Always Reforming

Grace. God's grace.  Give me grace.  Grace alone.   We use this word so often, but what does it actually mean?  What is grace (aside from my cute, feisty 11-year-old daughter)?   How we answer that question will impact a variety of other theological topics, including soteriology, sanctification, and the sacraments.  It is the last subject that I want to highlight today.   The Reformed Tradition commonly refers to the sacraments (Baptism and the Lord's Supper) as means of grace .  The Westminster Confession Faith makes it clear that they are "holy signs and seals of the covenant of grace." (27:1)  The Belgic Confession insists that "they are not empty and hollow signs to fool and deceive us," but, as the 39 Articles  says, they are "effectual signs of grace."  The Reformers rejected the Roman Catholic view of the sacraments (not simply Transubstantiation, but the sacerdotal, meritorious system as a whole), but they r...

Prayer.  Scripture.  Baptism and the Eucharist.  Fellowship. These are means of grace . What does that mean?  Does that rustle your feathers a little?  Does it sound too Roman Catholic for you?  I assure you that there is nothing magical about this concept of the means of grace.  We do not believe in  ex opere operato .  Nevertheless, God has prescribed specific acts--many of them physical--to which He has attached promises.  The Church has long known these as the means of grace. Let's be clear about one thing-- God can (and does) work however He pleases. He can work directly, miraculously, etc. when He so chooses (see the Conversion of St. Paul). However, He has ordained to use certain, concrete activities to convert and sanctify His people. As Christians, if we wish to grow in holiness and intimacy with God, we are called to utilize these spiritual gardening tools. The primary means of grace have traditionally been identified as ...

In the first installment of this series I discussed how the Eucharist is central to Anglican thought and worship.  This second installment should naturally flow from and help to balance the first.  As I explore Anglican theology and worship, I am enjoying their balance between Word and Sacrament.  This balance is both hypothetical and practical, by which I simply mean that their theology intentionally strives for balance, and their worship actually accomplishes it. Growing up as a Reformed Presbyterian, I was raised with an emphasis on the Word of God.  The preaching, teaching, reading, and even singing, of the Bible was central to our Christian experience.  The Reformed mindset revolves around Sola Scriptura--the other Solas  all rely upon this one.  As my perspective has broadened, I have retained this emphasis on the Scriptures.  Even as I move towards a more traditional understanding of the Church, I am still firmly convicted that the Bible...

    There are essentially two extremes within Christianity with regards to the use of images in worship (both corporate and personal).  There are some groups, particularly those with roots in the East, that embrace as many visual aids in worship as possible.  Catholic and Orthodox churches come to mind. They have a long history of embracing icons , which others have called idols, to build their faith and deepen their devotion.  Many other denominations, especially those with roots in the West, have utterly rejected anything that smacks of Popish iconism.  They reject everything from statues to stained glass to the showy drama of the Mass.  Their faith is more intellectual and propositional, while their Eastern counterparts' faith is more mystical and devotional (obviously, there are plenty of exceptions).  I believe that we need to find the middle ground.  I believe this because our Savior's teaching found this middle ground.    ...

"And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul,  To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command you this day for your good?  Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD's your God, the earth also, with all that therein is.  Only the LORD had a delight in your fathers to love them, and he chose their seed after them, even you above all people, as it is this day.  Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiff necked.  For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regards not persons, nor takes reward:  He does execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loves the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.  Love you therefore the stranger: for you were strangers in the la...