Student Articles

The Faithfulness of the Lord: The Holy Seed of Hope in Isaiah Chapter 6

Admin — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 16:40:00 GMT

This research paper, written by Will Dodd for Dr. Richard Belcher at Reformed Theological Seminary – Charlotte, examines Isaiah 6 and its profound message of both judgment and hope. The study highlights how Isaiah’s vision reveals the holiness of God, the consequences of covenant disobedience, and the faithful preservation of a remnant. Through detailed translation and textual analysis, Dodd explores the tension between divine justice and mercy, concluding that God’s character remains steadfast and compassionate even in times of desolation.

Moses Was Not a Legalist: A Defense for Understanding Paul’s Words in Romans 10:5 and Galatians 3:12

Admin — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 16:39:47 GMT

This paper, written by Matthew Kirk at Reformed Theological Seminary Charlotte for Dr. D. Blair Smith, examines Paul’s statements in Romans 10:5 and Galatians 3:12 and argues that Paul was not rejecting the Mosaic Covenant itself but its misuse by those who sought to justify themselves through works of the law.

Dueling Loyalties? Paul, Christians, and (Bad) Government

Admin — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 16:39:34 GMT

This research paper, written by Jackson Lee at Reformed Theological Seminary – Charlotte, examines Paul’s view of government and the believer’s duty within it. Lee explores passages such as Romans 13, 1 Timothy 2, Titus 3, and Philippians 3 to show that Paul calls Christians to respect civil authority as ordained by God while maintaining ultimate allegiance to Christ. The paper argues that Paul’s theology reflects dual submission: believers honor governing powers as instruments of order but must never elevate them above divine authority. Through this balanced view, Lee demonstrates that faithful citizenship and faithful discipleship can coexist without conflict when understood through Paul’s “already and not yet” vision of the Kingdom of God.

Calvin the Humanist in Calvin the Reformer

Admin — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 16:39:20 GMT

This research paper, written by Jackson Dean Lee at Reformed Theological Seminary – Charlotte, explores how John Calvin’s humanist education shaped his theology and reform efforts. Lee examines how Calvin’s early exposure to classical studies, language, and rhetoric influenced his later biblical interpretation and theological precision.

Transformed by Beholding-as-in-a-Mirror

Admin — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 16:39:07 GMT

This research paper, written by Shawn Lim at Reformed Theological Seminary – Charlotte for Dr. Robert J. Cara, examines Paul’s use of the verb katoptrizomenoi in 2 Corinthians 3:18 and how it reveals the transformative power of beholding Christ’s glory. Lim argues that Paul uses the metaphor “beholding-as-in-a-mirror” to describe the believer’s ongoing transformation through the gospel—the mirror in which Christ’s glory is reflected.

Replacement or Renewal? The New Heavens and New Earth in Revelation 21:1

Admin — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 16:38:51 GMT

This research paper, written by Jeffrey Neikirk at Reformed Theological Seminary – Charlotte for Dr. Michael J. Kruger, explores the meaning of Revelation 21:1 and whether John’s vision presents a replacement or renewal of creation. Neikirk argues that John envisions transformation rather than annihilation—the old creation purified and renewed rather than destroyed and recreated from nothing.

A Faithful Hermeneutic? Paul’s Use of Isaiah in Romans 9:33

Admin — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 16:38:24 GMT

This research paper, written by Evan C. Potts at Reformed Theological Seminary – Charlotte for Dr. Robert J. Cara, investigates Paul’s citation of Isaiah 8:14 and 28:16 in Romans 9:33. Potts argues that, despite textual changes and the merging of two passages, Paul’s interpretive method is faithful to Isaiah’s message when seen through a redemptive-historical lens.

The Psalmist and Baal Worship: The Polemical Chaoskampf of Psalm 93 for the Exilic Community

Admin — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 16:38:09 GMT

This research paper, written by Ethan M. Wilson at Reformed Theological Seminary – Charlotte for Dr. Richard Belcher Jr., explores Psalm 93 as a theological and literary response to Canaanite and Babylonian myth. Wilson argues that the psalmist uses the chaoskampf motif—the divine battle over chaotic waters—to contrast Yahweh’s eternal sovereignty with Baal’s mythic struggle.

The Practice of Sabbatarianism in the Synoptic Gospels

Admin — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 16:37:56 GMT

This research paper, written by Evan Zhuo at Reformed Theological Seminary – Charlotte for Dr. Chad Van Dixhoorn, examines Christ’s teaching and actions concerning the Sabbath in the Synoptic Gospels. Zhuo argues that Jesus did not abolish the Sabbath but restored its original purpose as a day of redemption—set apart for mercy, worship, and rest in God’s grace.

The Purpose and Relevance of the Prohibition Against Eating Blood

Admin — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 16:37:42 GMT

This research paper, written by Jonathan Allen at Reformed Theological Seminary – Charlotte for Dr. Richard Belcher Jr., examines the recurring Old Testament command to abstain from eating blood and its enduring theological significance.