It has been said that justification is the article by which the church is standing or falling. This statement is usually attributed to Martin Luther, whose actual statement is pretty close to the popular paraphrase. Others within the Reformed tradition have affirmed the truth highlighted in this statement, including Westminster professor, John Murray (1898-1975). The point … Continue reading Justified at the First Moment of Faith
Justified by Works? Sola Fide (Faith Alone) and James 2:24
Roman Catholic theologians turn to James 2:24 to argue their case that justification is according to works. There is good reason for this. James says explicitly: “You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone” (James 2:24). We need to get a solid grasp on this passage so we can … Continue reading Justified by Works? Sola Fide (Faith Alone) and James 2:24
Christ Alone as the Center of the Reformation Distinctives
Is there a "center" of the Reformation distinctives (Scripture alone, Faith alone, Grace alone, Christ Alone, Glory of God alone)? Yes, there is, according to Michael Reeves in his foreword to Steve Wellum's excellent book, Christ Alone: The Uniqueness of Christ as Savior. Reeves argues that we must keep Christ at the center of these Reformation … Continue reading Christ Alone as the Center of the Reformation Distinctives
Hyper-Calvinism’s Deadly Mistake
At the same time Scripture exalts the sovereignty of God in salvation and regularly speaks of our need for God to grant us spiritual life (see John 1:12-13; 6:44; Acts 11:18; Eph 2:1-5; Col 2:12-13; Phil 1:29; 2 Tim 2:25-26), it calls us to believe in Christ and holds us responsible to do so. Hyper-Calvinists … Continue reading Hyper-Calvinism’s Deadly Mistake
The Vital Distinction Between Union and Communion with Christ
In medieval theology, union with Christ was not a fixed reality; it was something that could fluctuate and change over one's spiritual pilgrimage. It was the believer's responsibility, therefore, to seek greater and more complete union with Christ through prayer, the sacraments, obedience, and so on. The Reformers, however, believed the Scriptures made a distinction … Continue reading The Vital Distinction Between Union and Communion with Christ
From the Study 