" In The Theology of Colin E. Gunton, a number of contemporary theologians from across the world critically engage with the work of this influential British theologian. Gunton's handling of the gospel of Jesus Christ is celebrated, key doctrines critically examined, and his contribution to the ongoing theological task carefully evaluated. Contributors address key issues at the centre of Gunton's understanding of the Christian gospel, thereby enabling readers to appreciate how Gunton's fundamental analysis of the relation between God, creation and Jesus Christ impacts the church's ongoing task of faithful theological enquiry. In this volume of essays, contributors explore Gunton's constructive thinking on a range of doctrinal topics, as well as critically analyze Gunton's theological method and use of the Christian tradition. As such, this collection of essays provides the Christian theological community with its first wide-ranging and carefully argued examination into the influential work of Colin E. Gunton. "

" This is the first book length assesment in English of the impact of Karl Barth's theology in Britain. Beginning with the essays of Adolf Keller and H.R. Mackintosh in the 1920s, it analyses the interplay between Barth's developing thought and different strands of English, Scottish and Welsh church history up to the 1980s. Barth's impact on British perceptions of the German Church Struggle during the 1930s is discussed, along with the ready acceptance that his theology gained among the English Congregationalists, Welsh Nonconformists and theologians of the Church of Scotland. Half forgotten names such as John McConnachie and Nathaniel Micklem are brought to light along with better known representatives of British Barthianism like Daniel T. Jenkins and T.F. Torrance. Barth and the secular theology of the 1960s are assessed, along with the beginnings of the Barthian renaissance linked with Colin Gunton and others during the 1980s. Barth Reception in Britain is a contribution to modern church history as well as the history of doctrine. "

Edward Hendrie uses God's word to strip the sheep's clothing from false Christian ministers and expose them as ravening wolves preaching an anti-gospel. The anti-gospel is based on a myth that all men have a will that is free from the bondage of sin to choose whether to believe in Jesus. The Holy Bible, however, states that all men are spiritually dead and cannot believe in Jesus unless they are born again of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 2:1-7; John 3:3-8. God has chosen his elect to be saved by his grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:3-9; 2:8-10. God imbues his elect with the faith needed to believe in Jesus. Hebrews 12:2; John 1:12-13. The devil's false gospel contradicts the word of God and reverses the order of things. Under the anti-gospel, instead of a sovereign God choosing his elect, sovereign man decides whether to choose God. The calling of the Lord Jesus Christ is effectual; all who are chosen for salvation will believe in Jesus. John 6:37-44. The anti-gospel has a false Jesus, who only offers the possibility of salvation, with no assurance. The anti-gospel blasphemously makes God out to be a liar by denying the total depravity of man and the sovereign election of God. All who preach that false gospel are under a curse from God. Galatians 1:6-9.

This scarce antiquarian book is a selection from Kessinger Publishing's Legacy Reprint Series. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature. Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone!

What role does the interpretation of Scripture play in theological construction? In Reading the Decree David Gibson examines the exegesis of election in John Calvin and Karl Barth, and considers the relationship between election and Christology in their thought. He argues that for both Calvin and Barth their doctrine of election and its exegetical moorings are christologically shaped, but in significantly different ways. Building on Richard A. Muller's conceptual distinction between Calvin's soteriological christocentrism and Barth's principial christocentrism, Gibson carefully explores their exegesis of the topics of Christ and election, and the election of Israel and the church. This distinction is then further developed by showing how it has a corresponding hermeneutical form: extensive christocentrism (Calvin) and intensive christocentrism (Barth). By focussing on the reception of biblical texts Reading the Decree draws attention to the neglected exegetical foundations of Calvin's doctrine of election, and makes a fresh contribution to current debates over election in Barth's thought. The result is a study which will be of interest to biblical scholars, as well as historical and systematic theologians alike.

The Christ's Faith coheres with orthodox Christology and Reformation soteriology, and needs to be affirmed to properly confirm the true humanity of the incarnate Son. Without addressing the interpretation of the Pauline phrase pistis christou, this study offers a theological rationale for an exegetical possibility and enriches a dogmatic account of the humanity of the Christ. The coherence of the Christ's faith is shown in two ways. First, the objection of Thomas Aquinas is refuted by demonstrating that faith is fitting for the incarnate Son. Second, a theological ontology is offered which affirms divine perfection and transcendence in qualitative fashion, undergirding a Chalcedonian and Reformed Christology. Thus, the humanity of the Christ may be construed as a fallen human nature assumed by the person of the Word and sanctified by the Holy Spirit. The dogmatic location of The Christ's Faith is sketched by suggesting its (potential) function within three influential theological systems: Thomas Aquinas, federal theology, and Karl Barth. Furthermore, the soteriological role of the doctrine is demonstrated by showing the theological necessity of faith for valid obedience before God.

