Discussing books – theological, historical, and biblical – from a Reformed Christian perspective…
(This post was originally published in December, 2007) Lord’s Day two from the HC asks three questions: How do you come to know your misery? What does the law of God require of us? and Can you keep all these things perfectly? What would a solid Reformed Dutch pastor from around 1700 mention in a sermon with …
Continue reading "The Heidelberg Catechism and the Covenant of Works"
(The following post was originally published in March, 2017) Here’s a great Reformation treatment on the purposes (or uses) of God’s law. “What purposes does the Law then serve?” First, the Law helps to control violent outbursts of sin and keeps order in the world (a curb). Second, the Law accuses us and shows us our sin …
There are many significant words in Scripture, such as sin, faith, mercy, gospel, and justification (just to name a few). Another significant word in Scripture is "grace." The word and concept appear all over the Bible, in the OT and in the NT. The medieval church viewed grace as a substance that God gives to …
In 1529, Charles V of Spain issued a diet (meeting) at Speyer in southwest Germany. The Diet of Speyer was held to address the Catholic opposition to the Reformation and the ensuing conflict between the two groups. Some leaders in the Reformation made a protest to appeal for freedom of conscience and the right to …
Continue reading "A Great Explanation of Sola Scriptura from 1529 AD"
(The following post was originally published in August 2014) Here are some excellent lines from Augustine on the doctrine of election – specifically unconditional election. Augustine wrote these words in his comments on John 15:15-16. “Ye have not chosen me,” He says, “but I have chosen you.” Grace such as that is ineffable. For what were we so …
The Reformed Reader Blog 