Jonathan Master https://reformedforum.org Reformed Theological Resources Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:22:16 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://reformedforum.org/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2025/12/cropped-rf_logo_red2-32x32.jpg Jonathan Master – Reformed Forum https://reformedforum.org 32 32 John L. Girardeau on Adoption: The Forgotten Glory of the Gospel https://reformedforum.org/podcasts/ctc952/ Fri, 27 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000 https://reformedforum.org/?post_type=podcast&p=50289 Christ the Center, Camden Bucey is joined by Jonathan Master and Matt […]]]> Why has the doctrine of adoption received so little attention in Reformed theology?

In this live episode of Christ the Center, Camden Bucey is joined by Jonathan Master and Matt Holst at Shiloh Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, to discuss John L. Girardeau’s rich and pastoral treatment of adoption. The conversation explores why adoption should not be collapsed into justification or regeneration, how it addresses our alienation from God, and why it matters so deeply for prayer, suffering, assurance, and the Christian life.

Along the way, the panel reflects on Girardeau’s life and ministry, Adam’s original sonship, Christ’s filial obedience, the believer’s inheritance in Christ, and the comfort of knowing God not only as Judge, but as Father.

This is a warm and theologically substantial discussion on one of the most beautiful and neglected doctrines in Scripture.

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Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and live recording at Shiloh OPC
  • 01:45 Why discuss John L. Girardeau on adoption?
  • 03:12 Who was John L. Girardeau?
  • 09:52 Why adoption is such an important doctrine
  • 14:05 Why adoption has been neglected in Reformed theology
  • 17:50 Courtroom and family room: justification and adoption
  • 23:19 Adam’s original sonship and what was lost in the fall
  • 27:07 Christ’s sonship and key Christological distinctions
  • 33:14 The pastoral comfort of adoption
  • 37:33 Adoption, suffering, and inheritance
  • 41:17 God’s name on his people and the hope of glory
  • 43:24 How adoption transforms prayer
  • 50:11 The Father’s generosity toward his children
  • 53:04 Final reflections and conclusion

Participants: , ,

]]> Why has the doctrine of adoption received so little attention in Reformed theology In this live episode of Christ the Center Camden Bucey is joined by Jonathan Master and Matt ...SystematicTheologyReformed Forumnono The History of Special Revelation: Geerhardus Vos and Reformed Biblical Theology https://reformedforum.org/podcasts/ctc950/ Fri, 13 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000 https://reformedforum.org/?post_type=podcast&p=50221 Dead Presbyterians Society recorded at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Camden Bucey joins Jonathan Master, President of Greenville Seminary, for a conversation on the life, […]]]> In this special crossover episode with Dead Presbyterians Society recorded at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Camden Bucey joins Jonathan Master, President of Greenville Seminary, for a conversation on the life, method, and enduring relevance of Geerhardus Vos (1862–1949). Vos stands as a remarkable bridge figure: Dutch by birth, deeply shaped by continental Reformed theology and close friendship with Herman Bavinck, yet firmly planted in the American confessional Presbyterian tradition as the first chair of biblical theology at Old Princeton Seminary alongside B. B. Warfield.

Drs. Bucey and Master explore Vos’s foundational distinction between biblical theology and systematic theology—and why both are indispensable for faithful exegesis and preaching. Biblical theology, which Vos himself preferred to call “the history of special revelation,” reads Scripture as the organic, progressive unfolding of God’s redemptive acts in history—from the protoevangelium in Genesis 3:15 to the consummation of all things in Christ. That redemptive-historical framework opens up notoriously difficult passages (Hebrews 6, the unforgivable sin) in ways systematics alone cannot. The conversation also covers Vos’s two-age eschatology, his key works (Biblical Theology, The Pauline Eschatology, Grace and Glory, The Teaching of Jesus Concerning the Kingdom of God and the Church), and the question of why Vos remained at Princeton when Machen and others departed.

Be sure to subscribe to the Dead Presbyterians Society podcast from Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

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Chapters

  • 0:00 Introduction: Camden at Greenville Seminary
  • 1:08 Greenville Seminary Launches Confessional.org
  • 3:47 Geerhardus Vos: Bridge Figure Between Princeton and the Continent
  • 9:03 What Is Biblical Theology? The History of Special Revelation
  • 13:49 Why We Need Both Biblical Theology and Systematics
  • 16:33 “You Cannot Do Either Without the Other”
  • 22:19 Why Did Vos Remain at Princeton?
  • 27:48 Vos’s Key Works
  • 31:39 The “Vibe of Vos”: Redemptive History in Practice
  • 37:44 The Two-Age Eschatology: Already and Not Yet
  • 40:33 Closing Remarks

