When we teach that our right standing with God is attained through the imputation of Christ’s obedience to our account (Romans 5:19; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 4:6, 11; 10:3), does this imply that the work of Christ on the cross—his final suffering and death—is insufficient for our justification? That is the question which John Piper answers. The importance of Christ's righteous (i.e., obedient) life is also unpacked in David VanDrunen's excellent chapter "To Obey Is Better Than Sacrifice: A Defense of the Active Obedience of Christ in the Light of Recent Criticism" is By Faith Alone: … [Read more...] about John Piper on the Imputation of Christ’s Righteousness
Theology
Gospel Growth versus Church Growth
Nine Marks in association with Matthias Media announce the Conference Gospel Growth vs. Church Growth: Understanding the difference sets you free. The Conference Description It's hard for pastors not to be mesmerized by church growth. Who doesn't want their congregation to grow? Who doesn't want to see numbers and budgets increasing year by year? And who isn't greatly interested when the latest growth model comes along, the latest research, the latest insight that promises us the key to such growth? But there's growth and there's growth. Understanding what the New Testament means by growth, … [Read more...] about Gospel Growth versus Church Growth
Francis Beckwith Interview with CT
Francis Beckwith granted an interview with Christianity Today earlier this week in which he recounts his return to the Roman Catholic Church. Beckwith notes: "The issue of justification was key for me. The Catholic Church frames the Christian life as one in which you must exercise virtue—not because virtue saves you, but because that's the way God's grace gets manifested. As an evangelical, even when I talked about sanctification and wanted to practice it, it seemed as if I didn't have a good enough incentive to do so. Now there's a kind of theological framework, and it doesn't say my … [Read more...] about Francis Beckwith Interview with CT
Called to the Ministry
Since I started blogging about a year ago, I've received numerous e-mails from young men contemplating leaving a technical career (or graduate school in engineering) and pursuing vocational ministry. Joe Thorn offers a pair of interesting posts on this topic, and there is also a helpful discussion in the comments section. The discussion includes the recommendation of many excellent books on two relevant topics: the calling to the ministry and the preaching ministry itself (Charles Bridges, Edmund Clowney, Lloyd-Jones, Spurgeon). … [Read more...] about Called to the Ministry
ETS Response To Beckwith Resignation
The Evangelical Theological Society (ETS) has now issued a statement, accepting the resignation of Dr. Frank Beckwith from membership in the Society, who also had been president of the Society in 2007 until that point. Here is the ETS statement: Statement of the ETS Executive Committee regarding Dr. Frank Beckwith’s Resignation as ETS President May 8, 2007 On May 5, 2007, Dr. Frank Beckwith resigned as President of the Evangelical Theological Society. This resignation has come as a result of his decision to be received into full communion in the Roman Catholic Church, which he did on April 29, … [Read more...] about ETS Response To Beckwith Resignation
Francis Beckwith steps down from ETS Presidency
Francis Beckwith explains both his decision to return to the Roman Catholic Church and his reasons for resigning as President of the Evangelical Theological Society. As I suggested in my earlier post, in resigning his presidency of ETS, I think Dr. Beckwith did the right thing. I'd just like to add that, on a personal level, I bear no ill will toward him whatsoever. That said, I do believe he is in serious error and that his decision to affiliate with the Roman Catholic Church is tragic. … [Read more...] about Francis Beckwith steps down from ETS Presidency