The overwhelming biblical data on the place of works at the final judgment is not something we can afford to ignore (see Rom. 2:13; 2 Cor. 5:10; Matt. 16:27; Jn. 5:28-29; Gal. 6:7-9; Rev. 20:13; 22:12). The final judgment and future justification are matters of extreme importance and it will be theo
One of my favorite texts is Acts 13:38-39. It’s a simple gospel text that is part of Paul’s sermon to a Jewish synagogue situated in the gentile region of Pisidia. Paul is speaking to both Jews and gentile God-fearers. Verses 38-39 are a wrap up to the sermon and they go like this, “Let it […]
Ever since Augustine’s The City of God Western political thought has kept some kind of separation – in lesser or greater degrees – between heavenly politics and earthly politics. Oliver O’Donovan clarifies this truth when he writes that “the opposition in Western theology between the City of God and
Editor’s Note: This article reflects the main ideas of Davenant’s teaching on justification, though some of his careful distinctions and nuances can’t be fully captured in a brief summary. For his exact wording, readers should consult his Treatise on Justification. https://archive.org/details/per_tr
God’s required commandments of mankind are summarized by our Lord through first, loving God and second, loving our neighbor. This is the whole of ethics, the required oughtness of how mankind is to live in God’s world. And of course, politics is subsumed under ethics. If ethics is the st
In the midst of physical deterioration, it is evident that Benjamin Franklin regularly reflected on his contributions to the establishment of the United States. One of the final letters penned by Franklin conveys a personal optimism that America was poised for durability, even though he would not be
“Then the angel of God who was going before the host of Israel moved and went behind them, and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them, coming between the host of Egypt and the host of Israel. And there was the cloud and the darkness. And it lit up the […]
During the recent PCA General Assembly in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the whole Assembly sang Psalm 5 a cappella. It was profoundly moving to be present in the vast arena as a visitor with two thousand men lifting up their voices in praise to God. Of course, there is nothing unusual about Presbyterians
For many Christians, a favourite hymn is the one penned by Martin Luther, “A Mighty Fortress.” On Reformation Day—and throughout the year—the church sings this hymn with great passion. After a sermon celebrating the power and faithfulness of God our Savior, the organist pulls out a few extra stops a
A few thoughts about catechizing children My wife Emily and I found significant challenges in feeding our first baby solid food. Even if we could get her started on the process, it seemed to her too much bother to ever finish. So, we distracted her. We asked her where to find her nose, her eyes, […]
