Thread: Calvinism Appearing in Unexpected and Innapropriate Places
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Calvinism Appearing in Unexpected and Innapropriate Places
Posted : 8 Oct, 2013 09:14 AM
Here is a lament from an Open Theist (a logically consistent Arminian). It seems that "young people" are getting tired of the impotent realities of Arminianist theology and are looking for some theological meat. Poor Roger is in despair over this. :laugh:
"I receive e-mail all the time (too many to respond to) from pastors, lay people, and even theologians (college, university and seminary professors) informing me about this infection of Calvinism in their denominations and related institutions. Usually they want some advice about how to handle this."
What do we do now? The truth is "infecting" our buildings. :laugh:
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Calvinism Appearing in Unexpected (and Innapropriate) Places
September 19, 2013
Due to the rise of what my friend Scot McKnight calls �neo-Puritanism� (what others have labeled �the new Calvinism� or just �resurgent Calvinism�) TULIP Calvinism is popping up in places it does not belong. Especially young men are reading John Piper, Mark Driscoll, Matt Chandler, even Michael Horton, and taking this new found theology �home� with them into the denominations they grew up in or have joined. Often those denominations are historically averse to Calvinism�such as Wesleyan-Holiness, Pentecostal and Anabaptist ones.
Often these denominations did not have the foresight to expect this influx of �young, restless, Reformed� people and so never wrote statements of faith that explicitly excluded TULIP. Their whole, entire ethoses were contrary to TULIP, however, and �five point Calvinism� is completely foreign to their histories and theologies.
I receive e-mail all the time (too many to respond to) from pastors, lay people, and even theologians (college, university and seminary professors) informing me about this infection of Calvinism in their denominations and related institutions. Usually they want some advice about how to handle this.
Now, let�s be clear about what I�m talking about and am NOT talking about. Many denominations are historically-theologically, confessionally Calvinist. Of course I�m not talking about them. They are where Calvinists belong!
Then there are many other denominations that are historically-theologically open to Calvinism; Calvinism has long been accepted as a live option within them. An example would be certain Baptist denominations such as the Southern Baptist Convention. I see no problem with Calvinists belonging to these denominations and even promoting Calvinism within them�so long as they do it fairly (not misrepresenting other views or implying that Calvinism is the only legitimate Christian theology).
Finally, though, there are denominations that are historically-theologically rooted in theological-spiritual movements antithetical to Calvinism. What I mean is that these denominations� prototypes (founders, leading spokespersons, etc.) were set against Calvinism and everyone knows that. Some of them have authoritative confessional documents that rule out Calvinism. Some do not. Either they never suspected that Calvinism would come into them or they are non-creedal and non-confessional �Bible only� denominations that eschew written statements of faith.
What are some examples of denominations that historically-theologically (doctrinal statements, prototypes) are against Calvinism such that TULIP Calvinism is not only �new� to them but also contrary to their historical-theological ethos? Well, all Wesleyan denominations, all Restorationist (Christian/Churches of Christ) denominations, all Anabaptist denominations, and all Pentecostal denominations.
Some years ago a well-known president of a leading, independent evangelical seminary, a man who happens to be strongly Reformed, informed me that �There are Reformed Pentecostals, you know.� He clearly meant Calvinist Pentecostals. My response (having grown up Pentecostal and read many books about Pentecostalism and having published some articles about it) was that in Pentecostal circles �Reformed Pentecostal� means NOTHING other than �non-Wesleyan, non-perfectionist.� In other words, �Reformed Pentecostals� (a misnomer but a commonly used one) means Pentecostals who do not believe in a �third definite work of grace��entire sanctification in this life. This is one of the major divisions among Pentecostals (historically speaking). Some believe in entire sanctification as a definite experience subsequent to conversion and Spirit baptism and some do not. But �Reformed Pentecostal� definitely does not mean �Calvinist Pentecostal.�
Are there Calvinist Pentecostals? I knew a few when I was growing up Pentecostal. One I knew, a youth pastor and evangelist, claimed to be �Calvinist� ONLY because he had come to believe in the doctrine of �the eternal security of the believer��a doctrine rare among Pentecostals and one that, by itself, does not constitute �Calvinism.� So, in reality, no. I have never known or heard of a TULIP Calvinist Pentecostal pastor or leader. If such exists, it�s an extreme rarity and anomaly.
