Calgary Presbyterian Church

The Christian faith is built on the idea that all truth is given by God.  This truth is embedded in creation and self-evident in nature (Psalm 19.1,2 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge), And given certainty and direction by the revealed Word of God (The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple Psalm 19.7).

Many of the The New Testament epistles are structured in such a way that first doctrinal truths are presented with stipulations and obligations of practice then following (… exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, 1Th 4:1). We are to apply our minds to the Scriptures (I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Ro. 12:1). Other texts referring to this principle are 1 Cor 1.10 Eph 4.23 Phil 1.27 Heb 8.10 1Pet 1.13.

This means of spiritual development was also very much the pattern of the Reformation. The Reformation was initiated by the Renaissance with its idea of Ad Fonte or going back to the source of knowledge and hence the focus on learning the original techniques and structures of arts languages and science.  The Reformation used these tools to bring the mind under the authority of God and these principles are expressed in what is known as the 5 Solas; Grace Alone, Faith Alone, The Word of God Alone, Christ Alone to the Glory of God Alone. This was in opposition to the age old philosophy and wisdom of the Greeks which sort to bring all authority under the mind of man. In Zurich and other cities reformation was preceded by organized debates between the Reformers and the Papists whereupon the Reformation of the city followed.

The following is a list of Books recommended for reformation in the individual and family and church. This list is not definitive but meant as a help to source the best literature for supporting the ongoing witness to the works of God in our day. They are books that will help bring us to the radical position of the apostle Paul who was convinced and sought to convince others that … To live is Christ, and to die is gain. This list is modified from time to time.

The Gospel Explanation and Call:

• The Christian’s Great Interest – by William Guthrie
• The Fourfold State – by Thomas Boston
• The Sum of Saving Knowledge (Often included with the Westminster Standards) – by David Dickson and James Durham

The way of Sanctification

• Holiness – by JC Ryle
• The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification – by Walter Marshall

Free Presbyterian Church History and Witness

• History of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland 1893 – 1970
• One Hundred Years of Witness
• Memoir and Remains of Rev. Donald MacFarlane –  by Rev Donald Beaton
• Memoir and Remains of Rev. Donald MacDonald
• Memoir and Remains of Rev. Neil Cameron – by Rev Donald Beaton
• Days of the Fathers in Ross-Shire – by John Kennedy (Pre 1893 Witness)
• A Catechism of the History and Principles of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland
• Various Bound Volumes of the FPCS Magazines from 1896 onwards.
  [First 13 Volumes highly recommended]

Systematic Theology & Confessional Standards

• Institutes of the Christian Religion – by John Calvin
• Westminster Standards published by Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland
• Commentary on the Westminster Confession – by WA Shaw
• Fisher’s Catechism on the Westminster Shorter Catechism

Theological Topics

• The Church of Christ – by James Bannerman
• Justification – by James Buchanan
• Doctrine of the Holy Spirit – by George Smeaton

Commentaries

• Commentary on the whole Bible by Matthew Henry
• Commentary on the whole Bible – by Jamieson, Faucet and
• Commentary on the whole Bible – by Matthew Poole
• Commentary on the whole Bible – by John Trapp
• Commentary on most of Scripture – by John Calvin
• Geneva Series of Commentaries – by Banner of Truth

Historical Theology

• Historical Theology 2 Volume – by William Cunningham
• Historical Theology 2 Volumes – by WGT Shedd

Church History

• History of Protestantism – by JA Wylie
• The Papacy Its History Dogmas Genius and Prospects – by JA Wylie
• Story of the Scottish Church – by Thomas McCrie
• The History of the Westminster Assembly of Divines – by William Hetherington

Proverbs 3.13 Happy is the man that finds wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.