How does an ancient tent in the wilderness of Sinai relate to our relationship with God? The description of the tabernacle, God's Old Testament dwelling place, spans sixteen chapters of the Bible. Yet many of us pass over this extended description without understanding its significance. In this series, God in Our Midst, Rev. Daniel R. Hyde encourages us to consider this "tent of meeting" (Ex. 27:21). By studying the particulars of this first tabernacle, we will better understand Jesus, the One who dwelt, or "tabernacled," among us (John 1:14).

This series is now available for purchase as a DVD, CD, download, or Ligonier Connect course.

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Twelve, 23-Minute Messages:

An Introduction to the Tabernacle A Tabernacle in the Wilderness The Ark of the Covenant A Table with Bread A Lampstand of Gold An Altar of Bronze The Lord's Courtyard The Priesthood of the Lord The Benefits of the Priesthood An Altar for Incense A Basin for Washing A New Beginning

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Rev. Daniel R. Hyde is senior minister of Oceanside Reformed Church in Oceanside, Calif. He is author of God in Our Midst and Welcome to a Reformed Church.

Christians often wonder whether it is worth their time to read and study the narratives about God's instructions for the tabernacle in the second half of the book of Exodus. The answer, according to Daniel R. Hyde, is an emphatic yes.

In God in Our Midst: The Tabernacle and Our Relationship with God, Hyde shows that the tabernacle narratives have much to teach us about God Himself, about sin, about redemption in Christ, and about how we are to live for God today. Above all, by interpreting these narratives according to solid hermeneutical principles and New Testament revelation, Hyde shows that these passages reveal Christ.

Ultimately, Hyde says, it is good to read the tabernacle narratives because they are part of our family history. We need to read and meditate on that history because we have the same God, the God who told His old covenant, "I will dwell in your midst," and who tells us that Christians are the true tabernacle, the dwelling place of God under the new covenant (Eph. 2:22).

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"It is refreshing to have an exposition of the tabernacle that avoids the allegorizing excesses that have so often been a feature of the 'Christianizing' of this important part of the Old Testament. Daniel Hyde seeks to give a sound exegesis of the text and, only then, to lead us 'to see it through New Testament eyes,' and thus to discover its testimony to Christ and its role in edifying the faithful."

—Dr. Graeme Goldsworthy Visiting lecturer in hermeneutics Moore Theological College, Sydney, Australia

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Christians often wonder whether it is worth their time to read and study the seemingly odd narratives about God’s instructions for the tabernacle in the second half of the book of Exodus. The answer, according to Daniel R. Hyde, is an emphatic yes. In God in Our Midst: The Tabernacle and Our Relationship with God, Rev. Hyde shows that the tabernacle narratives have much to teach us about God Himself, about sin, about redemption in Christ, and about how we are to live for God today. Above all, by interpreting these narratives according to solid hermeneutical principles and New Testament revelation, Rev. Hyde shows that these passages reveal Christ. Ultimately, Hyde says, it is good to read the tabernacle narratives because they are part of our family history. We need to read and meditate on that history because we have the same God, the God who told His old covenant, “I will dwell in your midst,“ and who tells us that Christians are the true tabernacle, the dwelling place of God under the new covenant (Eph. 2:22). Endorsements “It is refreshing to have an exposition of the tabernacle that avoids the allegorizing excesses that have so often been a feature of the ‘Christian- izing’ of this important part of the Old Testament. Daniel Hyde seeks to give a sound exegesis of the text and, only then, to lead us ‘to see it through New Testament eyes,’ and thus to discover its testimony to Christ and its role in edifying the faithful.” —Dr. Graeme Goldsworthy “This work on the tabernacle not only demonstrates how the taber- nacle foreshadows Christ in its exposition of Exodus 25–40, it lays out principles to help people read the Old Testament properly. The appen- dix on ‘Preaching the Pentateuch’ is worth the price of the book. Such passionate preaching of the Old Testament is greatly needed in the church today.” —Dr. Richard P. Belcher Jr.

