Origen & Cyprian on Baptism

July 26, 2024 By Dave Armstrong

Origen (c. 185-c. 254) In the Acts of the Apostles, the Holy Spirit was given by the imposition of the apostles’ hands in baptism. From all which we learn that the person of the Holy Spirit was of such authority and dignity, that saving baptism was not complete except by the authority of the most excellent Trinity of them all, i.e., by the naming of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and by joining to the unbegotten God the Father, and to His only-begotten Son, the name also of the Holy Spirit. (Origen, De Principiis,... Read more

Tertullian on Baptismal Regeneration

July 25, 2024 By Dave Armstrong

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Tertullian lived from c. 160 to c. 225. Happy is our sacrament of water, in that, by washing away the sins of our early blindness, we are set free and admitted into eternal life! (On Baptism, ch. 1) Water was the first to produce that which had life, that it might be no wonder in baptism if waters know how to give life. (On Baptism, ch. 3) To our flesh — as it emerges from the font, after its old sins flies the dove of the Holy Spirit, bringing us the peace of God,... Read more

Biblical Canon & Sola Scriptura (vs. Jordan Cooper)

July 24, 2024 By Dave Armstrong

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Rev. Dr. Jordan B. Cooper is a Lutheran pastor, adjunct professor of Systematic Theology, Executive Director of the popular Just & Sinner YouTube channel, and the President of the American Lutheran Theological Seminary (which holds to a doctrinally traditional Lutheranism, similar to the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod). He has authored several books, as well as theological articles in a variety of publications. All my Bible citations are from RSV, unless otherwise indicated. Jordan’s words will be in blue. This is my 17th reply to Jordan (many more... Read more

Is Celibacy “Superior” to Marriage in Some Sense?

July 24, 2024 By Dave Armstrong

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Reformed Baptist Gavin Ortlund stated in his video, “Clerical Celibacy: A Protestant Critique” (7-14-24) at 2:16: . . . related to that the concern is a conception of celibacy as intrinsically more excellent than marriage in its nature as opposed to just a more fitting and expedient arrangement according to God’s calling. First of all, I fully agree that God’s calling is paramount. We all must follow the vocation that God has for us. Vocation isn’t relevant only to priests... Read more

Irenaeus & Clement of Alexandria on Baptism

July 23, 2024 By Dave Armstrong

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St. Irenaeus (130-202) There are as many schemes of redemption as there are teachers of these mystical opinions. And when we come to refute them, we shall show in its fitting-place, that this class of men have been instigated by Satan to a denial of that baptism which is regeneration to God, and thus to a renunciation of the whole [Christian] faith. (Against Heresies, Bk. I, ch. 21, 1; c. 180) The baptism instituted by the visible Jesus was for the remission of sins, . . . (Against Heresies,... Read more

Church Fathers & Baptism: Justin Martyr

July 23, 2024 By Dave Armstrong

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I will also relate the manner in which we dedicated ourselves to God when we had been made new through Christ; lest, if we omit this, we seem to be unfair in the explanation we are making. As many as are persuaded and believe that what we teach and say is true, and undertake to be able to live accordingly, are instructed to pray and to entreat God with fasting, for the remission of their sins that are past, we praying and fasting with them. Then they are brought by us where... Read more

Real Presence, 1 Cor 11:27, & Protestant Commentary

July 22, 2024 By Dave Armstrong

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+ Martin Luther’s Superb Exegesis of the Passage 1 Corinthians 11:27-30 (RSV) Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord. [28] Let a man examine himself, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. [29] For any one who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment upon himself. [30] That is why many... Read more

Bible vs. Faith Alone: Acts 15:9

July 19, 2024 By Dave Armstrong

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Acts 15:9 (RSV) and he made no distinction between us and them [the Gentiles], but cleansed their hearts by faith. [similar: Weymouth, ESV] Protestantism formally separated sanctification from justification in a way contrary to the Bible. Justification saves through faith alone, according to their view. Sanctification and good works, on the other hand, are definitely encouraged and regarded as necessary in the Christian life, but are not a cause of either justification or salvation; only God’s grace and our faith accomplish... Read more

Bible vs. Faith Alone: Acts 26:18

July 18, 2024 By Dave Armstrong

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Acts 26:18 (RSV) . . . that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me. Protestantism formally separated sanctification from justification in a way contrary to the Bible. Justification saves through faith alone, according to their view. Sanctification and good works, on the other hand, are definitely encouraged and regarded as necessary in the... Read more

Bp. Barron’s Word on Fire Bible (The Promised Land)

July 16, 2024 By Dave Armstrong

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I have reviewed the previous three installments of Bishop Robert Barron’s planned seven-volume Word on Fire Bible: Volume I: The Gospels, Volume II: Acts, Letters and Revelation, and Volume III: The Pentateuch. Volume IV: The Promised Land is, like all of the others, bound in beautiful leather, with page edges of brilliant gold foil. The text utilizes the NRSV version, and is chock-full of relentlessly insightful and interesting commentary from Catholic luminaries, as well as gorgeous reproductions of great Catholic... Read more