Lordship salvation or salvation by allegiance?

The term โ€œsalvation by allegianceโ€ is a recent attempt to recover what its advocates regard as the fuller New Testament meaning of the notion of faith. Associated especially with American theologian Matthew Bates, it argues that saving faithย (pistis)ย should not be reduced to intellectual assent or inward trust. In the context of salvation, Bates proposes allegiance …

G H Morling and pastoral theology (Part 2)

PART 2 Prayer occupied a central place in Morlingโ€™s pastoral theology because it was the natural expression of this communion with Christ. He regarded prayer not merely as one pastoral responsibility among many but as the atmosphere in which all Christian life and ministry are sustained. Drawing upon the practice of the apostolic Church, he …

G H Morling and pastoral theology (Part 1)

PART 1 George Henry Morling (1891โ€“1974) was one of the most influential Baptist leaders in twentieth-century Australia. Serving as Principal of the Baptist Theological College of New South Wales from 1922 to 1960, he shaped generations of ministers through his teaching, preaching, pastoral care, and personal example. Although he published comparatively little, his influence extended …

The Marrowing of Scottish Presbyterian Divinity

The Marrow Controversy was one of the most significant theological disputes in eighteenth-century Scottish Presbyterianism. Although it emerged within a specific ecclesial and historical setting, its underlying questions remain deeply relevant: What is the relationship between grace and obedience? How should the gospel be preached? Can assurance of salvation coexist with serious holiness? And what …

Welcome to heaven!

Iโ€™m so glad the biblical narrative ends as it does. The final two chapters of the Book of Revelation provide a fitting conclusion to Johnโ€™s apocalyptic vision and are among the most glorious passages of all Scripture. The Lamb wins. We are redeemed. Heaven is open. I wonder what thoughts ran through Johnโ€™s mind after …