Reformed Forum

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob take a step back from our discussion of The Pilgrim's Progress to talk about Replacement Theology, which has been erroneously associated with Covenant Theology.

Many different interpretations have been offered regarding the phrase "all Israel shall be saved" in Romans 11. In this episode, we speak about five different interpretations, focusing on the three that are represented in confessionally Reformed and Presbyterian Churches. Resources Cornelis P. Venema, "In This Way All Israel Will be Saved: A Study of Romans 11:26" Mid-America Journal of Theology 22 (2011) 19–40. Richard B. Gaffin, Jr., "Theonomy and Eschatology: Reflections on Postmillennialism" in Theonomy: A Reformed Critique, edited by Williams S. Barker and Robert Godfrey https://vimeo.com/335143332/9528f0de4a

In Episode 75 we see that because of our sin imputed to Christ, he stood condemned under the wrath of God. But Christ's resurrection is the Word of Grace—Christ's vindication. Christ is condemned by the cross, but vindicated by the Spirit.

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob continue to discuss The Pilgrim's Progress with the Rev. Dr. Iain Wright, pastor of Covenant OPC, Orland Park, Illinois. Our discussion continues with Christian and Hopeful suffering in the dungeon of Doubting Castle at the hands of Giant Despair and finding the way of deliverance provided them.

We welcome Richard M. Gamble, Professor of History, Anna Margaret Ross Alexander Chair in History and Politics at Hillsdale College, to speak about Julia Ward Howe's poem, which came to be know as "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." Gamble is the author of A Fiery Gospel: The Battle Hymn of the Republic and the Road to Righteous War (Religion and American Public Life), which discloses the history of the hymn as well as its position within an overall intellectual history of civil religion within the United States. Other Books by Richard M. Gamble The War for Righteousness: Progressive Christianity, the Great War, and the Rise of the Messianic Nation. Wilmington, DE: ISI Books, 2003. The Great Tradition: Classic Readings on What It Means to be an Educated Human Being. Wilmington, DE: ISI Books, 2007. In Search of the City on a Hill: The Making and Unmaking of an American Myth. New York: Continuum/Bloomsbury, 2012. https://vimeo.com/335044096/347d2cf550 From the Publisher Since its composition in Washington's Willard Hotel in 1861, Julia Ward Howe's "Battle Hymn of the Republic" has been used to make America and its wars sacred. Few Americans reflect on its violent and redemptive imagery, drawn freely from prophetic passages of the Old and New Testaments, and fewer still think about the implications of that apocalyptic language for how Americans interpret who they are and what they owe the world. In A Fiery Gospel, Richard M. Gamble describes how this camp-meeting tune, paired with Howe's evocative lyrics, became one of the most effective instruments of religious nationalism. He takes the reader back to the song's origins during the Civil War, and reveals how those political and military circumstances launched the song's incredible career in American public life. Gamble deftly considers the idea behind the song―humming the tune, reading the music for us―all while reveling in the multiplicity of meanings of and uses to which Howe's lyrics have been put. "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" has been versatile enough to match the needs of Civil Rights activists and conservative nationalists, war hawks and peaceniks, as well as Europeans and Americans. This varied career shows readers much about the shifting shape of American righteousness. Yet it is, argues Gamble, the creator of the song herself―her Abolitionist household, Unitarian theology, and Romantic and nationalist sensibilities―that is the true conductor of this most American of war songs. A Fiery Gospel depicts most vividly the surprising genealogy of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," and its sure and certain position as a cultural piece in the uncertain amalgam that was and is American civil religion.

In Episode 74 we observe what seems to be an ordinary bartering transaction. But upon closer observation we learn three significant things: Abraham is given a downpayment on the land promise, he anticipates the resurrection, and he lives in peace with those around him.

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob continue to discuss The Pilgrim's Progress. The Rev. Dr. Iain Wright, pastor of Covenant OPC, Orland Park, Illinois, joins the discussion for Christian and Hopeful's suffering in the dungeon of Doubting Castle at the hands of Giant Despair.

Jim Cassidy speaks about his experience teaching a New Testament survey at South Austin OPC in South Austin, Texas. Surveys of the Old Testament, New Testament, and the entire Bible are useful for provide historical, cultural, geographical, and other forms of context in order to help us deepen and widen our understanding of God's plan and purpose for his covenant people. https://vimeo.com/332744319/6220a3ff6c

Adam York show us how God is presenting in the life of Isaac a type of the work of the future Messiah, who would come, be offered as a substitute for his people and be raised for them as well. What Abraham receives in type, the believer today has received in substance.

