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1. Christ Alone: Living the Gospel-Centered Life

eBook Download by Sinclair Ferguson

FAQs about eBooks Noted theologian, pastor, and educator Dr. Sinclair B. Ferguson explores aspects of the person and work of Jesus in his latest book, In Christ Alone: Living the Gospel-Centered Life.

2. Jonah

CD Teaching Series by R.C. Sproul

Like Jonah, we are sometimes called to stand up for, or even preach, the Gospel in uncomfortable circumstances. Like Jonah, we are often more concerned with our own comfort than with loving God and our neighbors as we should.

3. Born Again

Audio Download Teaching Series by R.C. Sproul

RETAIL $12. In this series, R.C. Sproul examines why a person must be born again if he or she is to be reconciled to our holy Creator.

4. Jesus the Evangelist

Hardcover Book by Richard Phillips

Rev. Richard D. Phillips digs into the early chapters of the Gospel of John to discover principles you can use for Christian outreach that were modeled by witnesses for Jesus and by Jesus Himself.

5. Basic Training

Audio & Video Download by R.C. Sproul

All Christians must be well grounded in the basics of the Christian faith in order for them to grow into maturity.

6. Escogidos por Dios (Chosen by God in Spanish)

Spanish Paperback by R.C. Sproul

Now available in Spanish. Predestination is a debated topic. Yet the Bible is clear about the doctrine of election and its importance to our perspectives on God and man, and the nature of their contributions to salvation.

7. Angels and Demons

Audio & Video Download Teaching Series by R.C. Sproul

Angels and demons are portrayed and discussed everywhere — from statues and paintings to poems and songs to the Internet. But are they understood correctly?

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1. The Unwavering Resolve of Jonathan Edwards

eBook Download by Steven Lawson

FAQs about eBooks Jonathan Edwards is well known as perhaps the greatest theologian the United States has ever produced. He is equally noted for his preaching and writing.

2. Choosing My Religion

CD Teaching Series by R.C. Sproul

In a world engulfed with false prophesies and theories, we would be mistaken to think our students are not burdened by them. In Choosing My Religion, Dr. R.C. Sproul addresses the promises that relativism and rebellion make but cannot keep.

3. John

Hardcover Book by R.C. Sproul

In John, the second volume in the St. Andrew’s Expositional Commentary series, Dr. Sproul deals with major themes in his easily understandable style.

4. John Calvin Poster

Merchandise

Available for a limited time, these posters of John Calvin illustrated by Kent Barton come pre-assembled in a poster tube. They are a beautiful addition to any office or workspace. (Posters are 19 3/4 in. x 16 in.)

5. The Last Days According to Jesus

Audio & Video Download by R.C. Sproul

What did Jesus mean when He said to His disciples that some of them would not taste death until they saw the Son of Man coming in His kingdom?

6. Five Things Every Christian Should Know

Audio Download Teaching Series by R.C. Sproul

In this series, Dr. R.C. Sproul addresses the spiritual disciplines of prayer, worship, Bible study, service, and stewardship in order to help Christians mature in their faith.

7. Holiness: 2001 National Conference

Audio & Video Download by Various Authors

In this series of lectures from Ligonier Ministries’ 2001 National Conference, “Holiness,” Alistair Begg, Jerry Bridges, Sinclair Ferguson, Susan Hunt, Rosemary Jensen, John MacArthur, R. Albert Mohler Jr., R.C. Sproul, and R.C. Sproul Jr. provide a comprehensive overview of the holiness of God.

8. The Federal Vision and Covenant Theology

Paperback by Guy Waters

The so-called “Federal Vision” has caused much controversy in Presbyterian and Reformed circles. This book is an honest and helpful assessment of the Federal Vision and a response to its claims in light of Scripture and tradition.

9. The Attributes of God

Audio Download Teaching Series by R.C. Sproul

In this series, R.C. Sproul says that our ideas about God are often too vague or just plain wrong. This series provides an informative and challenging survey of God’s attributes.

