In his excellent introduction to M.F. Sadler’s The Second Adam & The New Birth, Rich Lusk tackles the unnecessary division within the modern Reformed movement, especially affirmed by B.B. Warfield that a view of sacramental efficacy contradicts a proper view of God’s sovereignty in salvation. Lusk observes that a healthy Reformed faith should be more Augustinian in orientation. The theological “combination of sovereign grace with a high view of sacramental efficacy” do not need to be divorced. They are fully compatible. We do not need to undermine one to rescue the other. We may not grasp how God uses the means to accomplish His sovereign purposes, but they are not to be at odds.
Epic…
Exactly. Sadler’s book is one of my absolute favorites. Praise the Lord for Athanasius Press’s work in keeping this book alive!