John Frame speaks about his important new book, A History of Western Philosophy and Theology.

Nathaniel Gray Sutanto speaks to us about his paper "Two Theological Accounts of Logic: Theistic Conceptual Realism and a Reformed Archetype-Ectype Model," published in the International Journal for Philosophy of Religion.

In this episode we discuss the covenant that God establishes between Noah, his sons, and with every living creature on the earth. This covenant begins being contemplated back in 8:20 at the conclusion of the reaffirmation of the covenant of grace and continues into chapter 9 with an unveiling of its distinctive sign, the rainbow.

John Bolt speaks with us about Bavinck on the Christian Life, his latest book from Crossway.

Sections

10. A fourth Objection. Answer. Fifth Objection. Answer. Answer confirmed by many passages of Scripture, and supported by a passage from Augustine.

11. Perseverance not of ourselves, but of God. Objection. Two errors in the objection. Refutation of both.

12. An objection founded on the distinction of co-operating grace. Answer. Answer confirmed by the testimony of Augustine and Bernard.

13. Last part of the chapter, in which it is proved by many passages of Augustine, that he held the doctrine here taught.

14. An objection, representing Augustine at variance with himself and other Theologians, removed. A summary of Augustine’s doctrine on free will.

Lane Tipton teaches from the book of Hebrews during the adult Sunday school class as part of the 2015 Reformed Forum Theology Conference at Hope Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Grayslake, Illinois.

Lane Tipton leads our discussion of the content of the Mosaic revelation treated in pages 109-112 of Geerhardus Vos's Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments.

We are pleased to announce the paper selections and program for the Covenantal Apologetics Colloquium, which will be held online on Saturday, December 5th, at 7pm (Eastern Standard Time). We’ll be streaming the event live through Google Hangouts On Air.

Bill Dennison brings together the worlds of apologetics and biblical theology just as Cornelius Van Til did with the teaching of his beloved professor Geerhardus Vos. Listen as we discuss Dr. Dennison's collection of essays, In Defense of the Eschaton, edited by James Baird.

Today we speak with D. G. Hart, Glen Clary, and John Terpstra about the relationship between revivalism and Reformed piety. Looking at the history of revival and its influence on the Reformed church we explore how Reformed and Presbyterian churches have has their thinking about covenant nurture altered by the influence of revivals, specially those which were spurred on by the Tennents and Frelinghausen.

Dr. Richard B. Gaffin, Jr. preaches during the morning service at Hope OPC in Grayslake, Illinois at the 2015 Reformed Forum theology Conference.

Dr. Jeffrey C. Waddington delivers his breakout session at the 2015 Reformed Forum theology Conference.

Dr. Lane G. Tipton fields questions during his breakout session at the 2015 Reformed Forum theology Conference.

Dr. Lane G. Tipton delivers his second plenary address at the 2015 Reformed Forum theology Conference.

Dr. Richard B. Gaffin, Jr. delivers his second plenary address at the 2015 Reformed Forum theology Conference.

Dr. James J. Cassidy delivers a breakout session at the 2015 Reformed Forum theology Conference.

Dr. Camden M. Bucey delivers a breakout session at the 2015 Reformed Forum theology Conference.

Dr. Lane G. Tipton delivers his first plenary address at the 2015 Reformed Forum theology Conference.

Dr. Richard B. Gaffin, Jr. delivers his first plenary address at the 2015 Reformed Forum Theology Conference.

Daniel Strange speaks about his book Their Rock Is Not Like Our Rock: A Theology of Religions (Zondervan).

We continue our #VosGroup series by opening pages 105–108 of Vos' book Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to learn about the form of revelation during the Mosaic period. Vos details the significance of the pillar of cloud and fire, the Angel of Jehovah, as well as the name and face of Jehovah.

In this episode we discuss Genesis 9:1–7 and how various creation mandates are given again to Noah and his family as they emerge from the ark. We also consider the various providential structures that God sets up to protect and keep his people as those people await the fulfillment of God's redemptive promises given earlier in Genesis.

Each of us uses multiple tools each day as part of a variety of workflows that help us accomplish tasks throughout the day. We dive into the workflow tips and tricks to share several of our favorites for reading, writing, and managing information.

We welcome Dr. Richard B. Gaffin, Jr. and Dr. Lane G. Tipton to speak about Geerhardus Vos's seminal article, "The Eschatological Aspect of the Pauline Conception of the Spirit," which is found in Redemptive History and Biblical Interpretation: The Shorter Writings of Geerhardus Vos. This episode was recorded live as part of the pre-conference festivities at our 2015 Theology Conference held at Hope OPC in Grayslake, Illinois. You can also watch the videos from each of our main conference sessions.

