The Reformed churches of the sixteenth century affirmed the need to be semper reformanda--always reforming. But in the ensuing centuries, some have taken this conviction as a mandate to abandon the departure from received orthodoxy, while others have progressed toward a rigid confessionalism that cements the Reformation itself as a final codification of truth. Between these extremes is the ongoing need of the church to be always reforming--subjecting its beliefs and practices to the renewed scrutiny of Holy Scripture and restating the truth of Scriptures in ways that faithfully communicate the gospel, advance the mission of the church and empower the people of God. This collection of essays by senior theologians and edited by A. T. B. McGowan practices what it preaches, mining the whole terrain of systematic theology to refresh, renew and yes, even reform the church for its next season.

Always Reforming: Explorations in Systematic Theology

Religion & Spirituality

Gerald Bray

Stephen Williams

Kevin J. Vanhoozer

Richard C. Gamble

Henri Blocher

Jr Richard B. Gaffin

Cornelis P. Venema

Derek W.H. Thomas

Christian Books & Bibles

IVP Academic

The Promise of the Future says Sinclair Ferguson, introduces us to the full range of biblical teaching on eschatology (the study of the last things). It rightly stresses that...as Simon Peter pointed out on the Day of Pentecost, the resurrection of Christ and the gift of the Spirit mean that the future has invaded the present, so that we are already living in 'the last days'...I believe that you will find the study on which you are about to embark both intellectually satisfying and spiritually enriching.

The Promise of the Future

Banner of Truth

Every generation of Christian believer faces the challenge of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ with integrity and in conformity to the teaching of the Scriptures. But what do the Scriptures teach with regard to the central message of the gospel? Were the Reformers correct to insist that the good news of God's gracious and free acceptance of guilty sinners, on the basis of the obedience and atoning sacrifice of Christ, lies at the heart of the gospel? Or are we to accept the 'new perspectives' on Paul's teaching, which have been advocated in recent years by those who have made a fresh study of the relevant historical sources? Since the new perspectives challenge some of the basic features of the traditional Protestant understanding of justification, they require careful study and thoughtful evaluation. Nothing less than the shape of the evangelical church's proclomation of the gospel today is at stake.

Getting the Gospel Right: Assessing the Reformation and New Perspectives on Paul

An exposition of the Canons of Dort by Dr. Cornelis P. Venema, President of Mid-America Reformed Seminary in Dyer, Indiana. This book shows the great pastoral value of the Canons in giving the Christian assurance based on the work of God in Christ.

But for the Grace of God: An Exposition of the Canons of Dort

Reformed Fellowship, Inc.

For 450 years, churches throughout the world have been using the Heidelberg Catechism (1563) to instruct God's people in foundational Christian doctrine. When Elector Frederick III (1515-1576) commissioned the preparation of a manual for instructing the youth and guiding the pastors and teachers of his domain, he could not have imagined the profound effect it would have on future generations of Christians. The most widely used, most influential Reformation catechism, the Heidelberger shines forth the blessed truths of the gospel in 129 questions and answers, beginning with the memorable, ever-enduring subject of our only comfort in life and in death. In A Faith Worth Teaching, edited by Jon Payne and Sebastian Heck, an array of faithful pastor-scholars celebrate the Heidelberg Catechism on its 450th anniversary with a collection of essays on its dynamic history, rich theology, and fruit-bearing practice that will be an encouragement to pastors and laypersons alike.
 Table of Contents: Foreword: the Heidelberg Catechism: the Secret of its Success - Herman J. Selderhuis Part 1: The History and Background of the Heidelberg Catechism 1. The History and People Behind the Heidelberg Catechism - Lyle D. Bierma 2. The Heidelberg Catechism in the United States - D. G. Hart Part 2: The Heidelberg Catechism and the Means of Grace 3. Holding Firmly to the Heidelberger: The Validity and Relevance of Catechism Preaching - Joel R. Beeke 4. Preaching the Catechism Today - Joel R. Beeke 5. 'Washed from All My Sins': The Doctrine of Baptism in the Heidelberg Catechism - Sebastian Heck 6. 'As Certainly As I See and Taste': The Lord's Supper and the Heidelberg Catechism Jon D. Payne Part 3: Christian Doctrine and the Heidelberg Catechism 7. Gathered, Protected, and Preserved: The Church in the Heidelberg Catechism - Michael S. Horton 8. Grace and Gratitude: Justification and Sanctification in the Heidelberg Catechism - Cornelis P. Venema 9. The Christology of the Heidelberg catechism - Mark Jones 10. 'Prophet, Doctor Jesus': the Son of God as 'Our High Priest and Teacher' in the Heidelberg Catechism - Victor E. d Assonville 11. The Spirit-Filled Catechism: The Heidelberg Catechism and the Holy Spirit - Daniel R. Hyde Part 4: The Heidelberg Catechism As Catechetical Tool 12. The Heidelberg Catechism Among the Reformed Catechisms - W. Robert Godfrey 13. The Heidelberg Catechism: A Catechetical Tool - Willem Verboom 14. Scholasticism in the Heidelberg Catechism? - Willem van't Spijker

