Spiritual Formation / Sanctification – Page 2 – Evangelical Theological Society

Beyond the Hyper-Cognitive: Rethinking Spiritual Formation for the Intellectually Disabled

Christian spiritual formation has long prioritized hyper-cognitive discipleship, assuming that theological comprehension, verbal articulation, and literacy are prerequisites for spiritual growth. This framework, however, excludes individuals with intellectual disabilities, whose cognitive capacities may not identify with traditional models of worship and discipleship (Swinton 1997; Wilder 2018). As a result, intellectual limitations are often seen as … Read more

Knowing Jesus by Loving Others; Loving Others by Knowing Jesus

This paper argues that there is inseparable connection between knowing Jesus and loving others. They generate each other like chicken and egg. To substantiate this thesis, I will make the following points. First, there is a clear scriptural teaching that Jesus reveals himself to those who love others. Second, historical Jesus practiced enemy love, so … Read more

“Touch me Not”: Elusiveness and Desire in John’s Gospel

John’s Gospel portrays an elusive Jesus, who evades capture, sidesteps questions, and communicates enigmatically. This aspect of Jesus’ characterization has been explained in terms of mythological language (Bultmann), sectarian insider language (Meeks), Johannine belief (Hamid-Khani) or ancient rhetorical techniques (Williams). However, this paper situates this feature of the Gospel in the context of Jesus’ final … Read more

A Biblical Theology of Living Quietly

This paper will seek to answer a question prompted by a particular phrase in 1 Thessalonians 4:11, “What does it mean to aspire to live quietly?” In its only other occurrences in the New Testament, the Greek word translated as aspire is associated with familiar Christian ambitions. Paul aspired to “preach the gospel” (Rom 15:20) … Read more

“When You Can’t Sleep, Pray!: Evening Spirituality During the Watches of the Night”

Night is typically a time for sleep, but in the Psalter the watches of the night were intentional periods for being awake to worship God. This paper examines the interpretation of Psalm 63:6, “when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night” (ESV, cf. Ps. 119:147-148) to … Read more

A Biblical Vision for Theological Higher Education

Faithful theological higher education should benefit Christ’s universal church and serve as an agent for extending the church’s mission on earth. How does God’s Word describe the nature and function of theological higher education? Wrestling both exegetically and theologically, this study addresses: (1) the place of theological higher education in church history; (2) Scripture as … Read more

Patronage and Reciprocity in Paul’s Metaphor of Adoption

Adoption (huiothesia, υιοθεσία) is an important Pauline metaphor describing the believer’s connection with God the Father (as well as the Son and the Holy Spirit) (Ephesians 1:5; Romans 8:23; Galatians 4:5). The concept of patronage and reciprocity affects one’s understanding of this metaphor. Garner states that spiritual adoption shows the patronage of the Heavenly Father … Read more