Participants: ,

]]> In this special crossover episode with Dead Presbyterians Society recorded at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary Camden Bucey joins Jonathan Master President of Greenville Seminary for a conversation on the life ...BiblicalTheology,ChurchHistory,Eschatology,SystematicTheologyReformed Forumnono The Shape of Faithful Ministry: Doctrine and Confessional Integrity https://reformedforum.org/podcasts/ctc932/ Fri, 07 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000 https://reformedforum.org/?post_type=podcast&p=49388 Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, about the unshakable relationship between doctrine and life. […]]]> In this conversation from the Reformation and Worship Conference, Camden Bucey speaks with Dr. Jonathan Master, president of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, about the unshakable relationship between doctrine and life. Drawing on J. Gresham Machen’s insight that Christianity for Paul was not only a life but also a doctrine—and logically, the doctrine came first, Master reminds us that Christianity is irreducibly doctrinal. Without doctrine, there is no gospel.

They discuss Greenville’s pastoral training mission, the seminary’s remarkable 92% long-term ministry retention rate, and why theological integrity in vows, confessional subscription, and seminary education is essential for the health of Christ’s church. Master insists that doctrine is not a straitjacket—it’s the lifeblood of the church’s joy, sincerity, and freedom in Christ.

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Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Conference Setting
  • 02:00 Introducing Dr. Jonathan Master and Greenville Seminary
  • 04:10 Doctrine Before Life: Machen’s Insight
  • 08:30 Theological Integrity and Confessional Fidelity
  • 12:40 Training Pastors for a Lifetime of Ministry
  • 17:00 Why Christianity Is Irreducibly Doctrinal
  • 21:15 Confessions as Gifts, Not Straitjackets
  • 25:00 Doctrine That Shapes Life and Love
  • 29:30 Seminary Education and Church Health
  • 33:45 Closing Reflections on Faithful Ministry

Participants: ,

]]> In this conversation from the Reformation and Worship Conference Camden Bucey speaks with Dr Jonathan Master president of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary about the unshakable relationship between doctrine and life ...PracticalTheology,SystematicTheologyReformed Forumnono Samuel Miller’s Thoughts on Public Prayer https://reformedforum.org/podcasts/ctc911/ Fri, 13 Jun 2025 12:57:47 +0000 https://reformedforum.org/?post_type=podcast&p=48435 Dead Presbyterians Society. Together, they reflect on the theology […]]]> In this episode Camden Bucey welcomes Dr. Jonathan Master, president of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and host of the new podcast Dead Presbyterians Society. Together, they reflect on the theology and practice of public prayer, drawing upon the insights of 19th-century Presbyterian theologian Samuel Miller and his underappreciated classic, Thoughts on Public Prayer.

The conversation addresses the enduring importance of prayer in the public ministry of the church. Dr. Master discusses why pastors must be both God’s mouthpiece to the people through preaching and the people’s mouthpiece to God through prayer. The episode includes a full episode of Dead Presbyterian Society, in which Master offers a deep and moving treatment of Miller’s work—highlighting frequent faults in public prayer, the characteristics of excellent prayer, and the secret devotional habits that sustain it.

Whether you’re a pastor, elder, seminarian, or thoughtful church member, this episode is a call to recover the dignity, order, and spiritual power of public prayer in Reformed worship.

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Chapters

  • 00:00:07 Introduction
  • 00:04:53 Introducing Dead Presbyterians Society
  • 00:21:22 Dead Presbyterians Society, Episode 5
  • 00:47:28 The Relative Lack of Attention Given to Public Prayer
  • 01:01:44 How to Grow in Public Prayer
  • 01:06:05 Reading Books to Help Think More Biblically
  • 01:08:30 Conclusion

Participants: ,

]]> In this episode Camden Bucey welcomes Dr Jonathan Master president of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and host of the new podcast Dead Presbyterians Society Together they reflect on the theology ...PrayerReformed Forumnono Pastoral Ministry & Calvin’s Latin Bible https://reformedforum.org/podcasts/rflive20250307/ Sat, 08 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000 https://reformedforum.org/?post_type=podcast&p=47303

In our weekly livestream for March 7, 2025, Camden Bucey first speaks with Jonathan Master about the upcoming Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary conference focused on pastoral ministry. They explore the theological significance of the pastoral office and the communal aspects of the conference.

In the second segment, Bucey speaks with David Noe, Tyson Watson, and Joan Crist about an innovative project centered on Calvin’s Latin Bible. The panel details their collaborative work to make this important historical text more accessible to contemporary readers. They address the challenges of translation, their quality control processes, and the technological solutions they’ve developed.

Joan Crist shares her personal journey to Reformed theology and explains how their project includes resources for learning Latin while engaging with Reformed theological traditions. The conversation highlights the enduring importance of liturgy and Latin in theological education, while offering insights into future developments of their digital platform.

