David H J Gay

The Apostolic Fathers and Justification David H J Gay

'Justification by faith - by faith alone - on the basis of God's grace alone is a key gospel doctrine. Indeed, with Martin Luther, I would argue that it is the cardinal doctrine of the gospel. Naturally, therefore, the devil can never leave it alone; he makes sure that it is constantly under attack - remorselessly undermining it. He has been engaged in his nefarious practice right from the time the apostles, and never has he let up! Nor will he until the end of the age (2 Thess. 2:3-12; 1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Tim. 3:1; 2 Pet. 3:3). He has met with considerable success, and continues to do so - not least in that there are grim signs that the Apostolic Fathers and their doctrines are coming into vogue. Moreover, not a few former Evangelicals and Reformed are defecting to Rome or the Orthodox Church, both of which Churches are heavily dependent on the Apostolic (and later) Fathers. I deplore this rising interest in the Fathers, for they gravely impaired the doctrine of justification, the consequences of which are with us still. And all this explains why I publish this designedly-simple booklet on the work of Thomas F. Torrance: "The Doctrine of Grace in the Apostolic Fathers." Torrance's book is invaluable in this area... By this annotated digest of Torrance's work, I will set out how the Apostolic Fathers warped the doctrine of justification by faith. Consequently, to return to the Apostolic Fathers - which, as I have explained, not a few are doing - is to take a fatal step over this cardinal doctrine of the gospel. It really is that serious! I write, bearing in mind the apostle's injunction to Timothy when faced with apostasy in his day: "If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed" (1 Tim. 4:6)'. So writes David Gay as he opens this booklet. For a free audio book of the author reading this title, please go to davidhjgay.com