How the Protestant Reformers are Still Changing the World

Category: Theology (Page 3 of 5)

Reformed Theology: Twenty-One Core Doctrines

The Monument to the Reformation in Geneva highlights (left to right): William Farel, John Calvin, Theodore Beza, and John Knox. Each one of these men led the charge in advancing Reformed Theology in Europe.

Written by Dr. Marcus J. Serven

“For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.” Psalm 36:9

Introduction:

What exactly is Reformed theology? Essentially, Reformed theology is made up of those core theological doctrines that flow out of the Protestant Reformation. It is a belief in the sovereignty of God, a recognition of Covenant theology, and the practice of a Presbyterian form of Church government. These particular doctrines represent the beliefs and practices of congregations who identify themselves as Reformed churches. Examples of historic Reformed churches would be the following: the French Huguenots, Swiss Reformed, Dutch Reformed, Scots Presbyterians, Irish Presbyterians, English and American Puritans, Reformed Episcopalians, Reformed Baptists, American Presbyterians, and even the American Pilgrims. Over the centuries, the Reformed faith would spread throughout the entire world–to Korea, China, Australia, India, South Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Mexico, and South America! It must be admitted that there are some differences in practice between all of these disparate groups. Nonetheless, they would all claim Reformed theology as one of the central tenets of their faith.

Oftentimes, people think of Reformed theology as simply contained in the “Five Points” of Calvin (i.e. T-U-L-I-P). Briefly stated, what are the the “Five Points” of Calvin?

Pastor John Calvin (1509-1564)
  1. Total Depravity — is the belief that every part of mankind is so thoroughly infected by sin, that all human beings are “dead in [their] trespasses and sins,” “sons of disobedience,” and “by nature children of wrath” (Eph. 2:1-3; Jer. 17:9-10; Mk. 7:14-23; Jn. 1:12-13; Rom. 1:18-32, 3:9-18, 23, 6:23, 9:16).
  2. Unconditional Election — is the belief that God has “before the foundation of the world” unconditionally chosen certain individuals by grace to be the Elect (Eph. 1:4-10; Acts 13:48; Rom. 8:29-30, 33, 9:6-18; 2 Tim. 2:10). In time, they are given “the gift of faith” by the Lord and brought into a new relationship with God by faith in Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:8-9; Tit. 3:4-7).
  3. Limited Atonement — is the belief that Jesus Christ died on the Cross for the sake of the Elect, making certain their salvation by his atoning work (Isa. 53:4-6; Jer. 31:31-34; Matt. 20:28; Jn. 10:11, 14-15, 27-29).
  4. Irresistible Grace — is the belief that at the time of God’s own choosing the Lord will irresistibly call each one of the Elect to Himself (Jn. 6:44, 10:1-4, 11:43-44; Acts 9:1-19, 16:14; 1 Cor. 2:14; 2 Cor. 2:15-16).
  5. Perseverance of the Saints — is the belief that the Lord will preserve the Elect through the challenges and difficulties of life so that they exhibit persevering faith in the midst of all trials and temptations (Matt. 6:16-20, 24:13; Jn. 3:3-8, 6:37, 39, 47, 10:27-29, 15:8; Rom. 10:8-10; Eph. 1:13-14; Phil. 1:6, 2:12-13; 1 Pet. 1:3-5; 1 Jn. 5:13).
The Synod of Dort (1618-1619)

It is helpful to remember that the “Five Points” of Calvin were crafted as a theological response to the “Five Points” of Arminius. Jacobus Arminius was a young Dutch student who was educated in Geneva under Calvin’s successor, Theodore Beza. When Arminius returned to the Netherlands to serve as a pastor in the Dutch Reformed Church, he formally rejected the Reformed theology that he had been taught at the Genevan Academy and developed an entirely new set of doctrines regarding salvation (i.e. Soteriology). Essentially, Arminius taught that all of mankind has the ability to choose God in the matter of salvation apart from any prior work of God. Serious theological controversy erupted from Arminius’ teachings, and a national synod was finally held to settle the issue. In response the Synod of Dort (1618-1619) carefully delineated the “Five Points” of Calvin as the orthodox view of the doctrine of salvation. This was beneficial at clarifying the controversy over salvation. But, the “Five Points” of Calvin didn’t go far enough in expressing all that Reformed theology holds to–especially in the areas of Covenant theology, church government, ecclesiology, sacraments, and eschatology. Hence, I have listed below twenty-one core doctrines of Reformed theology that expand on many of these important details.

