Reformed Forum

The Christ the Center panel had the distinct privilege of recently interviewing Dr. Michael A. G. Haykin, professor of church history and Biblical spirituality at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, about the importance of studying the early church fathers and reading them as the Protestant Reformers did. Dr. Haykin notes that Evangelicals are not known for their familiarity with the church fathers as they are often seen as the provenance of Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox scholars and theologians. However, this is not true, for instance, the Reformers widely read the fathers as senior conversation partners in the interpretation of Scripture and in the exposition of theology. John Calvin, for instance, quoted from such fathers as the great Augustine and learned some of his preaching method from John Chrysostom. The contemporary church owes a deep debt of gratitude to the early church fathers, who wrestled with such significant matters as the doctrine of the Trinity, the two natures of Christ, and the full deity of Christ and the Holy Spirit. Dr. Haykin notes that, unlike Scripture, the fathers are not inerrant and so must be read and thought over with discernment. Dr. Haykin is also a respected Jonathan Edwards scholar and has written or edited numerous articles and books, including: The Christian Lover, The Advent of Evangelicalism, Jonathan Edwards: The Holy Spirit in Revival, The Revived Puritan: The Spirituality of George Whitefield, The Spirit of God: The Exegesis of 1 and 2 Corinthians in the Pneumatomachian Controversy of the Fourth Century, and the five-volume British Particular Baptists. This is a must-hear interview that will only deepen one’s theological understanding of the Reformed faith.

Archive.org

Haykin, Michael A. G. The Christian Lover: The Sweetness of Love and Marriage in the Letters of Believers. Lake Mary FL: Reformation Trust Pub., 2009.

—. Jonathan Edwards: The Holy Spirit in Revival. Evangelical Press, 2005.

—. The God Who Draws Near: An Introduction to Biblical Spirituality. Darlington, England; Webster, NY: Evangelical Press, 2007.

—. The Revived Puritan: the Spirituality of George Whitefield. Joshua Press, 2000.

—. The Spirit of God: The Exegesis of 1 and 2 Corinthians in the Pneumatomachian Controversy of the Fourth Century. Brill Academic Publishers, 1994.

Haykin, Michael A. G., Kenneth J. Stewart, and Timothy. George. The Advent of Evangelicalism: Exploring Historical Continuities. Nashville, TN: B & H Academic, 2008.

Kelly, J. N. D. Early Christian Doctrines. New York: Harper, 1959.

Letham, Robert. The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship. P & R Publishing, 2005.

Pelikan, Jaroslav. The Christian Tradition: A History of the Development of Doctrine, Vol. 1: The Emergence of the Catholic Tradition. University Of Chicago Press, 1975.

Wilken, Robert Louis. The Spirit of Early Christian Thought: Seeking the Face of God. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2003.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig

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We have the usual book news and then provide an overview of the union with Christ discussion complete with a bibliography for those interested in reading more on the subject.

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Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig

Why Can’t Johnny Preach? That is a good question. And it is a troubling question too. To try to get at an answer, the Christ the Center panel interviewed Rev. Dr. T. David Gordon, minister in the Presbyterian Church in America and professor of religion and Greek at Grove City College. Dr. Gordon is the former pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashua, NH, and associate professor of New Testament at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, MA. The panel discussed with Dr. Gordon the reasons why preaching has fallen on such hard times in our day and what can be done about it. Along the way, issues of media ecology are also discussed as they bear on the challenges various media present to the task of preaching and the task of listening to preaching. Listeners will find much food for thought in this provocative episode.

Gordon, T. David. Why Johnny Can’t Preach : The Media Have Shaped the Messengers. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P & R Pub., 2009.

McLuhan, Marshall, and Quentin Fiore. The Medium is the Message. New Ed. Gingko Press, 2005.

Phillips, Richard, and Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology. Precious Blood : The Atoning Work of Christ. Wheaton Ill.: Crossway Books, 2009.

Postman, Neil. Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business. 20th ed. Penguin (Non-Classics), 2005.

Reynolds, Gregory Edward. The Word is Worth a Thousand Pictures: Preaching in the Electronic Age. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock, 2001.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig, T. David Gordon

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This is part 2 of a 2 part discussion with Guy Prentiss Waters. Part 1 is also available for download.

