Another thing that I think is really important in any discussion of disputed matters is thisand if I can make a historical illustration of this principle that John Owen, the great Puritan, had. Sinclair Ferguson A graduate of the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, he is the author of some two dozen books, has authored numerous articles and has contributed to various symposia. There you have an illustration of that same issue. Unaware that they were traveling with the resurrected Jesus, two disciples gladly heard Him explain the Scriptures on the road to Emmaus. I was not educated to have opinions of my own until I had been educated. Today, Sinclair Ferguson explores how Jesus Christ fulfills this blessing in the salvation of Jewish and gentile believers. I guess people might say in modern terms the relationship between the indicatives of the gospel and the imperatives of the gospel. Racing to the empty tomb, John found Jesus' graveclothes inside. Listen today on Things Unseen as Sinclair Ferguson discusses the relationship of the Old Testament to the incarnate Christ. He has been working for Reformed Theological Seminary as a Chancellors Professor of Systematic Theology since 2017. That seemed to me as much as to say that underneath every Antinomian is not an Antinomian but a legalist, and that that is the default position of the whole of humanity. Everyone Jesus meets turns out to either be a legalist or an Antinomian. Sinclair Ferguson Besides that, he also held the Charles Krahe Chair for Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary. I can fall into all kinds of legalisms and Antinomianisms. Read the transcript: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/worthy-is-the-lamb, God promised Abraham that in his seed, "all the families of the earth shall be blessed" (Gen. 12:3). I think we all have a better sense for legalism and this specter in the church that we dont want to fall into, but whats Antinomianism? In addition to being Senior Minister, Dr. Ferguson is Professor of Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary. According to reports today, this soul-searching has led to a severing of the official relationship between Albert Mohler and Ligonier. All this week on Things Unseen, weve been thinking about the Christian view of man, and especially the way God created man as His image, male and female. He is author of many books, including The Whole Christ, Maturity, and Devoted to God's Church. WebToday, Sinclair Ferguson looks to Christ, the second Adam, who will bring redeemed humanity into everlasting glory. When I thought about that, quite separate from the Marrow Controversy, and put the two things together in a way that I dont think the leading figures in the Marrow Controversy did, it really did strike me that this is something that goes right down to the very roots of our existence. He has written numerous quotes in his books. Matt Tully They did confirm that Mohler had been dismissed as a teaching fellow, but that he would continue to speak at (at least) two forthcoming events for which he was already scheduled to speak. Its related to the relationship between Gods grace and our good works. The traditionally conservative and Gospel-centered organization is called Ligonier because it was founded in Ligonier Valley, Pennsylvania in 1971 and it publishes the popular Table Talk Magazine, which is edited by Burk Parsons. I think the first thing to do is not to jump to conclusions. It cant be any other way. Ferguson speaks at numerous conferences worldwide. WebThings Unseen with Sinclair B. Ferguson is a weekday devotional podcast featuring thoughtful reflections on the Christian life and our relationship with God. Sunday, February 24, 2013, Four Distinguishing Characteristics of Christian Assurance, Christian CEO Wins Religious Discrimination Case. He is a Scottish Theologian who is popularly known for his teaching, editorial work, and writing in Reformed Christian circles. There was never really an emphasis of Do you see Christ in this story? Maybe the way I would put it now (and Im sure I didnt put it this way in the book) is that I think there can be a lot of preaching on Christ that is ideological rather than personal. Another issue that I found interesting in the book was as I was reading through the details of this Marrow Controversy itself, as weve already talked about, there are lots of terms being usedsimilar and same terms. Read the transcript: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/the-inconsistent-atheist. That very fact opens up a lot of theological issues. They ask, How did you know? Read the transcript: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/he-will-give-us-rest, Adam and Eve didn't know every detail about the promised One who would triumph over the tragedy of sin. This issue of legalism and Antinomianism, for example, kind of blew up in the Lutheran Reformation. It seems like this struggle that Christians have with walking the line betweenor maybe thats the wrong metaphorbut avoiding legalism on one hand and Antinomianism on the other hand, it feels like something that continues to come back up in the life of the church. I suppose the most popular kind is youre driving along the road and the guy whos driving