Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological studies

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://192.168.0.29/handle/123456789/133

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Browsing Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological studies by Subject "Bible"

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    The exegetical significance of election and predestination in Ephesians 1: 3-14
    (Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2017-03) Muchabwe, Mayboy C.
    The meaning of election and predestination in Ephesians 1:3-14 has generated ten different interpretations. The lack of general consensus on the meaning, prompted this further investigation. This study set forth two objectives: (a) to determine the meaning of ἐξελέξατο and προορίσας in the text, and (b) to draw theological implications from it. The basic literature investigated include Greek Texts of Nestle Aland 27th edition, and the United Bible Society 4th edition, Greek interlinear, Greek Lexicons, Bible Dictionaries, Bible Encyclopaedias, articles from Journals, Commentaries, Greek grammar and syntax books, and BibleWorks 9. After an exegetical analysis of Ephesians 1:3-14, the study concludes that election is God’s free choice of humanity by grace, while predestination is God’s decision beforehand or foreordination to place humanity to sonship. The implications are that election and foreordination are divine initiatives. They are both corporate, and for the praise of God’s rich grace and glory. Christ is the sphere, means and agent for both election and predestination.
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    The function of the Sinaitic Covenant : an exegetical analysis of Exodus 19: 3-6
    (Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2017-05) Chinowaita, Lincoln
    This study sought to determine the function of the Sinaitic covenant [SC] (Exod 19:3-6) within the Exodus context and even in the entire OT theology. Furthermore, the study sought to elucidate the covenant’s theological implications to Israel and to God’s people today. Another task of the study was to clarify the relationship of the SC to other biblical covenants and also to the Ancient Near Eastern treaties. This, in turn, clarifies God’s intention to Israel; how the Sinaitic covenant benefits them, and further verifies whether it still benefits Christians today. Unlike some schools of thought that treated the Sinaitic covenant as if it was a “new dispensation” of salvation by works; this study has established that the Sinaitic covenant was actually the renewal of the same covenant of grace that God had already established with Adam, Noah and Abraham. God established the Sinaitic covenant based on grace and faith alone. Within it are echoes of missiological and redemptive significance. That is to say, the Sinaitic covenant functions for missiological and redemptive purposes. Israel was delivered from Egyptian bondage not only for the sake of their salvation, but also for the salvation of other nations. The stipulations spelt out in Exodus 20 serve the purpose of guarding the covenantal relationship between God and His people, rather than as means of salvation by works. Again, the study reveals that the Ancient Near Eastern treaties had stipulations just like the Sinaitic covenant, and also other divine covenants had stipulations, including the Abrahamic covenant. Accordingly, Israel’s continuous enjoyment of the covenantal benefits was dependent on their obedience. Furthermore, these Sinaitic stipulations still stand and are important for Christians today. Likewise, the covenant was established to serve three purposes; (a) as a reminder of gracious deliverance, (b) protection against the false worship which brings consequences, and (c) clarifying Israel’s missiological mandate.