Outlaw God

The Outlaw God podcast is about moving from theological speculation to proclamation. Featuring Dr. Steven Paulson and co-hosted by Caleb Keith.

Judge or Justifier? 06/04/2026

Judge or Justifier? In this episode of Outlaw God, Dr. Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith continue their exploration of Psalm 51, examining how David’s encounter with Nathan reveals the difference between God as a mere judge and God as the Justifier who forgives sinners through the gospel. They argue that the law can only expose sin, punish wrongdoing, and attempt reform, while only God’s absolving word can truly remove sin and create a new heart. Through David’s prayer, “Have mercy on me, O God,” the episode presents justification as God’s complete and decisive act of forgiveness, accomplished apart from the law through the promise fulfilled in Christ. More from 1517: New Books from 1517 Publishing: More from the hosts: Follow 1517: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/41543000

David the Theodidact 05/28/2026

David the Theodidact In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, Caleb Keith and Dr. Steven Paulson explore Luther’s understanding of being “Theodidact” — taught by God through the preaching of law and gospel rather than through inward spirituality or self-discovery. Using Psalm 51 and David’s confrontation with Nathan after Bathsheba, they unpack how the law exposes humanity as completely sinful while the gospel creates an entirely new identity through God’s mercy alone. The conversation centers on Luther’s theological “summa”: “God the Justifier, I the sinner,” showing how true knowledge of God comes not through self-improvement, but through forgiveness spoken by God himself. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/41458885

Real Repentance 05/21/2026

Real Repentance In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, Dr. Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith conclude their series on repentance by contrasting legal repentance with repentance rooted in the Gospel alone. Through Psalm 51, John the Baptist, and Luther’s theology, Paulson explains how true repentance is not self-improvement or sacrifice, but a total death and resurrection brought entirely by the Word and the Holy Spirit. The conversation explores how God justifies sinners outside the law, why faith is created through promise rather than free will, and how baptism itself is a complete exorcism from the spirit of Satan into the life of the Holy Spirit. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/41381385

Disastrous Directions 05/14/2026

Disastrous Directions In this episode of Outlaw God, Dr. Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith examine Luther’s teaching on Psalm 51 to contrast medieval “legal repentance” with true repentance. They explain how generations of Christians—and even modern secular culture—tend to treat repentance as self-improvement powered by human will, rather than recognizing original sin as unbelief that cannot be fixed by inner effort. The discussion shows how legal systems of repentance try to restore human willpower, while the gospel instead gives faith from outside the sinner through Christ’s promise. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/41286330

Evangelical Repentance 05/07/2026

Evangelical Repentance In this episode of the Outlaw God, Dr. Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith continue their discussion of Psalm 51 by looking at repentance. Dr. Paulson explains how true repentance comes not through ritual cleansing or self-improvement, but through the Holy Spirit working through preaching to reveal original sin and deliver justification through the Gospel. The episode also connects repentance to baptism, critiques natural law approaches to morality, and previews Luther’s challenge to the church’s law-centered understanding of repentance. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/41201150

Justifying God 04/23/2026

Justifying God In this episode of Outlaw God, Dr. Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith discuss the evangelical doctrine of sin, contrasting it with medieval and modern approaches that define sin primarily as individual acts or failures of free will. Using Psalm 51 and David’s encounter with the prophet Nathan, they explain how sin is truly revealed and forgiven not by the law or human effort, but through the external promise of the gospel. The conversation highlights Luther’s insight that sin is ultimately unbelief, while faith itself is a gift created by God’s Word that frees the sinner through mercy rather than merit. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/40986835

Remembering and Repenting 04/15/2026

Remembering and Repenting In this episode of Outlaw God, Caleb Keith and Dr. Steven Paulson continue their exploration of Psalm 51 by examining the question, “What is sin?” The conversation highlights how sin is not something humans can objectively analyze or fix through self-reflection, but is revealed when God’s Word exposes the sinner and delivers mercy. Drawing on Luther’s teaching, the episode contrasts repentance based on remembering individual sins with an evangelical understanding grounded in confession and absolution through preaching. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/40891930

With and Without God's Word 04/10/2026

With and Without God's Word In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, Caleb Keith and Dr. Steven Paulson turn to Psalm 51 to explore sin, repentance, and the human will. Drawing on Luther’s teaching, they show how David’s confession comes after God’s Word confronts him through the law and restores him through the gospel. The discussion emphasizes that repentance is not self-improvement but God’s work of creating a new heart in the sinner. Psalm 51 is presented as a living prayer that teaches how God moves sinners from death to forgiveness. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/40799140

