Morning Prayer

For Psalm 26, Prof. Calvin comments on David’s “antithesis” to the ungodly, a common Dutch Reformed term— “antithesis.” Akin in doctrine to Augustine’s two conflicting cities. Zondervan Pictorial Bible: “Deuteronomy:” focuses on the varied messages of Moses as his final comments on the approach to Canaan. ISBE on “Leviticus:” comments on the oft-neglected sayings in Leviticus, to wit, “…and God said.” Send the memo over to the Barthians. For Genesis 15.1ff.: Prof. Keil comments on the predictive prophecy of the 400-year enslavement of Abram’s descendants. For Judges 91ff., Prof. Keil comments on Abimelech’s quest to be a king. That goes nowhere. For Isaiah 11.1-9, Prof. Henry further comments on a astute mind and equipage of the Messiah to come. Great hopes for a day of decadence in 740 BC. ISBE on Johannine Theology, Prof. I. Howard Marshall comments on the relationship between the Father and Son—of divine and mutual love. For Mathew 9.10-13, Prof. Jamieson notes how Matthew keeps himself out of the story as a humble recorder of the feast he threw for Jesus and friends. Matthew kept the focus on Jesus and the gossiping attendees. For Romans 6.1-11, Prof. Hodge gives a summary statement of the doctrines involved. For Acts 1.12-14, Prof. Henry speculates on the location of the gathered disciples as they await the promise of Pentecost. Reflection? Yes. Remembrances? Yes. Proto-writing of events? Perhaps. Their minds did not stop after the Ascension. Frederick Copleston’s “History of Philosophy: Greece and Rome (1.1):” Empodocles is on view in connection with Pythagoreanism and Parmenidianism. EDT: “Kenosis Theology:” further discusses the two natures of Christ in view of Phil.2.6-11. For Systematic Theology (locus 2), Prof. Hodge briefs on Anselm’s ontological argument. We would add that it is flawed from the start. “I am thinking of a purple unicorn living on Mars, therefore, such exists.” Sorry, nice try Anselm. For Theology Proper (locus 2), Prof. Reymond discusses the hardening of Pharoah’s heart in Exodus in connection with the eternal decrees and predestination. For Eschatology (locus 7), Prof. Berkhof comments on the resurrection of the just and unjust at the Second Coming. ODCC: Athanasius (296-373): the various exiles are given as Athanasius is the victim of cancel culture from the Arians. For Apostolic Christianity, Vol. 1 (1-100) Prof. Schaff gives the baffle-blabbing views of Strauss and the Gottinger-lackeys about the “vision hypothesis” for Paul’s conversion. For Medieval Christianity, Vol. 4 (590-1073), Prof. Schaff deals with the Council of Ferrara, once last effort at reunion between the Greeks and Romans. For the Swiss Reformation Vol. 8 (1519-1605), Prof. Schaff comments on Cardinal Sadolet’s letter to the Genevans. The Genevans ask Calvin to respond to the Cardinal. For Dr. Cranmer, Prof. MacCulloch speaks of the shenanigans around the Six Articles of 1539. For the Creeds of Christendom, Vol. 1, Prof. Schaff tells how Chemnitz finally signed on to the Formula of Concord, though a relative ubiquitarian, that troubled issue inside Lutheranism. 1994 CCC: our infallibilists in paragraphs #617-619 give language indicating definite atonement but then, sentences later, retract it in favor of Arminianization. Camouflaged, but still universalism with caveats to favor works-salvation. Reformed hawks are circling the Vatican. Westminster Confession of Faith 8.6: 6. Although the work of redemption was not actually wrought by Christ till after his incarnation, yet the virtue, efficacy, and benefits thereof were communicated unto the elect, in all ages successively from the beginning of the world, in and by those promises, types, and sacrifices, wherein he was revealed, and signified to be the seed of the woman which should bruise the serpent's head; and the Lamb slain from the beginning of the world; being yesterday and today the same, and forever.