By way of reaction from the Romish error that the church must govern the state, they concluded that the state must to a large extent govern even the spiritual affairs of the church. That accounts for Article XXXVI of the Belgic Confession in its original form of 1561. And even the Westminster divines, nearly a […]
Tag Archives: confession
Justification & the 1689 London Baptist Confession
posted by Joel Taylor
Under the heading for Justification, the 1689 London Baptist Confession says this: 1._____ Those whom God effectually calleth, he also freely justifieth, not by infusing righteousness into them, but by pardoning their sins, and by accounting and accepting their persons as righteous; not for anything wrought in them, or done by them, but for Christ’s […]
Assurance & The Reformed Confessions
posted by Joel Taylor
Kevin DeYoung has tackled a two part series on assurance in light of the reformed confessions of the Canons of Dort (1618-19) and the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646). Part one, the Canons of Dort is good stuff. “Dort’s theology of perseverance and assurance is just as relevant today as it was four hundred […]
No Salvation in Westminster Confession
posted by Joel Taylor
There is no salvation to be had in the Westminster Confession. Memorize it, proclaim it, write about it, be proud to adhere to it, and apart from Christ you will die in your sins. You would think it not necessary to say so, but…. Young men, beware the attraction and self-exalting rush of rebellion against […]
Christian, God Sees Our Sins
posted by Joel Taylor
This is a lie of popular opinion: “God doesn’t see my sin, He just sees Christ.” Here are some biblical proofs why that opinion is a lie. Galatians 6:7-8: Do not be deceived, God is not mocked. For whatever a man may sow, that he also will reap. For the one sowing to his flesh […]
A Puritan’s Prayer: Divine Mercies
posted by Joel Taylor
Thou Eternal God, Thine is surpassing greatness, unspeakable goodness, super-abundant grace; I can as soon count the sands of ocean’s ‘lip’ as number Thy favours towards me; I know but a part – but that part exceeds all praise. I thank Thee for personal mercies, a measure of health, preservation of body, comforts of house […]
Revivals
posted by Joel Taylor
Revivals are among the charter rights of the Church…a revival means a heartbroken pastor. A revival means a church on its knees confessing its sins – the sins of the individual and of the Church – confessing the sins of the times and of the community. – E.M. Bounds
Useless Tears
posted by Joel Taylor
B. H. Carroll: I was attending a meeting in Burleson County conducted by our Methodist friends (and they do hold some mighty good meetings), and a great many penitents went forward. “Come into the altar and help those laboring souls,” a brother said. So I went and sat down by a man that was crying […]
A Puritan’s Prayer: A Minister’s Praises
posted by Joel Taylor
O God, My Exceeding Joy, Singing thy praises uplifts my heart, for thou art a fountain of delight, and dost bless the soul that joys in thee. But because of my heart’s rebellion I cannot always praise thee as I ought; Yet I will at all times rest myself in thy excellences, […]
John MacArthur: Faith & Confession, Prosperity Style
posted by Joel Taylor
“Here’s the topic for today’s discussion: John MacArthur’s clear examination of the central Word of Faith premise exposes the complicity of human greed in promoting the doctrines of demons. How do you think this plays out before a watching (and unbelieving) world? And what are the pastoral implications—how do you minister to people steeped in […]
A Puritan’s Prayer: A Minister’s Confession
posted by Joel Taylor
O GOD, I know I often do Thy work without Thy power, and sin by my dead, heartless, blind service my lack of inward light, love, delight, my mind, heart, tongue moving without thy help. I see sin in my heart in seeking the approbation of others; This is […]
5 Pt. Salt 