The Jerusalem Chamber » Podcast: Recent Episodes
Shawn, Kyle, Nathan, and Joel
The Jerusalem Chamber is a collaborative effort between four pastors to provide a round table discussion on the Westminster Confession of Faith.
Who are the elect? Who are the reprobate? Why does “wicked and disobedient” qualify the reprobate? What is the justice of God? What comfort is there in the word “eternal”? What is the fullness of joy and refreshing? How does the Bible address those who think justice is only rehabilitative? How does the Bible depict everlasting destruction? Tune in as Shawn, Nathan, Joel, and Kyle discuss WCF 33.2:
The end of God’s appointing this day, is for the manifestation of the glory of his mercy in the eternal salvation of the elect; and of his justice in the damnation of the reprobate, who are wicked and disobedient. For then shall the righteous go into everlasting life, and receive that fulness of joy and refreshing which shall come from the presence of the Lord: but the wicked, who know not God, and obey not the gospel of Jesus Christ, shall be cast into eternal torments, and be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.
Tune in as we interview Dr. David Noe who recently translated John Arrowsmith’s volume Plans For Holy War, as part of the Writings of the Westminster Divines series.
Why is the truth that God has appointed a day for judging everyone so important to our faith? Where does the Bible talk about this day? What’s the significance that it’s carried out by Jesus Christ? What does it mean that we will give an account? How can we see this day as hopeful? Tune in as Shawn, Nathan, Joel, and Kyle discuss WCF 33.1:
God hath appointed a day wherein he will judge the world in righteousness by Jesus Christ, to whom all power and judgment is given of the Father. In which day, not only the apostate angels shall be judged, but likewise all persons, that have lived upon earth, shall appear before the tribunal of Christ, to give an account of their thoughts, words, and deeds; and to receive according to what they have done in the body, whether good or evil.
What are some views that have been taught about the body in the life to come? How is the story of humanity’s creation and fall important to this paragraph? What is the dishonour to which the unjust will be raised? What is the honor of the just? How will the bodies of believers be made conformable to the body of Jesus Christ? Tune in as Joel, Nathan, Shawn, and Kyle discuss WCF 32.3:
The bodies of the unjust shall, by the power of Christ, be raised to dishonor; the bodies of the just, by his Spirit, unto honor, and be made conformable to his own glorious body.
What does “at the last day” mean? What’s going on with the souls of people as the body is laid to rest? What happens to those who are alive on the last day? Describe the resurrection of the dead. What does “selfsame” body mean? Tune in as Nathan, Joel, Shawn, and Kyle discuss WCF 32.2:
At the last day, such as are found alive shall not die, but be changed; and all the dead shall be raised up with the self-same bodies, and none other, although with different qualities, which shall be united again to their souls forever.
Why does the confession say our bodies return to dust? Does this promote a low view of the body? What about cremation? How do we biblically know the soul has an immoral subsistence? Why is soul sleep unbiblical? What are the benefits of the soul at death? What is hell? Is there a place called purgatory? Join Shawn, Nathan, Joel, and Kyle as they discuss WCF 32.1:
The bodies of men, after death, return to dust, and see corruption; but their souls (which neither die nor sleep), having an immortal subsistence, immediately return to God who gave them. The souls of the righteous, being then made perfect in holiness, are received into the highest heavens, where they behold the face of God in light and glory, waiting for the full redemption of their bodies: and the souls of the wicked are cast into hell, where they remain in torments and utter darkness, reserved to the judgment of the great day. Besides these two places for souls separated from their bodies, the Scripture acknowledgeth none.
What matters would the Westminster Assembly regard as ecclesiastical as opposed to civil affairs? What does intermeddle mean in this context? What specific biblical passages guide Presbyterianism in its understanding of separation between church and civil authority? How have some of these things been practiced in presbyterian history? How can we understand faithful citizenship? How do you see this section helping the church today? Tune in as Shawn, Joel, Nathan, and Kyle discuss WCF 31.5:
Synods and councils are to handle or conclude nothing but that which is ecclesiastical: and are not to intermeddle with civil affairs which concern the commonwealth, unless by way of humble petition in cases extraordinary; or by way of advice, for satisfaction of conscience, if they be thereunto required by the civil magistrate.
How can synods and councils err? What are examples of the “many” that have erred? How can we use decisions of synods and councils as a help to our faith? Join Nathan, Joel, Shawn, and Kyle as they discuss WCF 31.4:
All synods or councils since the apostles’ times, whether general or particular, may err, and many have erred; therefore they are not to be made the rule of faith or practice, but to be used as a help in both
We are told in this paragraph what belongs to synods and councils. We are told that these things belong “ministerially.” What’s that mean? What would the other option be? What are the four reasons for a Synod or Council to act, and what do they mean? How are the decisions to be received? Join Nathan, Shawn, Joel, and Kyle as they discuss WCF 31.3:
It belongeth to synods and councils, ministerially, to determine controversies of faith, and cases of conscience; to set down rules and directions for the better ordering of the public worship of God, and government of his Church; to receive complaints in cases of maladministration, and authoritatively to determine the same: which decrees and determinations, if consonant to the Word of God, are to be received with reverence and submission, not only for their agreement with the Word, but also for the power whereby they are made, as being an ordinance of God, appointed thereunto in his Word.
Within American Presbyterianism why has this paragraph been deleted and within the RPCNA why is it rejected? Why does the confession say it’s lawful for a magistrate to call a Synod and can you give historical examples of this? What does the confession mean by “other fit persons”? What is meant by “consult or advise with matters of religion”? Where do we establish the right of ministers to call Synods? Join Nathan, Joel, Shawn, and Kyle as they discuss WCF 31.2:
As magistrates may lawfully call a synod of ministers and other fit persons to consult and advise with about matters of religion; so, if magistrates be open enemies to the Church, the ministers of Christ, of themselves, by virtue of their office, or they, with other fit persons, upon delegation from their churches, may meet together in such assemblies.
Why did the Assembly put church discipline before church courts? Why did the congregationalists object to this chapter? Where did Christ give the Apostles authority to establish church government? How do we distinguish between Synods and Councils? How do these assemblies contribute to the better government of the church? The edification of the church? Tune in as Nathan, Joel, Shawn, and Kyle discuss WCF 31.1
For the better government and further edification of the Church, there ought to be such assemblies as are commonly called synods or councils.
What does “officers of the Church” mean? Can you define admonition, suspension, and excommunication? Do our churches follow this path? How do each serve to meet the end of church discipline? How do those called to, enforce these censures? Tune in as Nathan, Shawn, Joel, and Kyle discuss WCF 30.4:
For the better attaining of these ends, the officers of the Church are to proceed by admonition, suspension from the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper for a season, and by excommunication from the Church, according to the nature of the crime and demerit of the person
We’ve got a special episode! Dr. David Whitla has recently (slightly) updated and edited the famous work The Sum of Saving Knowledge, and our friends at Crown&Covenant have published it. Tune in to hear Dr. Whitla talk about why this monumental work should still have a place on every Christian’s bookshelf!
