Reformed Christian Studies

By Dr. R. Scott Clark - Posted at The Heidelblog: I am interrupting the series on the doctrine of God to talk a little bit more about the Federal Vision. I have received many comments from those who tell me that they do not understand the Federal Vision. What is it? From where did it come? Why should anyone care? In light of those queries and in light of the recent interview featuring a leading advocate of the Federal Vision, it seemed like a good idea to do on the Heidelcast what I have done elsewhere, i.e., to give a basic introduction to the Federal Vision. One comment, which I neglected to mention in this episode, is that the recent interview is just a redux of 2004, when the former Presiding Minister of the CREC was examined by his presbytery and declared to be orthodox. In 2007, however, he co-signed the Joint Federal Vision Profession. In 2017 he reaffirmed all that he wrote about the Federal Vision, including the JFVP. Newcomers to the controversy are understandably con

By Dr. R. Scott Clark - Posted at The Heidelblog : The Heidelblog was born in 2006–07 during the self-described, so-called Federal Vision controversy. Recently I had a conversation with a young man who was not born when that controversy began, before it was it called “the Federal Vision” controversy. Before that it was known as the “Shepherd Controversy,” after the controversial and profoundly corrupt teaching of the Rev. Mr. Norman Shepherd, a former professor in a couple of Reformed and Presbyterian seminaries and minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and the Christian Reformed Church. These resources are intended as a guide to the issues and to the conclusions about the Federal Vision theology reached by many of the orthodox, confessional Presbyterian and Reformed denominations represented by NAPARC (North American Presbyterian and Reformed Council). See the extensive list of resources at The Heidelblog here.

By Dr. R. Scott Clark - Posted at Sermon Audio: Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 10: 1-5 Details: I. One Church (10:1) II. One Grace (10:2-4a) III. One God (10:4b-5)

By Dr. R. Scott Clark - Posted at Sermon Audio : Scripture Text: Galatians 3: 1-14 Details: I. vv. 1-5; Posted: Keep In! II. vv. 6-9; Predicted: The New Covenant III. vv. 10-14; Prosecuted by the Law Link: https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=122081659110

By Dr. R. Scott Clark - Posted at Sermon Audio : Details: I. Aggressive Ecumenists A. In the Mainline B. In the Borderline C. In the Sideline II. Pious Moralists A. Revising the Reformation 1. Theologically a) By a Two-Stage Doctrine of Justification b) By Substituting Union for Faith 2. Historically a) By Ignoring or Revising Luther's Relations to Calvin b) By Denying Our Lutheran Roots B. Fixing the Outcome 1. By Re-Casting Covenant Theology 2. By Confusing Sanctification with Justification III. Nervous Presbyterians A. Because of Luther's Character 1. Our Extensive Knowledge of Luther's Biography and Interior Life 2. Luther B. Because of Aspects of Luther's Theology 1. Baptism 2. The Supper 3. Christology C. Because of Sectarian Pride 1. The Appeal to Zwingli 2. In Reaction to Confessional Lutheranism Link: https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=122081647218

By Dr. R. Scott Clark - Posted at Sermon Audio: Details: I. The Roman Church A. The Formal Question: Authority 1. Who Formed Whom? Scripture and Tradition 2. Perspicuity vs. Skepticism B. The Material Question: Justification 1. Its Ground 2. Its Instrument II. The Modern “Evangelical Church” A. The Formal Question: Scripture 1. The Modern Evangelical Debt to Modernity a) Rationalism b) Subjectivism/Romanticism 2. Its Temporary Alliance with the Reformation a) Uneasy from the Start b) Machen Thrown Over for Schleiermacher and Kant 3. Its Uneasiness with Ecclesiastical Authority a) Ministerial b) Confessional B. The Material Question: Justification 1. Neo-Evangelicalism's Mixed Roots a) Reformation b) Pietism 2. Its Rejection of the Reformation III. The Reformed Churches A. Theology B. Piety C. Practice Link: https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=122081653230