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1. Holy, Holy, Holy

eBook Download by Various Authors

FAQs about eBooks The angels in Isaiah’s vision of God’s heavenly temple (Isa. 6) used threefold repetition to praise His holiness, the superlative form of emphasis in the Hebrew language.

2. The Cross of Christ

CD Teaching Series by R.C. Sproul

The world needs the good news of the Gospel. But understanding the Gospel is impossible without understanding the cross of Christ — the event that turned the bad news of sin into the good news of salvation.

3. Silencing the Devil

Audio & Video Download by R.C. Sproul

“We cannot know that God exists,” is something you thought would never be uttered from the mouth of Dr. R.C. Sproul. In this series, this statement, along with other assertions, are made by Dr. Sproul defying the possibility of knowing God as well as the existence of God.

4. The Westminster Directory of Public Worship

Paperback book by Various Authors

The Directory of Public Worship was composed by the same group who wrote the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms.

5. The Doctrine of Scripture

Audio Download by R.C. Sproul

This seminary-level teaching series shows how God has revealed Himself both in historical events and in the words recorded and preserved for us in Holy Scripture.

6. The Prince’s Poison Cup

Hardcover Book by R.C. Sproul

With The Prince’s Poison Cup, Dr. R. C. Sproul continues his series of books designed to present deep biblical truths to children on their own level.

7. Songs From the Prayer Closet

Music CD by Larry Hill

This new album features quiet arrangements of well-loved hymns that focus on the topics of prayer and worship. These cherished devotional songs are delicately explored through meditative, instrumental piano and warm string accompaniment.

8. The Holy Spirit

Audio Download Teaching Series by R.C. Sproul

Who is the Holy Spirit and what is His role in redemption? These questions have been especially important since the rise of the Pentecostal and charismatic movements in the last century.

9. When Worlds Collide

Audio & Video Download Teaching Series by R.C. Sproul

In the course of history, tragedies occur, and we ask why. In this series, Dr. R.C. Sproul explains why the Christian worldview is unique. In addressing the character of God, Dr. Sproul explores how God has providentially worked throughout history.

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1. Ecclesiastes

Teaching Series (CD) by Dr. R.C. Sproul

R.C. Sproul explains that everything we do has eternal significance. He demonstrates how God teaches us more in our suffering than in happy times. Dr. Sproul concludes this series with a charge to fear God and keep His commandments.

2. What’s So Great About the Doctrines of Grace

eBook by Rev. Richard Phillips

In What’s So Great About the Doctrines of Grace?, the Rev. Richard D. “Rick” Phillips shows that “the doctrines of grace,” those theological tenets more popularly known as “the five points of Calvinism,” are comforting, faith-strengthening, and humbling teachings.

3. The Christian Lover

Hardcover book by Dr. Michael Haykin

Marriage is under siege in our time, and Christian unions are not going unscathed. Dr. Michael A. G. Haykin believes that love letters written by Christian husbands and wives of the past can help strengthen the ties that bind believing spouses today.

4. War on the Word: 2002 National Conference

Download and video by various authors

As they examined the Word of God, Sinclair Ferguson, W. Robert Godfrey, Ken Jones, Erwin W. Lutzer, John MacArthur, R.C. Sproul, and R.C. Sproul Jr. helped to equip Christians to better defend and proclaim the holy Word of God.

5. Names of Jesus

Audio Download Teaching Series by Dr. R. C. Sproul

In a day when Jesus’ identity and mission are often misunderstood, this series can help Christians grasp and communicate a clear picture of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

6. Simple Gifts

CD by Saint Andrew’s Strings

Simple Gifts features the string quartet from Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla., performing thirteen traditional hymns and other favorites. Included on this CD is a recording of Come Thou Savior, a communion meditation/hymn written by Dr. R.C. Sproul.

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1. Reasons for Duty

Book by Dr. John Gerstner

Reasons for Duty is Dr. John Gerstner’s exposition of the Ten Commandments. In his foreword, Dr. R.C. Sproul says, “The gospel saves us not from duty, but unto duty, by which the law of God is established.

