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Theology Articles
Charting the Word: Clarifying Doctrine for a Faithful Life
This section features theological essays written by Dr. Robert C. Crowder, Th.D., addressing key doctrines of the Christian faith—such as salvation, sanctification, the Trinity, the church, and last things. These articles are intended to clarify biblical truth, engage contemporary issues, and ground believers in sound doctrine from a conservative Baptist, dispensational position.
New articles are posted regularly. Readers are welcome to interact by emailing 73twentyministries@gmail.com. Join us in charting the Word through the lens of biblical theology.
Theology Selections
This article, A Glimpse of Glory: The Universal Offer of Salvation and the Human Responsibility, provides a biblically grounded explanation of Mark 9:1 from a conservative, non-Calvinist, dispensational Baptist perspective. It explores the meaning of Jesus' statement about the kingdom of God coming with power, identifying the Transfiguration as the immediate fulfillment. The article emphasizes the literal future kingdom promised in Scripture and clarifies the distinction between the Church and the Kingdom. Readers are guided through the context, theological implications, and the hope of Christ’s return in glory.
This article explores the biblical, historical, and theological foundations of believer’s baptism by immersion. It affirms why Lakeview Baptist Church requires immersion as the mode for baptism and church membership. The article traces baptism from Old Testament purification practices to the ministry of John the Baptist, Jesus’ own baptism, and the early church’s practice of immersion. It explains the purposes of baptism—obedience, identification with Christ, public testimony, and entrance into the local body—and defends immersion as the only biblical method in light of the Greek term baptizó.
This article explores the theological implications of Romans 5:12-13, addressing the accountability of those who lived before the Mosaic Law. It examines whether pre-law sinners, such as those who perished in the Flood, are subject to eternal judgment. Through a careful study of Scripture, including the doctrines of imputation, natural law, and federal headship, the article affirms the universality of sin and the necessity of salvation through Jesus Christ.
This article explores the varied ways God communicated His Word in Old Testament times, as highlighted in Hebrews 1:1. From dreams and visions to angelic appearances and prophetic writings, God revealed His truth through many different methods and at different times. This study traces these divine communications and shows how they prepared the way for the ultimate revelation in Jesus Christ. Reflection questions are included to deepen your personal study.
This article examines the origins, claims, and theological problems of the Gap Theory, which seeks to place millions of years and a fossil record of death before Adam's fall. Dr. Robert C. Crowder analyzes the serious gospel implications of accepting death before sin, demonstrating how the Gap Theory undermines biblical authority, reinterprets Genesis, and distorts the foundational doctrines of creation, sin, and redemption. From a conservative Baptist perspective, this study calls believers to trust the clear, literal Word of God over speculative compromise.
Introduction to the Bible
This article explores the beauty, power, and relevance of the Holy Bible as the inspired Word of God. It highlights how Scripture reveals God's character, offers comfort in trials, and invites believers into a living relationship with their Creator. Whether read individually or studied in community, the Bible stands as a timeless source of wisdom and joy.
This article provides a detailed comparison between two major Protestant denominations: the Seventh-day Adventist Church and the Southern Baptist Convention. While both affirm core Christian beliefs such as the divinity of Christ and the authority of Scripture, they differ significantly in their interpretation and application of key doctrines. Topics explored include Sabbath observance, the investigative judgment, eschatology, health and lifestyle, the role of the law, and church governance. Each doctrinal difference is paired with references to the official teachings of both denominations. The article concludes by acknowledging the common ground shared between the two and the importance of respectful theological dialogue.
This article offers a thorough, biblically grounded study on the doctrine of propitiation, showing how God’s justice was fully satisfied through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. Tracing the concept from its Old Testament roots to its fulfillment in Christ, the article defends penal substitution and highlights the necessity of divine justice in salvation. Propitiation reveals the convergence of God’s holiness and mercy, emphasizing that the cross is where God’s wrath was absorbed and sinners were saved.
This article answers a common theological question from a conservative Baptist, non-Calvinistic perspective: How were Old Testament believers saved, and what does that mean for salvation today? Drawing from Romans 4, Hebrews 11, and John 14:6, it explains that salvation has always been by grace through faith. In the Old Testament, saints were saved by trusting in what God had revealed at the time—His promises, His covenant, and the coming Redeemer. Though they did not yet know the name of Jesus, their faith pointed forward to Him. Today, salvation requires conscious faith in the fully revealed gospel of Christ. The article affirms the exclusive sufficiency of Christ’s atoning work throughout history and emphasizes the urgent call to share the gospel in light of Romans 10 and Acts 17.
