October 2008 Reformation Voice

The newest issue of the Reformation Voice themed "Recovering the Reformed Confession" is available on the HRA Website.

A REVIEW OF RECOVERING THE REFORMED CONFESSION

A REVIEW OF RECOVERING THE REFORMED CONFESSION

Author; R. Scott Clark (2008, P&R)

Do not read this book unless you are willing to be challenged by what you think it means to be Reformed! I am serious. If you think you have it all together, then do not read this book. You will only be frustrated. HOWEVER, if you are willing to be challenged, then definitely read this book. I will state from the very beginning that this book is not going to be a light read. This book will take some deep thought and your undivided attention for it to do its job.

The first problem that Clark tackles is what he calls QIRC, or the Quest for Illegitimate Religious Certainty. Simply put, it is a kind of rationalism that tends to to make things a test of Reformed orthodoxy that are not confessional. Clark takes on six twenty-four hour day creation, theonomy, and covenant moralism as examples of Reformed QIRC-iness. I will not even try to summarize his points, as that would be a great disservice to Dr. Clark. His historical treatment of creation is lengthy but provides great insight.

The next problem that Clark deals with is QIRE, or the Quest for Illegitimate Religious Experience. Clark provides well-needed challenges to his readers to reconsider some of the "experiential" aspects of the theology and piety of Jonathan Edwards. We are called back to knowing God through the due use of the ordinary means of grace, rather than seeking or creating a religious experience. I personally have seen the undue anguish of soul that an emphasis on the extraordinary can cause for the believer who begins to doubt their salvation or faith because they have not had some spectacular experience. Clark does not advocate against the extraordinary, only that our piety and Christian experience should be measured by it. Clark puts it this way.

Judging by confessional Reformed piety, religious subjectivism (e.g., revivalism or pietism) is illegitimate because it seeks what is by definition an extraordinary providence of God, which is not promised in Scripture. This desire for the extraordinary tends not only to devalue the ordinary providence of God but also the expressed promises of God. He is most free to work all manner of wonderful things, e.g., instances of an intense sense of the divine presence, a surprising understanding of the application of Scripture to a given situation or some other blessing; but they cannot define the Christian life, and they are no proper standard by which to measure sanctification or Christian maturity. It is a significant mistake to make the religious experience envisioned by revivalists the organizing principle for Reformed piety. (p. 120)

Fortunately Clark does not leave us stuck in a situation without a solution. Section two of the book is called "The Recovery"

Clark engages in a lengthy historical discussion of the archetypal/ectypal distinction in theology. To be honest, it was a discussion that I did not follow very well. The big point is to recover the distinction between the Creator and the creature. This means that we can never know things the way God knows them. We know things as he has revealed them to us. His conclusion I understood very well. "The Reformed understanding of things is that we do not have immediate access to God's being. We have mediated access through God the Son incarnate and through the preaching of the gospel and the administration of the sacraments. The goal of our theology is to think God's thoughts after him, as his image bearers, as analogues." (p. 163) To Clark this has implications in our dealing with creation debates and Federal Vision type issues.

In chapter 5, the value and use of our confessions and catechisms is discussed. Clark conducts a historical survey of confessional subscription tracing the drift from strict subscription to looser models of adoption by contemporary denominations. His conclusion is that we must return to the use of confessions as boundary markers. Secondly, that we need a confession that can be subscribed to without exception that is biblical. Clark raises an important question, is it time for a new or revision confession for the Reformed community? I think there is merit in that idea.

In chapter 6, Clark presents us with "The Joy of Being Confessional" stating five good reasons for being confessional. Without stating those points for you (Clark does that well enough), his main concern in this chapter is why many are drifting to other forms of Christianity (including back to the Roman Catholic church). Clark presents for us a solid, biblical ground for remaining (or perhaps even coming back to being) confessional.

Chapter 7 is entitled "Recovering Reformed Worship." I imagine this chapter will generate some healthy debate. Dr. Clark's intention is clear from the outset of the chapter.