How does God use discipline to reclaim an offending brother? What are biblical examples? What are the other reasons for church discipline? Can you give pastoral counsel on these? How can churches grow in doing this well? Tune in as Nathan, Shawn, Joel, and Kyle discuss WCF 30.3:
Church censures are necessary for the reclaiming and gaining of offending brethren; for deterring of others from the like offenses; for purging out of that leaven which might infect the whole lump; for vindicating the honor of Christ, and the holy profession of the gospel; and for preventing the wrath of God, which might justly fall upon the Church, if they should suffer his covenant, and the seals thereof, to be profaned by notorious and obstinate offenders.
Where do we get the language “keys of the kingdom”? Can you show from the Bible that it’s the officers of the church who exercise the keys? How do you respond to congregationalism? What is meant by retain and remit sins? What’s meant by the absolution of censures? Tune in as Nathan, Shawn, Joel, and Kyle discuss WCF 30.2:
To these officers the keys of the kingdom of heaven are committed, by virtue whereof they have power respectively to retain and remit sins, to shut that kingdom against the impenitent, both by the Word and censures; and to open it unto penitent sinners, by the ministry of the gospel, and by absolution from censures, as occasion shall require.
What does the word “censure” mean? What is the distinction between the government of the church and civil government? Can you briefly define and describe different perspectives on church government? What is a church officer? Is the “separation of church and state” biblical? Tune in as Shawn, Nathan, Kyle, and Joel discuss WCF 30.1:
Westminster Confession of Faith 29.8: Although ignorant and wicked men receive the outward elements in this sacrament, yet they receive not the thing signified thereby; but by their unworthy coming thereunto are guilty of the body and blood of the Lord, to their own damnation. Wherefore all ignorant and ungodly persons, as they are unfit … More Episode 29.8: Unworthy Participation
Westminster Confession of Faith 29.7: Worthy receivers, outwardly partaking of the visible elements in this sacrament, do then also inwardly by faith, really and indeed, yet not carnally and corporally, but spiritually, receive and feed upon Christ crucified, and all benefits of his death: the body and blood of Christ being then not corporally or … More Episode 29.7: The Spiritual Presence
Westminster Confession of Faith 29.6: That doctrine which maintains a change of the substance of bread and wine, into the substance of Christ’s body and blood (commonly called transubstantiation) by consecration of a priest, or by any other way, is repugnant, not to Scripture alone, but even to common sense and reason; overthroweth the nature … More Episode 29.6: Transubstantiation
Where do we find the biblical instruction set the elements of the Lord’s Supper apart? Can you explain the difference between transubstantiation, consubstantiation, and the Reformed view? Are there any teachings that deny the presence of Christ in the Supper? What’s the relationship between the sign and the things signified? What pastoral application is found … More Episode 29.5: Sign and Thing Signified
How does this paragraph fit within the chapter? What is the background justification Rome has used for private masses? Why did Protestants stand against them? What about the denial of the cup? What about worshiping the elements? What do you pastorally do about shut-ins? Should every communicant take both elements? Tune in as Nathan, Shawn, … More Episode 29.4: Abuses of the Lord’s Supper
Can you briefly describe how you administer the Lord’s Supper? Why should ministers administer the sacrament? How are each of the actions mentioned here biblical? Why do churches use grape juice? Are things not listed here that can be done? Why are both elements given to participants? Tune in as Nathan, Shawn, and our guest … More Episode 29.3 Sacramental Actions
After a slight break — due to the demands of the pastoral ministry — we’re back in the Jerusalem Chamber for an interview with Rev. Dr. Richard Gaffin Jr. on his booklet No Adam, No Gospel. Dr. Gaffin is an ordained minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, and was a former professor of Biblical and … More Special Episode: Interview with Richard Gaffin Jr.
Can you outline for our listeners some of what the Roman Catholic Church teaches regarding their doctrine and practice of Mass? What are the historical precursors to Mass? Why is the Lord’s Supper only for the living? Can you elaborate on the qualities of Christ’s death present in this paragraph? Why is the sacrifice of … More Episode 29.2: The Roman Mass
Why is it important to remember that Christ instituted the Lord’s Supper? What’s the significance that it was instituted on the night he was betrayed? Why is it important that this supper is to be observed until Christ’s return? Why do we need a memorial of Christ’s death? How is the supper a seal of … More Episode 29.1: What is the Lord’s Supper?
Can you give us a quick summary of baptism as a sacrament? What is important about the word “administration”? What’s being refuted by the word “once”? What’s the spiritual significance of “once”? Tune in as Nathan, Shawn, Joel, and Kyle discuss WCF 28.7: The sacrament of baptism is but once to be administered to any … More Episode 28.7: One Baptism
What is the logic of this paragraph in relation to the rest of the chapter? How does this view differ from Rome? How do we balance this with what the Bible says elsewhere about baptism “saving” you? If baptism a means of grace what this paragraph say about the conferring of that grace? What pastoral … More Episode 28.6: Time of Baptism’s Efficacy
What does it mean to “contemn” something, and who contemns baptism? What about neglect? Why is this a great sin? In what other ways to people have a low view of baptism? What’s the relationship between baptism and regeneration? What’s the risk of having too high a view? What pastoral help can you bring from … More Episode 28.5: Too Low and High A View of Baptism
How do we know that those who profess faith should be baptized? Why is “obedience” to Christ important too? What connection is there between baptism and church membership? What is the Bible’s teaching on infant membership in the church? What are erroneous views of infant baptism? What objections are there to infant baptism? How did … More Episode 28.4: Who Should Be Baptized?
Why is the mode of baptism important? Who might disagree that baptism is for the church today? What movement is this paragraph addressing? What is some of the biblical language translated as “baptism” or “baptize”? What does the mode of baptism signify? Tune in as Nathan, Shawn, Joel, and Kyle discuss WCF 28.3: Dipping of … More Episode 28.3: The Mode of Baptism
Is the element of water necessary to baptism? Rome includes other things with their water in baptism is that appropriate? What does water represent in the Bible? What is meant and why is baptism into the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit? Why can only a minister of the gospel administer … More Episode 28.2: The Manner of Baptism
What are the historical roots to water baptism? Did the Old Testament have any precursors to baptism? When did Christ ordain baptism? What about the baptism of John? Where do we see that baptism is a solemn admission into the visible church? How is it a sign and seal of our ingrafting into Christ, regeneration, … More Episode 28.1: Defining Baptism
How does our covenant theology help inform the continuity and discontinuity between the Old and New Testaments? How are the Old Testament sacraments the same in “substance” and what does that mean? Can you give some examples of Old Testament sacraments and show how they were instituted by God and signified and sealed Jesus Christ … More Episode 27.5: Old Testament Sacraments
Why the need to qualify that there’s only two sacraments? Are there any who say there’s less than two? What’s the relationship between this paragraph and the former one? What do we need to understand in order to get the point of a “lawfully ordained minister”? What impact did this paragraph have on the Covenanters? … More Episode 27.4: Only Two Sacraments
Can you address the errors of grace being conferred through the sacraments by the power within them, the piety or intention of the administrator? What biblical wisdom is there in making these distinctions? Is there evidence that one can be an unbeliever and receive the sacraments? Are there proof texts against this? What is the … More Episode 27.3: Grace Exhibited and Conferred
Can you remind our listeners what a “sign” and “seal” are? What is meant by the “thing signified”? How is this sacramental union representative and instrumental? What are the grounds for the union? Can you give examples of the way each is attribute to the other? What happens if we conflate the sign and the … More Episode 27.2: The Sign and the Thing Signified
Where does the word “sacrament” come from? How are sacraments “signs”? Why the qualifier “holy”? How are sacraments “seals”? Why is it important that they’re immediately instituted by God? What are other popular views of the sacraments? What do the sacraments accomplish? Tune in as Nathan, Shawn, Joel, and Kyle discuss WCF 27.1: Sacraments are … More Episode 27.1: What is a Sacrament?
