Are we to suppose that in the far midst of eternity, when our calling and redemption were only in the mind of God, Christ was unaware of what this would entail? Was he caught by surprise after he became incarnate? Do we ever hear him reproaching the Father for not having told him what this... Continue Reading

To be sure, our works contribute nothing to our justification, but the presence of the Holy Spirit is real and his enabling, compelling power is real. Good works of believers are really good – not because of the inherent goodness of man, but because of the power of the God. Grace is astounding not just because God... Continue Reading

With the commendations in place, he dedicates chapter 4 to a series of cautions and concerns. He warns of: the pragmatism and commercialism that may lie at the root of this movement; an unbalanced view of culture that allows people to Christianize what ought to be rejected outright; a troubling approach to holiness displayed in... Continue Reading

If you took one hour per day away from the TV and gave it to the reading of the Early Church Fathers, you would have a truly astonishing theological education in about four years. If you read as fast as I did (and I was reading as slowly as I know how), the figure falls... Continue Reading

 “If you are a Christian, we want to challenge you to begin connecting the reality of what God has done for you in Christ to your job, thinking carefully about how this applies to and changes the way you think about your work.”   If you keep even half an eye on Christian publishing, then you... Continue Reading

While very evangelistic, the book is also a polemic of sorts against the shift in evangelical thinking on hell. He confronts the books that have been written to suggest hell doesn’t exist, the prosperity pastors who promote a “non-judgmental Santa-god,” as well as those who may just be too embarrassed to bring up the whole... Continue Reading

No one can ever accuse Frame of not loving his Bible, and making it pre-eminent in his theological discourse. For that I am grateful. No wonder his writings have been hugely beneficial to the Reformed, evangelical world. This work has, as its crown jewel, much of Frame’s thought in one volume.   John Frame. Systematic Theology:... Continue Reading

The question of the extent of Christ’s atoning work has been a source of debate for a very long time. From the advance press and glowing recommendations, one might be tempted to think that the release of From Heaven He Came and Sought Her will bring closure to that debate. But I doubt it; I take it... Continue Reading

This is where the book falls short. I’m actually quite glad that it does because I can recommend the book for its historical depiction of the events and culture of the day, without having to worry about O’Reilly’s bad theology shinning through.  O’Reilly is truly writing from the vantage point of not knowing Christ or... Continue Reading

A common theme that struck me in these stories is how Rome’s traditions and theology actually cloud the gospel of grace.  One priest told a young boy that if he did what he said (concerning religion) it would all be OK.  Another child grew up thinking that God was ready to condemn him if he’d... Continue Reading