In this installment of Vos Group, Camden Bucey and Lane Tipton explore pages 392–395 of Geerhardus Vos’s Biblical Theology and his rich, God-centered understanding of righteousness within the kingdom of God. They emphasize that true righteousness is never a human-centered moral construct but is rooted entirely in the character, will, and sovereign rule of the triune God. Vos contrasts biblical righteousness with pagan and modern distortions that treat ethics as merely horizontal or civic. Instead, righteousness is what agrees with, pleases, and exists for God—meaning believers live every moment coram Deo, before His face, in covenant fellowship.

The episode also unpacks how righteousness relates organically to the coming of God’s kingdom: it is concurrent with God’s reign, a gift worked by the Spirit, and graciously rewarded for Christ’s sake. Camden and Lane draw out the pastoral comfort that Christ—who possesses unlimited dominion—reigns not only from heaven but also within the hearts of His people. This kingdom reality transforms daily obedience into worship, participation in God’s redemptive purposes, and hopeful anticipation of our final inheritance in Him.

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Chapters

• 00:07 Introduction
• 08:49 Righteousness Is God-Centered
• 16:42 Living Before the Face of God
• 28:03 The Kingdom of God and Righteousness
• 32:45 Participating in the Kingdom
• 40:52 Righteousness and God’s Sovereign Rule
• 43:55 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

In this episode, Dr. Harrison Perkins speaks about his new book A Penitent People: The Doctrine of Repentance (Christian Focus). Perkins brings the warmth of pastoral ministry together with the clarity of confessional Reformed theology. He explains that repentance is often misunderstood—as if it were a dreary duty or an entrance requirement for grace. Instead, Scripture presents repentance as a saving grace, a divine gift through which Christ frees his people from sin’s enslaving power and draws them into renewed joy. Repentance is not the price we pay to come to Christ; it is the fruit of having already been brought to Him by the Spirit through faith.

Together they explore key biblical passages (Psalm 51, Psalm 38, 2 Corinthians 7, Luke 3), the Reformed confessions, unhealthy distortions of penance, and the pastoral challenge of helping people see repentance not as a terror but as a mercy. Repentance doesn’t merely involve feeling guilty—it involves embracing Christ, turning from sin, and tasting the joy that accompanies renewal. They also discuss what a repentant church culture looks like: a community marked by humility, honesty, grace, and a shared approach to the Lord’s Table as those who come on equal footing—sinners saved by a gracious Redeemer.

Harrison Perkins (PhD, Queen’s University Belfast; MDiv, Westminster Seminary California) is the pastor of Oakland Hills Community Church in Farmington Hills, Michigan. He is the author of Reformed Covenant Theology: A Systematic Introduction (Lexham Press 2024), Catholicity and the Covenant of Works (Oxford University Press, 2020), Righteous by Design: Covenantal Merit and Adam’s Original Integrity (2024), Created for Communion with God: The Promise of Genesis 1–2 (Lexham Press, 2025), and a number of popular and academic articles. He regularly writes articles for Heidelblog and Modern Reformation.

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Chapters

• 0:00:07 Introduction
• 0:10:03 Background to the Book
• 0:16:22 Reframing Our Understanding of Repentance
• 0:20:39 The Joy of Repentance
• 0:24:35 The Reformed Confessions on Repentance
• 0:37:17 Psalms 38 and 143
• 0:43:26 Bearing Fruit in Keeping with Repentance
• 0:48:15 Distinguishing Fruits of Repentance from Acts of Penance
• 0:53:28 Illustrations of Repentance
• 1:00:41 Exodus 24, Covenant, and the Repentant Community
• 1:06:45 Hope for Readers of This Book
• 1:12:06 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Harrison Perkins

Reformed Forum is happy to introduce a major new publishing initiative: the Redemptive-Historical Bible Studies series. In this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey is joined by Ryan Noha, Jim Cassidy, and Dan Ragusa to discuss how these resources embody Reformed Forum’s vision for accessible, Christ-centered theological education.

This series begins with two volumes—Jim Cassidy’s The Book of Job: Suffering unto Glory and Dan Ragusa’s Exploring 2 Peter: The Promise and the Path—each drawn from Reformed Academy courses. Designed for adult Sunday schools and small groups, these studies help readers encounter Christ in every book of Scripture. Rooted in the conviction that all Scripture testifies to the sufferings and glories of Christ, these studies move beyond mere grammatical-historical observation to unfold the redemptive unity of God’s Word.

Together, these books and their free companion courses mark the beginning of Reformed Forum’s long-term plan: to produce faithful, Christ-centered studies for all sixty-six books of the Bible—so that the church may mature in Christ through the Word.

The Book of Job: Suffering unto Glory (Redemptive-Historical Bible Studies)

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Cassidy, James J. New paperback.

