Craig Blomberg is a respected New Testament scholar known for his defense of the historical reliability of the Bible and his commitment to the authority of Scripture. His work consistently affirms the truth of God’s Word and the lordship of Jesus Christ.
In a world filled with competing voices about the Bible and the person of Jesus Christ, it is a blessing to encounter scholars whose life’s work is devoted to defending the truth of God’s Word. One such scholar is Craig Blomberg, a respected New Testament professor whose decades of careful research and writing have helped countless believers and seekers alike understand the reliability of Scripture and the beauty of the Gospel. But who exactly is Craig Blomberg, and why does his work matter for anyone who loves Jesus and wants to stand firm in the faith?
In this article, we will take a closer look at Craig Blomberg’s background, his theological convictions, and the key contributions he has made to biblical scholarship. Whether you are a new believer seeking trustworthy resources or a mature Christian wanting to deepen your understanding of Scripture, exploring the life and work of Craig Blomberg can strengthen your confidence that the Bible is the living, authoritative Word of God — and that Jesus Christ, the One to whom all of Scripture points, is exactly who He claimed to be.
Who Is Craig Blomberg?
Craig Blomberg is one of the most respected New Testament scholars in the field of biblical studies today. He is known around the world for his deep commitment to the authority and reliability of Scripture. Furthermore, his work has shaped how many believers understand the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
For decades, Blomberg has stood firmly in defense of the Bible as God’s Word. As a result, countless Christians have grown stronger in faith through his writings, teaching, and leadership. His scholarship is rooted in a deep love for Jesus Christ and a desire to help others know Him more fully.
Serving the Body of Christ Through Scholarship
Blomberg’s career has been marked by several key accomplishments and roles.
- Distinguished Professor of New Testament: He served as a professor at Denver Seminary for over 40 years, where he influenced generations of pastors, missionaries, and ministry leaders.
- Prolific Author: He has written or co-authored more than 25 books on the New Testament, many of which have become essential resources for both laypeople and scholars.
- Defender of the Bible: Blomberg is widely recognized as one of the foremost evangelical voices defending the historical reliability of the Gospels.
A Legacy Grounded in the Gospel
At the heart of everything Blomberg has done is a passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He has never hidden his conviction that the Bible is the inspired, trustworthy Word of God. This conviction drives every chapter he writes and every lecture he delivers.
Blomberg’s work points people to one central truth: that Jesus Christ is exactly who He claimed to be — the Son of God, the Savior of the world, and the only way to the Father. As Jesus Himself declared, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, NIV).
Whether you are new to the faith or have walked with Christ for many years, understanding Craig Blomberg’s work can deepen your confidence in Scripture and strengthen your trust in Jesus. His life stands as a testimony to the transformative power of God’s Word when studied with humility and faith.
What denomination is Craig Blomberg?
Craig Blomberg is widely recognized as an evangelical Christian scholar. He is not officially part of a single, narrowly defined denomination. However, his theological alignment is clearly within the broader evangelical tradition. Furthermore, he has spent much of his career teaching at a denominational seminary and actively participating in key evangelical academic organizations.
Denominational Teaching Context
For many years, Blomberg served as a distinguished professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary. Denver Seminary identifies itself as nondenominational but is broadly evangelical. In addition, its student body comes from a wide variety of Protestant backgrounds. This setting reflects Blomberg’s own focus. His work aims to serve the whole Body of Christ rather than a single tradition. He emphasizes shared biblical convictions that unite all who trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Evangelical Theological Commitments
Blomberg is firmly rooted in historic, orthodox Christianity. He affirms:
- The full authority and reliability of the Bible as the Word of God.
- The deity of Jesus Christ and salvation by grace through faith in Him.
- the bodily resurrection of Jesus as a real, historical event.
- The necessity of personal faith in Christ for eternal life.
He participates in evangelical scholarly communities, such as the Evangelical Theological Society. This society exists to foster theological scholarship under the authority of Scripture. Within these circles, Blomberg is respected for his careful, text‑centered approach. He seeks to honor Christ by letting the Bible speak clearly. In addition, he works to highlight the central truths of the Gospel rather than divisive secondary matters.
Therefore, while he is tied to no single denomination, his teaching and writing are consistently evangelical and centered on the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
For more background on Blomberg’s academic and ministry profile, you can explore resources from Denver Seminary.[1]
Is Craig Blomberg Calvinist?