In this episode, we survey several biblical texts and explore the biblical theological features that unfold throughout God's Word.

Lane Tipton and Camden Bucey turn to pages 100-104 of Vos's Biblical Theology to discuss the historical figure of Moses and his significance for redemptive-history.

In this episode we discuss reappearing role of God's Spirit and how the Spirit has a pivotal role in both creation and consummation. We discuss the symbolic and theological significance of the mountain and the dove, which appear in chapter eight. Finally we discuss the significance of of the promise God makes to Noah that He will preserve the world from the kind of judgment endured in Noah's day, "While the earth remains."

Jonathan Brack explains a Reformed ecclesiology which spans Old and New Testaments. He touches upon covenant theology, polity, and other foundational issues.

Reformed Forum opens the mailbag to answer questions on biblical theology, Van Tilian apologetics, baptism, and even translations of Calvin's Institutes.

Camden Bucey reviews Writers to Read: Nine Names That Belong on Your Bookshelf by Douglas Wilson.

Rev. Dr. Kevin Chiarot introduces and offers a critical look into the influential Christology of T. F. Torrance, who among other things taught that the Son of God assumed a fallen human nature.

Reformed Media Review turn their attention beyond our typical subject matter to speak about podcasts. Reformed Forum has been producing podcasts since 2008. But we're not merely producers, we love to listen to podcasts ourselves. We look at our podcasts clients and speak about some of our favorite programs.

Matthew Patton offers us several biblical-theological insights into Israel's and Judah's kings.

In this episode we discuss Noah's ark and the flood judgment which God brought on the world. Amazingly, we see ways in which the entire passage not only reveals the judgment ordeal which took place at the flood, but how God used that judgment to prepare for a new creation which he would sovereignly bring about—one which ultimately leads to consummation through the work of Jesus Christ.

We continue our #VosGroup series by opening pages 95–99 of Vos' book Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to learn about revelation during the patriarchal period. In this episode we look to the patriarch Jacob and focus upon his Bethel dream vision and his encounter with the angel at Peniel.

We take a break from our regular theological programming to listen as Camden Bucey shares several podcasting tips and tricks.

Erica Bucey reviews God Made All of Me: A Book to Help Children Protect Their Bodies, written by Justin Holcomb, Lindsey Holcomb, and illustrated by Trish Mahoney.

Erica Bucey reviews The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden, which is a biblical theology for children written by Kevin DeYoung and illustrated by Don Clark.

Dr. William Edgar details the French Reformation and the Huguenots, connecting it through history in order to teach us about God's plan for his church amidst struggle.

In this episode we discuss God's command to Noah to build an ark. What is the theological significance of the ark itself? We discuss this matter as well as how Noah's family was included in this covenant. We also consider how the New Testament regards this episode as a kind of baptism.

Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, and Camden Bucey discuss the nature and purpose of polemical theology on our 400th episode.

Today we speak with Dr. K. Scott Oliphint, Professor of Apologetics and Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania about Cornelius Van Til's book Common Grace and the Gospel.

We continue our #VosGroup series by opening pages 93–95 of Vos' book Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to learn about the patriarch Jacob and election.

On this episode we welcome Gerald Hiestand to speak about the pastor theologian. Along with Todd Wilson, Hiestand has co-authored The Pastor Theologian: Resurrecting an Ancient Vision (Zondervan). Gerald serves as Senior Associate Pastor of Calvary Memorial Church in Oak Park, Illinois and Executive Director for the Center for Pastor Theologians. Hiestand and Wilson offer a new taxonomy of pastor theologians, identifying three types: local theologian, popular theologian, and ecclesial theologian. The latter is the authors' core contribution and concern in this book as they seek to detail a type of theologian and theology that occurs in the immediate context of the Church and for the sake of the Church.

In this episode we discuss Genesis 6:9-13. We consider how to select a sermon pericope using this passage as an example. We also consider what it means for Noah to be considered righteous and blameless in his generation - a generation of violence. Likewise, we discuss what it meant for Noah to walk with God and that God brought Noah into his council.

Brian De Jong takes us to Jesus Christ as not merely the Lord but also the preeminent practitioner of apologetics. Listen to this important conversation on an underdeveloped topic.

