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How the Protestant Reformers are Still Changing the World

Tag: Theology Study Group

Theology Study Group–On Summer Break

July 5, 2023 /

Written by Dr. Marcus J. Serven

We had a wonderful year of studying the Protestant Reformation (September 2022 through May 2023) here at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Austin, TX. Over the months we examined all of the key people and many of the significant events of the Reformation. Plus we had the opportunity to discuss and reflect on all the essential doctrines that emerged from this important time in history. Here is a short summary of the central doctrines of the Reformation:

  1. “By Scripture Alone” (Sola Scriptura): The Bible alone is the source of God’s revelation; it contains the Law, the Gospel, and principles for how we should live, worship and think (principium cognoscendi). At the Diet of Worms (1521) Martin Luther based his whole argument on the phrase, “My conscience is captive to the Word of God.” Thus, Sola Scriptura is commonly referred to as the “formal principle” of the Reformation (Isa. 40:8; Jn. 5:39, 10:35; 2 Tim. 3:14-17, Heb. 4:12-13).
  2. “By Christ Alone” (Solus Christus): Jesus Christ is the only name by which we may be saved. The gospel is exclusive, and only faith in Christ saves (Isa. 53:1-12; Jn. 14:6; 1 Tim. 2:5-7, Acts 4:12).
  3. “By Grace Alone” (Sola Gratia): God’s grace alone is the ground of our salvation, and this is received by faith alone. Without God’s grace no one would be saved (Ps. 31:1; Eph. 2:4-10; Tit. 2:11-14).
  4. “By Faith Alone” (Sola Fide): God-given faith is the only way to receive the imputed righteousness of Christ, which results in our justification. Luther noted, “faith is the receptive organ of justification.” Hence, the gift of faith is often referred to as the “material principle” of the Reformation. Moreover, Luther insisted that justification by faith is,“the article upon which the Church stands or falls” (justificatio est articulus stantis et cadentis ecclesiae). See the following Bible passages which clearly prove this point (Hab. 2:4; Rom. 1:16-17, 3:28; Eph. 2:8-9; Tit. 3:5-7).
  5. “Before the face of God” (Coram Deo): Christians are exhorted by the Bible to live all of life in the presence of God. This implies that there is no area of life where we do not have “business with God” (Negotium cum Deo). Christ is Lord over all (Prov. 15:3; Eph. 5:1-21; Col. 3:1-17).
  6. “To God Be the Glory” (Soli Deo Gloria): God alone is the proper recipient of our gratitude in the matter of salvation and the Christian life (1 Cor. 10:31; Tit. 3:5-7; 1 Pt. 4:10-11).
  7. “The Priesthood of Every Believer” (Communio Sanctorum): Every believer is exhorted by God to live-out the Christian life as a “holy venture” that pleases God (1 Pt. 2:9-10). Our sanctification and assurance of salvation are based solely upon the finished work of Jesus Christ on the Cross (Rom.  12:1-2; 1 Jn. 1:9, 5:13; 1 Pt. 2:21-25).
  8. “After Darkness, Light” (Post Tenebras Lux): This was the town motto of Geneva, Switzerland during the time of the Reformation. It reflects the wonderful deliverance from their former way of life that the local population came to feel as they lived by the doctrines of the Bible (Jn. 3:19-21 and 8:12; Eph. 4:17-32; Col. 1:13-14).
  9. “The Church reformed, always reforming” (Ecclesia Reformata, Semper Reformanda): This slogan does not mean that the Church is always seeking to be “in step” with modern contemporary culture. Instead, it means that the Church of Jesus Christ is always measuring its doctrine and practices by Holy Scripture and reforming it when necessary. Only in this way does the Church keep itself pure and fit for service unto the Lord (Rom. 12:1-2).  

Here is a picture of our intrepid classmates (minus a few individuals who were away on the final day):

Also, a few weeks prior several of us enjoyed a fun luncheon after class at Pok-E-Joe’s BBQ here in Austin. These kinds of informal gatherings allow us to continue talking about what we are learning, while also building good friendships.

Lastly, I’ll announce the details for next year’s class soon! We plan to resume our studies on Thursday, September 14th.

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

Update on the Theology Study Group

May 12, 2022 /
An after class celebration at Pok-e-Jo’s Smokehouse in Austin

Over the past twenty-two months I have really enjoyed the privilege of teaching theology to this serious group of adult-learners. We call ourselves the “Theology Study Group.” Our class formed in the Summer of 2020 with four students and over time we grew to sixteen students. The basic plan was to meet weekly on Thursday mornings (weather, vacations, and illnesses permitting) at Redeemer Presbyterian Church. The Lord has certainly blessed us as we dug deep into the Bible and wrestled with all of the major doctrines of the Christian faith.

Today we reached the final pages in Louis Berkhof’s “Manual of Christian Doctrine” and we discussed–as you might expect–the Return of Christ and the coming Judgment Day. The promise of “the blessed hope” which is “the appearing of…our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13) is a strong motivation to holy living and faithfulness. What a privilege it is to reflect on these precious doctrines of God. Class members: (L-R) Max, Donna, Steven, Albert, David, Joel, Bret, me, Steven, and Boyd. Missing from this picture are regular attenders: Robert, Brian, Joseph, and Jack.

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

An Update on the “Theology Study Group”

December 11, 2020 /
A tried and true resource for studying Christian doctrine

Every Thursday morning (9:00-11:00 AM) I have the privilege of teaching systematic theology to a group of men and women at Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA) here in Austin. Typically, we have 10-12 students for each class session. We have certainly grown a lot since beginning this past July when I started with one participant! Each one of the students serve in various ministry settings–as ruling elders, deacons, crisis counselors, missionary pastors, and chaplains. Moreover, they all greatly desire to “go deeper” into our beliefs, doctrines, and practices. We are using Louis Berkhof’s well-regarded Manual of Christian Doctrine (2nd Edition) as a guide, and I regularly assign additional resources as needed. Besides my teaching, we thoroughly discuss these doctrines and seek to come up with practical applications that can be useful in actual ministry situations.

For example, we recently studied the “Providence of God” and we noted how beneficial this doctrine can be in providing assurance and comfort to those who are in the midst of suffering and trials. Our Confession of Faith states it this way, “God the great Creator of all things doth uphold, direct, dispose, and govern all creatures, actions, and things, from the greatest even to the least, by His most wise and holy providence, according to His infallible foreknowledge, and the free and immutable counsel of His own will to the praise of the glory of His wisdom, power, justice, goodness, and mercy.” (Westminster Confession of Faith, Ch. 5, Art. 1) What a blessing it is to know that God directs the affairs of mankind! And, that our Lord is intimately involved in the details of our own life so that He knows even the number of hairs upon our head! (Matt. 10:29-31)

I sure would welcome your prayers as I teach systematic theology from week to week, and as I seek “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” (Eph. 4:12) And, for those who may be interested in joining us, then simply reach out to me to get more information.

— Dr. Marcus J. Serven

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