Bray, Gerald. The Faith We Confess: An Exposition of the Thirty-nine Articles. London: Latimer Press, 2009.
This very odd volume is (very meekly) serviceable to get oriented, briefly, to the Thirty-nine Articles. But, thus far, beyond the bibliographies (very flawed themselves), it is not recommended. Three volumes emerge here of note: Fesko, Hughes and Null (see below).
Prof. Bray's volume is available at: http://www.amazon.com/The-Faith-Confess-Exposition-Thirty-Nine/dp/0946307849/ref=pd_sim_b_2
"XI. Of the Justification of Man.
"We are accounted righteous before God, only for the merit of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ by Faith, and not for our own works or deservings. Wherefore, that we are justified by Faith only, is a most wholesome Doctrine, and very full of comfort, as more largely is expressed in the Homily of Justification."
The topic, we are told, is “vast” and “controversial.” The Article points to the Homily on Justification. It can be accessed here:
http://www.churchsociety.org/issues_new/doctrine/homilies/iss_doctrine_homilies_03.asp?utm_source=StandFirm&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=link
This Homily is clear, direct, accessible, biblical, catholic and very much Reformed.
Here we find Cranmer at one of his better moments. Luther called this article “the article by which the church stands or falls.” Calvin called it the “hinge of the Reformation.” The 1530 Augsburg Confession (Art. 4) clearly asserted it. The sixth session of the Council of Trent, 13 Jan 1547, firmly denied the Lutheran, Reformed and Anglican viewpoint, decisively…then, just like now, though the moderns appear to have chronic and tenacious amnesia.
The medieval period conflated and confused justification with sanctification. The more personal growth, the more merits, and more justification. Purgatory was the stop-gap and fail-safe to clean-up the unjustified before entering the beatific arena.
Prof. Bray says little more that is remarkable or distinctive. This is not quite the place or book to digest this grand theme.
Prof. Bray does take a moment in what appears to be a backhand to Bp. Tom Wright, although he does it without naming him. All this in the 3 pages. We move along and recommend other instructors for this theme.
This much, the Homily is quite good, quite Protestant, quite Reformed, and quite Lutheran. We would add quite forgotten. Ever hear Mr. (Bp.) Bob Duncan, Iker, Ackerman or the modern centers talk about it? Ever hear this at any one of the Anglican conferences?
Further, the Westminster Standards are good standards, yet he seems to choke repeatedly. What’s the problem here? Why does he never mention any other Reformed Confession? Prof. Bray, again, turns to solid Reformed sources for help on justification. But oh no, men not apostolically ordained needing regularization? Oh no, Prof. Bray, say it is not so?
Fesko, J.V. Justification: Understanding the Classic Reformed Doctrine. Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed, 2007. We are thankful for this recommendation. But, again, Prof. Bray needs the heavy-lifting done by the Reformed community. Anything like it from the Anglican world other than Tom Wright? http://www.amazon.com/Justification-Understanding-Classic-Reformed-Doctrine/dp/1596380861/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392352677&sr=8-1&keywords=fesko+justification
McCormack, Bruce. Justification in Perspective: Historical Developments and Contemporary Challenges. Edinburgh: Rutherford House, 2006. http://www.amazon.com/Justification-Perspective-Historical-Developments-Contemporary/dp/0801031311/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392352891&sr=8-1&keywords=mccormack+justification
Piper, J. The Future of Justification: A Response to N.T. Wright. Nottingham: IVP, 2008. http://www.amazon.com/The-Future-Justification-Response-Wright/dp/1581349645/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392353029&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=pipe+future+of+justification
"XII. Of Good Works.
"Albeit that Good Works, which are the fruits of Faith, and follow after Justification, cannot put away our sins, and endure the severity of God's judgment; yet are they pleasing and acceptable to God in Christ, and do spring out necessarily of a true and lively Faith insomuch that by them a lively Faith may be as evidently known as a tree discerned by the fruit."
