Kerygma

The Ministry of the Holy Spirit in the Book of Revelation: An Adventist Perspective

Natal Gardino — Tue, 27 May 2025 00:00:00 -0300

This article explores the constant presence and significant role of the Holy Spirit in the book of Revelation from a Seventh-day Adventist theological perspective. Although the term "Holy Spirit" is never used in the book, various symbols, metaphors, and allusions highlight His fundamental involvement in the plan of redemption and the life of the Church. The study organizes these references into five categories: explicit mentions, indirect references, possible allusions, implicit inferences, and the angelic representation of Revelation 18:1-3 as a symbolic depiction of the Holy Spirit in the context of the eschatological event known as the "Latter Rain." This interpretation carries significant theological implications, inviting reflection on the broader symbolic presence of the Holy Spirit in Revelation, including other angelic figures that may hypothetically represent His activity. The study sheds light on the harmonious collaboration within the Trinity in the plan of salvation and reaffirms the essential role of the Holy Spirit in strengthening the Church’s mission and its ultimate victory.

Discipleship in Systematic Theology: Implications for Soteriology

Adriani Milli Rodrigues — Tue, 27 May 2025 00:00:00 -0300

Contrary to the general tendency to overlook discipleship as a prominent topic in the various loci of systematic theology, this article argues that this is a fruitful topic in the context of soteriology, assuming that discipleship is an integral part of the experience of the process of salvation in the development of Christian life. In order to constructively articulate the implications of discipleship for soteriology, this article investigates the concept of discipleship in the NT (the Gospels and Acts) and briefly dialogues with Bonhoeffer’s reflection on discipleship and grace, since it constitutes a relevant example of a systematic articulation between discipleship and soteriology in contemporary theology. Considering the biblical picture of discipleship and Bonhoeffer’s systematic articulation of discipleship and salvific grace, the article depicts the present experience of salvation in terms of a concrete process that involves the life of discipleship, not as a form of salvation by works, but rather as the divine gift of costly grace.

Blood crimes avenged in seven bowls: Revelation 17 as an explanation of the fifth and sixth plagues

Vanderlei Dorneles — Tue, 27 May 2025 00:00:00 -0300

Interpreters generally consider that Babylon is remembered by God during the seventh bowl of the wrath (cf. Rev 16:19). After this, God would pour out his wrath upon her. However, according to Revelation 15:1 and 16:17, God’s wrath is completely satisfied throughout the first six bowls and when the seventh bowl is poured out “on the air.” Even before the theophanies of the seventh bowl, God declares himself satisfied with the execution of bowl’s judgment, with the statement “It is done!” Furthermore, in the most predominant reading of this textual unity, God would have remembered Babylon to give her the cup of the wrath after the “great city” was divided into three parts, or completely destroyed, which would suggest an anachronism in this section (Rev 16:17-21). Questions of structure and linguistic aspects must be analyzed in order to clarify the meaning of the vision of Revelation 17 after the seven plagues, and what kind of relationship this account has with the vision of the seven plagues (Rev 16). This article uses an exegetical methodology with structural analysis in the search for more answers to these questions. The hypothesis defended here is that Revelation 17 does not report a later event nor an unfolding of the seventh bowl, but an explanation of the fifth and sixth plagues.

The doctrines of subsequence and evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit in the Assemblies of God pentecostal movement: A proposal for a literature review

Fábio Augusto Darius, Erico Tadeu Xavier — Wed, 28 May 2025 00:00:00 -0300

This article investigates the doctrines of subsequence and initial evidence of Spirit baptism within the Pentecostal movement, with a particular emphasis on the Assemblies of God tradition. The research aims to analyze the exegetical and historical foundations of these doctrines, seeking to understand their theological implications and their influence on Pentecostal identity. The methodology adopted consists of a bibliographic review, examining key biblical passages such as Acts 2, 8, 10, and 19, as well as doctrinal documents from the Assemblies of God and specialized academic literature. The analysis revealed that the doctrine of subsequence emphasizes empowerment for Christian service and the supernatural manifestation of the Spirit, while the initial evidence of speaking in tongues has played a central role in consolidating spiritual experience and fostering the growth of the Pentecostal movement. It is concluded that these doctrines have been decisive in the global expansion of Pentecostalism and the strengthening of the Assemblies of God identity.

Toward an Adventist Theology of Social Witness: Covenant-keeping in the “Already-not yet

Iriann Irizarry — Wed, 28 May 2025 00:00:00 -0300

This article aims to explore selected implications of covenant-keeping in the 21st century, framed through the theological lens of the church’s social witness within the “already-not-yet” framework of the kingdom of God. Drawing on the work of Miroslav Volf and Matthew Croasmun, I sustain that the “already-not-yet” theological framework both energizes and provides boundaries for the church as it embodies its witness regarding relevant social issues. This position will be enriched by selected examples from conversation partners such as Padilla de Borst (social marginalization and poverty), McCaulley (racial and ethnic discrimination), Richter (environmental stewardship), Yong (disability), and Swinton (mental health). Further, I will conclude that the social witness of the church should be central to Adventist theology, rather than positioned at its margins or as a supplementary aspect. These insights aim to encourage the church to more fully embrace its role as a covenantal community in today’s social context.