What are the Main differences between reformed Baptists and other Baptists then?

[TCassidy]

The two competing eschatological systems between Baptists are Dispensationalism and Covenant Theology.

Oh oh. I am neither Dispensational nor Covenant in my theology. Where does that leave me?

 

[SovereignGrace]

You can simply say non-confessional.

I am sure that there are a variety of opinions regarding the above.

No, they are not lockstep on the matter.

Actually none believe your nonsensical view that propitiation is the "means of salvation."


Wrong again -- many non-confessional Baptist congregations only have men designated as deacons.They don't have men called elders aside from the Pastor.

On that score I'll give you one merit point.

Probably so.

Van, your score is 33%. Promise me that you will do better next time.

That's a high water mark for him. Better than the usual 0.

 

[MennoSota]

Oh oh. I am neither Dispensational nor Covenant in my theology. Where does that leave me?

Somewhere around Brownsville...

 

[Reformed]

Oh oh. I am neither Dispensational nor Covenant in my theology. Where does that leave me?

In Hoboken.


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[Reformed]

Oh oh. I am neither Dispensational nor Covenant in my theology. Where does that leave me?

Tom, do you consider yourself a confessional, RB? Not a gotcha question. Homey don't play that game.


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[Yeshua1]

It's unfortunate that this has happened. The OP is a proper subject for a Baptist thread.
Maybe the answer is to have a dedicated Van thread so that he could post his nonsense to his heart's content and the rest of us could have an intelligent discussion elsewhere.

When I started to explore this issue years ago, was almost shocked to find out that in this nation from early on, the normal type of Baptist would be more of a confessing kind, and was much more into limiter atonement view!

 

[Yeshua1]

Another difference between Reformed Baptists and other Baptists is Covenant Theology. This distinction is important to make even between RB and other Calvinistic Baptists such as Sovereign Grace Baptists or Primitive Baptists. I think this is what Martin Marprelate was getting at when he cited www.1689federalism.com. The two competing eschatological systems between Baptists are Dispensationalism and Covenant Theology. The former traces itself back to the mid-19th century, whereas the latter in the early 17th century (if not earlier). Most RB churches that subscribe to the 1689 LBC embrace Covenant Theology. It is important to note that critics of Confessionalism charge that RB's follow a man-made document instead of the Bible. This charge is incorrect. The 1689 LBC is not on par with Scripture, however, it is an accurate summary of biblical doctrine that has withstood scrutiny for 328 years. That is why many RB churches have adopted the 1689 LBC as their doctrinal statement.

There are variety's within even reformed, as some would hold to full Covenant theology, and others such as a MacArthur to basically its sotierology.

Also differing views on what plans, if any, god still has for national Israel.

 

[agedman]

It is important to keep in mind that not all dispensational baptists groups are automatically Darby like or cling desperately to what he taught in the "chart."

The same must also be admitted by the convenant group. Not all are replacement theologians who cling to Augustine as there authority.

The total embracing of either leads to mishandling Scriptures, allowing for racism, political entanglements, strive for popularity, all manner of ungodliness, ....

One can actually be both. One can actually be balanced and it is quite gratifying to see how well the two blend together.

The one area that also rubs the BB raw with old threads is that determined group on both sides who would either dismiss the literalness of the millennium or regulate it to as happening, and the other who mightily insist on a pretribulational rapture.

Again, there is balance. One can hold to a strick rendering of prophecy including a millennial reign, still look for and forward to the Lord Jesus Christ return to catch us away as Paul clearly states will occur, that not every promise in the Scriptures is made and able to be claimed by the believer, yet also understand that God's covenants are not broken promises.

Not to rabbit trail the thread, but showing that some such as C. H. Spurgeon blended the two into cohesiveness.

 

[TCassidy]

Tom, do you consider yourself a confessional, RB? Not a gotcha question. Homey don't play that game.

No. I agree with much of the 2nd Baptist Confession (but prefer the 1st as it is much clearer in regards to the Trinity) but reserve the right to disagree with it.

There is no Baptist Confession that I agree with 100%. The New Hampshire Confession of Faith of 1833 comes pretty close but, again, I am not in total agreement.

I feel the same about the Baptist Faith and Message. I prefer some aspects of the 1963 BFM over the 2000 BFM and vice versa. Does that make me a 1981 BFM proponent?

As I am not a proponent of Covenant Theology I eschew self-identifying as Reformed. (Also my view of Ecclesiastical History precludes my identifying with the Reformation.)

Don't get me wrong, I am an avid reader of "old dead guys." But I don't believe any of them, or groups of them, held a patent on Truth.

I self-identify as a Particular Baptist while recognizing that some of those originally called by that name differ in some ways from what I believe. But Particular Baptist Soteriology is the closest to what I believe that I have been able to discern in my reading of Christian creeds and confessions.

I realize that is probably more information than you were asking for, but a simple "no" did not seem to suffice.

 

[Felipe Rios]

Reformed are Calvinists others may not be.

