The real tests of one's theological understanding are the tough questions faced by pastors, teachers, missionaries and Christian leaders. Vital Theological issues: Examining Enduring Issues of Theology draws upon the insights and study of leading evangelical scholars and writers to address enduring theological questions. Included are articles by Lewis Sperry Chafer, J. Ronald Blue, John F. Walvoord, Charles C. Ryrie, and Roy B. Zuck.
Discussions in this volume include:
“If God is sovereign, why should Christians pray? This is one of the perennial questions inquiring Christian minds often reflect on or by which they are troubled. If God is sovereign, is not prayer a superfluous activity, or at best an exercise in meditation or some form of inspiring soliloquy? The question of the tension between solicitations to prayer and the presupposition of absolute sovereignty is but a harbinger of numerous other difficulties with the doctrine of prayer. Does prayer limit sovereignty? Does God change His mind? Is it possible that one’s will can prevail over God’s will? Is God obligated to answer prayer?” (Page 11)
“Third, the Law was given to reveal the standard of holiness required of those in fellowship with a holy God. I” (Page 176)
“Over the years the theological journal Bibliotheca Sacra has addressed numerous doctrinal subjects of concern not only to theologians but also to laypersons—to all individuals interested in knowing the teachings of Scripture, God’s authoritative Word, and how those truths relate to life.” (Page 9)
“First, it was given to reveal the holiness of God. Peter wrote in 1 Peter 1:15, ‘But like the Holy One who called you, you yourselves also be holy in all your behavior, because it is written, ‘You should be holy; for I am holy.’ ’” (Page 176)
“This issue is not whether Christians should produce good works. The issue is whether those good works have decisive value in determining whether individuals are saved.” (Page 162)