Semi-Pelagianism and Faith as the Instrument of Existential-Mystical Union with Christ (5)

Part 4. In part 4 we saw that William Perkins taught that believers are given new life by the Spirit and by the same Spirit given faith and through that faith united to Christ. It is particularly useful to be aware of . . . Continue reading →

Why Did the Geneva Consistory Insist on Biblical Names at Baptism?

Matt Tuininga, a friend and former student, has an interesting post at Christian in America in which he tells about the conflict between the consistory and some of the people in Geneva over the question of how the people should name their children. . . . Continue reading →

The Chart

THE CHART Period Time Dominant Question(s) Significance Christian Antiquity Ascension to 1650 (Old World) What has God said? Locus of authority is extrinsic Modernity 1650-1914 (Old World) 1789-1968 (New World) Has God said? Locus of authority is intrinsic (via rationalism, empiricism or . . . Continue reading →

Puritans, Slavery, and Criticizing Heroes

Thabiti Anyabwile has a stimulating and thoughtful post about a controversy that, except for the interwebs, I would have missed altogether. It apparently arose over a rap song. Hence my ignorance. Now, if was Al Green, Booker T. and the MGs, or . . . Continue reading →

How Should We View the Warning Passages?

The Background to the Current Discussion There is concern by some in the Reformed community that there is too much emphasis on grace, in the doctrine of sanctification, and not enough emphasis on obedience and even godly fear. The question has arisen how . . . Continue reading →

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 →