The Whole Counsel

Latest Episodes:

Grace and Law XIII: Is God’s Law Fair? Sep 01, 2022

Show notes

If you have gone through the Media Gratiae study Behold Your God: The Weight of Majesty, you will know that God’s attributes include being just, good, and kind. So how can a just, good, and kind God require the adherence to a law that people may not understand or be able to follow?

That is the topic of discussion this week for Dr. John Snyder and Steve Crampton. They are sharing their notes from chapter nine of Ernie Reisinger’s book, The Law and the Gospel. In this chapter, Reisinger looks to David Brainerd, the son-in-law of Jonathan Edwards, for help. In his journals, Brainerd discusses the hatred and contempt he felt towards God’s law when he was unconverted. He then details how his renewed understanding of God’s law led to his conversion.

His journey is one that we believe can be very helpful to discuss the fairness of God’s law to unconverted people today. It is so helpful, in fact, that we allowed the discussion to go a bit longer than normal. If you haven’t picked up a copy of this book, we highly encourage you to do so and make sure to carefully read through chapter nine: Does Human Inability make God Unjust?

Get your copy of Reisinger’s book here: https://press.founders.org/shop/the-law-and-the-gospel/

Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts

You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app

Grace and Law XII: 20 Errors of Antinomianism Aug 25, 2022

Show notes

Throughout this podcast series, we have been following the flow of thought in Ernie Reisinger’s book The Law and the Gospel. In his discussion on antinomianism, Reisigner gives 20 errors connected to this heretical understanding of God’s law in the Christian life.

This week, we share most of those 20 ideas and stop to discuss a few of them. To help you better keep up with the flow of ideas, we wanted to write out the list here for you:

The law is made void by grace. Justification by faith alone renders good works unnecessary.
Since good works are unnecessary, obedience to the law is not required of justified persons.
God sees no sin in the justified, who are no longer bound by the law, and is not displeased with them if they sin.
God therefore does not chastise justified persons for sin.
Nor can sin in any way injure the justified.
Since no duties or obligations are admitted in the gospel, faith and repentance are not commanded.
The Christian need not repent in order to receive par-don of sin.
Nor need he mortify sin; Christ has mortified sin for him.
Nor ought he be distressed in conscience upon back-sliding, but he should hold fast to a full assurance of his salvation in the midst of the vilest sins.
Justifying faith is the assurance that one is already justified.
The elect are actually justified before they believe, even from all eternity.
Therefore they were never children of wrath or under condemnation.
Their sin, as to its very being, was imputed to Christ so as not to be theirs, and His holiness is imputed to them as their sanctification.
Sanctification is no evidence of justification, for assurance is the fruit of an immediate revelation that one is an elect person.
No conviction by the law precedes the sinner's closing with Christ, inasmuch as Christ is freely offered to sinners as sinners.
Repentance is produced not by the law, but by the gospel only.
The secret counsel of God is the rule of man's conduct.
God is the author and approver of sin, for sin is the accomplishment of His will.
Unless the Spirit works holiness in the soul, there is no obligation to be holy or to strive toward that end.
All externals are useless or indifferent, since the Spirit alone gives life.

Ernest Kevin’s book The Law and the Gospel- https://www.amazon.com/Grace-Law-Puritan-Theology-Puritanism/dp/1877611638

Get your copy of Reisinger’s book here: https://press.founders.org/shop/the-law-and-the-gospel/

Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts

You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app

Grace and Law XI: Rejecting the Lies of Antinomianism Aug 18, 2022

Show notes

It’s been a few weeks since John Snyder and Steve Crampton came together to discuss Ernie Reisinger’s The Law and the Gospel. But this week they are back and they are tackling the topic of antinomianism.

This term, which we believe to be coined by Martin Luther, describes a doctrine in which God’s Law has no place in the Christian life. Paul himself was accused of being an antinomian, as was Martyn Lloyd-Jones, because they preached a full picture of the gospel.

But at the heart of the accusation is a misunderstanding of God’s Law and its role in the New Testament Christian life. It is not a heavy burden by which we achieve justification with God. It is a path we are permitted to walk to be near our King.

