In this 10-minute conversation, James B. Jordan provides a fresh perspective on the Reformed confessional tradition.
https://youtu.be/gtrsA4t6C-g?si=DHQ_5IQbOMC1I-dZ
https://youtu.be/gtrsA4t6C-g?si=DHQ_5IQbOMC1I-dZ
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Which group of church leaders do you find to be the most profitable?
Anonymous Poll
34%
Early Church Fathers (ex. Athansius, Augustine)
2%
Medieval Theologians (ex. Anselm, Aquinas)
42%
The Reformers (ex. Calvin, Luther, Bucer)
5%
The Reformed Scholastics (ex. Turretin, a Brakel)
7%
The Puritans (ex. Rutherford, Owen, Boston)
1%
The Princeton Theologians (ex. Hodge, Warfield)
1%
Dutch Reformed (ex. Bavinck, Vos, Berkhof, Van Til)
4%
Southern Presbyterian (ex. Thornwell, Dabney)
3%
Other (please specify)
The object of this Commandment is that believers should exercise themselves in the worship of God; for we know how prone men are to fall into indifference, unless they have some props to lean on or some stimulants to arouse them in maintaining their care and zeal for religion. Under the Second Commandment we have already indeed made some remarks on the outward profession of piety, and under the First also brief mention has been made of some festivals, inasmuch as in the Passover and the offering of the first-fruits the people devoted themselves to God, as if by a solemn repetition of the covenant... that by their aid the people might be the more encouraged to maintain the unity of the faith and to preserve the harmony of the Church.
-- John Calvin, Commentary on Exodus [20:8]
-- John Calvin, Commentary on Exodus [20:8]
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I would rather someone be a good parent and a heretic than an orthodox bad parent.
Children are the most important thing.
Children are the most important thing.
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Faith is a gift of God, poured into man from heaven, whereby he is taught with an undoubted persuasion, to wholly lean on God and his word; in this word, God freely promises life and all good things in Christ, and in this word, all truth necessary to be believed is plainly declared.
-- Heinrich Bullinger, Decades
-- Heinrich Bullinger, Decades
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Bullinger: Justification by Faith and Works:
Although we say that the faithful are justified by faith alone, or by faith without works, we do not say, as many think we do, that faith is posted alone, or is utterly destitute of good works. For wherever there is faith, there it also shows itself by good works; because the righteous cannot help but work righteousness.... So then, as often as the godly read that our own works justify us, that our own works are called righteousness, that a reward and life everlasting are given for our own works — he does not by and by swell with pride, nor forget the merit of Christ. But setting a godly and apt interpretation on such places, he considers that all things are by the grace of God, and that such great things are attributed to the works of men, because they are received into grace, and have now become the sons of God for Christ's sake. So that, in the end, all things may be turned upon Christ himself, for whose sake the godly know that they and all theirs are in favour and accepted by God the Father.
Although we say that the faithful are justified by faith alone, or by faith without works, we do not say, as many think we do, that faith is posted alone, or is utterly destitute of good works. For wherever there is faith, there it also shows itself by good works; because the righteous cannot help but work righteousness.... So then, as often as the godly read that our own works justify us, that our own works are called righteousness, that a reward and life everlasting are given for our own works — he does not by and by swell with pride, nor forget the merit of Christ. But setting a godly and apt interpretation on such places, he considers that all things are by the grace of God, and that such great things are attributed to the works of men, because they are received into grace, and have now become the sons of God for Christ's sake. So that, in the end, all things may be turned upon Christ himself, for whose sake the godly know that they and all theirs are in favour and accepted by God the Father.
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Bullinger: The Threefold Division of the Law:
In the moral laws, He frames our manners and teaches us what to do, and what to leave undone. With the ceremonial laws, he helps forward the morals; and under types and figures, he lays before the eyes of our body and mind the mysteries of God and his heavenly kingdom. And lastly, by the judicial laws he compels us to keep the laws, and preserves their integrity. Now all these together tend to this end only: that man may be saved, that he may worship God aright, and live according to the will of the Lord.
