The Genevan Foundation

How the Protestant Reformers are Still Changing the World

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Timeline of Key Events in the Life of John Knox

January 25, 2023 /
Under threat of death, John Knox boldly preaches in St. Andrews Cathedral, June 11, 1559

“In the hearts of Scotsmen…he became the Moses of the Scots; more indeed, for he was their Amos and their Isaiah too…” Geddes MacGregor

Written by Dr. Marcus J. Serven

John Knox (1514-1572)

Who was John Knox? Briefly stated: he was born in Scotland, attended classes at St. Andrews University, experienced a life-changing conversion to Jesus Christ and a call to the ministry; he was enslaved by the French and forced to row all over the North Atlantic coming close to death while in captivity; in God’s kind providence he was released and became a diligent and esteemed pastor in England; he fled to Europe during the reign of Bloody Mary, and while there he ministered to English exiles in Frankfurt, Germany and later in Geneva, Switzerland; he studied at the feet of John Calvin. He was a husband to Marjorie Bowes, and after her untimely death, to Margaret Stewart; he was a father to two sons and three daughters. In triumph he returned to his native Scotland where he courageously advanced the cause of the Reformation as a pastor at St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh for the remainder of his life. After his death, he became widely known as an author with his gripping book, The History of the Reformation in Scotland (which is still in print). By his preaching and teaching, he was able to bring virtually all of Scotland to a thorough-going knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and he engendered in the Scots a stalwart resolve to advance Christ’s Kirk (or, Church) here on earth. This is why many of the spiritual descendants of Knox—the Scottish Covenanters, the English Puritans and Pilgrims, and the American Presbyterians and Reformed Baptists—uniformly thank God for the life and ministry of John Knox. The “rallying cry” of the Scots Covenanters and their spiritual children is “For Christ’s Crown and Covenant” and this motto is directly connected to the preaching of John Knox.


HIS EARLY YEARS: BIRTH AND PREPARATION (1514-1542)

Patrick Hamilton (1503-1528)
  • 1514 – John Knox is born at Giffordgate on the outskirts of Haddington, on southern plains of Scotland; some place his date of birth much earlier in 1505
  • 1528 – The young scholar Patrick Hamilton is martyred for his faith in St. Andrews–all of Scotland grieves his death
  • 1532 – Knox was sent by his father to study at the University of St. Andrews
  • 1536 – In March, John Calvin published the Institutes of the Christian Religion in Basle
  • 1540 – Knox is ordained to the Roman Catholic priesthood; and serves as a Papal notary


HIS CONVERSION: NEW LIFE & CALL TO MINISTRY (1543-1547)

John Knox bearing his two-handed sword to protect George Wishart
  • 1543 – Knox begins tutoring the young sons of two Scottish Lords open to Protestantism
  • 1543 – Knox is converted to Christ after reading John 17, he refers to this passage as “Where I cast my first anchor.”
  • 1544 – He serves the bold Scottish evangelist, George Wishart, as a personal body guard and carries a large two-handed sword to defend him
  • 1546 – George Wishart is captured by Cardinal David Beaton, quickly tried & burned alive on March 1, 1546 outside the Castle of St. Andrews
  • 1546 – In revenge, Cardinal David Beaton is murdered by several young Scottish assassins who take refuge in St. Andrews Castle
  • 1547 – Knox is called to preach by Chaplain John Rough and the people of St. Andrews Castle
  • 1547 – Knox preaches his 1st sermon in the parish church of St. Andrews Castle

AS A GALLEY-SLAVE: THE “SOBS OF MY HEART” (1548-1549)