Get your copy of Reisinger’s book here: https://press.founders.org/shop/the-law-and-the-gospel/

Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts

You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app

How to Respond to ”Gay Christianity” Aug 11, 2022

Show notes

While we don’t typically focus on contemporary issues on the Whole Counsel, we wanted to take one episode to introduce you to an author that we trust on a topic that has become the source of unexpected confusion in many churches.

Michael David Perkins, in his recently released book Dangerous Affirmations, provides a clear perspective on the recent trend of affirming “gay Christianity.” In a careful, thorough, and Christ-honoring way, Michael leads the reader through the fundamental beliefs behind this trend, as well as the Biblical reason for rejecting these beliefs.

Michael Perkins and John Snyder discuss the various misconceptions in many churches that have arisen from the misdiagnosis of homosexuality and the misdirected expression of compassion that has surfaced in many churches. While guiding us to a more Biblical and loving approach to those who have embraced this lifestyle, Michael and John also speak of the need for the believers to consider the “respectable sins” they themselves may be embracing. Perhaps you will find Michael’s book helpful in answering the question: How do we share the truths of our King, Jesus, with humility and reverence, in a world that craves affirmation for its newest expressions of self-rule?

For more information regarding the new book Dangerous Affirmations, visit www.dangerousaffirmations.net.

Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts

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10 Years of Beholding God | Anthony Mathenia, Pt 2 Aug 04, 2022

Show notes

Ten years ago we were working hard on creating the study that became Behold Your God: Rethinking God Biblically. Part of that work included conducting interviews that would come at the end of each video session.

Those interviews often went on for more than an hour, but due to the time constraints of the study, only about 20 minutes of each interview has ever been seen. As a way of celebrating the upcoming 10-year anniversary of Behold Your God: Rethinking God Biblically, we are releasing complete interviews from each contributor.

Because the interviews are so long, we are releasing them in podcast-length segments. This week is part two of our interview with Anthony Mathenia and this episode, Anthony answers the questions:

The western church seems unsure that personal holiness is essential or even helpful in reaching the lost. How do you see a biblical rethinking of God's character influencing personal holiness?

How do you promote the highest views of God in your teaching? And what do you see in modern religious practice which you feel dangerously distracts from focusing on God in the corporate setting?

What can those who are not in leadership positions do to promote a biblical rethinking of God in their church and in their home?

How do you see a biblical rethinking of God as necessary in ministering to the entire body of Christ?

How do you see idolatry manifested in congregations who believe themselves to be careful, healthy, Bible-believing churches? And can you mention specific areas where people are embracing an idolatrously low view of God and church?

When a people worship an idol in God's name, God rejects it. Is there evidence of this reality in modern churches? Can you speak to earnest worship that is rejected by God today?

Respond to the pragmatist who has heard everything in this study but now says, “But what we are doing is working. People are coming in the door. How could this not be pleasing to God?”

Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts

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10 Years of Beholding God | Anthony Mathenia, Pt 1 Jul 28, 2022

Show notes

Because the interviews are so long, we are releasing them in podcast-length segments. This week is part of our interview with Anthony Mathenia.

If you haven't gone through our flagship study, Behold Your God: Rethinking God Biblically, check it out for yourself here: https://shop.mediagratiae.org/products/behold-your-god-workbook

Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts

You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app

Grace and Law X: A Law Divided? Jul 21, 2022

Show notes

Is it necessary for the New Testament Christian to observe and obey the totality of God’s Law? In one sense, the answer is clearly “YES!” But upon closer inspection, the answer requires more nuance.

To answer the question, we must first define what we mean by law. Throughout Scripture, the word is used to describe the entire Old Testament, the Torah, the rules laid out by God, or the 10 Commandments. But we must be more specific than this; there is a division within the law between the civil, ceremonial, and moral law of God.

In this week’s episode, John Snyder and Steve Crampton discuss the three division of God’s law and how the New Testament Christian relates to each.

The Grace of Law: A Study of Puritan Theology: https://www.amazon.com/Grace-Law-Puritan-Theology-Puritanism/dp/1877611638

The Law and the Gospel by Ernie Reisinger: https://press.founders.org/shop/the-law-and-the-gospel/

Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts

You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app

Grace and Law IX: Approaching the Second Table Jul 14, 2022

Show notes

Last week John Snyder and Steve Crampton began discussing how a New Testament Christian should approach God’s moral law (the 10 Commandments). For help, they are using Ernie Reisinger’s book The Law and the Gospel. In his book, Reisinger gives us seven principles. John and Steve added a few of their own to make it an even 10.

