Anti-Modern Two-Kingdom Theology

In this post I outline my view of the two kingdoms. I, with Calvin and most others, widely separate the two kingdoms, but I do not follow the modern 2k advocates in saying that Christians and the Church have no social agenda. I argue that 2k theology calls for radical critique of modern life and …

Calvin’s Social Agenda

In my previous two posts (here and here), I have quoted from a series of sermons given by Calvin on 1 Corinthian 11:11-16. The sermons shed light on Calvin’s view of social hierarchy, social mobility, and social customs; and he sounds much more medieval than modern. In other posts and using other sources, I have …

Benedict Pictet on Justification and Sanctification

Benedict Pictet (1655-1724) was a Swiss Reformed theologian. He studied theology under his uncle, Francis Turretin, and later replaced him as the chair of theology in Geneva. Kevin DeYoung gives a short account of Pictet’s importance here. The text below is from Pictet’s work, Christian Theology (Bk. 8, Ch. 6,7). Pictet describes the relationship between …

Matthew Henry and Calvin on Matt. 5:20

“For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (ESV) Isn’t Jesus referring to the need for imputed righteousness, not some inherent goodness? Many Calvinists today interpret Jesus to be pointing to the pharisees’ and scribes’ need for imputed righteousness. This is …

J.C. Ryle on Justification and Sanctification: A Response to Pastor Phelps

Back in December 2012, Pastor Tony Phelps briefly discussed (here) a quote by J.C. Ryle, commenting on Luke 7:35-50, that he claims supports the idea that justification has “priority…in our sanctification.” Now, I’m not sure what he means by this, but given the quote I suppose he means something like this: Sanctification is the result …

Robert Traill on Justification and Sanctification

Below is the text of Robert Traill’s (1642-1716) sermon on 1 Peter 1:1-3 as quoted by J.C. Ryle in his book Holiness. Its precision and conciseness on the relationship between justification and sanctification is remarkable. His view on sanctification as “infused holiness” and as necessary for eternal life is, to my knowledge, the classic Reformed …

The Gospel for a Weary Pastor on Monday Morning

Yesterday, you preached God’s Word to God’s people – His Law and His Gospel.  You administered the sacrament of the body and blood of Christ.  You ministered in prayer.  And this morning, you feel like a failure.  Empty.  Like a Monday morning agnostic – not knowing whether your efforts were all in vain.  Feeling like …

The Third Word: Scripture twisting is blasphemy

The Third Commandment:  “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.”  The Westminster Larger Catechism gives a biblical exposition of the sins forbidden in the Third Commandment.  Let’s consider one of the phrases found in answer 113:  “The sins forbidden… are …misinterpreting, misapplying, or any way perverting the word, or …

True, Living Faith Justified by Works

An Exposition of James 2:14-26 (a sermon preached at Christ Our Hope PCA) We’re going to do something unusual this morning.  We’re going to parachute into James chapter 2, for just one sermon.  (We usually preach through books of the Bible.  Next week, God willing, we’ll start a new series through the Gospel of Luke.)  …

The Third Word: God’s Name, our blasphemy, and the Word made flesh (1)

A homily on the Third Commandment:  “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.”  We’re continuing to use the Westminster Larger Catechism’s exposition of the Ten  Commandments.  That exposition is always biblical, thorough, and convicting. Q. 112. What is required in the third commandment? A. The third commandment requires, that …