Just checking back with you. I know we pop in and out of forums, so things are easily missed. But just as you went back to clarify your point, I'm going back to clarify mine.
True. I am now trying to catch up on 25 replies, lol.
1. It is not a matter of trusting MacArthur, and certainly not one of slander. It is not one of friendship over truth. It is, however, one of recognizing biases where they exist. I've overlooked things about MacArthur the "theologian" for a long time because I love so much MacArthur the pastor, preacher, and teacher. We do not build upon men. As wonderful and useful as sand may be, it is not a good foundation.
I look at it from a perspective of, first, MacArthur is probably the first Teacher I would recommend people to, because he is, of most out there, the most solid Teacher they are going to find. So when people talk bad about him I see it as cutting off a resource which I can say from experience has greatly helped me, on a number of fronts.
Secondly, when people are diminutive about MacArthur being a "Theologian," it is laughable. I would like to know why it is that there are those here that think the very "education" (formal) which indoctrinates people into a System...makes one a "Theologian?"
How many of those used of God to lead, prophecy, teach, and write the very Word of God...had formal training?
2. I am a moderator on this board, but I am also a member of this board. I am not here to make sure that truth is what prevails but that we discuss differences within a Christian manner and in accordance with the rules of the BB. I will fail at the task, but I will give it my best. If it is truth you are seeking, the prayerfully study God's Word. If it is doctrine you are looking for, then go to your church. If it is an online forum for Christian discussion, debate, and fellowship then you are in the right place.
Being a Moderator should take precedent, Jon, because it is grave responsibility that demands of you a higher standard. You are responsible to God to be Just in how you Moderate, and it is to God you will give account. Not really any different than being a Judge in a Court of Law. And if you do not view it ias just a grave responsibility, then I might suggest you withdraw from the position.
3. I am not here to defend MacArthur. The man's work speaks for the man, not me. When it comes to Lordship Salvation I agree with MacArthur in practice. The local church is to be a discerning body of believers. By this, I mean discerning what is and what is not Christian conduct - not the heart of a man. There are many who will pass the local church standard only to prove unknown of Christ and to hear the terrifying words of
Matthew 7; and I'm inclined to believe that there is a possibility some outside of the local congregation, showing no discernible fruit, may be saved as one escaping through the flames. As I said, I believe MacArthur a good pastor.
Nor am I here to defend MacArthur, as he doesn't need me to do that, lol. His position concerning Sola Fide is clear.
4. While I believe MacArthur a good pastor, I find him a horrible theologian. When he discusses opposing views he does so by placing their view within his own context to show their inconsistencies. EXAMPLE: Arminianism holds to universal atonement (true), which means they believe Jesus died for all men (true), the logical conclusion is that there are people in hell who have been forgiven their sins (false - arguing limited atonement's definitions to reach a false conclusion). I've provided more examples on a previous post, as requested.
Look, I find issue with many great teachers, but that does not just a charge of being a "horrible theologian."
I will just ask you this: do you see yourself as a better Theologian than MacArthur?
5. MacArthur, I believe, excels in his area of expertise and gifting. He fails when he exceeds his gifting and qualifications. This is not slander or slighting the man in the least. I suspect it is true of all of us. I do not believe my dentist would make a very good medical doctor. His insights are probably not on par with one qualified to diagnose whatever non-dental medical condition I may have. Likewise, I would not have my primary physician working on my teeth. The difference in this illustration and John MacArthur is that my dentist has not written any medical books.
Not trying to be disagreeable, Jon, but I do see it as slander, because I do not see it as true.
I agree with him in regards to the one statement you quoted. And I think you need to, again, consider that it is not a matter of what those you think hold to a proper understanding of "unlimited Atonement" teach, but what the result of that teaching is when it is filtered by those less familiar with a wider scope of Doctrine.
While Christ's Sacrifice certainly has Atoning value that would in fact be sufficient to save everyone ever born, the fact remains that Salvation in Christ is Limited to those...in Christ.
So let's get rid of both doctrinal positions and seek to expound the Biblical position.
God bless.