“Who are these guys?“ That was the question the teenage Daniel R. Hyde posed to his father when he first encountered “Reformed“ believers. With their unique beliefs and practices, these Christians didn‘t fit any of the categories in his mind. Not so many years later, Hyde is now Rev. Daniel R. Hyde, a pastor of a Reformed church. Recognizing that many are on the outside looking in, just as he once was, he wrote Welcome to a Reformed Church: A Guide for Pilgrims to explain what Reformed churches believe and why they structure their life and worship as they do. In layman‘s terms, Rev. Hyde sketches the historical roots of the Reformed churches, their scriptural and confessional basis, their key beliefs, and the ways in which those beliefs are put into practice. The result is a roadmap for those encountering the Reformed world for the first time and a primer for those who want to know more about their Reformed heritage. Endorsements “Daniel Hyde has written an invaluable road map for pilgrims new and old so they can know what Reformed churches believe and why. With this book, Christians can navigate the often-confusing landscape of different denominations and understand what makes Reformed churches unique and, more important, biblical. Pastor Hyde’s work is clear, succinct, informative, and faithful to the Scriptures. I highly recommend this work to anyone who desires to understand the theological pillars of the Reformed faith.” —Dr. J.V. Fesko “Daniel Hyde’s popular introduction to the Reformed faith will prove a wonderful tool for busy pastors who are looking for help in welcoming new believers into membership in the local church. Welcome to a Reformed Church will also serve as a kind of road map for those who are new to the Reformed faith—to its history, confessions, doctrinal commitments, and patterns of worship and ministry. In its own way, this book is a great example of the kind of ‘hospitality’ Reformed churches are called to show to those whom the Lord is gathering into their fellowship by His Spirit and Word.” —Dr. Cornelis Venema

Daniel Hyde, author of Welcome to a Reformed Church, explains how reformed theology assures us.

His good pleasure, for the demonstration of the glory of His mercy and justice, or of His absolute power and dominion.

It continues: “The election of particular persons is decisive, out of consideration of faith in Jesus Christ and of perseverance; not, however, apart from a consideration of faith and perseverance in the true faith, as a condition prerequisite for electing.” In other words, election is conditional. God elects those whom He foresees will believe and persevere.

In Article 2, the Remonstrants unambiguously assert the doctrine of unlimited atonement, saying: The price of redemption which Christ offered to God the Father is not only in itself and by itself sufficient for the redemption of the whole human race but has also been paid for all men and for every man, according to the decree, will, and the grace of God the Father; therefore no one is absolutely excluded from participation in the fruits of Christ’s death by an absolute and antecedent decree of God.

The document combines articles 3 and 4 on God’s grace and man’s conversion. The main ideas found here are the doctrine of prevenient grace and the denial of irresistible grace. We read, for example: The efficacious grace by which anyone is converted is not irresistible; and though God so influences the will by the word and the internal operation of His Spirit that he both confers the strength to believe or supernatural powers, and actually causes man to believe, yet man is able of himself to despise that grace and not to believe, and therefore to perish through his own fault.

In Article 5, the Remonstrants no longer raise doubts about perseverance. They now completely deny it: “True believers are able to fall through their own fault into shameful and atrocious deeds, to persevere and to die in them; and therefore finally to fall and to perish.” With regard to assurance, the Remonstrants teach that believers can be assured of their present salvation, but they cannot be assured that they will never fall away.

The Synod of Dordt

The Synod of Dordt responded to the Remonstrant doctrines in the Canons of Dordt. One of the first things to notice about this is that the Synod of Dordt was not called to provide a summary of Reformed doctrine or a summary of “Calvinism.” The Remonstrants set forth their doctrine in five articles, and the Synod responded to those five articles. As Daniel Hyde explains in his book on the doctrines of the Synod of Dordt, “What Reformed churches in the Dutch tradition believe is most fully confessed in the thirty-seven articles of the Belgic Confession and 129 questions and answers of the Heidelberg Catechism.” In other words, there are far more than five points of Calvinism. The so-called five points of Calvinism are specific responses to specific criticisms on certain doctrines related to soteriology.

