Sin, the Fall, and God’s Will (Bavinck, Aquinas, and Augustine)

When Herman Bavinck wrote about the origin of sin in volume three of his Reformed Dogmatics, he spent several pages discussing the possibility of sin as God's will. This, of course is a huge discussion: how do we reconcile the entrance and reality of sin in this world with God's sovereign will and providence? Bavinck …

By Nature Enemies of God (“An Inbred Distaste of God’s Perfections”)

Romans 5:10 says, For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! (NIV) Speaking of "God's enemies," Scripture teaches that by nature, people are enemies of God (Col. 1:21). Those who do not …

Earth Is Not Hell, But… (Bavinck)

In the second chapter of his 1913 publication, Guidebook for Instruction in the Christian Religion, Dutch Reformed theologian Herman Bavinck wrote about general revelation. General revelation is the biblical teaching that the triune God reveals himself in creation (e.g., Ps 19:1-6). Bavinck spoke highly of general revelation, explaining that it includes God's goodness to humanity …

Is It Possible to Sin Against People?

In Q/A 151 of the Westminster Larger Catechism it talks about the ways some sins are more heinous than others. In the answer, the catechism mentions sinning against other people (e.g. those in authority, other Christians, etc.). We might remember Peter asking Jesus, "Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven …

The Most Powerful Thing We Can Say (Welch)

I've mentioned this helpful book before: Side by Side by Ed Welch. It's a very good resource on friendships and the details of Christians walking through life with other Christians - together. In the fourth chapter Welch discusses the weight of sin. One section of the chapter discusses some of the blessings or benefits that …