Friday, December 12, 2014

Robert H. Mounce (PhD Edit)

Photo: Austria-Google+

Preface

Robert Mounce was a very helpful main body and footnote source for my PhD work. I used his work from Romans and Revelation commentaries as scholarly reference. 

Romans 

Robert H. Mounce (1995) writes that God directs the affairs in life, for those who love him, for the greater good. Mounce (1995: 187). He explains the Bible never argues for the existence of God. Mounce (1995: 32). 

He reasons rational observation of our universe provides the necessary evidence of a power great enough to bring the universe into existence. Mounce (1995: 33). He deduces that natural revelation was minimal, and therefore God eventually revealed himself through Christ. Mounce (1995: 33).

Revelation 

Mounce explains that the Great White Throne judgment of Revelation 20 is not an arbitrary judgment of God but is based on the works of each person. Mounce (1990: 365-366). It is sign of the ultimate justice of God for all persons. Note this does not work against the atoning and resurrection work of Christ for salvation, rather Mounce is noting that those judged at Revelation 20 are judged for works. 

This leads some scholars to reason this is a judgment for those outside of Christ, in contrast to 2 Corinthians 5: 10. However, Mounce leans to Revelation 20 being a general judgment of all. (364-365). Sin, death and suffering will not exist in the culminated Kingdom. Mounce (1990: 372). His commentary on Revelation provides many helpful insights. Figurative language is definitely used within the book of Revelation, but an actual culminated Kingdom of God is being mysteriously described. Mounce (1990: 368-397).

MOUNCE, ROBERT H. (1990) The Book of Revelation, Grand Rapids, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company. 

MOUNCE, ROBERT H. (1995) The New American Commentary: Romans, Nashville, Broadman & Holman Publishers.