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 …

Luther-esque confessions of a former NPPist

My name is Jacob Aitken.  John kindly invited me to guest blog here.  I currently blog at BayouHuguenot.wordpress.com.  While I was educated and trained at Reformed institutions, for a long time I was involved with the New Perspective on Paul and other positions.   I don’t know if I would call myself a former adherent …

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 …

The Gospel & Good Works

Below, I share a choice passage from Luther’s preface to his commentary on Galatians.  In this preface, Luther makes a distinction between what he calls “active” & “passive righteousness.”  “Active righteousness” is the Christian’s life of good works before his neighbor.  But the heart of the biblical Gospel as presented by Paul is what Luther …

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 …