Tabletalk Takes on the New Perspective(s)

The latest issue of Tabletalk (Feb, 2010) devoted to answering the question: “What N.T. Wright Really Said” as it looks at the controversy surrounding N.T. Wright and the doctrine of justification. Tabletalk is a devotional magazine of substance featuring a remarkable array . . . Continue reading →

It’s Déjà Vu All Over Again: Keister Refutes Moon

Ever had a déjà vu experience? Ever had a déjà vu experience? Ever had a déjà vu experience? Ever had a déjà vu experience? This is the experience I’ve been having watching the discussion concerning the Federal Vision in the PCA Siouxlands Presbytery. I’ve been having . . . Continue reading →

On Defining Conservatives, Liberals, Latitudinarians, and Good Behavior

Pastor (Teaching Elder) Brian Carpenter has an update about the FV controversy in the Siouxlands Presbytery (PCA).  In two PCA presbyteries men are doing the hard work that needs to be done for the sake of the peace and purity of the . . . Continue reading →

Brenden is Reading Covenant, Justification, and Pastoral Ministry

At True Blue. He’s reading Dennis Johnson’s chapter, “Simul iustus et Peccator: The Role of Justification in Pastoral Counseling.” You can order your copy from the Bookstore at WSC for $17.36 (+$5.00 shipping). Remember, it helps the HB when you go to . . . Continue reading →

Was the Covenant of Works Gracious?

It is widely held in the modern period that it was. To deny that strikes many today as absurd, as impossible. The 16th and 17th century Reformed writers were not so troubled by that idea since they had much less difficulty than . . . Continue reading →

You Heard it Here First: Indulgences are Back

Now the NYT has a story on the return of indulgences in the Roman communion. The HB observed this phenomenon in Nov 2007. In case you’re worried about purgatory, read this. Obviously the Roman doctrine of justification hasn’t changed. (HT: Ryan Glomsrud)

Ursinus on Law and Gospel

Q.36 What distinguishes law and gospel? A: The law contains a covenant of nature begun by God with men in creation, that is, it is a natural sign to men, and it requires of us perfect obedience toward God. It promises eternal . . . Continue reading →

Yet It Alone Justifies

Since the 1970s the Norman Shepherd and his followers have argued that faith justifies because is it not alone. They reject the notion that sanctity is nothing but the fruit of justification. The funny thing is that Zacharias Ursinus, the primary author . . . Continue reading →

Witsius on Faith and Love

“The natural consequence of this assent, is the LOVE of the truth thus known and acknowledged. This is the third act of faith, and of this the Apostle speaks when he says; “They received not the love of the truth that they . . . Continue reading →

On Replying to Moralists (2)

Part 1 When I say “moralists” I mean primarily the doctrine that God justifies the sanctified because they are sanctified or that we are justified by grace and cooperation with grace.  This is the bottom line of the NPP. Justification is re-defined . . . Continue reading →

On Replying to Moralists (Like Tom Wright)

Tom Wright is just making up stuff about the history of Reformed theology. He’s admitted that he doesn’t know much about the history of biblical exegesis beyond Calvin and one or two others. It’s pretty clear that he doesn’t know much about . . . Continue reading →

Reformed Orthodoxy on John 15

The FV has appealed to no other text as frequently or as misguidedly as they appeal to John 15, as if it were patent evidence of their view of temporary, historical, conditional union with Christ effected by baptism. Todd has a nice . . . Continue reading →