We get 2 pages from the Prof with a reference to the Augsburg Confession (Art. 4). He deals with the caricature that justification by faith alone precludes and discourages good works. Prof. Bray counters with a brief on the Protestant work ethic and even “Puritanism.” Otherwise, his handling of this is--rather--glib, actually. But, we bring the books which justifies the purchase. We are thankful for the reminder about Prof. Philip Hughes, an unsung hero of weight, dignity and scholarship.
Gundry, S.N. Five Views on Sanctification. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1987. http://www.amazon.com/Five-Views-Sanctification-Melvin-Dieter/dp/0310212693/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1392353127&sr=8-2-fkmr1&keywords=s.+gundry+five+views+of+sanctification
Hughes, P.E. Faith and Works: Cranmer and Hooker on Justification. Wilton, CT: Morehouse-Barlow, 1982. Get everything this old Master wrote and digest him. We are thankful for some reminders from Prof. Bray. http://www.amazon.com/Faith-Works-Cranmer-Hooker-Justification/dp/0819213152/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392353324&sr=8-1&keywords=hughes+faith+and+works%3A+cranmer+and+hooker
Oden, T., ed. The Good Works Reader. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2007. http://www.amazon.com/Works-Reader-Classic-Christian-Readers/dp/0802840310/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392353379&sr=8-1&keywords=oden+the+good+works+reader
"XIII. Of Works before Justification.
"Works done before the grace of Christ, and the Inspiration of his Spirit, are not pleasant to God, forasmuch as they spring not of faith in Jesus Christ; neither do they make men meet to receive grace, or (as the School-authors say) deserve grace of congruity: yea rather, for that they are not done as God hath willed and commanded them to be done, we doubt not but they have the nature of sin."
We get 2 pages. A brief note about “works of congruity,” done before justification in the merit-scheme of the medieval period. Not much here either.
Shore, J. I’m OK, You’re Not: The Message We’re Sending Unbelievers and Why We Should Stop. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2007. http://www.amazon.com/Im-OK-Message-Nonbelievers-Paperback/dp/B00FFHZ4Q8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1392353417&sr=8-2&keywords=shore+i%27m+ok+you%27re+not
Vaugh, C.R. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit to Unbelievers and Believers. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 1975. http://www.amazon.com/The-Gifts-Holy-Spirit-VAUGHAN/dp/B0011D7MNI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392353461&sr=8-1&keywords=vaughn+gifts+of+the+holy+spirit
"XIV. Of Works of Supererogation.
"Voluntary Works besides, over and above, God's Commandments, which they call Works of Supererogation, cannot be taught without arrogancy and impiety: for by them men do declare, that they do not only render unto God as much as they are bound to do, but that they do more for his sake, than of bounden duty is required: whereas Christ saith plainly When ye have done all that are commanded to you, say, We are unprofitable servants."
We get 1 page here. This is the “extra mile” theology of accumulating benefits in the merit-scheme, for oneself, but also with the potential for transference to the dead. That old treasury of the merits of the saints. [We would add, think estate planning and inheritance law...tongue-in-cheek...pass along those merits by Masses, invoking saints and more]. We would add that justification by faith alone puts the Romanists and Greeks to flight.
Flescher, A.M. Heroes, Saints and Ordinary Morality. Washington, D.C.: Georgetown University Press, 2003. http://www.amazon.com/Heroes-Saints-Ordinary-Morality-Traditions/dp/0878401377/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392353496&sr=8-1&keywords=flescher+heroes%2C+saints
Heyd, David. Supererogation: Its Status in Ethical Theory. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1982. http://www.amazon.com/Supererogation-Cambridge-Studies-Philosophy-David/dp/0521109663/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392353545&sr=8-1&keywords=heyd+supererogation
"XV. Of Christ alone without Sin.
"Christ in the truth of our nature was made like unto us in all things, sin only except, from which he was clearly void, both in his flesh, and in his spirit. He came to be the Lamb without spot, who, by sacrifice of himself once made, should take away the sins of the world; and sin (as Saint John saith) was not in him. But all we the rest, although baptized and born again in Christ, yet offend in many things; and if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."
Prof. Bray notes that this surfaces several themes as he attempts to unwind them in 3.5 pages. A brief note about Christ’s sinlessness and His two natures/one Person. Otherwise, not much here.