This article presents a comprehensive study of the attributes of God as revealed in Scripture. Divided into four categories—God’s Nature and Being, His Moral Attributes, His Love and Mercy, and His Relationship with Creation—it highlights twenty characteristics that reflect His power, holiness, compassion, and engagement with humanity. Each attribute includes a clear definition and supporting Scripture from the King James Version. The article encourages believers to meditate on God’s unchanging nature and respond in worship, trust, and obedience. Through this study, readers are invited to deepen their understanding and relationship with the one true God.
This article offers a clear, biblical overview of Ecclesiology—the study of the church—exploring its nature, purpose, structure, mission, and future. Dr. Robert C. Crowder examines how Scripture defines the church as the body of Christ, its responsibilities in worship, evangelism, discipleship, fellowship, and service, and its role in God's redemptive plan. Readers will gain a stronger understanding of the church’s mission today and its hope in the coming Kingdom.
This article, The Corinthian Correspondence: Exploring the Possibility of Additional Pauline Epistles, examines the conservative, dispensational perspective on the Apostle Paul's complex relationship with the Corinthian church. Drawing from literal-grammatical interpretation, the article explores biblical evidence suggesting that Paul wrote more than the two canonical letters. References to a previous letter (1 Corinthians 5:9) and a severe letter (2 Corinthians 2:3-4) highlight the depth of Paul's pastoral care and the dynamic nature of early church communication. The study affirms the integrity of the biblical canon while enriching the understanding of Pauline ministry.
"Thessalonians: Day of the LORD" is a commentary-style study exploring Paul’s teaching on the Day of the Lord in 2 Thessalonians 2, clarifying the sequence of prophetic events and offering encouragement to stand firm in the truth. Drawing on biblical cross-references and scholarly insights, it provides a doctrinally sound overview for pastors, teachers, and students of Scripture.
This in-depth article explores the biblical doctrine of predestination from a conservative, dispensational, and non-Calvinist viewpoint. Rather than portraying predestination as an arbitrary decree of salvation, the study reveals its true purpose as God’s sovereign plan for every believer—namely, conformity to the image of Christ, spiritual adoption, and eternal glorification. With clear exposition of Romans 8:29–30, a theological discussion of the “Golden Chain,” and a firm affirmation of human free will, this article presents predestination as a doctrine of comfort and transformation, not exclusion or fatalism.
This article explores the possibility that Paul wrote more letters to the Corinthian church than the two included in the New Testament. It examines scriptural evidence, Greek phrasing, and scholarly interpretations supporting the idea of non-canonical Pauline letters.
This article offers a comprehensive biblical theology of angels, focusing on their nature, structure, and roles in redemptive history. Drawing from both Old and New Testament passages, it explores who angels are, how they function within God’s creation, and how they minister to Christ, believers, and the nations. Written from a conservative, dispensational, Baptist perspective using the King James Version, this study aims to present angels not as fantasy or folklore, but as faithful messengers and mighty warriors of the Lord. Their presence reminds us of a sovereign God who governs both the seen and the unseen.
A comprehensive examination of the Age of Accountability doctrine within conservative Baptist theology, featuring perspectives from leading scholars on both sides of the debate. This article traces the historical development of this teaching, analyzes key biblical passages, and explores the pastoral implications of this contentious theological issue.
Heaven’s Rebellion explores the dramatic fall of one-third of the angelic host and the rise of Satan’s opposition to the kingdom of God. Rooted in biblical doctrine and conservative Baptist theology, this article provides a clear and compelling narrative of the original heavenly conflict, the nature of fallen angels, and their continued activity in the world today. Drawing from both Old and New Testament passages, this study sheds light on the spiritual forces that oppose God’s purposes—and the ultimate victory that belongs to Christ.
In this theologically rich and pastorally grounded article, Dr. Robert C. Crowder offers a clear and compelling explanation of why he rejects Calvinism. Drawing from Scripture and supported by conservative Baptist and dispensational scholarship, he addresses the key doctrinal issues of limited atonement, unconditional election, double predestination, the problem of evil, and the overemphasis on divine sovereignty. This declaration affirms a gospel message that is biblically inclusive, universally offered, and personally received. It is a call to hold fast to the truth of God's Word while engaging in gracious theological dialogue.
Every believer has asked, “Can I lose my salvation?” In this article, Dr. Robert C. Crowder walks seminary students and church members alike through the doctrine of eternal security. Using Scripture and sound theology, he explains why salvation is not dependent on our performance, but fully secured in Christ. This is essential reading for any Christian who desires assurance and clarity about their standing before God.
This in-depth biblical study of 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 explores the glorious promise of the Rapture from a conservative, dispensational perspective. Written with pastoral warmth and theological precision, it explains Paul’s comforting words to the Thessalonian believers, the sequence of the Rapture, and its practical implications for holy living, evangelism, and hope in the face of death. More than a doctrinal debate, this is a celebration of the believer’s “blessed hope” and an urgent reminder to live in anticipation of Christ’s imminent return.