Christ the Center

In this episode, Camden Bucey and Jim Cassidy dive into a variety of topics answering questions submitted by listeners and viewers of the program. Topics covered range from theological discussions, such as the role of Jesus’ intercession for the elect and non-elect within the visible church​​, to historical and exegetical considerations, like the understanding of the Old Covenant as the Mosaic administration of the covenant of grace​​.

Chapters

• 00:00:07 Introduction
• 00:05:12 What We’re Reading
• 00:14:42 Merit and the Covenant of Works
• 00:20:38 Jesus’ Intercession
• 00:29:38 Street Preaching and the Local Church
• 00:37:12 Old Testament Saints and the Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
• 00:47:20 Is the Old Covenant the Same as the Mosaic Covenant?
• 00:50:12 Flags in the Worship Service
• 00:58:13 Grape Juice in the Lord’s Supper
• 01:13:08 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy

In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into the intriguing account of Jesus’ temptation by Satan in the wilderness. Join us as we explore the profound insights offered by Geerhardus Vos on pages 339–342 in his work Biblical Theology and unpack the ultimate issue at stake in this cosmic confrontation: Who should be God, and whose Messiah would Jesus be?

We grapple with the perplexing questions surrounding Jesus’ temptability and peccability. How could a sinless Jesus be tempted, and what does this imply about his ability to sin? We examine Vos’s argument that the things Satan suggested were not inherently sinful, only wrong due to God’s prohibition, and consider how this differs from modern interpretations that see the temptations as allurements towards a worldly, political messianic role.

Vos’s work invites us to ponder the profound mystery of a fully human Jesus who is intimately united with the Holy Spirit and possesses a divine nature. We consider how these unique aspects of Jesus’ identity make his sinlessness even more unthinkable than Adam’s, and we wrestle with the implications for our understanding of Jesus’ impeccability.

Through a careful analysis of Vos’s insights and a lively discussion of the theological complexities involved, we aim to shed light on this pivotal moment in Jesus’ earthly mission and its significance for our faith. Join us as we explore the depths of Jesus’ commitment to the path of humiliation and suffering, and the ultimate triumph of his messianic glory.

Chapters

• 00:00:07 Introduction
• 00:02:33 Calvinism: The Plan of Salvation
• 00:07:31 Camden’s Trip to Budapest and Vienna
• 00:14:09 Temptability and Peccability
• 00:22:50 Bavinck and Vos on the Person of the Son
• 00:37:59 The Nature of Jesus’ Temptation
• 00:42:48 Other Theories of the Messianic Nature of the Temptation
• 00:46:41 Christ’s Victory Comes through Suffering unto Glory
• 00:52:06 Satan’s Intent to Circumvent Redemption
• 01:00:17 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

We welcome Dr. Lane Tipton back to the studio on the heels of teaching a new course on the theology of Thomas Aquinas. In this course, Dr. Tipton aims to provide an in-depth understanding of Thomas Aquinas’s trinitarian theology, emphasizing that his entire body of work is governed by the concept of exitus (departure) and reditus (return) in the context of divine and human processions.

In the course, Dr. Tipton analyzes primary texts such as the Summa Theologiae and the Summa Contra Gentiles, as well as works by notable Thomistic scholars such as Gilles Emery and Dominic Legge as he dives into the trinitarian structure of Aquinas’s theology, focusing on the eternal and temporal processions of the Son and the Holy Spirit, and their implications on topics like Christology and sacramentology. This trinitarian framework forms the backbone of Aquinas’s theological system, affecting every doctrinal topic it touches, from the nature of God to the ultimate end of human beings. Tipton contends that understanding Aquinas’s Trinitarian framework is key to grasping his theological system as a whole. The course aims not only to provide a nuanced understanding of Aquinas’s theology but also to offer a Reformed critique and alternative.

The Exitus-Reditus Structure

The exitus-reditus structure serves as the central framework for understanding the theology of Thomas Aquinas. In this structure, “exitus” refers to the process of departure or emanation, while “reditus” signifies return. This dyad is a governing principle not only in Aquinas’s understanding of the Trinity but also in his complete theological system.

In terms of the Trinity, the Son and the Holy Spirit emanate from the Father in “exitus,” and then return to the Father in “reditus.” This trinitarian procession is considered the foundational cause for the existence and return of all creatures. The divine persons’ internal processions serve as the model and cause for the external processions of rational creatures.

In relation to rational creatures, “exitus” refers to their creation and departure from God. God is seen as the efficient cause from whom all things emanate. “Reditus,” on the other hand, signifies the creatures’ return to God, drawn towards their ultimate end—participation in divine beatitude or happiness. This return can be understood at two levels: natural and supernatural. On the natural level, creatures return to God according to their inherent abilities. On the supernatural level, they are elevated through grace to participate in the divine essence itself, surpassing their natural capacities.

The exitus-reditus structure thus provides a coherent, systematic framework that integrates every aspect of Aquinas’s theology, from the doctrine of God to the doctrines of creation, grace, and eschatology.