In the moral laws, He frames our manners and teaches us what to do, and what to leave undone. With the ceremonial laws, he helps forward the morals; and under types and figures, he lays before the eyes of our body and mind the mysteries of God and his heavenly kingdom. And lastly, by the judicial laws he compels us to keep the laws, and preserves their integrity. Now all these together tend to this end only: that man may be saved, that he may worship God aright, and live according to the will of the Lord.
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Bullinger on the Judicial Law of God:
The judicial laws were set out by God with wonderful faith and diligence by the ministry of his servant Moses; and God is not in the habit of revealing anything to mankind with such precise and exquisite diligence, unless it directly tends to mankind's great commodity.
Although these judicial laws are very few in number, and not to be compared in multitude with the huge volumes of the laws and decrees of emperors, kings, and wisest sages — yet in their short breviary, they contain the chief points of judgment and justice, and in effect, almost as much as is contained in the books of the laws and constitutions of the emperors and civil lawyers....
Now, these judicial laws are the most ancient, and the very fountains of all other good laws which are to be found in almost the whole world. Moses was before all other lawgivers that were of name and authority.... [but] commended to us, not so much for their antiquity, as for the authority which they have of God.
The judicial laws were set out by God with wonderful faith and diligence by the ministry of his servant Moses; and God is not in the habit of revealing anything to mankind with such precise and exquisite diligence, unless it directly tends to mankind's great commodity.
Although these judicial laws are very few in number, and not to be compared in multitude with the huge volumes of the laws and decrees of emperors, kings, and wisest sages — yet in their short breviary, they contain the chief points of judgment and justice, and in effect, almost as much as is contained in the books of the laws and constitutions of the emperors and civil lawyers....
Now, these judicial laws are the most ancient, and the very fountains of all other good laws which are to be found in almost the whole world. Moses was before all other lawgivers that were of name and authority.... [but] commended to us, not so much for their antiquity, as for the authority which they have of God.
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To whom God is a Father, the Church must also be a Mother:
But as it is now our purpose to discourse of the visible Church, let us learn, from her single title of Mother, how useful, nay, how necessary the knowledge of her is, since there is no other means of entering into life unless she conceive us in the womb and give us birth, unless she nourish us at her breasts, and, in short, keep us under her charge and government, until, divested of mortal flesh, we become like the angels (Mt. 22:30). For our weakness does not permit us to leave the school until we have spent our whole lives as scholars. Moreover, beyond the pale of the Church no forgiveness of sins, no salvation, can be hoped for, as Isaiah and Joel testify (Isa. 37:32; Joel 2:32).
-- John Calvin, Institutes IV.I.iv
But as it is now our purpose to discourse of the visible Church, let us learn, from her single title of Mother, how useful, nay, how necessary the knowledge of her is, since there is no other means of entering into life unless she conceive us in the womb and give us birth, unless she nourish us at her breasts, and, in short, keep us under her charge and government, until, divested of mortal flesh, we become like the angels (Mt. 22:30). For our weakness does not permit us to leave the school until we have spent our whole lives as scholars. Moreover, beyond the pale of the Church no forgiveness of sins, no salvation, can be hoped for, as Isaiah and Joel testify (Isa. 37:32; Joel 2:32).
-- John Calvin, Institutes IV.I.iv
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If God should suffer the faithless to have their own will, it is certain that the world should not last three days, but that they would bear down all things before them. Therefore, it is necessary that he should restrain them with some secret bridle and not suffer their headiness to have full scope.
-- John Calvin, Sermon 155 on Deuteronomy
-- John Calvin, Sermon 155 on Deuteronomy
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So long as God takes the care upon him to save us, let us boldly trust that we stand in safety, yea albeit that the wicked conspire against us, and lie in wait and watch for us: yet shall we be as in an invincible fortress, so we can call upon the name of our God, and be thoroughly assured in ourselves that he avows us to be his people, whereof we have good warrant, so we break not our faith which on our part we have plighted unto him. But we just must feel the protection of God otherwise than the wicked do; that is to say, in hearing his word, we must embrace the grace which is presented unto us, and rest wholly upon it. After that manner must we be ascertained that the name of God is called upon over us.