you is going 95 mph and the speed limit is 70 mph. Or at a theological level, it would mean the gospel would then become constructed in a particular way that when you were talking about how the gospel worked out in peoples lives for all practical purposes you would never refer back to Exodus 20. Adam was a prophet, priest, and king over creation, but he failed in his calling and fell short of God's glory. Sinclair Ferguson Professor, Reformed Theological Seminary He was 31 years old. Read the transcript: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/mary-knew-her-masters-voice. Things Unseen with Sinclair B. Ferguson is a weekday devotional podcast featuring thoughtful reflections on the Christian life and Again, Im back to dispositions that the gospel creates so that the gospel formulates the style in which I do everythingtheology, ministry, controversy, polemics. He has served as minister of two congregations in Scotland, one on Unst, the most northerly inhabited island in the United Kingdom, and the other at the center of Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland. Its a lighthearted nightmare in here, weirdos! I cant even pronounce their names. So many of the issues that we wrestle with as Christians in the twenty-first century are the same, or at least very similar to, the issues of Christians in previous generations. Our sources indicate that Mohlers social justice position was indeed a part of that decision, but not the only reason for the decision. Read the transcript: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/john-saw-and-believed. No matter how hard atheists try to suppress the truth of God, they cannot escape the fact that their lives were created with meaning. But when he dies, his brother shows the minister who takes the funeral service his decision card and says, Hes alright, isnt he? IMDb is the world's most popular and authoritative source for movie, TV and celebrity content. Were looking to score points with our own team, as opposed to actually convincing anyone else. And then he stops. I was reading a number of the figures who were known as Antinomians in history. When we think about the legitimate theological disagreements that we engage in, and then the disagreements over real orthodoxy, I think we must always bear in mind for ourselves that this is a context in which I myself am being challenged by God to grow in my understanding of the gospel. They had seen something on the website, and so they had formed their opinion without carefully reading and reflecting. Mike Schmitz), The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. However, after a disastrous Q&A at a Ligonier event in which Ligon Duncan endorsed the work of a gay Anglican priest, reports are circulating that Ligonier has done some soul-searching regarding how much they want to be affiliated with the biggest social justice advocates out there, with Duncan and Mohler included. There was legalism, there was hyper calvinism, and at the end of the day, the men who led the charge all got accused of Antinomianism. We dont want morality from the Old Testament. Subscribe today so you dont miss an episode. I say, Because you preach from the Gospels as though Paul had written them. He also previously served as a council member of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. Sinclair Ferguson His sermons have attracted many as well as brought many followers and Christians close to God. He is featured teacher for several Ligonier teaching series, including Union with Christ. (91) Here we are strangers, exiles for the moment. Its formulated in this way in my mind: all ministrywhich is every expression of the gospelall ministry needs to be exercised on our knees. Tim Keller has actually called the book a tract for our times. I wonder if you can help us think of the big picture: Why is it that this book has resonated with so many people even though it is, on one level, about this very specific historical situation? They suspected that there was some level of high preparationism and what I would call qualificationism, in that there is something you have got to do to be allowed in. Is that mostly due to just the didactic nature of Pauls teaching where hes giving us propositions vs. the story form of the Gospels and the Old Testament, or is it more than that? He has written several books related to Christianity including: The Whole Christ: Legalism, Antinomianism, and Gospel Assurance. I think its quite subtle, but I think both elements are there. A WELCOME TREATMENT ON CHURCH-CENTERED WebThe Classic Warfield Collection (2-Volume Set) is now in stock and on sale. Thats such a helpful and humbling reminder that our psychology inevitablyalways, and without intentionally doing itis going to impact how we do theology and how we think about those things. If you think, Let me cut out everything in Pauls letters thats not related to something going wrong in the history of the church, you dont have all that much left in Pauls letters. Matt Tully We want to help each other think a little bit better. Ferguson is among a select group of pastor-theologians whose books repeatedly serve to equip and edify the church. Its very interesting to listen to peoples reactions to that question: yes or no, or dont