Chapters

• 00:00:07 Introduction
• 00:01:40 General Thoughts about the Course
• 00:08:01 The Primacy of the Father in Thomas
• 00:14:57 Calvin on the Son at Autotheos
• 00:24:44 Modes of Subsistence and Absolute Personality
• 00:32:37 Rock, Paper, Scissors, and Absolute Personality
• 00:40:35 The Eucharist and the Beatific Vision
• 00:47:29 Contemporary Evangelical Retrievals of Thomas
• 01:02:08 Interpreters of Thomas
• 01:03:48 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. A. Craig Troxel, Robert G. den Dulk Professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Seminary California. Dr. Troxel delves into his thought-provoking chapter on the communion of the saints from Theology for Ministry, a festschrift for Dr. Sinclair Ferguson.

What does it mean to build a spiritual community within the church? How can pastors cultivate a culture of love, service, and mutual respect, reflecting the Spirit-endowed riches of Christ’s gifts and graces? Dr. Troxel explores these profound questions, emphasizing the “one another” commands, the forms of mutual service, and the essential role of love in the life of the church.

Dr. Troxel also sheds light on the transformative power of worship and the vital role of the Spirit of God in animating the hearts of God’s people. He concludes with a compelling vision of the communion of the saints as more than just a gathering of individuals—it’s a sacred communion of those set apart for divine privileges and consecrated purposes.

Whether you’re a pastor, theologian, or simply someone seeking to deepen your understanding of community within the Christian faith, this episode offers rich insights and practical wisdom. Join us for a conversation that touches the very heart of what it means to be part of the body of Christ.

Dr. Troxel is the author of With All Your Heart: Orienting Your Mind, Desires, and Will Toward Christ (Crossway). His research interests include pastoral theology, Reformed spirituality, the doctrine of the church, and biblical teaching on the heart.

Chapters

• 0:07 Introduction
• 4:53 Preaching Courses at Westminster Seminary California
• 8:57 A Festschrift for Sinclair Ferguson
• 13:06 Studying the Doctrine of the Church
• 16:42 Building Community
• 25:41 Communion of the Saints
• 30:05 The Health of Our Ecclesiology
• 34:02 WCF Chapter 26 Of the Communion of the Saints
• 37:40 The Uniqueness of the Church
• 53:45 Encouraging Spiritual Vitality in the Church
• 57:34 Suggested Reading
• 1:06:03 Final Remarks
• 1:08:48 Conclusion

Participants: A. Craig Troxel, Camden Bucey

Reformed Forum exhibited at the Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary conference in Greer, SC. This episode offers a deep dive into the Confessional Presbyterian Journal’s latest issue, with a special focus on the 50th anniversary of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) and the historical development of the PCA’s Standing Judicial Commission (SJC). Camden Bucey brings together Rev. Zachary Groff, pastor of Antioch Presbyterian Church, and Dr. Scott Cook, visiting professor of apologetics at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, both of whom are deeply involved in the Confessional Presbyterian Journal.

The conversation starts with an exploration of the journal itself, highlighting its dedication to addressing pressing issues in the church through a blend of pastoral scholarship and rigorous theological analysis. The latest issue’s theme revolves around the PCA’s 50th anniversary, offering a collection of articles that reflect on the denomination’s history, mission, and theological commitments.

Zachary Groff provides an overview of the journal’s contents, emphasizing the significance of the PCA’s commitment to the Great Commission and its historical context. He mentions various contributions that examine the PCA’s foundation, its growth, and its ongoing theological debates, particularly those concerning the church’s mission and the inclusivity of nations in God’s plan through Christ.

Dr. Scott Cook focuses on the specific topic of the PCA’s Standing Judicial Commission, outlining its origin and evolution. He describes the initial challenges faced by the PCA in maintaining discipline and order within its rapidly growing community. Cook traces the SJC’s development back to the 1980s, a period marked by significant debate and eventual compromise within the denomination. He articulates the tension between the desire for a grassroots, decentralized approach to church governance and the practical need for an efficient, centralized judicial body to handle disciplinary cases. This part of the conversation sheds light on the broader issues of polity and ecclesiastical authority within the PCA and offers insights into how the denomination has navigated these challenges over the years.

Throughout the episode, the guests underscore the Confessional Presbyterian Journal’s role in fostering informed theological conversation and community engagement within the Reformed tradition. The discussion not only celebrates the PCA’s past achievements but also critically examines its struggles and future directions, particularly in the realms of theological fidelity, church discipline, and mission​​.

Chapters

• 00:00:07 – Introduction
• 00:03:38 – Guest Introductions: Rev. Zachary Groff and Dr. Scott Cook
• 00:07:35 – In-depth Look at the Confessional Presbyterian Journal
• 00:23:00 – The Formation and Significance of the PCA’s Standing Judicial Commission
• 00:27:06 – Challenges and Future Directions for the PCA
• 00:56:35 – The Development of the SJC: From Concept to Reality
• 01:00:20 – The Challenges and Controversies of Implementing the SJC
• 01:04:26 – Reflecting on Growth and the Future of the PCA
• 01:12:23 – Reflecting on PCA’s Place in the Reformed World

Participants: Camden Bucey, Scott Cook, Zachary Groff