|
" Viewing the Tripartite Promise through the Paradigm of Marriage "
Russell, Brandon
McKinion, Steve
| Document Type
|
:
|
Latin Dissertation
|
| Language of Document
|
:
|
English
|
| Record Number
|
:
|
1105744
|
| Doc. No
|
:
|
TLpq2322785006
|
| Main Entry
|
:
|
McKinion, Steve
|
|
|
:
|
Russell, Brandon
|
| Title & Author
|
:
|
Viewing the Tripartite Promise through the Paradigm of Marriage\ Russell, BrandonMcKinion, Steve
|
| College
|
:
|
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
|
| Date
|
:
|
2019
|
| student score
|
:
|
2019
|
| Degree
|
:
|
M.Th.
|
| Page No
|
:
|
158
|
| Abstract
|
:
|
There is nothing quite like the complexity and simplicity of the Bible. The way Scripture expresses the tension between these two opposing concepts is nothing short of a paradox. The Bible is composed of sixty-six books, written by several dozen authors, over a millennium, in different geographical locations. Despite these factors, the Bible is meant to be understood as a unified whole. While it is challenging to identify a unifying center of the Bible, there is no debate on its unity. The overarching narrative of Scripture is the tale of creation, fall, judgment and redemption that culminates with the gospel of Jesus. There are several themes and possible centers used to describe Scripture’s overarching narrative. However, this thesis will attempt to narrow Scripture’s overarching narrative down to two complementary themes; promise and marriage. Specifically, the tripartite promise and divine marriage. These are certainly not the only two unifying themes of the Bible, but these two themes best describe the overarching narrative of Scripture. Thus, the writer of this thesis, will demonstrate why it is necessary to view the tripartite promise through the paradigm of marriage. It is necessary to view the tripartite promise through the paradigm of marriage because it best explains the genesis and culmination of God’s redemptive plan. This will be demonstrated by first identifying terms. The tripartite promise maybe an unfamiliar term but it is most notably used by Walter Kaiser Jr. This term encompasses three primary elements, God, His people and their dwelling. The most complete expression of this promise is, “My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people.” In order to define properly this promise, special attention will be given to its three primary elements. To begin, a theological analysis of “your/their God” and “my people” will be completed. This will be accomplished by comparing and contrasting the interaction of ancient Near East (ANE) nations, with their deities. Contrasting the God of the Bible with the ANE deities and their people, will demonstrate the unique relationship between the God of the Bible and His people. Next, both a literary and theological analysis will be completed on the Greek and Hebrew word for “dwell”. The dwell element of the tripartite promise is possibly the most important term to identify because it is what unites the promise that is found in both testaments and covenants. From there, verses that contain at least two elements of the promise will be exegeted. This will be done to show how the tripartite promise is threaded throughout both testaments demonstrating continuity. The second term that must be defined is “marriage”. The Bible exclusively explains the origins of marriage and how it was instituted. In addition, it contains restrictions on marriage and points to the ultimate goal of marriage. Making these distinctions when defining marriage, will show why it is necessary to view the tripartite promise through this paradigm. Discussing the origins and institution of marriage, will explain how it was designed and created by God and not man. Describing marital restrictions reveals the sacredness of marriage, thus pointing to its ultimate goal. The goal of marriage is to reflect God’s relationship with His people. Defining these terms will better explain how God’s people are to relate to His covenants. Each major covenant contains elements of the tripartite promise. It is important to start with the Adamic covenant because it will reveal the error some make in dividing God’s people. Those prior to Abraham, were not Jewish. Thus, how are they classified? However, if it can be proven that the tripartite promise is found in the first three chapters of Genesis, one can better classify those prior to Abraham. Outside of the Adamic Covenant, the Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic and New Covenant explicitly contain elements of the tripartite promise. Highlighting these covenants, once again demonstrates the continuity between the testaments and the covenants. This leads to the three main passages that link the tripartite promise with marriage. Ezekiel 16, explicitly, uses marital imagery in connection with the New Covenant. The first three chapters of John depict new creation and the ushering in of the Messiah. The culmination of these events takes place at a wedding. Revelation 21, is by far the clearest passage that connects the tripartite promise with marriage. The implications of this thesis will have a drastic effect on dispensational interpretation of Scripture. These implications will directly challenge the dispensational theology of Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum. Fruchtenbaum, argues there is a “wife of Jehovah” and a “bride of Christ”. He believes these two entities are distinct. However, this thesis will identify one bride and one groom, that includes both Old and New Testament saints. Once again, this paper will argue that it is necessary to view the tripartite promise through the paradigm of marriage because it best explains the genesis and culmination of God’s redemptive plan.
|
| Subject
|
:
|
Biblical studies
|
|
|
:
|
Religion
|
|
|
:
|
Theology
|
| |