What is the spectrum of belief regarding divinization? What do we get wrong about partaking in the divine nature? How is this wrong thinking blasphemous? What is some of the communal living being described here? How do we know the Bible permits the owning of private property? How would communalism rob us of a significant … More Episode 26.3: What Communion Is Not
What is significant about the words “saints by profession”? What biblical passages and imagery is used to explain the communion of saints? How does a biblical understanding of the communion of saints differ from the Roman Catholic view? How does worship help us maintain a “holy fellowship”? What is some of the New Testament’s “spiritual … More Episode 26.2: Fellowship With One Another
Why place this chapter here? What’s the significance of the name “saints”? This is one of the first places where we read of “union with Christ,” what is that? How do we have fellowship with Jesus in his graces, sufferings, death, resurrection, and glory? Why is our union with each other one of love? How … More Episode 26.1: Union and Communion
Why does this paragraph repeat the claim that Christ is the only Head of the Church? What is the biblical significance of Christ’s Headship over the church? What is the Roman Catholic doctrine on the Pope? Are there any others who make the claims that the Pope does? Why are these claims contrary to Scripture? … More Episode 25.6: Antichrist
How would we distinguish between “mixture” and “error”? How does this inform someone who discovers they disagree with something in the church? What hope should we have from the expression “under heaven”? What churches is the Westminster Assembly referring to that have become “synagogues of Satan”? How do we mark out and measure degeneration? What … More Episode 25.5: The Mixed Church
How as the church been more or less visible in history? Why should this visibility problem be an encouragement to the Christian? How does the WCF change the older language of “true” or “false” church? What defines more or less pure? What are some New Testament examples of less pure churches? How have the marks … More Episode 25.4: The Purity of the Church
Tune in as Nathan, Shawn, Joel, and Kyle are joined by Dr. John Bower to discuss his newest book The Confession of Faith: A Critical Text and Introduction. Dr. John Bower is Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Microbiology/Immunology, at Northeast Ohio Medical University and adjunct professor of Church History at Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary. He … More Special Episode: Interview with Dr. John Bower
What is the distinction between invisible and invisible? What is the significance that Christ has given his church these things? What is meant by: a) ministry, b) oracles, and c) ordinances? What dual purpose has Christ given these things for? How doe these things gather the saints? How do they perfect? What encouragement can you … More Episode 25.3: Gathering and Perfecting
What is the distinction between the invisible and visible church? Where do you see this distinction in the Bible? What’s the distinction between the church under the law and under the gospel? How do we understand “profess the true religion”? Why are children part of the visible church? How is the church to be understood … More Episode 25.2: The Visible Church
What does the word “catholic” mean here? What perspective is immediately gained when we think of the church as “invisible”? What’s the relationship between election and membership in the invisible church? What is important about Christ being Head of the church? What benefits do we discover in considering the church as the Bride and Body … More Episode 25:1: The Invisible Church
What is wilful desertion? What times of desertion are not meant in the WCF? What does desertion look like? Is physical abuse desertion? Why is this paragraph needed today? What are some of the arguments used to justify divorce in today’s culture? Do you think there’s gray areas in certain scenarios for divorce? How is … More Episode 24.6: Wilful Desertion
Can you biblically define “adultery” and “fornication”? What is a “contract,” and is there any relevance in this first sentence to us in a contemporary society? What might this paragraph say to the intent of marriage? Why is adultery after marriage lawful grounds for divorce? How far does “adultery” extend? Why is it that only … More Episode 24.5: Adultery and Divorce
How does this paragraph relate to the previous one? What does “consanguinity” and “affinity” mean? How do we deal with the idea of incest when it comes to the children of Adam and Eve? Where does the Bible specifically address the laws of consanguinity and affinity? How do we know incest laws aren’t only for … More Episode 24.4: Relational Bounds of Marriage
How does this paragraph treat marriage as a creation ordinance? Is this paragraph confronting Roman Catholicism? What is meant by “all sorts of people”? What does “with judgment to give their consent” mean, and why is it important? Why are Christians to marry only in the Lord? Why can we not marry anyone we love? … More Episode 24.3: The Moral Bounds of Marriage
How do you think most people would answer the question about God’s design for marriage? Does the chapter’s ordering reflect anything historically or polemically? What is meant by “mutual help”? What does that look like? What is “legitimate issue”? How can Christians help support non-Christians in the area of marriage? Does God ordinarily build his … More Episode 24.2: The Purposes of Marriage
Why do you think the WCF doesn’t begin this chapter with a definition of marriage? Can you provide a definition of marriage? How do we know, from the Bible or nature, that marriage is to be between a man and a woman? How relevant is this in today’s culture? Why does the WCF emphasize … More Episode 24.1: The Parties of Marriage
Why is a paragraph like this needed in a confession of faith? Why should we pray for our civil leaders? How do we “honor” their persons? What does “for conscience’s sake” mean? In Romans 13 whose “wrath” is being spoke of: Team Nathan (magistrates) or Team Kyle (God’s)? Excursus: should we obey the speed limit? … More Episode 23.4: Honoring the Magistrate
What’s the American context for the edits to this paragraph? Historically, how has the civil magistrate assumed the responsibility of the keys of the kingdom? Does the civil magistrate have a right to determine things around worship? How might the magistrate need to take order? What does that mean? What’s with all the punctuation? Is … More Episode 23.3: The Magistrate’s Religious Duty
What error is this paragraph seeking to oppose? What are qualifications for the civil magistrate? Can you define and biblically defend “maintaining piety,” “justice,” and “peace”? What defines “good” and “evil” in the context of Romans 13? How does “according to the wholesome laws of each commonwealth” come into the theonomy debate? If you had … More Episode 23.2: The Christian Magistrate
Why is it good/necessary for a confession of “faith” to include a chapter on the civil government? How would you define God’s “lordship” and “kingship”? How does God exercise his lordship immediately? What does the word “ordained” mean here in this chapter? Do you think God has ordained all civil magistrates? What are the appointed … More Episode 23.1: The God Ordained Civil Magistrate
Why is the statement “No man may vow to do anything forbidden in the Word of God”? Why can’t we vow to something that would hinder our duty to God? Why must vows be within our ability to perform? Why is the promise of God necessary? Can you explain the Popish monastical vows? Why are … More Episode 22.7: Superstitious Vows
Who should we make a vow to, and why is this important? What is the voluntary nature of a vow and what consequence does that have for those who make vows? How are the activities we vow to limited? How is making a vow not manipulating God? What kinds of things do we vow to? … More Episode 22.6: An Acceptable Vow
What does it mean that a vow is of “like nature” with a promissory oath? What is the difference between an oath and a vow? Can you give examples from the Bible about vows? What is a “social vow”? Can a vow be made to something the Bible requires? Can a vow be made to … More Episode 22.5: What is a Vow?