When exploring the theological landscape of modern biblical scholarship, one question that often arises is: Is Craig Blomberg Calvinist? This is an important question for many believers who want to understand the doctrinal convictions of the scholars they read. To answer this clearly, we must look at what Dr. Blomberg has written and taught throughout his distinguished career.
Understanding Calvinism and Its Key Tenets
Before answering the question directly, it helps to understand what Calvinism teaches. Calvinism is a theological system rooted in the teachings of John Calvin. It is often summarized by the acronym TULIP, which stands for:
- Total Depravity — Humanity is completely affected by sin and cannot save itself.
- Unconditional Election — God chooses who will be saved, not based on human merit.
- Limited Atonement — Christ’s death was intended only for the elect.
- Irresistible Grace — Those whom God calls cannot resist His saving grace.
- Perseverance of the Saints — The elect will never lose their salvation.
These doctrines have shaped much of Reformed theology for centuries. However, not all evangelical scholars hold to every point of this system.
Craig Blomberg’s Theological Position
Craig Blomberg is not a Calvinist. He has clearly identified himself as an Arminian in his theological convictions. This means he holds to a different understanding of how God’s sovereignty and human free will work together in salvation.
In his writings, Dr. Blomberg has explained that he believes God’s election is based on His foreknowledge of who will freely choose to believe in Christ. This view emphasizes that God genuinely offers salvation to all people. As the Apostle John wrote, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, NIV). [2]
Blomberg’s View on Key Doctrinal Differences
Dr. Blomberg’s Arminian perspective leads him to differ from Calvinism on several important points:
| Theological Issue | Calvinist View | Blomberg’s Arminian View |
|---|---|---|
| Election | Unconditional — God chooses without regard to human response | Conditional — Based on God’s foreknowledge of faith |
| Atonement | Limited to the elect only | Available to all who believe |
| Free Will | Human will is bound by sin | Humans can respond to God’s grace |
| Perseverance | True believers cannot fall away | Believers must continue in faith |
These differences are significant. However, it is important to note that both Calvinists and Arminians share a deep commitment to the authority of Scripture and the lordship of Jesus Christ.
Why This Matters for Readers
Understanding Dr. Blomberg’s theological position helps readers engage with his work more thoughtfully. When you read his commentaries or theological works, you will notice that his Arminian convictions shape how he interprets certain passages about salvation and God’s plan.
Nevertheless, his scholarship remains deeply rooted in Scripture. He approaches the Bible with reverence and care. His goal is always to help believers grow in their understanding of God’s Word.
A Shared Foundation in Christ
While theological differences exist among sincere believers, we must remember that our unity in Christ is far greater than our disagreements. The Apostle Paul wrote, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:4–6, NIV). [2]
Whether a believer holds to Calvinist or Arminian theology, the foundation remains the same: Jesus Christ is Lord. He died for our sins, rose from the grave, and offers eternal life to all who place their faith in Him. As Scripture declares, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9, NIV). [2]
Dr. Blomberg’s work, regardless of his theological tradition, consistently points readers back to the person and work of Jesus Christ. That is what matters most. His scholarship serves the Church by helping believers understand the Bible more clearly and love Jesus more deeply.
Is Craig Blomberg reformed?
When people ask whether Craig Blomberg is “Reformed,” they are usually asking about his theological alignment with Calvinism or the broader Reformed tradition. The answer requires some careful explanation.
Craig Blomberg is not typically classified as a Reformed or Calvinist theologian. He is best described as an evangelical New Testament scholar who holds a broadly Arminian or “open evangelical” perspective on key doctrinal issues. However, his work is deeply rooted in Scripture and consistently points to the lordship and sufficiency of Jesus Christ.
What Does “Reformed” Mean?
The term “Reformed” generally refers to theologians and churches that follow the Calvinist tradition. This tradition emphasizes:
- God’s sovereignty in salvation above all else
- The five points of Calvinism, often summarized by the acronym TULIP (Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace, Perseverance of the saints)
- A particular view of predestination that holds God has chosen who will be saved before the foundation of the world
While Blomberg affirms God’s sovereignty, he does not hold to all five points of Calvinism in the traditional sense.
Blomberg’s Theological Position
Blomberg has been transparent about where he stands. He identifies more closely with an Arminian or “open theism” framework on certain issues. This means he believes:
- God’s sovereignty and human responsibility both play a real role in salvation
- Christ’s atonement is sufficient for all, not limited to a select few (John 3:16)
- Believers have a genuine role in responding to the Gospel through faith
Blomberg has stated in interviews and writings that he does not find the Calvinist system fully persuasive when measured against the whole counsel of Scripture. He prefers to let the Bible speak on its own terms rather than fitting it into a single theological system.
