Why is there a Resurgence of Reformed Theology?

[Jerome]

Wise words from Dr. Peter Masters of Metropolitan Tabernacle Baptist Church, London:

A recent book, Young, Restless, Reformed, by Collin Hansen tells the story of how a so-called Calvinistic resurgence has captured the imaginations of thousands of young people in the USA, and this book has been reviewed with great enthusiasm in well-known magazines in the UK, such as Banner of Truth, Evangelical Times, and Reformation Today.
This writer [Peter Masters], however, was very deeply saddened to read it, because it describes a seriously distorted Calvinism falling far, far short of an authentic life of obedience to a sovereign God. If this kind of Calvinism prospers, then genuine biblical piety will be under attack as never before.

The present new, heady Calvinism, shorn of practical obedience will certainly prove to be ephemeral, leaving the cause compromised and scarred.
Has this form of Calvinism come to Britain yet? Alas, yes; one only has to look at the ‘blogs’ of some younger reformed pastors who put themselves forward as mentors and advisers of others.

The new Calvinism is not a resurgence but an entirely novel formula which strips the doctrine of its historic practice, and unites it with the world.

The Sword and the Trowel

 

[The Archangel]

Wise words from Dr. Peter Masters of Metropolitan Tabernacle Baptist Church, London:

The Sword and the Trowel

It must be noted that Dr. Masters' disagreement is not with Calvinism (or reformed theology). His disagreement is what he (and some others) sees as a distortion of Calvinism.

Historic Calvinism relies heavily on the Regulative Principle for its formulation of worship. Hence his disdain for "rock" music. He views this as a lack of separation from worldliness and that is leading him to condemn the New Calvinism as something other than true Calvinism.

His charges are false and, again, it must be understood that he is not saying Reformed theology in itself is shallow. He is misunderstanding the New Calvinism and that misunderstanding is leading him to criticize what he is obviously not fully understanding.

The Archangel

 

[preacher4truth]

Wise words from Dr. Peter Masters of Metropolitan Tabernacle Baptist Church, London:







The Sword and the Trowel

This is exactly why my thread on personal holiness was ripped to shreds by some on here. At least it was ripped to shreds in their minds, but really what they did was rip to shreds what God desires them to do after salvation. This too is a trend. They divorce themselves from personal piety because they are so heady.

It is sad that these folks misunderstand personal practical holiness and try to tie this important part of the Christian life to salvation experience only, in other words, we were made holy at salvation, then they toss out the imperatives for those that are bought to live holy given throughout the Scriptures.

Some even accused me of being pelagian for no more than quoting passages wherein we are commanded to live differently, to live holy, to be holy, and to practice holiness. I was told I practice holiness to assure my position in Christ. Not hardly, and not at all.

Why do people attack this? Because their religion and their god is their theology and they want nothing to do with walking in holiness before God, equating it to monasticism, instead of admitting that this is a biblical imperative all throughout the NT. They are simply religious and their god is their theological standpoint.

It's quite odd such heady theologs can't distinguish between positional, or practical holiness. Or is it because they don't want to?

 

[Thinkingstuff]

My answer to the title question is very simple. Because its cool. And Sproul sells more books and bible studies than non reformed people. And Francis Scheaffer died a while back

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

My answer to the title question is very simple. Because its cool. And Sproul sells more books and bible studies than non reformed people. And Francis Scheaffer died a while back

Like the Guinness Commercial ....BRILLIANT! :laugh:

 

[MB]

Not really. Certainly salvation is easy to understand as a babe. But it becomes more complex as we grow. We have more questions. Thus the many volumes of theological works. God gave us a head for more than to only use it as a hat rack.
[\quote]
See what I mean. Now you're claiming that all those extra biblical books are inspired by God and just as good as His word.

Not all desire to be intellectuals. And what, friend, is wrong with being intellectual? Was Paul an intellectual person in his ascribing and describing proper theology?

The type of intelectua I'm speaking of believes they are never wrong.

Paul was a Pharisee and a member of the same Sanhedrin who declared crucify Him after the trial of Jesus. All of the Sanheadrin were highly educated men. Yet even Paul made it simple that is exactly the opposite of Calvinism.

The Jailer where Paul was being held once came and asked Paul this.

Act 16:29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,
Act 16:30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
Act 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Paul never said first you must be regenerated so you can understand the gospel. He wouldn't have told him to do something he was incapable of because it takes an intelectual to understand it. No! He simply told him to Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. The same thing that preacher told the guy who came forward and then the preacher prayed with him. Oh that's right you're not comfortable with the sinners prayer. I wonder did you pray it when you got saved. If not why are you uncomfortable with it? How is it that offends you for someone to ask to be saved. The Bible says to ask and we''ll receive.

Let's visit the other extreme. What of those churches that are anti-intellectual? Is this supposed to be more spiritual?

A preacher was preaching at a fellowship of Baptist Pastors. He held to anti-intellectualism, and "'nary a piece of literature." He got to preaching emotionally, "I'm glad I'm ignorant!!! I pray God to make me more ignoranter and ignoranter!!" He kept on going with this. A preacher stood up and said "I think God has answered your prayer!"

