Great article. This was a timely read for me. I recently posted a note with a Calvin quote:
“When they claim that Holy Scripture does not contain perfection, but that something loftier has been revealed by the Spirit, they prove that the spirit that introduces any doctrine or invention apart from the Gospel is a deceiving spirit, and not the Spirit of Christ.” - Calvin's Commentary on John 14.26
There is a spirit working in some church movements. I suppose it's always been there, but it seems to be having a resurgence in 21st century America.
“Although somewhat particular and contextual, the hallmarks of Protestant congregations consisted of the faithful preaching of Scripture, the proper administration of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and the exercise of church discipline”
I would say the faithful preaching of scripture is the foundation. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper and discipline all are subsidiary. We did not agree then and now on any of these issues.
We read this essential truth about the preeminence of the Word:
“I will worship toward Your holy temple, And praise Your name For Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word above all Your name.” —Psalms 138:2
So many distractions, diversions, and delusions have conspired to eclipse our need for the pure word of God taught continually. Line upon line. Precept upon precept.
Jesus, Himself, is the Word embodied.
It is difficult in our time to find such places as give priority to the teaching of scripture.
Thanks, Amy. Cynically speaking, I'd say the magisterial reformers had too many lemons that made them a bunch of sourpusses more often than not. Doctrinally speaking, though, I think they were of the lot that still had a bit of Rome in their grace cocktail.
Great article. This was a timely read for me. I recently posted a note with a Calvin quote:
“When they claim that Holy Scripture does not contain perfection, but that something loftier has been revealed by the Spirit, they prove that the spirit that introduces any doctrine or invention apart from the Gospel is a deceiving spirit, and not the Spirit of Christ.” - Calvin's Commentary on John 14.26
There is a spirit working in some church movements. I suppose it's always been there, but it seems to be having a resurgence in 21st century America.
Thanks for the comment and the encouragement, Greg!
“Although somewhat particular and contextual, the hallmarks of Protestant congregations consisted of the faithful preaching of Scripture, the proper administration of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and the exercise of church discipline”
I would say the faithful preaching of scripture is the foundation. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper and discipline all are subsidiary. We did not agree then and now on any of these issues.
I would concur, Lyle. The Word is always the foundation.
We read this essential truth about the preeminence of the Word:
“I will worship toward Your holy temple, And praise Your name For Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word above all Your name.” —Psalms 138:2
So many distractions, diversions, and delusions have conspired to eclipse our need for the pure word of God taught continually. Line upon line. Precept upon precept.
Jesus, Himself, is the Word embodied.
It is difficult in our time to find such places as give priority to the teaching of scripture.
Indeed, the church's one abiding foundation is the Word of the Lord.
Good summary. What do you make of the fact that many of the magisterial reformers would have considered credobaptists in violation of those marks?
Thanks, Amy. Cynically speaking, I'd say the magisterial reformers had too many lemons that made them a bunch of sourpusses more often than not. Doctrinally speaking, though, I think they were of the lot that still had a bit of Rome in their grace cocktail.
Burn! haha