A. A. Hodge (1823-1886), principal at Princeton Seminary in the good old days, objects to the Amyraldian view of the atonement and lumps it with other “novelties” such as the double (or dual) reference atonement which should be discarded by consistent Calvinists. “Their own system [Amyraldism] was generally styled Universalismus Hypotheticus, an hypothetic or conditional universalism. They taught that there were two wills or purposes in God in respect to man’s salvation. The one will is a purpose to provide, at the cost of the sacrifice of his own Son, salvation for ... [read more]

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I introduced John Kennedy of Dingwall in the previous post.  Here is an excerpt from his Man’s Relations to God, (at Google Books) published 1869,  pp. 100 - 116, wherein he argues against the dual reference view of the atonement. There are some who, Calvinists in their vows and Arminians in their tendencies, teach the doctrine of a double reference of the atonement; representing the atonement as offered in one sense for the elect, and in another sense for all.  These maintain that there was a special atonement securing a certainty of salvation to some, and universal atonement sec... [read more]

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John Kennedy (1819-1884) of Dingwall, was a Scottish preacher and theologian. He was also a staunch defender of the Reformed Faith who was, as his friend Charles Spurgeon described him, true as steel and firm as a rock. He was educated in the parish school of Killearnan, and in 1836 went to Aberdeen University. He graduated M.A. at King’s College in 1840, and in the same year entered the theological hall of the established church in Scotland. Kennedy was licensed by the established church in September 1843, but joined the free church and was inducted into a free church newly formed at... [read more]

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This article is by John Cheeseman, Vicar of Holy Trinity Parish Church, Eastbourne.  It is a chapter from his Saving Grace (Banner of Truth, 2000). It is my contention that there is a real and basic difference between the biblical gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and the prevailing manmade substitute. To substantiate this claim, I must examine the modern gospel and compare it with Scripture, for our final authority must be Scripture alone, where we find many warnings against false gospels (for example Gal. 1:6—9, 1 Tim. 6:3, 20, 2 Tim. 1:13—14). If we are to be true to our duty to `Tes... [read more]

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God acts seriously in the calling of reprobates, although he does not intend their salvation XIV. Although God does not intend the salvation of the reprobate by calling them, still he acts most seriously and sincerely; nor can any hypocrisy and deception be charged against him — neither with respect to God himself (because he seriously and most truly shows them the only and most certain way of salvation, seriously exhorts them to follow it and most sincerely promises salvation to all those who do follow it [to wit, believers and penitents]; nor does he only promise, but actually bestows i... [read more]

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“When a distinction is made between God’s revealed will and his secret will, or his will of command and decree, will is certainly in that distinction taken in two senses. His will of decree, is not his will in the same sense as his will of command is. Therefore, it is no difficulty at all to suppose, that the one may be otherwise than the other: his will in both senses is his inclination. But when we say he wills virtue, or loves virtue, or the happiness of his creature; thereby is intended, that virtue, or the creature’s happiness, absolutely and simply considered, is agr... [read more]

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I’m back from a couple of weeks vacation, but I will likely not resume posting for a while.  Consider me on a “leave of absence” for the time being.  My interest in blogging is at a low and other matters are of more importance right now.  I will leave the blog up in case earlier posts are of interest to visitors.  Jim

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So says Christian Research Net:  In 2006 Tony Jones of the Emergent Church, wrote a little book called Divine Intervention: Encountering God Through the Ancient Practice of Lectio Divina. Of course it was endorsed by his friend “author/networker” Brian McLaren – whom Jones lists among his “faith heroes.” McLaren says that Jones has provided “an important resource” for the “spiritual formation” of your youth. In a new article by Ken Silva at Apprising Ministries you’ll clearly see that what they aren’t telling you is that this so-called spiritual formation is the co... [read more]

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In a recent interview in Biola Connections, Robert Saucy reminds us of the critical differences which remain between Evangelical Protestants and Roman Catholics. According to Saucy, distinguished professor of systematic theology: They [the differences] are the same as they were at the Reformation. I think it’s good for Catholics and evangelicals to talk together, but not in terms of making statements to the extent that we have “common witness.”  It makes the two messages — Catholic and Protestant — look more similar than they are. He goes on to say: It’s really eye-opening... [read more]

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A Texas pastor, sued after exercising church discipline, has been handed a victory by the Texas Supreme Court.  The lawsuit was brought by a church member who refused to repent following a divorce and remarriage. “According to the lawsuit, Peggy Penley was a member of Crossland Community Bible Church in Fort Worth when she had a relationship with another man and desired to divorce her husband. In accordance with the church’s disciplinary process, Crossland Community Pastor Buddy Westbrook eventually sent a letter to church members, informing them of Penley’s unrepentant a... [read more]

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