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Origen Against the Innovation of Christmas? Check your sources!
I came across the following statement, which immediately sparked my interest (source): Speculation on the proper date began in the 3rd and 4th centuries, when the idea of fixing Christ’s birthday started. Quite a controversy arose among Church leaders. Some were opposed to such a celebration. Origen (185-254) strongly recommended against such an innovation. “In…
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Sin, Satan, and Satan's Fall
I was recently directed to some questions about Sin, Satan, and Satan’s fall. Did Satan exist before Adam and Eve? How and when did he fall? The Scriptures do not specify when God created the angels or when specifically Satan fell. Jude 6 states: “And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left…
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Grace in Cyril's Commentary on the Book of Exodus (First Discourse)
The Orthodox Research Institute has published an English translation of the first discourse of Cyril of Alexandria’s Commentary on the Book of Exodus. It’s not a massive volume (about 50 pages of English text). Nevertheless, it serves to illustrate some aspects of Cyril’s teachings on topics related to the doctrines of grace. Most of the…
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Children Punished for a Parent's Sins
Introduction Some folks who hold to a nearly dogmatic form of rugged individualism do not like the idea of federal headship, especially when it comes to punishments. I much more rarely hear people complain that they will be judged righteous for the deeds of their federal head. It is when guilt and punishment are concerned…
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Innocent from Man's Perspective or God's?
A poster at Steve Gregg’s forum, using the handle “Suzana” made an interesting argument in favor of the supposed innocence of young children. I’ve presented here basic argument below, followed by my response. Suzana’s basic argument is based on Psalm 106:37-38 Psalm 106:37-3837Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils, 38And shed innocent…