The Church of England and the Reformation

Dr William Witt, PhD Notre Dame, who teaches systematic theology at a conservative Anglican seminary here in the Pittsburgh area, has posted an article that discusses Anglicanism and the Reformation (HT: Embryo Parson). Here are a few selections: While the English Reformation had some relation [other individual movements within the broader Reformation], Anglicanism has its …

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 …

“Is Your Baby a Born Sinner? Does Your Baby Need Jesus?”

“You baptize babies?  Isn’t that a left-over tradition from Rome?”  Most Presbyterian & Reformed pastors have heard something similar.  Even from folks who attend and appreciate their Reformed worship service.  They appreciate the Christ-centered preaching, the honesty about our sin and the wonder of God’s grace, the order of worship, the riches of Reformed theology.  …

A Little Riff on the Three Uses of the Law and the Sovereign Spirit

We talk about the three “uses” of God’s Law.  I like the Lutheran shorthand for these three uses:  curb, mirror, and guide.  As a curb, God’s Law restrains sin (1 Tim 1:8-10; Gal 5:19-21, etc.). As a mirror, it shows us our sin – and drives us to Christ (Rom 3:20, 7:7-8:4; Gal 3:10-14, 21-25, …

What I Love about the Lutherans – “JBFA, All the Way!”

Justification by faith alone.  Sola Fide.  The hinge of the Reformation.  The doctrine of the standing or falling church.  Luther was willing to die for it.  So was Calvin.  But today, we can hardly be bothered to get all worked up about it.  Sure, medieval Catholicism was a mess and all of that.  But have …

Justification and Sanctification Revisited – A Little Help from Ryle

One of the big blog tussles over the last year concerns the relationship of justification to sanctification.  Some assert the priority of justification in our sanctification.  Others say union with Christ must be prioritized.  The first camp is sometimes accused of being more Lutheran than Reformed.   Of course, I love me my Lutherans, but I …

A confession of sin & faith from Romans 3

Most holy and just God, I am not righteous. I do not understand spiritual things. I do not seek after You. I have turned aside. I am unprofitable. I do not do good. My throat is an open tomb. I have practiced deceit with my tongue. My mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. My …

What I love about the Lutherans (in spite of the Lutherans!)

I love me my Lutherans.  Over the next several posts, I will tell you why.  Of course, this love is entirely a one way street.  If you were to ask a confessional Lutheran to indicate what he loves about the Reformed, his response would be… <crickets>. Lutherans are an odd lot.  Like most sinners.  They …

Effort in Sanctification? What Says Westminster?

“Justification is monergistic.  Sanctification is synergistic.”  Perhaps you’ve heard that explanation of the relationship between justification and sanctification.  What do you think of it?  At first and for a long time, I found it helpful.  I first heard it from RC Sproul (full disclosure:  I love RC Sproul.  I’m Reformed today – and a pastor …