Psalm 119: The Breath of the New Heart (McCheyne)

Psalm 119 has always been one of my favorite Psalms. I love how the Psalmist talks about the beauty and power of God's word, precepts, commands, and laws. Speaking of Psalm 119, Robert Murray MCheyne called it "the breathing of the new heart" in a sermon on Romans 7:22-25. After mentioning how an unbeliever has …

The Agreement Between the Law and the Gospel

In historic Reformed theology, the moral law has a very important place in the life of the Christian.  One use of the law is that it shows us our sin and drives us to Christ (Rom. 3:20, Gal. 3:23-26).  The law is distinguished from the gospel in that it cannot justify, redeem, or provide a …

Thomas Boston on Sanctification

Thomas Boston (d. 1732), a Scottish Presbyterian pastor, wrote numerous books and treatises as well as a commentary on the Westminster Shorter Catechism (called “An Illustration of the Doctrines of the Christian Religion”).  Below is a helpful excerpt from his section on sanctification (which I’ve edited to keep it brief). First: Sanctification of a soul …

The Christian and God’s Law

I appreciate Thomas Watson’s explanation of the relationship between the Christian and God’s moral law.  This might be considered a commentary on the Westminster Larger Catechism Q/A 97 (“What special use is there of the moral law to the regenerate?”).  Note: I’ve slightly edited the following quote for length. “In some sense [the moral law] …

The Formula of Concord and the Third Use of the Law

Even though I disagree with several aspects of Lutheran theology, I’ve found some brilliant Christian statements in the Lutheran confessions.  I love the emphasis on Christian liberty, vocation, the five solas, and the penetrating critiques of the papacy and fanaticism (i.e. the Anabaptists).  In my opinion, one of the most incredible and remarkable statements is …