The similar phrase 'Worldly Christianity' is one used by Bonhoeffer. It's J Gresham Machen that I want to line up most closely with. See his Christianity and culture here. Having done commentaries on Proverbs (Heavenly Wisdom) and Song of Songs (Heavenly Love), a matching title for Ecclesiastes would be Heavenly Worldliness. For my stance on worldliness, see 3 posts here.

Westminster Conference 2016 Day One




It was a good day today at the Sally Army place on Oxford Street. We were around 120 and we are expecting more tomorrow. We began with two papers on Luther from Ken Brownell and Peter Beale. Ken dealt with the 95 Theses with some background and a 9.5 thesed summary. Peter took us through four major works (On good works, To the Christian nobility, Babylonian captivity and On Christian liberty) all from 1520 (what a productive year), The second paper coming in the graveyard shift was harder to listen to but we had a better discussion - on preaching to the nation.
The third and final paper was from James Mildred on the Puritans on repentance after which we discussed preaching faith and repentance. We were given a host of good quotations. Examples
Thomas Watson A pardon will make the hardest heart relent, and cause the stony heart to bleed: and, is it thus with us? Have we been dissolved into tears for sin. God seals his pardon upon melting hearts.
(Body of divinity)
George Swinnock 
A stroke, from guilt, from wrath, broke Judas’ heart into despair; a look from love, from Christ, broke Peter’s into tears.
Richard Sibbes 
It is not enough to leave sin for some by ends, as fear of punishment, shame, and the like; but we must loathe it also.
(Bruised Reed)
John Owen But I say also, there is no inconsistency between spiritual joy in Christ and godly sorrow for sin; yea, no man in this life shall ever be able to maintain solid joy in his heart, without the continual working of godly sorrow also; yea, there is a secret joy and refreshment in godly sorrow, equal unto the chiefest of our joys, and a great spiritual satisfaction.
(Gospel Grounds and Evidences of the Faith of God's Elect)
A good day.

No comments: