Lane does a good job summarizing my views on law/gospel applications, and my rejection of a law/gospel hermeneutic. Now I have no problem in accepting that the historic Reformed, particularly in early years, accepted the law/gospel distinction. As do I. But where is the distinction? In my view, it is not to be found in …
Back to the Fathers
Prefatory Address to King Francis I of France Charges of Antogonists Refuted: Newness, Uncertainty, the Value of Miracles (3) 1. How does Calvin respond to the charge that the teaching of the Protestants is a novelty? 2. If it is new, in what way is it new? 3. In response to the charge that this …
Their Rule Intact or Belly Full
Prefatory Address to King Francis I of France Circumstances in Which the Book Was First Written (1) 1. What was Calvin’s first intention in writing the first edition of the Institutes? 2. What made it necessary to expand the work so that it also became a defense to the king on behalf of the Protestants? …
Day One
This new year, 2009, marks the 500th anniversary of John Calvin’s birth. This milestone is being marked in many different ways, by different institutions and organizations the world over. For just one example, over the course of this next year, New St. Andrews is planning a series of lectures on all things Calvin, and other …
Brief Response
Green Baggins continues our discussion, for which I am grateful. This installment, at least from me, will not be very long. Just a few comments. First, the FV statement on “Union with Christ and Imputation” does affirm the central Protestant view of imputation, as opposed to justification by infusion. The second part of the statement …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Same Faith, Different Feet
Lane and I continue our discussion. First, on baptism. Lane wonders what “formally” means when we say that baptism formally unites a person to Christ. He then says that if this means that baptism “puts one into the visible community of the people of God.” Well, that is what it means, with this one proviso. …