Ryan M. Reeves (PhD Cambridge) is Assistant Professor of Historical Theology at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Twitter: …
25 COMMENTS
I have no idea if there is a doctrinal name for my belief (Perhaps you can enlighten me?) but my own understanding is, that there are described in the Word, TWO kinds of works. Those of man (Which are deceptive and therefore cannot be trusted) and those of the Spirit, which are of God and driven BY God. I believe this was the point James was making in his letter and one which Christ Himself made over and over again.
The Church, it seems to me, has become rather paranoid on these matters; seeing all discussion of works as evil and not making the distinction I have made in my own beliefs on these matters.The problem, as I see it, with the Churches position on this, is that it encourages idle, lacklustre and powerless Christianity. Christians become nothing more than pew fodder and ineffective sheep, rather than a Royal Priesthood. I can see, from a leadership point of view, why this would be of personal benefit to their position in the current hierarchy, but I also see this view as the reason so many Churches appear to have their graveyards indoors. I would welcome the views of others on this matter.
That is some profound stuff there. I will need to view it again. Free will verses Sovereignty of God is a simplistic way of viewing it all. How does one reconcile the two. Knowing the base sinner that I am I fear having to depend on free will for I know that I would fail. Therefore it is more comforting (personally) to depend on the loving and sovereign Grace of God.
At the 20 minute point, you brought up a HUGE confusion that I think Martin Luther started, and that is equating WORKS OF THE LAW = GOOD WORKS. Now I recognize you Dr. Reeves are just presenting Luther's viewpoint, not necessarily your view. I I grew up a very confused protestant myself, but these past five years spending lots of time frequently reviewing 2nd century Ante Nicene Father's writings and even a few that didn't make it into the 10 vol set. They are NOT the same thing. As Peter says at the close of 2 Peter 3 about Paul's writings being misunderstood and used by wolves in sheeps clothing, likely from church history speaking of the Gnostics and Judaizers, to bring about the doctrines of demons, Romans 2-4 unveils that Paul is called esoterically "Works of the Law" circumcision, as was the seal of the Mosaic covenant, and hence, as Justin Martyr explained to the Jews in the Dialogue with Trypho the Jew, this cannot save a person. The Epistle of Barnabas has helped me to see that the Works of the Law is an idiomatic saying referring to what Paul discusses in Colossians as signs or practices because of Israel's sins like Sabbaths, clean and unclean foods, circumcision, certain feast days or festivals. All of these instituted, albeit foreshadowing things about Christ too in God's manifold wisdom, they were not Works of Righteousness, but works of the Law that had a purpose Pre-Christ for Israel only. The NT makes a careful distinction when using the word ERGON in Greek (or works) as meaning Jewish rites versus righteous acts of loving your neighbor as yourself. For me, the early Prenicene christians make quite clear, illuminating for me what the NT really intends and says, about this distinction. Looking forward to hearing your view on this, more so that Martin Luther, for whom I hold no admiration at all. Particularly due to his casting his vote for the killing of anabaptists (martyrs) and hate filled writings at the close of his life toward Jews, which was used a fuel for Nazi Germany and Hitler's power to brainwash the nation to do what they did. But interested in your view Dr. Reeves. This is my only 2nd lecture I have heard from you, but appreciate your style of presentation. God bless you sir as you continue to seek and broadcast truth from the Word (Logos), the Son of God, the teacher.
Wesley had a much more optimistic anthropology and focused on God's love.  Luther had a more pessimistic attitude overall. That's why he was allergic to talking about sanctification.
This is about the third or fourth video, of these videos, and I would like to express my sincere gratitude. I have studied some of these topics before but the way the information is presented is fantastic and simple without sacrificing the essentials. Great stuff Mr. Reeves, thank you.
