Reformed Thinking

Deep Dive into Christian Theology by Millard J. Erickson - The Unity of the Person of Christ The doctrine of the unity of Jesus Christ's divine and human natures in one person is a large and crucial theological issue with extensive implications for Christian theology . It's considered one of the most difficult problems in Christian thought. Its importance lies in the efficacy of redemption...

Deep Dive into Cornerstone by Jeremy Prayer - The Biblical Structure for Change Based on the sources, lasting biblical change is presented as a continuous process initiated by the Holy Spirit's regenerating power. It's about moving from being feelings-driven , like the Gentiles who were lost in the futility of their minds and let desires dictate actions, to being principle-driven , letting...

Deep Dive into God as Elohim Based on the sources, the name Elohim is a central and unifying concept throughout the biblical narrative. It is a plural Hebrew noun that, when referring to the one true God, uniquely governs singular verbs . This deliberate grammatical structure simultaneously proclaims God's unique oneness and hints at a mysterious, inexhaustible fullness within the divine being...

Deep Dive into Cornerstone by Jeremy Prayer - The Heart of Change Based on the sources, your inner self can be analyzed in three categories: feelings, doing (thoughts, words, and deeds), and the heart. Feelings are described as largely involuntary responses to inner thoughts and desires. While they can be warning lights that sometimes indicate a problem, they are not always trustworthy because hum...

Deep Dive into Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin - How Far from the Purity of the Gospel Is All That the Sophists in Their Schools Prate about Repentance; Discussion of Confession and Satisfaction Based on the sources and our conversation, God exercises two distinct types of judgment. The judgment of vengeance is directed towards His enemies and is characterized by wrath and puni...

Deep Dive into Cornerstone by Jeremy Prayer - The Upward Path At the core of understanding sin and spiritual growth is the human heart , which is described as deceitful. The heart is the root from which outward behavior, or "fruit," stems. Instead of just focusing on changing bad behavior, biblical understanding requires looking inward to the heart's condition. A key issue in the hea...

Deep Dive into Religious Affections by Jonathan Edwards - Truly Gracious Affections Are Attended with a Reasonable and Spiritual Conviction of the Judgment, of the Reality and Certainty of Divine Things Delusion can cause a form of belief, although the sources describe this belief as counterfeit or false persuasion , which is ultimately "nothing worth." This happens primarily through two...

Deep Dive into Cornerstone by Jeremy Prayer - The Downward Spiral Based on the sources, the core issue driving sin is the heart , specifically its underlying longings, lusts, and desires . Sin is described as a destructive downward spiral . The progression begins with desire , which makes something tempting. Without desire, there is no temptation. Desires can be good, but they become problematic o...

Deep Dive into All of Grace: An Earnest Word for Those Who Are, by Grace, Seeking Salvation by Charles Spurgeon - Repentance Must Go with Forgiveness Repentance and forgiveness are presented as inseparable companions , riveted together by the eternal purpose of God . They are likened to Siamese twins or two pillars forming the entrance to God's presence . Attempting to divide them would be lik...

Deep Dive into Cornerstone by Jeremy Prayer - Comparison of Counseling Models Based on the sources, the core belief of biblical counseling and the purpose of Christian life stand in sharp contrast to secular approaches, representing God's way versus man's way . The central core belief is the sufficiency of God's Word . The Bible is considered the only true source of and authority for l...

Deep Dive into Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers 1.8: Saint Augustin: Expositions on the Book of Psalms - Psalm 12 Based on the sources, the core themes revolve around the stark contrast between divine truth and human deceit, God's response to suffering, and the journey towards eternity. Pure words are identified as the words of the Lord , described as being without the alloy of pretence . This m...

Deep Dive into Cornerstone by Jeremy Prayer - God’s Resources for Growth Part 2 The Holy Spirit plays a central and multifaceted role in the life of a believer, encompassing salvation and ongoing spiritual growth or sanctification . At the moment of salvation, the Spirit performs the sovereign act of regeneration , bringing a person from spiritual death to life; this is His work alone. Simultaneou...