The Canons of Dordt respond to the Remonstrant teachings point by point. Under each head of doctrine, several articles expound

as clear or strong? Did Old Testament believers see Christ as we see Him? Were Old Testament believers in possession of as much of the Holy Spirit as we possess? No, no, and no again. However, they did have saving faith, it was in the Messiah alone, and without the internal work of the Holy Spirit regenerating, sanctifying, and preserving them, they had no hope.

Sixth, the book must apply the truth to the modern church. Too many Old Testament books are addressed only to the head. They stop far short of connecting the truth to people's hearts and lives. Worship, communion, obedience, and service are almost swear words to some writers.

Well, you're probably thinking by now, "There aren't many Old Testament books like that today, are there?" You're right, I'm afraid. But I'm glad to announce that one has just been added to their ranks. It's this book on the tabernacle by my friend Danny Hyde, and what a rare treat it is to read!

God in Our MidstDanny handles the text with reverent care and rigorous diligence, mining the text for all its meat and milk. He describes the original context, people, and situation so graphically that eventually you wonder if he possibly lived in tabernacle times. While respecting the varying degrees of revelation through the ages, he demonstrates the covenantal unity of God's sovereign and gracious plan in both testaments. He avoids the pitfall of imputing New Testament understanding to Old Testament believers, but also welcomes the graciously provided light of the New to understand the Old. And he gives us, at last, a modern book on the Old Testament that treats the believing Israelites as brothers and sisters in Christ rather than as slightly confused, animistic, legalistic idolaters. Of course, if you've read any of Danny's previous nine million books (a joke to brighten up the editor's day), you'll know that he has a passion to bless the church with books that minister to the head, the heart, and the hand. This book is no different. It will lead you to worship, it will prompt obedience, and perhaps above all it will inspire you to commune with the God who delights to dwell among us and in us.

This will be a great book for pastors and teachers who have been inspired by the wonderful resurgence of interest in the Old Testament, and especially of a Christ-centered understanding of the Old Testament, and yet open their Bibles at Exodus and Leviticus and wonder, "Eh, what do I do now?" Danny shows you.

But any serious Christian will also benefit from this book. It will not only open up previously undiscovered parts of the Bible, it will show you the wonderful unity of the Scriptures from start to finish. Above all, it will inspire you to seek communion with God through Jesus Christ, Immanuel, "God with us."

With countless resources on Reformed theology, it can be difficult to know where to begin. For those looking for a helpful introduction to Reformed theology and the doctrines of grace, the following resources can assist your own spiritual growth or serve as tools to help introduce others to Reformed theology.

What Is Reformed Theology? by R.C. Sproul

In this insightful book, Dr. Sproul walks through the foundations of Reformed doctrine and explains how it is centered on God, based on God’s Word, and committed to faith in Jesus Christ. He also explains the five points of TULIP and makes plain the reality of God’s amazing grace.

The Five Points of Calvinism: Defined, Defended, and Documented by David N. Steele, Curtis C. Thomas, and S. Lance Quinn

This updated classic contains a brief exposition of each of the five points of Calvinism along with the biblical passages that teach each point. This helpful summary of the teachings of Reformed theology makes it a handy reference for studying the biblical teaching on man’s depravity and the sovereignty of God in salvation.

The Necessity of Reforming the Church by John Calvin

To restore the church to the teachings of Christ, the Reformers cried out for a return to God’s authoritative Word. In this classic treatise, John Calvin presents four areas of the church’s life and doctrine that must be carefully guarded and guided by Scripture.

Truths We Confess by R.C. Sproul

In this book, Dr. Sproul introduces readers to the Westminster Confession of Faith, explaining its insights and applying them to modern life. As he walks through the confession line by line, Dr. Sproul shows how the doctrines of the Bible—from creation to covenant, sin to salvation—fit together to the glory of God.