Dr. J. I. Packer describes Reformed theology (i.e. Calvinism) in this same expansive manner. He thoughtfully writes,

Dr. J. I. Packer (1926-2020)

“Calvinism is a whole worldview, stemming from a clear vision of God as the whole world’s Maker and King. Calvinism is the consistent endeavor to acknowledge the Creator as the Lord, working all things after the counsel of his will. Calvinism is a theocentric way of thinking about all life under the direction and control of God’s own word. Calvinism, in other words, is the theology of the Bible viewed from the perspective of the Bible—the God-centered outlook which sees the Creator as the source, and means, and end, of everything that is, both in nature and in grace. Calvinism is thus theism (belief in God as the ground of all things), religion (dependance upon God through Christ for all things), all in their purest and most highly developed form. And Calvinism is a unified philosophy of history which sees the whole diversity of processes and events that take place in God’s world as no more, and no less, than the outworking of his great preordained plan for his creatures and his church. The five points assert no more than that God is sovereign in saving the individual, but Calvinism, as such, is concerned with the much broader assertion that he is sovereign everywhere.”

J. I. Packer, A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life, 129

I whole-heartedly agree with Packer’s assessment.

Given that Reformed theology developed from the time of the Reformation until this present day–some Christians might argue that it is no longer valid. It is a highly “dated” theology, they say, that is no longer relevant for the complexities of this modern world. In response to that argument, however, I would assert that, “Reformed theology has an abiding validity since it freely flows from the pages of Holy Scripture. Thus, it is truly a Biblical theology that comes forth from God alone by his Word and is valid for all peoples, in all cultures, and at all times.”  With that short introduction, I now want to list the twenty-one core doctrines of Reformed theology that round out the entire picture of all that it addresses.

