§30. RENOVATION. The life of the regenerated Christian must grow and develop. It is not sufficient that a man has been born into the spiritual world, thereby coming into possession of spiritual life, but as a child of God he must grow and develop under the fostering care of the Spirit. Man begins his walk […]
Since the recent discussion has erupted over my book, some have attempted to see my Luther chapter as somehow an attempt to give an extensive treatment of Luther’s doctrine of justification. This relies on a misunderstanding of the purpose of the book. I will explain the reasons why this chapter was written, and exactly what […]
One of the figures that is essential to examine in the ongoing debates over sanctification and good works is Francis Pieper. If one studies Pieper’s Dogmatics, it becomes immediately apparent that he is not afraid of emphasizing the importance of justification and good works. He writes:“The fact that sanctification in this life will always be […]
People have often attacked the utilization of the term “progressive sanctification,” as a strictly reformed or Wesleyan view. I have shown in the past that this concept is clearly taught in the Lutheran Confessions and the Pauline epistles. This teaching is also one that is taught in various Lutheran theologians throughout the centuries. It really […]
The subject of sanctification, good works, and antinomianism has once again come to prominence in the blogosphere, and Gottesdienst has had a number of recent posts on this subject, utilizing quotes from the Lutheran fathers over against what are perceived antinomian tendencies in certain realms of Lutheranism. One of the things I have noticed in these debates […]
Peter Leithart recently posted a provocative article on First Things titled “The End of Protestantism.” In this article, Leithart argues that there is a divergence between what he labels “Reformation catholicism,” and “Protestantism.” Protestantism, he argues, has been characterized by it’s strong aversion to anything viewed as Roman Catholic. He writes: “When I studied at Cambridge, I […]
“Seeing therefore that the Law condemneth them that sin and decreeth sometimes the uttermost punishment to them that disregard it, and in no wise pitieth, how was not the manifestation to them on earth of a Compassionate and truly Merciful High Priest necessary? Of One who should made the curse to cease, should stop the […]
“Pastor, what does Scripture mean when it says ‘If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them’?”“Well, don’t trust the English translations. If you knew Greek you would know that what it really means is ‘If you tell people the Gospel, it is in light of the fact that God has already forgiven […]
Augustine is undoubtedly the most prolific and influential writer in the history of the Western church. He is one theologian who Roman Catholics, Lutherans, and Calvinists alike cite as a primary influence on their varied theological traditions. Because of this fact, treatments of Augustine since the Reformation have often taken on a polemical tone, trying […]