"The fact that many Reformed Christians alive today have never seen or participated in a worship service that Calvin, the Heidelberg Reformers, or the Westminster Divines would recognize does not bode well for the future of Reformed theology, piety, and practice. …I argue that an essential part of recovering the Reformed confession is to recover the Reformed principle and practice of worship" (p. 241)

What Clark advocates is the return to the regulative principle of worship. He believes that even in Reformed churches today, this principle (that of only doing in worship what is required by scripture) is either being ignored or is being used differently that our Reformation forefathers. Clark gives the reader a lengthy historical tour of the developments and redevelopments regarding the regulative principle's use in the church. Clark's major theme regarding the regulative principle is how the church in large measure has abandoned "exclusive psalmody" and introduced the use of musical instruments. While I do not share Dr. Clark's conviction regarding the use of only inspired texts for singing in corporate worship, I do find his argument useful. I also find his position regarding the singing of texts from the entirety of Scripture a much more personally agreeable position than psalms only. While I have not fully come to Dr. Clark's position, this chapter has caused me be more intentional in the inclusions of Psalms and inspired texts in our congregational singing. Clark concludes the chapter with recommendations of what would be necessary to recover the regulative principle, a task he admits would not be easy. If you have not considered the why we sing what we sing, give Dr. Clark's chapter a careful read.

Clark's final chapter is entitled "Whatever Happened to the Evening Service?" In this chapter, Clark believes that in order for us to recover the Reformed practice of the second service we need to recover a Biblical view Sabbath and the means of grace. If you already have a high view of the Sabbath, you may find some of the Biblical background a bit unnecessary. Clark also provides historical background on Sunday Sabbath keeping which I found interesting. Clark also includes an interesting section of comparison and consensus of the Reformed confession on the Sabbath. In the section on the means of grace, Clark says, "It is the contention of this book that the antidote for the QIRE is to restore the means of grace to their proper place." (p. 340) As Clark wraps up this chapter, he makes the following statement which sums up his argument regarding the second service and his whole reason for writing this book.

As our churches realized in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, so too we must again realize that the Reformed theology, piety, and practice must be intentionally, conscientiously, patiently, and thoroughly taught to our congregations, to families, to children, to singles, to newcomers, and to those who have been Reformed for generations, or our theology, piety, and practice will be quickly lost and assimilated into the American mainstream religious admixture of pietism and fundamentalism. (p. 352)

In summary, this is not a book about recovering the Reformed doctrine of predestination or election. This is a book intended for the those who call themselves Reformed. It is a call to re-examine what it really means to be Reformed and whether we are really following the Reformed confession we claim to hold as standards. You may not agree with everything Clark has to say, but do not miss his call to examine our faith and practice in the light of the Reformation standards. Take the time and effort to challenge yourself with this book.

Review of Man Overboard

by Sinclair Ferguson. Banner
of Truth Trust, 2008.
Reviewed by Rev. Howard Sloan

I recently picked up this book as a resource for a series of messages on Jonah. I was delighted by what I found in this new edition of an old treasure. This book was first published in 1981 with Banner of Truth releasing a new edition this year. One change from the original is the use of the English Standard Version. At the beginning each chapter, Ferguson quotes the entire chapter of Jonah with which he is dealing.

An important thing to know is that this is not a commentary. This is more a series of related articles working through Jonah. Ferguson does not offer commentary on each verse. In fact each chapter of Jonah is treated in two or three chapters by Ferguson, each from a different perspective.

"Man Overboard!" is not overly technical. However, he does draw out some grammatical and linguistic themes that reappear through the prophet. What Ferguson does well is to make us see how the lessons and themes of Jonah bear on our modern life as individuals and as the church. Here is just one example:

“If there is a special danger for professing Christians
today, it must certainly be indifference to and
ignorance of the true nature of the human heart! How
easily outward behavior and established patterns
of belief can hide from us the true need we have for
a new heart which beats in time with the heart of
God! We should never be deceived into thinking
that outward conformity to group norms, professions
of conversion, or intellectual assent to orthodox
doctrines are the same thing as a true heart knowledge
of God.” (p. 87)

Overall, I think this is a great read and a valuable resource for anyone who is working through Jonah.

This review can also be found in the August 2008 Reformation Voice

AUGUST 2008 REFORMATION VOICE

Sorry I have not blogged in a while. The August 2008 Reformation Voice is available. The theme is conforming to the image of Christ. It features articles by Elden Smith, John Niederhaus, and myself.

June 2008 Reformation Voice

The June 2008 Reformation Voice is now online. It includes articles by R. Scott Clark, Danny Hyde, and Bill Bruinsma.

HRA Conference

The HRA Bible Conference was great. Rev. Ron Cammenga did a wonderful job on presenting the Reformation's Teaching in the Heidelberg Catechism.

Here is a link to the audio from the conference.

