Yesterday, we had a Reformation Day service at Midlane Park ARP Church (I hope to post the sermon and some photos in the next day or so). The passage of Scripture I used was Philippians 3:1-11 (possibly my favorite passage from the NT, and one that I’ve used before in preparing sermons and giving my testimony — it so clearly highlights to folly of works-righteousness false religiosity and the need for justification by faith alone in Christ alone). In the introduction to the sermon, I mentioned an oft-forgotten Scottish martyr, Patrick Hamilton. I will blog more on Hamilton on Reformation Day (this Friday), but suffice it to say that he has the distinction of being Scotland’s first Protestant martyr and theologian (John Knox credits him with being the very beginning of the Scottish Reformation).
Hamilton wrote only one theological work, which became known as Patrick’s Places. I read a good portion of it yesterday in James McGoldrick’s Luther’s Scottish Connection, but it is also available online here. Below is a wonderful excerpt; I hope to include more over the next few days leading up to October 31st.
THE DOCTRINE OF THE GOSPEL.
The Gospel, is as much to say, in our tongue, as Good Tidings: like as every one of these sentences be—
Christ is the Saviour of the world. (John IV)
Christ is our Saviour. (Luke II)
Christ died for us. (Romans V)
Christ died for our sins. (Romans IV)
Christ offered himself for us. (Galatians I)
Christ bare our sins upon his back. (Isaiah LIII)
Christ bought us with his blood. (I Peter II)
Christ washed us with his blood. (Revelation 1)
Christ came in the world to save sinners. (1 Timothy I)
Christ came in the world to take away our sins. (1 John III)
Christ was the price that was given for us and for our sins. (1 Timothy II)
Christ was made debtor for our sins. (Romans VIII)
Christ hath paid our debt, for he died for us. (Colossians II)
Christ hath made satisfaction for us and for our sin. (1 Corinthians VII)
Christ is our righteousness. (1 Corinthians I)
Christ is our wisdom. (1 Corinthians I)
Christ is our sanctification. (1 Corinthians I)
Christ is our redemption. (Ephesians II)
Christ is our satisfaction.
Christ is our goodness.
Christ hath pacified the Father of Heaven. (1 Corinthians III)
Christ is ours, and all his. (Colossians II)
Christ hath delivered us from the law, from the devil, and hell. (1 John I)
The Father of Heaven hath forgiven us for Christ’s sake.
Or any such other, as declare unto us the mercies of God.
Hi Tim,
Rejoicing in the 5 Solas with you and many others.
Tom