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theology that faithfully summarizes its teachings.
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- 889The Mutual Interrelation of Natural and Special RevelationJeff Waddington speaks about the characteristics of natural and special revelation and their relationship to one another. Jeff recently delivered a lecture at Westminster Theological Seminary on the subject. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington
- 890A Very Dickens ChristmasFor the 3rd Annual Christmas Special of Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob talk all things Santa. It’s a bit of a stretch I know, but Rob and Bob for yet another year talk silliness about Santa movies, Christmas music, singing and songs, some serious, but mostly not. Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo
- 891Vos Group #51 — The History of Prophetism: Critical TheoriesIn this installment of #VosGroup, we turn to pages 198–199 of Vos’ book Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to consider critical theories of prophetism. We extend and amplify the material in these pages more than usual by connecting Vos’s teaching to the theology of Karl Barth and other modernist approaches. Broadly, the term can be associated with “instrument of revelation” and this is so important to note. For Vos, contra Barth, there is a direct, organic disclosure of God’s revealed truth in our calendar-time history. It is not in a distinct, third-time dimension that Barth calls Geschichte that “revelation” occurs. For Barth, revelation is Jesus Christ in a distinct time dimension, God’s third time for us, that “revelation” occurs. Revelation is Jesus Christ. The Scriptures, the prophets and calendar time history are not themselves revelation–they only point to revelation. Revelation is a “supra-historical” event in a time dimension altogether different from our calendar time. But Vos would say this is fundamentally wrong–it is a different religious conception of “revelation” altogether. God speaks directly to Adam in the Garden of Eden in terms of positive, special, verbal revelation. God’s voice can be heard, speaking with inerrant and inescapable authority, in Eden. It is this initial self-revelation from God, in the Garden of Eden, prior to the fall, that supplies us with our conception of revelation. God both acts and speaks in calendar time history, and that special is initially given to Adam under the covenant of works. God’s revelation in nature (image of God) is by divine design subordinate to God’s revelation in positive categories. In other words, Genesis 2:7 (image of God) and Genesis 2:15–17 (Covenant) demand the idea that God reveals himself with absolute authority and clarity directly in history. Vos says, “But the Reformed have always insisted upon it that at no point shall a recognition of the historical delivery and apprehension of truth be permitted to degenerate into a relativity of truth. The history remains a history of revelation. Its total product agrees absolutely in every respect with the sum of truth as it lies in the eternal mind and purpose of God.” Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton
- 892Highlights from 2018As is our annual custom, we’ve selected several clips from the episodes we released over the last year. We spoke with many people and had many fascinating conversations. I hope we’ll pique your interest, and you’ll go back to listen to many of the full conversations represented by these highlights. Thank you to everyone who visited reformedforum.org/donate throughout the year. We are tremendously grateful for your generous support. Be assured that we’re setting the stage for another big year as our board continues to think and pray about our next steps. We’re looking forward to another full year of Christ the Center. January 25 marked our 10th anniversary. Jeff, Jim, and I recorded that first episode during my first year in seminary—three homes and three children ago. Things have changed over the years, but our goal has stayed the same. Our mission is to present every person mature in Christ (Col. 1:28). Episodes 524 — Marcus Mininger, Uncovering the Theme of Revelation in Romans 1:16–3:26533 — Michael Kruger, How the Second Century Shaped the Future of the Church540 — The Nature of Apostasy in Hebrews 6542 — Bill Dennison, Karl Marx551 — The Impeccability of Jesus Christ555 — Darryl Hart, Still Protesting556 — The Deeper Protestant Conception566 — Glen Clary, The Liturgies of Bucer, Calvin, and Knox570 — Danny Olinger, Geerhardus Vos: Reformed Biblical Theologian, Confessional Presbyterian571 — Cory Brock and Nathaniel Gray Sutanto, Bavinck’s Philosophy of Revelation Participants: Adam York, Bill Dennison, Camden Bucey, Cory Brock, Dan Ragusa, Danny Olinger, Darryl G. Hart, Glen Clary, Jared Oliphint, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Lane G. Tipton, Marcus Mininger, Michael Kruger, Nathaniel Gray Sutanto
