Doctrine for Life
God’s promises, inward evidences in the Christian’s life, and the work of the Holy Spirit are the three sources of assurance outlined in Westminster Confession of Faith 18.2. Previously, we examined the first—God’s promises. In this lesson, we will look at the second—evidences of grace in us—and the Puritan beliefs about the necessity of these subjective evidence as marks of faith in God’s objective promises.
Watch the video here: https://bit.ly/2Wc4Dey
According to The Westminster Confession of Faith 18.2, our assurance comes from three foundational truths: God’s promises, inward evidences in the Christian’s life, and the work of the Holy Spirit. In this lesson, I examine the divine promises of God and how they provide the Christian with assurance.
Watch the video here: https://bit.ly/35F4m6Z
RHB is pleased to announce that James Durham’s “Lectures on the Book of Revelation” vol. 1 is now available. This is the first of three projected volumes. Besides being a commentary on Revelation, Durham has extended theological discussions on various topics of importance such as the Trinity and the object of our worship, the call and qualifications for ministry, church government and discipline, repentance, the difference between common and saving grace, as well as preaching and application in preaching. Spurgeon said Durham was “a prince among spiritual expositors.” Watch the video below to find out more. You can purchase your copy at RHB: https://bit.ly/2zZNNac
In order to study more fully into the doctrine assurance of faith, we must consider the profound and biblically nuanced way the Puritans dealt with the topic of assurance. In this lesson, I examine The Westminster Confession of Faith 18.1, which many people consider the greatest statement ever written on the subject of assurance. Through this section of the confession and the history behind it, we will further examine the subjects of false assurance and true assurance: https://bit.ly/2L6Wce8
The Puritan Conference hosted by Dr. John MacArthur and Dr. Joel Beeke has been rescheduled for October 5-7, 2022 in Los Angeles, CA. Updated conference details to follow soon at www.puritanconference.com.
To underscore the importance of having assurance of faith, I use Scripture to prove that assurance is both biblical and normative. This lesson explores both Old Testament and New Testament sources of assurance. It shows how believers today have reason to seek, strengthen, and even expect assurance of faith because of the person and work of Christ.
Well, it’s hard to believe, but by God’s grace, I have now completed 25 years of lecturing at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. Where did the time go? In 1995, we started out with four students! I just spent some time praying and thanking God for His mercies over us for a quarter century of seminary life by this beautiful flowering tree just to the west of our seminary building. It reminds me of how the Holy Spirit works in moving His own cause to flower in the calling and training of students and then to bring forth fruit through active ministry. Please pray for our hundreds of graduates serving Christ around the world that they may be fruitful and for our present students as they take exams this week and press on in their training. Today I wish to set up a memorial stone and confess: “Ebenezer: hitherto hath the Lord helped us!”
After defining assurance and communicating its importance, I now look at the reasons why many Christians lack assurance. This lesson breaks down the common misunderstandings about the character of God, His gospel, and salvation. It lists ten reasons why believers question their faith and shows how these reasons run counter to God’s truth. https://bit.ly/2YqP1p3
Last night was PRTS’ graduation. We had 17 graduates from 13 denominations, 7 countries, and 4 continents. It was a good class. Dr. David McWilliams gave a powerful commencement address from Romans 10, exalting the ministry and its centrality in the coming of Christ’s kingdom. I gave a personal charge on faith, hope, and love (1 Cor. 13), and spoke personal words to each graduate—the 8 present for the occasion and 9 listening in who could not attend. It felt odd having only 8 students and 3 faculty present, with hundreds listening via live-streaming, but these are the days in which we live. Pray for these graduates that everyone of them may live godly and fruitful lives, and preach/teach as dying men to dying people of the living Lord of glory.
Many Christians—true followers of Jesus—are missing out on the robust fullness of their faith. This fullness, and all its accompanying fruit, comes from having full assurance of faith. In this lesson, Dr. Beeke defines assurance and explains why it is a crucial part of the Christian life.
https://www.ligonier.org/learn/daily-video/2020/04/23/assurance-defined/#