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Exploring 2 Peter: The Promise and the Path (Redemptive-Historical Bible Studies)

Ragusa, Daniel. New paperback.

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Exploring 2 Peter: The Promise and the Path (Redemptive-Historical Bible Studies)

$12.99

Ragusa, Daniel. New paperback.

In stock

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The Book of Job: Suffering unto Glory (Redemptive-Historical Bible Studies)

Cassidy, James J. New paperback.

Add for $12.99 Original price was: $12.99.$6.50Current price is: $6.50.

In stock

Exploring 2 Peter: The Promise and the Path (Redemptive-Historical Bible Studies) quantity Add to cart

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Chapters

• 00:00 Word & Deed
• 01:18 Introduction
• 03:59 Our Plan for Reformed Academy
• 11:42 Writing the Books
• 18:26 Themes in Job
• 25:49 Themes in 2 Peter
• 29:27 The Importance of Studying the Bible Redemptive-Historically
• 42:21 The Relevance of Redemptive-History
• 43:58 The Textual Divisions of Job
• 49:57 How to Get the Books
• 52:24 Other New and Forthcoming Books
• 57:27 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Dan Ragusa, Jim Cassidy, Ryan Noha

In this rich conversation, Camden Bucey sits down with Dr. Chad Van Dixhoorn—historian, pastor, and professor at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte—to explore the remarkable work and enduring wisdom of the Westminster Assembly. Together, they discuss how the divines pursued theological clarity through collaboration, not compromise, and how their humility and respect shaped confessional standards that have guided the Reformed church for centuries.

Van Dixhoorn explains why the Westminster Confession should be seen as “a document with compromises, not a compromise document,” how its chapters differ in tone and theological armor, and what this teaches us about confessional fidelity today. The conversation also explores doctrinal preaching—how to preach theology without losing the text—and why confessions must unite rather than constantly be rewritten.

With warmth and clarity, Dr. Van Dixhoorn reminds us that Reformed unity is not built on uniformity, but on the shared pursuit of truth before the face of God.

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Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Word & Deed Ministry
• 01:18 At the Reformation and Worship Conference
• 04:10 Introducing Dr. Chad Van Dixhoorn and the Westminster Assembly
• 06:00 Consensus, Collaboration, and Compromise in the Assembly
• 09:30 The Process of Drafting the Westminster Standards
• 12:00 Respectful Debate and the Spirit of the Divines
• 19:30 Comparing the Westminster and Heidelberg Traditions
• 25:30 Confessional Revision, Study Committees, and Doctrinal Reports
• 33:00 Doctrinal Preaching: From Text to Theology
• 40:50 The Joy of Teaching and Ongoing Research on the Divines

Participants: Camden Bucey, Chad Van Dixhoorn

In this episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey and Lane Tipton explore Geerhardus Vos’s profound treatment of faith in the Gospel of John (pp. 390–392 of Biblical Theology). Vos unfolds faith not as an abstract belief but as a living, continuous union with the incarnate and ascended Truth—Jesus Christ Himself. John’s theology binds faith and truth together: the Son comes down from heaven as the true light, true bread, true vine, and the Truth (John 1:9; 6:32; 15:1; 14:6). Faith, therefore, is a Spirit-wrought communion with the heavenly reality revealed in Him.

Tipton and Bucey trace how this Johannine vision lifts believers from the shadowy worship of the old covenant to true, eschatological worship “in spirit and in truth.” Faith beholds Christ even now, anticipating the beatific vision. In contrast to philosophical or impersonal notions of truth, Vos insists that truth is personal, Trinitarian, and heavenly—rooted in the self-revealing God. Thus, saving faith is not blind trust but an intimate, knowing participation in the life of the risen Christ, a foretaste of the age to come.

New Book by Lane Tipton: Introduction to the Theology and Apologetics of Van Til

We are pleased to announce the release of an important new book, Introduction to the Theology and Apologetics of Van Til by Lane Tipton. This is the first in a scheduled eight-part series of books on Van Til that correspond to our Fellowship in Reformed Apologetics.

Dr. Tipton has taught eight video courses that work through the entire range of Van Til’s theology and apologetics. Each of the courses is available for free through Reformed Academy and on YouTube. And now you can get the first book in the series.

If you order by November 30, 2025 and you can get the second book in the series, The Trinitarian Theology of Cornelius Van Til for only $4.99!

