Join Coalt Robinson and Jay Wipf as they discuss the importance of the law-gospel distinction with special guest Dr. R. Scott Clark. Dr. Clark, a pastor and professor, explains the historical significance of this distinction in the Reformed tradition and its impact on understanding Scripture. He emphasizes the need to distinguish between law and gospel in preaching and the Christian life. Discover the resources and books recommended by Dr. Clark to deepen your understanding of this essential theological concept. Don't miss this enlightening conversation on the Renewal Cast podcast.

Timestamp Summary
0:10 Introducing Dr. R. Scott Clark: Pastor, Professor, and Podcaster
3:15 Academic Updates and Heidelberg Catechism Insights
7:14 Revisiting the Law-Gospel Distinction in Reformed Theology
11:13 Distinguishing Law and Gospel in Christian History
15:42 A Preacher's Revelation on Law and Gospel Distinction
17:43 Exploring the Law-Gospel Distinction in Protestant Theology
22:04 Debunking Antinomianism and Affirming the Third Use of the Law
23:33 The Permanence of God's Moral Law Across Testaments
24:05 Understanding the Threefold Use of the Moral Law
26:16 Understanding Christian Law and Salvation 28:15 Evolving Interpretations of Covenant Theology in Reformed Circles
31:35 Exploring the Heidelberg Catechism and Reformed Theology
34:44 Understanding Sin, Misery, and Sanctification Through Law and Gospel
37:20 Reformed Theology and Its Debt to Luther
39:55 Reflecting on Idyllic Summers and Scouting Camps in South Dakota
41:18 Discussing Relocation and Freedom Post-Pandemic

Show Notes are Ai Generated:

Patrick Abendroth is the senior pastor of Omaha Bible Church in Nebraska. With over 20 years of pastoral experience, Patrick has built a remarkable teaching ministry and has a notable reputation for making complex biblical truths accessible to his congregation. He holds a degree from the University of Nebraska and completed his doctoral work at the Ligonier Academy. Patrick is also known for his dedication to helping people understand the intricacies of the Bible and has contributed to numerous religious discussions and conferences.Episode Summary:In this enlightening podcast episode, listeners are welcomed to dive into a critical conversation about the relationship between law and gospel with the esteemed Patrick Abendroth. As Patrick graciously takes center stage, he highlights a fundamental challenge within the church—the widespread misunderstanding of these two pivotal biblical concepts.Patrick Abendroth sheds light on the often-conflated concepts of law and gospel, underlining the necessity of recognizing the distinct roles each plays in Christian doctrine. He delves into the importance of understanding God's law as the perfect standard of righteousness and how it reveals our need for Christ's redeeming work. Additionally, Patrick discusses the profound implications of a clear law and gospel distinction for our spiritual assurance and growth.Key Takeaways:

• The understanding of law and gospel is crucial in appreciating Christ's work and in avoiding legalism.
• Law represents God's perfect requirements—love and obedience—while the gospel is the good news of Christ fulfilling those requirements.
• Romans 2:13 is a key verse for understanding justification; proper interpretation safeguards against misconceptions about salvation.
• The commandments provided to believers are to be followed out of gratitude and assurance of salvation, not as a means to achieve it.
• Assurance comes from recognizing the completeness of Christ's saving actions, not from tallying our own accomplishments or adherence to the law.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Law is perfect obedience and what God requires. That's summed up with loving God and loving neighbor with all of our faculties, perfectly, flawlessly, appropriately, that's law."
2. "Justified means declared righteous... Therefore to be justified means to be declared a keeper of God's law."
3. "Salvation is by works. There's no question salvation is by works... The reality is we can't do it. We need Christ, who has done it."
4. "If you don't know what righteousness is, there's no way you can understand law. There's no way you can understand justification."
5. "Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God. That's assurance."

Resources:

• University of Nebraska (University Website)
• Ligonier Academy & Reformation Bible College (Institution Website)
• Mention of Scott Clark and potential upcoming book contribution (Heidelblog)

Be sure to listen to the full episode for more in-depth insights on law and gospel from Patrick Abendroth. Stay tuned for future episodes that promise to renew your mind with transformative biblical teachings and discussions.