Many interpreters argue that Karl Barth's rejection of the Roman Catholic analogia entis was based upon a mistaken interpretation of the principle, and many scholars also contend that late in his career, Barth changed his mind about the analogia entis, either by withdrawing his rejection of it or by adopting some form of it as his own. This book challenges both views, and by doing so, it opens up new avenues for ecumenical dialogue between Protestants and Roman Catholics. In short, this book establishes that Barth did not make a mistake when he rejected the analogia entis and that he also never wavered on his critique of it; he did, however, change his response to it-not by breaking with his earlier thought, but by deepening it so that a true Christological dialogue could take place between Protestant and Roman Catholic theologians. This conclusion will be used to point the way to new terrain for ecumenical dialogue in contemporary discussions.

In [ital] Becoming a Multicultural Church[ital], Bowers reflects upon and shows how churches can benefit from the experience of First Congregational Church of Randolph, Massachusetts [em dash] the church she pastors [em dash] once a historically "traditional" one social grouping church, but now a "multicultural" church and one of the numerically largest churches in Randolph. She offers practical strategies and explores the processes involved, in a conversational style that will make it an easy read for pastors.

The Reformation is usually not associated with missionary fervor. Similarly, the confessions of faith produced by Reformed churches have seldom been viewed as missionary statements. This book argues for a reconsideration of these positions. The focus is on the Belgic Confession of faith written in 1561 by the Belgian martyr, Guy de Bres. Bredenhof argues that the Belgic Confession was an effort on the part of de Bres and the Reformed churches of the Low Countries to reach those they considered to be non-Christians. He demonstrates how the structure of the Confession represents a contextualized witness to sixteenth century Europe. FOR THE CAUSE OF THE SON OF GOD also looks at missionary uses of the Belgic Confession in the seventeenth and twentieth centuries, both from theoretical and practical perspectives. The church will surely be enriched by a more careful reflection on the relationship between confessions such as the Belgic and the call of Christ to bring the gospel to the ends of the earth.

Calvin@500 is an exercise in appreciative criticism and appropriation of the Reformer's work for church and society. The collection serves as an introduction to the life and thought of this sixteenth-century Reformer in his context. The book also traces Calvin's continuing legacy for political, economic, theological, spiritual, and inter-religious practices of our own time. The essays reflect the depth and breadth of Calvin scholarship from the sixteenth century to the present. They also reflect Calvin's own wide-ranging ministry: the authors are pastors, teachers, social justice workers, and theologians. Calvin@500 arose from two Canadian conferences on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of Calvin's birth.

John Newton (1725-1807), converted slave-trader, preacher, and hymn-writer, was one of the most colorful figures in the Evangelical Awakening of the eighteenth century. 'Once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa', he once wrote for his epitaph, 'by the rich mercy of Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had long labored to destroy.' "In few writers are Christian doctrine, experience and practice more happily balanced than in the author of these Letters, and few write with more simplicity, piety and force." - C. H. Spurgeon

"The two great objectives to be accomplished by Jesus Christ in His mission to this world were, first, the removal of the curse under which mankind labored as a result of the disobedience and fall, and second, the restoration of men to the image and fellowship of God. Both of these were essential to salvation. The work of Christ in reconciling God and men we call the Atonement; and the doctrine, we believe, lies at the very heart of the Christian system. In the nature of the case we are altogether dependent on Scripture for our knowledge concerning this doctrine and can know only what God has seen fit to reveal concerning it. Human philosophy and speculation can contribute practically nothing toward its solution, and should be held in abeyance. Our present purpose is to give a systematized account of what the Scriptures teach concerning it, and to show that this fits in perfectly with the longings and aspirations of an enlightened spiritual nature." - Loraine Boettner

"The chief excellency of these Letters is, that they present the subject of DIVINE DECREES, without the forbidding aspect, which it is apt to assume in the view of many persons. One thing the reader may be assured of, that whether he should coincide in opinion with the author or not, he will find nothing in the volume calculated to wound the most delicate feelings. A spirit of meekness and kindness, eminently characteristic of the writer, pervades the whole." - Archibald Alexander, from the Preface