For Those Beginning to Study Covenant Theology

Thank you Scott Clark for this information.

Catholic Scholar Converts to Evangelicalism

Read this breaking news story (from 500 years ago!)

Clowney's "Ten Commandments" Review

How Jesus Transformed the Ten Commandments, by Edmund P. Clowney. Editied by Rebecca Clowney Jones. P & R Publishing, 2007. Reviewed by Rev. Howard Sloan

The title of Dr. Clowney’s book does not do the contents justice. This is not just about what Jesus had to say about the ten commandments, but about how His person, work, and teaching transform them. It is about His life and death transform them. It is about what He left for us in the apostles teaching and ministry transform them.

This book is published posthumously, as Dr. Clowney died in 2005. It has been produced with the help of his daughter Rebecca Clowney Jones, who edited and augmented the context from Sunday School notes.

The book is divided into twelve chapters – an introduction, a conclusion, and ten chapters on the commandments themselves. Each chapter has study questions at the end for use in individual study or for a Sunday School class. The chapters are very rich and deep. The commandments are not presented as a bare list of don’ts, but in a way that drive us to greater piety and obedience. The depth of each command as Clowney presents them is far greater than I can illustrate in such a short review.

The one chapter that may cause some debate is Clowney’s treatment of the second commandment. It is his discussion of images of Jesus that I particularly have in mind. Clowney states a position that in certain limited cases images of Jesus might be acceptable and not idolatrous. Many in the Reformed community hold that any image of Jesus is idolatry. Here is a short quote, but I urge you to read his argument before making any judgment.

“Let me offer a principle that may help us determine what is a good use of image when it comes to portraying Jesus. I suggest that portraits of Jesus are the problem. May representations show the reality of Jesus without offering a portrait, which in its very nature invites us to worship. To look at Jesus’ face is to worship him.” (p. 31)

One chapter I found to be a refreshing read was on the Sabbath/the Fourth Commandment. Some treatments of this commandment can come off with a list of do’s and don’ts. Sometime I find myself looking for just that if I am being honest. Clowney does not do that. I was glad to find that Clowney treated the concept of physical rest and refreshment as part of the Sabbath blessing. Too often I find that Sabbath discussions leave one with the sense that to have any physical rest on the Sabbath is a violation of the commandment. Clowney encourages physical rest and refreshment without encouraging the idleness of which so many speak. He also encourages us to worship and service on the Lord’s Day. I found his treatment very well round and fair.

Overall, I found the book to be a great read. It is full of encouragement toward deep and abiding holiness. It is strong statement on the depth and breath of the commandments, as well as the grace and mercy of God in Jesus Christ our Lord.

(a shorter form of this review with appear in the June 2008 Reformation Voice)

Hyde on "Descent into Hell"

Danny Hyde gracious provided us with this.

Dear colleagues and friends,

As a way to promote The Confessional Presbyterian (http://www.cpjournal.com/), a journal for discussion of Presbyterian doctrine & practice, the editor has graciously made my article on Jesus Christ's descent into hell available free of charge as a .pdf.

Below is the link to "In Defense of the Descendit: A Confessional Response to Contemporary Critics of Christ’s Descent into Hell." The Confessional Presbyterian 3 (2007) 104–117.

http://www.cpjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/hyde.pdf

When Sin is Sin and Grace is Grace

Thank you R. Scott Clark and the Heidelblog.

When Sin is Sin and Grace is Grace

Owen on Imputed Active Obedience

I found this gem on the Pilgrim People.

http://michaelbrown.squarespace.com/the-latest-post/2008/4/17/owen-on-imputed-active-obedience.html

Got Bored

I got bored with the old look. So here is a new one.

CHURCH OF OPRAH EXPOSED

The following e-mail was sent to me with the link to this video. It is worth watching.

"Aside from the slight political overtone, and the drama of the person presenting this , you will see new age religion at it's worst. Notice how a simple misunderstanding of a verse caused this one to turn her back on the true Christ, and pervert the person of Christ even more, whom apparently she heard about but never really believed. Her statement , God is a feeling, not a believing experience. ( so true in many watered down messages today from some pulpits) and, If your religion requires a belief in God, then its not truly God, shows how one can appear to be spiritual but completely lost...So many today will follow this road to hell, some because of who is promoting and others because it "sounds" right. Don't be fooled, there is only one way and that way is Jesus.

Rom. 3:23

Rom. 5:12

John. 3:16

Eph. 2:8-9

Rom. 10:9

John 10:27-28

Please read in the order given."