What is the practical relevance of this chapter? How does one determine the “plain and common sense of the words” of an oath? What does this tell us about the care and caution of writing an oath? What is equivocation and why is it sinful? Where do we see examples of equivocation? Why should an … More Episode 22.4: The Meaning of an Oath
Can you remind us what an oath is? Why is swearing an oath “weighty” and “solemn”? How do you know if you’re making an oath according to the truth? Why does an oath need to be “good and just”? Why does one need to “believe” the oath to be true? Why did those American Presbyterians … More Episode 22.3: Taking an Oath
Why is the only proper way to make an oath to swear in the name of God? How does one make an oath with holy fear and reverence? Why should they not be made rashly? What else do people swear by? What are appropriate times to make an oath? Why can lawful authorities impose an … More Episode 22.2: How to Make an Oath
What is an “oath” and what is a “vow,” what are the differences between the two? Why does this chapter occur between the chapter on the Sabbath and the civil magistrate? How is oath taking consistent with Jesus’ words in Matthew 5? What are “just occasions”? How does God “witness and judge” the truth … More Episode 22.1: Lawful Oaths
What does it mean to “keep holy unto the Lord”? How do you prepare your heart for the Sabbath? What does this paragraph have to say to the first part of the command: work six days? Why do we rest from our works, words, and thoughts? What is meant by “recreations” and do we really … More Episode 21.8: Sanctifying the Lord’s Day
What is the “law of nature”? How is it being used here in this paragraph? Where do we find the Sabbath command in the Bible? Can you explain: positive, moral, and perpetual? What does the Confession mean when it says “binding all men in all ages”? What significance did the Sabbath have in the old … More Episode 21.7: The Lord’s Day
How did people approach God in worship during the different times of the Old Testament? Why were the Israelites to perform worship toward Jerusalem? Where does Jesus change the centrality of temple worship in the new covenant? What Old Testament passages does Jesus use to anticipate the change in worship? What is meant by family … More Episode 21.6: Spirit and Truth
How is the Bible to be read? Who is supposed to publicly read the Bible? What is the Reformed doctrine of preaching? How should we listen to the preaching of the Word? What does singing “Psalms” mean? Can a case be made that the Assembly believed in exclusive Psalmody? What are the sacraments? Is anything … More Episode 21.5: The Parts of Worship
Why the emphasis on prayer? Is there a difference between praying the will of God and praying for things lawful? Why should we pray for all sorts of men? Why shouldn’t we pray for the dead? Who does that? What is the sin that leads to death? Tune in as Nathan, Shawn, Joel, and Kyle … More Episode 21.4: Lawful Prayer
What is prayer? Why the qualification “with thanksgiving”? Why is prayer a “special” part of worship? How do we know prayer is required by God of all men? What’s the difference between “accepted” and “unaccepted” prayer? What does it mean to pray with the help of the Spirit? What does it mean to pray according … More Episode 21.3: The Manner of Prayer
Why is religious worship to be given to God alone? What is meant by “religious” worship? Are there practical ways our worship can be directed to each person of the Trinity? Why is a Mediator necessary? What’s wrong with the Roman Catholic Church’s teaching of many mediators? Join Nathan, Shawn, Joel, and Kyle as they … More Episode 21.2: The Object of Worship
What is the light of nature and how is it a source of revelation? What does the light of nature teach us about the character of God? What does the light of nature not teach us about worship? How is worship instituted and limited by God’s will? Can you demonstrate that from the Bible? What … More Episode 21.1: The Regulative Principle of Worship
Can you briefly distinguish between Christian liberty and liberty of conscience? Can you biblically demonstrate that God has ordained lawful authorities? Can you biblically clarify what the exercise of lawful ecclesiastical and civil power looks like? What is meant by “publishing” and “maintaining”? What’s the distinction between “light of nature” and “known Christian principles”? What … More Episode 20.4: Publishing Errors
What’s the outline of this paragraph? What is “Christian liberty”? Why is the abuse of Christian liberty something we need to be very cautious of? How does one know if they’re misusing Christian liberty? What boundaries has God given to us? What is meant by “pretense of Christian liberty”? How do the following abuse Christian … More Episode 20.3: Pretense of Christian Liberty
How do we see matters of conscience situated under the Kingship of Christ? How does false human authority mimic God’s authority? Can you clarify for us “doctrine” and “faith” in this paragraph? What about those who have been taught something and sincerely believe it to be biblical but are wrong? What is implicit faith? How … More Episode 20.2: The Liberty of Conscience
Why do Christians usually think of liberty as a New Testament and not an Old Testament concept? Discuss our freedom in justification, sanctification, and in eschatology? Why was the ceremonial law a yoke? How do we walk in freedom from the ceremonial law? How is boldness in prayer made greater in the New Testament? … More Episode 20.1: Christian Freedom
Could you review the “forementioned” uses of the law? Why is it important to realize that a right use of the law isn’t contrary to grace? Can you explain John 1:17 and Romans 6:14? How does the Spirit subdue and enable the will? What importance does this have for our preaching? What’s meant by “freely” … More Episode 19.7: Sweetly Complying
The Confession says that believers aren’t under the law as a covenant of works, why this qualification? Is there a distinction here between Calvin and the Confession of Faith? In what ways is the law a rule of life? How does the law discover our sin? How does the law show us our need for … More Episode 19.6: The Three Uses of the Law
How is it possible that all persons are bound by the moral law? What is the importance of the term “justified” rather than “believe” or “saved”? How is one held accountable to the moral law? How do we see Christ giving the proper interpretation of the law? How does this paragraph impact our view of … More Episode 19.5: Obligation to the Moral Law
What are the previous laws we’ve talked about? What did the assembly mean by “body politic”? What does it mean that those laws expired with that people? What is general equity? Are you a theonomist? How is the Westminster Assembly’s “general equity” different than Christian Reconstruction or Theonomy? What’s important about the word “may”? Often … More Episode 19.4: The Judicial Law
The three-fold division of the law has come under a lot of criticism, can you briefly defend it from the Bible? Why does the Confession speak of the ceremonial law as being given to Israel “as a church”? What does the Confession mean by “church under age”? What is meant by the word “typical”? What … More Episode 19.3: The Ceremonial Law
Will Shawn remember his name? What is the use of God’s law to us in our fallen state? Why did God deliver this law on Mount Sinai? What is the significance of the law being written on two tablets? How are these commands united to one another? Why are most of the commands stated negatively? … More Episode 19.2: The Ten Commandments
Why is it necessary for Adam to be a historical person? What is the law that is given to Adam? How will Kyle contest Shawn’s answer? Who is the Prolocutor in this episode? Back to the original programming…Can you define the Covenant of Works? What are the covenants we find in Scripture? Is it “fair” … More Episode 19.1:God’s Law to Adam
What does negligence of assurance look like and are there biblical examples? What is “special sin”? What does it look like when God withdraws his light? How is assurance revived? How is the Christian supported from “utter despair”? Tune in as Nathan, Shawn, Joel, and Kyle discuss WCF 18.4: True believers may have the assurance … More Episode 18.4: Assurance Shaken and Diminished
What is meant here by the words “infallible assurance”? Will you discuss how some people distinguish between the Westminster’s understanding of assurance and the Three Forms of Unity? Do you think the difficulty and conflict of full assurance is true to the experience of a “normal” Christian? What are some of the difficulties and conflicts … More Episode 18.3: Difficulties and Conflicts
Well, it’s been an extremely busy summer for the men of TJC. But recently Nathan Eshelman and Shawn Anderson sat down with Presbycast. Click here to listen!
