Exploring the Morrow Controversy with D.J. McLean

About the Guest(s): DJ McLean is an elder at Cambridge Presbyterian Church in Cambridge, England. He has a PhD in 17th-century reformed theology, focusing on Scottish theology. In addition to his role as an elder, he serves as a trustee for the Banner of Truth and Tyndale House, edits the theological journal "Foundations" for Affinity, and has a deep interest in fly fishing. McLean's work has greatly influenced theological studies around the law, gospel, assurance, and the free offer of the gospel, particularly through his engagement with the marrow controversy. Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode of Renewal Cast, hosts Coalt and Jay delve into the historic marrow controversy with DJ McLean, a seasoned theologian and elder from Cambridge Presbyterian Church. McLean brings a wealth of knowledge from his studies in 17th-century reformed theology, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of pivotal theological debates that have shaped Christian doctrines, especially those surrounding the law, gospel, and assurance of faith. McLean's insightful discussion begins by tracing the origins of the marrow controversy back to its roots in 17th-century England and its resurgence in 18th-century Scotland. He unpacks how the debates from Edward Fisher's "The Marrow of Modern Divinity" challenged the prevailing legalistic views of repentance and faith, advocating for the free offer of the gospel and the essential role of assurance in Christian life. The conversation also covers key theological concepts including federal theology, the order of salvation, and the difference between legal and evangelical obedience, emphasizing how these doctrines provide profound pastoral benefits and fostering a life of joy and freedom in Christ. Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the Marrow Controversy: The controversy focused on how one begins and continues the Christian life, stressing that salvation comes through Christ alone without preconditions.
• Free Offer of the Gospel: Christ is freely offered to all sinners, aligning with reformed theology's compatibility with particular redemption.
• Order of Salvation: Faith must precede repentance for true evangelical conversion, highlighting that repentance flows from a heart redeemed by Christ.
• Evangelical Obedience: True obedience to God's commandments stems from the redemption in Christ rather than legalistic observance.
• Pastoral Applications: The doctrines discussed enrich pastoral work by providing a framework for a joyful and free Christian life, rooted in the assurance of faith.

Notable Quotes:

1. "We don't bring anything to earn the right to trust in Christ…you just are called to come to Christ as you are." – DJ McLean
2. “Faith must precede repentance, as evangelical repentance can only flow from a heart that's been redeemed.” – DJ McLean
3. "The free offer of the gospel means that Christ is held out as the savior of sinners and everyone is invited to come to him without money and without price." – DJ McLean
4. “We live the Christian life from joy, from faith, from assurance, from that freeness of access that we have to God as our father.” – DJ McLean
5. "Evangelical obedience flows from the redemption that is ours in Christ." – DJ McLean

Resources:

• Cambridge Presbyterian Church: Website
• Banner of Truth: Website
• Tyndale House: Website
• Foundations Journal by Affinity: Website
• The Whole Christ by Sinclair Ferguson: Link
• The Marrow of Modern Divinity by Edward Fisher: Link

Listen to the full episode for an in-depth exploration of how these historical theological debates remain deeply relevant to modern Christian life and pastoral ministry. Stay tuned for more insightful discussions on Renewal Cast!