Volume 28, Number 1 Spring 2017 The Reformers and the Original Languages: Calvin and Luther on the Importance of Greek and Hebrew in Theology and Ministry PETER GOEMAN Is Christ the Fulfillment of National Israel’s Prophecies? Yes and No! ROBERT L. SAUCY Matthew 5:5 and the Old Testament Land Promises: An Inheritance of the Earth or the Land of Israel? NELSON S. HSIEH The Vernacular Consciousness: Modernism’s Influence on Postcolonial Contextualization CHRIS BURNETT TMS.edu Volume 28 Spring 2017 Number 1 The Master’s Seminary Journal CONTENTS Editorial ................................................................................................................ 1-3 Irv Busenitz The Reformers and the Original Languages: Calvin and Luther on the Importance of Greek and Hebrew in Theology and Ministry .......................... 5-16 Peter Goeman Is Christ the Fulfillment of National Israel’s Prophecies? Yes and No! ............. 17-39 Robert L. Saucy Matthew 5:5 and the Old Testament Land Promises: An Inheritance of the Earth or the Land of Israel? ............................................ 41-75 Nelson S. Hsieh The Vernacular Consciousness: Modernism’s Influence on Postcolonial Contextualization ........................................................................... 77-94 Chris Burnett Reviews ................................................................................................................. 95-109 M. Scott Bashoor Visual Outline Charts of the New Testament ........................................................ 95-97 Reviewed by Gregory H. Harris D. Jeffrey Bingham and Glenn R. Kreider Eschatology ........................................................................................................... 97-99 Reviewed by Mark A. Hassler Kevin J. Vanhoozer Authority after Babel: Retrieving the Solas in a Spirit of Mere Protestant Christianity .................................................................................. 99-103 Reviewed by Paul Shirley Thomas Ice The Case for Zionism: Why Christians Should Support Israel ............................. 103-04 Reviewed by Michael J. Vlach Richard A. Taylor Interpreting Apocalyptic Literature: An Exegetical Handbook ................................ 104-06 Reviewed by Mark. A. Hassler J. Daniel Hays The Temple and the Tabernacle: A Study of God’s Dwelling Places from Genesis to Revelation ................................................................................... 107-09 Reviewed by John W. Dube MSJ 28/1 (Spring 2017) 1–3 EDITORIAL On Be(com)ing a Theologian Every pastor must be a theologian. Declaring the whole purpose of God (Acts 20:17; cf. Ps. 40:10) depends on it. Ezra set his heart on studying the law of the LORD, practicing it, and then teaching it (Ezra 7:10). Jesus had the heart of a compassionate Shepherd (Matt. 9:36–38; John 10:11), but He also taught powerfully with wisdom, depth, and insight (Matt. 7:29). Timothy was exhorted to pay close attention to him- self and his teaching, and to persevere in these things (1 Tim. 4:16). From the closing of the canon to the present day, the great spokesmen for God and proclaimers of truth were theologians and biblical scholars.1 In 1978, John Jefferson Davis edited a multi-authored anthology entitled, The Necessity of Systematic Theology. In the Preface he explains: “The articles reprinted here have as a common theme the value of systematic, disciplined reflection on bib- lical truth for Christian living and ministry. In a cultural climate, which tends to stress subjective experience rather than systematic reflection, there would seem to be a par- ticular need to set forth an explicit rationale for the study of systematic theology.”2 In an effort to fill that need, a new systematic theology was published this spring by The Master’s Seminary. Edited by Drs. John MacArthur and Richard Mayhue, Biblical Doctrine3 is marked by six qualities: biblical, exegetical, systematic, com- prehensive, pastoral, and practical. Cognizant that to know and understand the breadth and depth of what God has communicated in one text of Scripture requires the import of what He has revealed on the same topic elsewhere, the authors have given careful attention to addressing biblical truths in an accessible yet compelling fashion. Systematic theology is a placing together of the teachings of Scripture into a harmonious system of truth to the greatest extent possible. If we are to know and teach the truths of Scripture, then it is necessary to see them in relationship to each 1 John MacArthur, “Introduction,” The Shepherd as Theologian, ed. John MacArthur (Eugene, OR: Harvest House, 2017), 6. 2 John Jefferson Davis, “Preface,” The Necessity of Systematic Theology, ed. John Jefferson Davis (Washington, DC: University Press, 1978), n.p. 3 John F. MacArthur & Richard L. Mayhue, eds., Biblical Doctrine (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2017). 