Twenty-One Core Doctrines of Reformed Theology 

  1. It is a belief in the Sovereignty of God—specifically, that God rules and reigns in the midst of all circumstances; accomplishing all his holy will (cf. Ps. 24:1-2; Ps. 103:19; Isa. 45:5-7; Rom. 8:28). God’s sovereign work in the matter of salvation is primarily accomplished through predestination and election (Rom. 8:29-30; Eph. 1:4-5, 11).
  2. It is a Covenant Theology—the Bible teaches that there is only one people of God (e.g. “one flock, one shepherd” Jn. 10:16) and one plan of salvation (Acts 4:10-12; Gal. 3:7-9, 29). Also it teaches a two-covenant system: (1) a Covenant of Works (Gen. 2:16-17), and (2) a Covenant of Grace (Gen. 3:15). All other individual covenants are subsumed into the two-covenant system. 
  3. The Bible teaches and Reformed theology emphasizes a “Creator-creature Distinction” that governs how we live the Christian life. In brief, we recognize that there is only one God and we are creatures created by him. Thus, we live in subjection to God and his Law (cf. Exod. 20:1-17; Ps. 24:1-10, 97:1-12; Isa. 45:5-7, 55:1-11; 1 Tim. 1:17).
  4. Generally, Reformed theologians believe that the Law of God breaks into three categories: the Moral Law (Ten Commandments) which is eternal, the Ceremonial Law which was completely fulfilled through the sacrificial death of Christ, and the Civil Law which passed away with the end of the nation of Israel (WCF 19.4). Nevertheless, the principles of the Civil Law are extended into the present day, but not the exact particulars. In summary, the Law of God both convicts an individual of sin and acts as a tutor in leading the sinner to Christ (Rom. 3:20; Gal. 3:24). The Moral Law has not been abolished by Christ, but fulfilled (Matt. 5:17-20); it remains as an eternal standard of righteousness for holy living (Rom. 3:31), and a way unto life for every believer (Ps. 119:105). Thus, Reformed theologians have a “high regard” for the Law of God and reject all forms of antinomianism.
  5. Man’s spiritual condition is completely fallen as a result of the transgression of Adam (Total Depravity and Total Inability). This corrupt sin nature is immediately imputed to all of Adam’s posterity, in addition to the guilt of Adam (cf. Jer. 17:9-10; Rom. 3:23, 5:12-21, 6:23; Eph. 2:1-3).
  6. The Bible teaches and Reformed theology emphasizes the necessity of the New Birth [Gk. palingenesia] as an essential work of God in the Christian life (Deut. 10:12-16; Jn. 3:3-7; Tit. 3:5-7). By grace, each believer becomes a new creation (2 Cor. 5:16-17) by the Spirit’s work of regeneration (Divine monergism = that God alone works in the matter of salvation). Regeneration always precedes faith; since it is impossible for the sinner to believe and trust in Jesus Christ apart from the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit (Jn. 3:5-8; Tit. 3:4-7).
  7. The only remedy for Man’s fallenness comes from the “Alien Righteousness” of Jesus Christ which is found in Christ and outside of man [Lat. extra nos]. Righteousness cannot be found inside of man since all humans are not only condemned by Adam’s sin, but they are also condemned by their own individual sins (cf. Mark 7:14-23; Rom. 5:12-21; 1 Cor. 15:20-21). 
  8. The Grace of God (Grace Alone) is necessary for salvation (Eph. 2:4-10). God’s grace toward the believer is ordinarily made manifest through the preaching of his Word, the administration of the Sacraments, and Prayer [i.e. these three are known as the Means of Grace]. 
  9. The Holy Spirit indwells all Christians at the time of regeneration, and progressively leads them to a life of holiness and sanctification throughout this earthly life (cf. Rom. 8:9-17; 1 Cor. 3:16-17, 6:19-20; 1 Jn. 4:4).
  10. The Bible is the sole source of God’s revelation (Scripture Alone); it contains the Law, the Gospel, and fundamental principles for how we should live, worship, and think (cf. Ps. 119:105; Isa. 40:8; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Heb. 4:12-13).
  11. God-given faith (Faith Alone) is the only way to receive the imputed righteousness of Christ, which results in our justification. The gift of faith is known as the material principle of our Salvation (cf. Rom. 3:21-26; Gal. 3:10-14; Eph. 2:8-9; Heb. 11:1-40).
  12. Jesus Christ is the only name by which we may be saved (Christ Alone). The gospel is exclusive, and only faith in Jesus Christ saves the sinner from the judgement of God (cf. Jn. 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Pet. 2:24-25, 3:18).
  13. For the Christian, all of life is to be lived Coram Deo (i.e. “in the presence of God”). The Christian life leads to regular acts of repentance and to our sanctification and growth in holiness (1 Cor. 10:31; Col. 3:12-17).
  14. The marks of a true church (Lat. notae ecclesia) are: (a) the fervent preaching of the Word of God (2 Tim. 4:1-5); (b) the right administration of the two Sacraments–Baptism and the Lord’s Supper–that Jesus has given (Matt. 28:18-19; 1 Cor. 11:17-34); and (c) the practice of Church discipline (Matt 18:15-20; Gal 6:1-2).
  15. The Bible teaches that local Church Government is led by elders [Gk: presbuteros, episkopos] and by deacons [Gk. diakonias](cf. Exod. 18:17-23; Acts 6:1-6; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; Tit. 1:5-9). These church officers are representative leaders who are elected by the congregation and held accountable (a) by Christ as the head of the church (Col. 1:18), (b) by one another, and (c) by the regional assembly of elders, the Presbytery [Gk. presbuterion]. Some elders serve vocationally as pastors, evangelists, or teachers (Eph. 4:11-12). Whereas, others serve in a ruling capacity (1 Tim. 5:17; Tit. 1:5).
  16. The worship of God—whether in public, family, or in private settings—is to be regulated by the Word of God alone and not by our own personal preferences or human imagination (cf. Lev. 10:1-3; Deut. 4:2, 12:31-32; Jn. 4:23-24). The primary concern of Reformed Christians is “How would God want us to worship Him?” 
  17. The Sacraments are viewed in the following manner: (1) Baptism is for believing adults and for their children (cf. Gen. 17:1-14; Acts 2:37-39; Acts 16:25-34; Col. 2:11-12). Baptism replaces circumcision and it is a sign of entrance into Christ’s church. (2) The Lord’s Supper is given by God for the spiritual nurture of His people, and it is to be received by faith (1 Cor. 11:23-32). It is a spiritual communion which represents the union that all true believers share with Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 10:16). The Lord’s Supper highlights how Jesus Christ is the true Passover lamb (1 Cor. 5:7).
  18. The Kingdom of God [Gk. basileia tou Theou] expands and grows throughout the history of the world until its final consummation at the Return of Jesus Christ (cf. Matt. 13:31-33, 16:18; Mark 1:14-15; Rev. 21:1-8). By grace, all true Christians are part of the Invisible Church as well as members of the Visible Church (Matt. 13:24-30; Phil. 3:20-21).
  19. The physical return of Jesus Christ comes about when the gospel of Christ’s Kingdom has been proclaimed throughout the entire world; meaning that all of the Elect are gathered into the kingdom of God (cf. Matt. 24:14; Mark 13:24-27; Rev. 7:9-10).
  20. The final state of all human beings will be either in Heaven or Hell (cf. Matt. 25:46; Rom. 14:10-11; 2 Cor. 5:10). A person’s eternal destiny is determined by God’s electing grace (Rom. 9:16, 18; Eph. 1:4-6). In time, all of the Elect will come to saving faith in Jesus Christ (cf. Matt. 7:13-14, 21-23, 11:28-30), and the Reprobate will be left in their sinful condition (Rom. 9:19-33, 11:11-24).
  21. All aspects of human culture that are found in this fallen world are to be thoroughly engaged—not retreated from [in Monasticism], or acquiesced to [in Secularism], but contended with [in a Reformed world and life view] (cf. Matt. 5:14-16; Jn. 15:8; Acts 17:22-34; Rom. 12:1-2; Eph. 2:10; 1 Jn. 2:15-17). The theological world-view [Ger. Weltanschauung] of Reformed Christianity seeks to boldly penetrate all spheres of human culture with the gospel of Jesus Christ (cf. Luke 19:11-27; 2 Cor. 10:3-6; Col. 2:8-9).

