Depersonalizing the Holy Spirit, Modalism, and Worship (Horton)

Michael Horton's recent book on the Holy Spirit is quite helpful in many ways. I was re-reading the opening chapter this morning and the following paragraphs were a good reminder for me. Here they are: Even in broader Christian piety, there is a tendency to treat the Holy Spirit as a force or source of …

The Law/Gospel Distinction (Beza/Horton)

In 1558 Theodore Beza (John Calvin's successor in Geneva) wrote "Confession De Foi Du Chretien" (The Christian Faith). The following is an excerpt on Beza's description of the law/gospel distinction taken from his book: We divide this Word into two principal parts or kinds: the one is called the "Law", the other the "Gospel". For, …

Final Justification on Account of Our Works? (Horton)

On the last day when the Lord comes to judge the living and the dead, is there something like a final justification based on our works? Can we even talk about a present justification and a final justification, as if there are two justifications? Some would answer yes to the question. The historical Reformation answer …

Redemption and Revelation (Vos/Horton)

 As we grow in the Christian faith we learn more about God's word (and vice-versa).  Sometimes we take huge steps in understanding Scripture and sometimes we take smaller steps. Either way, we're growing in grace and knowledge.  For me, one major area of growth in understanding Scripture was when I began to learn about the …

Union, Justification, Sanctification, Glorification (Horton)

I appreciate the following selection from Michael Horton's Justification (Vol 2).  It's about union with Christ, justification, sanctification, and glorification: Union is not a goal but the source of our life.  Chosen in him [Christ], redeemed by him, and crucified, buried, and raised with him, we share in Christ's pioneering journey in an 'already' and 'not-yet' …