INTERVIEW: Prof. David Engelsma (Protestant Reformed Professor) & Rev. Donald Veitch (WCF-BCP-TFU)
FEDERAL VISION. Professor Engelsma and I discussed "federal vision," the unconditional covenant of grace (WLC 31), justification, efficacious grace, the "whole Bible doctrine" of the covenant (Genesis-Revelation), the prevailing depth and extent of federal vision in Reformed and Presbyterian communities, Dr. Peter Lillback's "Binding of God," Norm Shepherd's "Call of Grace," O. Palmer Robertson's "Justification Controversy" and more. Of personal note, the Trinitarian dimension was important. The Professor gave a good summary. Also, the ethical dimension of grand disrespect for each Person of the Trinity, the effort to kill God's glory and promises, the theft of the Gospel and comfort of believers, the defamation of His Majesty's Persons and work, and the coveting of glory and power to themselves. It's not a minor error, but a devastating one. It's Arminian and Tridentine. Federal Vision has injected Arminianism into the covenant of grace (made with Christ the Headman and all His elect seed) and has crept in through the backdoor into Reformed and Presbyterian seminaries. We'll bypass American Anglicans since they're NOT Reformed and Calvinistic, although Cranmerian Anglicans need to hear the Professor. The SOUL-DESTROYING DANGERS WERE NOTED. We most highly recommend Professor Engelsma's "Covenant and Election in the Reformed Tradition," "Federal Vision: Heresy at the Root," and the "Gospel Truth of Justification." All are excellent. The latter, we believe, will live on for at least 100 years as a #1-go-to on "justification by faith alone apart from the works of the law." Vintage--all three volumes. There are more, but we mention these three. MUST-HAVES for Elders, Deacons and catechetized Churchmen and Churchwomen. What a treasure and high pleasure to meet this Professor, David Engelsma, of the Protestant Reformed Church. Of all things, a Senior Professor, Elder and older Brother to a Cranmerian Prayer Book man. We are on the same sheet of music. After some darknesses last week in reviewing the history of the Reformed Episcopal Seminary and Church with the directive by the Presiding Bishop to a Senior Professor to NOT teach Reformed and Calvinistic theology...that darkness...followed by these great readings, fellowship, and reaffirmation of the Sovereignty of God, the efficacy of divine grace, the covenant of grace, the imputed righteousness of the LORD Jesus Christ--REFRESHING, COMFORTING AND EMPOWERING. Alleluia!
The closing Prayer was offered with a few changes.
Collect for Warriors: Almighty and Most Sovereign God, we give Thee thanks for Jeremiah the Warrior. Inspire and provoke in us the same Warrior-mindset of Jeremiah to pull down strongholds, to uproot and destroy Pharisaic pride and false doctrines (Jeremiah 1.10). Grant that we may exalt Thy Word above all nations and continents, the USA, Canada, South America, Central America, South Africa, the Mediterranean countries, Europe, Russia, the Middle East and Far East…to exalt Thy Word…and Thy Word above all church organizations, Archbishops, Bishops, Elders and others…may we exalt Thy Word, planting truth and sound doctrine, fidelity and courage. May we follow Jeremiah’s example as a WARRIOR and may we fight manfully and skillfully from the City of God. Through the efficacious grace and sovereignty of indubitable and exclusive Mediator and Protector, King Jesus, whom with Thee and the Holy Ghost we adore and worship as the One True and Living God, Amen.