A French Galley Ship rowed by captives–for nineteen months John Knox was one of these slaves until he was delivered!
  • 1548 – St. Andrew’s Castle falls to French forces; all are captured and enslaved
  • 1548 – Knox is forced to be a galley-slave on the French ship, Notre Dame
  • 1548 – Knox assists his friend Sir Henry Balnaves in writing a Treatise on Justification
  • 1549 – Near death, Knox prophesies that he will once again preach in St. Andrews Kirk
  • 1549 – As a result of English negotiations, Knox is providentially released in March from the galley-ship after nineteen months of enslavement
  • 1549 – Knox makes his way to England; is licensed to preach by the English Privy Council

IN ENGLAND: AS A PREACHER OF THE WORD (1549-1553)

King Edward VI (1537-1553)
  • 1549 – Knox is appointed as a preacher in Berwick, England
  • 1549 – Knox meets Mrs. Elisabeth Bowes of Aske, and her daughter Marjorie
  • 1549 – the 1st edition of the Book of Common Prayer is adopted; Knox assists Thomas Cramner in this project
  • 1550 – Knox writes Vindication of the Doctrine that the Mass is Idolatry in Newcastle
  • 1550 – Knox writes a practical treatise on True Prayer, and how we should pray
  • 1551 – He receives a formal ministerial call to Newcastle, England
  • 1551 – Elected to serve as one of six Royal Chaplains to King Edward VI
  • 1552 – the 2nd edition of the Book of Common Prayer is adopted
  • 1553 – Edward VI dies on July 6, and Mary I becomes the Queen of England
  • 1553 – Mary begins her bloody persecution of the Protestants; many flee to Europe

ON THE CONTINENT: DIEPPE, FRANKFORT, & GENEVA (1554-1558)

John Calvin, Head Minister of Geneva, Switzerland
  • 1554 – In January, Knox flees to France and takes up temporary residence in Dieppe, Netherlands
  • 1554 – He writes A Godly Letter of Warning or Admonition to the faithful in London, Newcastle, and Berwick
  • 1554 – In March, Knox visits John Calvin in Geneva, then returns to Dieppe
  • 1554 – Knox quietly enters into a binding engagement with Marjorie Bowes
  • 1554 – Writes Two Comfortable Epistles to his Afflicted Brethren in England
  • 1554 – Writes A Faithful Admonition to the Professors of God’s Truth in England
  • 1554 – In August, Knox returns to Geneva for the purpose of study with John Calvin
  • 1554 – In November, Knox is called to serve as the pastor to English refugees in Frankfort, Germany
  • 1554 – Knox befriends the young scholar William Whittingham in Frankfort
  • 1555 – In March, Knox is ousted by the unruly congregation in Frankfort over disputes about the proper forms of worship
  • 1555 – Knox returns briefly to Scotland and secretly marries Marjorie Bowes; returns to Dieppe
  • 1556 – In May, Knox begins an extended preaching mission throughout Scotland
  • 1556 – Knox writes the Queen Mother, Mary of Guise, of the need for reform in the Kirk
  • 1556 – Knox leaves Scotland, reunites with Marjorie and her mother; travels to Geneva
John Knox in his maturity
  • 1557 – Birth of his 1st son, Nathaniel, and later a 2nd son, Eleazer; both are born in Geneva
  • 1557 – Knox intends to return to Scotland, but is warned off by friends; he remains in Dieppe
  • 1557 – Writes The First Blast of the Trumpet against the Monstrous Regiment of Women
  • 1558 – Knox returns to Geneva and works out his theory of a “godly revolution” and the resistance of tyrants through the interposition of lesser magistrates
  • 1558 – Knox writes a massive treatise On Predestination in Geneva; published in 1560
  • 1558 – Works with William Whittingham translating the Geneva Bible; published in 1560
  • 1558 – Mary I, “Bloody Mary”, dies on November 17th and is succeeded by Elizabeth I

IN SCOTLAND: ADVANCING THE REFORMATION (1559-1560)

St. Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh
  • 1559 – In January, most of Knox’s congregation safely returns to England
  • 1559 – Knox arrives at Leith, Scotland on May 2nd and begins preaching in Perth
  • 1559 – On June 11th Knox preaches at St. Andrews under threat of death; he fulfills his prophecy of preaching once again in St. Andrews
  • 1559 – On June 29th Knox begins preaching at St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh; opposition to reform increases
  • 1560 – On June 11th the Queen Mother, Mary of Guise, suddenly dies
  • 1560 – In August, Knox and five other “Johns” write the Scots Confession; adopted by Parliament
  • 1560 – In December, Knox’s wife Marjory, his “dear bedfellow,” dies in Edinburgh (24 yrs. old)

IN THE CRUCIBLE: SEVERE TRIALS IN EDINBURGH (1560-1570)

Mary, Queen of Scots (1542-1587)
  • 1561 – In January, the Book of Discipline is presented to Parliament and rejected
  • 1561 – In August, Marie Stuart, “Mary, Queen of Scots”, arrives to assume her throne
  • 1561 – 1st audience with Marie Stuart regarding her authority as Queen and private Mass
  • 1561 – 2nd audience with Marie Stuart regarding Knox’s sermon critical of her actions
  • 1562 – 3rd audience with Marie Stuart regarding Roman Catholic priests saying Easter Mass in her Chapel at Holyrood
  • 1562 – 4th audience with Marie Stuart regarding her plans to marry a Spanish Prince
  • 1562 – 5th audience with Marie Stuart regarding Knox’s suspected treason; he is formally accused
  • 1562 – After a stout defense Knox is unanimously acquitted of treason by the Scottish Lords
  • 1564 – Knox (50 yrs. old) marries Margaret Stewart (17 yrs. old); three daughters follow: Martha, Margaret, and Elizabeth
  • 1565 – In July, Mary Queen of Scots weds Lord Darnley; confers on him the title of “King Henry”
  • 1566 – James VI is born to Mary Queen of Scots and Lord Darnley
  • 1567 – In February, the Earl of Bothwell murders Lord Darnley (King Henry)
  • 1567 – On May 15th Mary Queen of Scots weds the Earl of Bothwell to public outrage
  • 1567 – In August, Mary Queen of Scots is deposed by the Scots General Assembly
  • 1568 – Marie Stuart, the ex-Queen, escapes her captivity by fleeing to Elizabeth I in England
  • 1570 – Civil War breaks out in Scotland
  • 1571 – An assassin’s bullet is fired through the window of Knox’s study but misses its intended target

THE END NEARS: ST. ANDREWS AND EDINBURGH (1571-1572)

An ignominious end? John Knox’s grave in Edinburgh is now space #23 in a parking lot
  • 1571 – In May, Knox temporarily moves to St. Andrews due to the Civil War that has broken out
  • 1571 – Knox finishes compiling material for his History of the Reformation in Scotland
  • 1572 – In August, Knox returns to Edinburgh and resumes preaching at St. Giles
  • 1572 – On November 24th after hearing his wife read aloud John 17, “Where I cast my first anchor,” John Knox dies in his bed at Edinburgh (58 yrs. old)
  • He is buried next to St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland
Here are four fine volumes on the life and ministry of John Knox and those who followed him

Select Bibliography:

Bond, Douglas. The Mighty Weakness of John Knox. Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust Publishing, 2011.

Cameron, Nigel M. de S., ed. Dictionary of Scottish Church History and Theology. Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 1993

  • “Book of Common Order (1564)”, by H.R, Sefton
  • “First Book of Discipline”, by J. Kirk
  • “Kirk Session”, by A.I. Dunlop
  • “Major (Mair), John”, by J. Kirk
  • “Reformation, Scottish”, by J. Kirk
  • “St. Giles”, by G.I. Macmillan

Dawson, Jane. John Knox. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2015.

Douglas, J. D., ed. The New International Dictionary of the Christian Church. Revised edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1978.