TULIP Calvinism is absolutely foreign to those denominations and traditions I mentioned above. And yet I am now receiving e-mails from concerned Mennonites, Nazarenes, Pentecostals, Independent Christians, etc., notifying me that many young pastors among them have adopted TULIP Calvinism. They are almost pulling their hair out wondering how to stop this trend.
My first advice to them would be: Buy a few hundred copies of Against Calvinism (by yours truly) and pass them out to young pastors! Or require young pastors to read it�or something like it (although I don�t personally know of any relatively light book that does what it does).
My second advice is to rediscover and re-enliven your denomination�s historical-theological roots and ethos and make clear that TULIP Calvinism is foreign, if not anathema, to it.
My third advice is to confront young pastors (and other influencers) about their TULIP Calvinism and make clear they must recognize it as foreign to the denomination�s history and ethos, if not its doctrinal standards, and insist that they hold it as opinion and not promote it as �the� only biblical and God-honoring theology.
This is exactly the advice Calvinist pastors, leaders, theologians would give if the situation were reversed. Imagine an influx of Arminians into, say, a Presbyterian or Reformed denomination! Well, of course, most of those have confessional standards that rule out Arminianism. And yet some of those denominations have not enforced every jot and tittle of their confessional standards. They have permitted limited diversity�sometimes including something like Arminianism. But suppose a whole bunch of aggressive, young, passionate Arminians suddenly flooded into those denominations? I guarantee their leaders would be nervous and follow the suggestions I provided above (about dealing with the opposite problem).
I have said here before, several times, that I value Christian unity and denominational particularity. I think denominations should resist being swayed by fads and trends�especially ones that would move them to become something entirely different than they were historically and theologically.
Frankly, little sets my theological teeth on edge quite so much as �Calvinist Mennonite� or �Calvinist Pentecostal� or �Calvinist Nazarene.� These should be oxymorons�just like �Arminian Reformed� and �Arminian Presbyterian� and �Arminian Lutheran� and �Protestant Catholic� (or �Catholic Protestant!�). Now, as I have made clear here many time (I have to keep repeating myself for newcomers): I do not think Calvinists are less Christian than Arminians or vice versa. But they are wrong theologically. From their perspective, Arminianism is wrong theologically (so I�m not being unfair or insulting). And these are not unimportant matters. It�s natural that churches and church-related institutions take a stand for or against Calvinism or Arminianism�without breaking all fellowship and cooperation. It�s the same (IMHO) as baptism�a church that baptizes both infants and mature believers is confused about baptism. People who take baptism seriously ought to go to a church that baptizes ONLY persons they think are appropriately (biblically, theologically) eligible for baptism according to a theology of what baptism is and is not.
To Calvinists in historically-theologically non-Calvinist denominations I say �Come out from among them and be separate!� Or, at least �Respect the historical-theological ethos of your denomination and don�t use your Calvinism to try to change it into something it never was.� I would say the same to Arminians in historically-theologically Calvinist denominations (if there are any).
Calvinism Appearing in Unexpected and Innapropriate Places
Posted : 8 Oct, 2013 09:35 AM
The groom of Secular Humanism and it's bride of Ecclesiastical Arminianism are crumbling to the ground all around us. (I should write an article on this) These "twin towers" will soon be dust. Rejoice in the Lord all ye saints.
Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength: For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust. Isa 26:4-5
Calvinism Appearing in Unexpected and Innapropriate Places
Posted : 8 Oct, 2013 12:46 PM
dljrno4 has quoted A. W. Pink who claims, "There is not a single condition for them {saints} to meet, not a single responsibility for them to discharge in order to attain their eternal bliss."
However, in the same breath it should also be stated there are many things that the saints can do that will effect their eternal bliss!!