Conclusion:

The Westminster Assembly (1643-1649)

Either in part, or in the whole, each one of these twenty-one core doctrines of Reformed theology are summarized in the Westminster Confession of Faith. For this reason, I believe, the Westminster Assembly should be widely recognized as the preeminent body of theologians who have explained the distinctive beliefs and practices of Reformed theology. Let me say this clearly, the Westminster Confession of Faith is not a replacement for the Bible; but I believe it is an accurate summary of the Bible. Therefore, as Christians we acknowledge that the Bible is our primary standard and that the Confession of Faith is always to be seen as our secondary standard. In addition to the Westminster Confession of Faith, the Westminster Assembly also produced the Larger and Shorter Catechisms. These are exquisite tools for teaching adults and children the doctrines that are necessary for living the Christian life. Dr. R. C. Sproul notes,

“One of the most important confessions of faith ever penned, particularly in the English-speaking world, is the Westminster Confession of Faith. By the confession’s own statements, no confession written by uninspired authors is to be taken as having supreme authority over the believer. Confessions cannot bind the conscience in the manner that the Word of God can and does. At the same time, though human confessions and creeds are penned by fallible people without the benefit of the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the profound level of theological and biblical precision manifest in the Westminster Confession of Faith is awe-inspiring. The Westminster Confession is the most precise and accurate summary of the content of biblical Christianity ever set forth in a creedal form. Creeds such as the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism, and the Scots Confession should be highly regarded, but no historic confession surpasses in eloquence, grandeur, and theological accuracy the Westminster Confession of Faith.”

— Dr. R. C. Sproul, Truths We Confess, “Preface”, 1.

Let us give thanks to God for the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms. They are a benefit not only to us but to all future generations. Through them the Lord has brought “light” into the darkness–let us rejoice!

Select Bibliography:

There are a vast number of fabulous books and articles on Reformed Theology that could be listed. But these are some of my all-time favorites–enjoy!

Prof. Herman Bavinck

Bavinck, Herman. Christian Worldview. Translated and edited by Nathaniel G. Sutanto, James Eglinton. and Cory C. Brock. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2019.

Bavinck, Herman. Reformed Dogmatics. Four Volumes. John Bolt, ed. John Vriend, trans. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2003.

Bavinck, Herman. Reformed Ethics: Created, Fallen, and Converted Humanity. Vol. 1. John Bolt, ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2019.

Bavinck, Herman. The Doctrine of God, William Hendricksen, trans. & ed. Edinburgh, Scotland: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1951.

Prof. Louis Berkhof

Beeke, Joel R. and Sinclair B. Ferguson, eds. Reformed Confessions Harmonized. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1999. 

Berkhof, Louis. Manual of Christian Doctrine. Second Edition. Arlington Heights, IL: Christian Liberty Press, 2003.

Berkhof, Louis. Systematic Theology: New Combined Edition. Fourth Edition. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1996.

Prof. Loraine Boettner

Boettner, Loraine. The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination. Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian & Reformed Publishing, 1932.

Boettner, Loraine. The Reformed Faith. Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian & Reformed Publishing, 1983.

Calvin, John. Calvin’s Commentaries. 46 vols. Various translators. Edinburgh: Calvin Translation Society, 1847-55; reprint edition in 22 volumes, Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1998.

Calvin, John. Golden Book of the True Christian Life. Translated by Henry J. Van Andel. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1952.

Pastor John Calvin

Calvin, John. Institutes of the Christian Religion. Edited by John T. McNeill. Translated by Ford Lewis Battles. 2 vols. Library of Christian Classics, no. 20-21. Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1960.

Calvin, John. Selected Works of John Calvin: Tracts and Letters. 7 volumes. Co-edited by Henry Beveridge and Jules Bonnet. Originally published in Edinburgh by the Calvin Translation Society, 1851; reprint, Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1983.

Calvin, John. The Necessity of Reforming the Church. Reprint, Dallas, TX: Protestant Heritage Press, 1995.

Thankfully, many of Calvin’s sermons are being republished as well as some of his lesser known treatises–what a treasure!

