So the debate isn’t about whether we should make use of natural revelation, but rather how we do so. Van Til, following Calvin, only insists that the two books of divine revelation be read in conjunction, as they were always intended by their Author to be read. When it comes to apologetics, the Christian faith must be defended “as a unit”; that is, as an integrated, coherent, self-interpreting “system of truth” that coordinates general and special revelation. For this reason, Van Til criticized forms of natural theology that attempted to interpret natural revelation in isolation from biblical revelation, on the basis of a ‘neutral’ epistemology (whether rationalist, empiricist, or some hybrid of the two).
A very helpful comparative table for studying the Westminster Confession of Faith 1646 beside the London Baptist Confession of Faith 1689 may be found here.
Also. a comparative table for the Westminster Confession of Faith 1646, the Savoy Declaration of Faith 1658, the London Baptist Confession 1689, and the Philadelphia Confession of Faith 1722 may be found here.
I want to share a blog post with you that has blessed me in the current context of Covid-19 and theological training. It was written by Dr Graham Cheesman of Belfast, Northern Ireland on his Teaching Theology blog site.
Theological educators have been reminded over the last 13 months that the mode of delivery may change, but, as Dr. Graham Cheesman has written, “what we are delivering needs to be preserved.” The Lord we serve and declare does not change!
Please continue to pray for theological training and education at this time. Many strains and stresses have been added, but we serve a faithful, unchanging, and glorious God. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Hebrews 13: 8.
“Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.”
Dr. Jack Whytock preaching at Alberton PEI Baptist Church March 29th, 2021. Scripture reading begins at the 31:37 mark. Exodus 12: The Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread. The sermon begins at the 35:05 mark. The accompanying sermon text is I Cor 5: Be the Unleavened Bread.
Four S’s:
Jesus is a Sacrifice – without blemish, spot or sin.
Jesus is a Substitute – God’s justice passed over those who believed and obeyed.
Jesus speaks of a Supper – The Jewish seder meal had:
a) a cup symbolizing the substitutionary blood;
b) bitter herbs which represented the bitterness of bondage in Egypt (and to sin). “It’s bitter to be a slave to sin but to be liberated from it is a different day”. As the old Puritans said, “Unitil you find sin is bitter for you you will never find Jesus to be sweet for you”.
c) the unleavened bread. Leaven has always been a symbol of the spread of sin. You tell one lie, you will need to tell another, and another… it spreads. Haste! Deliver yourself!
Jesus calls us to a life of Separation. Paul picks up on the symbol of the unleavened bread. “Lord, I lay my life down as a sacred offering to serve you”.
The Passover is in Jesus. But to be under his justifying blood is to seek a new way of living, to continue the life of new beginnings each day. This is what you got in for when you began your new life. Let the Lord continue to make you new, free from the leaven of sin, by the power of the holy Spirit, by the ministry of the Word, and prayer. And you will say, “All for Jesus, all for Jesus”. Tell it to the generations. Remember, God is still just, and he will judge. He is a God of love and mercy. This is the sacrifice of the Saviour. May you know the sweetness or life, the sweetness of salvation, the sweetness of Jesus. Amen.
