Banner of Truth

This is just a bridge post so that no-one can accuse me of once again walking of the 'straight and narrow blog'!! I'm hoping to, over the next few days, post my thoughts on the Banner of Truth Youth Conference that I was fortunate to attend not long ago. But whilst I collect all my notes and have a think I thought I'd briefly post on Banner in general.

I have been greatly blessed in my life to have been brought up in a God fearing home, and a doctrinally reformed one at that. Whilst the Andrews family home has been far from perfect over the last 21 years (many a time because of myself!) a Godly upbringing has been one of the reasons that I am (hopefully!) a well balanced human being and Christian. Much of what I have learnt in my Christian walk has been through the teaching of my parents and I am grateful to them for that. One of the reasons for my parents sound teaching has been their reliance on good material from writers through the ages which have mostly been published by the Banner of Truth. Whilst there are many other good Christian publishing houses, none have the reputation for consistently publishing high quality reformed books that Banner has. My dad has always encouraged me to consider Banner books and I believe that this has paid a great dividend on my life. In a Christian generation that would largely struggle to name even a single Puritan writer, for example, Banner has striven to encourage its Puritan paperbacks series to young people and I for one continue to learn so much from men such as John Owen, Thomas Brookes, Richard Baxtar, Thomas Watson and (currently) Richard Sibbes. I would like to thank the Banner of Truth for their continuing publication of high quality materials for the believer to enjoy and learn from, particularly Iain Murray who is a marvellous and Godly man. I would like to encourage anyone to read a Banner book and if you have any particular concerns or interests please contact me and I will strive to recommend a title or two!

Against Heresies

Over on Against Heresies Martin Downes has been conducting a series of highly interesting interviews that are well worth looking at. I have found the questions (or rather answers!) relating to apostasy and misleading theological movements particularly interesting and I'd encourage anyone to read them. I first heard Martin preach in my first year at University when he was the Wales Team Leader for UCCF and was greatly impressed. It came as no surprise to many people that when he finished at UCCF he received a call to the ministry and if anyone ever finds themselves in the Deeside area on a Sunday they should make it a priority to visit the church, either that or regularly read his blog!

To Persevere or Not Persevere...

During my time at University, which I can now alarmingly refer to in the past tense, one of the key issues that has constantly been raised within the Christian student community has been that of the doctrine of perseverance of the Saints.

Perhaps it is the lack of spiritual maturity that naturally occurs within young Christians, but whatever the reason, it is certain that many students believe it possible to lose ones salvation. Many talk of their own experience, or that of someone they know, of having being a Christian, lost their faith and then regained it. Whilst it is possible that this yo-yo affect may have only been prominent in my University I seriously doubt it. I am also fully aware that it is not an issue that exclusively effects students, its presence is felt widely within the church.

This post has been inspired by an article on 'Justification and Perseverance' by the Rvd Derek Thomas taken from the Banner of Truth magazine, May '07. Thomas talks about the debate over the doctrine of perseverance and draws clear rules by which it can be seen. Thomas draws a clear distinction between the visible/invisible church and shows that, although apostasy is deeply saddening, it is a reality. Carl Trueman, a co-faculty member with Derek Thomas at Westminster Seminary, has some interesting comments on apostasy here.

It is in the face of true apostasy that we must be clear in our agreement with the Westminster Confession of Faith concerning the visible church as 'all those throughout the world that profess the true religion'. Even though such members may have accepted the union of the sacraments they may sadly apostatize.

Thomas is correct in his statement that "final assurance is assured to those who are true or genuinely regenerated believers" anybody who has been elected through the grace of God will persevere into eternity, some will claim faith but will walk away without truly regenerate hearts.

In 1 John 2:19 we read "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they6 they went out, that it might become plain that they are all not of us". There are those who appear to be Christians but are not, and all those who are truly saved are assured that they will remain so.

In the article Thomas continues by addressing the fruits of perseverance; that a truly regenerate heart is manifested by good works and then points to the importance of the doctrine of justification by faith alone alongside perseverance.

It is clear that once we have become regenerate we cannot loose the salvation that we have received from our sovereign God, and it is saddening that many young Christians preach otherwise to each other. Let us glorify in the knowledge that: 'If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him' 2 Timothy 2:11-12