Marcus Peter Johnson joins us once again to talk about Christology and soteriology. With his colleague Dr. John C. Clark, Dr. Johnson has co-authored The Incarnation of God: The Mystery of the Gospel as the Foundation of Evangelical Theology (Crossway). Johnson and Clark examine the doctrine of the incarnation and its implications fro the church's knowledge and worship of God, understanding of salvation, and approach to the Christian life. Be sure also to listen to our previous conversations with Dr. Johnson regarding his book One with Christ: An Evangelical Theology of Salvation (Crossway).

Join us for a wonderful conversation with Tony Reinke regarding his new book John Newton on the Christian Life (Crossway).

We open pages 90–93 of Vos's book Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to learn about the patriarch Isaac.

In this episode we discuss the growth of wickekedness on the earth after the fall leading up to the great flood judgment. This passage also helps us to see the exent of depravity in man after the fall. In the midst of a sinful world one man finds favor in the eyes of the Lord: Noah.

Chris Castaldo leads us toward a better understanding of how to interact with Catholics about the gospel.

Brandon Crowe introduces the redemptive-historical message of Peter, James, John, and John.

Joe Rigney teaches us how to enjoy God through the good things he has made.

Episode 23 of Proclaiming Christ, a podcast focused upon biblical preaching. In each episode we will discuss the process, method, and goals of preaching biblical texts from a uniquely Reformed perspective.

Geerhardus Vos develops the ethical elements present during the patriarchal period through a brilliant treatment of circumcision. In this episode, Lane Tipton and Camden Bucey discuss pages 88–90 of Vos's book Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments to shed light on the indicative and imperative dimensions of God's covenantal relationship to his people. In the course of this study, the relationship of circumcision to baptism is developed as both are signs of the righteousness God's people have by faith in Jesus Christ (Rom 4:11–12; cf. Col 2:11–12).

The panel discusses Jonathan Edwards's sermon, "A Divine and Supernatural Light" delivered at Northampton and subsequently published in 1734.

Glen Clary walks us through a Reformed order of worship, explaining the Biblical precedent and rationale for elements such as a call to worship, invocation, different types of prayer, the Word, sacraments, and the benediction.

Today we discuss the genealogy found in Genesis 4:16-22.  In it, we see the realization that God will put enmity between the two lines mentioned in Genesis 3:15 and how those two lines will develop two antithetical forms of civilization.

Dr. David Graves demonstrates how Jesus as the once-for-all sacrifice satisfies the demands of God's justice shown throughout Leviticus.

Nathan P. Shannon discusses his book Shalom and the Ethics of Belief.

Glen Clary explains the regulative principle of worship, a constitutive part of Reformed liturgical practice.

Dane Ortlund joins us to speak about Jonathan Edwards theology of the Christian life.

A discussion of a sermon by Jonathan Edwards circa 1747.

Samuel Renihan speaks about the important though neglected doctrine of divine impassibility and introduces us to a reader, which he edited, titled God without Passions.

Lane Tipton and Camden Bucey discuss pp. 81–87 of Geerhardus Vos's book Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments.

We recap the goings on at The Gospel Coalition 2015 National Conference in Orlando, Florida. The conference was titled Coming Home and focused on eschatology and the New Heavens and New Earth. On that note, we also include some clips of Jeff Jue speaking about the eschatological views of the Westminster Divines from Christ the Center 31.

Jeff Waddington compares Alvin Plantinga and Jonathan Edwards on the perennial question regarding the relationship between the intellect and the will in anthropology.

Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, and Camden Bucey discuss the importance of intellectual discipline for cultivating the life of the Christian mind.

Jared Oliphint and Nathan Shannon discuss Brian Leftow's God and Necessity (Oxford University Press). In this volume, Leftow seeks to offer a metaphysic of modality. This leads him into a discussion of necessity and possibility, truth making, God's nature, and divine simplicity. It's a wide-ranging title, but one that offers many important themes for consideration. Dr. Shannon has written a review of the book that will appear soon in the Westminster Theological Journal.

Carl Trueman paints a portrait of Martin Luther through the lens of the Christian life. 

Martin Luther’s historical significance can hardly be overstated. Known as the father of the Protestant Reformation, Luther has had an enormous impact on Western Christianity and culture. In Luther on the Christian Life, historian Carl Trueman introduces readers to the lively Reformer, taking them on a tour of his historical context, theological system, and approach to the Christian life. Whether exploring Luther’s theology of protest, ever-present sense of humor, or misunderstood view of sanctification, this book will help modern readers go deeper in their spiritual walk by learning from one of the great teachers of the faith.

Carlton Wynne takes us on a journey through modern theology as we turn our attention to the theology of Wolfhart Pannenberg.

Vern Poythress explains how the Triune God of the Bible is the foundation for mathematics.