Where Blomberg Agrees with Reformed Theology
Despite not being Reformed, Blomberg shares much common ground with Reformed believers. These areas of agreement include:
- The authority and inerrancy of Scripture — Blomberg is a strong defender of the Bible’s reliability
- The deity of Jesus Christ — He affirms that Jesus is fully God and fully man
- Salvation by grace through faith — He upholds Ephesians 2:8–9 as central to the Gospel
- The necessity of the cross — Christ’s death and resurrection are the foundation of our hope
These shared convictions mean that Blomberg’s scholarship is widely respected across denominational lines, including among Reformed readers.
Why This Matters for Readers
Understanding Blomberg’s theological position helps readers engage with his work wisely. His commentaries and books are deeply biblical and Christ-centered. Whether you are Reformed, Arminian, or still exploring what you believe, his writings can strengthen your faith.
As Scripture reminds us: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16, NIV). Blomberg’s commitment to letting Scripture guide his conclusions is what makes his work trustworthy and valuable for all who love Jesus.
Ultimately, what unites believers is far greater than what divides them. Craig Blomberg’s life and scholarship point us back to the same truth the apostle Paul declared: “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2, NIV).
Is Craig Blomberg egalitarian?
Understanding Craig Blomberg’s View on Gender Roles
When it comes to the question of whether Craig Blomberg is egalitarian, the answer requires careful nuance. Blomberg is widely recognized as holding a complementarian position on gender roles in the church and the home. However, his views are often described as a more moderate or nuanced form of complementarianism. He affirms that men and women are equal in value before God, while also believing that Scripture assigns distinct roles to men and women in marriage and church leadership.
Blomberg has engaged deeply with egalitarian scholars in academic dialogue. He respects their scholarship even while disagreeing with their conclusions. This willingness to engage thoughtfully has earned him recognition across theological divides.
What Does Egalitarianism Teach?
Egalitarianism is the belief that men and women should have equal roles and authority in both the church and the home. Egalitarians argue that passages restricting women’s roles are culturally specific. They believe the gospel erases all hierarchical distinctions between men and women.
Key egalitarian convictions include:
- Women may serve as pastors and elders in the church
- Husband and wife share equal authority in marriage
- Paul’s instructions about women were limited to specific cultural contexts
- Galatians 3:28 abolishes all role distinctions based on gender
Blomberg’s Complementarian Response
Blomberg disagrees with the egalitarian position. He argues that the New Testament consistently affirms male headship in the home and in church leadership. He points to passages like Ephesians 5:22-33 and 1 Timothy 2:11-15 as evidence of God’s design. However, Blomberg emphasizes that headship does not mean superiority. He stresses that men and women are equally made in God’s image.
Blomberg has written extensively on this topic. In his book Two Views on Women in Ministry, he presents the complementarian position alongside egalitarian perspectives. He argues that Scripture teaches a pattern of male leadership that reflects the relationship between Christ and the Church.
Blomberg’s Key Arguments
Blomberg’s position rests on several key biblical arguments:
- The creation order: Adam was created first, establishing a pattern of male leadership (1 Timothy 2:13)
- The Fall narrative: Eve was deceived, not Adam, which informs Paul’s instructions (1 Timothy 2:14)
- Christ and the Church: The husband’s role mirrors Christ’s sacrificial leadership (Ephesians 5:25)
- Apostolic practice: Paul appointed men as elders and church leaders throughout his ministry
A Pastoral and Balanced Approach
What sets Blomberg apart is his pastoral tone. He avoids harsh rhetoric and seeks to honor women’s gifts and contributions. He affirms that women serve vitally in teaching, missions, and ministry. He simply believes that the office of senior pastor or elder is reserved for qualified men according to Scripture.
Blomberg encourages churches to use women’s gifts fully. He opposes any view that diminishes women’s dignity or spiritual equality. His goal is faithfulness to Scripture while showing Christlike love to all people.
How Blomberg’s View Points to Jesus
Ultimately, Blomberg’s convictions about gender roles flow from his deep commitment to biblical authority. He believes that Scripture is God’s inspired Word. Therefore, he seeks to follow its teachings even when they are countercultural. His approach reflects the heart of Jesus, who honored women in a culture that often marginalized them.
