THE GOSPEL TRUTH – PARTICULAR AND UNIVERSAL

Norman Metzler A fundamental question that has dogged Christianity from its earliest beginnings is raised by “the scandal of particularity,” a term coined by the English missionary and theologian Lesslie Newbigin in his book, The Gospel in a Pluralistic Society. [Eerdmans, 1989] Why would the almighty God of the universe reveal truth that is meant…
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The “Parabola Theory” of Time and Eternity

Dr. Norman Metzler Professor Emeritus of Theology, Concordia University, Portland, OR A significant question regarding the last things and the kingdom of God is how we might best envision the relationship between time and eternity in a way that takes into account the scriptural evidence and plain reason. This question obviously presses us to the…
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Who Is Reconciled?

Dr. Norman Metzler Emeritus Professor of Theology, Concordia University, Portland, Ore. Scripture uses various images to portray salvation. Lutherans have tended to emphasize the legal image of “justification” that was frequently used by St. Paul. There is also the economic image of “redemption,” or “ransom,” and the military picture of Christ as the victor over…
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The Nature of Heaven

Rev. Dr. Norman Metzler, professor emeritus of theology Traditional Christian theology believes that salvation as the gift of eternal life with God in his heavenly kingdom – the Gospel that Jesus proclaimed – is the hope of all Christians. It is always appropriate for Christians to reflect upon heaven as God’s destiny for his people,…
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Objective and Subjective Justification: How Shall We Be Judged?

Rev. Dr. Norman Metzler Emeritus Professor of Theology, Concordia University, Portland September 2021 The whole topic of eschatology, or the last things, has seen a renaissance within theology at least since the mid twentieth century, and continues to arise in recent theological reflections. The related issue of the extent of salvation and the possibility of…
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Sanctity of Life: The Complexities of the Abortion Issue

Dr. Norman Metzler Emeritus Professor of Theology Concordia University, Portland, Ore. The abortion issue has become central to much of what is happening in our nation politically, morally and spiritually. Many would contend that it is one of the top issues, if not the single most influential issue, behind our presidential election, the selection of…
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An Eerie Parallel

By Dr. Norman Metzler In recent political developments at the presidential level, a parallel has become quite evident between the Watergate machinations of President Richard Nixon and his subsequent resignation from office, and the possibly actionable machinations of President Donald Trump that could rise to the level of impeachable offenses. There is another fascinating parallel…
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On “Creationist” Discussions in the LCMS

Dr. Norman Metzler Professor of Theology Emeritus, Concordia University, Portland, Oregon The defense of the “truth” in the matter of faith and science within the LCMS is certainly alive and well. An article published in the Summer 2017 edition of the Concordia Seminary St Louis Concordia Journal by Prof. John Jurchen of Concordia Seward caused such an…
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Implications of the Advisory Nature of Synod

Rev. Dr. Norman Metzler Emeritus Professor of Theology Concordia University, Portland The Daystar Journal has recently published three articles explicating the congregational polity of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) and its advisory nature.[i] They have made clear that while the Synod was organized around the concept of local congregational autonomy, that autonomy has been increasingly challenged…
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Diaconate: The Biblical Basis for the Ministry of Deacons

Norm Metzler *Dr. Norm Metzler taught  Systematic theology and Ethics at Concordia University  in Portland Oregon.  He recently served a vacancy at a congregation where he worked with a deacon in training to complete his program and get licensed by the district.  The deacon then was contracted to serve a vacancy at a neighboring congregation which…
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