The Word and Sacraments
In the last article we looked at the nature and purpose of baptism according to the Westminster Standards. We noted that the Standards emphasize the sealing function of baptism and…
Patrick Ramsey
The Nature and Purpose of Baptism
What does baptism do? A number of different answers have been given to this question. At one end of the spectrum are those who say that it is a converting…
John Davenant: Good Works
In the last article, I looked at John Davenant’s discussion on the formal cause of our justification. Now I will turn to his discussion of the role of good works…
John Davenant: The Formal Cause of Justification
One of the key theological battles between the Protestant churches and the Roman Catholic Church was over the doctrine of justification. This important battle continued on into the seventeenth century…
Justification & Sanctification (3)
In this article, I will conclude looking at Obadiah Sedgwick’s discussion of the doctrine that God promises to sanctify and justify this people. Thus far we have seen the differences…
Justification & Sanctification (2)
In my previous article, I summarized two points Obadiah Sedgwick (c. 1600-1658) made concerning his stated doctrine that God promises to sanctify and justify his people. He addressed a third…
Justification and Sanctification (1)
Obadiah Sedgwick (c. 1600-1658) was a noted puritan preacher and a member of the Westminster Assembly from 1643 to 1649. Some of his works have been recently reprinted, including The…
Union and Communion (8)
In this final installment of the series on union and communion with Christ, I will continue to consider practical benefits of this doctrine. More specifically, I will look at how…
Union and Communion (7)
In this penultimate installment of the series on a puritan doctrine of union and communion with Christ, I want to consider the comfort “this glorious union with Christ” brings to…
Union and Communion (6)
The doctrine of union and communion with Christ provides a number of comforts or encouragements to Christians. I want to look at two in particular that some puritans highlighted: first,…
Union and Communion (4)
In my last article, I noted that one theological use of the doctrine of union and communion with Christ is that it provides the framework to understand the proper role…
Union and Communion (3)
In this installment of our series (see #1, #2), I want to turn our attention to one theological use of the doctrine of union and communion with Christ. This doctrine…