By Dr. R. Scott Clark - Posted at Sermon Audio : Details: I. Introduction A. Luther as Devil (Trent) B. Luther as Half-Way Reformer (Anabaptists) C. Luther as Apostle of Autonomy (Classical Liberalism) D. Luther as Tragic Figure (Modern Ecumenism) E. Reformation as Obstacle to Social Progress 1. Evangelicals and Catholics Together 2. New Perspectives on Paul 3. Federal Vision/ “Reformed Catholicism” II. The Improbability of the Reformation A. The Medieval Consensus on Scripture and Authority 1. Old Law/New 2. Scripture and Tradition B. The Medieval Consensus on Grace 1. To Perfect Nature 2. Medicinal Substance Dispensed by the Church C. The Medieval Consensus on Justification 1. Justification as Sanctification 2. Progressive and Future III. The Necessity of the Reformation A. The Moral Crisis of the Late Medieval Church B. The Authority Crisis of the Late Medieval Church C. The Spiritual Crisis of the Late Medieval Church Link: https://www.sermonaudi

By Dr. R. Scott Clark - Posted at The Heidelblog : The Reformed churches and Reformed theologians (i.e., those who confess and teach within the bounds of the Reformed confessions , e.g., the French Confession (1559), the Scots Confession (1560), the Belgic Confession (1561), the Heidelberg Catechism (1563), the Second Helvetic Confession (1566), the Canons of Dort (1619), the Westminster Standards (1646–48), speak about baptism and the Lord’s Supper as “holy sacraments” and as “signs” and “seals.” Recently HB reader Barrett wrote to ask for a brief, simple explanation of these terms. Sacrament The word sacrament is widely used by a variety of Christian traditions but for some evangelicals it is a word that is associated with Romanism and a false view of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Our English word sacrament is derived from the Latin military term, sacramentum , which was a military oath of loyalty. In the Latin translations of Scripture where the New Testament uses the t

By Dr. R. Scott Clark - Posted at The Heidelblog : An HB reader writes to ask “in what senses are we under the covenant of works?” I reply Christians are in no sense under the covenant of works for our standing with God or for our salvation. Our justification and our sanctification are by grace alone ( sola gratia ), through faith alone ( sola fide ). It is not as some seem to be suggesting that our salvation is begun by grace but is ultimately completed by works. This is a false gospel that Paul himself repudiated in Galatians 3:1–6: O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so

Revivalist Charles G. Finney - Wikipedia By Dr. R. Scott Clark - Posted at The Heidelblog : Since the early 19th century American Christianity has been largely dominated by a revival of the original Anabaptist theology, piety, and practice. One can transpose much of what took place in the 19th century over the fist generation Anabaptists (1520s) and it matches up quite well. The original Anabaptists would have understood completely the Millerite eschatological fervor of the 1820s–40s. They would understand completely the claims of continuing revelation made by Joseph Smith and the Mormons in the same period. At least some of the original Anabaptists would have understood the bald Pelagianism of Charles Finney (1792–1875). The Cane Ridge Revival (1801) would have made perfect sense to the original Anabaptists as it fit their vision of piety almost perfectly. Evangelical Christianity in America as it has been received in the 20th and 21st centuries is very much the product of th

By Dr. R. Scott Clark - Posted at The Heidelblog : It is a general, if unstated, assumption among moderns that whatever the causes of the Reformation might have been, they must be long past. Often, however, that assumption is ill-founded. In fact, the fundamental causes for the Reformation (e.g., the Roman denial of the perspicuity, and of the final and unique authority of Holy Scripture; the Roman corruption of grace, and the Roman denial of the unique office of faith in salvation) still remain. Rome still sells indulgences . She also still has relics. Despite what people may assume about Vatican II and despite the appearances created by documents like Evangelicals and Catholics Together and the agreement on justification between Rome and the Lutheran World Federation (not exactly a bastion of Lutheran orthodoxy) and despite the appearance created by a socially and theologically “progressive” pontiff, Rome has not changed her dogma. Neither has she changed canon law (confe

By Dr. R. Scott Clark - Posted at The Heidelblog : 12Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. (1 Peter

By Dr. R. Scott Clark - Posted at The Heidelblog : It is held by some who think of themselves as evangelical and Reformed that justification is by grace alone ( sola gratia ) but sanctification is by grace and works, i.e., that it is synergistic . To my great shame, I remember once answering a student’s question by affirming this error. I did so because I feared that denying sanctification by grace and works was antinomian. Nevertheless, it is not true. The Reformed confession is that sanctification, just like justification, is by grace alone . On this we should all agree with the Westminster Assembly, whom no one could ever consider antinomian. Q. 35. What is sanctification?  A. Sanctification is the work of God’s free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness ( Shorter Catechism ). Read more... 

