The Reformed Olive Press

 While Calvinism and Platonism are fundamentally distinct systems with different foundations, some parallels can be drawn between the two. These parallels often arise from shared intellectual traditions or similarities in emphasis on certain concepts, though their interpretations and theological conclusions diverge. Here are some key parallels: 1. Emphasis on Ultimate Reality Platonism: Plato emphasized the existence of an ultimate, unchanging reality (the "Forms"), with the Form of the Good being the highest and most perfect. Calvinism: Calvinism emphasizes God as the ultimate, unchanging reality. Like Plato's Form of the Good, God is viewed as the source of all goodness and truth. However, Calvinism identifies this ultimate reality as a personal, triune God, not an abstract principle. 2. Hierarchy of Being Platonism: Plato proposed a hierarchical view of existence, with the Forms at the top, followed by material realities as imperfect reflections. Calvinism: Calvinism r...

Revelation 1:7 and Matthew 26:64 Connection The promise of Jesus' return is one of the most awe-inspiring themes in Scripture, tying together prophecy, fulfillment, and hope. Two passages, in particular, echo with profound unity: Revelation 1:7 and Matthew 26:64. Together, these verses paint a vivid picture of Jesus’ divine authority and the certainty of His return in 70AD. Revelation 1:7 is a triumphant proclamation of Christ’s future glory, while Matthew 26:64 captures a moment when Jesus foretold this truth during His trial—a moment of profound courage and clarity. In this blog, we’ll explore the connections between these two powerful scriptures and their relevance for our lives. Together, they remind us of the unshakable truth that Jesus is not only the Lamb who was slain but also the triumphant K ing. Revelation 1:7 English Standard Version 7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, EVEN THOSE WHO PIERCED HIM , an...

                                                       Daniel 9's View Before the 1850s Before 1850, Christianity accepted that Daniel's 70 weeks were fulfilled in the first century in 70AD. John Darby and Scofield added the "gap." deceptively to push forth their agenda. Ever since then, pastors have blindly taught this doctrine. Listed below are commentators with their dates that supports my accusation. Matthew Henry (1770) https://www.ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhc4.Dan.x.html John Calvin (1550) https://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/calcom25.iv.xxxviii.html Sir Issac Newton (1770) https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/newton_isaac/prophecies/daniel10.cfm Jamieson, Fausset & Brown Bible Commentary (1871) https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/jfb/Dan/Dan_009.cfm Geneva Study Bible (1599) https://biblehub.com/commentaries/gsb/daniel/9....

                                        Revisiting the Traditional Views of Mankind, Creation, and the Fall   The traditional view of the Fall is that mankind sinned against God, which resulted in physical death and the brokenness of creation. This includes predatory animal behavior and environmental/ecological instability. I'm going to provide several lines of support that will demonstrate that the traditional view is incorrect. What Adam and Eve truly experienced was covenantal death. In order to understand Genesis 1 correctly, we have to revisit several traditional premises that do not correspond the Biblical narrative. Traditional Premise 1: Genesis 1 is about the Creation of the Universe. According to Hebrew scholars, Genesis 1:1 should be translated as "When God began to create the Heavens and the Earth." See New Revised Standard Ver...

                                             Romans 8:19-25 and the Ktisis Deception  Romans 8:19-25 is not about the land and sea groaning for universal restoration. This is about the unbelieving Gentile nations longing for salvation and the Church being used as an instrument of hope in order to draw them into New Jerusalem Kingdom. This occurred in 70AD.With the exception of Romans 1:20, which mentions the Creation of the World, the other usages in Romans should be creature or man, not a land and sea creation! See below.   Romans 8:19-22 King James Version 19 For the earnest expectation of the  creature (ktisis)  waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.20 For the  creature (ktisis)   was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the  creature (ktisis)  itself...

                           Matthew 16:17-19: Peter's link to Jeremiah 1 Matthew 16:17-19 English Standard Version 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18  And I tell you, you are Peter, and on (this-houtos) rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.  19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Jeremiah 1:18-19 English Standard Version 18  And I, behold, I make you this day a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land . 19 They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the Lor...

                                            Angels of Children and Peter Matthew 18:10 English Standard Version 10 “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven  their angels  always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.   Hebrews 1:14 English Standard Version 14 Are they not  all ministering spirits  sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?   1 Kings 19:5-6 English Standard Version 5 And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” 6 And he looked, and behold,  there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again .   Luke 22:43 English Standard Version 43 And there appeared to him  an angel from heaven, strengthening him   NOTE: What Jesu...