Deep Dive into יֶ֫תֶר The Hebrew word יֶ֫תֶר (yě·ṯěr) has several primary meanings and usages , which can be broadly categorized into three main areas based on the sources. First, יֶ֫תֶר refers to a physical cord, string, or thong . This meaning encompasses objects used for binding or tension . Specific examples include the still wet tendons or sinews of a slaughtered animal, notably used in the a...

Deep Dive into Cornerstone by Jeremy Prayer - God’s Resources for Growth Based on the sources, scripture presents a clear picture of its own nature and purpose. It teaches that it is the only Authority for Faith and conduct , serving as the sole legitimate standard for evaluating all aspects of life. This authority stems directly from its origin : it is "breathed out by God" , meaning it...

Deep Dive into Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers 1.8: Saint Augustin: Expositions on the Book of Psalms - Psalm 4 The sources present a profound contrast between pursuing fleeting worldly desires and seeking true spiritual fulfillment. Individuals are described as "heavy in heart" when they are fixated on temporal things , loving "vanity, and seek a lie" . This attachment leads to...

Deep Dive into Cornerstone by Jeremy Prayer - The Process of Change Based on the sources, before coming to Christ, individuals are in a state of total depravity , which means every part of them is tainted by sin. They are described as spiritually dead , disobedient to God, and doomed by their nature and actions, making lasting biblical change not possible apart from God's work. When someone be...

Deep Dive into The Power of Doctrinal Holiness by John Piper - The Frank and Manly Mr Ryle: The Value of a Masculine Ministry J. C. Ryle's life experiences profoundly shaped his evangelical faith and ministry. Growing up with only nominal religion , he experienced a dramatic conversion around age 21, spurred by a severe illness, hearing the gospel preached, and reading evangelical books. This...

Deep Dive into Cornerstone by Jeremy Prayer - You Can Change Biblically Based on the sources and our conversation, the essence of sin is a fundamental orientation away from God and towards self, defined as not living entirely to the glory of God . This is the opposite of man's true purpose , which is to glorify God and enjoy him forever , knowing Him and making Him the center of life. Because...

Deep Dive into Christian Theology by Millard J. Erickson - The Humanity of Christ Understanding Christ's humanity is considered vitally important for Christian salvation and faith, historically posing a significant challenge to orthodox belief when denied or diminished. The primary reason is that salvation fundamentally depends on it . The sources explain that humanity is separated from God by...

Deep Dive into The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan - Ministering Spirits Meet Christian and Hopeful As Christian and Hopeful approached the heavenly gate, they were met by a joyful and elaborate welcome . A company of the heavenly host and several of the King's trumpeters , clothed in shining raiment, came out, making loud and melodious music that echoed through the heavens. They saluted...

Deep Dive into Jesus as The Head of the Church Christ's Headship over the Church is a central and comprehensive theme in the sources, defining His unique role as the only, unrivaled Head . This headship conveys two primary aspects: sovereign rule and animating supply . He not only governs His people but is also the life-spring and source of all necessary grace for their growth and vitality. Ro...

Deep Dive into The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan - Adventures on the Enchanted Ground On the journey, particularly in places like the Enchanted Ground, the air naturally causes spiritual drowsiness and apathy. To avoid this dangerous sleepiness, pilgrims like Christian and Hopeful find strength in fellowship and engaging in "good discourse," sharing their spiritual experiences an...

Deep Dive into Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin - Our Regeneration by Faith: Repentance Based on the sources, sin is understood as a turning away from God and His law, will, or control [Sources previously discussed]. It arises from a corrupted nature and manifests as inordinate desires, which are themselves deemed sinful [Sources previously discussed]. Sin involves both outward...

Deep Dive into The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan - Christian, Hopeful, and the Shepherds After leaving the Shepherds on the Delectable Mountains, who gave them a note of direction and warnings including to beware of the Flatterer , the pilgrims Christian and Hopeful continue their journey towards the Celestial City , also called Mount Zion . Before departing, the Shepherds showed them a ho...

Deep Dive into Religious Affections by Jonathan Edwards - Gracious Affections Do Arise from the Mind's Being Enlightened, Richly and Spiritually to Understand or Apprehend Divine Things Genuine gracious affections are rooted in spiritual understanding , which is described as a supernatural enlightenment granting the soul a "sense of the heart" for the supreme moral beauty and holines...