Sacramental Conversation

Over the next two Sundays we'll be looking at the Doctrine of Sacraments. We Reformed Christians tend to have this conversation as a dialogue about our commitments against those of Rome, and, from an historical perspective, this is understandable. Nevertheless, while mindful of the sharp and continuing differences that do exist between our position and that of Rome, it is hopelessly unwise to treat the issue in those terms alone. The greatest contemporary problem with regard to this issue is the wide gap between what is sometimes referred to as a High-Church Presbyterian view of the Sacraments and a Zwinglian view, the latter being ascendent in evangelicalism. Calvin's sacramental theology, which is certainly a potent cure to the current ailments, was rejected by Charles Hodge, and Hodge's views, shaped by Scottish common sense philosophy, have also tended to dominate the landscape of modern Presbyterian theology. Nevin challenged Hodge on this and no doubt won the debate. Matthison is correct to note though that Hodge won the long-term battle through the publication and dissemination of his Systematic Theology. Clearly I side with Calvin and Nevin, contra Hodge and Zwinglian influences, and my preaching will reflect that robust, anti-revivalist, patristic view of this matter. Frankly, this is the only conclusion I can reach if my goal is to be faithful to Scripture and to my vows concerning submission to our Confessional standards.