Articles

Newly uncovered details about an old theological controversy with Cornelius Van Til remind us to check our motives for theological criticism.

God does not simply sit down with us over a beer, accepting us just as we are and leaving us entirely unchanged, except for giving us an undeserved inheritance.

A story of political corruption in ancient Israel can help the church respond to elections. Chasing after promises of utopia has always led to oppression and misery.

Our understanding of discipline is too narrow. More than punishing or correcting, discipline is an act of love that shapes us to Christ. And it does far more good than harm in the end.

"Science is only possible because things in this universe work consistently, they change consistently, and we can make predictions because of it. Without consistency the world would be incomprehensible."

The article reviews Peter Martyr Vermigli’s hermeneutical principles outlined in his I Corinthians commentary and examines Martyr’s understanding of the authority of Scripture and the Church as contrasted with a Roman Catholic interlocutor, Stanislaus Hosius; it also analyzes two test cases in Vermigli’s loci that demonstrate a constructive and destructive use, respectively, of his hermeneutical principles. The demonstrations evaluate Vermigli’s positive statement of the doctrine of justification and his polemical engagement with the doctrine of purgatory.

This article responds to the recent article by Joshua Maurer and Ty Kieser, “Jesus, ‘Adopted Son of God?’ Romans 1:4, Orthodox Christology, and Concerns about a Contemporary Conclusion.” While we commend these authors’ desire to promote orthodox Christology, we correct their misreading of our own positions, particularly our view regarding the adoption of the divine Son according to his human nature, an adoption essential for the perfecting of the Son in accomplishing the salvation applied to believers. We conclude with an important pastoral observation concerning the adoption of the Son for the adoption of believers.

A relatively small but significant debate continues within a segment of the Reformed community regarding priority within the structure of soteriology. Although there is a much longer history, the context for the current debate reaches back most immediately to various critiques of the New Perspective on Paul and the Federal Vision. These movements emphasize union with Christ while objecting to the doctrine of justification as historically understood within Reformed theology. In particular, the role of imputation, whereby Christ’s righteousness is attributed to the believer, is openly questioned.

What does it look like to yearn for oneness with God, and how do we get there?

J. Gresham Machen, in a historic moment, opposes the passing of a bill meant to uniform public education under the centralized control of the government.

When the ministry disappoints, set your heart on the things above.

In this follow-up to his seminal work, The Defense of the Faith, Cornelius Van Til continues to explore “in greater detail the nature and implications of our commitment to Scriptural authority,” articulating a Reformed apologetic harmonious with the Christian faith. Through a dazzling survey of perspectives—the church fathers, Thomas Aquinas, Herman Bavinck, B. B. Warfield, Oliver Buswell, and others—Van Til expresses a vibrantly Reformed epistemology founded on the Word of God.

Amillennials aren't the doleful type. We know Christ rules, our suffering matters, and the world needs our witness.

"...our dignity comes from the very Author of the universe."

Critical theory shares assumptions with the snake talk of Genesis 3.

"Beauty is everywhere, even in its conspicuous absence."

True courage requires something many people lack: the long quiet labor of understanding, sympathizing, and loving as we speak the truth.

Here are three things you need to know before talking to people who differ from you.

"True creation is more complicated than what AI does."

"The image of God manifests in the harmony of the masculine Adam and the feminine Eve precisely because of the eternal harmony of the persons of Trinity."

Cornelius Van Til could say things that make you re-envision your approach to knowledge and theology. This is one of them, and it brings out our wonder, humility, and worship.

In this influential posthumous masterpiece, Dutch missiologist J. H. Bavinck guides readers in a candid, eloquent, and eye-opening exploration of religion, revelation, and the distinctness of the Christian faith in the context of global religions.

The relevance of belief in God may just be the thing that draws a drifting culture back to Christianity. Apart from relevance, faith is dead in the water.

The Acrostic of Scripture gives parents and teachers a unique way to teach theology to children and makes catechism fun! An alphabet of words introducing biblical theology, written to a rhyming beat, paints a detailed and varied portrait of the unfolding story of the Bible, as it is fulfilled by Jesus.

"Out of this discovery grew her desire to see readers find the same satisfaction in the Lord."

Apologetics often makes us think of argumentation, but what about the relation of those arguments to daily life? And how do argument and persuasion relate to each other?

A "Satanic" song performance at the 2023 Grammys has drawn much attention. What does it teach us about secular thought, and how should we respond?