Lane Tipton and Camden Bucey discuss the patriarch Abraham as they turn to pp. 76–81 of Geerhardus Vos's book Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments.

This week on Proclaiming Christ we discuss Cain's brutal murder of Abel and consider this act in light of God's promises made in ch. 3. The brutality and desperation of human nature is uncovered as well as hope for life from the grave.

Genesis 4:8–15: Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is Abel your brother?" He said, "I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?" And the LORD said, "What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood is crying to me from the ground. And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand. When you work the ground, it shall no longer yield to you its strength. You shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth." Cain said to the LORD, "My punishment is greater than I can bear. Behold, you have driven me today away from the ground, and from your face I shall be hidden. I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me." Then the LORD said to him, "Not so! If anyone kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold." And the LORD put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him." (English Standard Version)

Michael Allen and Scott Swain discuss whether Christians and churches be both catholic and Reformed. In their book Reformed Catholicity: The Promise of Retrieval for Theology and Biblical Interpretation (Baker Academic), Allen and Swain suggest Reformed Christians can commit not only to the ultimate authority of Scripture but also to receiving Scripture within the context of the apostolic church. This manifesto presents a case that to be Reformed means to go deeper into true catholicity rather than away from it. At the same time, it means holding fast to sola Scriptura.

Michael Allen is Associate Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology and Dean of Students and Scott Swain is Associate Professor of Systematic Theology and Academic Dean at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida.

This week on Proclaiming Christ we discuss the different offerings that Cain and Able bring to the Lord, and we look at the theological significance of those offerings.

Genesis 3:20–24: Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, "I have gotten a man with the help of the LORD." And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. The LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it." (English Standard Version)

Throughout history, Genesis 6 has puzzled Bible interpreters. Who are the sons of God? Are they human royalty? Angelic beings? Demons? And who are the daughters of men? Did the union of these two produce demigod offspring who would plague the land? Rita F. Cefalu joins us to bring clarity to this discussion. Ms. Cefalu has written an excellent article, "Royal Priestly Heirs to the Restoration Promise of Genesis 3:15: A Biblical Theological Perspective on the Sons of God in Genesis 6" published in the Westminster Theological Journal. Building upon Meredith Kline, but offering her own interpretation on the matter, Ms. Cefalu provides a thorough and compelling treatment of this difficult passage.

Ms. Cefalu is Adjunct Assistant Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of San Diego. She is a graduate of Westminster Seminary California (MA Theological Studies), Wheaton Graduate School, and a PhD candidate at Queens University Belfast.

6:1 When man began to multiply on the face of the land and daughters were born to them, ² the sons of God saw that the daughters of man were attractive. And they took as their wives any they chose. ³ Then the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not abide in man forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be 120 years.” ⁴ The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of man and they bore children to them. These were the mighty men who were of old, the men of renown. (Genesis 6:1–4, English Standard Version)

Lane Tipton and Camden Bucey speak about theophanies before turning  to pages 72–76 of Geerhardus Vos's Biblical Theology to speak about the Angel of Jehovah, or the Angel of the Lord. The presence of the Angel punctuates epochal moments in covenant history, and his presence is critical during the patriarchal period. Camden's article, "The Lord and His Messengers: Toward a Trinitarian Interpretation of Malachi 3:1–4," which was mentioned during the program, was published in The Confessional Presbyterian, Volume 7 (2011).

Jim Cassidy, Glen Clary, and Camden Bucey peruse the tenth edition of the Confessional Presbyterian Journal. While they discuss the general contents of the issue, Glen Clary also speaks in some depth about his book on Reformed liturgy and the nature of the Church.

Donald Macleod brings decades of preaching and teaching to this conversation regarding the atonement. Dr. Macleod has written a superb book on the subject titled Christ Crucified: Understanding the Atonement (IVP Academic).

Jim Cassidy sits down with John Shaw to speak about Reformed church planting. Rev. Shaw is the General Secretary for the Committee on Home Missions and Church Extension in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.

Nathaniel Gray Sutanto reexamines the argument from consciousness as he offers a covenantal apologetic crticism of common-sense realism.

Building upon Geerhardus Vos's foundational essay "The Eschatological Aspect of the Pauline Conception of the Spirit" Dr. Lane Tipton develops the role of the Spirit with regard to redemptive history, the law and soteriology. Vos remarks that the core of Paul’s eschatology lies in the sphere of the Spirit. The Spirit, given to the resurrected Christ, inaugurates the eschatological age of the world to come. This world to come is realized climactically in the resurrection of Christ as the firstfruits of the one great resurrection of harvest in the Spirit.