2. Believing God: Twelve Biblical Promises Christians Struggle to Accept

eBook by Dr. R. C. Sproul

In his latest book, Believing God: 12 Biblical Promises Christians Struggle to Accept, Dr. R.C. Sproul Jr. challenges Christians to take a second glance at the promises of God in the Bible in order to see anew the grandeur of what God has committed Himself to do for His people. Sproul explores twelve of the most significant promises in Scripture, methodically unpacking each divine pledge.

3. Basic Training

DVD Teaching Series by Dr. R. C. Sproul

All Christians must be well grounded in the basics of the Christian faith in order for them to grow into maturity. In this series, Dr. R.C. Sproul gives a concise explanation of the fundamental doctrines of Christianity in the Apostles’ Creed. It is especially useful for those who have little to no Christian background and need to learn the basic doctrines of Christianity.

4. Welcome to a Reformed Church

Book by Rev. Daniel Hyde

“Who are these guys?” That was the question the teenage Daniel R. Hyde posed to his father when he first encountered “Reformed” believers. With their unique beliefs and practices, these Christians didn’t fit any of the categories in his mind.

5. Developing Christian Character

Audio & Video Download Teaching Series by Dr. R. C. Sproul

In Developing Christian Character, Dr. R.C. Sproul observes the apostle Paul’s teaching on the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5. He also addresses aspects of Christian growth, such as our assurance of salvation and our confidence in the sovereignty of God.

6. Church and State

Audio Download Teaching Series by Dr. R. C. Sproul

In this series, Dr. R.C. Sproul addresses the role of the church in government and the role of government in the church. He explains that government has been established by God to enforce order and stability in our land, and he shows how Jesus own teaching stresses the proper role of government. Also, in identifying the proper relationship between the church and state, Dr. Sproul examines the issue of civil disobedience.

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[TWO POSITIONS]: Now, from this proposition I draw these two positions— FIRST. THAT MEN ARE JUSTIFIED FROM THE CURSE OF THE LAW BEFORE GOD WHILE SINNERS IN THEMSELVES. SECOND. THAT THIS CAN BE DONE BY NO OTHER RIGHTEOUSNESS THAN THAT LONG AGO PERFORMED BY, AND RESIDING WITH, THE PERSON OF JESUS CHRIST.

[First Position] continued…

3. As we are said to suffer with him, so we are said to die, to be dead with him; with him, that is, by the dying of his body. ‘Now, if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him’ (Romans 6:8). Wherefore he saith in other places, ‘Brethren, ye are become dead to the law by the body of Christ’; for indeed we died then to it by him. To the law— that is, the law now has nothing to do with us; for that it has already executed its curse to the full upon us by its slaying of the body of Christ; for the body of Christ was our flesh: upon it also was laid our sin. The law, too, spent that curse that was due to us upon him, when it condemned, killed, and cast him into the grave. Wherefore, it having thus spent its whole curse upon him as standing in our stead, we are exempted from its curse for ever; we are become dead to it by that body (Romans 7:4). It has done with us as to justifying righteousness. Nor need we fear its damning threats any more; for by the death of this body we are freed from it, and are for ever now coupled to a living Christ.[1]

4. As we are said thus to be dead, so we are said also to rise again by him— ‘Thy dead men,’ saith he to the Father, ‘shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise’ (Isaiah 26:19). And again, ‘After two days he will revive us; in the third day— we shall live in his sight’ (Hosea 6:2).