Warfield, B.B. Studies in Perfectionism. Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed, 1958. Always notable and scholarly. http://www.amazon.com/Studies-Perfectionism-B-B-Warfield-Collection/dp/0875525288/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392353585&sr=8-1&keywords=warfield+studies+in+perfectionism
"XVI. Of Sin after Baptism.
"Not every deadly sin willingly committed after Baptism is sin against the Holy Ghost, and unpardonable. Wherefore the grant of repentance is not to be denied to such as fall into sin after Baptism. After we have received the Holy Ghost, we may depart from grace given, and fall into sin, and by the grace of God we may arise again, and amend our lives. And therefore they are to be condemned, which say, they can no more sin as long as they live here, or deny the place of forgiveness to such as truly repent."
We get 3 pages here. He gives a brief on Donatism with the background of Diocletian’s imperial persecutions; they were severe, some Christians lapsed, some were recovered once the persecutions ended, and some wanted readmission to the church.
Of note, Prof. Bray does raise an important pastoral theme: forgiveness. He notes the varied circumstances present difficulties.
Rather wildly and unexpectedly, but illustratively and provocatively, he points to Hitler. Suppose Hitler survived WW2, repented, turned to Christ for forgiveness and sought admission to the church? While quite wild, it is illustrative.
Prof. Bray then observes that some of the “biggies” of transgression could present pastoral challenges. Point noted. He observes that a common one is pastors who get divorced and remarry.
We are thankful for the reminder to digest Dr. Ashley’s Null volume on Cranmer. See below.
Bash, A. Forgiveness and Christian Ethics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2007. http://www.amazon.com/Forgiveness-Christian-Ethics-New-Studies/dp/0521147778/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392353618&sr=8-1&keywords=bash+forgiveness+and+christian+ethics
Henderson, M. No Enemy to Conquer: Forgiveness in an Unforgiving World. Waco, TX: Baylor University Press, 2009. http://www.amazon.com/Enemy-Conquer-Baylor-University-Press/dp/B004SXW80K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1392353646&sr=8-2&keywords=henderson+no+enemy+to+conquer
Null, Ashley. Thomas Cranmer’s Doctrine of Repentance. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2006. We need to get and review this. http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Cranmers-Doctrine-Repentance-Renewing/dp/0199210004/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392353674&sr=8-1&keywords=null+cranmer
"XVII. Of Predestination and Election.
"Predestination to Life is the everlasting purpose of God, whereby (before the foundations of the world were laid) he hath constantly decreed by his counsel secret to us, to deliver from curse and damnation those whom he hath chosen in Christ out of mankind, and to bring them by Christ to everlasting salvation, as vessels made to honour. Wherefore, they which be endued with so excellent a benefit of God, be called according to God's purpose by his Spirit working in due season: they through Grace obey the calling: they be justified freely: they be made sons of God by adoption: they be made like the image of his only-begotten Son Jesus Christ: they walk religiously in good works, and at length, by God's mercy, they attain to everlasting felicity.
"As the godly consideration of Predestination, and our Election in Christ, is full of sweet, pleasant, and unspeakable comfort to godly persons, and such as feel in themselves the working of the Spirit of Christ, mortifying the works of the flesh, and their earthly members, and drawing up their mind to high and heavenly things, as well because it doth greatly establish and confirm their faith of eternal Salvation to be enjoyed through Christ as because it doth fervently kindle their love towards God: So, for curious and carnal persons, lacking the Spirit of Christ, to have continually before their eyes the sentence of God's Predestination, is a most dangerous downfall, whereby the Devil doth thrust them either into desperation, or into wretchlessness of most unclean living, no less perilous than desperation.
"Furthermore, we must receive God's promises in such wise, as they be generally set forth to us in Holy Scripture: and, in our doings, that Will of God is to be followed, which we have expressly declared unto us in the Word of God."
Prof. Bray goes big here—8.5 pages, one of his longest chapters. We would also note that this is one of the longer Articles of the 39. The subject, he says, is “very emotive.” He gives a flyby on Augustine, Luther, and handful of Bible verses.
