Heidelberg Catechism Q. 18: One Mediator, Two Natures

The Definition of Chalcedon (451) We, then, following the holy Fathers, all with one consent, teach men to confess one and the same Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, the same perfect in Godhead and also perfect in manhood; truly God and truly . . . Continue reading →

Semi-Pelagianism and Faith as the Instrument of Existential-Mystical Union with Christ (Pt 4)

Part 3. William Perkins on Mystical Union: The benefits which we receive by this Mystical union are manifold. For it is the ground of the conveyance of all grace. The first is, that by means hereof every Christian as he is a . . . Continue reading →

Good Mormon Families?

When discussing the success of Mormons, who prefer to be known as Latter Day Saints, in spreading their religion,  people point to four points of persuasion: They have good families They are nice people They’ve had an intense religious experience They’re right on . . . Continue reading →

There Are Presbyterians in England and They’re Having a Conference

Confessional Presbyterianism hasn’t fared well in England since the 17th century. That’s the bad news. The good news is that there has been a small but growing group of confessional Presbyterians in England since 1986, when the (then) Presbyterian Association of England . . . Continue reading →

That Introduction to Covenant Theology You’ve Always Wanted

You’re looking for an easy, accessible, clear introduction to covenant theology but each one you try seems either too complicated or just doesn’t quite get the job done. Maybe the introduction that your friend gave you omits the covenant of works or . . . Continue reading →

Video: What Is the Heidelberg Catechism?

Mark Vander Pol is a graduate of Westminster Seminary California and a ruling elder at Christ United Reformed Church, Santee, California. The video was produced by Leon Brown, also a graduate of WSC. His YouTube channel is worth checking out. Mark gives . . . Continue reading →

Semi-Pelagianism and Faith as the Instrument of Existential-Mystical Union with Christ (Pt 3)

Part 2 That faith which secures eternal life; which unites us to Christ as living members of his body; which makes us the sons of God; which interests us in all the benefits of redemption; which works by love, and is fruitful . . . Continue reading →

Semi-Pelagianism and Faith as the Instrument of Existential-Mystical Union with Christ (Pt 2)

Last time we saw that, according to William Perkins, semi-Pelagianism asserts that the will (or other faculties) are able to operate in salvation partly on the basis of nature, i.e., they are not entirely dependent upon grace. In contrast, the Reformed argue . . . Continue reading →

The Growing Influence of the Anglican Tradition in Reformed Worship

Jonathan W. Williams writes, By “Anglican Tradition” I have in mind a number of elements that include but are not limited to the following: use of language from The Book of Common Prayer in the worship liturgy; corporate confessions of sin/declarations of pardon/absolution; weekly . . . Continue reading →

Godfrey on Waldo and the Waldensians

For a time, the movement spread widely into parts of Germany and Austria, as well as Northern Italy. Persecution by the church, however, was severe and eventually reduced the movement to a remnant in the valleys of Northern Italy. Efforts to eradicate them through the centuries failed, and only in 1870 did the Waldensians receive full civil rights in Italy. [click image for more] Continue reading →