-- John Calvin, Sermon 155 on Deuteronomy
-- John Calvin, Sermon 155 on Deuteronomy
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American 1789 vs. Original 1647 WCF:
Which do you prefer? On the section re civil government, the original is superior, but vice versa on the section re marriage and divorce.
https://opc.org/documents/WCF_orig.html
Which do you prefer? On the section re civil government, the original is superior, but vice versa on the section re marriage and divorce.
https://opc.org/documents/WCF_orig.html
opc.org
American Revisions to the Westminster Confession of Faith: The Orthodox Presbyterian Church
We're the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Our purpose is simple: to bring glory to God through our churches and individual lives to make known to the world the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ
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What denomination / tradition best describes you?
Anonymous Poll
40%
Presbyterian / Reformed
18%
Reformed Baptist
8%
Baptist (other)
15%
Lutheran
7%
Anglican
2%
Methodist / Wesleyan
8%
Pentecostal / Charismatic
4%
Other (please comment)
John Calvin on 1 Corinthians 10:
The Apostle's object is to show, that the Israelites were no less the people of God than we are, that we may know, that we will not escape with impunity the hand of God, which punished them with so much severity. For the sum is this -- "If God spared not them, neither will he spare you, for your condition is similar." That similarity he proves from this -- that they had been honored with the same tokens of God's grace, for the sacraments are badges by which the Church of God is distinguished. He treats first of baptism, and teaches that the cloud, which protected the Israelites in the desert from the heat of the sun, and directed their course, and also their passage through the sea, was to them as a baptism; he says, also, that in the manna, and the water flowing from the rock, there was a sacrament which corresponded with the sacred Supper.
The Apostle's object is to show, that the Israelites were no less the people of God than we are, that we may know, that we will not escape with impunity the hand of God, which punished them with so much severity. For the sum is this -- "If God spared not them, neither will he spare you, for your condition is similar." That similarity he proves from this -- that they had been honored with the same tokens of God's grace, for the sacraments are badges by which the Church of God is distinguished. He treats first of baptism, and teaches that the cloud, which protected the Israelites in the desert from the heat of the sun, and directed their course, and also their passage through the sea, was to them as a baptism; he says, also, that in the manna, and the water flowing from the rock, there was a sacrament which corresponded with the sacred Supper.
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Heidelberg Catechism LD10 on Providence:
Q 27: What dost thou mean by the providence of God?
A: The almighty and everywhere present power of God; whereby, as it were by His hand, He upholds and governs heaven, earth, and all creatures; so that herbs and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, meat and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, yea, and all things come, not by chance, but by His fatherly hand.
Q 28: What advantage is it to us to know that God has created, and by His providence doth still uphold all things?
Answer: That we may be patient in adversity; thankful in prosperity; and that in all things, which may hereafter befall us, we place our firm trust in our faithful God and Father, that nothing shall separate us from His love; since all creatures are so in His hand, that without His will they cannot so much as move.
Q 27: What dost thou mean by the providence of God?
A: The almighty and everywhere present power of God; whereby, as it were by His hand, He upholds and governs heaven, earth, and all creatures; so that herbs and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, meat and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, yea, and all things come, not by chance, but by His fatherly hand.
Q 28: What advantage is it to us to know that God has created, and by His providence doth still uphold all things?
Answer: That we may be patient in adversity; thankful in prosperity; and that in all things, which may hereafter befall us, we place our firm trust in our faithful God and Father, that nothing shall separate us from His love; since all creatures are so in His hand, that without His will they cannot so much as move.
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A Good Friday Reading from Psalm 22:
My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Why art thou so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but thou dost not answer; and by night, but find no rest.
