Below is an excerpt from Chapter 29 of The Oxford Handbook of Reformed Theology , by Kevin Vanhoozer. Dr. Vanhoozer is Research Professor of Systematic Theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He has also held posts at Wheaton College Graduate School and at New College, the Faculty of Divinity in the University of Edinburgh. He […]
Reflections on Christian assurance
The evangelical internet has been in a state of moderate agitation the past couple of days in response to a sermon by John Piper in which he touches on the relationship between “faith” and “feeling.” I have no intention of entering that particular conversation. But it does provide an occasion for addressing an issue of […]
Basics Of Systematic Theology: Salvation
A trinitarian theology of salvation in miniature
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” 2 Corinthians 13.14 B. B. Warfield long ago observed that the apostolic writings do not develop but rather presuppose the doctrine of the Trinity. The New Testament is not evidence of a transitional […]
Jesus saves, faith does not.
Jesus is the “agent” of salvation. Faith is the “instrument” of salvation. We must not confuse the two. Jesus is the agent who accomplishes all saving graces for us and in us. Jesus “saves,” “justifies,” “sanctifies,” and “glorifies” his people in fulfillment of his Father’s sovereign purpose and by means of the Spirit’s power. His […]
“Great kindness; great mercy”: Augustine on adoption
Augustine’s second homily on the Gospel of John offers one of the richest commentaries on John 1.12 that I have read. His explanation of what it means for God to give us “the right to become children of God” is worth quoting in full: “What did he bestow on them? Great kindness; great mercy. Singly born, he […]
