Dr. Tipton often speaks of a radically non-speculative theology. In short, he means that faithful theologizing should be uncompromisingly tethered to and founded upon the Word of God (and our confessional standards insofar as they are founded upon God’s Word). I suppose a radically speculative theology would be entirely divorced from any such standard.

An interesting excursus is the application of justification to the O.T. elect temporally prior to the historical achievement of that justification by Christ: “Although the work of redemption was not actually wrought by Christ till after his incarnation, yet the virtue, efficacy, and benefits thereof were communicated into the elect, in all ages successively from the beginning of the world, in and by those promises, types, and sacrifices wherein he was revealed, and signified to be the seed of the woman, which should bruise the serpent’s head, and the Lamb slain from the beginning of the world, being yesterday and today the same and for ever” (WCF 8.6).

Is there any conflict here?

Thank, by the way, for this interview. I’ve listened to both the inaugural lecture and this podcast several times this week and recommended it to friends. Real spiritual meat here.

Thanks.
Bruce