These principles are not laws in themselves. We are not adding to God’s moral law. However, we are working to understand how we are to appreciate, approach, and apply these laws now that we are under grace. We pray these principles will help you walk closer with our King.

Principle 1: Context is king!

Principle 2: Progressive revelation.

Principles 3: These commands demand outward and inward obedience.

Principle 4: These commands are summaries of God’s moral demands on humanity.

Principle 5: Where a sin is forbidden, and by implication a positive act of obedience is commanded, then those things which lead to that sin are also forbidden.

Principle 6: Whatever is forbidden or commanded of us, we are bound, according to our position and opportunity, to discourage and encourage others.

Principle 7: There is a priority that is revealed in the order.

Principle 8: These laws are for your good.

Principle 9: What is forbidden is never to be done; what is implied or required is to be done as your have opportunity.

Principle 10: The sum of all the law is LOVE (Romans 13:13).

The Ten Commandments by Thomas Watson: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/theology-books/the-ten-commandments/

The Grace of Law: A Study of Puritan Theology: https://www.amazon.com/Grace-Law-Puritan-Theology-Puritanism/dp/1877611638

The Law and the Gospel by Ernie Reisinger: https://press.founders.org/shop/the-law-and-the-gospel/

Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts

You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app

Grace and Law VIII: Approaching the First Table Jul 07, 2022

Show notes

It has taken us some time, but our discussion of the Gospel and the Law has finally gotten around to discussing the Law. This week, Dr. John Snyder and Steve Crampton take a look at the first table of the 10 Commandments. They also take a look at a historic, Baptist catechism and John’s initial hesitation to recommending it to the church he and Steve shepherd.

The Grace of Law: A Study of Puritan Theology: https://www.amazon.com/Grace-Law-Puritan-Theology-Puritanism/dp/1877611638

The Law and the Gospel by Ernie Reisinger: https://press.founders.org/shop/the-law-and-the-gospel/

Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts

You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app

Grace and Law VII: Help from John Calvin Jun 30, 2022

Show notes

This week John Snyder and Steve Crampton continue gaining help from John Calvin through his writings on the law. Just a reminder, we are not spending two episodes highlighting Calvin’s quotes because we idolize his words. We do, however agree with Ernie Reisinger that these particular quotes, along with much of Calvin’s writings, are clear and very helpful.

The quotes we are focusing on this week are:

The peculiar office of the Law [is] to summon con- sciences to the judgment-seat of God. John II:140

[On Heb. 10:1] Under the Law was shadowed forth only in rude and imperfect lines what is under the Gospel set forth in living colours and graphically distinct. To

both the same Christ is exhibited, the same righteous- ness, sanctification, and salvation; and the difference only is in the manner of painting or setting them forth. Heb. 222.

When Christ or the Apostles are treating of a perfect life, they always refer believers to the Law. Four Last Books of Moses III:69.

He who is the foundation of the covenant of grace, held also the highest rank in the giving of the Law. Gal. 102.

The law was the grammar of theology, which, after carrying its scholars a short way, handed them over to faith. Gal. 108.

If the Law be separated from Christ, it is a dead letter; Christ alone gives it life. Ezek. II:176, 177.

In all the ceremonies of the Law [faith] beholds the salvation which has been manifested in Christ. John ll :241.

Moses had no other intention than to invite all men to go straight to Christ.

John I:217

What Calvin is illustrating in each of these quotes is that God’s law is truly a treasure to the believer. It shows us how to live a pleasing life to the God Who rescued us. It teaches us what a happy life is. It leads us to repentance. It reveals Christ to us. It makes us lean more heavily upon Christ.

Keache’s Catechism: https://founders.org/library/the-baptist-catechism/

The Grace of Law: A Study of Puritan Theology: https://www.amazon.com/Grace-Law-Puritan-Theology-Puritanism/dp/1877611638

The Law and the Gospel by Ernie Reisinger: https://press.founders.org/shop/the-law-and-the-gospel/

Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts

You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app

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