- 893Justification Accomplished and AppliedToday we provide an introduction to the doctrine of justification with a consideration of several basic categories. We begin with a confessional doctrine of justification from the Westminster Standards. We then consider justification’s relationship to faith. Then we turn to the believer’s relationship to the person and work of Christ and consider how we are united to him. Finally, we speak about the relationship of that union to faith. Westminster Shorter Catechism Q. 29. How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ?A. We are made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ, by the effectual application of it to us by his Holy Spirit. Q. 30. How doth the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?A. The Spirit applieth to us the redemption purchased by Christ, by working faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling. Q. 31. What is effectual calling?A. Effectual calling is the work of God’s Spirit, whereby, convincing us of our sin and misery, enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ, and renewing our wills, he doth persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ, freely offered to us in the gospel. Q. 32. What benefits do they that are effectually called partake of in this life?A. They that are effectually called do in this life partake of justification, adoption and sanctification, and the several benefits which in this life do either accompany or flow from them. Q. 33. What is justification?A. Justification is an act of God’s free grace, wherein he pardoneth all our sins, and accepteth us as righteous in his sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone. Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 11—Of Justification 1. Those whom God effectually calleth, he also freely justifieth: not by infusing righteousness into them, but by pardoning their sins, and by accounting and accepting their persons as righteous; not for anything wrought in them, or done by them, but for Christ’s sake alone; nor by imputing faith itself, the act of believing, or any other evangelical obedience to them, as their righteousness; but by imputing the obedience and satisfaction of Christ unto them, they receiving and resting on him and his righteousness, by faith; which faith they have not of themselves, it is the gift of God. 4. God did, from all eternity, decree to justify all the elect, and Christ did, in the fullness of time, die for their sins, and rise again for their justification: nevertheless, they are not justified, until the Holy Spirit doth, in due time, actually apply Christ unto them. Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton
- 894The DeaconDr. Cornelis Van Dam, Emeritus Professor of Old Testament at Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, joins us to speak about the biblical office of deacon and the Church’s responsibility to provide for those in need. Dr. Van Dam has written The Deacon: Biblical Foundations for Today’s Ministry of Mercy (Reformation Heritage Books, 2016). In this excellent book, Van Dam addresses the office of deacon, including the Old Testament background, New Testament times, the history of ancient, medieval, and Reformation practice, and the current functioning of the office. Dr. Van Dam has also written The Elder: Today’s Ministry Rooted in All of Scripture (P&R Publishing). His bibliography is available online through the seminary. Participants: Camden Bucey, Cornelis Van Dam, Glen Clary
- 895The Marburg ColloquyCarl Trueman speaks about the Marburg Colloquy, a meeting called by Philip I of Hesse to unite the Protestant states in a political alliance. To accomplish such a union, he sought theological agreement between Martin Luther and Ulrich Zwingli. While Luther and Zwingli could agree on fourteen theological points laid out at the meeting, they could not come to terms on the real presence of Christ in the Lord’s Supper. Dr. Trueman is professor of biblical and religious studies at Grove City College. Participants: Camden Bucey, Carl Trueman, Jeff Waddington
- 896Dispensationalism 101On this week’s episode of Theology Simply Profound, we republish the first episode of our series on Dispensationalism. This was originally episode 22. In this series, we discuss questions like What is Dispensationalism? How does Dispensational Theology differ from covenantal theology? Are the differences important? You can find all of the episodes in one place here: Dispensationalism Series Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo
- 897On Richard DawkinsDr. Ransom Poythress has written Richard Dawkins in P&R Publishing’s Great Thinkers series. Poythress speaks about Richard Dawkins’s system of thought. Since the early 2000s, Dawkins has been an outspoken advocate of what has been termed the New Atheism. Poythress discusses Dawkins’s beliefs and advocates methods for approaching those who believe likewise. Dr. Poythress is assistant professor of biology at Houghton College in Houghton, New York. Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Ransom Poythress
- 898The Pilgrim’s Progress: the Valley of the Shadow of DeathOn this week’s episode of Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob get back into Christian’s journey to the Celestial City. We pick up our discussion of John Bunyan’s classic The Pilgrim’s Progress as Christian is about to enter the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Enjoy! Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo
- 899Van Til in ColombiaJim Cassidy speaks about his recent trip to Colombia to lecture on Van Til’s apologetic. Jim, Glen, and Camden also speak about books they are currently reading or have read. Links Video of Jim Cassidy teaching at Iglesia Cristiana Biblica RaahAlan Strange, The Doctrine of the Spirituality of the Church in the Ecclesiology of Charles HodgeGustavo Gutierrez, A Theology of LiberationJemar Tisby, The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in RacismHaley Goranson Jacob, Conformed to the Image of His Son: Reconsidering Paul’s Theology of Glory in Romans Participants: Camden Bucey, Glen Clary, Jim Cassidy
- 900The Pilgrim’s Progress: Through the Valley of the Shadow of DeathThis week on Theology Simply Profound, Christian’s journey continues to the Celestial City through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Here, Rob and Bob, discuss Bunyan’s descriptions of Christian’s internal spiritual warfare as he picks up the weapon of All-Prayer, battles with the wicked ones whispering blasphemies to him, is strengthened by the presence of other believers, and even though he cannot see him, Christian is reminded that God is with him through it all.
