Salvation

  • Calvin & Culture, Reconsidered by Gene Edward Veith

    FROM TABLETALK | July 2009

    One of the greatest social scientists credits John Calvin for the rise of capitalism and, by extension, modern Western culture itself. That is quite an influence and quite a tribute to Calvin. Nevertheless, though there is some truth to the …Read More

  • Grace Alone by R.C. Sproul

    FROM TABLETALK | June 2009

    Soli Deo gloria is the motto that grew out of the Protestant Reformation and was used on every composition by Johann Sebastian Bach. He affixed the initials SDG at the bottom of each manuscript to communicate the idea that it …Read More

  • The Wayside and the Rocks by Dan Doriani

    FROM TABLETALK | June 2009

    Matthew 13 begins with three words: “that same day.” They summon us to connect the parable of the sower to the controversy described in the previous passage. Troubles began when Jesus healed a man rendered blind and mute by demonic …Read More

  • Only One Way by Bruce Ware

    FROM TABLETALK | June 2008

    Three positions abound today on the question of whether Christ is the only way to salvation. All three can be detected by how each answers these two fundamental questions: First, is Jesus the only Savior? More fully: Is the sinless …Read More

  • The Unspeakable Privilege by John Cobb

    FROM TABLETALK | May 2008

    We are a privileged generation. In fact, we are the most privileged in history. Each generation gains an advantage over the other. We learn, or should learn, exponentially more from history’s successes and failures. We are flooded with knowledge …Read More

  • What About Repentance? by Tom Ascol

    FROM TABLETALK | January 2008

    After four hundred years of prophetic silence, John the Baptist appeared on the scene of redemptive history as the forerunner of Jesus Christ. He came in fulfillment of prophecy and with the spirit of Elijah to be a voice “crying …Read More

  • Christian Loses His Burden by R.C. Sproul

    FROM TABLETALK | January 2006

    As a seminary student, I remember my favorite professor often setting forth arguments for particular theological positions. On many occasions, as these debates proceeded, the professor stopped in mid-sentence, paused, looked at his students and said, “I sense that you …Read More

  • Freedom and Its Obligations by Chris Donato

    FROM TABLETALK | February 2006

    If ever there were a free man, Adam was he. And all he and his wife had to do was exercise that freedom to the glory of God. But somewhere, and at some time, disobedience seemed like a viable option …Read More

  • Christ and Him Crucified by Cornelis Venema

    FROM TABLETALK | July 2006

    To attempt to summarize the apostle Paul’s doctrine of salvation in the compass of a short essay might seem an act of folly. Yet try we must. Paul’s preaching of the Gospel proceeds from the conviction that Jesus …Read More

  • The Many Shades of Calvinism by Paul Helm

    FROM TABLETALK | June 2010

    The term Calvinism was first used by Lutheran theologians to refer to what they regarded as the peculiar views of Christ’s real presence at the Lord’s Supper held by John Calvin and his followers. It is not used …Read More

  • Born Again by Burk Parsons

    FROM TABLETALK | April 2005

    When teaching on the doctrines of election and reprobation, the most common objection I hear is “That’s not fair!” Often, the one raising this objection to these doctrines will go on to argue that God would be unfair to …Read More

  • The Redemption of Man by Burk Parsons

    FROM TABLETALK | February 2004

    Throughout history we have wrestled with questions about salvation. In our quest to know the truth about salvation, we have searched everywhere possible. In our search, we have constructed entire philosophies in order to find the answers we want. Religions …Read More

  • The Blueprint of Redemption by R.C. Sproul

    FROM TABLETALK | February 2004

    A persistent tradition claims that upon being mocked by a skeptic with regard to his doctrine of creation, Saint Augustine was cynically asked, “What was God doing before He created the world? Augustine’s alleged reply was: “Creating hell for …Read More

  • Redemption Accomplished by Dennis Johnson

    FROM TABLETALK | February 2004

    “Tradition!” sings Tevye. “Without our traditions, our lives would be as unstable as a fiddler on the roof.” As the drama unfolds, this analogy turns from affirmation to lament: Tevye’s daughters marry suitors disapproved by tradition, and in the …Read More

  • Redemption Applied by Cornelis Venema

    FROM TABLETALK | February 2004

    Between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, there exists a perfect coincidence of will and purpose. However distinct may be the works appropriate to each person of the holy Trinity, the love and mutual indwelling (John 14:10 …Read More