At the end of the 'Calvin-Year', in which Christians all over the world celebrate Calvin's 500 birthday, this books emphasizes Calvin's role for establishing a Protestant mission theology which later led to a worldwide expansion of Protestant Christianity. The book presents major articles on the topic through 125 years of history and from different viewpoints from 1882 to 2002. Some of the articles discuss Calvin and his writings and thinking on mission alone. Some add the question, what kind of mission has been organized from Geneva during Calvins time, because Calvin did not only speak about evangelism and mission, but also helped establish it in reality, even though on a quite small scale compared to later centuries. Some articles go further, and follow the students and followers of Calvin and their relation to mission through history. Thus sometimes the wider topic of 'Calvinism and Mission'is included. This book has not been edited to defend 'Calvinism' and its dogmatic system. This has even from Calvinism's own firm position to be done on exegetical grounds. Nevertheless some of the authors wrote their articles as a defence of Calvinism or at least as very convinced Calvinists. Others write more from a neutral point of view as historical researchers.

Prominent Presbyterian pastors and leaders address each of the Great Ends of the Church in sermons that both challenge and uplift readers. For decades the Great Ends of the Church, a historic listing of ways Presbyterians have understood the role of the church, has helped to establish church directions in mission and ministry. The Great Ends of the Church are (1) the proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of humankind; (2) the shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of the children of God; (3) the maintenance of divine worship; (4) the preservation of the truth; (5) the promotion of social righteousness; and (6) the exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the world.

These sermons focus the church's understandings of its purpose and inspire us to dedicate ourselves to the church's work in the world. This is a book that every Presbyterian should know and is ideal for study by church groups and sessions.

The theology of John Calvin was given classic expression in his "Institutes of the Christian Religion ." In this definitive work, Calvin expert Charles Partee offers a careful exposition of Calvin's theology as it appears in the "Institutes," paying special attention to the relation of Calvin's theology to the history of Christian thought and to the questions of Calvin's own time. Partee also examines the development of later Calvinism and the adaptation of Calvin's thought by his later followers. As Partee shows, Calvin's theology provides a profound exposition of Christian faith and a magnificent resource for theology today.

"The Doctrine of Endless Punishment is a well-reasoned, theologically accurate statement which treats fully yet concisely the date contained in the revelation of God to man. This treatise deseves careful study; and provides adequate coverage of a much neglected aspect of Biblical doctrine." - Cyril J. Barber Shedd shows that 'The strongest support of the doctrine of endless punishment is the teaching of Christ, the Redeemer of man; without the explicit and reiterated statements of God incarnate, it is doubtful whether so awful a truth would have had such a conspicuous place as it always has had in the creed of Christendom. Christ could not have warned men so frequently and earnestly as he did, had he known there is no future peril.' This book will have a profoundly sobering effect on its readers; but its lasting impression will be to cause a new concern for men and women without Christ, and undying gratitude for 'Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come'.

Abingdon Pillars of Theology is a series for the college and seminary classroom designed to help students grasp the basic and necessary facts, influence, and significance of major theologians. Written by noted scholars, these books outline the contrxt, methodology, organizing principles, primary contributions, and key writings of people who have shaped theology as we know it today.
John Calvin (1509-1564) continues to be read and discussed because he illumines our human experience. Although inseparatable from his context, Calvin's theology speaks for itself, thus identifying ways Calvin remains a living voice for those who struggle with the meaning of Christian faith.