- 901Vos Group #52 — Prophets and Sons of ProphetsIn this episode of #VosGroup, we turn to pages 200–201 of Vos’ book Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to continue our discussion of critical theories of prophetism. Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton
- 902The Pilgrim’s Progress: A Faithful FriendThis episode focuses on Christian’s pilgrimage as he catches up with Faithful. What has Faithful been up to? How has his journey gone so far? What are the differences between these two? Rob and Bob discuss these and other questions on this week’s episode of Theology Simply Profound. Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo
- 903Interpreting Genesis 1–3Dr. Vern Poythress speaks about the hermeneutical issues of interpreting Genesis 1–3 and how biblical interpretation relates to contemporary scientific study. Dr. Poythress is Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Biblical Interpretation at Westminster Theological Seminary and the author of Interpreting Eden: A Guide to Faithfully Understanding and Reading Genesis 1–3 (Crossway). The publisher writes: Christians have long discussed and debated the first three chapters of the Bible. How we interpret this crucial section of Scripture has massive implications for how we understand the rest of God’s Word and even history itself. In this important volume, biblical scholar Vern Poythress combines careful exegesis with theological acumen to illuminate the significance of Genesis 1–3. In doing so, he demonstrates the sound interpretive principles that lead to true understanding of the biblical text, while also exploring complex topics such as the nature of time, the proper role of science, interpretive literalism, and more. Participants: Camden Bucey, Glen Clary, Jim Cassidy, Vern Poythress
- 904Genesis 20 — Abraham and AbimelechIn episode 64 we open up Genesis 20 and find a duplicate of what took place eight chapter earlier. To protect himself, Abraham tries to pass off his wife, Sarah, as his sister. In doing so, he inadvertently places the line of the Messiah in grave danger. It takes an act of God through special revelation to preserve the offspring of the woman. Participants: Adam York, Jim Cassidy, Mark A. Winder
- 905The Pilgrim’s Progress: Talkative TrialsIn this episode of Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss the conversation and encounter between Faithful, Christian, and Talkative in John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress. Participants: Rob McKenzie, Robert Tarullo
- 906The Future of EverythingWilliam Boekestein speaks about eschatology and the life of the Christian. While many limit eschatology merely to the consideration of millennial views, Rev. Boekestein calls all Christians to understand how our view of the future in Christ shapes all of life. Boekestein is the author of The Future of Everything: Essential Truths about the End Times (Reformation Heritage, 2019). Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, William Boekestein
- 907Genesis 21:1–21 — Isaac and IshmaelIn episode 65, Adam York examines Sarah’s laughter and her treatment of Hagar, gleaning from the passage important principles for interpretation. We do not approach Old Testament narratives looking a hero to emulate or a villain to despise, but looking to the acts and words of God in providing salvation for his people. Participants: Adam York, Glen Clary, Joel Fick, Mark A. Winder
- 908Christianity vs. Modern Liberalism ~ J. Gresham MachenOn February 5, 1923, J. Gresham Machen addressed the Moody Bible Institute Founder’s Week Conference in Chicago with a lecture entitled, “Christianity vs. Modern Liberalism.” This week on Theology Simply Profound, with Rob out of town, Bob reads this lecture from the Moody Bible Institute Monthly. Participants: Robert Tarullo
- 909Vos Group #53 — The Influence of Geerhardus VosDanny Olinger, author of Geerhardus Vos: Reformed Biblical Theology, Confessional Presbyterian, joins us for a special conversation. We take a brief break from Vos’s book Biblical Theology to discuss the influence of Vos upon several other theologians. We then open the floor to questions from people participating in our live webinar. Participants: Camden Bucey, Danny Olinger, Lane G. Tipton
- 910Hosea 3 — Purchased by the LordIn Episode 66, Jim Cassidy opens up Hosea 3, where God commands the prophet to buy his faithless wife back from slavery. This picture of redemption points to Jesus Christ, who alone can purchase for himself a rebellious, sinful, and adulterous people. Participants: Adam York, Jim Cassidy, Mark A. Winder
- 911The Usefulness of the CrossWhat does suffering have to do with the life of the Christian? Is suffering something we just have to endure until that time that we will have the victory in Christ? To address this matter, we turn to a classic article by Richard B. Gaffin, Jr., “The Usefulness of the Cross,” The Westminster Theological Journal, Vol. 41 No. 2 Spring 1979, pp. 228–246. Links Audio of Dr. Gaffin delivering this paper Participants: Adam York, Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy
- 9121 Corinthians 1:26–31 — Boasting in the LordThere are two kinds of wisdom—human and divine. The foolishness of preaching shatters the illusion of human wisdom and displays the wisdom of God, that the believer’s boast should be in the Lord. Participants: Glen Clary, Joel Fick, Mark A. Winder
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