The Reformation and the Irrepressible Word of God: Interpretation, Theology, and Practice
Overview
According to Scripture, the Word of God is “living and active” (Heb 4:12).
That affirmation was embraced by the Protestant Reformers, whose understanding of the Christian faith and the church was transformed by their encounter with Scripture.
It is also true of the essays found in this volume, which brings together the reflections of church historians and theologians originally delivered at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. As they consider historical, hermeneutical, theological, and practical issues regarding the Bible, these essays reveal that the irrepressible Word of God continues to transform hearts and minds.
- Examines the doctrine of justification in the Reformation
- Explores what evangelicals can learn from the Reformation
- Considers historical, hermeneutical, theological, and practical issues
Part One: Biblical Interpretation in the Reformation
- “I Have the Word of God”: Scripture, Interpretation, and Crespin’s History of Martyrs (Scott M. Manetsch)
- Martin Luther’s Christological Principle: Implications for Biblical Authority and Biblical Interpretation (David S. Dockery)
Part Two: Preaching and Pastoral Care in the Reformation
- “Meat, Not Strawberries”: Hugh Latimer and Biblical Preaching in the English Reformation (Michael A. G. Haykin)
- Scripture as “Sacrament” in Protestant Pastoral and Devotional Literature (Ronald K. Rittgers)
Part Three: Justification and the Reformation
- Novum or Rursus? Justification and the Bible in the Reformation (Michael S. Horton)
- Justification for Today (Kevin DeYoung)
Part Four: The Christian Life in the Reformation
- The Sainthood of All Believers: The Bible and Sanctification (Thomas H. McCall)
- Luther and the General Priesthood: An Embedded Account (David J. Luy)
- Kevin DeYoung
- David S. Dockery
- Timothy George
- Michael A. G. Haykin
- Michael S. Horton
- David J. Luy
- Scott M. Manetsch
- Thomas H. McCall
- Ronald K. Rittgers
These eight essays and the afterword both stimulate and edify. Everywhere we see the evidence of a strong team with an expert coach. The result is a scholarly but accessible book that advances Reformation studies and offers a clear win for a magisterial doctrine of Scripture. I heartily recommend it to students and experts alike.
—Chad Van Dixhoorn, professor of church history, Westminster Theological Seminary
Martin Luther and the Reformation were inextricably connected. But perhaps surprisingly, it is often forgotten how intimately bound Luther saw the Reformation to Scripture. His mission insisted on it being recovered by the church so it could be assiduously studied and carefully read by clergy and laity alike. In these excellent essays, leading scholars explore the heart of the Reformation revealing Luther’s passion for the reformation of the church according to the Word of God. The contributions consider Luther’s insights on biblical interpretation, preaching, pastoral care, justification by faith, and the Christian life. These biblical themes, once so precious to the Reformer, are again recommended to all as Luther’s vision, to have a church true to the Scriptures, remains essential for the proclamation of the gospel of Christ. Don't miss the opportunity to add an outstanding study to your books on the Reformation. Luther’s trust in the Word of God will encourage you in your ministry for Christ and his people.
—Peter A. Lillback, president, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia
In every corner of the world, millions commemorated the five hundredth anniversary of the Protestant Reformation (1517-2017). But seldom was the Reformers’ own emphasis on Scripture as the very Word of God, the norm to norm all others in the teaching of the church, given such clear expression as in the lectures published here. This is a treasure-trove for students, Christian laity, and clergy. It will take you to the engine of the evangelical movement and remind you that its founders still have much to teach us all about the power of the Bible to convict, save, sanctify, and put us in touch with God, showing us how to live and love in ways that truly make a difference.
—Douglas A. Sweeney, distinguished professor of church history and the history of Christian thought, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
- Title: The Reformation and the Irrepressible Word of God: Interpretation, Theology, and Practice
- Editor: Scott M. Manetsch
- Publisher: IVP
- Publication Date: 2019
- Pages: 256
- Resource Type: Collected Essays
- Topic: Reformation