Jesus treated women with dignity and respect. He revealed Himself first to women after His resurrection (John 20:11-18). He included women among His followers (Luke 8:1-3). Blomberg’s scholarship seeks to honor that same spirit while remaining faithful to the whole counsel of Scripture.
Whether one agrees with Blomberg’s complementarian position or not, his work invites all believers to study Scripture carefully. It calls us to hold our convictions with humility and love. Above all, it points us to Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
What is Craig Blomberg’s view on Biblical reliability?
Blomberg has written numerous books on biblical reliability. He is one of the most respected evangelical scholars in America. His work focuses on showing that the Bible can be trusted. He uses both faith and careful research to study Scripture.
Blomberg believes the Bible is reliable and trustworthy. He has spent decades studying the New Testament. He looks at how it was written and copied over time. He also compares it with other ancient writings. As a result, he concludes the Bible accurately records what Jesus said and did.
Blomberg’s Case for a Trustworthy Bible
Blomberg bases his view on several key areas of study. These areas help show the Bible’s reliability.
- Manuscript evidence: The New Testament has thousands of ancient copies. These copies agree with each other at a very high rate. No other ancient document comes close to this level of accuracy.
- Historical accuracy: When the Bible mentions real places, people, and events, archaeology has confirmed them. Luke, for example, named over 30 geographical locations that have all been verified. He made no errors in his descriptions.
- Early dating: Many New Testament books were written within the lifetime of eyewitnesses. Paul’s letters date to within twenty years of Jesus’ resurrection. This is early enough that fabricated stories would have been challenged by those who were actually there.
- The resurrection: Blomberg argues that the bodily resurrection of Jesus is the best explanation for the rise of the early church. The disciples were willing to die for their testimony. They could not have maintained a known lie under persecution and death.
Responding to Common Objections
Blomberg directly addresses doubts about the Bible. Critics often claim the Bible has been changed over the centuries. However, Blomberg points out that the copying process was remarkably careful. Jewish scribes had strict rules for copying texts. New Testament manuscripts show only minor variations, none of which affect core Christian doctrine. [3]
Another common objection is that the gospels contradict each other. Blomberg responds that the differences are actually signs of authenticity. If four people witness the same event, they will tell it from different angles and emphasize different details. Complete agreement would actually suggest collusion. The gospel accounts complement one another and together give a fuller picture of Jesus’ life and ministry.
What This Means for Our Faith
Blomberg’s work matters because confidence in Scripture affects how we follow Jesus. If the Bible is reliable, then we can trust what it says about who Jesus is. We can trust His promises. We can trust His command to love God and love others, as stated in Matthew 22:37–39.
The apostle Paul wrote, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Blomberg’s scholarship supports this truth. He shows that the Scriptures we hold in our hands today faithfully carry the Word of God to us.
Ultimately, Blomberg points us back to Jesus Christ. The Bible is not a book of mere facts and history. It is the living testimony of God’s saving work through His Son. As Jesus said in John 5:39, “You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me.” Blomberg’s life work invites us to do exactly that: open the pages of Scripture and encounter the risen Lord Jesus.
What are Craig Blomberg’s key contributions to New Testament theology?
Craig Blomberg has made significant contributions to New Testament theology. His work focuses on making biblical scholarship accessible to everyday believers. He bridges the gap between academic study and practical faith.
Craig Blomberg on the Parables of Jesus
Blomberg is widely recognized for his extensive work on the parables of Jesus. He has spent decades studying these powerful stories. His research helps us understand what Jesus truly meant when He taught in parables.
Blomberg argues that each parable has one main point. This approach simplifies how we interpret Jesus’ teachings. Many scholars see multiple meanings in each parable. However, Blomberg believes Jesus intended a single, clear message for each story.
His work on parables emphasizes their historical context. He examines the first-century Jewish culture behind each story. This helps modern readers grasp the original impact of Jesus’ words. Furthermore, he shows how parables reveal the heart of God’s kingdom.
Blomberg’s parable studies also highlight Jesus’ authority. Jesus spoke with divine power and wisdom. The parables were not simple folk tales. Instead, they were profound revelations from the Son of God. Through them, Jesus invited people to repent and believe.