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Chapters

• 00:07 Introduction
• 01:44 New Book: Introduction to the Theology and Apologetics of Cornelius Van Til
• 11:11 Faith in the Gospel of John
• 16:19 Defining Truth According to the Son
• 26:49 Heaven and the Truth
• 29:44 The Typological Dimension of Truth
• 34:32 Faith as the Human Relation to Truth
• 37:35 Faith Anticipates the Glorified Christ
• 40:56 Faith, Unbelief, and Knowledge
• 44:25 Faith and Beholding the Lord
• 46:48 Scripture and the Truth
• 52:00 The Need for More Redemptive-Historical Study in John
• 57:40 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

In this conversation from the Reformation and Worship Conference, Camden Bucey speaks with Dr. Jonathan Master, president of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, about the unshakable relationship between doctrine and life. Drawing on J. Gresham Machen’s insight that Christianity for Paul was not only a life but also a doctrine—and logically, the doctrine came first, Master reminds us that Christianity is irreducibly doctrinal. Without doctrine, there is no gospel.

They discuss Greenville’s pastoral training mission, the seminary’s remarkable 92% long-term ministry retention rate, and why theological integrity in vows, confessional subscription, and seminary education is essential for the health of Christ’s church. Master insists that doctrine is not a straitjacket—it’s the lifeblood of the church’s joy, sincerity, and freedom in Christ.

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Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Conference Setting
• 02:00 Introducing Dr. Jonathan Master and Greenville Seminary
• 04:10 Doctrine Before Life: Machen’s Insight
• 08:30 Theological Integrity and Confessional Fidelity
• 12:40 Training Pastors for a Lifetime of Ministry
• 17:00 Why Christianity Is Irreducibly Doctrinal
• 21:15 Confessions as Gifts, Not Straitjackets
• 25:00 Doctrine That Shapes Life and Love
• 29:30 Seminary Education and Church Health
• 33:45 Closing Reflections on Faithful Ministry

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jonathan Master

In this episode, Camden Bucey speaks with Danny Olinger, General Secretary of the OPC Committee on Christian Education, about his new book Christ and His Church-Bride: Meredith G. Kline’s Biblical-Theological Reading of Revelation (Reformed Forum).

Olinger traces how Kline’s covenantal and redemptive-historical reading of Revelation portrays the church’s transformation into the radiant Bride of Christ, moving from imperfection and suffering in the present age to consummate glory in the new creation. The discussion unfolds key themes of recapitulation, the conflict between Babylon and the Bride, and the covenantal drama of creation to consummation.

Through rich historical and exegetical reflection, Olinger shows how Kline weaves together Genesis, Daniel, Zechariah, and Revelation to present a unified vision of redemptive history centered on Christ’s victory and the Spirit’s work in the church. The conversation is both theologically rigorous and pastorally hopeful—reminding listeners that Christ reigns now, the church’s pilgrim identity is secure, and the gospel’s progress continues unthwarted by the powers of this world.

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Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Book Announcement
• 06:27 Origins of the Book and Rediscovery of Kline’s Revelation Paper
• 11:19 Kline’s Covenant Drama: Creation to Consummation
• 20:55 Understanding Recapitulation in Revelation
• 26:24 The Deeper Conflict: The Woman, the Dragon, and the Church
• 31:18 The Church Imperfect and Perfected in Glory
• 34:25 The Armageddon Paradigm and Covenant Mount
• 37:51 Christ and His Church-Bride: Theological and Pastoral Heart
• 48:13 The New Jerusalem and the Covenant of Grace
• 53:09 Suffering, Sanctification, and the Bride’s Purification
• 57:07 Babylon vs. the Bride: The Church’s Pilgrim Calling
• 01:01:02 Christ Reigns Now: Hope for the Pilgrim Church
• 01:04:29 Closing, Resources, and Final Reflections

Participants: Camden Bucey, Danny Olinger

In this episode, Camden Bucey sits down with Carlton Wynne and Marc Harrington at the Reformation and Worship Conference hosted by Midway PCA in Powder Springs, Georgia. Together they reflect on the beauty and theological significance of Reformed worship—where form and content work together to glorify God. The conversation explores how music shapes the soul, why pastors must think theologically about song selection, and how the unity and maturity of the church depend on maintaining the fixed truth of Scripture.

From discussions of Scott Aniol’s lecture on music that accords with sound doctrine to Wynne’s reflections on doctrinal immutability, the episode reminds us that worship is not mere performance—it’s the embodied response of the redeemed to the unchanging God. The conversation concludes with reflections on confessional fidelity, the training of pastors, and the importance of cultivating a love for Reformed unity grounded in truth.