Both these scriptures speak of the resurrection of Christ, of the resurrection of his body on the third day; but behold, as we were said before to suffer and be dead with him, so now we are said also to rise and live in God’s sight by the resurrection of his body. For, as was said, the flesh was ours; he took part of our flesh when he came into the world; and in it he suffered, died, and rose again (Hebrews 2:14). We also were therefore counted by God, in that God-man, when he did this; yea, he suffered, died, and rose as a common head.[2]

Hence also the New Testament is full of this, saying, ‘If ye be dead with Christ’ (Colossians 2:20). ‘If ye then be risen with Christ’ (Colossians 3:1). And again, ‘He hath quickened us together with him’ (Colossians 2:13). ‘We are quickened together with him.’ ‘Quickened,’ and ‘quickened together with him.’ The apostle hath words that cannot easily be shifted or evaded. Christ then was quickened when he was raised from the dead. Nor is it proper to say that he was ever quickened either before or since. This text also concludes that we—to wit, the whole body of God’s elect, were also quickened then, and made to live with him together. True, we also are quickened personally by grace the day in the which we are born unto God by the gospel; yet afore that, we are quickened in our Head; quickened when he was raised from the dead, quickened together with him.

Chapter Nineteen

An Account of the Life and Persecutions of John Bunyan

This great Puritan was born the same year that the Pilgrim Fathers landed at Plymouth. His home was Elstow, near Bedford, in England. His father was a tinker and he was brought up to the same trade. He was a lively, likeable boy with a serious and almost morbid side to his nature. All during his young manhood he was repenting for the vices of his youth and yet he had never been either a drunkard or immoral. The particular acts that troubled his conscience were dancing, ringing the church bells, and playing cat. It was while playing the latter game one day that “a voice did suddenly dart from Heaven into my soul, which said, ‘Wilt thou leave thy sins and go to Heaven, or have thy sins and go to Hell?’” At about this time he overheard three or four poor women in Bedford talking, as they sat at the door in the sun. “Their talk was about the new birth, the work of God in the hearts. They were far above my reach.”

In his youth he was a member of the parliamentary army for a year. The death of his comrade close beside him deepened his tendency to serious thoughts, and there were times when he seemed almost insane in his zeal and penitence. He was at one time quite assured that he had sinned the unpardonable sin against the Holy Ghost. While he was still a young man he married a good woman who bought him a library of pious books which he read with assiduity, thus confirming his earnestness and increasing his love of religious controversies.

His conscience was still further awakened through the persecution of the religious body of Baptists to whom he had joined himself. Before he was thirty years old he had become a leading Baptist preacher.

Then came his turn for persecution. He was arrested for preaching without license. “Before I went down to the justice, I begged of God that His will be done; for I was not without hopes that my imprisonment might be an awakening to the saints in the country. Only in that matter did I commit the thing to God. And verily at my return I did meet my God sweetly in the prison.”

His hardships were genuine, on account of the wretched condition of the prisons of those days. To this confinement was added the personal grief of being parted from his young and second wife and four small children, and particularly, his little blind daughter. While he was in jail he was solaced by the two books which he had brought with him, the Bible and Fox’s “Book of Martyrs.”

Although he wrote some of his early books during this long imprisonment, it was not until his second and shorter one, three years after the first, that he composed his immortal “Pilgrim’s Progress,” which was published three years later. In an earlier tract he had thought briefly of the similarity between human life and a pilgrimage, and he now worked this theme out in fascinating detail, using the rural scenery of England for his background, the splendid city of London for his Vanity Fair, and the saints and villains of his own personal acquaintance for the finely drawn characters of his allegory.

The “Pilgrim’s Progress” is truly the rehearsal of Bunyan’s own spiritual experiences. He himself had been the ‘man cloathed in Rags, with his Face from his own House, a Book in his hand, and a great Burden upon his Back.’ After he had realized that Christ was his Righteousness, and that this did not depend on “the good frame of his Heart”—or, as we should say, on his feelings—”now did the Chains fall off my legs indeed.” His had been Doubting Castle and Sloughs of Despond, with much of the Valley of Humiliation and the Shadow of Death. But, above all, it is a book of Victory. Once when he was leaving the doors of the courthouse where he himself had been defeated, he wrote: “As I was going forth of the doors, I had much ado to bear saying to them, that I carried the peace of God along with me.” In his vision was ever the Celestial City, with all its bells ringing. He had fought Apollyon constantly, and often wounded, shamed and fallen, yet in the end “more than conqueror through Him that loved us.”