Whitefield was very charitable with the Wesleys, as Dr. Reeves details. It is important to note that other Calvinists broke fellowship with Arminians because they viewed them unbelievers. Throughout history the doctrine of free will was condemned numerous times, and at several councils including Carthage, Ephesus and Orange. Because Arminius lived many centuries later, it wasn´t until the Synod of Dort that Arminianism was specifically condemned. Luther, Calvin, Owen, and Edwards all viewed arminians as unbelievers. Whitefield obiously disagreed. Each person needs to determine what is the Gospel, what is necessary to believe to be a Christian. This will determine with whom you have fellowship. Luther makes a strong case in The Bondage of the Will for the belief in predestination as being fundamental to a true Gospel understanding.
my prayers and questions are answere by all of your videos and the holy Spirit manifest and i just give my praise and worship,, thank professor, Godspeed
Good video, however, one is left with the question of the "exact" use of the word "perfection" in Wesley's theology? Truly, I believe either we have not reached into his mind accurately, or he has defined the word "perfection" to really mean "progressive, continual, holiness of life." Well, in that sense, it reflects the ideal of the Catholic saints of "detachment." What an area for further research and study!
It seems to me that what was lacking in those gentlemen seeking perfection was wisdom. And wisdom can also be given to us by the Holy Spirit. Once we have wisdom, perfection is irrelevant.
He believed that one who is saved by the shedding blood of Jesus Christ has the power to reject him later in his life. Thus, this means a Jesus's blood was temporary which is completely unbiblical. It is a shame most evangelicals follow this. This was the utmost important issue for Luther writing the Bondage of the Will against the teaching of Erasmus. This was the core point of Reformation in the eyes of Luther.
I have no idea if there is a doctrinal name for my belief (Perhaps you can enlighten me?) but my own understanding is, that there are described in the Word, TWO kinds of works. Those of man (Which are deceptive and therefore cannot be trusted) and those of the Spirit, which are of God and driven BY God. I believe this was the point James was making in his letter and one which Christ Himself made over and over again.
The Church, it seems to me, has become rather paranoid on these matters; seeing all discussion of works as evil and not making the distinction I have made in my own beliefs on these matters.The problem, as I see it, with the Churches position on this, is that it encourages idle, lacklustre and powerless Christianity. Christians become nothing more than pew fodder and ineffective sheep, rather than a Royal Priesthood. I can see, from a leadership point of view, why this would be of personal benefit to their position in the current hierarchy, but I also see this view as the reason so many Churches appear to have their graveyards indoors. I would welcome the views of others on this matter.
That is some profound stuff there. I will need to view it again. Free will verses Sovereignty of God is a simplistic way of viewing it all. How does one reconcile the two. Knowing the base sinner that I am I fear having to depend on free will for I know that I would fail. Therefore it is more comforting (personally) to depend on the loving and sovereign Grace of God.
At the 20 minute point, you brought up a HUGE confusion that I think Martin Luther started, and that is equating WORKS OF THE LAW = GOOD WORKS. Now I recognize you Dr. Reeves are just presenting Luther's viewpoint, not necessarily your view. I I grew up a very confused protestant myself, but these past five years spending lots of time frequently reviewing 2nd century Ante Nicene Father's writings and even a few that didn't make it into the 10 vol set. They are NOT the same thing. As Peter says at the close of 2 Peter 3 about Paul's writings being misunderstood and used by wolves in sheeps clothing, likely from church history speaking of the Gnostics and Judaizers, to bring about the doctrines of demons, Romans 2-4 unveils that Paul is called esoterically "Works of the Law" circumcision, as was the seal of the Mosaic covenant, and hence, as Justin Martyr explained to the Jews in the Dialogue with Trypho the Jew, this cannot save a person. The Epistle of Barnabas has helped me to see that the Works of the Law is an idiomatic saying referring to what Paul discusses in Colossians as signs or practices because of Israel's sins like Sabbaths, clean and unclean foods, circumcision, certain feast days or festivals. All of these instituted, albeit foreshadowing things about Christ too in God's manifold wisdom, they were not Works of Righteousness, but works of the Law that had a purpose Pre-Christ for Israel only. The NT makes a careful distinction when using the word ERGON in Greek (or works) as meaning Jewish rites versus righteous acts of loving your neighbor as yourself. For me, the early Prenicene christians make quite clear, illuminating for me what the NT really intends and says, about this distinction. Looking forward to hearing your view on this, more so that Martin Luther, for whom I hold no admiration at all. Particularly due to his casting his vote for the killing of anabaptists (martyrs) and hate filled writings at the close of his life toward Jews, which was used a fuel for Nazi Germany and Hitler's power to brainwash the nation to do what they did. But interested in your view Dr. Reeves. This is my only 2nd lecture I have heard from you, but appreciate your style of presentation. God bless you sir as you continue to seek and broadcast truth from the Word (Logos), the Son of God, the teacher.
