soteriology

The Ordo Salutis: Repentance

David Smith
Mar 18, 2020
It summarizes all that John the Baptist, Jesus and Jesus’ apostles preached (Mt. 3:2; 4:17; Mk. 1:15; 6:12). It defines what it means to preach and teach the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is, in other words, the summary message of Scripture and the fundamental character that marks true...

Grace in Salvation

Mark Johnston
Mar 12, 2020
Perhaps the greatest risk surrounding the doctrine of grace in the Bible is that we allow it to become a cliché. We talk about it, sing about it, take great care to define it, but through it all fail to feel its weight. So, as we continue our reflections on the many-sided beauty of God’s grace...

The Ordo Salutis: Effectual Calling

Joel Wood
Mar 6, 2020
In the Western, North American, capitalist culture from which I write, we have nearly no experience of interaction that isn’t based in some way on a transactional relationship. All of life is seen as give and take. But in our society, we seek to get as much as we are able, while giving as little as...

Christ Descended into Hell: No Hope without It

Aaron Denlinger
Mar 25, 2016
Of the twelve affirmations that constitute the Apostles' Creed -- perhaps the most regularly recited statement of basic Christian doctrine in the western Church of the last 1500 years -- none has caused greater uncertainty and debate over the centuries than that declaring that Jesus Christ "...

Chapter 15.3, 4, part two

Chad Van Dixhoorn
Apr 24, 2013
iii. Although repentance be not to be rested in, as any satisfaction for sin, or any cause of the pardon thereof, which is the act of God's free grace in Christ; yet it is of such necessity to all sinners, that none may expect pardon without it. iv. As there is no sin so small but it deserves...

Chapter 11.3

Rick Phillips
Mar 28, 2013
iii. Christ, by his obedience and death, did fully discharge the debt of all those that are thus justified, and did make a proper, real, and full satisfaction to his Father's justice in their behalf. Yet, inasmuch as he was given by the Father for them; and his obedience and satisfaction accepted...

Chapter 11.2

Rick Phillips
Mar 27, 2013
ii. Faith, thus receiving and resting on Christ and his righteousness, is the alone instrument of justification. The Westminster Confession unabashedly declares justification through faith alone. It defines faith as "receiving and resting on Christ and his righteousness," calling faith "the alone...