Show Notes are Ai Generated: 
In this episode, we do not have specific guest(s) mentioned beyond the hosts, Coalt Robinson and Jay Wipf. The latest episode of the podcast, hosts Coalt Robinson and Jay Wipf delve into the intricate relationship between law and gospel within Christian theology. The conversation serves as both a refresher on prior discussions and as a primer for an upcoming in-depth interview with theologian JV Fesco.Robinson and Wipf's dialogue centers on the nuances of categorizing scriptural passages as either demonstrating God's demands (law) or God's provision (gospel). They assert that misconstruing or conflating these categories can lead to theological confusion or even heresy. The episode proceeds to dissect the implications of the law on both the sinner's need for grace and the believer's guide to living. Here, the contrast between the covenant of works and the covenant of grace is key to their analysis.The discussion vividly portrays legalism and antinomianism, with Wipf explaining these concepts through the lens of key biblical narratives. The hosts emphasize the law's unchanging requirements, Jesus Christ's fulfillment of those requirements, and the resulting righteousness that is imputed to believers through faith.Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the distinction between law and gospel is crucial for proper scriptural interpretation.
• Confusion between these categories can lead to legalism or antinomianism.
• The law has a role in evangelism by highlighting the need for Christ's redemptive work.
• Believers maintain a relationship to the law as a guide for living in a way that pleases God.
• Righteousness before God is not attained through the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law.

Notable Quotes:

• "What was true in the Old Testament when God gave the moral law, what he desired back then is what he desires of us today." - Coalt Robinson
• "We're no longer under the law as the covenant of works; we're under the law as the standard of how you live as a result of Christ fulfilling the Covenant works for you." - Jay Wipf
• "Christians make sure looking at fruit, it can be difficult if we confuse them or combine them." - Jay Wipf
• "The law doesn't change... It's just taking on a different role." - Jay Wipf
• "If you're going to change the law, then you don't need a savior." - Jay Wipf

Resources:The hosts mentioned a previous episode featuring an interview with Pat Avandroth, a pastor in Omaha. They also alluded to a forthcoming interview with JV Fesco, which promises to be an exciting discussion on the covenant of works.Join us in our ongoing exploration of faith, doctrine, and the Christian life. Make sure to tune in for the full episode to engage with these pivotal concepts in-depth and don't miss our next session with JV Fesco on the covenant of works. Your journey through the complexities of law and gospel is just beginning.

Join Coalt Robinson and Jay Wipf on Renewalcast as they kick off Law Gospel Week. In this episode, they discuss the importance of the law-gospel distinction and how it helps us read the Bible better. They explore the dangers of legalism and license and how understanding the distinction can lead to a proper understanding of grace and obedience. Get ready for a week of insightful discussions and blog posts that will deepen your understanding of the law-gospel distinction. Don't miss out on this enlightening and transformative series.

Show Notes are Ai Generated: 

About the Guest(s): Mike Abendroth is a seasoned pastor and theologian with a substantial background in Christian ministry. He has served as the pastor of Bethlehem Bible Church in Massachusetts for over 27 years, showcasing his long-term commitment to pastoral care and biblical teaching. Mike is also the host of "No Compromise Radio," which was initially broadcast on the radio and has since transitioned to podcast format. His reach as an evangelical speaker extends beyond his local church as he engages audiences through various media platforms. In addition to his church and radio responsibilities, Mike is a published author who has contributed to the theological community through his writings. Notably, he has experienced personal trials, such as leukemia treatment, and has used these challenges to shape his ministry and outreach further. Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode of Renewalcast, hosts Colt Robinson and Jay Wipf sit down with guest Mike Abendroth, Pastor and No Compromise Radio host, to delve into a critical aspect of Christian doctrine – justification. The episode kicks off with an announcement about an upcoming special Law Gospel week, punctuating the importance of understanding Christian liberty and its relation to law and theology. Central to their discussion is the concept of justification, a foundational doctrine within the Christian faith. Justification is meticulously unpacked to reveal its significance as God's irrevocable declaration of righteousness granted to believers through the work of Christ. Abendroth engages in a deep dive into the facets of justification, advocating for the clarity of distinction between it and sanctification, and discusses potential contemporary misunderstandings. The conversation touches upon historical confessions and how modern perspectives can either align with or diverge from these traditional stances. Key Takeaways:

• Justification is presented as a one-time, irrevocable act of God, declaring a believer righteous through the double imputation of sin to Christ and Christ's righteousness to the believer.
• The episode emphasizes the necessity of keeping the doctrines of justification and sanctification distinct to avoid theological confusion and assure believers of their standing before God.
• Contemporary challenges to the classic Protestant understanding of justification are identified, including the notion of 'final justification,' and the need for works as a requirement for final salvation.
• Quotes from historical theologians like John Owen are elucidated, offering insight into Reformation-era beliefs that conflict with the idea of double justification.
• The importance of confessions and historical theology as guides and 'gutters' to keep current teaching accurate and in line with orthodox belief is stressed.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Justification is a double imputation. It's our sins imputed to Christ and his righteousness imputed to us." - Mike Abendroth
2. "Once God justifies someone, they can no longer become unjustified… Justification is the same for every single person that's justified, and it cannot be taken away." - Mike Abendroth
3. "Faith alone claiming this privilege for itself… it is one thing for love and works to be required in the person who is justified, another in the act itself of justification." - Turretin, quoted by Mike Abendroth
4. "We need not inquire how a man is justified after he is justified." - Benjamin Keach, quoted by Mike Abendroth
5. "If you add this final justification by works, it renders that first one null and void. It didn't matter that you got it right initially." - Jay Wipf

Resources:

• Renewalcast: Renewalcast Website
• Mike Abendroth's Podcast: No Compromise Radio

Listen to the full episode to gain a more comprehensive understanding of faith, justification, and the belief in Christ's role as the sanctifier. Stay tuned for more insightful discussions and episodes from Renewalcast.

About the Guest(s): Eldon Busenitz is a seasoned minister with a resolute dedication to pastoral ministry and preaching. Raised in a Christian home in South Central Kansas, Eldon's formative years on a farm instilled in him the values of hard work and self-discipline. His journey through pastoral ministry has spanned an impressive 57 years, with Eldon having served congregations across Nebraska, South Dakota, Michigan, and Texas. While originally envisioning a life in farming, Eldon discovered a strong conviction for pastoral work during his college years at Grace University, where he also met his wife. Eldon's approach to ministry is deeply rooted in his conviction that the Bible is the inerrant word of God. Episode Summary: In this episode of Renewal Cast, veteran pastor Eldon Busenitz joins Coalt Robinson and Jay Wipf to share a lifetime of wisdom accumulated through his 57 years of devoted service in pastoral ministry. Eldon recounts his early realization of his calling to ministry, the unexpected shift from his initial plans of farming, and his unwavering devotion to teaching and preaching the word of God. His influences, rooted in his upbringing and education, have shaped a career centered around faith, dedication, and the sovereign hand of God in all aspects of life and ministry. Eldon offers invaluable insights into the virtues of discipline, the importance of continuous learning, and the profound impact of consistently engaging with God's word for one's spiritual nourishment. With elder wisdom, he delves into the challenges and triumphs faced whilst steadfastly fulfilling his pastoral duties. Eldon's message is a beacon of hope and guidance, grounded in unwavering biblical truth and a clear vision of the church's unique mission in the world. Key Takeaways:

• Eldon Busenitz's lifetime of experience in pastoral ministry highlights the importance of hard work, dedication, and a commitment to learning.
• Eldon emphasizes the importance of expository preaching and teaching the entire counsel of God's word as foundational to church health and growth.
• The necessity of training and mentoring future generations in ministry is a key focus for sustaining church leadership and continuity.
• Sound doctrine and a thorough doctrinal statement are paramount for the unity and stability of the church.
• Eldon underscores the significance of the church staying true to its mission by focusing on the heart-changing message of the Gospel amidst societal pressures.

Notable Quotes:

• "I consider it a high, awesome calling and a privilege to be involved in pastoral ministry."
• "The Bible is the God-breathed inerrant word of God… I've never struggled with that conviction."
• "Self discipline and hard work are especially indispensable qualities in ministry."
• "True unity is based on truth. It's not at the expense of truth."
• "Success is based on standing faithfully on what God has called us to do."