Did Wesley believe in "once saved always saved?"
Hello did you have Baptist Church History Video?
Thanks for making these videos, great help and very informative! God bless, brother!
I can't thank you enough for your ultra-informative theological lectures.
Wesley had a much more optimistic anthropology and focused on God's love.  Luther had a more pessimistic attitude overall. That's why he was allergic to talking about sanctification.
This is about the third or fourth video, of these videos, and I would like to express my sincere gratitude. I have studied some of these topics before but the way the information is presented is fantastic and simple without sacrificing the essentials. Great stuff Mr. Reeves, thank you.
Just finished watching 7 hours of back-to-back videos on the history of the church and the reformation movement 🙂
Learned a ton…
You are an awesome teacher, Professor Reeves!
Thank you & God Bless,
Suzie
Whitefield was very charitable with the Wesleys, as Dr. Reeves details. It is important to note that other Calvinists broke fellowship with Arminians because they viewed them unbelievers. Throughout history the doctrine of free will was condemned numerous times, and at several councils including Carthage, Ephesus and Orange. Because Arminius lived many centuries later, it wasn´t until the Synod of Dort that Arminianism was specifically condemned. Luther, Calvin, Owen, and Edwards all viewed arminians as unbelievers. Whitefield obiously disagreed. Each person needs to determine what is the Gospel, what is necessary to believe to be a Christian. This will determine with whom you have fellowship. Luther makes a strong case in The Bondage of the Will for the belief in predestination as being fundamental to a true Gospel understanding.
i have a friend name wesley
Is there any way to find the letter from Whitefield to Wesley before his death?
Both you and 'The Bible Project' always sound nasally congested… is this a thing with theologians? :p
This Ryan Reeves needs a Nobel Peace Prize for his work here. Any serious Christian will gobble up all his videos.
my prayers and questions are answere by all of your videos and the holy Spirit manifest and i just give my praise and worship,, thank professor, Godspeed
victory over sin… thank You Lord. as we battle in faith and in love
Man made theology is maddening……maddening I tell you…..I was a arminist be4 I knew what that was…..
Good video, however, one is left with the question of the "exact" use of the word "perfection" in Wesley's theology? Truly, I believe either we have not reached into his mind accurately, or he has defined the word "perfection" to really mean "progressive, continual, holiness of life." Well, in that sense, it reflects the ideal of the Catholic saints of "detachment." What an area for further research and study!
It seems to me that what was lacking in those gentlemen seeking perfection was wisdom. And wisdom can also be given to us by the Holy Spirit. Once we have wisdom, perfection is irrelevant.
Wow. Thank you for your tact and honor toward each party involved
brilliant praise GOD
Wesley teaching is very similar to Peter and James teaching. The teaching we needed in Christian church.
He believed that one who is saved by the shedding blood of Jesus Christ has the power to reject him later in his life. Thus, this means a Jesus's blood was temporary which is completely unbiblical. It is a shame most evangelicals follow this. This was the utmost important issue for Luther writing the Bondage of the Will against the teaching of Erasmus. This was the core point of Reformation in the eyes of Luther.
How did Whitefield die?