Why do two groups of Christians read the same verses of Scripture and reach radically opposing views of the Sovereignty of God and the Responsibility of Man? Starting with what Augustine called the very beginning of our faith, the system of Calvinism is explained from its foundation in the attributes of Omniscience, Omnipotence and Perfection in God, up through the Perseverance of the Saints. This system of belief, supported by numerous quotes from Augustine, Luther, Calvin, R. C. Sproul, James White, and John Piper, trusts in the absolute sovereignty of God. This is not simply an explanation of what Calvinism teaches, instead this is an explanation of WHY Calvinists all reach the same conclusions of what Scripture teaches. This systematic approach using the writings of Calvin, and supporting evidence from current Calvinists, will help non-Calvinists as well as life-long Calvinists better understand exactly what Calvinism teaches. C. S. Lewis understood Calvinism better than most Calvinists. Beginning with the same attributes of God as they relate to the creation and fall of man, Lewis systematically addressed the foundational reasoning used by Calvin to develop his theology. Finding Orthodoxy is as simple as understanding these two opposing systems of belief. This presentation of what Calvin and C. S. Lewis taught, breaks down a very complex issue into a series of steps that interlock in a way that allows for an understanding of Sovereignty, Responsibility, Election, Predestination, and Salvation. Most books describe the two protestant views of theology that came out of the Reformation as Calvinism and Arminianism. After the death of John Calvin and Jacobus Arminius, the followers of Arminius issued a document disagreeing with five of the points of Classic Calvinism. The Synod of Dort was convened to counter these five Arminian points, and issued the now familiar five TULIP points of Calvinism. Calvin and C. S. Lewis: Solving the Riddle of the Reformation (C&C) is not another simple rehash of these five points. Instead of beginning with Total Depravity, C&C examines the foundation that Total Depravity and the TULIP points are built upon. This starting point is not the authors opinion, instead, the starting point is what Augustine (called the father of Reformed Theology) and Calvin state to be the very beginning of our faith. C&C methodically lays out the complete system of Calvinism, using the starting point of Augustine and Calvin. The TULIP points are shown to be the top of the iceberg in the complete systematic theology of Calvin. When the complete system of Calvinism is explained, the futility of simply comparing the different views on the TULIP points is readily apparent. Tracing Calvinism to its first premise, the very foundation that Augustine, Calvin, and R.C. Sproul agree on, sets up the riddle of the reformation. After extensive documentation of Calvin's premises, C&C explains the how C. S. Lewis took the same starting point Calvin used and constructed a different systematic theology. The explanation of how Calvin and C. S. Lewis began with the same premises, yet arrived at different conclusions, solves the riddle of the reformation: Why two groups of Christians that read the same verses of Scripture reach radically opposing views of the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man. C&C shows that the only definitive way to know which system is Orthodox -- to solve the riddle -- is to dig all the way down and examine this foundation. C&C is exhaustively researched, extensively documented, charitably presented, intellectually challenging, and gives excellent answers on the Sovereignty of God and the role of man in salvation.

In this lay-friendly introduction to what it means to be a Presbyterian, Louis B. Weeks explains the life, history, tradition, and beliefs of the Presbyterian Church. Offering more than providing a brief overview, Weeks ties his explanations to actual congregational situations. Each chapter begins with an anecdote and then examines the theme in the following pages. It is ideal for new-member classes and for those who seek a refresher course on Presbyterianism. Originally publishing this volume in 1983, Weeks has updated many of the original anecdotes and added material to reflect decades of change in the PC(USA).

"Hopkins in this exposition searches the heart thoroughly, and makes very practical application of the Commandments to the situations and circumstances of daily life. His homely eloquence will always make his works valuable." - C.H. Spurgeon, from 'Commenting and Commentaries" One of the very best expositions of the Ten Commandments ever published. This American Tract Society edition was very highly prized in the 19th century. In the Notice given by the Tract Society we are told: "As a divine, Bishop Hopkins was one of the sound theologians to which the Reformation gave birth, and he unequivocally and openly held and inculcated the pure doctrines of the Reformers, opposed as they are to the pride and passions of unsanctified men. On the difficult questions concerning ther grace of God and the obligation of man, he adopted those views which most naturally reconcile with one another the declarations and exhortations of Scripture. Few writers have entered so unequivocally into the extent of man's responsibility, and at the same time so strongly insisted on the sovereignty, and so graphically described the operations of divine grace.

Foundation and Authority is a primer intended to introduce young people and adults to the Westminster Confession of Faith which will hopefully encourage further study. The Confession contains the basic Christian doctrines especially highlighted within the Reformed Faith. It contains the system of doctrine as embraced by the Presbyterian Church in America. It would be a suitable study or read for a communicant's class, as introductory comments for a course in The Confession. Parents could use it for family devotions. By including the actual text of The Confession, along with the comments, the book could be an important part of a discipleship strategy. To be a kingdom disciple requires believing, knowing, and understanding certain basics about the Bible, God, Christ, man, salvation, the church, and eschatology. Studying The Confession of Faith and The Catechisms is one of the best ways to learn those basic Christian doctrines. Foundation and Authority is rooted in the Scriptures as the only infallible rule for faith and life. For those who tend to be intimidated at the sound of studying doctrine, this book will assist you in beginning that most important process. It will better help you articulate or explain why you believe what you believe.