Confessional Presbyterian Journal

The Confessional Presbyterian Journal is an annual, peer-reviewed publication dedicated to Presbyterian doctrine and practice, produced by Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Each volume features scholarly articles, biblical studies, and critical reviews grounded in the Westminster Confession of Faith.

Christ, His Constraining Love: A Sermon by T.D. Witherspoon

Thomas Dwight Witherspoon, Sr. ⬩ 2018

Transcription and notes on T. D. Witherspoon’s sermon ’Christ. His Constraining Love,’ arguing Christian zeal is rooted in the love of Christ and documenting the sermon’s manuscript history.

William Ames and the Westminster Assembly

Allen Stanton ⬩ 2018

Alexander Shields, the Revolution Settlement and the Unity of the Visible Church

Matthew Vogan ⬩ 2018

Study of Covenanter Alexander Shields, his role in the 1688–90 Revolution Settlement, major writings (A Hind Let Loose; Church-Communion enquired into) and debates over union and the visible Church.

Images of Christ and the Vitals of the Reformed System

Harrison Perkins ⬩ 2018

Argues the Reformed confessional position (WLC 109, Heidelberg) that making images of God—even mental images of Christ—is prohibited and essential to Reformed doctrine.

Reviews and Responses

2018

Review of Cornelis Venema’s Christ and Covenant Theology, assessing the covenant of works vs covenant of grace and the republication debate. Praises its scholarly, pastoral, and fair treatment.

Thomas Dwight Witherspoon (1836–1898)

2018

Thomas D. Witherspoon (1836–1898) was an influential Southern Presbyterian minister, Confederate chaplain, seminary professor and Moderator. Renowned for extemporaneous preaching, evangelistic leadership, and pastoral formation.

A Children’s Book about God’s Hesed: T.D. Witherspoon’s Children of the Covenant

C.N. Willborn ⬩ 2018

Overview of T. D. Witherspoon and his 1873 book Children of the Covenant, recounting covenant household piety, infant baptism, and the faith of grieving Presbyterian parents.

The Man in Linen: A New and Old Interpretation of Ezekiel 9–10

Lane Keister ⬩ 2018

Analyzes Ezekiel 8–11 with focus on 9–10. Advocates a judicial reading and evaluates exegetical options to argue for the identity and role of the man in linen.

Fighting for Phoebe: The Widow-Deacon and the Westminster Assembly’s Concept of an Alms-Based Women’s Ministry

Nathan Eshelman ⬩ 2018

Study of the Westminster Assembly’s debate to include widow-deacons under the diaconate, outlining their qualifications, functions, and historical precedents.

Desert Rose: Thomas Chalmers’ West Port Experiment (1844–1847)

Michael J. Ives ⬩ 2018

Account of Thomas Chalmers’ West Port territorial mission (1844–47): his parish-based model to evangelize and uplift Edinburgh’s urban poor through visitation, education, and church planting.

Wisdom and Folly in Pastoral Ministry: Samuel Miller’s Use of Antithesis in His Published Lectures

Zachary Groff ⬩ 2018

Analysis of Samuel Miller’s Thoughts on Public Prayer, showing how he uses antithesis to urge Presbyterian ministers and seminarians to prepare for reverent, covenantal corporate prayer.

John DeWitt: New School Presbyterian at an Old School Seminary

Joshua Brownfield ⬩ 2018

John DeWitt (1842–1923), a New School Presbyterian at Princeton Seminary, played a key role in debates over revising the Westminster Confession and standards of subscription in American Presbyterianism.

Wartime Sermons: Twelve Pulpit Messages from Georgia Presbyterians During World War II

Frank J. Smith ⬩ 2018

Overview of Living Echoes (1943): a collection of twelve Georgia Presbyterian wartime sermons addressing faith amid WWII, pastoral life, and the inevitable choice to serve God.

Changing Direction: Moving Away From Technique-Driven Exegesis

Benjamin Shaw ⬩ 2018

Concise history of biblical exegesis from the medieval fourfold (quadriga) and Reformation literal emphasis, through Enlightenment historical criticism to modern/formal and postmodern methods.

Shot through with Personality: Establishing Man’s Freedom within the Sovereign Plan of God

Daniel Ragusa ⬩ 2018

Argues that the Westminster Confession’s covenantal framework, read through Van Til’s representational principle, grounds divine sovereignty and meaningful human freedom in the triune God.

Psallo: Psalm 128:1–6

Todd L. Ruddell ⬩ 2018

Exposition of Psalm 128:1–6 on blessings for those who fear the Lord: honest labor, a faithful wife and fruitful children, and blessings that flow from Zion (the Church).

In Translatiōne: Johannes Hornbeeck (1617–1666), Disputational Piety at Leiden, and a Translation of Dedesiderio animæ erga Christum

R.M. Hurd ⬩ 2018

Study of Johannes Hornbeeck (1617–1666) and his Leiden theologica practica, arguing academic disputations should form piety and teach practical theology.

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