Can you define assurance? What is our certainty not to be compared to? How do you describe the certainty of assurance? What is the chief warrant for the Christian’s infallible assurance? Why are the promises of God helpful for our assurance? What are the “inward graces”? How does sanctification help our assurance? What is the … More Episode 18.2: An Infallible Assurance
What’s the background to this chapter? Why is it so special to us? How do you define “assurance”? What is “false hope” and “presumption”? Do you think this happens in the church more today than in history? How do people vainly believe they’re assured? How do you know if you’re being deluded? How is faith … More Episode 18.1: The Certainty of Assurance
What are the four reasons for falling into sin given in this chapter? What does it mean to grieve the Holy Spirit? How does neglecting the means of grace hinder us? How does our sin scandalize others? What consequences are there for believers who fall into sin? What comforts are there for the Christian in … More Episode 17.3: Perseverance and Seasons of Sin
Can you remind our listeners what perseverance is? Why does perseverance not depend on free will? Can you demonstrate the immutability of God’s decree? What is the Trinitrian certainty of our preservation? What is the “seed of God” that remains in believers? Is our assurance of perseverance infallible? Tune in as Nathan, Joel, Shawn, and … More Episode 17.2: The Certainty of Perseverance
Can you define the perseverance of the saints? What’s the difference between this doctrine and what is sometimes called “once saved always saved”? Why does this paragraph build on what God has done? Where do the Scriptures teach the doctrine of perseverance? Why are there warnings in Scripture about falling away? How has this doctrine … More Episode 17.1: Perseverance of the Saints
Where in Scripture do we fine unbelievers doing things God commands? Is it fair to call the works of unbelievers “good works”? What is missing from unbeliever’s works? What aspect of Roman Catholic theology does this paragraph address? Should we encourage unbelievers to do good things? Join Nathan, Joel, Shawn, and Kyle as they discuss … More Episode 16.7: The Works of the Unregenerate
What does union with Christ have to do with this paragraph? How does the ministry of the Spirit impact how we understand this teaching? If a good work isn’t unreprovable or perfect, what is it? How do we know if our sincerity is real? Tune in as Nathan, Shawn, Joel, and Kyle discuss WCF 16.6: … More Episode 16.6: Acceptable Good Works
Can you give a general outline of paragraphs 4, 5, and 6? Can you discuss the distinction between strict and covenantal merit? Why can our good works not merit anything from God strictly? What is meant by the “great disproportion”? What is the infinite distance between us and God? Why can our works not merit … More Episode 16.5: Good Works and Merit
As a background to this paragraph can you discuss the Roman Catholic teaching on sainthood and supererogatory works? What Scripture texts are sometimes used to defend the teaching that a Christian can do more than the moral law of God requires? How does the doctrine of supererogatory works undermine the sufficiency of Jesus Christ? How … More Episode 16.4: Supererogatory Works
How does the title “Spirit of Christ” develop our understanding of the Holy Spirit? Are good works monergistic or synergistic? How does the Spirit’s work nudge us toward a greater appreciation for union with Christ? How are we tempted to grow negligent in good works? What is meant by waiting for a “special motion” of … More Episode 16.3: Good Works and the Holy Spirit
What does the Confession mean that good works are done in obedience to God’s command? What are the essential characteristics of a good work? How do good works show evidence for a true and lively faith? How do good works show thankfulness? How do good works strengthen assurance? How do good works edify the brothers? … More Episode 16.2: Evidence of Good Works
What is Antinomianism and what relationship does it have to this paragraph? Can you discuss the placement of this paragraph in the theology of the standards? Positively, what makes something a “good work”? Why are good works restricted to God’s Word and how does that relate to the Confession’s teaching on the sufficiency of Scripture? … More Episode 16.1: Definition of Good Works
Where in the Bible do we see the obligation to make private confession of sin? Why do we pray for the forgiveness of sins? What does it mean to forsake sin? What does it mean to “find mercy”? Why is the Roman Catholic view of penance wrong? What is public confession? According to Matthew 18 … More Episode 15.6: Repentance and Reconciliation
What’s the difference between admitting I’m a sinner and particularly repenting of sin? What biblical examples do we have of this? What is repentance saying about our sin and ourselves? Do we need to repent of original sin? How do we help those who don’t think they need to particularly repent? How do we encourage … More Episode 15.5: Particular Repentance
This paragraph offers a warning as well as a comfort, how do we balance these two? Can you prove from the Bible that even small sins deserve damnation? How do people underestimate the heinousness of sin? What sins are often winked at in our circles? What does repentance look like for small sins? What comfort … More Episode 15.4: The Pardon of Repentance
According to this paragraph what are the three wrong uses of repentance? This paragraph mentions the “free act of God’s grace.” Will you remind our listeners what that is? Can you Scripturally demonstrate why repentance cannot be the cause of our pardon? In the background are a number of errors being guarded against, what are … More Episode 15.3: Right and Wrong Uses of Repentance
How is sin dangerous? How is sin filthy? What does “odious” mean and how is sin odious? How is sin contrary to God’s law and nature? Can you give biblical examples of repentance flowing from an apprehension of the mercy and love of God? The Puritans often distinguished between evangelical and legal repentance, what is … More Episode 15.2: Turning From and To
What is an “evangelical grace”? How does an evangelical grace relate to the ordo salutis? What is true repentance and how does this differ from other “kinds” of repentance? Why use the word “doctrine” when describing repentance? How do faith and repentance go hand-in-hand? How should a preacher preach repentance? What does repentance have to … More Episode 15.1: The Grace of Repentance