But, note the substantial omissions in his little bibliography.
A few theological points: (1) it’s part of the eternal plan, (2) conversions in “due season”—Paul of Tarsus (sudden and dramatic), C.S. Lewis (slow and painful), Luther (gradual and dramatic), and Calvin (nearwise overnight with little hubbub), (3) double-predestination—which Prof. Bray asserts clearly, (4) in essence, election cuts across the visible covenant community, a community with tares and wheat, and (5) an ordo salutis.
The wedding ring is not the marriage, but a sign. Ditto for baptism.
He advocates for a careful handling of the subject.
Otherwise, this is quite unremarkable and undistinguished.
Jewett, P.K. Election and Predestination. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1985. Save your money. http://www.amazon.com/Election-predestination-Paul-King-Jewett/dp/0802800904/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392353709&sr=8-1&keywords=jewett+election+and+predestination
Peterson, R. A. Election and Free Will: God’s Gracious Choice and Our Responsibility. Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed, 2007. As usual, this will be up to scholarly standards. http://www.amazon.com/Election-Free-Will-Responsibility-Explorations/dp/0875527930/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392353742&sr=8-1&keywords=peterson+election+and+free+will
Schreiner, T.R. and B. Ware. Still Sovereign: Contemporary Perspectives on Election, Foreknowledge and Grace. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2000. Prof. Bray recommends this without anything by Calvin or Luther? http://www.amazon.com/Still-Sovereign-Contemporary-Perspectives-Foreknowledge/dp/0801022320/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392353771&sr=8-1&keywords=schreiner+election
Storms, Sam. Chosen for Life: the Case for Divine Election. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2007. Save your money. http://www.amazon.com/Chosen-Life-Case-Divine-Election/dp/1581348436/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392353801&sr=8-1&keywords=storms+case+for+election
Wallace, D.D. Puritans and Predestination: Grace in English Protestant Theology, 1525-1605. Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press, 1982. This looks interesting since it is from an academic press. http://www.amazon.com/Puritans-Predestination-Protestant-Theology-1525-1695/dp/159244590X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392353839&sr=8-1&keywords=wallace+puritans+and+predestination
This very odd volume is (very meekly) serviceable to get oriented, briefly, to the Thirty-nine Articles. But, thus far, beyond the bibliographies (very flawed themselves), it is not recommended. Three volumes emerge here of note: Fesko, Hughes and Null (see below).
Prof. Bray's volume is available at: http://www.amazon.com/The-Faith-Confess-Exposition-Thirty-Nine/dp/0946307849/ref=pd_sim_b_2
"XI. Of the Justification of Man.
"We are accounted righteous before God, only for the merit of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ by Faith, and not for our own works or deservings. Wherefore, that we are justified by Faith only, is a most wholesome Doctrine, and very full of comfort, as more largely is expressed in the Homily of Justification."
The topic, we are told, is “vast” and “controversial.” The Article points to the Homily on Justification. It can be accessed here:
http://www.churchsociety.org/issues_new/doctrine/homilies/iss_doctrine_homilies_03.asp?utm_source=StandFirm&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=link
This Homily is clear, direct, accessible, biblical, catholic and very much Reformed.
Here we find Cranmer at one of his better moments. Luther called this article “the article by which the church stands or falls.” Calvin called it the “hinge of the Reformation.” The 1530 Augsburg Confession (Art. 4) clearly asserted it. The sixth session of the Council of Trent, 13 Jan 1547, firmly denied the Lutheran, Reformed and Anglican viewpoint, decisively…then, just like now, though the moderns appear to have chronic and tenacious amnesia.
The medieval period conflated and confused justification with sanctification. The more personal growth, the more merits, and more justification. Purgatory was the stop-gap and fail-safe to clean-up the unjustified before entering the beatific arena.
Prof. Bray says little more that is remarkable or distinctive. This is not quite the place or book to digest this grand theme.
Prof. Bray does take a moment in what appears to be a backhand to Bp. Tom Wright, although he does it without naming him. All this in the 3 pages. We move along and recommend other instructors for this theme.
