What are the Two Kinds of Righteousness?

June 3, 2014 By Jordan Cooper

Our lives are built around relationships. We have relationships with our parents, siblings, spouse, children, neighbors, co-workers, and many others. Among our different kinds of relationships in the world, there are two fundamental categories: our relationship with God, and our relationship with other human beings. These two different relationships define our life in this world, and both of these relationships work in very different ways. Our relationship with God is a passive one. Before God, we do not work to... Read more

What is the Distinction Between Law and Gospel?

June 3, 2014 By Jordan Cooper

When we think of the word “Law” we probably think about our judicial system, the Laws that govern our land. But God also has Laws. He gave us the Ten Commandments, which we are all likely familiar with. There is also a Law which is written on each of our hearts (Romans 3:14-15). We all have consciences. We know the difference between right and wrong. There are Laws that govern every country, every group of people in the world. We... Read more

Can Someone be Saved Without Being Baptized?

June 3, 2014 By Jordan Cooper

When speaking about Baptismal regeneration, the question is often asked: What about someone who isn’t Baptized, but believes? Can they be saved? There are some important distinctions we need to make when answering this question. There is a difference between something being a relative necessity and an absolute necessity. A relative necessity is something that is necessary in ordinary circumstances; an absolute necessity is something that is necessary in every circumstance. If Baptism were an absolute necessity, then no one could be saved... Read more

Does Baptism Save?

June 3, 2014 By Jordan Cooper

For the first 1500 years of the church’s existence, the answer would have been a unanimous “yes” to this question. However, since the Reformation, especially in the contemporary evangelical church, baptism is viewed primarily of a symbol, rather than a sacramental act of God. There are, broadly speaking, two different views of what the Sacraments are. For many in the evangelical church, grace comes apart from the Sacraments to the individual, and the individual who recieved grace then demonstrates his faith... Read more

Why Should Churches Have Liturgy?

June 3, 2014 By Jordan Cooper

“There is no point in repeating words every week that have no meaning to me.” That’s a sentiment often heard surrounding the use of liturgy in the church service. In a way, the statement is correct. Jesus criticized the Pharisees for using lengthy prayers to somehow gain favor with God, because their heart was not involved in their supplications. However, such a disinterested vein repetition need not accompany the use of the liturgy when we understand the meaning and purpose... Read more

An Explanation of the Luther Chapter in my Book

June 3, 2014 By Jordan Cooper

Since the recent discussion has erupted over my book, some have attempted to see my Luther chapter as somehow an attempt to give an extensive treatment of Luther’s doctrine of justification. This relies on a misunderstanding of the purpose of the book. I will explain the reasons why this chapter was written, and exactly what argument is being made. The book is on the New Perspective on Paul’s claims regarding historical theology. The two areas I am addressing are 1.... Read more

Francis Pieper's Doctrine of Sanctification and Good Works

June 3, 2014 By Jordan Cooper

One of the figures that is essential to examine in the ongoing debates over sanctification and good works is Francis Pieper. If one studies Pieper’s Dogmatics, it becomes immediately apparent that he is not afraid of emphasizing the importance of justification and good works. He writes:“The fact that sanctification in this life will always be imperfect must not be put forward as an excuse for the neglect of sanctification. On the contrary, it is God’s will and the will of... Read more

Sanctification as Progressive in Lutheran Orthodoxy

June 3, 2014 By Jordan Cooper

People have often attacked the utilization of the term “progressive sanctification,” as a strictly reformed or Wesleyan view. I have shown in the past that this concept is clearly taught in the Lutheran Confessions and the Pauline epistles. This teaching is also one that is taught in various Lutheran theologians throughout the centuries. It really is a given in Lutheran Orthodoxy. Here are some examples of Lutheran theologians using the term “progress” in reference to sanctification: “Accordingly, constant progress in... Read more

Characteristics of Lutheran Antinomianism

June 3, 2014 By Jordan Cooper

The subject of sanctification, good works, and antinomianism has once again come to prominence in the blogosphere, and Gottesdienst has had a number of recent posts on this subject, utilizing quotes from the Lutheran fathers over against what are perceived antinomian tendencies in certain realms of Lutheranism. One of the things I have noticed in these debates is that one side defends the necessity of preaching good works, while others deny that antinomianism even exists within Lutheranism. Part of the problem is... Read more

The End of Protestantism?

June 3, 2014 By Jordan Cooper

Peter Leithart recently posted a provocative article on First Things titled “The End of Protestantism.” In this article, Leithart argues that there is a divergence between what he labels “Reformation catholicism,” and “Protestantism.” Protestantism, he argues, has been characterized by it’s strong aversion to anything viewed as Roman Catholic. He writes: “When I studied at Cambridge, I discovered that English Evangelicals define themselves over against the Church of England. Whatever the C of E is, they ain’t. What I’m calling “Protestantism” does... Read more