ABOUT
This is a blog about one layman’s theological musings with a focus on Reformed Soteriology. The contents will always be free to read, and there won’t be any paywall, even if people want to support me and paid subscription is turned on. You don’t need an account to read this blog. You can just bookmark and keep a tab on it. Personally, I don’t really care if you subscribe to this free Substack or not, but you do need an account (free) to comment—it’s just the way Substack works. I’m still on Gab but for more serious and in-depth posts and to keep the Troll(s) away, you’ll find them here.
I’ll be using this platform to share my thought and theological notes. Occasionally, I will respond to objection(s) raised against Reformed Soteriology that I came across elsewhere. Readers are free to engage, and if you do comment and engage with my posts or with others on here, please remember to keep it civil and stay on topic. By default, each time something is posted it will not go to anyone’s email. I’m using this platform like a regular blog.
Who Am I?
I’m a nobody whom God has saved back in 2010, and became reformed in Soteriology from 2013 and onward. Since I’m a self-taught theologian, I don’t have the kind of credential that people are looking for. Never been to seminary, haven’t taken any theological course as of this writing, and I don’t think I ever will. I consider myself a keen observer who pays careful attention to details, and what I can tell you is that as of this writing, June 18th, 2023, I have read through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation eight times already and counting. I have seen, experienced and felt the power of God’s words. Knowing God and His word is my only credential, and I’ll be quoting or referencing a lot of Scriptures in my writing because that’s the only sure foundation and authority I have to stand on. At the end of the day, what I think is irrelevant.
Over the years I have engaged with others, both online and offline. My theological database and notes are expanding everyday. God’s word is exceedingly broad, and I am not well-versed (nor pretend to know) in every theological subject out there. My main focus on here is Soteriology because that’s the one theological subject I seek to grow in knowledge more and more.
Bible Translation
I’m Pro-KJV but not a strict KJV-Onlyist. I enjoy reading and meditating on God’s words from various translations, and I have on me the NIV, NLT, NKJV, ESV etc… Sometimes I carry the NLT with me to the park, sometimes the ESV. I’m also aware that verses are missing and sometimes certain passages are not properly translated. As students of Scripture, this shouldn’t be a problem because when studying theologies and doctrines it’s good practice to check many other translations and even commentaries. I don’t believe a Christian is lost or is a false teacher for simply using a non-KJV. KJV is a personal preference but it’s not something I divide and fight over.
I also don’t divide and fight over Soteriology because I don’t believe a person is saved by having an accurate knowledge and understanding of how s/he is saved. Paul didn’t give the Jailer any theological lecture or lesson when he asked, “What must I do to be saved?” He was simply told to, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved…” However, when writing to the church/believers, Paul went into great details. And so I come to you in that same spirit. If you believe that you are justified by faith alone and are not against the doctrine of the Trinity then I have no beef with you.
Digital Library
Two main softwares I use for my theological studies are: 1. OliveTree and 2. Obsidian. I don’t keep any of my notes on the cloud—they’re all offline on my computer.
Even though I’m self-taught, this does not mean that I’m unteachable (Proverbs 18:1). In fact, being self-taught with no formal training means that I have more reasons to consult commentaries and experts (Proverbs 13:20; Ephesians 4:11-16). Over the years, I have purchased commentaries, dictionaries and books digitally but I don’t read them zealously like other Christians / Theologians do. They’re there just for references when I need to check or look things up (Proverbs 18:13,17).
Target Audience
As a layman and not a professional, the tone in my writing will be casual and sometimes blunt. First and foremost, I am writing for myself, and for family members and friends that want to know what I’m up to. Outside of that, this blog is for laymen and those new to Reformed Soteriology and or want to have a better understanding of it. Please don’t feel obligated to subscribe because I’m not on here to gain a mass following or subscribers. I’m here sharing the truth of Reformed Soteriology that is very often misunderstood. I let God take it where it needs to go and reach whoever it needs to be reached.
Impersonation
Due to my vocal stance on reformed Soteriology, I am a target of online trolling and harassment. So much so that there’s already an attempt to impersonate me right here on Substack 7 hours ago on June 19th, at the time of writing this. Please keep that in mind and if you’re already on Substack and are reading my posts, feel free to report spams to me or report the account to Substack if there’s an attempt to impersonate and or plagiarize my contents (if you come across them). Also keep in mind that I make original contents. I do not plagiarize.
This blog is mostly text-based, and images aren’t the main focus. Which means most of the images were taken from either unsplash.com or elsewhere that are free to use.
Contact
Since I’m a target of online trolling and harassment, I have setup a secondary email account: apollos1711 (at) proton.me. That email account is used only for Substack related. If I have shared things, such as your testimony, and you want them removed just let me know. Or if you have any question or just want to say something, you can do that too.
Note: I only share things about others that are public, such as their testimonies or things they say on a public forum. Anything private will not be shared without asking for their permission first.
Stage Name / Alias
I have many stage names and aliases. Here in this Substack, I go by Apollos. If you know me personally and decide to interact on this Substack, I prefer that you call me Apollos.