Can you reflect on a definition of saving faith? How is saving faith “weakened and assailed”? How does this relate to assurance? How can this paragraph be read in two different ways? Do all receive a full assurance of faith? How is Christ the author and finisher of our faith? Tune in as Nathan, Joel, … More Episode 14.3: Strong and Weak Faith
Can you remind our listeners what faith is? Why should we believe whatsoever the Bible says? What are some examples of the following biblical truths: gospel truths, hard truths, inconvenient truths, and lofty truths? What do you say to someone who has a hard time reconciling what the Bible says with humanity’s developing understanding of … More Episode 14.2: Faith and the Bible
How does chapter 14 provide a transition in the flow of the confession? What is faith? Why add the adjective “saving,” is there another kind of faith? How is the Bible and the Holy Spirit involved in our faith? What would some people object to in this paragraph? How does preaching increase our faith? Is … More Episode 14.1: Saving Faith Defined
Where does the “war” imagery of this paragraph come from? Do you think the Westminster Divines are “heresy-hunting” in this paragraph? What wrong views of sanctification has the church struggled with? How does corruption remain in the believer? What are some biblical examples of believers in whom corruption prevailed for a time? How does the … More Episode 13.3: The War Within
Could you define again for us what sanctification is? In what ways is our body sanctified? Can you explain what the “trichotomist” view is and why it’s wrong? Was John Murray correct with his doctrine of definitive sanctification (just kidding…we don’t discuss that)? What sins do Christians struggle with? What was the Keswick movement and … More Episode 13.2: Extent and Degree of Sanctification
What is the ordo salutis and why is it helpful? How is sanctification connected to the life and death of Jesus? Can you elaborate on the role of the Word in sanctification? What is the Spirit’s role in sanctification and what is meant by “indwelling”? What does it mean to be “really” and “personally” sanctified? … More Episode 13.1: Sanctification Defined
Why did the Assembly include a chapter on adoption? Why is it so brief? How did the Assembly define adoption? Is there a sense in which we are all children of God? Is adoption done for you or to you? Where in the Bible would you go for the best development of the doctrine of … More Episode 12.1: Adoption
When we think of justification being viewed as different according to the Old and New Testament what systems of theology come to mind? What were some things the Socinians believed? What about contemporary dispensationalism? Why do we say “essentially” the same in the Old and New Testament? What pastoral comfort can be found in this … More Episode 11.6: One and the Same
Although justification can never be lost whey can our “sense” of it be? If justification is a one time act why does this paragraph teach that God continues to forgive sin? What biblical evidence can be given that we are to continue asking for forgiveness? Occasionally in Reformed writings you’ll read about “daily justification,” what … More Episode 11.5: Fatherly Displeasure
This paragraph relates justification to the decree of God, can your remind our listeners what the decree of God is? What is meant by the expression “fullness of time”? Why is justification connected to the resurrection of Christ? What does it mean for the Holy Spirit to “apply” Christ to us? What is eternal justification … More Episode 11.4: Justification — Eternity, Past, Present
Can you remind our listeners what “justification” is? What is our debt and why use this language? What was necessary to Christ’s removal of the debt? What are the attributes of Christ’s satisfaction? Where does the Old Testament testify to these things? How is it gracious that the Son was given by the Father? How … More Episode 11.3: Christ’s Obedience and Satisfaction
The definition here for “faith” seems active, can you explain that? How do predestination and effectual calling flow into faith if it is alone considered the instrument of justification? What does “instrument” mean? What is the importance of the word “ever” in this paragraph? What are all the other saving graces? Is dead faith really … More Episode 11.2: Faith and Saving Graces
How does this chapter on justification connect with the one on effectual calling? Can you give us a bird’s eye view of the whole chapter? What is justification and how has it theologically developed over the years? This paragraph says “not by infusing righteousness,” why is that important? What is noteworthy about this definition of … More Episode 11.1: Justification Defined
Why are there those who never believe? What is the “ministry of the Word” and what is its connection to the call? What are the “common operations of the Spirit”? What might it look like for someone to never truly come to Christ? Why is the light of nature insufficient for salvation? Tune in as … More Episode 10.4: Called But Not Chosen
Why include this paragraph in a chapter on effectual calling? What does this paragraph teach regarding the regeneration on infants? Where is this in the Bible? Are all infants who die in infancy regenerate? Who else is incapable of the outward call? Tune in as Nathan, Shawn, Joel, and Kyle pastorally discuss this sensitive topic … More Episode 10.3: Elect Infants
How does this paragraph complement the chapter on God’s decree? What is grace? Why use the adjectives “special” and “free”? How do we know the call isn’t based on something God foresees? What is monergism? What is synergism? What is the enabling power of the Spirit? Tune in as Nathan, Shawn, Joel, and Kyle discuss … More Episode 10.2: The Grace of the Call
Recently the guys from The Jerusalem Chamber joined our friends from Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary on their podcast Confessing Our Hope. We discussed the events, decisions, and happenings from the RPCNA 2018 Synod. Tune in below, follow our friends at iTunes and on social media!
What is the difference between effectual calling and irresistible grace? What are the differences between the inward and outward call? Does the outward call only go to the elect? Is there sincerity in God’s outward call? To whom does the inward call go? In what ways does the effectual call change people? Does the Calvinist … More Episode 10.1: Effectual Calling
Dr. C.J. Williams is professor of Old Testament studies at the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Today he joins the guys in the Jerusalem Chamber to talk about his work in the book The Shadow of Christ in the Book of Job and God’s providence as explained in WCF 5.