1 2 | Editorial other. Theologian William Shedd contends that systematic theology is absolutely es- sential to the understanding of Scripture: “The attempt to understand revelation piecemeal, is liable to fail. In every organic product—and the Bible is organized throughout—the whole explains the parts, because the parts exist for the whole, and have no meaning or use separate from it.”4 The human mind is such that it demands systematizing; it is not satisfied with anything less. “We do not possess the separate truths of religion in the abstract; we possess them only in their relations, and we do not properly know anyone of them—nor can it have its full effect on our life—except as we know it in its relation to other truths, that is, as systematized. What we do not know, in this sense, systematically, we rob of half its power on our conduct.”5 It is required that the pastor be a theologian. Searching the Scriptures to bring all that God has said to bear on a text is not optional, neither for the student nor for the shepherd. True expository preaching mandates it. The qualifications for an elder make it requisite: the pastor is to be “able to teach” (1 Tim. 3:2) and “able to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict” (Tit. 1:9). It is no accident that Paul links pastor and teacher together (Eph. 4:11). The pastor-teacher has the man- date to teach those given to his charge (Eph. 4:13–14; Acts 20:27–28). Carrying out the Great Commission to teach others (Matt. 28:20) requires a depth and breadth of understanding God’s Word. Plumbing the depths of the Word is not easy; it is rigorous. Scripture often “forges a chain of logical argumentation . Since much of the Bible is written this way, pastors are called to trace these arguments with active, careful, rigorous reading, and explain statements and the connections and the larger units to their people, and then apply them to their lives.”6 Jude begs his readers to “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints” (Jude 3). Though occasion- ally likened to milk (Heb. 5:12–13), where the cream rises to the top, the “cream” of the Word requires digging deep for it. Thus, Paul exhorts Timothy to be diligent to accurately handle the Word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15). Pastors are instructed to lead their people to a maturity evidenced by spiritual stability (Eph. 4:13–14), a stability that is achieved only by being diligent to cut it straight. Studying the Word of God and proclaiming it to others brings inestimable re- ward. After rehearsing the grandeur of the gospel, Paul exclaims: “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways” (Rom. 11:33). Plumbing the depths results in unspeakable joy and “will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you” (1 Tim. 4:16b). In his closing years of life, Paul notes that Timothy had studied the inspired writings and exhorts him to continue in the things he has learned, because they are very profitable (1 Tim. 3:17; Ps. 1:2–3) and will not return void (Isa. 55:11). Ultimately, the goal of any theological study must be to know God (Phil. 3:10) and make Him known to others (Phil. 3:17). B. B. Warfield, addressing the students 4 William G. T. Shedd, Dogmatic Theology (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1971) I:14 5 Benjamin B. Warfield, Studies in Theology (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1991) IX: 83. 6 John Piper, “The Pastor as Scholar,” The Pastor as Scholar & The Scholar as Pastor, by John Piper & D. A. Carson (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2011), 64, 65. The Master’s Seminary Journal | 3 at Princeton Theological Seminary more than a century ago, exhorted them: “I am here today to warn you to take seriously your theological study, not merely as a duty, done for God’s sake and therefore made divine, but as a [spiritual] exercise.”7 To relinquish this pursuit is to inadvertently diminish the power of the Word to change lives—both our own life and the lives of others. Expository preaching depends upon its pursuit. Rightly dividing the Word of God demands it! Irv Busenitz [email protected] 7 Benjamin B. Warfield, “The Religious Life of Theological Students,” The Master’s Seminary Journa, (1911; repr., Fall 1995) 6:2:187. Right Thinking in a Church Gone Astray: Finding Our Way Back to Biblical Truth Edited by: Nathan Busenitz The church today faces great challenges, both from without and from within. Popular culture tempts Christians to compromise truth in the name of relevance and to ignore sin under the guise of tolerance. At the same time, serious doctrinal errors threaten to undermine the authority of God's Word, leading to all sorts of unbiblical practices. Right Thinking in a Church Gone Astray offers responses from trusted evangelical voices on 15 timely issues. With biblical guidance on these matters, this resource provides much-needed clarity for today's church. ISBN: 9780736966757 Softcover Retail $15.99 256 pages Right Thinking in a World Gone Wrong Edited by: John MacArthur John MacArthur writes: “Our response to moral questions is not determined by politics, economics, personal preference, popular opinion, or human reasoning.