To learn more:

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Panel Overview
  • 02:48 Upcoming Conference at Greenville Seminary
  • 05:56 Conference Speakers and Themes
  • 09:00 Missions Midweeker and Community Engagement
  • 12:08 Introduction to Calvin’s Latin Bible Project
  • 15:00 Project Background and Team Contributions
  • 17:52 Tyson Watson’s Role and Contributions
  • 21:04 Joan Crist’s Involvement
  • 24:01 Project Management and Quality Assurance
  • 30:54 Joan’s Journey to the Reformed Faith
  • 32:58 The Importance of Liturgy and Tradition
  • 35:03 The Role of the App in Faith and Learning
  • 37:57 Features of the Latin App
  • 41:55 Teaching Latin and Developing Fluency
  • 45:52 Collaborative Efforts and Contributions
  • 48:00 Future Plans for the App
  • 49:58 The Significance of Latin in Theology

Participants: , , ,

]]> Global Theological Education https://reformedforum.org/podcasts/ctc860/ Fri, 21 Jun 2024 05:00:00 +0000 https://reformedforum.org/?post_type=podcast&p=44415 In this episode, we approach the critical topic of Reformed global theological education and discipleship. Join us as we explore the unique challenges and incredible opportunities present in various regions around the world, including Hungary, Latvia, Germany, Moldova, and beyond.

We’ll hear insights from Reformed pastors and missionaries, who share their experiences and perspectives on the cultural, linguistic, and practical aspects of providing robust theological training in diverse contexts.

Tune in for a compelling discussion that not only highlights the needs but also presents actionable steps and opportunities for making a significant impact in the global Reformed community. Whether you’re a pastor, church leader, or someone passionate about theological education, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration for contributing to the advancement of Reformed theology worldwide.

Chapters

  • 00:00:06 Introduction
  • 00:01:44 An Update on Global Theological Education
  • 00:04:31 Recent Travel for Reformed Forum
  • 00:07:33 Summary of Conversations with Pastors and Missionaries
  • 00:24:14 Supporting Global Theological Education
  • 00:30:45 Paul Sanduleac, Moldova
  • 00:37:07 Raul Profire, Romania
  • 00:42:29 Jaroslav, Belarus
  • 00:48:26 Artis Celmins, Latvia
  • 00:53:49 Imre Szöke, Hungary
  • 01:02:47 Peter Szabo, Hungary
  • 01:03:40 Andreas Repp, Germany
  • 01:13:56 Jonathan Master of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
  • 01:33:09 Joshua Gielow of TruthXchange
  • 01:39:13 Conclusion

Participants: , ,

]]> In this episode we approach the critical topic of Reformed global theological education and discipleship Join us as we explore the unique challenges and incredible opportunities present in various regions ...MissionsReformed Forumnono Training and Equipping Missionaries https://reformedforum.org/podcasts/ctc850/ Fri, 12 Apr 2024 05:00:00 +0000 https://reformedforum.org/?post_type=podcast&p=43448 Christ the Center is on the road as Camden Bucey speaks with two guests from the Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary Conference. This episode explores Reformed theology and its profound impact […]]]> Christ the Center is on the road as Camden Bucey speaks with two guests from the Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary Conference. This episode explores Reformed theology and its profound impact on missions. Camden is joined by Chad Vegas, founding pastor of Sovereign Grace Church and founding board chairman of Radius International, along with Jonathan Master, president of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, to explore the vital relationship between theological education and missionary work.

The conversation covers a broad spectrum, from the excitement surrounding the seminary’s annual spring conference to the innovative partnership between Greenville Seminary and Radius International, aimed at equipping the next generation for church planting among unreached language groups. Chad Vegas also shares his personal journey from a dispensationalist background to embracing Reformed theology and the inception of Radius International. This episode sheds light on the challenges and strategies of missionary work, emphasizing the necessity of a solid biblical foundation, cultural sensitivity, and the indispensable role of the local church in sending and supporting missionaries. Join us for an engaging discussion that reaffirms the vital role of Reformed theology in advancing the gospel to the ends of the earth.

Chapters

  • [00:00:07] Introduction
  • [00:06:35] Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and a Focus on Missions
  • [00:08:35] Radius International and Church Planting among Unreached Groups
  • [00:12:43] Missionary Training and Biblical Foundations
  • [00:18:13] Historical and Theological Foundations of Missions
  • [00:23:22] A Personal Journey to Reformed Theology
  • [00:39:13] Development of Radius International
  • [00:48:24] Missionary Work and Cultural Engagement
  • [00:58:46] Evolving Role of Reformed Theology in Modern Missions
  • [01:10:09] Future Directions for Presbyterian Missions

Participants: , ,

]]> Christ the Center is on the road as Camden Bucey speaks with two guests from the Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary Conference This episode explores Reformed theology and its profound impact ...MissionsReformed Forumnono Highlights from 2023 https://reformedforum.org/podcasts/ctc835/ Fri, 29 Dec 2023 06:00:00 +0000 https://reformedforum.org/?post_type=podcast&p=42079 Since 2008, we have been taking time around New Year’s Day to bring you some of the top moments from the preceding year. We have several great clips lined up for you today.