  • “Beaton, David”, by J.D. Douglas
  • “Calvin, John”, by W.S. Reid
  • “Calvinism”, by W.S. Reid
  • “Common Order, Book of”, by W.S. Reid
  • “Discipline, Books of”, by Adam Loughridge
  • “Edward VI”, by P.W. Petty
  • “England, Church Of”, by John A. Simpson
  • “Geneva Bible”, by Robert D. Linder
  • “Genevan Academy”, by W.S. Reid
  • “Henry VIII”, by Robert Schnucker
  • “James VI (of Scotland) and I (of England)”, by Henry R. Sefton
  • “Knox, John”, by Richard L. Greaves
  • “Mary, Queen of Scots”, by Henry R. Sefton
  • “Mary Tudor”, by Peter Toon
  • “Presbyterianism”, by W.S. Reid
  • “Reformation, The”, by Robert D. Linder
  • “Scots Confession”, by W.S. Reid
  • “Scotland”, by W.S. Reid
  • “Scotland, Church of”, by W.S. Reid
  • “Wishart, George”, by J.D. Douglas

Knox, John. The History of the Reformation in Scotland. Charles J. Guthrie, ed. Edinburgh, Scotland: The Banner of Truth Trust, Reprint 1982.

Knox, John. Select Practical Writings of John Knox. The Committee of the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland, 1845; Reprint, Edinburgh, Scotland: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2011.

Lindsay, Thomas M. A History of the Reformation. 2 Volumes. New York, NY: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1949.

MacGregor, Geddes. The Thundering Scot. London, England: MacMillan and Company LTD, 1958.

McEwen, James S. The Faith of John Knox. London, England: Lutterworth Press, 1961.

McFeeters, J. C. Sketches of the Covenanters. Philadelphia, PA: The Second Church of the Covenanters, 1913.

M’Crie, Thomas. The Life of John Knox. Originally published in 1811; Reprint, Glasgow, Scotland: Free Presbyterian Publications, 1991.

M’Crie, Thomas. The Story of the Scottish Church. London, England: Blackie and Son, 1875.

Morecraft, Joseph. “Calvin’s Influence on Scotland” in Volmer, Philip. John Calvin: Man of the Millennium. San Antonio, TX: The Vision Forum, 2009.

Murray, Ian H. A Scottish Christian Heritage. Edinburgh, Scotland: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2006.

Reed, Kevin, ed. Selected Writings of John Knox. Dallas, TX: Presbyterian Heritage Publications, 1995.

Reid, W. Stanford. Trumpeter of God: A Biography of John Knox. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1974.

Ridely, Jasper. John Knox. London, England: Oxford University Press, 1968.

Schaaf, Philip. The Creeds of Christendom. 6th Edition. Reprint, Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1983.

Sefton, Henry R. John Knox: An Account of the Development of His Spirituality.  Edinburgh, Scotland: Saint Andrew Press, 1993.

Whitley, Elizabeth. The Plain Mr. Knox. Reprint, Ross-Shire, Scotland: Christian Focus Publications, 2001.

Wylie, James A. The History of Protestantism. 3 Volumes. Kilkeel, N. Ireland: Mourne Missionary Trust, 1990.

Dr. Marcus Serven, ThM and DMin
The Genevan Foundation – Copyright 2016 – All Rights Reserved

Dr. Martin Luther on Christmas

December 23, 2022 /
Martin Luther celebrating Christmas with his family and close friends

“The true Christian religion is incarnational and thus does not begin at the top, as all other religions do; it begins at the bottom. You must run directly to the manger and the mother’s womb, embrace the Infant and Virgin’s Child in your arms and look at Him—born, being nursed, growing up, going about in human society, teaching, dying, rising again, ascending above all the heavens, and having authority over all things.” (Martin Luther as quoted in Christmas Spirit, George Grant & Gregory Wilbur, eds. Nashville, TN: Cumberland House, 1999; page 31)

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

The Presbyterian Story

December 19, 2022 /
The Westminster Assembly (1643-1649)

School of Discipleship – Winter/Spring Term (2023)–class begins January 15

Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Austin, TX

Class Description:

What is the meaning of the term “Presbyterian?” Many people automatically think of a church that is “ruled by elders”—and that would certainly be true. There is so much more, however, to the term “Presbyterian” than just a particular form of church government. There are theological doctrines, church practices, and a style of worship that makes Presbyterianism rather unique in comparison to other forms of Christianity. Moreover, there is a fascinating history that stretches from the Scottish Covenanters during the Reformation all the way to the Presbyterian Church in America during this modern era. Join us for a rich tour through Presbyterian history and theology. You will learn about many aspects of Presbyterianism—some that may be entirely new to you—and you will learn it from two dedicated Presbyterian Pastors. 

Class Instructors:

— Rev. Jonathan Herr, Assistant Pastor at Redeemer Presbyterian Church

— Rev. Dr. Marcus J. Serven, Pastor of Christian Discipleship at Redeemer Presbyterian Church

Recommended Books: 

Hart, Darryl G. and John R. Muether. Seeking a Better Country: 300 Years of American Presbyterianism. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishers, 2007.

Hart, Darryl G. and John R. Muether. With Reverence and Awe: Returning to the Basics of Reformed Worship. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishers, 2002. 

Fortson III, S. Donald. The Presbyterian Story: Origins and Progress of a Reformed Tradition. Second Edition. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2013. 

Leith, John H. Introduction to the Reformed Tradition:A Way of Being the Christian Community. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 1977. 

Lucas, Sean M. On Being Presbyterian: Our Beliefs, Practices, and Stories. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishers, 2006.

The Confession of Faith and Catechisms. American Edition (1788). Jointly published by Great Commission Publications (PCA) in Atlanta, GA, and the Committee on Christian Education (OPC) in Willow Grove, PA, 2005.

Washington’s Thanksgiving Proclamation

November 28, 2022 /
President George Washington

“Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness. Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be.” —George Washington (October 3, 1789)

Assurance of our Salvation

November 4, 2022 /

“I have loved them with an everlasting love.” Jeremiah 31:3

John Calvin

Sometimes in studying theology it is especially helpful to see the contrary opinion between two opponents. Here we see the striking contrast between the Protestants and the Roman Catholics on the subject of the assurance of our salvation. Based on the clear teaching of Romans 8:14, “For those who are led by the Spirit are the sons of God” the Reformer, John Calvin, asserts the knowability of one’s assurance of salvation. He plainly states,

“All who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God; all the sons of God are heirs of eternal life; and therefore all who are led by the Spirit of God ought to feel assured of eternal life.”

John Calvin, Commentary on the Epistle of Paul to the Romans (1536), cf. Rom. 8:14

In contrast, the official Roman Catholic position that was adopted at the Council of Trent (1545-1563) is that “No one can know” with certainty that they have “obtained the grace of God.” Here is a statement on assurance from the Council of Trent,

The Council of Trent

“For even as no pious person ought to doubt the mercy of God, of the merit of Christ and of the virtue and efficacy of the sacraments, even so each one, when he regards himself, and his own weakness and indisposition, may have fear and apprehension touching his own grace; seeing that no one can know with a certainty of faith, which can not be subject to error, that he has obtained the grace of God.”

Canons and Decrees of the Council of Trent, Chap. 9, in Philip Schaaf, Creeds of Christendom, 2:98-99

Despite the clear teaching of the Bible on this important subject, the Roman Catholics are so enslaved to a theology of “works righteousness” [based on the observance of the Sacraments] that they cannot believe the gracious promises of God given in the Gospel. Consider these four passages from the Gospel of John on the assurance of salvation. Let each one of them sink in and become a balm to your troubled soul. Jesus proclaimed,

— John 5:24 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” 

— John 6:37 “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” 

— John 10:27-29 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”

— John 14:1-3 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”

Each citation from the Lord Jesus Christ provides the believer with a sure and certain promise of our standing with God. By God’s grace we are redeemed by our Savior, we are forgiven of our sins, and we receive the promise of Heaven. Glory Hallelujah! Thanks be to God for the assurance of our salvation!