Apocolyptic literature has a message most people miss.

"Insofar as these sub-reformed apologetic methods proliferate, the church will struggle to meet the challenge of unbelief."

Bless your heart.” “Have a blessed day.” “God bless this house.” “Let us say a blessing.” The words bless, blessed, and blessing are thrown around quite a bit in everyday conversation. So, when we read about the blessed ones in the Beatitudes (Matt. 5:3–12), the impact of the concept of blessing may get lost in translation. What sort of blessings are in view in the Beatitudes? Are these principles we are to strive for? Are they spiritual realities that are already true? Are they unattainable ideals? Such questions are closely related to the approach one takes to the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5–7) as a whole. As to the latter question—how are we to read the Sermon on the Mount?—the answer is that the Lord’s sermon does not present an unattainable ideal that only underscores our inherent inability to realize the sermon’s demands. Instead, the Sermon on the Mount presents an ethical blueprint for disciples who make up the messianic community. The sermon provides the great principles that are to guide Christians to righteousness in practice, even as we follow the One who fulfills all righteousness (3:15). It is within this framework that the Beatitudes stand at the gateway of the Sermon on the Mount. As biblical theologian Geerhardus Vos noted more than a century ago, “At the beginning [of the Sermon on the Mount] stand the beatitudes, engraven in golden script upon its portal, reminding us that we are not received by Jesus into a school of ethics but into a kingdom of redemption.” Therefore, to understand the blessings of the Beatitudes, we need to read Jesus’ sermon in the context of the entire canon of Scripture and the full scope of redemptive history. For indeed, the blessings of the Beatitudes are preeminently covenantal blessings. To understand the biblical background to the Beatitudes, we turn first to Psalm 1:1–3: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. Here the blessed one, the one who will flourish and prosper in his life, is the one who meditates on the law of God. Additionally, the term translated “blessed” in Psalm 1:1 in the Greek Old Testament is the same term used in the Greek New Testament for the blessed of the Beatitudes (makarios). Both Psalm 1 and the Beatitudes speak about the importance of God’s law for life. Thus, there is an ethical emphasis in these two texts: to know and to do God’s law is to be blessed. We gain a fuller picture of what it means to be blessed by looking also at the blessings of Deuteronomy. For readers of the Pentateuch (Genesis–Deuteronomy), the language of blessings and curses has a familiar ring. Particularly at the end of Deuteronomy, we read about two paths that lie before the Israelites: the path of blessing and the path of cursing (Deut. 26–28; see also 11:26–28). The warnings against covenantal disobedience are clarion, as are the rewards for covenantal obedience. It is important to recognize that Deuteronomy is addressed originally to God’s covenant people who have been redeemed from Egypt (Deut. 1–4; see Ex. 19:5–6) and who are consequently instructed in covenantal obedience (Deut. 5–26; see Ex. 20–23). It is in this context that we read at the end of Deuteronomy a verse that is particularly relevant for the Beatitudes: “Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord, the shield of your help, and the sword of your triumph! Your enemies shall come fawning to you, and you shall tread upon their backs” (Deut. 33:29). These words, which are the last recorded words of Moses, speak of the happiness or blessedness (makarios) of Israel, who are the people uniquely saved by the Lord. Already in the Old Testament, therefore, God’s saving work provides the proper context for understanding what it means to be covenantally blessed and shows that being blessed with salvation also entails the responsibility to live according to God’s law. Consistent with this Old Testament emphasis on the priority of God’s action in redemption before the giving of the law, the Beatitudes are found in the context of Matthew’s gospel, wherein we find that Jesus saves His people from their sins (Matt. 1:21). Though the Promised Land may have been filled with darkness, the coming of Christ brought the great light of salvation for those dwelling in the shadow of death (4:14–16). The Beatitudes must thus be read in their wider context. Before we get to the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus has already been baptized, has overcome the devil in the face of temptation, has fulfilled Scripture in various ways, and has announced the inauguration of the kingdom of heaven. Only after we read of these aspects of the work of Christ are we introduced to the ethics of the kingdom in the Sermon on the Mount. And even here, the opening of the Sermon on the Mount speaks of the blessings of the redeemed (5:3–12). This does not mean, of course, that we are not to strive for the vision that is cast in the Beatitudes; but it does mean that redemption precedes living according to the Beatitudes. It is thus in light of the gift of redemption that we are to hunger and thirst after righteousness, be pure in heart, be meek, and so on. The Beatitudes are at once the blessings of the redeemed and the call for what the lives of the redeemed should look like. And these blessings are not abstract, for Jesus Himself shows us how the Beatitudes look in practice. For example, Jesus blesses the meek (5:5), and He Himself is meek and lowly of heart (11:29; 21:5). Likewise, Jesus blesses the merciful (5:7), and He Himself shows mercy (9:27; 15:22; 17:15; 20:30–31; see Hos. 6:6). Thus, the blessings of the redeemed are also ways that the redeemed reflect the character of their Savior.