His book was at first received with much criticism from his Puritan friends, who saw in it only an addition to the worldly literature of his day, but there was not much then for Puritans to read, and it was not long before it was devoutly laid beside their Bibles and perused with gladness and with profit. It was perhaps two centuries later before literary critics began to realize that this story, so full of human reality and interest and so marvelously modeled upon the English of the King James translation of the Bible, is one of the glories of English literature. In his later years he wrote several other allegories, of which of one of them, “The Holy War,” it has been said that, “If the ‘Pilgrim’s Progress’ had never been written it would be regarded as the finest allegory in the language.”

During the later years of his life, Bunyan remained in Bedford as a venerated local pastor and preacher. He was also a favourite speaker in the non-conformist pulpits of London. He became so national a leader and teacher that he was frequently called “Bishop Bunyan.”

In his helpful and unselfish personal life he was apostolic. His last illness was due to exposure upon a journey in which he was endeavouring to reconcile a father with his son. His end came on the third of August, 1688. He was buried in Bunhill Fields, a church yard in London.

There is no doubt but that the “Pilgrim’s Progress” has been more helpful than any other book but the Bible. It was timely, for they were still burning martyrs in Vanity Fair while he was writing. It is enduring, for while it tells little of living the Christian life in the family and community, it does interpret that life so far as it is an expression of the solitary soul, in homely language. Bunyan indeed “showed how to build a princely throne on humble truth.” He has been his own Greatheart, dauntless guide to pilgrims, to many.

PROPOSITION: THAT THERE IS NO OTHER WAY FOR SINNERS TO BE JUSTIFIED FROM THE CURSE OF THE LAW IN THE SIGHT OF GOD, THAN BY THE IMPUTATION OF THAT RIGHTEOUSNESS LONG AGO PERFORMED BY, AND STILL RESIDING WITH, THE PERSON OF JESUS CHRIST.

The terms of this proposition are easy; yet if it will help, I will speak a word or two for explication. First. By a sinner, I mean one that has transgressed the law; “for sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4). Second. By the curse of the law, I mean that sentence, judgment, or condemnation which the law pronounceth against the transgressor (Galatians 3:10). Third. By justifying righteousness, I mean that which stands in the doing and suffering of Christ when he was in the world (Romans 5:19). Fourth. By the residing of this righteousness in Christ’s person, I mean it still abides with him as to the action, though the benefit is bestowed upon those that are his. Fifth. By the imputation of it to us, I mean God’s making of it ours by an act of his grace, that we by it might be secured from the curse of the law. Sixth. When I say there is no other way to be justified, I cast away TO THAT END the law, and all the works of the law as done by us.[1]

Thus I have opened the terms of the proposition.

First and Second. Now the two first— to wit, what sin and the curse is— stand clear in all men’s sight, unless they be atheists or desperately heretical. I shall, therefore, in few words, clear the other four.

Third. Therefore justifying righteousness is the doing and suffering of Christ when he was in the world. This is clear, because we are said to be “justified by his obedience,” by his obedience to the law (Romans 5:19). Hence he is said again to be the end of the law for that very thing— “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness” (Romans 10:4), &etc. The end, what is that? Why, the requirement or demand of the law. But what are they? Why, righteousness, perfect righteousness (Galatians 3:10). Perfect righteousness, what to do? That the soul concerned might stand spotless in the sight of God (Revelation 1:5). Now this lies only in the doings and sufferings of Christ; for ‘by his obedience many are made righteous’; wherefore as to this, Christ is the end of the law, that being found in that obedience, that becomes to us sufficient for our justification. Hence we are said to be made righteous by his obedience; yea, and to be washed, purged, and justified by his blood (Hebrews 9:14; Romans 5:18, 19).

Fourth. That this righteousness still resides in and with the person of Christ, even then when we stand just before God thereby, is clear, for that we are said, when justified, to be justified “in him.” “In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified.” And again, “Surely, shall one say, In the Lord have I righteousness”(Isaiah 45:24, 25), &etc. And again, “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us— righteousness” (1 Corinthians 1:30).

