“Although fallen persons are capable of externally good acts (acts that are good for society), they cannot do anything really good, i.e., pleasing to God (Rom. 8:8). God, however, looks on the heart. And from his ultimate standpoint, fallen man has no goodness, in thought, word, or deed. He is therefore incapable of contributing anything to his salvation.”
– John Frame
Introduction to the Reformed Faith
John M. Frame (born April 8, 1939 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) is an American Christian philosopher and Calvinist theologian especially noted for his work in epistemology and presuppositional apologetics, systematic theology, and ethics. He is one of the foremost interpreters and critics of the thought of Cornelius Van Til.
Frame is known for his critical view of historical modes of theology, including his criticism of scholars such as David F. Wells, Donald Bloesch, Mark Noll, George Marsden, D.G. Hart, Richard Muller, and Michael Horton. One of his most well-known articles in this vein is titled "Machen's Warrior Children", which was originally published in Alister E. McGrath and Evangelical Theology: a Dynamic Engagement (Paternoster Press, 2003).A more recent example is his review of Michael Horton's book Christless Christianity.In 1998 Frame engaged in a student-organized debate with then librarian D.G. Hart concerning the regulative principle of worship.Frame has used Doug Wilson's home-schooling materials with his own sons.
I believe that this view ignores the biblical fact that the righteousness of Jesus Christ is only what is acceptable, our good works outside of Christ, independent of Christ - even though we are Christians are nothing but filthy works in God's eyes.
ReplyDeleteWe can read the Bible, serve in the church, preach the Gospel, serve as a Minister in a church - yet if independently done of Christ, it is nothing but filthy works of hay and stubble.