There are two elements of saving faith: certain knowledge and assured confidence. This article discusses the assurance of faith. It points out why assured confidence is an essential part of true faith, and that this confidence can only be given by God.
There are two elements of saving faith: certain knowledge and a sure confidence. This article discusses the knowledge of saving faith. It points out the nature of it, the need of it, and fruits of it.
This article shows from the biblical account how sin develops. It also shows how God works in his sovereignty in relation to this development.
Adam’s fall brought with it death and pollution of sin. Because we stand in a relationship with him as representative head of all humanity, we inherit the results of the fall, among which is total depravity.
This article shows that salvation is only possible when sin is dealt with and the justice of God is fully satisfied. God fulfilled this in Christ; thus salvation is only through him.
The final step in the order of salvation is glorification. This article explains that the truth of the believer’s glorification is rooted in the truth of the believer’s union with Christ. What Christians are waiting for in the coming of Christ is the full realization of the status of the believer.
This article explains how the preaching of the gospel and the sacraments are two gifts God gave to his church for her growth.
A covenant is a bond of friendship and love. This article shows that it is such a covenant in which Adam was created to live.
This article defines from Genesis 1:26-27 and Genesis 2:7 what it means that man is created in the image of God.
If God’s providence embraces all things, does it mean that God is responsible for the sins of men? This article shows that God’s providence encompasses the moral acts of sinful men, but God remains pure and holy, and therefore not the author of sin.
If God’s providence embraces all things, does it mean that God is the one who sends suffering and afflictions? This article’s answer is: yes.
The doctrine of the perseverance of the saints teaches how Christians are called to keep the faith. This article explains the call to perseverance, the struggle of perseverance, and that Christians are called to live in dependence on God.
The doctrine of the preservation of the saints looks at assurance of salvation from God’s perspective. This biblical truth is given to the believers for their comfort, so that they may know that they will not be lost forever.
How is justification possible? This article demonstrates that the biblical ground for justification is found in the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ and his perfect satisfaction on the cross.
Justification seeks to express the biblical truth that the supreme Judge, who is perfectly righteous, declares that we are in perfect harmony with his law. This is the legal standing of those who believe in Christ.
The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2 was accompanied by the sound from heaven, tongues of fire, and the speaking of different languages. This article explains the significance of these signs.
There are three ways in which believers benefit from Christ’s ascension. This article explains these benefits.
Christ has risen from the dead. This article shows the fact of Christ’s resurrection, as well as the wonder and benefit of it.
This article argues that to confess Christ as the head of the covenant means that he is the head of his people legally and organically.
The act and content of worship are important to God. Knowing this should shape the way congregational worship is conducted. From Psalm 96:9 this article shows that worship must be covenantal, holy, and fearful.
This article explains Martin Luther's position on preaching: it must have substance, come with authority, and depend on the power of the Holy Spirit.
How can you distinguish a true church from a false one? This article asserts that there are three marks of the true church: the pure preaching of the gospel, proper administration of the sacraments, and biblical exercise of discipline.
Church membership is an obligation for those who profess Christ. This article shows that the Bible makes it clear that faith in Christ and membership in his church cannot be separated. Therefore, the question is not whether you must be a member, but to which church do you belong,
Christ promised to gather his church. This article explains that the gathering of the church in this earth points to the separation of believers from unbelievers.
God not only created the earth, but in his providence he still sustains it. This article explains how.
Whatever viewpoint someone holds on the origins of this world involves religious belief. For evolution, man and his mind have become god. Those who believe God created all things lay hold of God's Word by faith. This article considers God's identity as creator, as well as how he created, and what purpose his creation has.
This article shows that the doctrine of creation should point us to God because God created all things for himself and his purpose.
This article explains the role John Calvin played in the Reformation in Geneva.
This article explains that good works are divinely ordained and necessary in the Christian life.
In looking at the relationships between justification and good works, this article explains that good works are not a means to earn God’s favour. It then clarifies why we must still do good works.
Why is justification ours by faith alone? The imputed righteousness of Christ we receive can only be received by faith. This article explains the nature of this faith to point out why it is by faith alone that we are justified.
This series of articles looks at the concept of a reformed worldview. Colossians 3:1-2 gives the foundation of a reformed worldview; namely, the Christian finds his identity in the risen Christ, and Christ claims His lordship over the entire new life of the Christian.
This series of articles looks at the concept of a Reformed worldview. Colossians 3:1-2 gives the foundation of such a worldview, namely, that the Christian finds his identity in the risen Christ, and Christ claims lordship over the entire life of the Christian.
The greatest tool God used in Calvin was his preaching. John Calvin knew the importance of this calling for God’s people. His preaching was systematic (preaching through every book of the Bible), personal (using language people could understand), theological (focusing on God's glory and holiness), and directed toward the church.
The leaders of the Secession of 1834 were convinced that Christian education was essential for the preservation of true doctrine. This article documents the struggle these leaders went through to try and establish Christian schools.
We receive the spiritual nourishment of the Lord's Supper only through faith, which is worked in us by the Holy Spirit. This article discusses the Holy Spirit's work in us, and the relationship between the Word and the sacrament of Lord's Supper.
How is Christ present in the Lord's Supper? When we eat of the bread and drink of the wine of the Lord's table, how is that eating and drinking Christ? This article discusses the Roman Catholic teaching of transubstantiation and Martin Luther's perspective, contrasting them with a different perspective on Christ's presence in the Lord's Supper.
This article looks at the nature of the Lord's Supper - what makes it so special? How are we nourished by the Lord's Supper table?
The Lord’s Supper is Christ's gift to His bride. This article looks at the meaning of the bread and wine and the symbolism in the Lord's Supper. The author also highlights that participation in the Lord's Supper is not optional.
The Lord’s Supper is Christ's gift to His bride. This article looks at the differences between the Lord’s Supper and baptism, as well as the link between the Passover and the Lord’s Supper.
The Church Order of Dordt is well known in many reformed churches. What is the history behind this church order? This article discusses the history from the Articles of Wezel to the Synod of Emden. The author looks specifically at the issue of church headship.
Preaching is powerful, and is a means of grace which God uses to draw you closer to Himself.
Have you ever thought about what it would mean for the church if there was no preaching? Put simply, there will be no one who believes in Christ. This article looks at the necessity of preaching, arguing that active faith in Christ is dependant upon it (Romans 10:13-15). Preaching is hearing God speaking to His people.
This article discusses the goal and fruit of Christian education.
The preaching of the gospel and the sacraments are two gifts God gave to His church for her growth.
These three articles looks at the importance and the responsibilities of church membership. The author also discusses the invisible church, membership of a denomination, the important place of truth in the church, and separation and apostasy from a church.