Resources: No specific resources, social media handles, or URLs were referenced in the transcript provided. Tune in to the full episode to draw from Eldon Busenitz's rich well of knowledge and experience and to grasp the nurturing essence of his pastoral journey. And don't miss out on future episodes of RenewalCast for more enlightening discussions that challenge, inspire, and foster spiritual growth.

About the Guest(s): Jim Newheiser is an experienced figure in the field of Christian counseling, currently serving as the director of the Christian Counseling program at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina. This program is grounded in biblical counseling principles. With a history of engagement in the field since the mid-1990s, Newheiser has also played a pivotal role in the Institute for Biblical Counseling and Discipleship (IBCD), serving as its executive director for 17 years. Additionally, he contributes his expertise as an ACBC fellow and as a member of the Biblical Counseling Coalition. His personal life includes over four decades of marriage and raising three adult sons. Episode Summary: In this episode of Renewal Cast, Coalt Robinson invites counselor and educator Jim Newheiser to delve into the intricate process of personal change and the nuances of parenting in a Christian context. The discussion opens with an exploration of why individuals often struggle with transformation despite recognizing the need for it. Jim shares his insights, drawing from his extensive experience in biblical counseling and pastoral ministry. The conversation moves towards the critical role that the gospel plays in facilitating authentic change, highlighting the need for a balance between understanding divine grace and exercising personal responsibility in sanctification. The practical issues in parenting are addressed, noting that the application of scriptural principles varies significantly depending on the child's stage of faith. Interwoven with Newheiser's theological stance are the challenges and humbling experiences that come with striving to guide children towards a Christ-centered life. Key Takeaways:

• Transformation often involves a long-term process rather than instantaneous change, and individuals should align their expectations with the principles of progressive sanctification.
• A secure standing with God through Christ is the foundation from which genuine change and pursuit of holiness emanate, and this assurance is essential for combating doubts and fostering spiritual growth.
• Gratitude for God’s grace can significantly motivate obedience, but this is just one aspect of multifaceted motivations that also include discipline and a recognition of God’s love.
• Parenting is an area where law and gospel both play crucial roles, and biblical principles must be applied with awareness of a child's spiritual condition and individual needs.
• It is important for parents to recognize their limitations in changing their children's hearts and to understand that ultimately, it is God who regenerates and sanctifies.

Notable Quotes:

• "The Bible teaches Philippians 1:6, He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."
• "If salvation is God's work, then it will progress beyond conversion, and you began the good work, will continue to perfect it. No one will snatch you out of the father's hands."
• "The gospel empowers obedience rather than discouraging it."
• "We will not save our children through being perfect parents. Even if there was a law of parenting, we could not keep it."
• "Being a believer in a fallen world […] it gives me compassion for people who struggle in different ways, including in this way [parenting]."

Resources:

• Institute for Biblical Counseling and Discipleship (IBCD): IBCD Website
• ACBC (Association of Certified Biblical Counselors): ACBC Website
• Biblical Counseling Coalition: BCC Website

Dive into the full episode to gain a deeper understanding of the transformative power of the gospel and to hear Jim Newheiser's insightful perspectives on change and parenting within the Christian faith. Stay tuned for more thought-provoking episodes from Renewal Cast.

Buy coffee and support the ministry of E.D. Burns! 

About the Guest(s): Dr. E.D. Burns is a seasoned missionary with more than two decades of experience since 2002, residing and working in Southeast Asia. He holds a teaching position at Asia Biblical Theological Seminary, spread across various satellite sites in Southeast Asia. His work focuses primarily on training pastors and missionaries, translation, and writing theological materials. As the Director of Frontier Dispatch, Dr. Burns engages in networking within ministry circles, emphasizing simplicity and practicality in his educational materials. His prolific writing includes a new book, "Seeds and Stars," which discusses the integration of Christian spirituality with missions and serving the gospel. Episode Summary: In this inspiring episode of Renewal cast, we welcome back Dr. E.D. Burns to delve into his intriguing work as a missionary and author. This discussion navigates the complexities of missions, evangelism, and the drive behind Dr. Burns' latest publication, "Seeds and Stars." Dr. Burns shares his profound insights on the integration of the five solas of the Reformation into modern missionary work and Christian living. By stressing the foundational truths of grace, faith, scripture, Christ, and the glory of God, he offers powerful arguments for deeper theological understanding as a means of encouragement for believers in their spiritual journey and Great Commission efforts. His approach to spirituality emphasizes resting in Christ while actively contributing to God's work across the world. Key Takeaways:

• Dr. E.D. Burns emphasizes the five solas as the framework for encouraging mission-focused Christian spirituality.
• He critiques the influence of mystic and monastic traditions on contemporary Christian spirituality, advocating for a return to soli Deo gloria as the root of all encouragement.
• The discussion underscores the importance of assurance in faith, contrasting it with the ongoing pursuit of union with God found in Catholic mysticism.
• Dr. Burns expounds on the dangers of blending law and gospel, highlighting the critical distinction between the two for proper theological understanding.
• The episode also explores the controversial concept of "final justification" and the necessity of maintaining the purity of justification by faith alone.

Notable Quotes:

1. "The glory of God is the chief end of man, and the chief end of all history. You got to get that right first."
2. "Justification is one package deal. It's from justification to glorification you're in."
3. "Any good works that we have to point to, if we do in this life, all emerge out of the power of grace working in us as we walk by faith alone."
4. "We labor in the middle. And it's all about promise giver and the promise keeper. It's all about his work."
5. "We rest in our service as we labor on."

Resources:

• The new book "Seeds and Stars" by Dr. E.D. Burns.
• Previous work by Dr. Burns including his book "The Transcultural Gospel."
• Frontier Dispatch, the ministry led by Dr. Burns.

To truly grasp the depth and richness of the conversation and be uplifted by the powerful guidance offered by Dr. Burns, we encourage you to listen to the full episode. Stay tuned for more enlightening content from Renewal cast that promises to rejuvenate your spiritual walk and service.

About the Guest(s):
Michael Beck is an insightful pastor and venerable thinker with a deep interest in Meredith Klein. Originally from South Africa, Beck moved to New Zealand in 2005 to plant Gracenet Community Church and has been serving as its pastor since. With an academic background that includes a PhD focused on the work of Meredith Klein, Michael Beck has contributed significantly to the understanding and accessibility of biblical theology within the Reformed tradition. Besides his pastoral work, he also teaches Old Testament and Hebrew at Grace Theological College and hosts the podcast "Two-Age Sojourner," which centers on biblical and systematic theology with a clinionian perspective.
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Renewal Cast, Coalt Robinson engages in a compelling conversation with Michael Beck, pastor and noted thinker who has extensively studied Meredith Klein, a pivotal figure in biblical and theological scholarship. Beck shares his insightful views on why Klein's work remains highly relevant for understanding Christ's relationship with culture and our roles within it.
The discussion opens with Beck recounting his church-planting experiences in New Zealand and how it led him to Klein's theology. He emphasizes that Klein's perspective on the sacred-secular divide and covenant theology has profound implications for church missions and individual Christians in a secular society. The academic rigor and theological depth of Beck's PhD dissertation-turned-book, "Covenant Lord and Cultic Boundary," serve as a backdrop for the entire conversation.
Key Takeaways:
Michael Beck's experience in church planting in New Zealand confronted him with secularism, leading him to Meredith Klein's work on covenant theology and Christ-culture relationships.
Beck's book "Covenant Lord and Cultic Boundary" critically examines the church's role in society, inspired by Klein's thoughts on the sacred-secular divide.
Klein's legacy is multifaceted, ranging from Old Testament scholarship to his significant development of Gerhardus Vos's biblical theology.
Essential to Beck's thesis is the interplay between active obedience in justification and its impact on the church's cultural engagement.
The Transformationalism movement in church planting is critiqued for potentially overburdening churches with cultural ambitions at the expense of gospel-centric mission.
Notable Quotes:
"The question before us was just, okay, well, what do we do with the culture? How do you plan a church? How are you supposed to live in this culture faithfully?" - Michael Beck
"What Klein shows is that [covenant theology] is going to matter." - Michael Beck
"Adam failed, Israel failed. I mean, I hate to break it to you, but we're not going to make it. We need Jesus." - Michael Beck
"The church has something to say, and there are all these temptations to kind of move in different directions." - Michael Beck
"I just want to come to church and hear the gospel and just be fed by word and sacrament." - Michael Beck
Resources:
Michael Beck's book
Meredith Klein's academic contributions.
Church planting networks like Acts 29.
Books by Michael Horton: "Where in the World is the Church?", "The Gospel Commission", and "Ordinary".
Michael Beck's own podcast "Two-Age Sojourner".
Be sure to tune in to the full episode of Renewal Cast to engage with the rich theological insights Michael Beck offers based on his study of Meredith Klein. As you explore the transformative power of God's word, continue to renew your mind with us and discover a clearer vision of Jesus. Stay with us for more episodes filled with profound discussions on biblical and theological topics.