This much, the Homily is quite good, quite Protestant, quite Reformed, and quite Lutheran. We would add quite forgotten. Ever hear Mr. (Bp.) Bob Duncan, Iker, Ackerman or the modern centers talk about it? Ever hear this at any one of the Anglican conferences?
Further, the Westminster Standards are good standards, yet he seems to choke repeatedly. What’s the problem here? Why does he never mention any other Reformed Confession? Prof. Bray, again, turns to solid Reformed sources for help on justification. But oh no, men not apostolically ordained needing regularization? Oh no, Prof. Bray, say it is not so?
Fesko, J.V. Justification: Understanding the Classic Reformed Doctrine. Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed, 2007. We are thankful for this recommendation. But, again, Prof. Bray needs the heavy-lifting done by the Reformed community. Anything like it from the Anglican world other than Tom Wright? http://www.amazon.com/Justification-Understanding-Classic-Reformed-Doctrine/dp/1596380861/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392352677&sr=8-1&keywords=fesko+justification
McCormack, Bruce. Justification in Perspective: Historical Developments and Contemporary Challenges. Edinburgh: Rutherford House, 2006. http://www.amazon.com/Justification-Perspective-Historical-Developments-Contemporary/dp/0801031311/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392352891&sr=8-1&keywords=mccormack+justification
Piper, J. The Future of Justification: A Response to N.T. Wright. Nottingham: IVP, 2008. http://www.amazon.com/The-Future-Justification-Response-Wright/dp/1581349645/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392353029&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=pipe+future+of+justification
"XII. Of Good Works.
"Albeit that Good Works, which are the fruits of Faith, and follow after Justification, cannot put away our sins, and endure the severity of God's judgment; yet are they pleasing and acceptable to God in Christ, and do spring out necessarily of a true and lively Faith insomuch that by them a lively Faith may be as evidently known as a tree discerned by the fruit."
We get 2 pages from the Prof with a reference to the Augsburg Confession (Art. 4). He deals with the caricature that justification by faith alone precludes and discourages good works. Prof. Bray counters with a brief on the Protestant work ethic and even “Puritanism.” Otherwise, his handling of this is--rather--glib, actually. But, we bring the books which justifies the purchase. We are thankful for the reminder about Prof. Philip Hughes, an unsung hero of weight, dignity and scholarship.
Gundry, S.N. Five Views on Sanctification. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1987. http://www.amazon.com/Five-Views-Sanctification-Melvin-Dieter/dp/0310212693/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1392353127&sr=8-2-fkmr1&keywords=s.+gundry+five+views+of+sanctification
Hughes, P.E. Faith and Works: Cranmer and Hooker on Justification. Wilton, CT: Morehouse-Barlow, 1982. Get everything this old Master wrote and digest him. We are thankful for some reminders from Prof. Bray. http://www.amazon.com/Faith-Works-Cranmer-Hooker-Justification/dp/0819213152/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392353324&sr=8-1&keywords=hughes+faith+and+works%3A+cranmer+and+hooker
Oden, T., ed. The Good Works Reader. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2007. http://www.amazon.com/Works-Reader-Classic-Christian-Readers/dp/0802840310/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392353379&sr=8-1&keywords=oden+the+good+works+reader
"XIII. Of Works before Justification.
"Works done before the grace of Christ, and the Inspiration of his Spirit, are not pleasant to God, forasmuch as they spring not of faith in Jesus Christ; neither do they make men meet to receive grace, or (as the School-authors say) deserve grace of congruity: yea rather, for that they are not done as God hath willed and commanded them to be done, we doubt not but they have the nature of sin."
We get 2 pages. A brief note about “works of congruity,” done before justification in the merit-scheme of the medieval period. Not much here either.
Shore, J. I’m OK, You’re Not: The Message We’re Sending Unbelievers and Why We Should Stop. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2007. http://www.amazon.com/Im-OK-Message-Nonbelievers-Paperback/dp/B00FFHZ4Q8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1392353417&sr=8-2&keywords=shore+i%27m+ok+you%27re+not
Vaugh, C.R. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit to Unbelievers and Believers. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 1975. http://www.amazon.com/The-Gifts-Holy-Spirit-VAUGHAN/dp/B0011D7MNI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392353461&sr=8-1&keywords=vaughn+gifts+of+the+holy+spirit
"XIV. Of Works of Supererogation.