Welcome to a Reformed Church by Daniel Hyde

What do Reformed churches believe and why do they structure their life and worship as they do? This book sketches the historical roots of the Reformed churches, their scriptural and confessional basis, their key beliefs, and how those beliefs are put into practice. This is a valuable resource for those encountering the Reformed world for the first time and for those who want to know more about their Reformed heritage.

well-advised to read this multi-authored work. It contains chapters dealing with baptism in the various parts of the New Testament as well as defenses of distinctive Baptist perspectives on issues such as the mode and the recipients of baptism.

Infant Baptism (Reformed)

Samuel Miller was one of the first professors at Princeton Seminary in the nineteenth century. His book on infant baptism is not lengthy, but it remains one of the most powerful defenses of the Reformed view in print.

As far as contemporary defenses of the Reformed doctrine and practice of infant baptism are concerned, Daniel Hyde’s little book is the best. His book is particularly helpful for those coming out of a Baptist background into a Reformed church.

Infant Baptism (Baptist)

Of all the books defending believer’s baptism and critiquing infant baptism, Paul Jewett’s remains, without question, the best by far.

In our next installment, we will look at some of the best books on the Lord’s Supper.

Here's an excerpt from Training Children in Worship, Daniel Hyde's contribution to the March issue of Tabletalk:

Christian parents, do you realize the most important thing you can ever train your child to do in this life is to worship the triune God of grace? Because of this, I want to encourage you to include them in the public worship of your church. I also want to help you do this.

Continue reading Training Children in Worship, or begin receiving Tabletalk magazine by signing up for a free 3-month trial.

For a limited time, the new TabletalkMagazine.com allows everyone to browse and read the growing library of back issues, including this month's issue.

to political capitulation, the pressing issue is the collapse in orthodox Christian theology. Our crisis is profoundly theological in nature, not methodological. If we want to see an awakening in our generation, the church must boldly proclaim the truth."

5 Questions to Ask When Reading the Bible by Steven Lawson

"How exactly does the Bible—an ancient book written thousands of years ago—reveal God's way to people today? There are several key questions we must ask, the answers to which reveal to us the way."

5 Ways to Pray for Your Church Family in 2014 by Erik Raymond

"A church that is growing in the gospel is filled with people who are joyfully loving, serving, and sacrificing for one another as they demonstrate the gospel. They are also tactfully, winsomely, and zealously declaring the gospel to each other and the world around them."

Predestination: Should We Even Talk About It? by Daniel Hyde

"We must talk about predestination with discernment. When Paul penned Romans 9, he was writing to a Christian congregation made up of Jews and Gentiles in distinction from unbelieving Jews and Gentiles. Believing Jews were those of the promise while unbelieving Jews were those merely of the flesh (Rom. 9:3, 6-8)."

Is Marriage "Just a Piece of Paper"? by R.C. Sproul

"The signing of a piece of paper is not a matter of affixing one's signature in ink to a meaningless document. The signing of a marriage certificate is an integral part of what the Bible calls a covenant. A covenant is made publicly before witnesses and with formal legal commitments that are taken seriously by the community."

Thank you for your support as you've read and shared our posts with family and friends. We look forward, Lord willing, to another edifying and God glorifying year in 2015 on the Ligonier Blog.

from God in Our Midst by Daniel Hyde. Watch the teaching series here.

birds eat them; some seeds fall on rocky ground, where they immediately spring up only to be scorched by the sun; some seeds fall among thorns and are choked off; while other seeds fall on good soil and produce grain. For this reason, the preacher must be realistic about the types of people in the congregation. The church is a covenant community, meaning it belongs to Jesus Christ. Yet within the covenant people there are sincere believers as well as hypocrites. Also, unbelieving people from the world are (or at least should be) in our worship services (Zech. 8:20-23; 1 Cor. 14:20-25).