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob move along on the path with Christian and Hopeful in John Bunyan's, Pilgrim's Progress. On this path, which has proved difficult at times, they find an easier way and they meet Vain-Confidence who is certain this easy way is the way to the Celestial City. However, he meets a disastrous end.

In the incarnation, the eternal Son of God assumed a human nature. He did this without giving up his divinity. He retains his immutability, omniscience, omnipresence, and all the attributes according to his eternal, divine, and necessary existence. In this episode, we discuss how these two natures relate to the person in the hypostatic union. By looking at Scripture, the Council of Chalcedon, and our confessional tradition, we review an orthodox grammar for speaking about these matters. An error in the doctrine of God or Christology, however minor it may seem, will inevitably compound as other doctrines are developed. We should always seek to maintain confessional orthodoxy by reviewing the basics from which we never graduate. https://vimeo.com/332112150/b56463a73a

Joel Fick continues his introduction to the book of Exodus as he explores a fruitful people, a ferocious king, and the faithful God. Exodus shows us how the people of God will suffer with Christ and be delivered by Christ that they might be glorified in Christ.

In this episode of Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob continue to discuss John Bunyan's, The Pilgrim's Progress, where Christian and Hopeful fall into a discussion with By-ends and his companions, Mr. Hold-the-world, Mr. Money-love, and Mr. Save-all.

We turn to pages 202–205 of Vos' book Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to continue our discussion of critical theories of prophetism. Vos answers critics who believe that Israel derived its understanding of prophetism from Canaanite religion by focusing our attention upon God's word revealed in history. Contrary to the false prophets, true prophetism is centered on true religion, union and communion with God according to his word. https://vimeo.com/331343314

In this introductory episode to the book of Exodus, Joel Fick explains how important it is to glance backwards and see what God is doing, even as we look forward in time and see how all of God's promises are going to be fulfilled.

The sabbath principle is established in Genesis 2:1–3, immediately upon the completion of God's work of creation. This Sabbath rest principle is a function neither of redemption nor theocracy. It is part of God's creation order. We trace this theme through Scripture with particular attention to worship. Glen Clary recently addressed this subject in a conference for the Amarillo Reformed Fellowship. https://vimeo.com/329703380/efad9e3981

Abraham's willingness to offer up his son Isaac at God's command is a remarkable demonstration of obedience. He demonstrates not that he was justified by works, but that the hope of the resurrection fueled his obedience.

In this episode of Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob return to The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan. This week we discuss how Faithful's martyrdom served as a witness to Hopeful becoming a believer. Hopeful and Christian begin traveling together and overtake Mr. By-ends for an interesting conversation.

We gather around the table in Wimberley, Texas to discuss the authority of the self-contained Triune God of Scripture. The absolute, self-sufficient God nevertheless established a covenant with man by an act of special providence. In that act, the authority of God's word is diplayed—entirely independently of man's response. Whether Adam obeyed or disobeyed, God's infallible word would be proved.

In this "bookend" text, a remarkable change is seen in Abraham, who demonstrates how a pilgrim is to conduct himself in a foreign land, and how he is identified through his worship.

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss John Bunyan's, The Pilgrim's Progress. In this episode, Christian and Faithful find Vanity Fair to be most unwelcoming. They find themselves imprisoned for not participating in the immoralities of the city.

Andrew Compton, Assistant Professor of Old Testament Studies at Mid-America Reformed Seminary, speaks about the nature of the prophecy in Isaiah 44:24–45:7 wherein the Lord declares that he will raise up Cyrus. Rev. Compton addresses the challenges of critical scholars, who often see this passage as a later addition. https://vimeo.com/326151934/9c89d9b9aa

In Episode 68, Jim Cassidy takes us through Hosea 4, where we see that God is judging his people because of their lack of a knowledge of him. Scripture shows us that the love of God and the knowledge of God are not contrary to one another, but "sweetly comply" with one another.

This week on Theology Simply Profound, Rob and Bob discuss John Bunyan's, The Pilgrim's Progress. In this episode, Christian and Faithful enter the city of Vanity where there is a fair that lasts all year long.

Will Wood, Assistant Professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia, joins us to speak about the blessings and promises of the New Covenant as described in Deuteronomy 30:1–10. Handout: Chiastic Structure of Deuteronomy 30Download Links Mellel word processor https://vimeo.com/325563592/4d97311466