The Christ the Center panel had the distinct privilege of discussing N. T. Wright’s new book Justification: God’s Plan and Paul’s Vision with Guy Prentiss Waters, associate professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS. Dr. Waters is an ordained minister in Presbyterian Church in America and did his doctoral work under the supervision of E. P. Sanders at Duke University. Dr. Waters has written numerous books and articles, including The End of Deuteronomy in the Epistles of Paul, Justification and the New Perspectives on Paul, The Federal Vision and Covenant Theology, and he has co-edited with Gary Johnson By Faith Alone and has contributed a chapter to the recent publication The Law is Not of Faith. Dr. Waters and the panel discuss various features of Wright’s book, such as what is new in the book from what Wright has previously published, continuities with Wright’s past work, and the tone of the book. This a fascinating and detailed discussion that we have divided into two episodes.

Carson, D. A., Peter T. O’Brien, and Mark A. Seifrid. Justification And Variegated Nomism. Baker Academic, 2004.

Fesko, J. Justification: Understanding the Classic Reformed Doctrine. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008.

Johnson, Gary L. W., and Guy Prentiss Waters. By Faith Alone : Answering the Challenges to the Doctrine of Justification. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2006.

Waters, Guy. The end of Deuteronomy in the Epistles of Paul. Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck, 2006.

Waters, Guy Prentiss. Justification and the new perspectives on Paul : a review and response. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P & R Pub., 2004.

—. The Federal Vision and Covenant Theology : A Comparative Analysis. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publ., 2006.

Wright, N. T. Justification : God’s plan and Paul’s vision. London: SPCK, 2009

Participants: Camden Bucey, Guy Prentiss Waters, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig

Mentioned in this episode:

Christ the Center 1000 Live in Austin, TX

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Christ the Center 1000 Summit

The Christ the Center panel had the distinct privilege of discussing N. T. Wright’s new book Justification: God’s Plan and Paul’s Vision with Guy Prentiss Waters, associate professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS. Dr. Waters is an ordained minister in Presbyterian Church in America and did his doctoral work under the supervision of E. P. Sanders at Duke University. Dr. Waters has written numerous books and articles, including The End of Deuteronomy in the Epistles of Paul, Justification and the New Perspectives on Paul, The Federal Vision and Covenant Theology, and he has co-edited with Gary Johnson By Faith Alone and has contributed a chapter to the recent publication The Law is Not of Faith. Dr. Waters and the panel discuss various features of Wright’s book, such as what is new in the book from what Wright has previously published, continuities with Wright’s past work, and the tone of the book. This a fascinating and detailed discussion that we have divided into two episodes.

Part 2 of this discussion is also available.

Carson, D. A., Peter T. O’Brien, and Mark A. Seifrid. Justification And Variegated Nomism. Baker Academic, 2004.

Fesko, J. Justification: Understanding the Classic Reformed Doctrine. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008.

Johnson, Gary L. W., and Guy Prentiss Waters. By Faith Alone : Answering the Challenges to the Doctrine of Justification. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2006.

Waters, Guy. The end of Deuteronomy in the Epistles of Paul. Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck, 2006.

Waters, Guy Prentiss. Justification and the new perspectives on Paul : a review and response. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P & R Pub., 2004.

—. The Federal Vision and Covenant Theology : A Comparative Analysis. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publ., 2006.

Wright, N. T. Justification : God’s plan and Paul’s vision. London: SPCK, 2009.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Guy Prentiss Waters, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig

Mentioned in this episode:

Christ the Center 1000

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

Christ the Center 1000 Live in Austin, TX

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

Dr. Richard B. Gaffin, Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology, Emeritus at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, joined the Christ the Center panel to discuss the nature of the gospel and the relation of the benefits of redemption to union with Christ. The significance of the contribution of John Calvin was delved into, especially his handling of the duplex gratia dei or two-fold blessing of justification and sanctification, and how this relates to our union with the risen Lord.

Of special interest was the conversation about how justification and sanctification relate to each other within union. A discussion was also had regarding the distinction between definitive and progressive sanctification and the biblical basis for that distinction. The panel also discussed the relation of the historia salutis (the history of redemption or the accomplishment of redemption) to the ordo salutis (the order of salvation or its application).

Dr. Gaffin is the author of numerous articles and books, including Resurrection and Redemption, Calvin and the Sabbath, Perspectives on Pentecost, By Faith, Not By Sight and he has edited a collection of the shorter writings of Geerhardus Vos, Redemptive History and Biblical Interpretation. In May of 2008 Dr. Gaffin entered into honored retirement and was the recipient of a festschrift entitled Resurrection and Eschatology co-edited by Lane G. Tipton and Jeffrey C. Waddington.

