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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
The Signature of Jesus
What is Contemplative Spirituality and Why is It Dangerous? A Review of Brennan Manning’s The Signature of Jesus John Caddock Winchester, OR The Never-Ending Review Little did I know when I began to read The Signature of Jesus the time and effort that would be involved in understanding it. I am not a theologian […]
The Gospel According to Jesus
A CRITIQUE OF THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JESUS J. KEVIN BUTCHER Pastor Ebenezer Baptist Church Detroit, Michigan I. Introduction By writing The Gospel According to Jesus, in a sense John F. MacArthur has done the evangelical world a favor. He has raised to a level of national consciousness the contemporary confusion in the Church […]
Faith Works: The Gospel According to the Apostles
THE HIGH COST OF SALVATION BY FAITH-WORKS: A Review of John F. MacArthur, Jr.’s Faith Works: The Gospel According to the Apostles1 ROBERT N. WILKIN Associate Editor Journal of the Grace Evangelical Society Roanoke, Texas I. Introduction It is with a deep sense of sadness that I write this review. Reading this book and listening […]