JIRBS 2026
The 2026 Journal of International Reformed Baptist Seminary brings together six substantial articles on biblical interpretation, the knowledge of God, and the person and work of Jesus Christ. Rooted in the theology of the Second London Confession of Faith, this issue offers careful scholarship for pastors, theological students and church members seeking a deeper understanding of the Christian faith.
Drew N. Grumbles examines how Scripture’s confession of one God should govern our interpretation of the Old Testament. Keith A. Mathison critically assesses Richard Gaffin’s interpretation of 1 Corinthians 2:6–16 in support of Cornelius Van Til’s understanding of human knowledge. Richard C. Barcellos traces echoes of the exodus in Colossians 1:12–14, drawing out the Old Testament foundations of Paul’s teaching on redemption in Christ.
Two complementary articles turn directly to the excellence of the Saviour. Cameron G. Porter explores the importance of the doctrine of Christ for Scripture, salvation, the church and Christian hope. James P. Butler considers the inseparable relationship between Christ’s person and his saving work through chapter eight of the Second London Confession.
D. Scott Meadows completes the articles with a defence of historic Protestant principles of interpretation, applied to the confessional identification of the papal Antichrist.
The volume also includes five book reviews covering classical theism, frequent communion, Numbers, law and gospel, and the theological foundations of counselling.
Edited by James M. Renihan, with Richard C. Barcellos as Managing Editor, JIRBS 2026 encourages the careful study of Scripture in service of sound preaching, faithful churches and a fuller knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Articles & Book Reviews
| Article | Contributor | Page |
|---|---|---|
| The Shema: Standard or Supplement? | Drew N. Grumbles | 1 |
| First Corinthians 2:6–16 and Cornelius Van Til | Keith A. Mathison | 37 |
| Echoes of the Exodus in Colossians 1:12–14 | Richard C. Barcellos | 85 |
| The Importance of the Doctrine of Christ | Cameron G. Porter | 101 |
| The Importance of the Work of Christ | James P. Butler | 143 |
| In Praise of Pre-Critical Hermeneutics | D. Scott Meadows | 151 |
| Book Review: Jordan L. Steffaniak, Classical Theism: A Christian Introduction | Daniel D. Scheiderer | 179 |
| Book Review: Gregory Soderberg, ed., John Brown of Haddington on Frequent Communion | Joshua Henson | 186 |
| Book Review: L. Michael Morales, Numbers | Joshua Wilson | 193 |
| Book Review: John Colquhoun, The Law and the Gospel | Brian J. Onstead | 197 |
| Book Review: J. V. Fesko, Theological Foundations for Counseling | J. Ryan Davidson | 205 |