What is the state of glory? How is this state prefigured in the Tree of Life? How do we define and measure the “good” which will be done in the state of glory? If immutability is a divine attribute how can our wills be said to be “immutable”? Does perfection and immutability deprive us of … More Episode 9.5: The State of Glory
What is the significance of asserting God’s work of conversion? What does it mean to “translate” into a state of grace? How does God’s saving work change our wills? How are we freed from the natural bondage of sin? What is perfectionism and why don’t we believe in it? How does a Christian resist sin? … More Episode 9.4: The State of Grace
What has changed in the present state of sin? What do the clarifiers “spiritual” and “accompanying salvation” distinguish for us about this conversation? How does man’s aversion to righteousness play out? What about preparation for conversion? Tune in as Nathan, Shawn, Joel, and Kyle discuss WCF 9.3: Man, by his fall into a state of … More Episode 9.3: The State of Sin
What is the four-fold state of man? What is the “state of innocency”? The Bible tells us God created man “upright,” what does that mean? Why is it important that Adam and Eve had the power to will and do that which was good? How was humanity able to be well pleasing to God before … More Episode 9.2: The State of Innocency
Why does the chapter on the will of man immediately follow the one on Christ the Mediator? What is the will and where is it located? Why has God made man a willing creature and what do we lose if we weren’t? Why do some new Calvinsits struggle with the Confession’s teaching on the will? … More Episode 9.1: The Will of Man
What is the assumption in this paragraph? What does the Confession mean by “applies” and “communicates” redemption? What does the Confession mean by “certainly” and “effectually”? How does the Mediator intercede for us? How does he reveal and persuade us of the gospel? How does he govern our hearts? How do these truths help us … More Episode 8.8: The Mediator’s Redemption Applied
How does this paragraph respond to Roman Catholicism that teaches that Christ is only Mediator according to his humanity? What is the communication of attributes? What is the extra Calvinisticum? What’s the difference between the Reformed and Lutherans? Are we to worship the person of Christ? Join Nathan, Shawn, Kyle, and Joel as discuss WCF … More Episode 8.7: The Communication of Attributes
What are the differences between this paragraph and those found in chapter 7? What does the Confession mean by “communicated to the elect”? What is the virtue of redemption? What is the efficacy of redemption? What are the benefits of redemption? Why does the Confession say “slain from the foundation of the world”? What’s the … More Episode 8.6: The Virtue and Efficacy of Christ’s Redemption
Can you explain the terms “active” and “passive” obedience? Can you historically explain the question(s) about the active obedience of Christ? Give some specific examples of Christ’s obedience. Why does the WCF connect Christ’s suffering to the justice of his Father? What does the WCF mean with the phrase “through the eternal Spirit”? How does … More Episode 8.5: Obedience and Suffering
Why does the WCF incorporate significant details about the life of Jesus that are absent from the Apostles’ Creed? What does the Confession mean when it speaks of Christ estate of humiliation and exaltation? Why does the Confession say Christ “most willingly” undertook the office of Mediator? What’s the significance of suffering in body and … More Episode 8.4: Humiliation and Exaltation
In light of recent controversies what in this paragraph relates to the ontological and economic Trinity? How does this paragraph set forth Jesus as the New Adam? What is different about Jesus’ sanctification from ours? Where is the encouragement in this for us? Why did Jesus need to be holy, harmless, and undefiled? Hos is … More Episode 8.3: The Perfection of the Mediator
What are some of the heresies rejected by this paragraph? Where does the language “very and eternal God” come from and why does the WCF use it? What does the “fullness of time” mean? What portions of Scripture talk about Jesus’ true humanity? Why does it matter that Jesus was truly man? Why is it … More Episode 8.2: The Two Natures of Christ
How do we know that sending Jesus wasn’t God’s emergency plan? Could the Father or Spirit have been the Mediator? How is Jesus a Prophet? Priest? King? What does it mean that he is Head of the church? How are the blessings of salvation connected to Jesus? Join Nathan, Shawn, Joel, and Kyle as we … More Episode 8.1: The Chosen Mediator
This special episode is a Q&A of all things related to chapter seven. Thanks for those who sent in questions. Tune in as we discuss questions like: why do some people reject a covenant of works? What were the “sacraments” of the covenant of works? Would Adam have inherited eternal life in heaven or a … More Chapter 7 Q&A
How do we understand the place of the gospel in the Old Testament? What is the relation of the new covenant to the covenant of grace? Why does the confession speak of Christ as the “substance”? What is meant by “administered with more simplicity”? What does it mean that these ordinances “dispense” the covenant of … More Episode 7.6: The Covenant of Grace in the New Testament
What is the difference between law and grace? What is the difference between Dispensationalism and Covenant Theology in understanding the Old Testament? What are some of the promises, pictures, and prophecies Israel received about Jesus? How were the “shadowy” things of the Old Testament sufficient unto salvation? Tune in as Joel, Nathan, Shawn, and Kyle … More Episode 7.5: The Covenant of Grace in the Old Testament
What is a “testament” and “testator”? Why is it important to retain this language? How does this help us understand the covenant of grace? Why are the benefits of the covenant of grace connected to the death of Jesus? What is the inheritance? Tune in as Nathan, Joel, Shawn, and Kyle discuss these questions and … More Episode 7.4: A Testament and Testator
What is a covenant and what are its parts? Why is it important to remind people that life can no longer be found through the covenant of works? Is there biblical evidence for this thing we call the covenant of grace? What is the difference between the covenant of works and the covenant of grace? … More Episode 7.3: The Covenant of Grace
What is a covenant? What are the parts of a covenant? Where in Scripture would you go to understand the covenant of works? Why is it called a covenant of “works”? Was the covenant of works a gracious covenant? Do we have any idea how long Adam continued before breaking the covenant? How does the … More Episode 7.2: The Covenant of Works
What is the “distance” between God and man? Why do “reasonable creatures” owe obedience to God? Is there a general ownership that God has toward all his creation? Why does the Confession use the word “fruition”? How has God condescended to us? What is a covenant? Tune in as Nathan, Joel, Shawn, and Kyle discuss … More Episode 7.1: God’s Covenants
This special episode is a Q&A of all things related to chapter six. Thanks for those who sent in questions. Tune in as we discuss: Where did Satan come from? What are different theological views on original sin? Why is Adam’s first sin only imputed to us? If we’re made opposite to all good why … More Chapter 6 Q&A
How are original and actual sin related? What is the difference between the two? How does sin bring guilt upon the sinner? What is the wrath of God? What does the Bible tell us of a flippant attitude about sin? What are the miseries of this life? Tune in as Nathan, Joel, Shawn, and Kyle … More Episode 6.6: The Curse of Sin
What is the corruption of nature? What Bible passages show that the corruption of sin remains in believers? How can we understand Romans 7 and why is it pastorally helpful? Do Christians remain totally depraved? What does “mortify” mean? Tune in as Nathan, Joel, Shawn, and Kyle discuss these questions and more from WCF 6.5: … More Episode 6.5: Indwelling Sin
What is meant by the phrase “original corruption”? What is the relationship between original and actual sin? What is depravity and where do we see it in the Bible? What words are used to describe our depravity? Does depravity mean that we’re not longer in the image of God? What are some objections to total … More Episode 6.4: Total Depravity
Was Eve’s sin imputed to humanity? What is imputation? What does it mean that guilt was imputed? Define “posterity descending from ordinary generation.” Why is this phrase important? How was Christ protected from Adam’s guilt? Is there any hope in this chapter since we’re all under Adam’s sin? Tune in as Nathan, Joel, Shawn, and … More Episode 6.3: The Universality of Sin
