The Pactum

Theological Discussion for Christ's Church The Pactum is shorthand for the Latin Pactum Salutis. The Pactum Salutis is the trinitarian covenant made before the foundation of the world spoken of in texts such as Ephesians 1 and John 17. It is also known as the covenant of redemption. According to the pactum salutis, the triune God who works all things after the counsel of His will commits to save elect sinners. Since the pactum salutis is the basis for all of God’s work in human history, we find The Pactum a fitting banner for our conversations of all things theological.

Ep. 236 - The Pactum and the Gospel

This episode comes from the first session at the 2025 Pactum Conference, God's Great Gospel. Patrick Abendroth speaks on the pactum and the gospel.

10-15
36:03

Ep. 235 - The Holy Spirit and Evangelism

In this episode, Pat and Mike highlight insights about the Holy Spirit that can help you in evangelism.

10-08
36:37

Ep. 234 - Pat on the Pactum

This week on The Pactum we are giving you the inside look at all things Pat. Get to know Pat, what makes him tick, his heart for ministry, and more.

10-01
46:55

Ep. 233 - King

In this episode, Pat is joined by Mike Abendroth to talk about his latest book, "King: How the Sovereignty of God Changes Everything." Mike is the Senior Pastor at Bethlehem Bible Church in West Boylston, MA. He is the author of many books including Law & Gospel: A Primer and is the host of No Compromise Radio.

09-24
39:34

Ep. 232 - Friendship

In this episode Pat is joined by fellow elder and friend, Todd Swift, to talk about friendship and life in ministry.

09-17
36:45

Ep. 231 - Pactum Responsum

In this responsum episode, we answer listener questions on topics from covenant theology, good works, suffering and hope, and more. Resources mentioned in this episode: - The Giver of Life by J.V. Fesko - The Bruised Reed by Richard Sibbes - Be Thou My Vision by Jonathan Gibson - The Psalms: A Christ-Centered Commentary by Christopher Ash - More Than Heaven by T. Jeff Taylor - Review: More Than Heaven by Harrison Perkins

09-10
48:22

Ep. 230 - Philippians

In this episode, Pat and Mike talk through some highlights of the book of Philippians

09-03
35:43

Ep. 229 - Christological Heresies

It's the 1700 year anniversary of the council of Nicaea, so Pat and Mike are talking about Christological heresies. Listen in as they talk through observations that can help christians. Resources mentioned in this episode: - Know the Heretics by Justin Holcomb - The Person of Christ: An Introduction by Stephen Wellum

08-27
40:59

Ep. 228 - Re-Entry

Pat and Mike are back from a summer break and are re-entering the Pactumverse. Listen in as they talk about what has been happening over the summer, what's coming up for the Pactum, and details on the 2025 Pactum Conference.

08-20
39:10

Ep. 227 - Journeys with Jesus

All Christians agree that the Bible is important, but understanding what it means by what it says is more challenging. And more challenging still is how the Bible is to be taught. In this episode, Pat is joined by Dennis Johnson to talk about understanding and communicating the Bible as Christians and like Christians. Dennis Johnson is Professor Emeritus of Practical Theology at Westminster Seminary California, where he was a founding member of the faculty in 1982. He is the author of numerous books including Him We Proclaim, Walking with Jesus through His Word, and Journeys with Jesus.

06-04
01:02:08

Ep. 226 - God's Two Words

When we fail to recognize the distinction between the law and the gospel, we fail to read the Bible like Christians. So wouldn’t it be nice if we had a teaching tool, like a catechism, to help us with this crucial distinction? Thankfully, we do! Pat is joined today by Jay Wipf, author of the newly released Learning God's Two Words: A Brief Catechism on the Law and the Gospel. Jay is also the co-host of the RenewalCast. You can find more from Jay and connect with him at https://lawgospelcatechism.com

05-28
20:21

Ep. 225 - Taught of God

Have we been misguided when it comes to Bible interpretation? Joining Pat to talk about hermeneutics in this episode is Brandon D. Smith. Brandon is a professor at Oklahoma Baptist University, the host of the Church Grammar podcast, and author of Taught by God: Ancient Hermeneutics for the Modern Church.

05-21
45:45

Ep. 224 - More Than Heaven

Is there a coming judgment day for believers? On this episode of the Pactum, Pat is joined by T. Jeff Taylor who says, “There is no coming Judgment Day for the believer.” T. Jeff Taylor s a retired pastor, a graduate of Westminster Seminary California, the author of the book More Than Heaven: A Biblical Theological Argument for a Federal View of Glorification, and one who has done an excellent job of distilling the theological instruction of Meredith Kline. You can find more from Jeff on his website.

05-14
46:30

Ep. 223 - Celebrity Crushes

Meet your heroes! That is a favorite saying on The Pactum because showing honor where honor is due is one thing, but hero worship by Christians is just gross. And it is a real thing. On this episode Pat and Mike talk about Christian Celebrity Crushes. Resources mentioned in this episode: - Ordinary by Michael Horton

05-07
44:04

Ep. 222 - What is Faith?

If you have been a Christian for even a brief time you know that Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches clearly that salvation is by grace through faith. But ask ten different people to define faith, and you may get ten different answers! In this episode, Pat and Mike talk about matters related to faith. What is it? What about faithfulness? Do people really oppose sola fide? Resources mentioned in this episode: - What is Faith by J. Gresham Machen - The Giver of Life by J.V. Fesko - Subjective and Objective Justification from LCMS

04-30
47:13

Ep. 221 - Mission to Rome

In this episode, Pat is joined by Johnny Gravino to talk about gospel ministry in Rome, Italy. You can find more about Johnny Gravino at Lifegate Worldwide

04-23
41:03

Ep. 220 - The Reformatory

In this episode Pat is joined by Josh Lofthus to talk about life, ministry, and his podcast, The Reformatory. You can find more from Josh and The Reformatory on X @joshlofthus or @reformatorypod

04-16
38:54

Ep. 219 - Pactum Responsum

Listen in to this Pactum Responsum episode where we answer listener questions. Resources mentioned in this episode: - Reformed Covenant Theology: A Systematic Introduction by Harrison Perkins - More Than Heaven: A Biblical Theological Argument for a Federal View of Glorification by Jeff Taylor - 40 Questions About Typology and Allegory by Mitchell Chase

04-09
46:03

Ep. 218 - Sports

Is the Bible pro sports? What is the ultimate motivation for an athlete? Listen in as Pat, joined by his son, Owen, talk about christians and sports.

04-02
30:08

Ep. 217 - The Plan of Salvation

From start to finish, salvation belongs to the Lord! In this episode, Pat and Mike talk about the book The Plan of Salvation by B.B. Warfield. You can download a free PDF of The Plan of Salvation here.

03-26
35:48

Ron Reffett

Great episode as always!!! Love Pat and Mike! Look forward to Wednesday's more than ever now!

09-01 Reply

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