The Principles of Protestantism, Part 4 – Grace Alone

II – Grace Alone

Starting with Scripture as the first principle of Protestantism, we now proceed to grace as the second. The division between the two is comprehended by the designation of the formal and the material causes of salvation. Scripture alone is the formal principle as it is the authority by which salvation is revealed and understood. That is a marked departure from the Roman Pope and Magisterium. Grace alone is the material principle as it is the cause of salvation apart from any other thing such as sacraments or human effort. Actually, the material principle in salvation is comprehended by three things which are Christ alone, given by Grace alone, and received through faith alone. A review of many writers reveals a diversity of thought regarding the order of these principles. Some place faith before grace, while others put the glory of God as the first principle. Lutherans tend to view the principles of Protestantism as primarily three in number, grace, faith, and Scripture. Any order seems appropriate as long as it is constructed properly in terms of a logical explanation of each. So with this in mind, we have chosen grace as the next principle.

The Reformation At 500 Conference

This year I attended a different conference than the one I usually attend in October. The conference was sponsored by the Trinity Foundation Ministry held in Johnson City Tennessee. For those who have never heard of the Trinity Foundation it is an apologetic ministry devoted to promoting the philosophy of Gordon Clark known as Scriptural Presuppositionalism. Most Christians have at some point heard of the word presuppositionalism. The word itself seems to be rather evident as to its meaning. As Christians we suppose God and His word to be true before entertaining any arguments regarding their defense. The question is why do we presuppose this to be true? This is what presuppositionalism purports to answer.

God’s Covenant, Part 15 – Covenant Promise(s)

3-God’s Covenant Broken

The original relationship with God Adam had soon turned out to be quite untenable. This was owing to the fact that when a certain opportunity arose, he did exactly what he was warned not to do, and by it, suffered the penalty attached to it (Gen. 3:1-19). It would seem from this text that no sooner did Adam and his wife’s new life together in the garden begin than trouble entered Paradise. This came in the form of a new creature introduced to us in this text, by which then a test was placed before them, as to whether their commitment to the Creator would stand or fall.

God’s Covenant, Part 14 – Covenant Promise(s)

2-God’s Promise and Reward According to Works

Having considered the eternal nature of God’s covenant concerning the promise of redemption, we now turn to the application of it regarding His creation. God, in fulfillment of His eternal decree, made the heavens and the earth and all that is in them (Gen. 1:1). And He made it all very good.