Required reading
Systematic Theology by Charles Hodge (Vol 3) (Available from Amazon or free here) - Conclude Chapter 19.
My summary
This week Hodge begins speaking about the means of grace: 'The phrase is intended to indicate those institutions which God has ordained to be the ordinary channels of grace, i, e., of the supernatural influences of the Holy Spirit, to the souls of men. The means of grace, according to the standards of our Church, are the word, sacraments, and prayer.'
Today we are treated to a discussion of the word of God as a means of grace. This is shown by:
(i) the testimony of the Scriptures;
(ii) the testimony of history.
Hodge then explains that the power of the word is to be attributed to the Holy Spirit, not a power in the nature of the truths which it contains (as suggested by Pelagians, Rationalists and Lutherans).
What grabbed me
I always like clear statements about the Word: 'The word of God, so far as adults are concerned, is an indispensable means of salvation. True religion never has existed, and never can exist, where the truths revealed in the Bible are unknown.'
The Word is essential for the believer!
Next week's reading
Continue Chapter 20 by reading up to the subheading '4. The efficacy of the Sacraments'.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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