For this reason, Reformed preaching emphasizes both the law and the gospel. The law does two things. First, it humbles the believer, constantly exposing his sins before the Lord. Second, the law either causes the unbeliever to see his or her sin (if it is accompanied by the work of the Spirit) or hardens the unbeliever who will not acknowledge his or her sin. The gospel does two things as well. First, it comforts and confirms the believer in his or her salvation, constantly reminding of what Jesus did for him or her. Second, the gospel sincerely offers the unbeliever the only means of escaping eternal judgment for his or her sin. As the Canons of Dort say: Moreover the promise of the gospel is, that whosoever believes in Christ crucified shall not perish, but have eternal life. This promise, together with the command to repent and believe, ought to be declared and published to all nations, and to all persons promiscuously and without distinction, to whom God out of his good pleasure sends the gospel. (2.5)

As many as are called by the gospel are unfeignedly [sincerely] called; for God hath most earnestly and truly declared in his Word what will be acceptable to him, namely, that all who are called should comply with the invitation. He, moreover, seriously promises eternal life and rest to as many as shall come to him, and believe on him. (3/4.8)

Whether the prophets preached to the covenant people of Israel or the nations; whether Jesus Christ preached to Israel, His disciples, or the Gentiles; and whether Paul preached to unbelieving Jews and Gentiles or the various congregations of the New Testament, all these preachers always emphasized the need for genuine repentance and true faith. They did this in such a way that believers were constantly comforted while unbelievers were unceasingly discomforted. With this in mind, we can understand the meaning of the Heidelberg Catechism when it contrasts the idols of the Roman Catholic Church, such as statues, stained-glass windows, and images, with the "lively preaching of [His] Word" (HC, Q&A 98).

This excerpt is taken from Welcome to a Reformed Church by Daniel Hyde_._

With 2014 just around the corner, we've gone back and collected some of the most popular blog posts from the past year.

What Does "coram Deo" Mean? by R.C. Sproul

"This phrase literally refers to something that takes place in the presence of, or before the face of, God. To live coram Deo is to live one’s entire life in the presence of God, under the authority of God, to the glory of God."

Marks of a True Church by Daniel Hyde

"The Reformers searched the Word of God to answer the question of which churches were actually churches. ...the Reformed churches eventually settled on the belief that the Word revealed three essential outward marks by which any discerning person could determine whether any given congregation was truly a church"

An Open Letter to My Pro-Choice Neighbor by Keith Mathison

"There is no rational excuse for supporting abortion today. Every competent scientist knows what a human embryo is. ...And if it is a living human being, no one has the right to kill it any more than they have the right to kill any other human being."

The Word-less "Church" by W. Robert Godfrey

"Many American churches are in a mess. Theologically they are indifferent, confused, or dangerously wrong. Liturgically they are the captives of superficial fads. Morally they live lives indistinguishable from the world. They often have a lot of people, money, and activities. But are they really churches, or have they degenerated into peculiar clubs?"

40+ Years of Ministry — A Testimony of Grace by Nathan W. Bingham

"From 1971 to the present day, R.C. Sproul and Ligonier have experienced more than 40 years of ministry. In a short video timeline we trace this testimony of God’s grace."

What is the Greatest of All Protestant "Heresies"? by Sinclair Ferguson

"Christ has once-for-all become the sacrifice for our sins, and has been raised and vindicated in the power of an indestructible life as our representative priest. By faith in Him, we are as righteous before the throne of God as He is righteous. For we are justified in His righteousness, His justification alone is ours! And we can no more lose this justification than He can fall from heaven."

4 Sermon Types to Avoid by Derek Thomas

"Alec Motyer has written: 'An expository ministry is the proper response to a God-breathed Scripture… Central to it all is that concern which the word ‘exposition’ itself enshrines: a display of what is there.'"

The Doctrine the Church Can't Live Without by Stephen Nichols

"At the cross, Christ both undid what Adam had done and did what Adam could not do. 'This is the reason,' Bonhoeffer says, 'for the cross.' We have no hope without it."

