology and the Promise-Plan of God
This essay evaluates Rudolf Bultmann’s demythologizing program, examining existential interpretation, faith, and the proclaimed word of the cross. It contrasts Bultmann’s approach with the author’s emphasis on historical redemption, canonical promise, and Christ’s victory over spiritual powers.
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The Word Made Flesh versus the Word Made Book: A Biblical-Theological and Historical-Critical Evaluation of Qur’anic Origins and the Promise-Plan of God
This study contrasts incarnation and inlibration through biblical theology and the historical study of Qurʾānic origins. It surveys manuscript corrections, transmission, Late Antique intertexts, Islamic biographical traditions, and the author’s argument concerning the Islamic Dilemma.
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The Incarnate Mind: Omniscience, Covenantal Fidelity, and the Promise-Plan of God
This study examines how the Gospels hold together Jesus’ divine knowledge and genuine human limitations. It considers his knowledge of hearts, growth in wisdom, and Mark 13:32 through the incarnation, messianic obedience, and the biblical promise-plan.
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The Father’s Table: Covenantal Warfare, Contagious Grace, and the Background of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15
This study reads Luke 15 as Jesus’ defense of welcoming sinners to the table. It explores the father’s restoring love for both sons, the parable’s honor-and-shame setting, and the relationship between grace, covenantal belonging, and Israel’s continuing calling.
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Mohammad vs Jesus: Who Has Better Historical Evidence?
This comparative study examines the historical sources for Jesus and Muhammad, engaging early testimony, manuscript evidence, Islamic origins, and the crucifixion. It evaluates claims raised in Jay Smith’s presentation through the author’s promise-plan framework and Christian–Muslim apologetics.
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Hidden Kingdom Treasure: Parabolic Wisdom, the Promise-Plan of God, and the Radical Reorientation of Discipleship in Matthew 13:44
This study reads Matthew 13:44 as a parable of the kingdom’s surpassing worth. It examines how unexpected discovery, joy, and decisive action reorder discipleship, placing the hidden treasure within Matthew’s teaching and the unfolding promise-plan of God.
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The Organic Architecture of Divine Instruction: Promise-Plan Theology, the Unity of the Law, and the Canonical Coherence of Scripture
Engaging Walter Kaiser’s account of biblical unity, this essay examines Torah as covenantal instruction. It evaluates law-and-gospel divisions, Pauline language, and principlization to argue for continuity within the unfolding promise-plan.