In my estimation, Jonathan Edwards’s Justification by Faith Alone contains one of the most important and misunderstood1 evangelical discussions on the relationship between faith and works as they pertain to justification and salvation. Delivered in 1734 and first published in 1738, it may be found in 1:622–54 of his two-volume Works (Worcester rev. ed.),2 4:64–132 of his [...]
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Was the Oil Spill an Act of God?
Rick Warren tweeted earlier today, “When people call an ocean oil spill caused by human drilling ‘an Act of God,’ THAT, friends, is taking God’s name in vain!” To my surprise, I enjoy a lot of what Warren tweets, but in this case I think he has it precisely backwards. Failing to attribute to God [...]
Driscoll and Piper on Love and God’s Commands
I follow Mark Driscoll on Twitter and just watched a little 4:27 video that he tweeted about: “Song of Solomon Q&A 3.” I’ve embedded it below. It contains some solid practical advice for troubled marriages. On the whole, it’s good stuff. Two items caught my attention—particularly because of how they seem to be at odds [...]
Bill Clinton: “I’m too much of a Calvinist.”
I saw this video this morning and just have to pass it along. Here’s a transcript of the short exchange: John Roberts: US News & World Report this week commissioned a poll that surveyed a bunch of women in American asking what role you should take on with your wife as Secretary of State. Thirty-seven [...]
“A Debtor to Mercy Alone” | Augustus Toplady
Here’s another solid text from Toplady that I enjoyed meditating on this morning and last evening. A debtor to mercy alone, Of covenant mercy I sing; Nor fear, with Thy righteousness on, My person and off’ring to bring. The terrors of law and of God With me can have nothing to do; My Saviour’s’ obedience [...]
“Faith Reviving” | Augustus Toplady
I recently enjoyed reflecting on this encouraging hymn text with solid theology penned by Augustus Toplady (ERF | ODCC): From whence this fear and unbelief? Hath not the Father put to grief His spotless Son for me? And will the righteous Judge of men Condemn me for that debt of sin Which, Lord, was charged [...]
Bahnsen on the Extent of the Atonement
I recently stumbled across a brief defense of limited atonement written by Greg Bahnsen (Wikipedia | Theopedia) in 1972 (at the age of 23 or 24). His fervency reminded me of Owen’s in Death of Death in the Death of Christ (WTSBooks) and Packer’s in his introductory essay in the same (which is also the [...]
Was Jerry Falwell Reformed?
Ben Witherington (Theopedia | Wikipedia) apparently thinks so. In his recent post “Mr. Falwell Moves On Up” he said, “Throughout his adult life he remained a committed Reformed Dispensationalist Baptist.” When I read that I did a double take, as you probably just did. Reformed?! In what sense?! It seems that he is using Reformed [...]
Titus 2:11 in Calvin
A few days ago I discussed Titus 2:11 in Context in light of my personal Bible reading and my stumbling across this rather bothersome statement by Donald Bloesch: The Calvinist position, especially as transmitted through Reformed orthodoxy, stands in palpable conflict with the New Testament witness.1 Titus 2:11 assures us that “the grace of God [...]