5 Dangers to Avoid in Parenting by William Boekestein

"It is tempting to blame children for our family problems. But Scripture does not allow us to do this. Children bear the responsibility to obey their parents. But God commands parents to raise their children with godly

On March 26-27, 2010, in Los Angeles, Calif., Michael Horton, Peter Jones, John MacArthur, and R.C. Sproul joined together to examine many of the popular misunderstandings of the gospel in our day as countless churches are preaching a message that has little if anything to do with the biblical gospel.

Streaming audio and video of these messages are now available on our website. Messages include:

The Church Cries "Uncle" ("Sam" That Is)** by Michael Horton Becoming a Better You** by John MacArthur Questions and Answers #1** Good Advice or Good News?** by R.C. Sproul A Gnostic Gospel** by Peter Jones Questions and Answers #2** Moralistic & Therapeutic Deism** by Michael Horton Back to Basics** by R.C. Sproul Once Lost, Now Found: How Reformed Theology Assures Us** by Daniel Hyde (Break-out Session)

DVD and CD conference sets are also now available for pre-order.

of Reformed belief, worship, and practice that I have come across. I will be commending it not only for people wishing to know more about the basics of the Reformed faith, but also for those who sit in Reformed churches and need to know more deeply their own heritage.”

—Dr. Mark Jones Pastor, Faith Presbyterian Church (PCA) Vancouver, British Columbia

“Daniel Hyde has done the church (and church planters) a great service by giving us this well-written, concise, easy-to-understand book explaining what it means to be a ‘Reformed’ church. Yet, at the same time, this is a theologically deep book that will send us back to Scripture and our confessions so that we might understand just what the church really is. In a day of great doctrinal confusion, especially about the church, I know of no better tool to give to those who want to know more about Reformed churches.”

—Rev. Kevin Efflandt Pastor, Bellingham United Reformed Church (URCNA) Bellingham, Washington

“As a fellow import to the Reformed faith from the Pentecostal/ charismatic movement, I can say that Daniel Hyde has summarized our Reformed distinctives in a clear and concise manner, answering many of the questions modern evangelicals ask. I heartily commend this book to newcomers in my church and all Reformed churches.”

—Rev. Jerrold Lewis Pastor, Lacombe Free Reformed Church (FRCNA) Lacombe, Alberta

Excerpts

Introduction - ”Dad, who are these guys?” I remember my question and my dad’s answer as if it were yesterday. I was a senior in high school and a new Christian, and I was sitting at the dining room table on a Sunday evening doing my homework while listening to the radio. As all good young Christians in my area were told to do by their youth pastors, I had the radio tuned to the large Christian radio station in Los Angeles County: KKLA. On came a show that began, curiously, with the sound of hoof beats. Then came the introduction: “Welcome to the White Horse Inn.” I had no idea what the four hosts were talking about that night, but apparently my dad did— “Oh, those are a bunch of Lutherans,” he said.

Page xxv - To get a sense of the role I foresee for this book in a believer’s transition to a Reformed church, imagine yourself walking through the doors of a church you have never before visited. This book is like walking into the foyer or narthex; there you look around, meet some people, and begin to take note of things about this church. Eventually, you move on and enter the sanctuary; in much the same way, books by R. C. Sproul and Michael Horton (mentioned in Appendix 2) take you deeper into the Reformed faith. Finally, you sit in a pew and the worship service begins. Likewise, a heavy-duty book of systematic theology or any title of the sixteenth- and seventeenth century Reformed and Puritan theologians takes you to an even greater depth of experience.

Page xxvi - My prayer in writing this book is that I can begin

How does an ancient tent in the wilderness of Sinai relate to our relationship with God? The description of the tabernacle, God's Old Testament dwelling place, spans sixteen chapters of the Bible. Yet many of us pass over this extended description without understanding its significance. In this series, Rev. Daniel R. Hyde encourages us to consider this "tent of meeting" (Ex. 27:21). By studying the particulars of this first tabernacle, we will better understand Jesus, the One who dwelt, or "tabernacled," among us (John 1:14).