A Faith Worth Teaching: The Heidelberg Catechism's Enduring Heritage

History

Joel R. Beeke

Mark Jones

Jon D. Payne

Sebastian Heck

W. Robert Godfrey

Lyle D. Bierma

D. G. Hart

Daniel R. Hyde

Michael S. Horton

Herman J. Selderhuis

Victor E. d'Assonville

Willem Verboom

Willem van't Spijker

World

Reformation Heritage Books

The controversial question and answer 80 of the Heidelberg Catechism, which condemns the 'popish Mass', seems to some a harsh statement in this document otherwise admired for its warm pastoral style and genial tone. Viewing this question and answer as unnecessarily polemical and injurious to the Catechism's usefulness as a contemporary statement of the Christian faith, some Reformed denominations have removed it from the text. Cornel Venema provides historical background and biblical teaching to defend the Catechism's inclusion of question and answer 80, arguing that it must be retained today, 'as it reflects a fundamental evangelical passion to uphold the sufficiency of Christ's one sacrifice on the cross and to condemn idolatry in whatever form'.

The Lord's Supper and the "Popish Mass": A Study of Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 80 (Explorations in Reformed Confessional Theology)

CONTENTS
 1. Preserving the Ref ormation: A Historical Portrait of the Synod of Dort: W. Robert Godfrey 
 2. What's the Difference? A Historical and Theological Comparison of the Three Forms of Unity: Lyle D. Bierma 
 3. The English Delegation to the Synod of Dort: Kevin J. Bidwell 
 4. The Everlasting Loveof God: Election and Predestination: J. V. Fesko 
 5. Dead in Sin: The Utter Depravity of Mankind: Christopher J. Gordon 
 6. The Promise of the Gospel: Redemption in Christ: Michael Horton 
 7. The Irresistible Spirit: The Work of the Holy Spirit in the Canons of Dort: Sebastian Heck 
 8. The Preservation and Perseverance of the Saints: Danny Hyde 
 9. Comfort and Assurance: The Pastoral Implications of Dort: Joel R. Beeke and Ray B. Lanning 
 10. Preaching the Doctrines of Dort: Cornelis P. Venema 
 11. Proclaiming Joyful Tidings: Dort, Evangelism, and the Sovereignty of God: Jon D. Payne

A Faith Worth Defending: The Synod of Dort's Enduring Heritage

Michael Horton

John V. Fesko

Kevin J. Bidwell

Christopher J. Gordon

Danny Hyde

Ray B. Lanning

Children at the Lord's Table?: Assessing the Case for Paedocommunion

A growing trend among Reformed churches is the practice of admitting young children to the Lord's Supper. In Children at the Lord's Table? , Cornelis P. Venema provides an insightful analysis of the theoretical arguments used by advocates of this recent trend. After clarifying terms and explaining arguments often made in favor of paedocommunion, he considers the history of the church's confessions, teaching, and practice regarding the proper recipients of the Lord's Supper. Presenting a historical, exegetical, and systematic treatment of the subject, Venema demonstrates the validity and value of having covenant children partake of first communion subsequent to their personal profession of faith. This is an invaluable resource for every pastor within the Reformed tradition. Table of Contents: 1. Introducing the Question 2. Paedocommunion in Church History 3. Paedocommunion and the Reformed Confessions 4. The Old Testament Evidence Regarding the Participation of Children in Covenant Observances 5. The New Testament Evidence Regarding Paedocommunion 6. A Key Passage: 1 Corinthians 111:17-34 7. Concluding Observations and Evaluation Appendix: Covenant Theology and Baptism

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Books by Cornelis P. Venema