2 Peter 1:5-11: Make every effort to add to you faith {A FREE GIFT} goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and **LOVE**. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective...and will make your calling and election sure...and you will receive a *RICH WELCOME* into our Eternal Kingdom of Jesus Christ!
By saying REWARDS are not *EARNED* by the saints contradicts over 50 passages from the inspired Words of God and removes one of the most important incentives for obeying all of the NT commands with love with the hope countless eternal *REWARDS* for faithful and loving service!!
Daniel 12:3: Those who impart wisdom {NIV} will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness. like the stars for ever and ever!
Revelation 2:18; 3:21: Jesus says, "To him who overcomes I will give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it....And I will give the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne."
Jesus says, "At the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne...Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for My sake will receive 100 times as much !!" Matthew 19:28,29
SALVATION IS 100% FREE BUT HEAVENLY REWARDS ARE 100% EARNED:
Hebrews 11:1,6: Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see....And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He **REWARDS** those who earnestly seek Him!!
Ephesians 6:8: Serve wholeheartedly , as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will **REWARD** everyone for what ever good he does!.
Revelation 22:12 Jesus says, �Behold I am coming soon! My **REWARD** is with Me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done!�
Matthew 16:27: Jesus says, �The Son of Man is going to come in His Father's glory with His angels and THEN He will **REWARD** each person according to what he has done!�
2 Corinthians 5:9,10: We make it our goal to please Him... for we must all appear before the Judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
1 Corinthians 3:13-15: His work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives , he will receive his **REWARD**. If it is burned up he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.
Colossians 3:23-25: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, siince you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a **REWARD**. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
How to Win Heavenly CROWNS:
I Corinthians 9:24-27: Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes in to strict training. They do it to get a **CROWN that will not last; but we do it to get a **CROWN THAT WILL LAST FOREVER! Therefore, I do not run like a man running aimlessly. I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize!
2 John 1:8: Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be **REWARDED** fully!. Revelation 3:11: Jesus says, �I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your **CROWN!�
2 Timothy 4:7,8: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the **CROWN of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge,will award to me on that day�and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing!
The **CROWN of Life for those who persevere under trials and persecution:
James 1:12: Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the **CROWN OF LIFE that God has promised to those who **LOVE** Him!
Revelation 2:10 Jesus says, �Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer... Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the **CROWN OF LIFE!�
Matthew 5:11,12: Jesus says, �Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, beacuase great is your **REWARD** in heaven!�
Hebrews 10:32-36: Remember those earlier days after you had received the Light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of sufferin. Sometimes you were publicaly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly **REWARDED**. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you receive what He has promised!
Calvinism Appearing in Unexpected and Innapropriate Places
Posted : 8 Oct, 2013 12:49 PM
P774,
Whatever DLJRN said in another post has nothing to do with this post. For the umpteenth time, please kindly refrain from perpetually spamming and TROLLING my threads.
Calvinism Appearing in Unexpected and Innapropriate Places
Posted : 8 Oct, 2013 01:50 PM
There are many Calvinists who claim that every saints will receive the same eternal bliss. But what does God's Word say??
Matthew 16:27: Jesus says, �The Son of Man is going to come in His Father's glory with His angels and THEN He will **REWARD** each person according to what he has done!�
2 Corinthians 5:9,10: We make it our goal to please Him... for we must all appear before the Judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
1 Corinthians 3:13-15: His work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives , he will receive his **REWARD**. If it is burned up he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.
Colossians 3:23-25: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, siince you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a **REWARD**. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
Calvinism Appearing in Unexpected and Innapropriate Places
Posted : 8 Oct, 2013 01:55 PM
Hbr 10:1
The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming�not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship.
Calvinism Appearing in Unexpected and Innapropriate Places
Posted : 9 Oct, 2013 01:59 PM
Heb 10:1 KJB:PCE
FOR the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
This verse fundamentally teaches us two things.
1. That legal sacrifices were insufficient to fully atone for sin.
2. Proof of this first conclusion drawn out by the evidence that those sacrifices had to be offered year after year.