Bogue, Carl W. Jonathan Edwards and the Covenant of Grace . Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2009.

Gaffin, Richard. By Faith Not By Sight . Paternoster, 2006.

Gaffin, Richard B., Jr. Resurrection and Redemption: A Study in Paul’s Soteriology . 2nd ed. P & R Publishing, 1987.

Larson, Mark J. Calvin’s Doctrine of the State: A Reformed Doctrine and Its American Trajectory, the Revolutionary War, and the Founding of the Republic . Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2009.

Payne, Jon D. In The Splendor Of Holiness: Rediscovering the Beauty of Reformed Worship for the 21st Century . First. Tolle Lege Press, 2008

Participants: Camden Bucey, James Dolezal, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Richard B. Gaffin Jr.

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The Christ the Center panel had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Cornelis P. Venema, president of Mid-America Reformed Seminary in Dyer, Indiana, and professor of doctrinal studies, about his forthcoming book, Children at the Lord’s Table: Assessing the Case for Paedocommunion, due out in March from Reformation Heritage Books. Dr. Venema discussed the causes for the rise in interest in the idea that since we baptize infants, children should also be admitted to the Lord’s table without a prior profession of faith. Following the general contours of the book, Dr. Venema addresses the historical, confessional, and biblical arguments for paedocommunion and shows why this practice is ultimately unbiblical. Whether you are for or against the admission of children to the Lord’s supper, you will appreciate both the discussion here and the book. Dr. Venema is also the author of the following books: Christ and the Future, Getting the Gospel Right, Gospel of Free Acceptance in Christ, The Promise of the Future, and Accepted and Renewed in Christ.

Calvin, John. Tracts and Letters of John Calvin. 7 vols. Banner of Truth Trust, 2009.

Ryken, Philip Graham. Luke. Phillipsburg: Presbyterian and Reformed, 2009.

Venema, Cornelis. Accepted and Renewed in Christ: The “twofold grace of God” and the interpretation of Calvin’s theology. Göttingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2007.

Venema, Cornelis P. Children at the Lord’s Table?: Assessing the case for paedocommunion. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Reformation Heritage Books, 2009.

—. Getting the Gospel Right: assessing the Reformation and new perspectives on Paul. Edinburgh, UK; Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth Trust, 2006.

—. The Gospel of Free Acceptance in Christ: an assessment of the Reformation and new perspectives on Paul. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2006.

Venema, Cornelis P., and Sinclair B. Ferguson. The Promise of the Future. Edinburgh; Carlisle, Pa.: Banner of Truth Trust, 2000.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Cornelis Venema, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Lane Keister, Nick Batzig

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Today James reviews Concise Reformed Dogmatics by Van Genderen and Velema. In addition the panel mentions several new books.

Berkhof, Louis. Systematic Theology. 4th ed. Grand Rapids Mich.: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 1941.

Genderen, J. van., and W. H. Velema. Concise Reformed Dogmatics. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008.

McComiskey, Thomas Edward. The Minor Prophets: An Exegetical and Expository Commentary. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House, 1992.

Selderhuis, H. John Calvin: A Pilgrim’s Life. Downers Grove Ill.: IVP Academic, 2009.

Spijker, W. Calvin: A Brief Guide to His Life and Thought. 1st ed. Louisville KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2009.

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Participants: Camden Bucey, James Dolezal, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy

Christ the Center had the honor to interview the newest faculty member of Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Rev. Dr. David Garner, who also serves as the institution’s vice president of advancement, about the doctrine of adoption. Adoption, one of the benefits of redemption that the believer gains by faith alone in union with Christ, relates to the believer’s gaining admittance into the family of God because of the work of the Son of God, elder brother Jesus Christ. Many aspects of the doctrine are discussed in this episode. Dr. Garner did his dissertation on this topic and has contributed a chapter, The First and Last Son, to Resurrection and Eschatology.

Beeke, Joel. Heirs with Christ: The Puritans on Adoption. Grand Rapids Mich.: Reformation Heritage Books, 2008.

Burke, Trevor J. Adopted into God’s Family: Exploring a Pauline Metaphor. Nottingham, England; Downers Grove, Ill.: Apollos ; InterVarsity Press, 2006.

Gaffin, Richard B., Jr. Resurrection and Redemption: A Study in Paul’s Soteriology. 2nd ed. P & R Publishing, 1987.