Clouse, Robert G. “Covenant Theology” in The New International Dictionary of the Christian Church. J. D. Douglas, ed. Revised Edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1978.

Fortner III, S. Donald. The Presbyterian Story: Origins and Progress of a Reformed Tradition. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock Publishing, 2013.   

Godfrey, W. Robert. Saving the Reformation: The Pastoral Theology of the Canons of Dort. Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust Publishing, 2019.

Dr. Charles Hodge

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

Hodge, Charles. Systematic Theology. 3 Volumes. Peabody, MA: Hendricksen Publications, Reprint, 1981. 

Hodge, Archibald A. Outlines of Theology. Edinburgh, Scotland: The Banner of Truth Trust, Reprint, 1972.

Hoekema, Anthony A. Created in God’s Image. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1986.

Dr. Anthony A. Hoekema

Hoekema, Anthony A. Saved By Grace. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1989.

Hoekema, Anthony A. The Bible and the Future. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1979.

Jellema, Dirk. “Predestination” in The New International Dictionary of the Christian Church. J. D. Douglas, ed. Revised Edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1978.

Dr. Abraham Kuyper

Kuiper, R. B. The Glorious Body of Christ. Edinburgh, Scotland: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1966.

Kuyper, Abraham. Lectures on Calvinism: Six Lectures from the Stone Foundation Lectures Delivered at Princeton University. Columbia, SC: ReadaClassic.com, 2020.

Letham, Robert. The Lord’s Supper: Eternal Word in Broken Bread. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R, 2001. 

Loetscher, Lefferts A. A Brief History of the Presbyterians. Third Edition. Philadelphia, PA: The Westminster Press, 1978. 

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

McKim, Donald K., ed. Encyclopedia of the Reformed Faith. Louisville, KY: Westminster/John Knox Press, 1992. 

McNeill, John T. The History and Character of Calvinism. London, England: Oxford University Press, 1954.

Prof. John Murray

Meeter, Henry H. Revised by Paul A. Marshall. The Basic Ideas of Calvinism. 6th Edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1990.

Murray, John, Christian Baptism, Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing, 1980.

Murray, John. Collected Writings of John Murray. Four Volumes. Edinburgh, Scotland: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1976.

Murray, John. Redemption—Accomplished and Applied. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1955. 

This is the four volume set of John Murray’s lifetime of studies–lectures, pamphlets, and sermons

Packer, J. I. Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1961.

Dr. J. I. Packer

Packer, J. I. Knowing God. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1973.

Packer, J. I. “Saved by His Precious Blood: An Introduction to John Owen’s The Death of Death in the Death of Christ” in A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1990.

Reid, W. Stanford. “Presbyterianism” in The New International Dictionary of the Christian Church. J. D. Douglas, ed. Revised Edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1978.

Reid, W. Stanford. “The Reformed Tradition” in Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. First Edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 1984.

Dr. Robert Reymond

Reymond, Robert L. A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith. Second Edition. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1998.

Reymond, Robert L. John Calvin: His Life and Influence. Ross-shire, Scotland: Christian Focus Publications, 2004.

Robertson, O. Palmer. The Christ of the Covenants. Philippsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing Company, 1980.

Sproul, R. C. Chosen by God. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1989.

Sproul, R. C. Faith Alone: The Evangelical Doctrine of Justification. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1995.

Dr. R. C. Sproul

Sproul, R. C. Scripture Alone: The Evangelical Doctrine. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2005.

Sproul, R. C. The Holiness of God. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1985.

Sproul, R. C. Truths We Confess: A Systematic Exposition of the Westminster Confession of Faith. Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust Publishing, 2019. 

Sproul, R. C. What Is Reformed Theology? Understanding the Basics. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1997.

Sproul, R. C. Willing to Believe: The Controversy Over Free Will. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1997.

R. C. Sproul has written a great number of fine books–here are four that I regularly consult

Steele, David N., Curtis C. Thomas, S. Lance Quinn. The Five Points of Calvinism: Defined, Defended, and Documented. Second Edition. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2004. 

Dr. Benjamin B. Warfield

Warfield, Benjamin B. Studies in Theology. First published in 1932; Edinburgh, Scotland: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1988.

Warfield, Benjamin B. The Inspiration and Authority of the Bible. Samuel G. Craig, ed. Philadelphia, PA: The Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company, 1948.

Warfield, Benjamin B. The Plan of Salvation. Philadelphia, PA: Presbyterian Board of Publication, 1915; Avinger, TX: Simpson Publishing Company, Reprint 1989.

Warfield, Benjamin B. The Person and Work of Christ. Philadelphia, PA: The Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company, 1950.

Dr. David F. Wells

Wells, David F. ed. Reformed Theology in America: Dutch Reformed Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1989.