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

Sources:

Calvin, John. Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans. Rev. John Owens, ed. and trans. Edinburgh, Scotland: Calvin Translation Society; Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, Reprint, 1998.

Schaff, Philip, ed. The Creeds of Christendom. Sixth Edition. Vol. 2 “The Greek and Latin Creeds.” Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, Reprint, 1998.

Calvin on the Need for Reformation

October 12, 2022 /
John Calvin, Pastor of the Genevan Church

“When the truth was suffocated by such pervasive, thick darkness; when religion was polluted by so many godless superstitions; when the worship of God was corrupted by horrid sacrilege and His glory was lying prostrate; when the benefit of redemption was buried under many twisted opinions, people drunk on the destructive confidence of works sought salvation elsewhere than in Christ, the administration of the sacraments was partly mangled and destroyed, partly corrupted by many human inventions mixed in, partly defiled by for-profit markets; when the government of the church had degenerated into a totally confused wasteland; when those who were sitting in the place of pastors first damaged the church very much by a loose way of living; when they exercised harsh and especially harmful tyranny over souls, the people were led like a herd of cattle to destruction by every kind of error—Luther emerged, then others appeared, who with united devotion sought out reasons and ways by which religion could be freshly purged from so many corruptions, the doctrine of godliness be restored to its purity, and the church be brought together out of such distress into a tolerable condition. We still proceed in this course today.” (Calvin, The Necessity of Reforming the Church, 22-23)

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

Source: John Calvin. The Necessity of Reforming the Church (1544). Sanford, FL: Reformation Trust Publishing, 2020. 

G. I. Williamson on Adoption

September 26, 2022 /

The books of certain authors have a prominent place in my own personal library. My shelves are full of volumes written by Herman Bavinck, Louis Berkhof, John Calvin, Sinclair Ferguson, Martin Luther, John Murray, J. I. Packer, R. C. Sproul, B. B. Warfield, and David Wells. I’m going to guess that you get the drift of my theological interests! Here is another name that deserves mention–Rev. G. I. Williamson. He has written several books on Christian doctrine, but perhaps the best known of his writings is the well-regarded: The Westminster Confession of Faith: For Study Classes, P&R, (1st edition) 1964, (second edition) 2004.

Rev. G. I. Williamson (1925–present)

Over the years I have used both editions in countless Bible studies, Youth Meetings, Sunday School classes, and in my own study and reflection on the Westminster Confession of Faith. As a Presbyterian minister I have made it my goal to write out and carefully study each head of doctrine in the Confession of Faith. G. I. Williamson’s book has helped me immensely in fulfilling that personal resolution. He gives a comprehensive explanation of each chapter in the Confession of Faith and refers to many of the Scripture proofs that give the rationale for every point of doctrine. For me, this approach is invaluable! Below are two quotes from his summary on the often-neglected doctrine of Adoption. Each explanation is clear, pastoral, and timely for Christians everywhere to reflect upon and treasure. Enjoy!

“Adoption, like the other aspects of the application of redemption, is inseparably connected with (1) the eternal decree of God, and (2) the mediatorial work of Christ. We are “predestined…to adoption as sons” (Eph. 1:5). Because “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him” (vs. 4), he ordered not only the end from the beginning, but also every step necessary to the attainment of that end. One step that is necessary to the attainment of this end is adoption. God chose his elect not only to be regenerated, justified, sanctified, and glorified, but also to be adopted.” (Williamson, The Westminster Confession of Faith: for Study Classes, 145-146)

