Category: Theology Proper

God’s Sovereignty & the Means of Grace

The sovereignty of God is displayed in the diverse effects of the application of the gospel, showing His absolute freedom and control. The gospel’s impact varies, with some immediately responding, others taking longer, and still only hardening others. This demonstrates God’s dominion in guiding and determining the outcomes—highlighting the need for our humble acceptance, gratitude, and reliance on Christ for His sovereignty and grace.… Read More God’s Sovereignty & the Means of Grace

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Theodicy & The Concurrence of Primary & Secondary Causes

God ordains all events freely and unchangeably, without authoring sin or impeding free will. God’s concurring power sustains and governs all actions without tainting His holiness. Actions are distinct from their sinfulness, and God’s concurrence with the substance of an action does not corrupt His nature. Actions have separate causes from their sinfulness, and God’s intention differs from man’s intention.… Read More Theodicy & The Concurrence of Primary & Secondary Causes

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Theodicy & God’s Permission of Sin

God’s holiness is not tainted by his permitting of sin. Although God has foreordained whatsoever comes to pass, he does not will or cause sin. God allows sin to occur for a greater purpose, namely the manifestation of his own glory through the triumph of grace over sin in Christ. God’s permission is not the cause of sin, but rather a means to demonstrate his wisdom and goodness.… Read More Theodicy & God’s Permission of Sin

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God Cannot Contradict Himself Nor His Will

The object of God’s absolute power is all things possible; such things that imply not a contradiction, such that are not repugnant in their own nature to be done, and such as are not contrary to the nature and perfections of God to be done. The impossibility of God’s doing some things, is no infringing of his almightiness, but rather a strengthening of it. (1.) First, Some things are impossible in their own nature. (2.) Some things are impossible to the nature and being of God. (3.) Some things are impossible to the glorious perfections of God. (4.) Some things are impossible to be done because of God’s ordination.… Read More God Cannot Contradict Himself Nor His Will

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The Origin Of Socinianism

The origin and spread of Socinianism, a theological system which developed into modern Unitarianism, were influenced by rationalistic principles and the despotic environment produced by the Church of Rome. The sect’s founders were mostly Italians, trained under harsh Roman Catholic conditions, leading to unmoored freedom of thought which devolved into skepticism and heresy. Contrary to the Papists’ allegations that the Reformation led to Socinianism, the Church of Rome inadvertently nurtured this heresy.… Read More The Origin Of Socinianism

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Five Reasons “Jehovah” is Correct | Franciscus Gomarus

Excerpted from an upcoming translation of Johannes Hornbeek’s “Institutes of Theology Harmonized from the Best Authors” (pp. 57-59) by Charles Johnson of Reformed Theology Delatinized. Franciscus Gomarus (1563–1641) on the Pronunciation of the Divine Name (YHWH) For, although God, on account of the infinite eminence of his nature, and the limited acumen of created intellect,… Read More Five Reasons “Jehovah” is Correct | Franciscus Gomarus

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