Samuel Rutherford

(c. 1600 – 1661)

Rutherford is best known for his devotional letters many of which were written from exile in Aberdeen. He played a major role in the Covenanting Revolution in Scotland and at the Westminster Assembly in formulating the Westminster Standards. He was one of the foremost theologians and apologists for Presbyterianism in the seventeenth century. His Lex, Rex was an important rebuttal of the divine right of kings theory.

 

 

 

 

 

Lex Rex

Lex Rex

Our ideas of political power and its limitations were significantly shaped by Reformed writers like Samuel Rutherford and his book, Lex, Rex (The Law and the King)

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Is Uncertainty a Virtue?

Is Uncertainty a Virtue?

The tide of uncertainty is influencing some evangelicals in subtle ways. Samuel Rutherford tells us to examine the truth to gain certainty.

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Spiritual Summer Time

Spiritual Summer Time

It is good for our growth to have a variety of spiritual seasons. The important matter is to make best use of our current condition. Samuel Rutherford explains what to look for.

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The Christ We Do Not Know

The Christ We Do Not Know

There is always more to know and discover not only about but in Christ. That should inspire humble awe. Samuel Rutherford lamented how little he had grasped. We need to wonder together with him at so glorious a Saviour.

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10 Signs of a Spiritual Person

10 Signs of a Spiritual Person

Spirituality is such a vague concept these days–both inside and outside the Church. Many people would like to think they are a spiritual person. Here are 10 biblical ways to recognise someone who is spiritual.

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New Year Revolutions

New Year Revolutions

Samuel Rutherford suggests some spiritual priorities, rather than New Year resolutions, that would turn our lives upside down were we to embrace them fully.

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7 Reasons Why God Permits Sin

7 Reasons Why God Permits Sin

The is a practical matter. We need to know that God is not powerless and defeated by it but rather that He overrules it to a greater good and His greater glory.

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Political Power and its Limitations

Our ideas of political power and its limitations were significantly shaped by Reformed writers like Samuel Rutherford and his book, Lex, Rex (The Law and the King) The book is a hammer blow against state claims for absolute power and so they had it publicly burned. We live in times when politics is polarising to an extraordinary degree. In many democratic countries there is a drift towards autocracy. On the other hand some want to take us into an anarchy where valued liberties and principles are discarded. What are the lessons we can learn today?