"Voluntary Works besides, over and above, God's Commandments, which they call Works of Supererogation, cannot be taught without arrogancy and impiety: for by them men do declare, that they do not only render unto God as much as they are bound to do, but that they do more for his sake, than of bounden duty is required: whereas Christ saith plainly When ye have done all that are commanded to you, say, We are unprofitable servants."
We get 1 page here. This is the “extra mile” theology of accumulating benefits in the merit-scheme, for oneself, but also with the potential for transference to the dead. That old treasury of the merits of the saints. [We would add, think estate planning and inheritance law...tongue-in-cheek...pass along those merits by Masses, invoking saints and more]. We would add that justification by faith alone puts the Romanists and Greeks to flight.
Flescher, A.M. Heroes, Saints and Ordinary Morality. Washington, D.C.: Georgetown University Press, 2003. http://www.amazon.com/Heroes-Saints-Ordinary-Morality-Traditions/dp/0878401377/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392353496&sr=8-1&keywords=flescher+heroes%2C+saints
Heyd, David. Supererogation: Its Status in Ethical Theory. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1982. http://www.amazon.com/Supererogation-Cambridge-Studies-Philosophy-David/dp/0521109663/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392353545&sr=8-1&keywords=heyd+supererogation
"XV. Of Christ alone without Sin.
"Christ in the truth of our nature was made like unto us in all things, sin only except, from which he was clearly void, both in his flesh, and in his spirit. He came to be the Lamb without spot, who, by sacrifice of himself once made, should take away the sins of the world; and sin (as Saint John saith) was not in him. But all we the rest, although baptized and born again in Christ, yet offend in many things; and if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."
Prof. Bray notes that this surfaces several themes as he attempts to unwind them in 3.5 pages. A brief note about Christ’s sinlessness and His two natures/one Person. Otherwise, not much here.
Warfield, B.B. Studies in Perfectionism. Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed, 1958. Always notable and scholarly. http://www.amazon.com/Studies-Perfectionism-B-B-Warfield-Collection/dp/0875525288/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392353585&sr=8-1&keywords=warfield+studies+in+perfectionism
"XVI. Of Sin after Baptism.
"Not every deadly sin willingly committed after Baptism is sin against the Holy Ghost, and unpardonable. Wherefore the grant of repentance is not to be denied to such as fall into sin after Baptism. After we have received the Holy Ghost, we may depart from grace given, and fall into sin, and by the grace of God we may arise again, and amend our lives. And therefore they are to be condemned, which say, they can no more sin as long as they live here, or deny the place of forgiveness to such as truly repent."
We get 3 pages here. He gives a brief on Donatism with the background of Diocletian’s imperial persecutions; they were severe, some Christians lapsed, some were recovered once the persecutions ended, and some wanted readmission to the church.
Of note, Prof. Bray does raise an important pastoral theme: forgiveness. He notes the varied circumstances present difficulties.
Rather wildly and unexpectedly, but illustratively and provocatively, he points to Hitler. Suppose Hitler survived WW2, repented, turned to Christ for forgiveness and sought admission to the church? While quite wild, it is illustrative.
Prof. Bray then observes that some of the “biggies” of transgression could present pastoral challenges. Point noted. He observes that a common one is pastors who get divorced and remarry.
We are thankful for the reminder to digest Dr. Ashley’s Null volume on Cranmer. See below.
Bash, A. Forgiveness and Christian Ethics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2007. http://www.amazon.com/Forgiveness-Christian-Ethics-New-Studies/dp/0521147778/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392353618&sr=8-1&keywords=bash+forgiveness+and+christian+ethics
Henderson, M. No Enemy to Conquer: Forgiveness in an Unforgiving World. Waco, TX: Baylor University Press, 2009. http://www.amazon.com/Enemy-Conquer-Baylor-University-Press/dp/B004SXW80K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1392353646&sr=8-2&keywords=henderson+no+enemy+to+conquer
Null, Ashley. Thomas Cranmer’s Doctrine of Repentance. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2006. We need to get and review this. http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Cranmers-Doctrine-Repentance-Renewing/dp/0199210004/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392353674&sr=8-1&keywords=null+cranmer
"XVII. Of Predestination and Election.