What was the sin and why was it so heinous? What are the four main consequences of sin in this paragraph? What did the change in “original righteousness” look like? Describe the loss of communion with God. How can we say Adam and Eve were dead in sin? What does it mean to be wholly … More Episode 6.2: Fallen and Sinful
How can we keep a fresh picture of the reality of the Fall? How should we understand Genesis’ account that Satan was a serpent? Do we know anything about Satan’s fall into sin? What is temptation? How could sinful desires originate in someone who was righteous? How was Adam and Eve’s sin a “complication of … More Episode 6.1: The Fall Into Sin
This special episode is a Q&A of all things related to chapter five. Thanks for those who sent in questions. Tune in as we discuss:can you help me understand first and second causes better? I think Kyle is right, will you give evidence of how the early church fathers and our Presbyterian founders understood miracles? … More Chapter 5 Q&A
How would you distinguish between God’s general care of his creation and his special care for the church? How do we see God caring for his church in the Old Testament? How do we see God caring for his church in history? Even when the church tries to ruin itself what are some examples of … More Episode 5.7: A Preserving Providence
What defines the people in this paragraph as wicked? Why has God blinded them for their former sins? What happens when the grace of God shines in the heart versus what we read in this paragraph? What gifts are the wicked given? Where do we read about the world, the flesh, and the devil? Tune … More Episode 5.6 A Hardening Providence
Why does God allow his children to be left to seasons of temptation? What does it mean for God to chasten for former sin? What is hidden corruption? Is God’s leaving his children contrary to the Lord’s Prayer? How does God expose the deceitfulness of the heart? What holy ends does God purpose for his … More Episode 5.5: A Punishing Providence
How as pastors have you interacted with the so-called problem of evil? Why do you think the problem of evil has shipwrecked the faith of so many people? How do non-Reformed people try to solve this problem? What is meant by “not by bare permission”? What are the holy ends of God in ordering sin? … More Episode 5.4: The “Problem” of Evil
Do miracles still happen? Joel says “Yes,” Kyle says, “No,” and Nathan only gives a non-committed “Maybe.” What is a miracle? What is a special act of providence? What are biblical examples of God working without, above, and against his ordinary providence? What does this paragraph say to the spirit of the age? Tune in … More Episode 5.3: Miracles and Special Providence
What do we mean when we say God is the first cause? What does immutable and infallible mean in God’s providential care? Is God the cause of evil? Is evil part of God’s providential design? What is a necessary cause? A free cause? A contingent cause? What encouragement can be given to those who facing … More Episode 5.2: First and Second Causes
How do we define providence and where do we go in the Bible to understand it? What similarities does this paragraph have with other Reformed confessions? How is God’s providence seen from the least to the greatest? How can we pastor people who are going through difficult providence? What is the aim of God’s providential … More Episode 5.1: Providence: Greatest to Least
Today we are really excited to present our listeners with this excellent interview with Dr. Andy McIntosh (and his Wikipedia page here) Dr. McIntosh earned his PhD in Aeronautics from Cranfield, and is now a retired professor from the University of Leeds in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, where he continues as a visiting research professor in … More Special Episode: Interview with Dr. Andrew McIntosh
This special episode is a Q&A of all things related to chapter four. Thanks for those who sent in questions. Tune in as we discuss: What are some of the creation theories that are commonly accepted in Reformed circles? Are there good reasons to believe in a 6 day 24-hour creation? How would we respond … More Chapter 4 Q&A
Why is the creation of man set apart by the confession and the Bible? What is the significance of “male and female” to our cultural dilemma? What is the “image of God”? What are some practical applications of being made in the image of God? What does it mean to have the law written on … More Episode 4.2: The Image of God
Today we have the distinct privilege of inviting Dr. R. Scott Clark to talk to him about predestination and the divine decree. In this special episode he helped us understand the development of the doctrine of the decree in Western Christianity, why the Federal Vision gets it wrong, and what pastoral and practical application we … More Special Episode: Interview with Dr. R. Scott Clark
What are some different theories of creation? Why is understanding the creation account important for our understanding of redemption? How was each person of the Trinity involved in creation? Why is it important that God created out of nothing? What practicality does creation have in the Christian life? These are some of the questions we … More Episode 4.1: Creation
This special episode is a Q&A of all things related to chapter three. Thanks for those who sent in questions. Tune in as we discuss: 1) Was Molinism and/or Middle Knowledge fairly represented in Episode 3.2? 2) What does it mean to “obey the gospel”? 3) Are your hosts supra or infralapsarian? 4) What approach … More Chapter 3 Q&A
In today’s episode, “Predestination’s Prudence and Care, or a Discussion on the Experiential Results of the Doctrine of Predestination by Which the Real and Tangible Blessings of this Doctrine for God’s People is Manifest Not in Meditation and Naval Gazing but in Our Piety and Worship,” we discuss questions like: what is doctrine? How and … More Episode 3.8: Predestination’s Prudence and Care
What is reprobation? Is it a biblical word? Is this only a corollary to election? Why are people reprobated? Can reprobation bring God praise? What counsel would you give to someone who thinks they are reprobate? Can this truth be used as a comfort for believers? These are some of the questions we address in … More Episode 3.7: Reprobation
How does God’s ordaining all things establish second causes? What is a biblical definition of “elect”? Is election personal and individual? What does “redemption” mean? What is a biblical definition of calling, justification, sanctification, and glorification? How can we understand the comprehensive nature of salvation? How are all of these benefits “in Christ”? How does … More Episode 3.6 The Means of Predestination
What are some of the challenges people have with the biblical teaching on predestination? Where do we see predestination in the Bible? What is the significance of God’s mercy and love in predestination? Why is it before the foundation of the world? Did he predestine some due to foresight? What’s the highest purpose of God’s … More Episode 3.5: On Predestination
What is the difference between predestination and foreordination? Why does the Confession speak of angels? What comfort can come to us from the doctrine of predestination? How does it help us to understand redemption? Why is predestination not simply fate? Is predestination individual or a class of people? These are some of the questions we … More Episode 3.4: The Particular and Unchangeable Design of Predestination
Is “predestination” a biblical vocabulary word? How do you help people understand this word? What is the difference between predestination and foreordination? Why does the Confession talk about angels? What comfort can believers have by this and what warning can be given to unbelievers? Is Kyle going to reveal his lapsarian position? These are some of the questions we discuss on today’s episode. Join Joel, Shawn, Nathan and Kyle as they discuss Westminster Confession of Faith 3.3:
By the decree of God, for the manifestation of His glory, some men and angels are predestinated unto everlasting life; and others foreordained to everlasting death.
https://jerusalemchambercom.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/ep-3-3-predestination-and-foreordination.mp3
For More Resources On Today’s Topic Check These Books Out:
The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination by Lorraine Boettner
Concerning the Eternal Predestination of God by John Calvin
Teaching Predestination by David Kranendonk
Election and Free Will by Robert Peterson
What are Election and Predestination by Richard Phillips
And…
Systematic Theology by Louis Berkhof
Christ and the Decree by Richard Muller
Divine Will and Human Choice by Richard Muller
The Death of Christ by John Owen (volume 10 of Works)
“Some Thoughts on Predestination” by BB Warfield