And this is the firm tradition of the universal Church, in respect of the baptism of infants, who certainly are as yet unable “with the heart to believe unto righteousness, and with the mouth to make confession unto salvation,” as the thief could do; nay, who even, by crying and moaning when the mystery is performed upon them, raise their voices in opposition to the mysterious words, and yet no Christian will say that they are baptized to no purpose.—Augustine. Continue reading →
Brad Isbell: As you know in times of ecclesial controversy and change the conservative, confessional, or traditionalist side is often accused of making slippery slope arguments. Sometimes these arguments are consciously made as in Jon Payne’s recent post at the Gospel Reformation Network, . . . Continue reading →
These were the top five posts for the week beginning August 5–11, 2024. Continue reading →
This week we continue a three-part “Best of” mini-series, “Why We Can’t ‘Move On’ From the Federal Vision.” Continue reading →
Psalm 9 is a lesson about why history matters. We can easily question why we need to learn our history. At least, the modern assumption is that only the present matters. Psalm 9 reorients God’s people to the importance the past has . . . Continue reading →
Mr. Wilson notified no one, including the members of Christ Church, that Mr. Sitler had been molesting children in Christ Church’s congregation until after Mr. Sitler was incarcerated. Continue reading →
Dr Clark continues evaluating the Statement on Christian Nationalism. Continue reading →
Calvin was well aware of what he was about to ask of the crypto-Calvinists or secret Calvinists. He wrote letters of comfort to some of them as they languished in dark, rat-infested prisons, awaiting a sham trial and a bloody, fiery death. He also understood that what he was saying was controversial. Continue reading →
Rev. Dr. Jon D. Payne and Pastor Chris Gordon continue their conversation about the true mission of the church and the power of prayer. The discussion turns to Christian persecution, the upcoming presidential election and the inevitable political tension that will accompany it. Continue reading →
Good mystery stories maintain suspense until the big reveal. On a second reading, however, all the clues needed to deduce the big reveal should be obvious. The Apostles discovered this once Christ rose from the grave when they reread the Old Testament . . . Continue reading →
In this episode Dr Clark answers the question: Is there a place between transformation and Monasticism? Continue reading →
For the month of August, 2024, Reformation Heritage Books is giving away copies of the electronic (e-book) version of R. Scott Clark and Casey Carmichael ed. Justification By Faith Alone: Selected Writings From Theodore Beza (1519–1605), Amandus Polanus (1561–1610), and Francis Turretin . . . Continue reading →
…though we be clothed with Christ in baptism, yet we must further desire to be clothed upon (2 Cor. 5:4). In this life we are clad with the [righteousness] of Christ (1 Cor. 1:30). This is one garment. In the life to . . . Continue reading →
Venema observes that the Reformed churches are committed to the principle of sola Scriptura which means that the Scriptures are to be “regarded as the supreme standard for their faith and life,” but that principle does not mean that we read the Scriptures in isolation from the church or from church history (27). Continue reading →
When Paul talks about peace as a fruit of the Spirit, we have to remember the above aspects of peace. It is found in God, and it is from God through faith in Christ. These are objective. When Paul mentions peace as a fruit, however, he is referring to peace in a subjective way. Continue reading →
In this episode Dr Clark answers the question: What is the relationship between the Bible and the Quran? Continue reading →
Moreover, the tables of the law in the ark were covered and hid by the mercy seat, or propitiatory cover. This prefigured that the violated law should be so covered by the divine Surety, who was to fulfill all the righteousness of . . . Continue reading →
Dan Borvan, Brad Isbell, Scott McDermand, Chris Gordon, and Harrison Perkins join Dr Clark to discuss pragmatism and Reformed church planting. Continue reading →
In one episode of the 90’s sitcom Seinfeld, the catchphrase is “serenity now!” Frank (George’s dad) had high blood pressure and he heard on a cassette tape that if you say, “serenity now,” it would help keep your blood pressure down. So . . . Continue reading →
Thus a Christian man is righteous and a sinner at the same time, holy and profane, an enemy of God and a child of God.* None of the sophists will admit this paradox, because they do not understand the true meaning of . . . Continue reading →