Thesis (M. A.)--Lancaster Bible College, 1998. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 104-110).

Thesis (M.A.)--Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, 1988. / Abstract lacking from microfiche. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 99-104).

Thesis (M. Div.)--Western Evangelical Seminary, Portland, OR, 1973. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 71-72).

Thesis (M.A.)--Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, 1988. / Abstract lacking from microfiche. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 99-104).

Thesis (M. Div.)--Western Evangelical Seminary, Portland, OR, 1973. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 71-72).

This study investigates the dynamic of hope, specifically the Christian hope as it is expressed in the expectation of Christ's return. This belief has a number of implications, and affects the believer's attitude to God, man and the world, the relationship to past, present and future events, and the understanding of meaning and purpose in life. The examination of the belief in the parousia is primarily concerned with the question "why?" The question "Why the parousia?" is basic to this thesis, and the various sections reflect the different modes of answer. Section One examines the belief as it is portrayed in the New Testament by a brief review of its role and importance (with several examples), followed by a more interpretative analysis of the concept of the "God who comes," and the implications of the parousia parables. Section Two provides a wide-ranging summary of the different manifestations of the parousia hope in Christian history, along with some comment and analysis of its influences and consequences. Section Three illustrates the implications and effects of a strong parousia belief through an account of the nineteenth century Millerite movement. Section Four, enters into greater detail with an examination of the role that the parousia belief plays within a group that strongly affirms its importance: the Seventh-day Adventist Church. This examination is both on a personal and community level, and provides considerable material for understanding the factors influencing the adoption and consequent effects of this belief. Section Five reviews the interpretation of the parousia belief in modern theology and comments on the relative attitudes and outlooks that result both from an acceptance of the belief and from its denial. This leads on to a discussion of the concept of the "delay," a major influence on the parousia belief in contemporary thought. Section Six provides some synthesis of the various elements of the parousia belief, and also indicates other more abstract implications and components. The parousia belief is seen as a part of an ordered belief structure; then as a major belief in terms of hope, consummation, termination, purpose, vindication and so on. Yet finally it is the temporal aspect so frequently noted in other Sections that is of greatest importance, and the interaction of time and the parousia provides the conclusion -- the concept of a dynamic, time-related belief that activates the present out of the future.

The motif of hastening the Lord's coming: 2 Peter 3:1-13 and its alleged parallels and background is a study of an aspect of 2 Peter's message and the problems related to that aspect. The study consists of seven chapters. Chapter one is an orientative survey of 2 Peter research defining and describing the nature and scope of the problems which are investigated in later chapters, as well as indicating the importance of the study and its general outline. In chapter two, broad hermeneutical issues which influence the investigation in chapters three, four, five and six are highlighted. Chapter three investigates the use and meanings of a1fe 6 6 <.t> derivatives in the New Testament and finds out that apart from 2 Peter, those concerned are generally not explicitly used in association with Christ's Parousia. In chapter four, relevant sections of 2 Peter are exegeted to determine this motifs role and meaning within the message of 2 Peter. Chapter four's investigation finds out that this salient motif in 2 Peter emphasises the Christian community's role of being God's important partner in the achievement of the eschatological promises associated with Christ's Parousia. Chapter five then studies alleged parallels of this motif in the New Testament outside of 2 Peter and finds out that the ideas, which 2 Peter expressed through this motif are echoed within most of the passages. In chapter six the religious background of 2 Peter is investigated and it is discovered that ideas expressed through this motif in 2 Peter appear to be generally in discontinuity with those contained in the investigated backgrounds. The final chapter highlights the contemporary relevance of the study with reference to (i) New Testament study in general, (ii) 2 Peter research in particular; and (iii) the calling and responsibilities of the church in the context of today's problems. / Biblical and Ancient Studies / D. Th. (New Testament)

The motif of hastening the Lord's coming: 2 Peter 3:1-13 and its alleged parallels and background is a study of an aspect of 2 Peter's message and the problems related to that aspect. The study consists of seven chapters. Chapter one is an orientative survey of 2 Peter research defining and describing the nature and scope of the problems which are investigated in later chapters, as well as indicating the importance of the study and its general outline. In chapter two, broad hermeneutical issues which influence the investigation in chapters three, four, five and six are highlighted. Chapter three investigates the use and meanings of a1fe 6 6 <.t> derivatives in the New Testament and finds out that apart from 2 Peter, those concerned are generally not explicitly used in association with Christ's Parousia. In chapter four, relevant sections of 2 Peter are exegeted to determine this motifs role and meaning within the message of 2 Peter. Chapter four's investigation finds out that this salient motif in 2 Peter emphasises the Christian community's role of being God's important partner in the achievement of the eschatological promises associated with Christ's Parousia. Chapter five then studies alleged parallels of this motif in the New Testament outside of 2 Peter and finds out that the ideas, which 2 Peter expressed through this motif are echoed within most of the passages. In chapter six the religious background of 2 Peter is investigated and it is discovered that ideas expressed through this motif in 2 Peter appear to be generally in discontinuity with those contained in the investigated backgrounds. The final chapter highlights the contemporary relevance of the study with reference to (i) New Testament study in general, (ii) 2 Peter research in particular; and (iii) the calling and responsibilities of the church in the context of today's problems. / Biblical and Ancient Studies / D. Th. (New Testament)

M.A.( Biblical Studies) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

This dissertation argues for the hope that is found in G. C. Berkouwer’s doctrines of providence and bodily resurrection in relation to the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, and the rising pervasiveness of the doctrine of hyperpreterism among American Reformed circles. In Part I of the dissertation, Berkouwer’s doctrine of providence is explained and then evaluated and applied. By way of explanation and exposition, Berkouwer’s knowledge of providence is examined, along with his theology of providence in sustenance and government, in relation to miracles, and the dilemma of the existence of God and evil. Following that is an evaluation and application of the doctrine to the 9/11 terrorist attack on America. In Part II, a theological/doctrinal study is undertaken concerning the doctrine of resurrection. Hyper-preterism is examined, along with its leading proponents, and placed into interaction with Berkouwer’s views of the doctrine of the physical resurrection of the body at the eschaton. / Theology / M.Th. (Philosophy & Systematic Theology)