Theology from a bunch of very old guys - 3 June 2010 |
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After the rather long session last time, here’s a rather shorter set of questions for session 28 of the Guided Reading Course. We’re reading John Murray, “Covenant Theology,” in Collected Writings of John Murray, vol. 4 (London: Banner of Truth), pp. 216-240.
1. Bearing in mind the distinctions outlined on pp. 229-230, and remembering the importance of both corporate and individual aspects, is covenant of grace conditional or unconditional? (cf. pp. 229-234; Gen 22)
2. How does Johannes Cocceius’ understanding of the covenant of redemption reflect the unity and plurality within the Godhead (p. 235)?
3. How do Thomas Boston’s and Herman Bavinck’s understandings of the covenant of redemption support their view of the unconditionality of the covenant of grace (pp. 237-238)? Do you find this reasoning compelling?
4. What considerations led some Reformed theologians to distinguish “between the internal essence and the external administration” of the covenant (pp. 238-239)? What do you make of Murray’s treatment of this subject?
5. “As signs and seals they [the sacraments] possessed no virtue in themselves but derived all their efficacy from the spiritual realities signified by them” (p. 239). Discuss.
6. How does Murray’s case for paedobaptism derive from his theology of the covenants (pp. 239-240)?
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Posted by Steve Jeffery · Topics: Guided Reading Course, Minister's Blog