Our nativity scenes communicate something we all overlook: a weak and suffering savior who came to the world as an outcast.

In this influential posthumous masterpiece, Dutch missiologist J. H. Bavinck guides readers in a candid, eloquent, and eye-opening exploration of religion, revelation, and the distinctness of the Christian faith in the context of global religions.

Should churches cancel Lord's Day services to celebrate Christmas?

When death haunts our minds, we can stare at the light of our destiny.

A poem on how life follows death

The greatest lie in his is a simple one, but we're still fighting it. It's the lie that God is not really present with us.

A poem on the indwelling of the Spirit

Pierce Taylor Hibbs reflects on the way in which truth changes us, based on Vern Poythress's book, Truth, Theology, and Perspective.

"He held fast to that blessed hope, sustained by the seed of faith, which will blossom most beautifully in the light of glory."

An interview with Doctor of Ministry student Rob Pacienza

Jeff Hart interviews Alfred Poirier on the ministry of reconciliation.

Critical theory needs to be open to its own criticism.

"This is yet another example of a not-so-subtle maneuver pro-abortion advocates have employed in recent years, involving word games that would have made Wittgenstein proud."

"This is yet another example of a not-so-subtle maneuver pro-abortion advocates have employed in recent years, involving word games that would have made Wittgenstein proud."

"The fight for life has been fought for almost half a century, most of it out of the spotlight, in a committed and arduous battle involving the sacrifice of time, resources, and long-term education..."

"Many grace-filled brothers and sisters speak openly against the SSA identity paradigm. These humble servants are no ivory-tower theologians, hurling theological darts from afar."

A biblical perspective on race celebrates both our God-given unity and our uniqueness

Vern Poythress shows how Westminster is uniquely situated to do cultural analysis.

"Additionally, the matter of public theology at Westminster was greatly clarified by our concern to maintain our position on the sanctity of life in the face of the pro-abortion demands of the Affordable Care Act."

"Christianity is not just a deed complete with a title search to a plot of ground and a house in heaven. It is also a set of directions, a series of indications, for living today."

"Additionally, the matter of public theology at Westminster was greatly clarified by our concern to maintain our position on the sanctity of life in the face of the pro-abortion demands of the Affordable Care Act."

"The opacity of heaven’s glory is ever so slightly made more translucent as the faces of its residents are revealed to me through the window that death provides."

"In other words, Progressive Christianity, at its core, is Liberal Christianity 2.0."

Ludwig Lavater compares the short book of Ruth to “precious jewels” of “exceptional worth,” which provides “the greatest usefulness to all parts of life.” Bringing this important study into the modern era, this new translation by Michael Hunter, with a biographical introduction by Jonathan Gibson, makes accessible these biblically rich sermons from a sixteenth-century pastor and scholar. Lavater’s sermons on Ruth promote virtuous living for Christian men and women and culminate by showing how the genealogy of David points us to Jesus Christ. The Book of Ruth Explained is a useful guide for laypeople, pastors, and scholars who desire to study the book of Ruth and apply it to everyday life.

"The trouble for God’s people has always been the same: God’s voice isn’t the only one receiving attention."

Careful exegetical attention, a robust knowledge of Reformed systematic theology, and an acute awareness of our spiritual needs all mark this staggering work of profound scholarship.

Careful exegetical attention, a robust knowledge of Reformed systematic theology, and an acute awareness of our spiritual needs all mark this staggering work of profound scholarship.

The blood of Christ still speaks. It asks us to draw nearer, to the owner of the blood.

Doubts and denials swarm the biblical teaching that humans descend from an historical pair, Adam and Eve. Christians who entertain these doubts also claim they are compatible with Christian commitment. But is that possible?

A philosophy, as a worldview, must have an anchor if it is to be meaningfully discussed and assessed. If God exists, then philosophy must find its anchor by being subservient to theology.