“But what is adoption? “Adoption, as the term clearly implies, is an act of transfer from an alien family into the family of God himself” (John Murray, Redemption Accomplished and Applied, [Grand Rapids: Eerdmans. 1955]). It means that those who were by nature children of wrath, children of darkness, even children of Satan (Eph. 2:3; Col. 3:6; John 8:44), are constituted children of light and of God…Finally, we note that God treats such persons as children. They receive his pity and protection (Ps. 103:13; Prov. 14:26). They are under this watchful providence (Matt. 6:30-32; 1 Peter 5:7). He also subjects them to appropriate discipline because they are his sons (Heb. 12:6-11). But above all, he keeps them in safety even to the end (Rom. 8:23, 28, 38-39).” (Williamson, The Westminster Confession of Faith: for Study Classes, 146, 148)

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

Berkhof on Justification

September 20, 2022 /
Prof. Louis Berkhof (1873-1957)

“The doctrine of justification was the great natural principle of the Reformation. With respect to the nature of justification the Reformers corrected the error of confounding justification with sanctification by stressing its legal character and representing it an act of God’s free grace, whereby He pardons our sins and accepts us as righteous in His sight, but does not change us inwardly. As far as the ground of justification is concerned, they rejected the idea of Rome that this lies, at least in part, in the inherent righteousness of the regenerate and in good works, and substituted for it the doctrine that it is found only in the imputed righteousness of the Redeemer. And in connection with the means of justification they emphasized the fact that man is justified freely by that faith which receives and rests in Christ only for salvation. Moreover, they rejected the doctrine of progressive justification, and held that it was instantaneous and complete, and did not depend for its completion on some further satisfaction for sin.” (Louis Berkhof, Systematic Theology, 512-513)

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre

August 27, 2022 /
Here is one artist’s portrayal of the ugly scene in Paris, France when thousands of French Huguenots were murdered at the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre

The St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre on the night of August 23-24, 1572 is a sad legacy of the Roman Catholic Counter-Reformation. It is difficult for me to even imagine the horror of that night! Thousands of French Protestants (i.e. the Huguenots) were viciously murdered by Roman Catholic troops loyal to King Charles IX and his mother Catherine de’ Medici. From that time on, the Huguenots became an oppressed minority in France–often hunted down, brutally arrested, falsely imprisoned, and martyred for their faith. They persevered through much persecution and suffered for the sake of the Gospel.

French Huguenot Church in Charleston, South Carolina

In the late 1600’s many French Huguenot families fled to America. The first Huguenot church was established in Charleston, South Carolina in 1681. It still stands today and is an active congregation whose members maintain the witness of the Huguenot faith (i.e. Reformed Calvinistic Protestantism). The Huguenots who came to America and settled in the Carolinas were largely responsible for resisting the tyranny of Great Britain during the late-1700’s during the Revolutionary War. We owe them a debt that cannot be repaid.

It is proper, in my opinion, to remember them as sincere Christian men and women who treasured religious freedom and who rejected oppressive government. And that, is a wonderful testimony to their persevering spirit! Surely Jesus spoke of them when he preached, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10).

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

R. C. Sproul on Faith

August 20, 2022 /
Dr. R. C. Sproul (1939-2017)

“The book of Hebrews gives us a definition of faith: ‘Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen’ (Hebrews 11:1). Faith comprises the essence of our hope for the future. In simple terms this means that we trust God for the future based on our faith in what He has accomplished in the past. To believe that God will continue to be trustworthy is not a gratuitous faith. There is every reason to believe that God will be as faithful to His promises in the future as He has been in the past. There is a reason, a substantive reason, for the hope that is in us. The faith that is the evidence of things unseen has primary but not exclusive reference to the future. Nobody has a crystal ball that works. We all walk into the future by faith and not by sight. We may plan and make projections, but even the best foresight we have is based upon the edge of tomorrow. We view the present and can recall the past. We are experts in hindsight. The only solid evidence we have or our own future is drawn from the promises of God. Here faith offers evidence for things unseen. We trust God for tomorrow.” (R. C. Sproul, Essential Truths of the Christian Faith, 183-184)

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