Francis Turretin on the necessity of good works

In Francis Turretin’s brilliant section on “The Law of God” in his Institutes of Elenctic Theology (11th Topic), he “affirms against the antinomians” that the law “in a certain respect…still pertains to Christians.” Here is part of his response (23rd question, paragraphs V-VII): Finally, the law is necessary in many ways to Christians. (1) With …

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 …

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.)  …

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 …