Reformation21

As the Supreme Court deliberates on the question of homosexual marriage, American Christians are bracing for a level of government persecution yet unknown to us. The fear is that with homosexuality declared a constitutional right, opposition will officially be akin to racism. Under such a ruling,...

There are many acts of extraordinary faith in the Bible. The one that has impressed me the most concerns the dying thief on the cross. We could take the approach that he had nothing to lose, so he decided to cast his lot with Jesus. But this makes absolutely no sense of the text and the context. In...

I have been generally impressed by the way the brethren have conducted themselves over the past several days at Ref21 in debating vital issues regarding the presence of grace and merit in the covenant of works. I do not offer this post, therefore, as a direct (or indirect) corrective to any of our...

I've enjoyed the recent interaction between Mark Jones and Rick Phillips on the question of whether divine grace informed the covenant of works. I've also appreciated the generally cordial spirit of their interaction. As both Mark and Rick know (and have reminded us), confessional theological...

I expect in your church family your leaders implore you quite often to come to the Central Prayer Gathering. It may be that you wonder why they make such a big deal about it. Here are some reasons why it is a big deal and it's worth being there. these are written in no particular order! 1. It tells...

Let me express my appreciation to Mark Jones for his gracious reply to my concerns regarding his previous two posts. Mark and I are covering ground that is familiar to us both and to others who have read more than a little covenant theology. Part of my concern is that many of our readers may not...

I am happy to provide a response to some of the concerns made by Rick Phillips. He agrees with me on merit, which was what my two posts were really about. So I am glad for our agreement on that. But he saw some statements on grace in the Garden that made him uncomfortable. Richard Muller has made...

Mark Jones' posts ( here and here ) regarding grace as pertains to the covenants of works and grace raise some perennial questions in covenant theology. As I read Mark, a number of concerns come to my mind, which I offer in a spirit of cordial discussion. I would highlight three immediate concerns...

Shamelessly stealing Aaron's "Calvin contra . . ." title form while trying to slip into Mark's stream of interest in merit, I thought this might be a good time to indulge a little excursion in Reformed diversity by noting Calvin's peculiar position on the source of Christ's merit. At least since...

Part 1 here. Westminster Seminary California Professor, David VanDrunen, critiques Norman Shepherd for rejecting Adamic merit: "It is not difficult to see how such a view, if taken seriously, makes belief in Christ's active, imputed obedience impossible. If image bearers do not merit anything...