Christ in the Cleft 04/02/2026

Christ in the Cleft In this episode of Outlaw God, Caleb Keith and Dr. Steven Paulson return to Moses in the cleft of the rock to clarify what Scripture means by the glory of God. Paulson explains how Luther learned to read the entire Bible through the distinction between Law and Gospel, showing that Moses was commanded to preach the Law while Christ Himself preached mercy to him. The discussion highlights how God’s glory is not found in human ascent or mystical experience but in the preached Word of Christ that delivers grace apart from works. Ultimately, the episode reveals that the Old Testament centers on Christ’s promise and proclamation, making Moses a recipient of the Gospel even as he served as the preacher of the Law. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/40714320

David's Last Words 03/25/2026

David's Last Words In this episode of Outlaw God, Caleb Keith and Dr. Steven Paulson explore the unity of Scripture and the proper distinction between Law and Gospel. Paulson critiques mystical and scholastic traditions that sought God’s glory through human ascent, showing instead how Scripture reveals God through His spoken Word received by faith. Drawing from Moses, Joseph, Paul, and David’s final words in 2 Samuel 23, the discussion highlights how God forms prophets and preachers who deliver forgiveness rather than self-improvement through the Law. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/40625770

Free Faith Not Free Will (HWSS 25) 03/19/2026

Free Faith Not Free Will (HWSS 25) In this episode, Dr. Steven Paulson speaks at the most recent Here We Still Stand Conference on Martin Luther’s teaching in The Bondage of the Will. He explains that the human will is not free but bound in sin, continually resisting God rather than cooperating in salvation. Instead, salvation comes entirely from God’s almighty action through His Word that creates faith from outside of us. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/40540060

Divine Election through Preaching 03/12/2026

Divine Election through Preaching In this episode of Outlaw God, Dr. Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith continue discussing the story of Joseph and how it has been used to explain divine election, suffering, and the human will. They critique the common theological idea that God uses suffering to align human will with His will or to produce righteousness. Instead, they show how Luther’s reading of the story points to God accomplishing election through preaching and absolution, not through suffering or human cooperation. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/40406220

When Suffering Replaces Preaching 03/04/2026

When Suffering Replaces Preaching In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, Caleb Keith and Dr. Steven Paulson examine the story of Joseph in the pit and how it has been used in Christian theology to interpret divine election, sovereignty, and suffering. They trace how medieval mystics and nominalist theologians treated Joseph’s suffering as God’s chosen means of purifying and justifying the elect—effectively replacing preaching with suffering as the instrument of righteousness. The episode concludes by previewing Luther’s break from this view, arguing that Joseph’s story ultimately points not to redemptive suffering, but to the proclamation of the gospel. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/40318145

Perfecting Pain 02/26/2026

Perfecting Pain In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, Caleb Keith and Steven Paulson look into the themes of suffering and atonement as discussed in 1 Corinthians. They explore the historical context of suffering in early Christianity, the significance of the word of the cross, and the implications of mysticism and absorption theory. The conversation also touches on the influence of Martin Luther King Jr. and the impact of his theology on modern Christianity. The episode concludes with reflections on the role of preaching in understanding suffering for the Christian life. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/40243770

Mysticism Through Suffering 02/19/2026

Mysticism Through Suffering In this episode of the Outlaw God, Caleb Keith and Dr. Steven Paulson continue their look into suffering, the theology of the cross, and the historical context of mysticism in relation to faith. They explore how suffering is perceived in Christian theology, particularly through the lens of Luther's insights, and discuss the implications of viewing God's suffering as redemptive. The conversation also touches on the challenges of cultural Christianity and the importance of external word in faith, culminating in a critique of Oseander's mystical interpretations. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/40169015

Suffering As a Means of Faith? 02/13/2026

Suffering As a Means of Faith? In this episode of Outlaw God, Dr. Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith examine Christian views of suffering and critiques the common idea that God sends hardship to create or strengthen faith. Drawing on Luther’s reading of the Psalms and 2 Corinthians 3, they argue that faith comes first and suffering follows because faith is attacked, not produced, by affliction. They trace how mystical and modern evangelical traditions interpret suffering as a path to humility, conversion, and even divine compassion, including the notion that God must suffer to understand humanity. The discussion concludes by previewing Luther’s break from these ideas and a clearer theology of the cross to be explored next time. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/40093880

