The Principle of Articulation in Adventist Theology: An Evaluation of Current Interpretations and a Proposal (Adventist Theological Society Dissertation Series)

“I wish to recommend this dissertation enthusiastically. I have found that it provides excellent insights into the nature of Christ as Mediator and into the sanctuary doctrine, as well as into the larger field of Adventist theology. I am pleased that now is available to the wider scholarly audience, both within and outside of Seventh-day Adventist circles.”—Richard M. Davidson, AndrewsUniversity.“In this work, the great challenge that theologians, both Catholic and Protestant, have not yet faced up to the last consequences is accomplished in an exemplary way: to think systematically from the data and interpretation principles provided only by Scripture and throughout Scripture. Mastery, the author combines deductive work—by identifying and explaining previously theneed that all theology has for a principle of articulation that allows him to see reality as a connected whole—and inductive work—by getting from Scripture the interpretation that Scripture itself makes of that principle. Besides, the author clearly differentiates the biblical interpretation of this crucial question from the interpretations that theologians of different orientations, over the centuries, have imposed on Scripture—interpretations coming from human Philosophy, mainly Greek philosophy. Thus, or the first time, in systematic theology, the biblical text is allowed to show how it connects the totality of reality with the principle of unity constituted by the work of Christ in the Sanctuary.”—Raúl Kerbs, River Plate Adventist University.“The Principle of Articulation is a groundbreaking work that all theologians and pastors should read and understand. In it, Dr. Roy Graf meticulously explains the macro-hermeneutical role that the principle of articulation plays in any systematic understanding of Christian Theology. After presenting the main interpretations of the principle of articulation adopted throughout Christian history, Dr. Graf clearly shows that biblical authors consistently assume the principle of articulation is Christ Himself operating in the flow of time from His Sanctuary. Based on the solid foundation of the sola and tota Scriptura principles, Dr.Graf opens the door to a fresh reinterpretation of Christian Theology that will challenge classical and modern interpretations of Christianity by making possible the gathering of the complete and harmonious system of historical truths expressed in the manifold contents of the Bible.”—Fernando L. Canale, Andrews University.