ByQuotes

John Frame Quotes

Powerful John Frame for Daily Growth

About John Frame

John S. Frame (1939-present) is an influential American Reformed theologian, philosopher, and professor emeritus at Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS). Born on July 7, 1939, in the United States, Frame's intellectual journey was significantly shaped by his upbringing in a Christian home and his early education at Wheaton College. Frame earned his Master of Divinity from Westminster Theological Seminary and his Ph.D. in philosophy from Michigan State University. His doctoral dissertation focused on the philosophical foundations of presuppositional apologetics, which has been a defining theme in his work. In 1967, Frame joined RTS where he served for over four decades, teaching various subjects including systematic theology, philosophy, and apologetics. His teachings have had a profound impact on countless students who went on to serve in pastoral ministries, academic institutions, and various Christian organizations. Frame's major works include "The Doctrine of the Knowledge of God" (1987), "Apologetics: A Justification of Christianity" (1984), and his four-volume series, "Systematic Theology": "Salvation Belongs to the Lord" (1986), "The Doctrine of God" (1987), "The Doctrine of Humanity" (1993), and "The Doctrine of the Church" (2010). These works reflect Frame's unique blend of Reformed theology, philosophy, and apologetics. Frame's work is characterized by a strong commitment to presuppositional apologetics, which emphasizes the importance of one's worldview in understanding reality. He has been influential in shaping contemporary discussions on theology, philosophy, and Christian apologetics, particularly within the Reformed community. His legacy continues to inspire and challenge scholars and students alike.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"God has not created a void for us to fill; he has created a world full of creatures eagerly expecting us."

This quote by John Frame highlights the idea that God did not create the world as an empty canvas waiting for humanity to "fill" or dominate, but rather as a vibrant ecosystem teeming with life. Each creature within it has its own unique role and purpose, and we are invited to engage and interact with them in harmony, recognizing our place within this larger web of existence. It suggests that the world is not waiting for us to claim ownership or control, but rather awaits our mutual flourishing alongside other creatures, emphasizing the importance of compassionate stewardship and respectful coexistence.

"In all our thinking about God, we should be sure that what we are saying squares with the biblical story line and does not contradict any important truths about him."

This quote emphasizes the importance of grounding all theological or philosophical interpretations of God in the context of the biblical narrative, ensuring consistency with key themes and principles found within Scripture. The author encourages us to avoid propositions that might contradict essential truths about God as revealed in the Bible, thus preserving an accurate understanding of the divine nature.

"The Bible is not primarily a book about how to be saved, but about who God is and what he has done."

This quote emphasizes that the Bible is not just a guidebook for salvation, but rather a comprehensive revelation of God's character and His actions in the world. It suggests that understanding God's nature and His works should be at the heart of our exploration of Scripture, providing us with a deeper understanding of Him and our relationship with Him.

"Theology means 'the study of God' or 'God talk.' It is the discipline that seeks understanding of God in his revelation, whether in scripture or creation."

This quote by John Frame suggests that theology is the scholarly pursuit to comprehend and interpret the nature of God as revealed in Scripture and Creation. In essence, theology is a discourse about God, aiming to gain a deep understanding of His character, attributes, and actions based on His self-revelation through His word and the world He has created.

"God's decree is not just a set of laws but a complex and intricate plan for the whole universe."

The quote by John Frame suggests that God's decree encompasses more than simply a list of rules or commandments; it represents an elaborate, intricate design or plan governing the entire cosmos. This perspective posits that every event in the universe, from the smallest atom to the grandest galaxy, unfolds according to a divine blueprint and purpose, providing a framework for understanding the order and complexity inherent within creation.

The result has been that although few conservative Presbyterian churches actually worship in the Puritan way, the Puritan theology of worship remains the standard orthodoxy among them. This discrepancy sometimes leads to guilty consciences.

- John Frame

Conservative, Been, Standard, Remains

We must be both more conservative and more liberal than most students of Christian worship: conservative in holding exclusively to God's commands in Scripture as our rule of worship, and liberal in defending the liberty of those who apply those.

- John Frame

Conservative, More, Apply, Worship

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.