Thou Art Worthy Third Verse

Some of you are familiar with Thou Art Worthy. There are actually two verses.

For copyright reasons I can not post those but they can be found at CCLI Song No. 14789 & 916557
© 1963, 1975 Fred Bock Music Company
Pauline Michael Mills | Tom Smail

Below is a NEW third verse that I composed based on Rev. 15:3-4

Great and awe-some Great and awe-some
Great and awe-some your deeds
Lord God Al-migh-ty. Lord God Al-migh-ty.
Just and so true are your ways.
O King of the Na-tions
Lord, who will not fear you.
And make your name glor-i-fied.
A-lone you are holy
Na-tions will worship.
When your acts are re-vealed.

Scripture Hymns Page

I am going to continue to post these hymns as I have opportunity. I have created a page on the Heidelberg Reformation Association site where all of the PDFs will be available for download. I am hoping to start having versions with the music soon as well. I am encouraging others to participate in this project as well. I will post any worthwhile contributions on the site below as well.

http://hra.witnesstoday.org/hymns.html

Thanks

Howard

Philippians 2 Hymn

Philippians 2:5-11 “Humbled and Exalted”

Tune: Ode to Joy/ #122 Trinity Hymnal

Christ Jesus, who in nature God, did not count equality;

With our God a thing to be grasped, but made of himself nothing,

Like a servant, made in likeness of a man in human form,

Humbled himself in o-be-dience for our sake in his dying.

Hum-bl-ing himself to death on a cross. God exalted Him.

God bestowed the name that is above every name upon him,

So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow to him,

Those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, confessing Him.

Every tongue confessing that Jesus Christ is the Lord on high,

To the glory of Fa-ther God. Hence the loved obey him all.

Working out our own salvation with great fear and trembling

For our God is working in us, both his pleasure and his will.

Lyrics © 2008 Howard Sloan

PDF Available Here.

Permission to use is granted.

APRIL 2007 REFORMATION VOICE

The April 2008 Reformation Voice is available for download on the Heidelberg Reformation Association website.

http://hra.witnesstoday.org/RVApril2008.pdf

For information about the HRA
http://hra.witnesstoday.org/

Ephesians 1 Hymn

Ephesians 1:3-14 hymn – “IN HIM”

Tune: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (#53 Trinity Hymnal)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Je-sus Christ,

who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing

in the heav’n-lies,

he has chos-en us in him

before the world and its founding

Chosen that we should be holy and blameless before him

In love predestined to be made sons through Jesus the Christ,

done of his will,

to praise his glorious grace,

with which in the Beloved us blessed.

In him we have our redemption through his blood, forgiven

forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the rich grace,

lavished on us,

in all wisdom and insight

revealing his will and his purpose,

He makes known to us the my-stery of his revealed will,

according to his purpose, which in Jesus Christ set forth

in fullest time,

uniting all things in him,

things in the heaven and the earth.

In him we’ve gained an inheritance, which was predestined

done by the plan of him who works in all things counsel by,

things to his will,

so we’re the first to have hope

in Christ and might praise his glory.

In him we also trusted when we heard the word of truth

the gospel of our salvation, and be-liev-ed in him,

sealed with promise

The Spirit who guarantees

Inheritance ‘til we possess it.

PDF Available Here

"ACCORDING TO HIS GREAT MERCY" HYMN

1 PETER 1:3-9 "ACCORDING TO HIS GREAT MERCY"

to the tune “Love Divine All Loves Excelling” or BEECHER

Blessed be the God and Father

Of our Lord our Jesus Christ!

According to his great mercy,

He has given us new birth

To a living hope in Jesus

Through his rising from the dead,

To an inheritance unfading,

can not perish, undefiled

That inheritance in heaven

Kept for us who by this faith

Are now guarded by God’s power

For salvation ready then

In the last time to be made known

That we might rejoice a while

Though we may a time be tested

By some grievous varied trials.

In these trials we are tested

That our faith’s proved genuine

Faith more precious than of gold

That perishes refined by fire

That our faith may produce praises

Glory, honor in the sight

Of the revelation of Him

Our Lord Savior Jesus Christ.

Though we have not seen him, love him.

Though we do not see him now,

We believe in Him rejoicing

Filled with glory and with joy

That is inexpressible.

When that day we reach our goal

Gaining the outcome of our faith,

The salvation of our souls.

PDF Available here.