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Chapters

• 00:07 Introduction
• 02:47 Introduction to the Reformation and Worship Conference
• 03:58 The Conference’s Heritage, Accessibility, and Scholarship
• 05:09 The Worship at the Conference (Hymns and Psalms)
• 06:32 A Variety of Conference Sessions and Speakers
• 07:21 Discussion of Scott Aniol’s Session on Music and Worship
• 08:14 Music that Accords with Sound Doctrine (Titus 2)
• 11:39 The Importance of Tune and Singability in Hymns
• 14:46 The Pastor’s Role in Music and the Worship Service as a Cohesive Unit
• 20:13 Carlton Wynne’s Breakout: Why the Church Must Maintain Fixed Truth
• 22:31 Why Truth Must Be Maintained (Confessionalism)
• 24:06 The Connection Between Fixed Truth and Faithful Worship
• 27:01 The Fixed Self in Christ and Eternal Life
• 30:00 Counsel from Dr. Godfrey: Be Reformed Unashamedly
• 31:07 Teaching the Westminster Standards to New Members
• 33:55 Using Confessions to Filter Music for Worship
• 37:34 Organizing Theology around the Westminster Confession of Faith
• 41:00 Teaching Redemption Accomplished vs. Redemption Applied
• 43:40 The Importance of the Regulative Principle of Worship
• 47:22 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Carlton Wynne, Marc Harrington

Dr. O. Palmer Robertson joins Camden Bucey to discuss his newest book, Christ of the Consummation, Volume 2: The Testimony of Acts and Paul. Building on the legacy of Geerhardus Vos, Robertson shows how the testimony of the early church—empowered by the Spirit—proclaimed Christ to Jew and Gentile alike.

From Pentecost to Paul’s missionary journeys, from household baptisms to soaring prison epistles, this episode traces the redemptive-historical unfolding of God’s Word. Robertson explains why biblical theology is the vital “nerve system” connecting exegesis and doctrine, how Paul’s letters fall into three key phases, and why every New Testament book points us to the hope of Christ’s return.

Whether you’re a pastor, student, or simply longing to see Christ in all of Scripture, this conversation will encourage you to persevere in faith, proclaim the Gospel with confidence, and live with expectant hope of His coming.

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Chapters

• 00:07 Introduction
• 07:02 Describing Biblical Theology
• 10:37 The Book of Acts
• 12:25 The Inclusion of the Gentiles
• 21:02 The Historical Progression of Paul’s Letters
• 26:14 Paul’s Eschatology
• 32:51 Deep Theology and Practical Application
• 35:47 The Expectation of Christ’s Return
• 41:35 The Original Apostolic Witnesses
• 52:27 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, O. Palmer Robertson

In this installment of Vos Group, Camden Bucey and Lane Tipton explore Geerhardus Vos’s treatment of “faith as the correlate of kingdom power” from pages 387–390 of Biblical Theology. Moving beyond vague spiritualism or self-generated “manifestation,” they unpack Vos’s insight that faith is not a creative force but a receptive grace. Faith does not actualize the kingdom—it receives it.

Christ’s miracles reveal the omnipotent power of God in redemptive form—beneficent and gracious acts for the good of sinners. These miracles elicit trust not because of any magical quality in faith itself, but because they manifest the glory and compassion of the Redeemer who speaks them into being. Faith, then, is the Spirit-given response of the regenerate heart—a resting and receiving upon the miracle-working Christ who is both the author and perfecter of our faith.

In contrast to modern distortions that treat faith as self-empowerment, Vos directs us to the true object of faith—Christ alone. Faith is entirely dependent on divine omnipotence and grace. It is the instrument by which we are united to Christ and brought to maturity in him, sustained by the same omnipotent power that once stilled the storm and raised the dead.

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• 00:07 Introduction
• 06:32 Faith and the Kingdom
• 10:13 Faith Is the Corresponding Response to God’s Power
• 12:26 Miracles Are Beneficent and Elicit Trust
• 16:57 The Power of the Word
• 22:59 The Elements of Saving Faith
• 29:12 Unbelief
• 34:24 Preaching Christ without Doctrine
• 37:01 The Offense of Unbelief
• 41:36 The Vocabulary of Faith
• 50:30 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Lane G. Tipton

What does it mean to worship God “with reverence and awe” (Heb. 12:28)? In this episode of Christ the Center, Dr. Camden Bucey speaks with Dr. David Hall and Dr. Carlton Wynne about the upcoming Reformation Worship Conference at Midway PCA (October 16–19, 2025). Together, they reflect on the regulative principle of worship, the unchanging truth of Scripture, and the ways God uses ordinary means of grace to sanctify his people.

Dr. Hall shares his journey into Reformed worship, highlighting how worship flows from every doctrinal locus—Christology, pneumatology, anthropology, and beyond. The discussion encourages believers to treasure reverence, resist shallow entertainment-driven services, and see worship as the very heart of discipleship.

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Chapters

• 00:07 Introduction
• 06:49 Confessing Unchanging Truth
• 13:55 Dr. Hall’s Background
• 20:46 Dr. Wynne’s Background
• 25:41 The Regulative Principle of Worship
• 33:56 Worship Offering a Sanctifying Influence
• 42:09 Trends in Worship Practices
• 46:44 The Directory for Public Worship
• 52:25 The Influence of the Wider Culture on the Church
• 59:19 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Carlton Wynne, David W. Hall