By Dr. R. Scott Clark - Posted at  The Heidelblog : 12Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. (1 Pet

By Dr. R. Scott Clark - Posted at The Heidelblog : 7The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:11whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:7–11; ESV) v.7: Apocalyptic And 1 Peter It is an article of faith among a certain school of critics of the New Testament that Jesus and his apostles had an apocalyptic eschatology, which believed that the end of all things was immanent. In this paradigm, Jesus is seen as a disappointed, failed, apocalyptic preacher. According to thi

By Dr. R. Scott Clark - Posted at The Heidelblog : 1Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. 3For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. 4With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does. (1 Peter 4:1–6; ESV) vv.4–6: It Is Strange To Them When I first began working through 1 Peter (in the summer of 1985) the world in which (and

By Dr. R. Scott Clark - Posted at The Heidelblog : In talk radio the host is supposed to “re-set” the show at regular intervals. He is to remind listeners to which show they are listening and on what network or station. One reason why the host does this is because some listeners are just tuning in. Some people are “just tuning in,” as it were, to the Federal Vision controversy, and this might be a good time to reset the show. The FV is a 33-year-old movement that originated, at least in this episode, with the Rev. Mr. Norman Shepherd who was then teaching systematic theology at WTS/P. In 1974 he defined faith, in the act of justification, to be “faith and works.” It wasn’t that, in justification, faith is “receiving and resting,” and works are evidence and thus a sort of vindicatory justification of the claim that one believes. Nothing so nuanced or Reformed. Rather, he flatly claimed that there are two parts to faith in justification. When that created a predictable uproar, he mod

By Dr. R. Scott Clark: Over the last few years there have been a few laments about “Reformed rocks stars.” Carl Trueman has rightly warned against the cult of personality. Now I would like to turn the tables. If we should be concerned about rock stars and personalities in evangelicalism and Reformed-dom then we should also be concerned about about another party to all this: those who attend those conferences and those who do not. First, there are lots of Christians who attend congregations which, shall we say, are part of the problem more than they are part of the solution, where the gospel is not preached purely, where the sacraments are not administered purely, and where discipline is not practiced. These folk also attend Reformed conferences. They attend because they are “fed” there, because they can fellowship with like-minded folk there, because, in some cases, it’s a relief from their congregation. Still they stay in their congregations. I know this happens because I hav

By Dr. R. Scott Clark - Posted at The Heidelblog : Dr. Clark interviews Ken Golden, author of   Presbytopia: What It Means To Be Presbyterian   and pastor of  Sovereign Grace Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Davenport IA. "What’s the big deal about being Presbyterian or Reformed? After all, isn’t it enough to love Jesus? Honestly, no. Of course you should love Jesus but then what? If someone else personally paid for all your legal offenses out of his own pocket, at the cost of his own life, and also gave you a million dollars that you didn’t earn. You would say, “now what?” That’s a really important question and how you answer it will shape your life to come. ..." Read more... Listen here...  (Approximately 30 minutes)

By Dr. R. Scott Clark - Posted at The Heidelblog : One of the most disturbing developments in the latter phases of the decline of the neo-evangelical empire, as Carl Henry, Harold Ockenga et al came to be replaced by their baby-boomer successors was the influx at the same time of a Socinian approach to Scripture and a Socinian doctrine of God. By  Socinian I mean a rationalist, biblicistic doctrine of God and Scripture that asserted that it was merely following the Scriptures without the encumbrance of churchly reflection and confession, as if no one had ever read Scripture before. By rationalist, I mean that view that asserts the primacy of the human intellect over all other authorities or that the human intellect has intersected with the divine. For the purposes of this discussion it does not matter which version he held. What matters is that he regarded his intellect, in one way or the other, as superior to God’s Word as confessed by the church universal. These two boys, ration