Wells, David F., ed. Reformed Theology in America: Southern Reformed Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1989. 

Wells, David F., ed. Reformed Theology in America: The Princeton Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1989.

Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms. American Edition, 1788. Co-Published by Willow Grove, PA: The Committee on Christian Education of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and Suwanee, GA: Great Commission Publications, Reprint, 2008. 

Rev. G. I. Williamson

White, Henry A. Southern Presbyterian Leaders 1683-1911. Edinburgh, Scotland: The Banner of Truth Trust, Reprint, 2000.

Williamson, G. I. The Heidelberg Catechism: A Study Guide. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 1993.

Williamson, G. I. The Westminster Confession of Faith: for Study Classes. Second Edition. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2004.

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

Dr. Cornelius Van Til

Van Dixhoorn, Chad. Confessing the Faith: A Reader’s Guide to the Westminster Confession of Faith. Edinburgh, Scotland: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2014.

Van Til, Henry R. The Calvinistic Concept of Culture. Second Edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1972.

Van Til, Cornelius. Christian Apologetics. Second Edition. William Edgar, ed. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2003.

Venema, Cornelis P. The Promise of the Future. Edinburgh, Scotland: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2000.

Vos, Geerhardus. Biblical Theology. Fourth Edition. Edinburgh, Scotland: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2014.

Dr. Marcus J. Serven, ThM and DMin

The Genevan Foundation – Copyright 2023 – All Rights Reserved

Assurance of our Salvation

“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.

G. I. Williamson on Adoption

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

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

Berkhof on Sanctification

Louis Berkhof’s highly-regarded Systematic Theology

Prof. Louis Berkhof (1873-1957): “Sanctification: It is a work of God in which believers co-operate. When it is said that a man takes part in the work of sanctification, this does not mean that man is an independent agent in the work, so as to make it partly the work of God and partly the work of man; but merely, that God affects the work in part through the instrumentality of man as a rational being, by requiring of him prayerful and intelligent co-operation with the Spirit. That man must co-operate with the Spirit of God follows: (a) from the repeated warnings against evils and temptations, which clearly imply that man must be active in avoiding the pitfalls of life, Rom. 12:9, 16-17; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; Gal. 5:16-23; and (b) from the constant exhortations to holy living. These imply that the believer must be diligent in the employment of the means at his command for the moral and spiritual improvement of his life, Micah 6:8; John 15:2, 8, 16; Rom. 8:12-13; Rom. 12:1-2, 17; Gal. 6:7-8, 15.” (Berkhof, Systematic Theology, 534)

R. C. Sproul on Adoption

Dr. R. C. Sproul (1939-2017)

“Christ is God’s single heir by nature. He is the Father’s Son. We who are adopted become heirs of God, joint heirs with Christ, and ours is the most valuable and rich inheritance that anybody can have. The inheritance is given by God the Father to His Son, and everything Christ possesses is given to us, as His adopted brothers and sisters, including the gift of eternal life. He is called the first fruits of those who are raised from the dead. As God the Father has raised our elder brother from the grace, so He promises to do the same for us. It is an incalculable inheritance that God has preserved for His people, and at the last day God will say to His children, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world’ (Matt. 25:34).” (Sproul, Truths We Confess, 283) 

R. C. Sproul on Justification

Dr. R. C. Sproul (1939-2017)

“Justification stands at the beginning of the Christian life, at the moment we truly believe in Christ. At that instant, God reckons to us the righteousness of Christ, and we are declared just. Martin Luther expressed this concept with the phrase simil justus et peccator. Those four Latin words mean that we are, at the same time, both righteous and sinful. How can that be? On the surface, it sounds like a contradiction, doesn’t it? But we are indeed just by virtue of the justness or the righteousness of Christ, which is given to us. God imputes the righteousness of Jesus to you. That’s the basis of your justification. But, in and of yourself, you remain a sinner. That’s the whole point of the Protestant doctrine of justification. God doesn’t wait for us to be worthy of salvation. He doesn’t wait for us to become holy before we’re counted as righteous. ‘While we were still sinners, Christ died for us’ (Rom. 5:8).” (Sproul, Growing in Holiness: Understanding God’s Role and Yours, 76-77)