The Top Episodes of 2023 (by YouTube views)

  1. Dan Ragusa — Preterism and 2 Peter 3 (YouTube)
  2. Gray Sutanto and Cory Brock — A Theological Introduction to Neo-Calvinism (YouTube)
  3. Greg Beale — The New Testament Use of the Old Testament (YouTube)
  4. Carlton Wynne — Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion (YouTube)
  5. Camden Bucey — The Importance of Cornelius Van Til for Today (YouTube)
  6. Jim Cassidy — Introducing and Interpreting Karl Barth (YouTube)
  7. Danny Olinger — Christianity and Liberalism: Introduction (YouTube)
  8. Lane Tipton — Exitus and Reditus in the Theology of Thomas Aquinas (YouTube)
  9. Jonathan Master — Reformed Theology (YouTube)
  10. Michael Beck — Covenant Theology and Cultural Engagement in the Thought of Meredith G. Kline (YouTube)

Chapters

  • 00:00:07 Introduction
  • 00:03:26 The Top 10 Episodes of 2023
  • 00:15:13 [Dan Ragusa] Preterism and 2 Peter 3
  • 00:24:22 [Gray Sutanto and Cory Brock] A Theological Introduction to Neo-Calvinism
  • 00:30:14 [Greg Beale] The New Testament Use of the Old Testament
  • 00:39:28 [Carlton Wynne] Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion
  • 00:46:58 [Camden Bucey] The Importance of Cornelius Van Til for Today
  • 01:00:24 [Jim Cassidy] Introducing and Interpreting Karl Barth
  • 01:12:16 [Danny Olinger] Christianity and Liberalism: Introduction
  • 01:16:59 [Lane Tipton] Exitus and Reditus in the Theology of Thomas Aquinas
  • 01:25:09 [Jonathan Master] Reformed Theology
  • 01:34:52 [Michael Beck] Covenant Theology and Cultural Engagement in the Thought of Meredith G. Kline
  • 01:40:52 Conclusion

Participants: , , , , , , , , , ,

]]> Since 2008 we have been taking time around New Year s Day to bring you some of the top moments from the preceding year We have several great clips lined ...BiblicalTheology,J.GreshamMachen,ModernChurch,NewTestament,SystematicTheologyReformed Forumnono Reformed Theology https://reformedforum.org/podcasts/ctc808/ Fri, 23 Jun 2023 05:00:00 +0000 https://reformedforum.org/?post_type=podcast&p=40319 Reformed Theology (P&R Publishing), which is part of the Blessings of the Faith series edited by Jason Helopoulos. Master provides a concise and […]]]> Dr. Jonathan Master speaks about his book, Reformed Theology (P&R Publishing), which is part of the Blessings of the Faith series edited by Jason Helopoulos. Master provides a concise and accessible introduction to the historic and orthodox Christian tradition of Reformed theology. In this book, he emphasizes the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, and the grace of salvation, while also demonstrating its biblical coherence and pastoral warmth. This resource is ideal for church leaders, study groups, and individuals who want a well-rounded overview of Reformed theology.

Jonathan Master is President of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary near Greenville, South Carolina.

Chapters

  • 00:07 Introduction
  • 04:14 Update on Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
  • 11:57 Reformed Theology
  • 14:48 What Does It Mean to be Reformed?
  • 24:52 Dr. Master’s Path to Becoming Reformed
  • 28:49 The Intended Audience of the Book
  • 32:48 The Role of Covenant Theology
  • 41:01 Creeds and Confessions
  • 45:13 Reformed Theology and the Ministry of the Holy Spirit
  • 49:54 The Reformed Motivation for Missions and Evangelism
  • 54:03 Conclusion

Links

Select Publications by Jonathan Master

  • A Question of Consensus: The Doctrine of Assurance After the Westminster Confession (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2015)
  • The God We Worship, ed. (P&R Publications, 2016)
  • On Reforming Worship, ed. with David Hall (Covenant Publications, 2018)
  • Growing in Grace (Banner of Truth, 2020)

Participants: ,

]]> Dr Jonathan Master speaks about his book Reformed Theology P R Publishing which is part of the Blessings of the Faith series edited by Jason Helopoulos Master provides a concise ...SystematicTheology,TheReformationReformed Forumnono