Herman Witsius: Still relevant (4)
Kenneth Koole examines Herman Witsius's analysis of the antinomian controversy, focusing on Witsius's crucial distinction between what grants the right to spiritual life (justification) and what contributes to the possession and enjoyment of that life (sanctification and good works). The article demonstrates how proper theological precision in preaching can prevent believers from drifting toward antinomian error while maintaining the centrality of grace in salvation.
We concluded our last editorial (Dec. 15) with a lengthy quote from Witsius' book Antinomians and Neonomians.1 His assessment of the controverted material was, "In the matter [of the disputation I was asked to assess], there is that [which] I approve, and what I disapprove" (161). What he approved was the antinomians' desire and goal, namely, "that men may be called off from all presumption upon their own righteousness, and trained up to the exercise of generous piety, which flows from the...
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org