Yet thou art holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. In thee our fathers trusted; they trusted, and thou didst deliver them. To thee they cried, and were saved; in thee they trusted, and were not disappointed....
I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax, it is melted within my breast; my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue cleaves to my jaws; thou dost lay me in the dust of death.
Yea, dogs are round about me; a company of evildoers encircle me; they have pierced my hands and feet— I can count all my bones— they stare and gloat over me; they divide my garments among them, and for my raiment they cast lots.
But thou, O Lord, be not far off! O thou my help, hasten to my aid! Deliver my soul from the sword, my life from the power of the dog! Save me from the mouth of the lion, my afflicted soul from the horns of the wild oxen!
I will tell of thy name to my brethren; in the midst of the congregation I will praise thee: You who fear the Lord, praise him! all you sons of Jacob, glorify him, and stand in awe of him, all you sons of Israel! For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; and he has not hid his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him.
From thee comes my praise in the great congregation; my vows I will pay before those who fear him. The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the Lord! May your hearts live for ever!
All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord; and all the families of the nations shall worship before him. For dominion belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations.
Yea, to him shall all the proud of the earth bow down; before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, and he who cannot keep himself alive. Posterity shall serve him; men shall tell of the Lord to the coming generation, and proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn, that he has wrought it.
My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Why art thou so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but thou dost not answer; and by night, but find no rest.
Yet thou art holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. In thee our fathers trusted; they trusted, and thou didst deliver them. To thee they cried, and were saved; in thee they trusted, and were not disappointed....
I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax, it is melted within my breast; my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue cleaves to my jaws; thou dost lay me in the dust of death.
Yea, dogs are round about me; a company of evildoers encircle me; they have pierced my hands and feet— I can count all my bones— they stare and gloat over me; they divide my garments among them, and for my raiment they cast lots.
But thou, O Lord, be not far off! O thou my help, hasten to my aid! Deliver my soul from the sword, my life from the power of the dog! Save me from the mouth of the lion, my afflicted soul from the horns of the wild oxen!
I will tell of thy name to my brethren; in the midst of the congregation I will praise thee: You who fear the Lord, praise him! all you sons of Jacob, glorify him, and stand in awe of him, all you sons of Israel! For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; and he has not hid his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him.
From thee comes my praise in the great congregation; my vows I will pay before those who fear him. The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the Lord! May your hearts live for ever!
All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord; and all the families of the nations shall worship before him. For dominion belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations.
Yea, to him shall all the proud of the earth bow down; before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, and he who cannot keep himself alive. Posterity shall serve him; men shall tell of the Lord to the coming generation, and proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn, that he has wrought it.
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A Holy Saturday Reading from Jonah 2:
Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the belly of the fish, saying,
"I called to the Lord, out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and thou didst hear my voice. For thou didst cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the flood was round about me; all thy waves and thy billows passed over me.
Then I said, ‘I am cast out from thy presence; how shall I again look upon thy holy temple?’ The waters closed in over me, the deep was round about me; weeds were wrapped about my head at the roots of the mountains.
I went down to the land whose bars closed upon me for ever; yet thou didst bring up my life from the Pit, O Lord my God.
When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord; and my prayer came to thee, into thy holy temple. Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their true loyalty. But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to thee; what I have vowed I will pay. Deliverance belongs to the Lord!”
And the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.
Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the belly of the fish, saying,
"I called to the Lord, out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and thou didst hear my voice. For thou didst cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the flood was round about me; all thy waves and thy billows passed over me.
Then I said, ‘I am cast out from thy presence; how shall I again look upon thy holy temple?’ The waters closed in over me, the deep was round about me; weeds were wrapped about my head at the roots of the mountains.
I went down to the land whose bars closed upon me for ever; yet thou didst bring up my life from the Pit, O Lord my God.
When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord; and my prayer came to thee, into thy holy temple. Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their true loyalty. But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to thee; what I have vowed I will pay. Deliverance belongs to the Lord!”
And the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.
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