Plainly Speaking and Preaching 02/05/2026

Plainly Speaking and Preaching On this episode of Outlaw God, Dr. Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith continue to look at 2 Corinthians 3, where Paul contrasts the ministries of Moses and the Holy Spirit as law and gospel. They explore how the “glory” associated with Moses belongs to the law that kills and comes to an end, while the Spirit’s glory gives life through resurrection and endures forever. They discuss common theological confusions that treat law and gospel as cooperative or parallel paths to salvation and argue instead that the gospel alone creates righteousness by promise. The episode concludes by showing how this passage shaped Luther’s theology and sets up a new way of reading Moses through the lens of Christ and the gospel. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/40013120

Moses Accuses and Kills 01/28/2026

Moses Accuses and Kills In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, Caleb Keith and Steven Paulson finally arrive at 2 Corinthians Chapter 3, discussing the distinction between law and gospel, the authority of Paul, and the implications of Moses' ministry. They explore how the law, represented by Moses, is a ministry of death, while the gospel, delivered through Christ, offers life and assurance. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/39912625

Attack on Grace 01/22/2026

Attack on Grace In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, Caleb Keith and Dr. Steven Paulson continue to talk about the theological implications of Moses' encounter with God in the cleft of the rock. They discuss the nature of God's glory, the significance of worship, and the relationship between grace and the law. The conversation emphasizes that true worship is rooted in hearing God's word and receiving His promises. The episode concludes with a reflection on the importance of understanding the distinction between law and gospel in Christian worship. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/39844405

God's Presence, Favor and Glory 01/15/2026

God's Presence, Favor and Glory In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, Caleb Keith and Dr. Steven Paulson continue their discussion on Moses and Mysticsm. They explore the significance of Moses receiving the Ten Commandments and the deeper implications of his encounter with God, especially the moment when Moses asks to see God's glory. The conversation transitions into how this narrative has influenced both Christian and philosophical thought, particularly in relation to the law and its interpretation. Paulson emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinction between the law and the gospel, suggesting that many interpretations mistakenly equate God's glory with the law itself, rather than recognizing it as a manifestation of grace and favor. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/39751465

Sublimation Message 01/07/2026

Sublimation Message In this episode of Outlaw God, Dr. Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith discuss the theological implications of divine favor, exploring Martin Luther's perspectives on the law, the role of suffering, and the significance of the incarnation. They discuss the transition from ascendant mysticism to a more democratized understanding of spirituality, emphasizing the importance of recognizing God's downward movement towards humanity. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/39650895

Following God's Backside 01/01/2026

Following God's Backside In this episode of Outlaw God, Dr. Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith look into the themes of mysticism, the nature of God's law, and the relationship between humanity and the divine. They explore the story of Moses in the cleft of the rock, discussing how this narrative illustrates the complexities of knowing God and the implications of the law. The conversation also touches on the teachings of Gregory of Nyssa and Pseudo-Dionysius, highlighting their differing views on the law's role in the believer's life. Ultimately, the episode examines how Luther critiques these perspectives and introduces the concept of 'subcontrario' as a means of understanding God's favor through the law. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/39581110

The Infinite Law 12/18/2025

The Infinite Law In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, Dr. Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith continue their conversation on the relationship between mysticism and the law. They explore the significance of the Ten Commandments, the theological implications of Moses' encounter with God in the cleft of the rock, and the perspectives of early church fathers like Gregory of Nyssa, Pseudo-Dionysius, and Maximus the Confessor. 00:00 Introduction to Mysticism and the Law 01:45 The Story of Moses and the Ten Commandments 06:15 Moses in the Cleft of the Rock 08:34 Theological Perspectives on Moses' Experience 11:03 Gregory of Nyssa's Insights on the Law 14:03 The Relationship Between Free Will and the Law 18:20 The Trinity and Its Connection to the Law 22:03 God's Relationship to the Law 25:42 Understanding God's Favor and Glory 34:42 The Infinite Nature of the Law Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/39451435