How does an ancient tent in the wilderness of Sinai relate to our relationship with God? The description of the tabernacle, God's Old Testament dwelling place, spans sixteen chapters of the Bible. Yet many of us pass over this extended description without understanding its significance. In this series, Rev. Daniel R. Hyde encourages us to consider this "tent of meeting" (Ex. 27:21). By studying the particulars of this first tabernacle, we will better understand Jesus, the One who dwelt, or "tabernacled," among us (John 1:14).

How does an ancient tent in the wilderness of Sinai relate to our relationship with God? The description of the tabernacle, God's Old Testament dwelling place, spans sixteen chapters of the Bible. Yet many of us pass over this extended description without understanding its significance. In this series, Rev. Daniel R. Hyde encourages us to consider this "tent of meeting" (Ex. 27:21). By studying the particulars of this first tabernacle, we will better understand Jesus, the One who dwelt, or "tabernacled," among us (John 1:14).

Canons of Dort.

The Canons were not written as a detached theological treatise. They were a pastoral and polemical response to a real crisis in the church. They addressed five disputed heads of doctrine, each one tied to the Remonstrant challenge. At every point, they defended the same great truth: Salvation from beginning to end is of the Lord. God’s election is gracious, Christ’s atonement is powerful, the Spirit’s calling is effectual, and God preserves His people to the end.

That is how we got the Canons of Dort: through persecution, political upheaval, ecclesiastical controversy, and a major international synod. The Canons were born in a fight over grace. That is why they still matter. They are the church’s confession that sinners are saved not by the uncertainty of their own will, but by the free, sovereign, and steadfast mercy of God.

justified; it’s not the reason why: Jesus is. Thus true, justifying faith not only believes Holy Scripture and all its doctrines, but even more, it is “also to have a sure trust and confidence in God’s merciful promises.” In other words, faith is not merely knowledge nor even assent to that knowledge. The demons have this “faith” (James 2:19). This kind of “faith” allows you to still wallow in your sins: For how can a man have this true faith, this sure trust and confidence in God, that by the merits of Christ, his sins be forgiven, and be reconciled to the favor of God, and to be partaker of the kingdom of heaven by Christ, when he lives ungodly, and denieth Christ in his deeds?”

This is why we as Protestants always need to assert that justification by faith alone doesn’t mean that this justifying faith lives alone in us without true repentance, hope, love, and the fear of God. Yet, as far as our being accounted righteous before God by God, sola fide means God graciously justified us apart from our works.

The “what” of sola fide leads to “why” it matters. Remember, it is “wholesome” and “very full of comfort.” The profit of this doctrine “advances and sets forth the true glory of Christ, and beats down the vain glory of man.” When you and I consider the infinite gifts that God gives, though we are undeserving, we are led to drop to our knees in humble adoration! Justification sola fide does not lead the true believer into spiritual slothfulness, but to render ourselves unto God wholly with all our will, hearts, might, and power; to serve him in all good deeds, obeying his commandments during our lives; to seek in all things his glory and honour, not our sensual pleasures and vainglory; evermore dreading willingly to offend such a merciful God and loving Redeemer in word, thought, or deed . . . [to] move us for his sake also to be ever ready to give ourselves to our neighbours, and, as much as lieth in us, to study with all our endeavor, to do good to every man. These be the fruits of true faith: to do good, as much as lieth in us, to every man; and, above all things and in all things, to advance the glory of God, of whom only we have our sanctification, justification, salvation, and redemption. To whom be ever glory, praise, and honour world without end. Amen.

: Thomas Cranmer, “A Sermon of the Salvation of Mankind by Only Christ Our Saviour, From Sin and Death Everlasting,” in Book of Homilies: A Critical Edition, ed. Gerald Bray (Cambridge: James Clarke & Co., 2015). : Ibid. : Ibid. : Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on July 18, 2022.