It is no wonder that Isaiah 52:13–53:12 occupies such a cherished place in the life of the church. In this central text about the cross of Christ, the Lord promises a remedy for the biggest problem every person faces: separation from Him because of willful disobedience.   Fresh out of college in May 2004, I was worshipping... Continue Reading

Questioning details of the life and death of Christ, explicit in Scripture or implied by good and necessary consequence, leads almost invariably to questioning details of his resurrection and ascension. The worst heresies are couched in smug hyper-biblicism (e.g., Socinianism). That tendency was first workshopped in the Garden and has plagued the church ever since.... Continue Reading

We are to distinguish between an outward call and an inward call. The outward call is what is done by men, according to the appointment of Christ, after examining the person…with solemn prayer and laying on of hands, for the ministry….The inward call is the Lord signifying His mind… inwardly to the man…that He is... Continue Reading

Even if creaturely Fathers and families are pale representations of the Father’s prime, unique, and transcendent fatherhood, they contain a reflection of God the Father. Attacks on the family are attempts to suppress the truth of God.   You check the news, your inbox, and your bank account—and your heart sinks. Somewhere in the background,... Continue Reading

The church is a community where we can love one another, be loved, and find a real sense of belonging. Truly, we all long to belong. People desire to be part of something bigger than themselves. People want to find that place where they experience true community, acceptance, and love.   What is love? Love... Continue Reading

Knowledge is good. Even better when that knowledge leads to understanding. But still incomplete unless that understanding leads to action. That’s the end game—it’s not just knowing what is, and it’s not even knowing why things are the way they are. It is that we then put those things into practice. Or, as Paul said,... Continue Reading

What once caused division between us and God is no longer true of us. If you have come to Christ by faith, God no longer sees you as a sinner; he sees you as forgiven of your sins and clothed in his Son’s righteousness. And so now, there is no more enmity; there is no... Continue Reading

God’s anger is brief toward His children but is eternal toward his enemies. Sinners must run to this merciful God, cast all of their sins upon Jesus, and seek forgiveness. Spurgeon said it rightly: “Above the mountains of our sins the floods of his mercy rise.”   Answer: God’s anger upon his children is temporary,... Continue Reading

Some former missionaries will go back on the field with another message—not one of the gospel, but under their new title: Global Ecumenical Advisors. Machen was right. Missions without the gospel is not missions.   The Presbyterian Church (USA) is the old mother Kirk of American Presbyterianism. In her lie all the treasures of the... Continue Reading

Even though the new covenant is said to be established on better promises—one of the sustained themes in Hebrews—it isn’t fundamentally different; it is just rather the clearest expression of the covenant of grace. Old Testament believers possessed this as a promise. But we experience it in Christ. For its king and mediator has appeared... Continue Reading