"Predestination to Life is the everlasting purpose of God, whereby (before the foundations of the world were laid) he hath constantly decreed by his counsel secret to us, to deliver from curse and damnation those whom he hath chosen in Christ out of mankind, and to bring them by Christ to everlasting salvation, as vessels made to honour. Wherefore, they which be endued with so excellent a benefit of God, be called according to God's purpose by his Spirit working in due season: they through Grace obey the calling: they be justified freely: they be made sons of God by adoption: they be made like the image of his only-begotten Son Jesus Christ: they walk religiously in good works, and at length, by God's mercy, they attain to everlasting felicity.
"As the godly consideration of Predestination, and our Election in Christ, is full of sweet, pleasant, and unspeakable comfort to godly persons, and such as feel in themselves the working of the Spirit of Christ, mortifying the works of the flesh, and their earthly members, and drawing up their mind to high and heavenly things, as well because it doth greatly establish and confirm their faith of eternal Salvation to be enjoyed through Christ as because it doth fervently kindle their love towards God: So, for curious and carnal persons, lacking the Spirit of Christ, to have continually before their eyes the sentence of God's Predestination, is a most dangerous downfall, whereby the Devil doth thrust them either into desperation, or into wretchlessness of most unclean living, no less perilous than desperation.
"Furthermore, we must receive God's promises in such wise, as they be generally set forth to us in Holy Scripture: and, in our doings, that Will of God is to be followed, which we have expressly declared unto us in the Word of God."
Prof. Bray goes big here—8.5 pages, one of his longest chapters. We would also note that this is one of the longer Articles of the 39. The subject, he says, is “very emotive.” He gives a flyby on Augustine, Luther, and handful of Bible verses.
But, note the substantial omissions in his little bibliography.
A few theological points: (1) it’s part of the eternal plan, (2) conversions in “due season”—Paul of Tarsus (sudden and dramatic), C.S. Lewis (slow and painful), Luther (gradual and dramatic), and Calvin (nearwise overnight with little hubbub), (3) double-predestination—which Prof. Bray asserts clearly, (4) in essence, election cuts across the visible covenant community, a community with tares and wheat, and (5) an ordo salutis.
The wedding ring is not the marriage, but a sign. Ditto for baptism.
He advocates for a careful handling of the subject.
Otherwise, this is quite unremarkable and undistinguished.
Jewett, P.K. Election and Predestination. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1985. Save your money. http://www.amazon.com/Election-predestination-Paul-King-Jewett/dp/0802800904/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392353709&sr=8-1&keywords=jewett+election+and+predestination
Peterson, R. A. Election and Free Will: God’s Gracious Choice and Our Responsibility. Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed, 2007. As usual, this will be up to scholarly standards. http://www.amazon.com/Election-Free-Will-Responsibility-Explorations/dp/0875527930/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392353742&sr=8-1&keywords=peterson+election+and+free+will
Schreiner, T.R. and B. Ware. Still Sovereign: Contemporary Perspectives on Election, Foreknowledge and Grace. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2000. Prof. Bray recommends this without anything by Calvin or Luther? http://www.amazon.com/Still-Sovereign-Contemporary-Perspectives-Foreknowledge/dp/0801022320/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392353771&sr=8-1&keywords=schreiner+election
Storms, Sam. Chosen for Life: the Case for Divine Election. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2007. Save your money. http://www.amazon.com/Chosen-Life-Case-Divine-Election/dp/1581348436/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392353801&sr=8-1&keywords=storms+case+for+election
Wallace, D.D. Puritans and Predestination: Grace in English Protestant Theology, 1525-1605. Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press, 1982. This looks interesting since it is from an academic press. http://www.amazon.com/Puritans-Predestination-Protestant-Theology-1525-1695/dp/159244590X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392353839&sr=8-1&keywords=wallace+puritans+and+predestination
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