Journal of the GES – Autumn 2017
Romans 8:16 and Assurance
I. INTRODUCTION In Rom 8:16, Paul makes the statement that, “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” Many feel that this verse is saying that we are able to gain assurance of our eternal salvation from the inner testimony of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit tells our
Does Free Grace Theology Diminish the Gospel?
A Review of Wayne Grudem’s “‘Free Grace’ Theology: 5 Ways it Diminishes the Gospel”, Part 3 I. INTRODUCTION In Parts 1 and 2 we considered the first four chapters of Dr. Wayne Grudem’s recent book, “Free Grace” Theology: 5 Ways It Diminishes the Gospel, in which he argues against Free Grace Theology (FGT). In Part
Universal Sin and Salvation in Romans 5:12-21
Mark Rapinchuk1 Professor College of the Ozarks I. INTRODUCTION One of the more prominent doctrines in systematic theology is the doctrine of “inherited sin.”2 A great deal of speculation has taken place regarding the cause, transmission/imputation and consequences of inherited sin. It is commonplace to cite Rom 5:12-21 as the foundational text for this doctrine.3
Faith Alive
Sean Gerety1 I. INTRODUCTION Luther and Calvin rightly maintained that justification by faith alone is the linchpin upon which the Church stands or falls. If this doctrine is lost or even muddied, the semblance of religion remains, but the Church fades into nonexistence. That is why a clear and unambiguous definition of faith is essential.
Worthy to Reign: The Cross and the War for Dominion
I. INTRODUCTION Why did Jesus have to die? For whom did He die? What did His death accomplish? Of all the ways that God could have saved the world, why the cross? Theologians have given different answers to those questions. Their answers are commonly called theories of the atonement.1 Discussions of the atonement among conservative
No Quick Fix: Where Higher Life Theology Came from, What It Is, and Why It’s Harmful
No Quick Fix: Where Higher Life Theology Came from, What It Is, and Why It’s Harmful. By Andrew David Naselli. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2017. 123 pp. Paper, $17.99. I came to faith and grew via the ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. It taught a higher-life view of the Christian life, with two types
The Doctrines of Grace in an Unexpected Place: Calvinistic Soteriology in Nineteenth-Century Brethren Thought
The Doctrines of Grace in an Unexpected Place: Calvinistic Soteriology in Nineteenth-Century Brethren Thought. By Mark R. Stevenson. Eugene, OR: Pickwick Publications, 2017. 320 pp. Paper, $37.00. This book explores the presence of Calvinistic soteriology among the Plymouth Brethren. JOTGES readers will be especially interested in Chap. 7, “‘What Must I Do to be Saved?’:
Perspectives on Israel and the Church: 4 Views
Perspectives on Israel and the Church: 4 Views. By Chad O. Brand, Tom Pratt, Jr., Robert L. Reymond, Robert L. Saucy, and Robert Thomas. Edited by Chad O. Brand. Nashville: B & H Academic, 2015. Vii + 317 pp. Paper, $29.99. As Charles Ryrie explained in his classic work on Dispensationalism, the first aspect of
Salvation by Allegiance Alone: Rethinking Faith, Works, and the Gospel of Jesus the King
Salvation by Allegiance Alone: Rethinking Faith, Works, and the Gospel of Jesus the King. By Matthew W. Bates. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2017. 234 pp. Paper, $24.99. Matthew Bates received his Ph.D. from a Catholic school (Notre Dame), and he teaches at a Catholic school (Quincy University). But Bates says, “I am a Protestant” (p.
What Is Faith?
What Is Faith? By R. C. Sproul. Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust, 2010. 67 pp. Paper, $2.50. This booklet is divided into four chapters. The first two chapters are good. The last two are not. In Chap. 1, “A Hopeful Vision,” Sproul takes Hebrews 11 as his main text. He emphasizes that the promises of God
Free Grace Theology on Trial: A Refutation of “Historical Protestant” Soteriology
Free Grace Theology on Trial: A Refutation of “Historical Protestant” Soteriology. By Anthony B. Badger. NP: np, 2017. 370 pp. Paper, $24.95. This is not designed to be a general work covering global aspects of the Free Grace vs. Calvinism vs. Arminianism theological debate. If one is seeking that kind of work, I highly recommend
Matthew 25:31-46: Salvation by Works?
John Claeys I. THE CHALLENGE OF MATTHEW 25:31-46 Does Matt 25:31-46, which describes the judgment of the “sheep and goats,” teach salvation by works? According to NT scholar D. A. Carson, most Bible teachers would answer that question with an unhesitating “yes.” Carson claims that “the great majority of scholars understand” the judgment described in