Derek J. Brown Doctrine of Scripture

Scripture Alone or Faith Alone: What Sola Should Come First?

When we write or teach on the solas of the Reformation, with which distinctive should we begin? In the end, this is probably a matter of preference, but after completing Reeves and Chester's (excellent) book Why the Reformation Still Matters and pondering how I would begin our young adult's study on the Reformation, I was forced to … Continue reading Scripture Alone or Faith Alone: What Sola Should Come First?

Derek J. Brown Doctrine of Scripture

Sola Scriptura: Tradition vs. tradition

In their defense of Scripture Alone, Luther and the Reformers did not reject tradition outright; rather, they rejected the place that tradition presently had in the life of the church. Nor did he Reformers believe their position was novel; it was always the position of the church, they argued, and the view of the early church … Continue reading Sola Scriptura: Tradition vs. tradition

Derek J. Brown Doctrine of the Church

Matthew 16 and the Papacy: The Authority of a Message, Not an Office

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" … Continue reading Matthew 16 and the Papacy: The Authority of a Message, Not an Office