You may need a snickers, but God doesn’t. Listen and see why that is good news for us and helps us trust God.

About the Guest(s):
Samuel Renihan is the guest spotlighted in this episode. With a deep commitment to theology, Sam serves as one of the pastors at Trinity Reformed Baptist Church in La Mirada, California. He possesses an academic background with a focus on Spanish language and literature for his undergrad followed by an MDiv at Westminster in Escondido, capped with a PhD from the Free University of Amsterdam. He is dedicated to exploring Baptist confessional theology and history, offering rich insights into the doctrines that shape faith and practice. Sam is also a family man, married to Kim with a son named Owen, and he has an intriguing musical taste influenced by ancient folk stories from Finland.
Episode Summary:
In this enriching episode of Renewalcast, Coalt Robinson sits down with Pastor Samuel Renihan to delve into the nuanced and complex doctrine of divine impassibility. The discussion aims to unravel the intricacies of this crucial theological concept and its implications for understanding God's unchangeable nature. The conversation opens doors to a greater comprehension of how divine attributes provide comfort and assurance within the Christian faith.
Renihan articulates the essence of divine impassibility, emphasizing its role in characterizing God as unchanged and unchangeable by external or internal forces, particularly in terms of emotions. This leads into an exploration of the impact of such a doctrine on our interpretation of scripture and the nature of God's commitments, such as the promise of unfailing love and mercy. Furthermore, Renihan highlights the importance of balancing the understanding of God's love with his justice, stressing the immutable and perfect nature of both attributes.
Key Takeaways:
Divine impassibility asserts that God is not subject to change, either externally or internally, especially concerning emotions.
Passages that seem to suggest God experiences emotional change are interpreted through metaphoric language contextualized by other scriptures affirming God's immutable nature.
Impassibility does not negate God's affective attributes but rather nuances them as perfections integral to his essence – e.g., God as love itself rather than possessing the quality of love.
The doctrine provides reassurance of the steadfastness of God's promises, both in the unchanging nature of his love for the redeemed and the certainty of his justice towards the wicked.
The conversation around impassibility touches on practical aspects of faith, from the assurance of salvation to the understanding of God's discipline and just wrath.
Notable Quotes:
"Impassibility is that God's not passable. He can't be changed by outside forces, external forces, nor does he act upon himself to change himself in any way."
"His love is impassable, and his love will always be perfect and always be marvelous and always at the full for his people, which assures us in so many ways."
"…the gospel is not about changing God's mind. The gospel is about changing you."
"God's justice can do nothing else but approve of a righteous object. That same justice to us is mercy and kindness, whereas to the wicked it is wrath and anger."
"Even the afflictions that God permits in our lives, he does so with a loving purpose of sanctifying us…"
Resources:
James Dolzal's book, "All That Is in God"
Sam Renihan's own book, "God Without Passions: A Reader"
We invite you to listen to the full episode for a more thorough understanding and appreciation of the doctrine of divine impassibility as Samuel Renihan unpacks its profound implications for the Christian faith. Stay tuned to Renewalcast for more thoughtful and enlightening discussions on matters of theology and practice.