The Pactum
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
40 snips
Mar 25, 2026 • 35min
Ep. 259 - Law & Gospel Recovery
They discuss recovering the law and gospel distinction and why it matters for biblical interpretation. They cover common missteps and how to avoid antinomian misunderstandings. Practical means are offered: study Scripture, justification sola fide, church history, confessions, and clear preaching. A list of books and resources is also recommended.
31 snips
Mar 18, 2026 • 43min
Ep. 258 - Law & Gospel Objections
Discussion tackles ten common objections to the law and gospel distinction. They trace its Protestant roots, defend its biblical scope from Genesis to Revelation, and distinguish it from dispensational, Marcionite, and Federal Vision misunderstandings. Practical hermeneutics and concerns about antinomianism and modern relevance are addressed. Listeners are urged to recover historic resources.
20 snips
Mar 11, 2026 • 39min
Ep. 257 - Law & Gospel Rejection
They unpack why separating law and gospel matters for reading Scripture and for core doctrines. They list many dangers that follow when the distinction is lost, from confusion about judgment to spiritual stunting and pride. Historical examples and theological pitfalls like neonomianism and antinomianism get examined. The conversation closes with warnings about division and misplaced glory.
33 snips
Mar 4, 2026 • 33min
Ep. 256 - Law & Gospel Benefits
A lively discussion on why the law and gospel distinction matters for faith and assurance. They trace its roots in Protestant tradition and explain how it guards against legalism and license. Conversation covers interpreting Scripture, spotting problematic teaching, and how this distinction magnifies Christ and shapes Christian obedience.
26 snips
Feb 25, 2026 • 45min
Ep. 255 - Law & Gospel History
A brisk tour of how the law and gospel distinction appears across church history. They trace biblical roots in Jesus and Paul, then survey patristic, Reformation, Puritan, and modern voices. Creeds and confessions are shown as defenders of this contrast across traditions. The conversation highlights key figures and doctrinal developments that shaped the antithesis.
5 snips
Feb 18, 2026 • 44min
Ep. 254 - Law & Gospel in Scripture
Pat and Mike continue their Law & Gospel series by talking about scriptural support for the law and gospel distinction.
14 snips
Feb 11, 2026 • 38min
Ep. 253 - Law & Gospel Meaning
A lively dive into the law versus gospel distinction and why it matters for understanding Scripture. They trace historical voices from Luther to modern theologians and compare commands with promises. Practical criteria and conversational examples show how to tell when Scripture demands or comforts. They also explore why the distinction faded and how it fits with covenant theology.
Feb 4, 2026 • 26min
Ep. 252 - Covenant Theology Conference
In this episode, Pat and Mike talk about the upcoming 2026 Pactum Conference on Covenant Theology.
Jan 28, 2026 • 32min
Ep. 251 - Law and Gospel Importance
In this episode, Pat and Mike begin a series on the important topic of Law and Gospel. Throughout the series they will be highlighting the meaning of law and gospel, biblical support for these categories, historical support, benefits, and so much more.
Jan 21, 2026 • 28min
Ep. 250 - Study Jonah
In this episode, Pat and Mike talk about seven compelling reasons to study the book of Jonah.