What are creationism, evolution, and intelligent design really about? Do they have similar levels of credibility, or has materialism displaced God as the best explanation for our existence?

In our world things are not the way they are supposed to be. If God is perfect, loving, and powerful, why does he allow this world to be so painful and imperfect? Scripture provides satisfying answers to these questions.

Scholar of science and theology, Vern Poythress, examines which of the contemporary interpretations of Genesis are most consistent with scientific evidence and careful biblical interpretation.

As society increasingly demonstrates a disbelief in God, what happens when that viewpoint is questioned? In a conversational style, Oliphint discusses why belief is a more coherent position than unbelief and answers objections to common questions about Christianity.

Although postmodernism, polytheism, and the ancient heresy of Gnosticism seem unrelated, Peter Jones shows that they are part of an ancient religious worldview that seeks to impose significant elements of a pagan civilization on our once “Christian” Western culture.

How can God be morally good if he commands apparently evil actions—for example, the extermination of the Canaanites? This booklet explores this important Old Testament topic.

One of the hallmarks of Westminster Theological Seminary since its beginning in 1929 has been a high view of Scripture that reflects the historic Reformed theological and confessional tradition. Thy Word Is Still Truth confirms that Westminster still holds this high view.

110 years after its original publication, The Wonderful Works of God remains one of the finest single-volume systematic theologies ever written.

This modern classic by Nam Joon Kim shaped a generation's understanding of what it means to live diligently and deliberately for God. Applying the practical wisdom of Proverbs, Busy for Self, Lazy for God helps to reorient and invigorate our priorities.

Filled with wonder at the majesty and mystery of the Creator, Murray’s sermons are characterized by precise theological thought, and a passion for the application of the gospel to all of life.

In his renowned book Christianity and Liberalism, Machen took a stand for the truth. In these radio talks, Machen exposits the truth for us once more—this time about the supernatural person of Jesus.

If God has spoken, that changes everything. It means you know who you are, why you're here, and where you're going.

Long heralded as a “classic defense of orthodox Christianity,” Christianity and Liberalism has had a profound influence in the church since its publication in 1923.

The wisdom of the past collected in this book offers much needed and trustworthy illumination for pastors, leaders, and laypeople in times of crisis and uncertainty.

Collecting Witherow’s most important works on the topic—The Apostolic Church, Scriptural Baptism, and The Sabbath—this volume includes a new and illuminating biography of Witherow by volume editor Jonathan Gibson.

Providing a careful summary of Witherspoon's life and thought, Kevin DeYoung's introduction and notes are an invaluable guide to these classic works.

In the vein of C.S. Lewis’s landmark “Mere Christianity” talks, Machen’s addresses are a crystal-clear articulation of the basics of the Christian faith, unfolding into an exceptional and persuasive explanation of Reformed theology.

Three seasoned pastor-scholars―William Edgar, R. Kent Hughes, and Alfred Poirier―come to the aid of today’s pastor, bringing their experience to bear on cultural engagement, the craft of preaching, and the care of souls.

Designed to strengthen the global church with a widely accessible, theologically sound, and pastorally wise resource for understanding and applying the overarching storyline of the Bible, the ESV Expository Commentary features the full text of the ESV Bible passage by passage, with crisp and theologically rich exposition and application. Editors Iain M. Duguid, James M. Hamilton Jr., and Jay Sklar have gathered a team of experienced pastor-theologians to provide a new generation of pastors and other teachers of the Bible around the world with a globally minded commentary rich in biblical theology and broadly Reformed doctrine, making the message of redemption found in all of Scripture clear and available to all.

Joel Richards interviews Larry Trotter

"Melville not only opened a window to a different time, but to a different man, a man who quite literally sailed stormy seas in hunt of Leviathan and other sea monsters."

"Such lessons can help the reader become more refined and mentally fit for his literary task."

"Everything bears a message from the estate owner."

"Indeed, this is a movie about loneliness and betrayal, about shattered facades and having to salvage what remains in the midst of a reality that tempts one to cynical thinking."

"The pendulum has swung—and today, the “otherworldly” focus has changed to the present."

Providing a careful summary of Witherspoon's life and thought, Kevin DeYoung's introduction and notes are an invaluable guide to these classic works.

"To overcome the world ought to be the height of every man’s and woman’s ambition. Then there can be no misery but only joy in the truth of Christ."