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 …

Aquinas and Calvin on Spiritual Equality

The importance of the Reformation is on full display when one compares the thought of Thomas Aquinas with John Calvin’s on the topic of spiritual equality. Aquinas believed in an enduring spiritual inequality, one based on the limits according to each person’s nature. Grace “perfects” nature, but only to the extent of each person’s given …

The Development of Theological Prolegomena

I’ve been posting selections from Richard Muller’s “Post-Reformation Reformed Dogmatics” series here for about six months now. What Muller has reported in earlier chapters is mere overview – in terms of the history and development of Reformed Orthodoxy – have been the continuities and discontinuities between the Medieval period of theology, and the Post-Reformation (especially …

Debate and Polemic, Within and Without the “High Orthodox”

I didn’t grow up Reformed, and so some of the distinctions that are made in and among Reformed churches are difficult for me to contextualize. This section is somewhat long, but it moves quickly, and I found it very helpful in sorting out “what all the discussions were about” during the Reformed “High Orthodox” period …

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 …

Anselm of Canterbury: An 11th Century “Sinner’s Prayer”

There is an exhortation of Anselm (1033-1109) to a dying brother, written in the most comforting words: “When a brother seems to be in his death struggle, it is godly and advisable to exercise him through a prelate or other priest with written questions and exhortations. He may be asked in the first place: ‘Brother, …

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 …

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Dear Readers: Down below, Andrew said: “We need to know what we believe more than we need to know why the beliefs of others are false. There is a place for that and polemics are good; but polemics must be balanced and even handed.” Those of you who know me know that I’m a pretty …

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 …