Garner, David. Adoption in Christ, 2002.

Hall, David W. The Legacy of John Calvin: His Influence on the Modern World. Calvin 500 series. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Pub., 2008.

Mathison, Keith A. From Age to Age: The Unfolding of Biblical Eschatology. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P & R Pub., 2009.

Phillips, Richard D. Saved by Grace: The Glory of Salvation in Ephesians 2. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Pub., 2009.

Scott, James M. Adoption as Sons of God: An Exegetical Investigation into the Background of [huiothesia] in the Pauline Corpus. Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen zum Neuen Testament, 48. Tübingen: J.C.B. Mohr, 1992.

Spijker, W. Calvin: A Brief Guide to His Life and Thought. 1st ed. Louisville KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2009.

Still, William, Nigel M. de S. Cameron, and Sinclair B. Ferguson. Pulpit & People: Essays in Honour of William Still on His 75th Birthday. Edinburgh: Rutherford House Books, 1986.

Withrow, Brandon. Katherine Parr: A Guided Tour of the Life and Thought of a Reformation Queen. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2009.

Participants: Camden Bucey, David Garner, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig

Mentioned in this episode:

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Christ the Center 1000 Live in Austin, TX

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

The Christ the Center panel, ably augmented by Dr. Carl R. Trueman of Westminster Theological Seminary, interacts with Dr. Greg K. Beale, the Kenneth T. Wessner Professor of New Testament and coordinator of the MA program in Biblical Exegesis, at Wheaton College Graduate School in Wheaton, IL, about his recent book The Erosion of Inerrancy in Evangelicalism. In addition to this book, Dr. Beale has written the New International Greek Testament Commentary on Revelation, The Right Doctrine from the Wrong Texts?, The Temple and the Church’s Mission, We Become What We Worship, and several other books and articles. Dr. Beale discusses the significance of Biblical inerrancy, its Scriptural basis, and the problems with jettisoning the doctrine. In addition to a proper concern for inerrancy, Beale explains how scholars can rightly approach the use of Ancient Near Eastern and 2nd Temple Jewish literature without undermining the authority and perspicuity of Scripture. Along the way, the panel considers the influence of postmodernism on Biblical studies. All in all, this is a very interesting discussion that hopefully will lead to further interaction.

Beale, G. K. The Book of Revelation: A Commentary on the Greek Text (New International Greek Testament Commentary. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998.

—. The Erosion of Inerrancy in Evangelicalism : Responding to New Challenges to Biblical Authority. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2008.

—. The Temple and the Church’s Mission: A Biblical Theology of the Dwelling Place of God. InterVarsity Press, 2004.

Beale, G. K., and D. A. Carson. Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament. Baker Academic, 2007.

Carson, D. Becoming Conversant With The Emerging Church: Understanding A Movement And Its Implications. Grand Rapids Mich.: Zondervan, 2005.

Enns, Peter. Inspiration and Incarnation : Evangelicals and the Problem of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Academic, 2005.

Geisler, Norman. Biblical Errancy, 1981.

Hannah, John D. Inerrancy and the Church. Chicago: Moody Press, 1984.

Institutes of the Christian Religion 1541 French Edition. Eerdmans Pub Co, 2009.

John Calvin’s Impact on Church and Society, 1509-2009. Eerdmans Pub Co, 2009.

McGowan, A. The Divine Spiration of Scripture: Challenging Evangelicial Perspectives. Nottingham: Apollos, 2007.

Packer, J. I. “Fundamentalism” and the Word of God: Some Evangelical Principles. Christian classics series. Leicester: Inter-Varsity, 1996.

Selderhuis, H. John Calvin: A Pilgrim’s Life. Downers Grove Ill.: IVP Academic, 2009.

Sparks, Kenton L. God’s Word in Human Words: An Evangelical Appropriation of Critical Biblical Scholarship. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Academic, 2008.

Warfield, Benjamin Breckinridge, Samuel G. Craig, and Cornelius Van Til. The Inspiration and Authority of the Bible. Philadelphia: Presbyterian and Reformed Pub. Co., 1948.

Woodbridge, John D. Biblical Authority: A Critique of the Rogers/McKim Proposal. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan Pub. House, 1982.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Carl Trueman, Greg Beale, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig

Mentioned in this episode:

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Christ the Center 1000 Live in Austin, TX

Christ the Center 1000 Summit