The Active Obedience of Christ

The Ten Commandments – found in the Bible at Exodus 20 & Deuteronomy 5

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Matthew 5:17

Written by Dr. Marcus J. Serven

Jesus Christ actively kept all of the provisions of the law of God on behalf of God’s people. In essence, he did for us what we could not do for ourselves. The Apostle Paul put it this way, “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes” (Rom. 10:4). This means that Jesus fulfilled the mandates of the Law upon our behalf, and he lavishly extends his righteousness to the people of God. Therefore, when we stand before the Lord on the Judgment Day we can know with certainty that our salvation is not based upon our own merit, but it is based upon the meritorious work of Jesus Christ—by grace he extends his righteousness to us. In another significant passage the Apostle Paul declares, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor. 5:21). Jesus Christ took our sins upon himself, and the people of God received the righteousness of Jesus Christ (in a double imputation). It was a divine exchange that was sovereignly brought about by the gracious activity of God. Professor Louis Berkof describes the “active obedience” of Jesus Christ in the following manner, 

Prof. Louis Berkhof

Christ as Mediator entered into the federal relation in which Adam stood in the state of integrity, in order to merit eternal life for the sinner. This constitutes the active obedience of Christ, consisting in all that Christ did to observe the law in its federal aspect, as the condition for obtaining eternal life. The active obedience of Christ was necessary to make His passive obedience acceptable with God, that is, to make it an object of God’s good pleasure. It is only on account of it that God’s estimate of the sufferings of Christ differs from His estimate of the sufferings of the lost. Moreover, if Christ had not rendered active obedience, the human nature of Christ itself would have fallen short of the just demands of God, and He would not have been able to atone for others. And, finally, if Christ had suffered only the penalty imposed on man, those who shared in the fruits of His work would have been left exactly where Adam was before he fell. Christ merits more for sinners than the forgiveness of sins. According to Gal. 4:4-5 they are through Christ set free from the law as the condition of life, are adopted to be sons of God, and as sons are also heirs of eternal life, Gal. 4:7. All this is conditioned primarily on the active obedience of Christ. Through Christ the righteousness of faith is substituted for the righteousness of the law, Rom. 10:3-4. Paul tells us that by the work of Christ ‘the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us,’ Rom. 8:3-4; and that we are made ‘the righteousness of God in Him,’ 2 Cor. 5:21.

Louis Berkhof, Systematic Theology, 380
Dr. J. Gresham Machen

Whereas Louis Berkhof gives a rather lengthy description of the doctrine, Dr. J. Gresham Machen, a well known Presbyterian and Reformed theologian, gives us a much shorter statement by simply saying, “I’m so thankful for the active obedience of Christ. No hope without it.” (Stonehouse, J. Gresham Machen: A Biographical Memior, 508). With these compelling words Machen points out how the active obedience of Jesus Christ is an absolute necessity for the passive obedience of Jesus Christ to accomplish its goal—the redemption of the people of God. Thus, when Jesus Christ obeys his Father’s wishes he not only fulfills the Law by his active obedience, but he also lays down his life as a sacrifice for sins by his passive obedience. Both aspects—active and passive obedience—capture the essence of Christ’s atoning work on behalf of the people of God. 

Dr. R. C. Sproul summarizes this important doctrine by saying,

Dr. R. C. Sproul

It was by His sinlessness that Jesus qualified Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. However, our salvation requires two aspects of redemption. It was not only necessary for Jesus to be our substitute and receive the punishment due for our sins; He also had to fulfill the law of God perfectly to secure the merit necessary for us to receive the blessings of God’s covenant. Jesus not only died as the perfect for the imperfect, the sinless for the sinful, but He lived the life of perfect obedience required for our salvation.

R. C. Sproul, Essential Truths of the Christian Faith, 84

The “two aspects of redemption” mentioned by R. C. Sproul refer to Christ’s active and passive obedience. God’s plan of redemption begins with the active obedience of Christ—in perfectly fulfilling the law—and ends with the passive obedience of Christ—in laying down his life as a sacrifice for sins.

The Westminster Confession of Faith summarizes the active and passive obedience of Christ in this manner:

4. This office the Lord Jesus did most willingly undertake; which that He might discharge, He was made under the law, and did perfectly fulfill it, endured most grievous torments immediately in His soul, and most painful suffering in His body; was crucified, and died; was buried, and remained under the power of death; yet saw no corruption. On the third day He arose from the dead, with the same body in which he suffered, with which also he ascended into heaven, and there sitteth at the right hand of His Father, making intercession, and shall return to judge men and angels at the end of the world.

5. The Lord Jesus, by His perfect obedience, and sacrifice of Himself, which He, through the eternal Spirit, once offered up unto God, hath fully satisfied the justice of His Father; and purchased, not only reconciliation, but an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of heaven, for all those whom the Father hath given unto Him.

Westminster Confession of Faith, chapter 8, articles 4 & 5

The two phrases, “He was made under the law, and did perfectly fulfill it” (Article 4), and “The Lord Jesus, by his perfect obedience, and sacrifice of Himself…once offered up unto God, hath fully satisfied the justice of His Father” (Article 5) wonderfully express the active and passive obedience of Christ. Jesus kept the Law perfectly so that he would be an atoning sacrifice for our sins. By his righteous merit the salvation of unrighteous sinners was accomplished. It was a “divine exchange”–the righteous One gave up his life for the unrighteous ones (1 Peter 3:18). To all of this we can rightly affirm, Soli Deo Gloria! 

