INTRODUCTION: Paul has already stated his great theme—that the just shall live by faith. This is the great epistle of justification by faith, apart from works of the law. At the same time, it is quite striking that there is no more of a contradiction between Paul and James than there is between Paul in …
The Spirit of Accusation/Romans 6
INTRODUCTION: God’s wrath is taught very clearly in Scripture. Our great problem with it is that we confound it with the spirit of accusation that belongs to the devil, and we show that we do not understand how righteousness, the real thing, interacts with sin. We think we know, but we tend to know only …
Tell the Wizard What He Wants
Once there was a boy who had a very unfortunate experience. He lived in a fairy tale, and this is why he was not very surprised when a wizard stopped him on the way home, and asked where he was going. The boy said nothing, because he had learned a long time ago that the …
A Star Out of Jacob
INTRODUCTION: One of the most familiar elements of the Christmas story is the star of Bethlehem. But at the same time, it remains one of the most unknown features of the story—because unlike the wise men, we don’t really look straight at it. THE TEXT: “I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold …
What Does the Seal Do?
Before moving on to our next topic, Green Baggins has taken a moment to respond to my statements about his views of baptismal efficacy. Before I engage with him at this point, let me say again how much I appreciate Lane’s continued endeavors in all of this. Pete Myers, a judicious commenter both here and …
Following the Template
“Let us remember that as in theology and ethics, so in preaching, we participate in apostolic authority and power by following apostolic precept and example as they set forth in the pages of Scripture” (Wagner, Tongues Aflame, p. 31).
Exhibited and Conferred Is Not the Same As “Exhibited and Exhibited Again”
Lane is continuing our conversation and so shall I. I’d like to begin with just a few quick answers and responses, and then spend the bulk of my time on the Westminsterian view of baptism — which is in sharp contrast to that of many American Presbyterians. First, we do believe that the Lord is …
Yay for Having Them
As we continue to consider the government of the church, we come to the matter of personal integrity in the men who lead the church. It doesn’t matter how good the recipe is, you can’t make a good omelet with rotten eggs. We have already considered the need for doctrinal integrity; here we must consider …
Anybody Keeping Count?
Steven Wedgeworth sent me a couple quotes from A.A. Hodge that I would like to pass on for your general edification. “Now, the covenant of works is so called because its condition is the condition of works; it is called also, and just as legitimately, the covenant of life, because it promises life; it is called …
Life and Evidence
In the Greyfriars ministerial program, the systematics course is structured around the Westminster Confession of Faith. This means that last Thursday I was teaching through chapter 16, and I noticed a little something. “These good works, done in obedience to God’s commandments, are the fruits and evidences of a true and lively faith: and by …