Klabat Theological Review

WILL THE SOUL SURVIVE THE FIRST DEATH? An Exegetical Study of Matthew 10:28

Jones Ted Lauda Woy — 2025-08-31

The statement of Jesus in Gospel of Matthew 10:28—“Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna”—has been central to theological discussions concerning the nature of the soul and the destiny of human beings after death. While the passage has often been interpreted as support for the doctrine of the immortal soul, many modern scholars argue that it primarily concerns eschatological judgment rather than philosophical anthropology. This article analyzes Matthew 10:28 through literary context, Greek syntactical structure, lexical analysis of key terms (psychē and apollymi), comparison with the parallel passage in Gospel of Luke12:4–5, and the concept of Gehenna in Second Temple Judaism. Engaging with scholars such as Oscar Cullmann, Richard Bauckham, and N. T. Wright, the study argues that Matthew 10:28 does not necessarily affirm the inherent immortality of the soul but emphasizes God’s ultimate authority over the final destiny of the whole person.

THEOLOGICAL MEANING OF PAUL'S STATEMENT "FOLLOW MY EXAMPLE" IN PHILIPPIANS 3:17

Enos - — 2025-08-31

In Philippians 3:17 the Apostle Paul declares, “Join in imitating me,” a statement that could be perceived as arrogance if detached from its theological context. This study analyzes the theological meaning of this statement and finds that Paul’s example is both derivative and reflective. First, the example is derivative because it is entirely rooted in the example of Christ. Paul’s exhortation cannot be separated from the call to become “fellow imitators” who ultimately imitate Christ. He presents himself as a living example of a life transformed by the truth in Christ, in contrast to false teachers who rely on personal religious superiority (Philippians 3:2, 18–19). Second, this example is reflective because it reflects a pattern of life centered on the cross, the resurrection, and the hope of Christ’s return. Consequently, Paul’s example includes: (1) humility and spiritual striving (Philippians 3:12–14); (2) the supremacy of Christ, which regards all worldly gain as loss (Philippians 3:7–8); and (3) an eschatological outlook oriented toward the heavenly calling (Philippians 3:20–21). Therefore, the theological meaning of “imitate me” is an invitation to live in koinōnia, a shared participation in imitating Christ, with Paul’s life serving as a practical illustration. This statement affirms that true theology must be manifested in a life that can be imitated. In conclusion, Paul’s example functions as a bridge that connects the truth about Christ with its practical application in the life of the church.

SINLESS PERFECTION IN THE LAST GENERATION THEOLOGY: A PERSISTENT ISSUE?

Innocent Hatekimana Tuyishime — 2025-08-31

There is an increasing support for the Last Generation Theology teaching about the sinless perfection of believers in the SDAC. The proponents of this movement advocate for this sinless-perfection teaching by using some biblical passages, such as Matt 5:48, 2 Pet 3:14, and 1 John 3:9 to support their position. However, through an in-depth analysis of the above texts, the present study argues that the word translated as “perfection” in Matt 5:48 is teleios and, in this context, is used in connection with love and mercy. The words aspilos and amōmos in 2 Pet 3:14 appear to be related, and for instance, the word amōmos, viewed in terms of its OT background, refers to a life entirely submitted to the will of God. 1 John 3:9 also suggests that the believers continue to grapple with sin as the verb used (poiei) indicates a continuative idea. Such continuity gives the believers the courage to seek Christ’s help and invite Him to dwell in them and them in Him, which then brings forth spiritual growth.

THE ARK OF THE COVENANT (KAABAH): A MORPHOLOGICAL SYNTACTICAL STUDY

Jones Ted Lauda Woy — 2025-08-31

This article examines the object popularly referred to in Indonesian Christian discourse as kaabah in relation to the biblical Ark of the Covenant, through a detailed morphological–syntactical analysis of the Hebrew and Greek terms employed in Scripture. It argues that the term kaabah is not biblically derived but represents a later symbolic and cross-cultural adaptation. By analyzing the Hebrew ʾārôn and the Greek kibōtos, the study demonstrates that the Ark functions as the theological center of covenant, divine presence, and atonement within the sanctuary system. The article further situates the Ark within Seventh-day Adventist sanctuary theology, showing its typological fulfillment in the person and heavenly ministry of Christ, as articulated especially in Hebrews 8–9 and Revelation 11. Interaction with major scholarly voices (Milgrom, Beale, Attridge, Lane, and Davidson) supports a Christological and eschatological reading consistent with Adventist theology.

READING THE PSALMS WITH A MISSIONARY MIND

N. Ashok Kumar — 2025-08-31

The Book of Psalms has traditionally been read by Christians as a source of personal devotion, comfort, and encouragement in times of suffering and spiritual reflection. However, its role within the broader theology of mission has often been overlooked. This article examines the missionary implications of the Psalter and explores why the Psalms should be understood not only as expressions of worship but also as instruments of God’s mission to the nations. The study first addresses common objections that the Psalms are directed primarily to Israel and are therefore not concerned with the Gentile world. By examining several psalms that explicitly call the nations to worship the God of Israel, the article demonstrates that the Psalter contains a significant universal dimension. The study then highlights two central themes that shape the missionary theology of the Psalms: worship and the Messiah. Worship in the temple functioned as a means of proclaiming the greatness of God to the surrounding nations, while the Messianic psalms anticipate a universal reign of the Messiah that extends beyond Israel to all peoples. Finally, the article considers the implications of the Psalms for the contemporary church, arguing that true worship naturally leads to mission and that Christian mission is inseparable from the person and work of the Messiah. The Psalter therefore serves not only as a devotional resource but also as a theological foundation for the church’s participation in God’s redemptive mission to the world.