Ministry of Death 12/11/2025

Ministry of Death In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, Dr. Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith explore the complexities of the biblical narrative surrounding Moses, particularly through the lens of 2 Corinthians. They discuss the misinterpretations of Moses, the role of Pseudo-Dionysius and humanism in shaping Christian thought, and the critical distinction between law and gospel. Paulson emphasizes that Moses' ministry is one of death, contrasting it with the life-giving Spirit through the gospel. The discussion also touches on Nietzsche's critique of Christian humility and the implications of Moses' veil as a symbol of misunderstanding the law's purpose. 00:00 Introduction to the Outlaw God Podcast 01:00 Exploring 2 Corinthians and the Story of Moses 02:18 Luther's Revelation on Moses and the Law 03:59 Humanism and the Fraudulent Teachings 05:41 The Donation of Constantine and Its Impact 07:22 Pseudo-Dionysius and His Influence on Christian Thought 10:50 Paul's Perspective on Moses in 2 Corinthians 16:19 Distinguishing Law from Gospel 19:39 The Assurance of the Gospel vs. the Law 21:40 Nietzsche's Critique of Christian Morality 23:37 The Problem of False Humility in Society 25:22 Understanding the Law vs. the Gospel 27:03 Moses: The Ministry of Death 31:35 The Veil of Moses: Mysticism vs. Truth 36:30 The End of the Law and the Glory of the Spirit 40:38 Moses' Role and the Transformation through the Gospel Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/39372795

Negative Theology 12/05/2025

Negative Theology In this episode of Outlaw God, Dr. Steve Paulson and Caleb Keith discuss Moses and mysticism, exploring how the story of Moses has been interpreted through the lens of law and gospel. They discuss Luther's understanding of Moses, the theology of humility, and the implications of pietism. The conversation also touches on the role of the law, the concept of negative theology, and the significance of Moses as a mediator between God and the people. The episode concludes with a preview of Moses' second journey to Mount Sinai and its importance in understanding the gospel. 00:00 Introduction to Moses and Mysticism 02:41 Luther's Understanding of Moses 05:26 The Theology of Humility 07:53 Pietism and New Laws 10:26 The Story of Moses and Commandments 13:26 Moses as Mediator 15:53 Luther's Perspective on Moses 18:29 The Role of the Law and the Gospel 21:04 Negative Theology and Worship 23:39 The 613 Commandments and Their Implications 26:28 Conclusion and Next Steps Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/39288355

Year End Announcement from 1517 12/02/2025

Year End Announcement from 1517 As we close out 2025, 1517 and the Podcast Network are asking listeners to support our mission to declare and defend the good news that you are forgiven and free on account of Christ. This Advent, we’re focusing on how Christ alone brings sinners home. That’s the message we proclaim week after week through podcasts, sermon helps, videos, and articles and it’s the message your financial support carries into 2026 and beyond. /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/39243530

Written vs Spoken 11/19/2025

Written vs Spoken In this episode of the Outlaw God, Dr. Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith focus on Paul's interpretation of Moses in 2 Corinthians. They explore the differences between written and spoken word, the implications of mystical interpretations of scripture, and the significance of the New Covenant. The discussion emphasizes the ministry of death associated with the law and contrasts it with the life-giving nature of the Spirit. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/38869850

The Goals of Mysticism 11/13/2025

The Goals of Mysticism Summary In this episode of Outlaw God, Dr. Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith look into the complexities of the law as presented in Exodus 20, particularly through the lens of mysticism and the distinction between law and gospel. They explore the significance of the written law, the role of promises, and how mystics interpret the law in search of glory. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the Ten Commandments and the implications of God's promises, ultimately highlighting the challenges of reconciling the law with the gospel. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/39016035

Doctrine vs. Preaching 11/06/2025

Doctrine vs. Preaching In this episode of the Outlaw God, Dr. Steven Paulson and Caleb keith discuss the transition from the Garden of Eden to the teachings of Moses, focusing on the significance of the Ten Commandments and the role of the law in theology. They explore the distinction between doctrine and preaching, the difference between law and gospel, and the implications of having the law written down versus verbally proclaimed. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/38933285

Imperatives and Indicatives (HWSS25) 10/22/2025

Imperatives and Indicatives (HWSS25) In this episode of the Outlaw God, Caleb Keith and Dr. Steven Paulson dive into the theological debate between Martin Luther and Erasmus, focusing on the concepts of free will, the interpretation of scripture, and the significance of grammar in understanding faith. They explore Luther's critique of Erasmus's views on free will and the importance of distinguishing between indicatives and imperatives in scripture. The conversation emphasizes the certainty of faith and the promise of repentance as opposed to mere commands, ultimately highlighting the transformative power of God's word. This episode was recorded live from Here We Still Stand 2025 coference. Show Notes: What’s New from 1517: More from the hosts: /episode/index/show/outlawgod/id/38749220

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