Mark, the righteousness is still “in him,” not “in us,” even then when we are made partakers of the benefit of it; even as the wing and feathers still abide in the hen when the chickens are covered, kept, and warmed thereby.

For as my doings, though my children are fed and clothed thereby, are still my doings, not theirs; so the righteousness wherewith we stand just before God from the curse, still resides in Christ, not in us. Our sins, when laid upon Christ, were yet personally ours, not his; so his righteousness, when put upon us, is yet personally his, not ours. What is it, then? Why, ‘he was made to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him’ (2 Corinthians 5:21).[2]

Fifth. It is, therefore, of a justifying virtue, only by imputation, or as God reckoneth it to us; even as our sins made the Lord Jesus a sinner— nay, “sin,” by God’s reckoning of them to him.

It is absolutely necessary that this be known of us; for if the understanding be muddy as to this, it is impossible that such should be sound in the faith; also in temptation, that man will be at a loss that looketh for a righteousness for justification in himself, when it is to be found nowhere but in Jesus Christ. The apostle, who was his craftsmaster as to this, was always “looking to Jesus,” that he “might be found in him,” knowing that nowhere else could peace or safety be had (Philippians 3:6-9). And, indeed, this is one of the greatest mysteries in the world; namely, that a righteousness that resides with a person in heaven should justify me, a sinner, on earth!

Sixth. Therefore the law and the works thereof, as to this, must by us be cast away; not only because they here are useless, but also they being retained are a hindrance. That they are useless is evident, for that salvation comes by another name (Acts 4:12). And that they are a hindrance, it is clear; for the very adhering to the law, though it be but a little, or in a little part, prevents justification by the righteousness of Christ (Romans 9:31, 32).

What shall I say? As to this, the moral law is rejected, the ceremonial law is rejected, and man’s righteousness is rejected, for that they are here both weak and unprofitable (Romans 8:2, 3; Galatians 3:21; Hebrews 10:1-12). Now if all these and their works as to our justification, are rejected, where, but in Christ, is righteousness to be found?

Thus much, therefore, for the explication of the proposition— namely, that there is no other way for sinners to be justified from the curse of the law in the sight of God, than by the imputation of that righteousness long ago performed by, and still residing with, the person of Jesus Christ.

JUSTIFICATION is to be diversly taken in the Scripture. Sometimes it is taken for the justification of persons; sometimes for the justification of actions; and sometimes for the justification of the person and action too.

It is taken for the justification of persons, and that, as to justification with God; or, as to justification with men.

As to justification with God; that is, when a man stands clear, quit, free, or, in a saved condition before him, in the approbation of his holy law.

As to justification with men; that is, when a man stands clear and quit from just ground of reprehension with them. Justification also is to be taken with reference to actions; and that may be when they are considered, as flowing from true faith; or, because the act done fulfils some transient law.[1]

As actions flow from faith, so they are justified, because done before God in, and made complete through, the perfections of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:5; Hebrews 13:15; Revelation 8:1-4).

As by the doing of the act some transient law is fulfilled; as when Jehu executed judgment upon the house of Ahab. ‘Thou hast done well,’ said God to him, ‘in executing that which is right in mine eyes, and hast done to the house of Ahab according to all that was in mine heart’ (2 Kings 10:30). As to such acts, God may or may not look at the qualification of those that do them; and it is clear that he had not respect to any good that was in Jehu in the justifying of this action; nor could he; for Jehu stuck close yet to the sins of Jeroboam, but ‘took no heed to walk in the law of the Lord God of Israel’ (2 Kings 10:29, 31).

I might hence also show you that a man may be justified even then when his action is condemned; also that a man may be in a state of condemnation when his action may be justified. But with these distinctions I will not take up time, my intention being to treat of justification as it sets a man free or quit from sin, the curse and condemnation of the law in the sight of God, in order to eternal salvation.

And that I may with the more clearness handle this point before you, I will lay down and speak to this.