 

[Van]

Non Confession based Baptists believe the Bible means what it says, Jesus will reign on earth for 1000 years.
Non Confession based Baptists believe Christ died as a ransom for all.
Non Confession based Baptists believe Christ became the propitiation (or means of salvation) for the whole world.
Non Confession based Baptists believe the Elders report and are accountable to the congregation.
Non Confession based Baptists believe we are saved by grace through faith.
Non Confession based Baptists believe in open communion, open to all professing believers.

Reformed Baptists deny the earthly 1000 year reign.
Reformed Baptists deny Christ died as a ransom for all.
Reformed Baptists deny Christ is the propitiation (means of salvation) for the whole world.
Reformed Baptists deny that church leaders (no matter the title) are accountable to the congregation.
Reformed Baptists deny we are saved by grace through faith, they claim we are saved then given faith.
Reformed Baptists deny open communion to all professing believers.

 

[Squire Robertsson]

Van, I hate to disappoint you. I'm what you term a "Non-Confession Based" Baptist. But I hold to close (open to visitors from churches of like faith and order) communion. As for the rest of your list, let me go on record as saying, you don't speak for me.

 

[Iconoclast]

Oh oh. I am neither Dispensational nor Covenant in my theology. Where does that leave me?

....lol confused
Extremely nuanced
Unique...special

 

[Reformed]

Van, I hate to disappoint you. I'm what you term a "Non-Confession Based" Baptist. But I hold to close (open to visitors from churches of like faith and order) communion. As for the rest of your list, let me go on record as saying, you don't speak for me.

I do not speak for you?! And here I thought we had completed the Vulcan theological mind meld.

 

[Katarina Von Bora]

Non Confession based Baptists believe the Bible means what it says, Jesus will reign on earth for 1000 years.
Non Confession based Baptists believe Christ died as a ransom for all.
Non Confession based Baptists believe Christ became the propitiation (or means of salvation) for the whole world.
Non Confession based Baptists believe the Elders report and are accountable to the congregation.
Non Confession based Baptists believe we are saved by grace through faith.
Non Confession based Baptists believe in open communion, open to all professing believers.

Reformed Baptists deny the earthly 1000 year reign.
Reformed Baptists deny Christ died as a ransom for all.
Reformed Baptists deny Christ is the propitiation (means of salvation) for the whole world.
Reformed Baptists deny that church leaders (no matter the title) are accountable to the congregation.
Reformed Baptists deny we are saved by grace through faith, they claim we are saved then given faith.
Reformed Baptists deny open communion to all professing believers.

I can't remember seeing so much error in one place.

Where does faith come from?

 

[Reformed]

I can't remember seeing so much error in one place.

Where does faith come from?

No argument from me.

 

[Van]

Van, I hate to disappoint you. I'm what you term a "Non-Confession Based" Baptist. But I hold to close (open to visitors from churches of like faith and order) communion. As for the rest of your list, let me go on record as saying, you don't speak for me.

Not to put too fine a point on it, but I did not say, nor imply that every non confession based baptist holds those biblical views, nor every Confession based Baptist holds the bogus views.

 

[Van]

I can't remember seeing so much error in one place.
Where does faith come from?]

Yet another taint so post. Why not actually address the topic. Post # 31 accurately describes the main differences between Confession based Baptists and other Baptists.

Where does faith come from? Let me answer you as you answered the topic question. Faith does not come from irresistible grace. Now have I answered your question or side stepped it?

How about we are saved by grace through faith, thus our faith in Christ preceded receiving grace. When you enter a room through a door, you go through the door before you enter the room. This is not rocket science.

Faith comes from hearing and learning from the gospel. God gave us the ability to hear and respond to the gospel. Some of us lose that ability, the first soil of Matthew 13, but the rest are able to respond.
Ask yourself where did the faith of the men entering heaven (Matthew 23:13) come from? Not irresistible grace for they were blocked.

 

[Van]

John 6:29 uses an ambiguous term, "work of God" and so Confession based Baptists claim the phrase means this is the work God does in you. However, Dr. Dan Wallace renders the phrase this way, "29 Jesus replied, “This is the deed God requires—to believe in the one whom he sent.” So "work of God" refers to work God requires us to do. Therefore the verse does not actually support the Confession based view.

And Ephesians 1:19-20 is talking about God working in us after we believe, not before. So yet again, ambiguous verses are cited to support the bogus views of Confession based Baptists.

What does it mean for God to grant repentance? Yet another ambiguous phrase. Does it mean instill repentance or does it mean "allow" repentance. When God hardened the hearts in Romans 11, He was not allowing or granting repentance, He was preventing it.

Jesus is the author (originator) and perfecter (finisher) of faith. We trust in Him. Hebrews 12:2 in no way supports instilled faith.

Next we have God giving us a "measure of faith" which refers to our part of the ministry of the body of Christ and occurs after we are saved, not before.

On and on we could go yet again, demonstrating that there is no actual support in scripture for the bogus views of Confession based Baptists.

 

[Yeshua1]

Not to put too fine a point on it, but I did not say, nor imply that every non confession based baptist holds those biblical views, nor every Confession based Baptist holds the bogus views.

So viewpoints that come form the scriptures are now seen as being bogus?
And are you an Apostle, with the Holy Spirit inspiring you to know all truth then?