If you would like to know more about the passive obedience of Christ then click on this link for an article I have written on that subject: https://thegenevanfoundation.com/the-passive-obedience-of-christ/

Key Bible Passages:

— “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished…For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 5:17-18, 20

— “Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men, For as by one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.” Rom. 5:18-19

— “For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” Rom. 8:3-4

— “For Christ is the end of the law for the righteous and to everyone who believes.” Rom. 10:4

— “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sins, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Cor. 5:21

— “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, and so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.” Gal. 4:4-7

— “Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.” Heb. 5:8-10

Resources for Further Study: 

Berkhof, Louis. Systematic Theology. 4th Edition. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdman’s Publishing Company, 1939.

Murray, John. Redemption Accomplished and Applied. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdman’s Publishing Company, 1955. 

Reymond, Robert L. “Obedience of Christ” in Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. Walter A. Elwell, ed. Second Edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2001.

Sproul. R. C. Essential Truths of the Christian Faith. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1992.

Stonehouse, Ned. B. J. Gresham Machen: A Biographical Memoir. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdman’s Publishing Company, 1954.

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. 

Dr. Marcus J. Serven, ThM and DMin

The Genevan Foundation – Copyright May, 2022 – All Rights Reserved

Berkhof on “The Passive Obedience of Christ”

Prof. Louis Berkhof

“Christ as Mediator also entered the penal relation to the law, in order to pay the penalty in our stead. His passive obedience consisted in His paying the penalty of sin by His sufferings and death, and this discharging the debt of all His people. The sufferings on Christ, which have already been described, did not come upon Him accidentally, nor as the result of purely natural circumstances. They were judicially laid upon Him as our representative, and were therefore really penal sufferings. The redemptive value of these sufferings results from the following facts: They were borne by a divine person who, only in virtue of His deity, could bear the penalty through to the end and thus obtain freedom from it. In view of the infinite value of the person who undertook to pay the price and to bear the curse, they satisfied the justice of God essentially and intensively. They were strictly moral sufferings, because Christ took them upon Himself voluntarily, and was perfectly innocent and holy in bearing them. The passive obedience of Christ stands out prominently in such passages as the following: Isa. 53:6; Rom. 4:25; 1 Pet. 2:24, 3:18: 1 John 2:2, while His active obedience is taught in such passages as Matt. 3:15, 5:17-18; John 15:10; Gal. 4:4-5; Heb. 10:7-9, in connection with the passages which teach us that Christ is our righteousness, Rom. 10:4; 2 Cor. 5:21; Phil. 3:9; and that He secured for us eternal life, the adoption of sons, and an eternal inheritance, Gal. 3:13-14, 4:4-5; Eph. 1:3-12, 5:25-27.” (Berkhof, Systematic Theology, 381)

Source: Louis Berkhof. Systematic Theology. 4th Edition. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdman’s Publishing Company, 1939.

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

Berkhof on “The Active Obedience of Christ”

Prof. Louis Berkhof

“Christ as Mediator entered into the federal relation in which Adam stood in the state of integrity, in order to merit eternal life for the sinner. This constitutes the active obedience of Christ, consisting in all that Christ did to observe the law in its federal aspect, as the condition for obtaining eternal life. The active obedience of Christ was necessary to make His passive obedience acceptable with God, that is, to make it an object of God’s good pleasure. It is only on account of it that God’s estimate of the sufferings of Christ differs from His estimate of the sufferings of the lost. Moreover, if Christ had not rendered active obedience, the human nature of Christ itself would have fallen short of the just demands of God, and He would not have been able to atone for others. And, finally, if Christ had suffered only the penalty imposed on man, those who shared in the fruits of His work would have been left exactly where Adam was before he fell. Christ merits more for sinners than the forgiveness of sins. According to Gal. 4:4-5 they are through Christ set free from the law as the condition of life, are adopted to be sons of God, and as sons are also heirs of eternal life, Gal. 4:7. All this is conditioned primarily on the active obedience of Christ. Through Christ the righteousness of faith is substituted for the righteousness of the law, Rom. 10:3-4. Paul tells us that by the work of Christ ‘the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us,’ Rom. 8:3-4; and that we are made ‘the righteousness of God in Him,’ 2 Cor. 5:21.” (Berkhof, Systematic Theology, 380)

Source: Louis Berkhof. Systematic Theology. 4th Edition. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdman’s Publishing Company, 1939. 

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

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