know, or theres something maybe not quite right about the way youre asking that question. P&P spoke to two sources familiar with the matter, including one associated closely with Ligonier. WebIn addition to being Senior Minister, Dr. Ferguson is Professor of Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary. Only have time for the best-of-the-best from TGC? For example, heres a man who goes for a crusade in 1961 and theres no evidence whatsoever in his life that he is really a Christianthis is a real story. WebWebcast LIVE NOW! The minister was in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Are you like Nicodemus or Zacchaeus, etc.? . Jon Harris, a former SEBTS student who opposes social justice and maintains a social media presence resisting the movement, posted on Twitter that Mohler and Duncan have been removed as teaching fellows by Ligonier due to their position on Social Justice. They also continued to stress that it was Mohlers influence in the institution, as well as his position on Social Justice, that led to the decision and that the final call was multi-faceted., Do you know the difference between first degree murder and second degree murder? Were they just emphasizing different things and that was leading to disagreement? He is likely to be a person who will make me think through right down to the roots of the gospel. Today, Sinclair Ferguson invites us to join with all the redeemed in exalting our triumphant Savior. This article is part of the The Crossway Podcast series. An angel came with striking instructions from the resurrected Lord: "Go, tell his disciples and Peter" (Mark 16:7). 27 Apr 2023 17:16:01 So, as an individual, however irritating editors may be to authors, the individual author has the strength of the community around him. Today, Sinclair Ferguson conveys the Bible's foundational teaching on the relationship between men and women as image-bearers of God. You and I have sinned. Our Ligonier sources warned that it may take time to see Mohlers name removed from the website, and probably wont happen until his scheduled speaking engagements are over. Adam was a prophet, priest, and king over creation, but he failed in his calling and fell short of Gods glory. But all he has done is solve the crossword puzzle. I think this is probably true in Scotland now in a way it was never true when I was in school. Oh, and by the way, theres ourselvesyour servants. Today, Sinclair Ferguson reflects on Christ's tender love for His family, to which we now belong by grace. Mike Schmitz), Let's Read the Gospels with Annie F. Downs, 5 Minutes in Church History with Stephen Nichols. Today, Sinclair Ferguson reflects on the Lord's Prayer and the precious gift we have in calling on God as Father. What if Simon of Cyrene hadn't been passing by when the soldiers compelled him to carry Jesus' cross? I am a non-tweeter and a non-blogger. Are Christians still obligated to give 10% of their income today? Nothing can take the place of spending time studying the HOLY SCRIPTURES for yourself, but these short themes will make you think and meditate on GODs Word! He has served more than twenty years as a seminary professor and is currently on the faculty of Redeemer Seminary in Dallas, Texas as well as part time faculty of Westminster Seminary in Philadelphia. Can you think of any examples from our modern lives today where you have seen legalism or Antinomianism infect the purity of our understanding of the gospel, perhaps in subtle ways that we would never say it like that, but its still maybe there? He currently serves as a preacher and elder at St. Peters Free Church in Dundee. Sinclair B. Ferguson, Timothy J. Keller (Foreword) 4.51 avg rating 2,352 ratings published 2016 But in any event, Adam was king. But the way that we actually carry out that disagreement today is, in some ways, similar to how it was back even with the Marrow Controversy three hundred years ago. Dr. Sinclair Ferguson, while living in Scotland, is professor of systematic theology at Redeemer Seminary in Dallas and dean of the Doctor of Ministry program at Ligonier Academy. Learn more or donate today at. Dr. Sinclair Ferguson has a way of saying a lot in a short time. Heres a picture of that that, again, has impacted me greatly. But it was matched by a probing intellect and a thirst for reality that had the potential to unbalance him or even lead to perpetual disappointment. Sinclair Ferguson Hes alright because of what he contributed. Adam, in that sense, was the priest of the original creation, the one who supremely and representatively led and expressed the worship of God that the whole animal creation expressed in their own beautiful, but limited, way. They really are. 6:9). What advice would you give to a modern Christianmaybe even a modern pastoron how to deal with theological disagreement in our world today? But at each stage I felt liberty, and only at the next stage was I able to look back and I saw what looked liked bondage. I think you can trace in Genesis 3 this conflict between legalism and Antinomianism in the way in which the serpent essentially traps Eve and then Adam. Today, Sinclair Ferguson turns to Genesis 3:15 to investigate the promised Redeemer who would triumph over Satan. With the Marrow Controversy, underneath it was the tension between, essentially, evangelicals and what in Scotland we call moderatespeople who signed up to the Confession, but their real interest was in the decent lifestyle. 