Can I know I have eternal life?

A critique of the “Federal Vision” and other theories of assurance In this essay I plan to discuss a modern theological controversy, centered around a school of thought which calls itself the “Federal Vision”, associated with authors Steve Wilkins and Doug Wilson and sometimes also connected the teachings of Norm Shepherd and N.T. Wright. I …

Calvin refutes the (not so) “new” perspectives on Paul

III, 19.3. On this [Christian liberty] almost the whole subject of the Epistle to the Galatians hinges; for it can be proved from express passages that those are absurd interpreters who teach that Paul there contends only for freedom from ceremonies. Of such passages are the following: “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of …

James White is Right vs Wright on the NPP

In his Dividing Line show yesterday, Dr. James White talked about an radio broadcast that he shared with N.T. Wright, of “New Perspective on Paul” (NPP) fame. In the course of the show, Dr. White mentioned that he believes he must spend more time on this topic, and for this I’m grateful. Noting that the …

The Crucial Role of Union with Christ, Part 1

Several years ago, I was part of a Muslim-Christian dialogue group at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I remember vividly an argument one Muslim friend made at the time. He said, “Imagine that you are in a law court, and the judge says you are guilty, but he is going to give your punishment …

What I Love about the Lutherans – the distinction that makes ALL the difference

Herman Utics.  A Dutch theologian?  Oh, wait.  I mean “hermeneutics.”  Seminary debt justifies the use of such words.  Hermeneutics is the discipline of biblical interpretation – how to properly understand God’s Word.  A right understanding of God’s Word is essential for the right understanding of the Gospel.  The Reformation is a result of hermeneutics. Confessional …

The New Modern Reformation Work on “Justification”

Take a few minutes and watch this little video introduction by Michael Horton to MR’s new book “Justification”. It’s a great introduction to all of the many issues that are surrounding the topic of justification these days. In an incredibly easy manner, Horton discusses all of these challenges to justification and really puts the whole …

“Amateur Plunges”

In my previous post, Scott Clark chided James Dunn and N.T. Wright for “amateur plunges” into historical studies. From what I’ve read about these things, that was very kind. Nevertheless, here is Taylor Marshall crowing, in Christianity Today, about how the NPP led him to Catholicism: He said Wright’s work shifted his assumptions so he …