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.

Hughes Oliphant Old

Mary McCaw Old ⬩ 2017

Biography of Hughes Oliphant Old: pastor, liturgical scholar, and professor who reshaped Reformed worship through preaching, catechesis, sacramental ministry, and historical research.

John Calvin on the Fall and the Imago Dei

Barry Waugh ⬩ 2017

Survey of John Calvin’s teaching on the imago Dei and the Fall, tracing shifts from total destruction to deformation and partial preservation across his writings.

Martin Bucer’s Eucharistic Development

Brian H. Nicholson ⬩ 2017

Examines Martin Bucer’s eucharistic development: his shift from Luther-style real presence toward symbolic Reformed views and the ensuing disputes with Zwingli and Luther.

Reviews and Responses

2017

Those Who Lead Worship

Terry Johnson ⬩ 2017

Argues for recovering historic Reformed worship and leadership while critiquing gimmick-driven, seeker-sensitive practices. Defends the Lord’s Day assembly and the ordinary means of grace.

Calvin the Pastor

Ian Hamilton ⬩ 2017

Ian Hamilton shows Calvin’s theology was pastoral: doctrine aimed at godly living. He prioritized shepherding, love for Christ, Scripture-shaped worship and servant leadership.

According to the Custom of the Ancient Church: Recovering the Patristic Roots of Reformed Worship

Glen J. Clary ⬩ 2017

Argues the Reformers recovered patristic worship within sola Scriptura, defends the Fathers as a subordinate aid, and urges renewed patristic scholarship to enrich Reformed liturgy.

John Calvin’s Pastoral Theology: An Explanatory Outline

Marcus J. Serven ⬩ 2017

Survey of John Calvin’s pastoral theology and character, showing his focus on expository preaching, pastoral care, church order, and practical theology for pastors.

Johannes Oecolampadius: Exposition of Isaiah 53

Diane Poythress ⬩ 2017

Biography of Johannes Oecolampadius (1482–1531), Basel Reformer and biblical scholar; his exposition of Isaiah 53 shaped Reformed theology, church order, and Eucharistic practice.

Secundum Substantiam and Relatiuum in Augustine’s De Trinitate: Getting the Trinity Right Then and Now

James J. Cassidy ⬩ 2017

Defends Augustine against charges of unipersonalism, arguing Book V of De Trinitate uses secundum substantiam and secundum relatiuum to secure genuine tri-personality.

The Doctrine and Practice of Social Reform in the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America: 1930–1945

Joel Hart ⬩ 2017

Study of the RPCNA (1930–1945) showing how belief in Christ’s mediatorial kingship drove a comprehensive social-gospel: denominational committees pursued economic and international reform.

Less Outward Glory: An Examination of Calvin’s Reformation of Worship

Everett A. Henes ⬩ 2017

Examines Calvin’s reform of worship, arguing for Scripture‑regulated simplicity over ceremonial display and defending worship’s primacy (exodus 20; hebrews 12).

Let the Families of the Lord Give Praise! Calvin’s Piety of the Psalms as Prayer-Praise Generational Discipleship

Timothy J. Gwin ⬩ 2017

Survey of Calvin’s piety: he used the Psalms as prayer-praise and daily discipleship, employing a concise, literal, Christ-centered hermeneutic focused on authorial intent and context.

“A Sabbath rest for the people of God” An Exegetical Study of Hebrews 4:9–10

Richard C. Barcellos ⬩ 2017

Argues Hebrews 4:9–10 indicates a redemptive-historical, Christological basis for a first-day Christian Sabbath (the Lord’s Day). Examines context, exposition, and implications.

Family Religion: Adoption in the Reformation Tradition An Essential Element of the Gospel Message

C.N. Willborn ⬩ 2017

Overview of the Reformed doctrine of adoption, tracing Calvin and the Westminster Assembly and connecting adoption with predestination and Christ’s eternal sonship.

Psallo: Psalm 87:1–7

Todd L. Ruddell ⬩ 2017

Commentary on Psalm 87: Zion as the Lord’s enduring foundation and heavenly city, celebrated for worship and gospel proclamation, with a strong defense of public corporate worship.

In Translatiōne: John Calvin’s Letters to the Ministers of Montbéliard (1543–1544): The Genevan Reformer’s Advice and Views of the Liturgical Calendar

David C. Noe ⬩ 2017

Translation and study of Calvin’s 1543–44 letters to Montbéliard ministers opposing reinstatement of liturgical holy days; situates Geneva’s Reformation and Sabbatarian practice.