Major Books by Craig Blomberg
Blomberg has authored numerous influential books. His writings cover many areas of New Testament study. Below is a table highlighting some of his most important works:
| Book Title | Key Focus |
|---|---|
| Interpreting the Parables | A comprehensive guide to understanding Jesus’ parables |
| Jesus and the Gospels | An introduction to the four Gospels and their reliability |
| The Historical Reliability of the Gospels | Evidence supporting the trustworthiness of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John |
| A Handbook of New Testament Exegesis | Practical methods for studying Scripture accurately |
| Making Sense of the New Testament | Clear explanations of difficult passages and themes |
Each of these books serves a unique purpose. “Interpreting the Parables” remains a standard text in many seminaries. It has shaped how pastors and teachers approach Jesus’ stories. [4]
“Jesus and the Gospels” provides a thorough overview of all four Gospel accounts. Blomberg defends their historical accuracy throughout. He shows that the Gospels are reliable records of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. This book is especially helpful for new believers seeking confidence in Scripture.
His work on historical reliability addresses common doubts about the Bible. Blomberg presents evidence from archaeology, ancient texts, and textual criticism. He demonstrates that the New Testament documents are trustworthy. As a result, readers can have full confidence in God’s Word.
Blomberg’s scholarship consistently points to Jesus Christ. He affirms that Jesus is the divine Son of God. His death paid the penalty for our sins. His resurrection conquered death forever. Through his academic work, Blomberg helps believers stand firm in these truths.
Ultimately, Craig Blomberg’s contributions strengthen the church. He equips believers to study Scripture with confidence. His work reminds us that sound scholarship and deep faith go hand in hand. Jesus Christ remains the center of all true biblical study.
Is Craig Blomberg married?
Dr. Craig Blomberg has been married to his wife, Frances “Fran” Blomberg, for many decades. Their marriage reflects a strong partnership rooted in shared faith in Jesus Christ and a common calling to serve the Church.
A Partnership in Ministry and Scholarship
Craig and Fran have worked together over the years in various ministry contexts. Throughout Dr. Blomberg’s extensive career at Denver Seminary, Fran has been a constant source of support. Their marriage has been a foundation for his work in biblical scholarship. As Ecclesiastes 4:12 states, “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” — a truth the Blombergs have lived out through their shared commitment to Christ.
A Christian Marriage That Reflects Scripture
The Blombergs’ relationship exemplifies the biblical model of marriage. Ephesians 5:25 calls husbands to “love your wives, just as Christ loved the church.” Their decades-long marriage demonstrates this sacrificial love in action.
Both Craig and Fran share a deep devotion to Scripture and to the Lord Jesus Christ themselves. Their family life has been shaped by prayer, worship, and service.
- Longevity: Craig and Fran Blomberg have shared a life together spanning many decades.
- Shared Faith: Their marriage is built on a mutual commitment to following Jesus Christ.
- Support in Scholarship: Fran has been a steadfast partner throughout Craig’s teaching and writing ministry.
How Their Marriage Points to Christ
Every godly marriage is a living testimony to the gospel. When two people commit to loving one another through trials, seasons of ministry, and the everyday demands of life, they reflect the relationship between Christ and His Church. The Blombergs’ marriage is no exception. Through their partnership, others have seen the faithfulness of God on display.
As Christians, we believe that marriage is not merely a social institution. It is a sacred covenant designed by God Himself (Genesis 2:24). The Blombergs have honored this covenant throughout their years together.
Whether through Craig’s academic work or their shared ministry, the Blombergs have consistently pointed others toward the truth and grace of Jesus Christ. Their marriage, like their scholarship, is ultimately about glorifying God and serving His people.
How does Craig Blomberg’s scholarship point to Jesus?
For more than four decades, Craig Blomberg has dedicated his life to one central goal: showing that the Jesus of the Bible is trustworthy, historical, and worthy of our faith. His scholarship is not merely academic. It is deeply personal. Every book he has written, every lecture he has given, and every argument he has made points back to the person of Jesus Christ.
Blomberg’s work consistently affirms that the Gospels are reliable eyewitness accounts of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. He has spent years defending the historical accuracy of Scripture. As a result, believers can trust that the Jesus they follow is not a myth or legend, but the living Son of God.
Defending the Reliability of the Gospels
One of Blomberg’s greatest contributions is his careful defense of the Gospels as historically trustworthy. In his landmark work The Historical Reliability of the Gospels, he examines the evidence for the life of Jesus with scholarly rigor. He demonstrates that the accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are rooted in real history.
Blomberg addresses common doubts head-on. He shows that the Gospels were written within living memory of Jesus’ ministry. Furthermore, he highlights how archaeological discoveries and external historical sources confirm the biblical record. His work reassures believers that faith in Jesus is not blind. It is grounded in evidence.