6:9). He later moved back to Scottland in the year 1997, where he filled the pulpit at St Georges-Tron Church in Glasgow, succeeding the successful two-decade ministry of Eric Alexander. Join us for a heavy dose of research with a dash of comedy thrown in for flavor. And then Adam was a priest. This whole controversy began with a book, and there were people who didnt have the bookand this is really relevantand they had just read tweets, you know? WebSinclair Ferguson ( - ) Listen to freely downloadable audio sermons by the speaker Sinclair Ferguson in mp3 format. WebSinclair Ferguson is a Scottish theologian who is famously known in Reformed Christian circles for his writing, editorial work, and also teaching. Matt Tully I think he was a very farsighted individual, but I dont think he could have been as farsighted in my life as he actually was. Sinclair Ferguson Each week follows a theme to guide you day by day in the pursuit of spiritual renewal. You can think about this in all kinds of ways. 01:02 - The Impact of the Marrow Controversy, 12:37 - The Seeds of Legalism and Antinomianism. In addition, Ferguson has also worked as an editor with the Banner of Truth Trust, as a professor of systematic theology in Dallas, at Redeemer Seminary, and as a council member of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. He has finished the work His Father gave Him to do, and He is able to restore us to the pattern God originally intended for us. Are Theological Disagreements a Waste of Time? A graduate of the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, he is the author of some two dozen books, has authored numerous articles and has contributed to various symposia. Read the transcript: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/created-for-glory. Its that Adam was created to be the prophet, and the priest, and the king of creationmarvelous dignity. 27:22)? Its an incentive to throw out Gods specific commandments and its also a suggestion that God really wants something more from you in order that you may have a relationship with him that is pleasing and acceptable to him. Matt Tully The traditionally conservative and Gospel-centered organization is called Ligonier because it was founded in Ligonier Valley, Pennsylvania in 1971 and it publishes the popular Table Talk Magazine, which is edited by Burk Parsons. At the end of the day, we confuse an ideological construction of God, Christ, the Father, and the Spirit with the actual person of God himself. What he has done isby one of ten different ways that he knows you can get thereby one of these ten different ways, he has solved the crossword puzzle of the Old Testament, and then he puts his pencil down because hes preached Christ from the Old Testament. Because another Prophet, Priest, and King has come, a better Onethe proper Man whom God Himself hath bidden, and He has dealt with Adams sin and ours. He is the same today as he was then too, so that, in a sense, I think we need to understand that sometimes we are turning the New Testaments testimony and looking at it from the outside in instead of listening to it from the inside out. Have you found that to be the case in your own life and study and ministry? He attended the University of Aberdeen where he first studied and received a Master of Arts, followed by a Bachelor of Divinity prior to obtaining his Ph.D. As a student, Ferguson worshipped at Gilcomstons South Church, which was under the ministry of William Still. In fact, there had been bad blood between the Sproul family and the Duncan family up and until the time of Sprouls passing. It could vary from a theological legalismthat essentially you had to qualify for grace (I think this may be what has resonated more with people in the twenty-first century)to a much more subtle form of legalism in which you begin to qualify grace either with respect to other people or with respect to yourself. Adam and Eve, and presumably their family line through the generations, were to extend that garden until it filled the whole earth with beauty and order. That reminds me of the first question and answer to the shorter catechism: Adam was made for Gods glory and to enjoy him. I remember saying to my wife when I was preparing the addressesI lived in Scotland and the addresses were given in the United StatesI dont know why Im wasting my time preparing these addresses because theres nobody in the world who is interested in this controversy. They were also concerned with a form of hyper calvinism. I think we might have a little bit of a sense, but what does that mean? Its there in Exodus 20, and once you get past the first verse, its really just ideas that youve got to match up in your own lifestyle. In the examination process, they asked what was, in essence, a trick question, which was (if I could put it in the vernacular), Do you have to leave sin in order to come to Christ? Live life today ON PURPOSE. 