Samuel Rutherford’s Systematic Response to Arminianism

We welcome David Noe and Chad Van Dixhoorn to discuss the first volume in Reformation Heritage Books’ new edition of The Works of Samuel Rutherford: Arminianism: A Systematic and Theological Response. Noe translated the work from Latin, while Van Dixhoorn serves as general editor of the series and edited and introduced this volume.The conversation explores Rutherford’s significance as a leading theologian of seventeenth-century Scotland and a commissioner to the Westminster Assembly. Rather than treating Arminianism as merely five disputed points of salvation, Rutherford examines it as a theological system reaching into the doctrine of God, divine simplicity, providence, human freedom, ecclesiology, and the sacraments. The guests also discuss the challenges of translating scholastic Latin, recovering manuscripts, correcting citations, and preparing a projected twenty-volume edition.Learn more at reformedforum.org/ctc969.Chapters0:00 Introduction2:08 David Noe joins the conversation5:45 Translation projects and Calvin’s Latin Bible12:41 Reformed worship and the declaration of pardon15:29 The Works of Samuel Rutherford, Volume 117:47 A twenty-volume publishing project22:22 Samuel Rutherford and the Westminster Assembly23:54 Why Rutherford addressed Arminianism27:54 Why the book is more than an “examination”30:23 Arminianism as a theological system31:58 Divine simplicity and the doctrine of God33:56 Middle knowledge, freedom, and providence36:03 Rutherford’s pastoral and rhetorical power41:57 Ecclesiology, sacraments, and scholastic method45:02 The craft and challenges of translation49:16 Difficult texts and inaccurate citations54:38 A second manuscript enters the project56:04 Translating Homer and the meaning of polytropos60:16 How to read Rutherford fruitfully62:55 Chad Van Dixhoorn joins the conversation63:19 Rutherford’s stature in Scottish theology66:10 Arminianism involves more than five points68:20 The origins and scope of the Rutherford series70:38 The search for unpublished letters and sermons73:35 Rutherford’s final years and posthumous legacy76:59 Assessing Rutherford’s polemical judgments82:02 Why the volume remains valuable today83:30 What is next for the series85:02 ConclusionMentioned in this episode:Join Us In Person: Four Upcoming Reformed Forum EventsBefore today's episode, Camden Bucey shares four opportunities to gather with Reformed Forum in person over the coming months: Apologetics and Evangelism Seminar — August 4–5, 2026, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Taylors, SC. Camden Bucey and Carlton Wynne lecture on apologetics and evangelism for the pastor at the GPTS Summer Seminar. Details: https://reformedforum.org/event/apologetics-and-evangelism-seminar-greenville-sc/ Discovering Christ in All of Scripture — August 28–29, 2026, Cahaba Park Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, AL. A Friday evening and Saturday morning seminar exploring how every part of Scripture reveals God's redemptive plan in Jesus Christ. Details: https://reformedforum.org/event/birmingham-alabama-seminar/ 2026 Annual Theology Conference — September 25–26, 2026, Lakeland Church, Gurnee, IL. The Covenant of Grace: One Savior, One People, One Purpose, featuring Dr. G. K. Beale. Early-bird pricing ends August 31. Register: https://rf26.reformedforum.org/ Christ the Center 1000th Episode Celebration — February 19–20, 2027, Hilton Austin, Austin, TX. A live recording of episode 1,000, a shared dinner, and conversations with longtime friends of the ministry. Details: https://reformedforum.org/event/christ-the-center-1000th-episode-celebration/ Seats are limited — register today at https://reformedforum.org/events