tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9387707.post7091096590666879487..comments2024-01-05T13:36:55.379-06:00Comments on Two-Edged Sword: Three Forms vs. WCF: AssuranceLeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10422257306176024118noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9387707.post-74709688298683997792014-04-12T13:16:14.685-05:002014-04-12T13:16:14.685-05:00I just wanted to share a sermon series on Assuranc...I just wanted to share a <a href="http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?seriesOnly=true&currSection=sermonstopic&sourceid=trinity560&keyword=Assurance&keyworddesc=Assurance" rel="nofollow">sermon series</a> on Assurance, from Edward Donnelly of Trinity Reformed Presbyterian Church in Northern Ireland, preached out of a desire to see improved evangelism among the congregation.Jeremy Bnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9387707.post-23124157723597912342014-02-18T17:49:08.410-06:002014-02-18T17:49:08.410-06:00Just a note, but the question of assurance came up...Just a note, but the question of assurance came up during the <a href="http://wscal.edu/resource-center/resource/question-and-answer-session" rel="nofollow">Q&A session</a> at last months conference at Westminster West. David Van Drunen spoke of the three elements spoken of, one of which was fruit.Jeremyhttps://twitter.com/jeremybricknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9387707.post-61665476180041050522014-02-07T09:39:30.563-06:002014-02-07T09:39:30.563-06:00Then again...any discussion of the subjective shou...Then again...any discussion of the subjective should probably be peppered with a healthy dose of reality/caution given the fruits of German Pietism, English Puritanism, and the Further Reformation of the Netherlands.Jeremyhttps://twitter.com/jeremybricknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9387707.post-43228380256070795412014-02-07T08:14:29.188-06:002014-02-07T08:14:29.188-06:00Thanks Lee
Not wanting to be misunderstood, objec...Thanks Lee<br /><br />Not wanting to be misunderstood, objectively we look to Christ and His finished work - His mediation - His continued intercession -always from which anything else flows. <br /><br />I agree on James 2, though there seems to be force in the "my faith by my works", a subjective assurance - or an assured confidence (HC 21) - that such a statement could be made. Also, 2 Corinthians 13:5, Hebrews 6:11-12, and even in direct connection with the Lord's Supper in 1 Corinthians 11:28.<br /><br />The point is undoubtedly better stated from Richard Sibbes on page 204ff, in discussing the <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=m_cCAAAAQAAJ&lpg=PA204&ots=V50NOe0V3k&dq=richard%20sibbes%20court%20of%20sanctification&pg=PA205#v=onepage&q&f=false" rel="nofollow">'testimony of our conscience'</a> of 2 Corinthians 1:12Jeremyhttps://twitter.com/jeremybricknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9387707.post-19120188651207766822014-02-07T00:56:17.961-06:002014-02-07T00:56:17.961-06:00Andrew,
WLC 79 found perseverance upon the unchang...Andrew,<br />WLC 79 found perseverance upon the unchangeable love of God and His decrees, but I disagree that it is bound up with assurance. The WLC is affirming that persevere because of God's love, but that is saying nothing about how people can find assurance for salvation. <br />And I do think WLC #80 is still primarily introspective. Remember that one begins with the qualification that only those who are attempting to walk in good conscience. And then with the power of the Spirit can still discern the evidence of grace within themselves and have the witness of the Holy Spirit to their spirit. <br />I am not trying to deny the WCF and WLC use the promise of God for some assurance, just as the Heidelberg mentions works. But the WCF focuses internal primarily for assurance while the Heidelberg focuses primarily external. At least that is my argument.Leehttp://www.twoedgedsword.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9387707.post-54224547082754317502014-02-06T21:25:25.976-06:002014-02-06T21:25:25.976-06:00How about including just a bit from the Westminste...How about including just a bit from the Westminster Larger Catechism. WLC 79 perserverance (which is entangled with assurance) and 80 which explicitly deals with assurance. WLC 79 founds assurance firmly on the unchangeable love of God, his decree and covenant, their inseparable union with Christ... WLC 80 says ... by faith grounded upon the truth of God's promises ... and by the Spirit enabling them to discern. <br /><br />Those aren't introspective as you suggest, but all point outward to Christ as the fulfilment of God's promises.Andrew Dnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9387707.post-82166193823577227892014-02-06T19:25:20.422-06:002014-02-06T19:25:20.422-06:00Jeremy,
Both the WCF and Heidelberg acknowledge th...Jeremy,<br />Both the WCF and Heidelberg acknowledge that good works come from the Spirit, although I am not sure 21 speaking of a hearty trust, which the Holy Spirit works in me by the Gospel is talking of works. Rather it seems to be pointing to trust that Christ has forgiven me with His works and righteousness. <br />I think the bigger point is that WCF points to works (which ability ultimately comes from the Spirit) as the main stay of assurance. The Heidelberg points instead to the Sacraments and the finished work on Christ. <br /><br />I think James 2:18 is speaking of our works being evidence to others of our true faith. It is not really saying works is evidence to ourselves or a source of personal assurance. Leehttp://www.twoedgedsword.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9387707.post-17251179068912738482014-02-06T16:11:23.016-06:002014-02-06T16:11:23.016-06:00Then again...doesn't HC 21 seems to say the sa...Then again...doesn't HC 21 seems to say the same thing regarding assurance? <br /><br />The "works in my heart" (or "works in me" in the RCUS version)Jeremyhttps://twitter.com/jeremybricknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9387707.post-85455224575114510172014-02-06T15:34:04.305-06:002014-02-06T15:34:04.305-06:00Just wanted to add, the WCF points to these works ...Just wanted to add, the WCF points to these works being through Christ and not of the individual<br /><br />WCF 14.3 "This faith is different in degrees, weak or strong; may be often and many ways assailed and weakened, but gets the victory; growing up in many to the attainment of a <b>full assurance through Christ, who is both the author and finisher of our faith</b>."<br /><br />WCF 16.3 "Their ability to do good works is not at all of themselves, but wholly from the Spirit of Christ..."Jeremyhttps://twitter.com/jeremybricknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9387707.post-48994400894395950332014-02-06T15:06:50.378-06:002014-02-06T15:06:50.378-06:00Thanks, this is great stuff.Thanks, this is great stuff.Davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14433975076143705096noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9387707.post-27807474397336216892014-02-06T14:34:44.334-06:002014-02-06T14:34:44.334-06:00Thanks Lee
I've heard a similar argument from...Thanks Lee<br /><br />I've heard a similar argument from Lutheran friends, perhaps it would be helpful to compare their Smaller Catechism as well.<br /><br />What do you make of James 2:18?<br /><br />Jeremyhttps://twitter.com/jeremybricknoreply@blogger.com