A New Luther? by Derek Thomas

FROM TABLETALK | February 2010

The accusation that systematic theology (doctrinal formulations of the Reformation period in particular) overly governs (distorts) exegesis is not new, and Bishop N.T. Wright trots it out with renewed zeal in his latest book, Justification: God’s Plan and …Read More

Has the Church Misunderstood Justification? by Guy Waters

FROM TABLETALK | February 2010

For all their differences concerning the doctrine of justification, Protestants and the Roman Catholic Church have agreed on this: justification fundamentally concerns the salvation of the sinner. To draw this observation is not, of course, to minimize the importance of …Read More

Justification and Ecumenism by Michael Horton

FROM TABLETALK | February 2010

One of the great connections that N.T. Wright emphasizes in his work is the one between soteriology (how we are saved) and ecclesiology (the church: who are the true people of God?). He properly (and repeatedly) reminds us that …Read More

“Works of the Law” in Paul by J.V. Fesko

FROM TABLETALK | February 2010

The definition of Paul’s phrase “works of the law” is one of the more significant disagreements between N.T. Wright and the Reformation understanding of justification by faith alone. On what basis can Wright claim that Paul does not …Read More

A Future Justification Based on Works? by Cornelis Venema

FROM TABLETALK | February 2010

One of the remarkable features of N.T. Wright’s reformulation of the Protestant doctrine of justification is his emphasis upon a “future justification” on the basis of works. According to Wright, the apostle Paul clearly teaches that believers will …Read More

Tilting at Scarecrows by R.C. Sproul

FROM TABLETALK | February 2010

In the past few years, the British bishop and New Testament scholar N.T. Wright has emerged as an icon of biblical theology around the world. His excellent work on the resurrection of Christ has influenced many people including his …Read More

Basking in the Benefits by Kim Riddlebarger

FROM TABLETALK | February 2009

Q. What are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification?  A. The benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification, are, assurance of God’s love …Read More

For the Love of Slavery by John Sartelle

FROM TABLETALK | January 2009

“Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in — who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery” (Gal 2:4). She was eighty-six and her body was …Read More

Why Is Justification So Important? by Keith Mathison

FROM TABLETALK | November 2009

  During the Protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century, there were few things more precious to believers than the recovery of the biblical doctrine of justification by faith alone in Christ alone. Centuries of semi-Pelagian (and Pelagian) growth were dragged into …Read More

The “New Perspective” on Paul and the Law by Ben Witherington

There is something of a small war going on in Pauline circles on the issue of “the New Perspective on Paul” which actually also involves “the New Perspective on Early Judaism”. This sometimes heated debate was set in motion by …Read More

What Does Justification Have to do with the Gospel? by Sinclair Ferguson

FROM TABLETALK | February 2010

There is a striking plausibility about saying that “justification by faith is not what Paul means by ‘the gospel.’” After all, as N.T. Wright elsewhere observes, we are not justified by believing in justification by faith but by believing …Read More

Rethinking the Gospel? by Albert Mohler

FROM TABLETALK | February 2010

Bishop Wright believes the Christian church has fundamentally misunderstood the gospel. If he is right about this, we must hear him and accept his corrective. But, if he is wrong, he will lead us away from the gospel. The stakes …Read More

What Is the Gospel? by R.C. Sproul

There is no greater message to be heard than that which we call the Gospel. But as important as that is, it is often given to massive distortions or over simplifications. People think they’re preaching the Gospel to you …Read More

Martin Luther’s Definition of Faith by Martin Luther

Faith is not what some people think it is. Their human dream is a delusion. Because they observe that faith is not followed by good works or a better life, they fall into error, even though they speak and hear …Read More

The Resurrection of Jesus by Jerry Bridges

FROM TABLETALK | December 2008

This article on the resurrection of Jesus appears at the time of year when we are focusing on His birth, not His death and resurrection. To stop and think about the resurrection may seem like an unnecessary aside to the …Read More