32:35 - Are Theological Disagreements a Waste of Time. In addition, Ferguson also gives quotes during his sermons. So its the person of God and my personal covenant communion with God through my union with Christ is the essence. A Christian doctor discusses the current coronavirus pandemic, explaining what's currently happening in the US and around the world and offering perspective on how we should think about this virus. I think you see this in the New Testament, that these rhythms flow through the problems to which the gospel provides the resolution and the solution in the New Testament letters. I think the truth of the matter is, too, that the legalism could vary. He then moved back to his native Scotland in 1997, filling the pulpit at St George's-Tron Church, Glasgow, succeeding the 20-year ministry of Eric Alexander. We dont preach ourselves. Free Content Update #6 (including patch 1.9.1) is now available and introduces more machines. Im not sure everyone would agree with me, but I would say in the last twenty years theres been a huge emphasis in our kind of evangelicalism and in the seminaries and in all kinds of spheres the importance of preaching Christ from the Old Testament. Read the transcript: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/on-earth-as-it-is-in-heaven. Websort by. That was the big thing I wanted to convey because I thought, actually, this notion of union with Chriswhich has lingered with me probably since I was sixteen or seventeenwas actually the key to the different problems that were engaging men during what was called the Marrow Controversy. But they knew God would fulfill His Word. Sinclair Ferguson , . Maturity: Growing Up and Going on in the Christian Life, among many others. Since the Lord's Prayer has been given to shape our praying, it also shapes our living as disciples of Christ. Read the transcript: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/our-father-in-heaven. It was not until she heard His voice that Mary Magdalene recognized the risen Lord. Its a natural dangerespecially in a society where were encouraged to have our own opinions and theres the possibility of spreading them very quicklythats usually not done. One of the most striking insights that I feel like you draw out is the fact that both legalism and Antinomianism actually, even though they might seem like theyre at the opposite ends of the spectrum, they nevertheless have the same root. It was a very serendipitous experience. If so, are there other examples that immediately come to mind? Since one of my pretty deep theological convictions is its all in Genesis 3and I honestly cant remember if I bring this out in the book. In addition, Ferguson also serves as an assistant minister at St. Peters Free Church Of Scotland, Dundee. But this was the ministry that really touched his congregation. We can rejoice that Sinclair Ferguson succumbed to years of pressure to turn his three (now somewhat famous) Marrow Controversy lectures into a book, and the book is done and launches soon from Crossway under the title, The Whole Christ: Legalism, Theres a whole spectrum of different kinds of rejection. Today, Sinclair Ferguson poses the biblical solution for an inconsistent life of unbelief. Way back there, he put his decision into the treasury of merits, and he did enough. Helping Christians walk the line between legalism on the one hand and antinomianism on the other, this book looks to a 300-year-old controversy to shed valuable light on the law, the gospel, sanctification, and more. Jesus taught His disciples to address God as He did: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name" (Matt. https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/on-earth-as-it-is-in-heaven, https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/our-father-in-heaven, https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/worthy-is-the-lamb, https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/the-blessing-of-abraham, https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/he-will-give-us-rest, https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/gods-unfailing-promise, https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/the-central-promise-of-scripture, https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/created-for-glory, https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/jesus-teaching-on-marriage-and-gender, https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/the-inconsistent-atheist, https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/male-and-female-he-created-them, https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/who-am-i, https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/james-reunited-with-his-brother-and-lord, https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/peters-failure-was-not-final, https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/the-disciples-hearts-burned-within-them, https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/john-saw-and-believed, https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/mary-knew-her-masters-voice, https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/the-man-who-was-crucified-beside-him, https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/simon-who-carried-his-cross, https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/pilate-who-condemned-him, Do not sell or share my personal information.