I know what you're thinking. "Ah, there it is! Here is the Calvinism! I knew it was coming; the name of the blog totally gave it away. Here's the Calvinism coming out!" And I'm going to be honest with you....kinda. I'm not going to really be defending any part of Reformed theology; at least not here. (more on that in a minute) Rather, I'm going to defend why my doctrine is what it is.
I believe Scripture. All of it. Period. I love it. It is my highest authority that I can touch and see right now. So when I'm labeled as "Reformed" or "Calvinist", I don't neccessarily take offense to that; but understand I follow Scripture; and what it says is what I beleive. When I'm having any discussion, my position is from Scripture. All of it. Period. I'll be really honest, it doesn't matter what Piper says, or what Washer says, or what Adrian Rogers said, or what Calvin said, or what Luther said. I'm not interested in the "What saith Calvin?" Rather, my convictions come from "Thus saith the Lord"
So may it never be said that I'm a Calvinist because I follow Calvin. Who is Calvin? Calvin did not purchase my justification. That is Christ. Calvin did not free me from sin and guilt. That was Christ. Luther and Piper are not my highest joy. That is Christ.
I believe in Scripture, Reformed Theology just so happens to be so clearly laid out in Scripture for me that I cannot disagree with it. I have prayed, wept, studied, and resisted, only to end up where I'm at now. I have no desire to be wrong. I fully understand that if I'm wrong, I have the strong likelihood of leading many people down a road of falsehood. God help me if I do that. I fully understand that if I'm wrong, I will have to give an account for what I say. And may God have mercy on me if that's the case. If I were to be wrong, whatever the Lord would say to me is fair and right. But I do not believe this is the case.
And please, understand, I'm not against people disagreeing with me. There are men who have had at least some impact, if not a great impact on my life, do not agree with me-my father one of them. And it's ok. They are not heretics for disagreeing with me. I love them, I pray for them daily. Though we disagree, though I think they are wrong, they love Christ, and that is what is important to me. I would actually rather talk to a million Free Wills who love Christ than a single Calvinist who has no grace in his or her life.
"I am afraid there are Calvinists, who, while they account it a proof of their humility that they are willing in words to debase the creature, and to give all the glory of salvation to the Lord, yet know not what manner of spirit they are of. Whatever it be that makes us trust in ourselves that we are comparatively wise or good, so as to treat those with contempt who do not subscribe to our doctrines, or follow our party, is a proof and fruit of a self-righteous spirit. Self-righteousness can feed upon doctrines, as well as upon good works; and a man may have the heart of a Pharisee, while his head is stored with orthodox notions of the unworthiness of the creature and the riches of free grace." - John Newton
And I've not always been the most gracious. I've not always been the most calm. I've not always been the most open minded, and I'm sorry for that. I'm sorry for those who may have thought I was cold and uncompassionate. I promise, that's not who I am; that's not the person Christ has called me to be, and i must walk in humility every day. And it's a struggle for me, I have no problem being open and admitting my past faults, and even my present faults. Approach me with grace or with a question and I'll gladly help with grace and love. I can promise you that.
But there are some that approach me for alternative reasons. There are some who do not seek to learn, or hear alternative views, or to sharpen one another. There are some who, as a said tonight, just need their ego stroked. There are some who merely want to make arguments, start theologiacal "discussions", aren't willing to listen and learn.
They have been spoon fed everything. They can preach well, teach well, believe the Scriptures, but have no compassion. Humility is not their strong suit, but they call us arrogant. Grace is never exteneded, but they call us graceless. They have been silenced time and time again, and their arrogance screams and fits, "Feed me!" and so they come back again, ready to discuss. Ready to attack. And yet we're the ones who pick fights? Sadly, no.
Some of them have been invited to participate in friendly conversations, public conversations; so that those who are willing to also develop their own doctrine may do so without prejudice. And they refused, which is their right. But in the same week, are back on the attack. But never organized, never calmly, never face to face. Only in passing.
I can- very easily- defend my doctrine. And will to any person who comes to be seeking to talk. And I would love to pull away the blinders and misconceptions with truth not just seasoned, but covered in grace and desire to see people grow in Christ. But I will not be attacked for my beliefs. I will not be constantly bashed for simply seeing the Doctrines of Grace in Scripture, believing them, or preaching them. Remember the article? Remember how we were all pissed that we had not attacked anyone on anything, and we were crtiqued. Here it is! Here is exactly the fuel to the fodder! Here is what they are complaining about! Here lies the problem! But who is responsible? Who is attacking? Who is making the statuses, and the snide comments, and the bogus remarks? The angry, arrogant, non-loving Calvinists? No! Not them! But the few. The minority who give the fighting reputation.
It must stop. These men should realize that their arrogance is hurting only themselves. If it is a discussion, they should calmly engage. They should not call for truces then continue on. This constant attacking- from either side- is not gaining anything. The discussions are good. if they are in grace, if they are benefitting Christ, if they are of a friendly nature-even when heated- are good and beneficial. But ducking and dodging except when one has numbers. Either come and discuss or shy away
Unless I am convinced by Scripture and by plain reason in those Scriptures that I have presented, for my conscience is captive to the Word of God, I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand; I can do no other. God help me. Amen.
SDG
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