Jesus’ Parables Reveal His Heart
Blomberg has also made significant contributions to our understanding of Jesus’ parables. In his book Interpreting the Parables, he carefully unpacks the meaning behind Jesus’ teaching stories. He shows that the parables are not simple moral lessons. Instead, they reveal the very heart of God’s kingdom.
Through his study of the parables, Blomberg helps readers see Jesus as a compassionate teacher. Jesus used stories about lost coins, prodigal sons, and good Samaritans to show God’s relentless love for sinners. Blomberg’s scholarship makes these truths accessible to everyday believers. As a result, readers encounter Jesus in a fresh and personal way.
Affirming the Deity and Lordship of Christ
Throughout his career, Blomberg has unwaveringly affirmed the full deity of Jesus Christ. He teaches that Jesus is not merely a good teacher or prophet. He is God in human flesh. Blomberg points to passages like John 1:1–14 and Colossians 2:9 as clear evidence of Christ’s divine nature.
His scholarship also emphasizes the bodily resurrection of Jesus. Blomberg argues that the resurrection is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Without it, as Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:17, “your faith is futile.” Blomberg’s work strengthens believers by showing that the resurrection is not a symbol. It is a historical event that changes everything.
A Legacy That Points to the Cross
Ultimately, Craig Blomberg’s scholarship is not about building a personal reputation. It is about pointing people to Jesus. Whether he is writing about the reliability of Scripture, the meaning of the parables, or the reality of the resurrection, his work always leads back to the cross.
Blomberg reminds us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). His life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of our hope. Through faithful scholarship, Blomberg has helped countless people encounter the real Jesus, the Savior who offers forgiveness, grace, and eternal life to all who believe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What denomination is Craig Blomberg?
Craig Blomberg is an evangelical Protestant scholar. He is associated broadly with the evangelical tradition, which emphasizes the authority of Scripture, the necessity of personal faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, and the centrality of the Gospel message. Throughout his ministry and academic career, Blomberg has served within institutions that hold firmly to the belief that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God. His theological perspective consistently affirms that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior, and he approaches the New Testament with a high view of its reliability and divine inspiration.
Is Craig Blomberg a Calvinist?
No, Craig Blomberg does not identify as a Calvinist. While he respects Reformed theology and engages thoughtfully with its proponents, Blomberg holds to an Arminian or broader evangelical perspective on certain doctrinal matters. He affirms that God desires all people to come to salvation. As Scripture declares, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9, NIV). Blomberg’s work consistently upholds the full authority of God’s Word while emphasizing the genuine offer of the Gospel to all people. His scholarship, therefore, bridges theological traditions, always pointing back to the saving work of Jesus Christ.
What is Craig Blomberg’s view on Biblical reliability?
Craig Blomberg is widely known as a strong defender of the reliability and historical trustworthiness of the New Testament. He has written extensively arguing that the Gospels are historically credible documents. His landmark work, The Historical Reliability of the Gospels, presents careful evidence that the biblical accounts of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are trustworthy.
Blomberg argues that:
- The New Testament manuscripts have been transmitted with remarkable accuracy over the centuries.
- The Gospel writers demonstrate deep familiarity with first-century Jewish culture, geography, and customs.
- The testimony of eyewitnesses, including the apostles, forms the backbone of the New Testament record.
- The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the best explanation for the explosive growth of the early Christian church.
In all of this, Blomberg’s scholarship ultimately affirms what Christians have believed for two thousand years: that the Bible is the living Word of God, and that Jesus Christ, who died and rose again, is the center of its message.
Is Craig Blomberg reformed?
No, Craig Blomberg should not be classified as Reformed in the strict theological sense. Although he appreciates aspects of Reformed thought, his theological commitments are better described as broadly evangelical. He does not subscribe to all five points of Calvinism, particularly regarding limited atonement. Blomberg affirms that Christ’s sacrifice was sufficient for all humanity, echoing the words of Jesus: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, NIV). His commitment, above all, is to the authority of Scripture and the lordship of Jesus Christ, rather than to any single denominational tradition.
Is Craig Blomberg married?
Yes, Craig Blomberg is married. He and his wife, Frances (Fran) Blomberg, have shared a life of service to Christ and to biblical scholarship. Their partnership reflects the Christian commitment to marriage as God’s design, described in Scripture as a covenant relationship that reflects Christ’s love for His Church (Ephesians 5:25).