Part of growing spiritually is growing in grace and in knowledge (intellect).

Take for instance how our Lord, in John 3 rebuked Nicodemus for being both spiritually, and intellectually wrong and ignorant concerning the things of God. He rebuked him for both. He was responsible for both.

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God." (i.e. advance, intellectually and theologically.)

- Blessings

Obviously you are mixed up on the true points of Scripture. You believe reading other materials than the Bible is growing in grace. This would be true if those materials were inspired of God. They aren't, they are inspired by men looking to make a few dollars no matter how well intentioned they are. Everything we need to know is in God's word no one has any special revelation. I agree we are to study God's word but that's not to include the words of men. All of the tulip are the ideas of men. They aren't even found in scripture. Placing your faith in men has no benefit.
MB

 

[preacher4truth]

Obviously you are mixed up on the true points of Scripture. You believe reading other materials than the Bible is growing in grace. This would be true if those materials were inspired of God. They aren't, they are inspired by men looking to make a few dollars no matter how well intentioned they are. Everything we need to know is in God's word no one has any special revelation. I agree we are to study God's word but that's not to include the words of men. All of the tulip are the ideas of men. They aren't even found in scripture. Placing your faith in men has no benefit.
MB

Brother, hang it up. You're way out of line with your accusations.

See what I mean. Now you're claiming that all those extra biblical books are inspired by God and just as good as His word.

I stated extra biblical books are inspired and just as good as His Word? Hilarious. Uh, no, you came up with that accusation all on your lonesome. It's shameful you resort to eisegetical accusatory, inflammatory remarks.

:laugh: :thumbsup: :wavey:

 

[webdog]

n

Why is there a resurgence in Reformed Theology? Because light is breaking into darkness. Soli Deo Gloria.

The Archangel

Are you saying any doctrine but reformed theology is "darkeness"?

I will say the quote by Piper is spot on. Calvinism is attractive to the intellectual, analytical type. I know, because I am one of them. I think the OP is pure speculation, as there is no way to prove this. In fact, I know of at least 4 ex-calvinists on this board. The attractiveness of being lumped together with Spurgeon, Piper, Edwards, Pink, et al is enticing.

 

[The Archangel]

Are you saying any doctrine but reformed theology is "darkenss"?

Why don't you ask the similar question to Robert Snow who said:

People will not endure sound doctrine, so they turn to Calvinism.

Get him to answer and take him on on his answer and then I'll answer your question.

Blessings,

The Archangel

 

[webdog]

Why don't you ask the similar question to Robert Snow who said:



Get him to answer and take him on on his answer and then I'll answer your question.

Blessings,

The Archangel

I'm not in your spitting match with Robert...I asked you. There is a huge difference between unsound doctrine and "darkness". Believing a baby needs to be baptized is unsound doctrine. What do you mean by "darkness"?

 

[The Archangel]

I'm not in your spitting match with Robert...I asked you. There is a huge difference between unsound doctrine and "darkness". Believing a baby needs to be baptized is unsound doctrine. What do you mean by "darkness"?

Why, then, are you intent on having a "spitting" match with me? Get Robert to answer, take him on concerning his answer, then, and only then, will I answer your question.

By the way, I do not believe a baby needs to be baptized and many Calvinists do not believe babies need to be baptized.

The Archangel

 

[preachinjesus]

Getting away from the sniping that is too common in these discussions, there are some really intriguing things going on in relation to the Reformed movement.

One of the things that I would enjoy hearing from some of the Reformed camp about their views on the New Covenant theology movement. It is a unique blending of positions, particularly eschatologically. Anyhoo, maybe that will help get us back on track...I dunno...

 

[Rippon]

Calvin's TULIP gives them that.

Almost seven years on this board and you as well as others are STILL coming up with this junk.

 

[webdog]

Why, then, are you intent on having a "spitting" match with me? Get Robert to answer, take him on concerning his answer, then, and only then, will I answer your question.

By the way, I do not believe a baby needs to be baptized and many Calvinists do not believe babies need to be baptized.

The Archangel

I'm not "spitting"...I asked you a question. What you have going on between the two of you has no bearing on you referring to everything but your doctrine as "darkness". Scripture defines darkness as absence of Christ, judgment and impurity (Eph. 5:11). Do you agree, and is this what you meant?

 

[The Archangel]

I'm not "spitting"...I asked you a question. What you have going on between the two of you has no bearing on you referring to everything but your doctrine as "darkness". Scripture defines darkness as absence of Christ, judgment and impurity (Eph. 5:11). Do you agree, and is this what you meant?

I have told you the basis for me supplying an answer to your question. You have not met the requirements for me to answer.

The Archangel

 

[webdog]

I have told you the basis for me supplying an answer to your question. You have not met the requirements for me to answer.

The Archangel

You are not the authority on the BB, and your reply is actually quite childish. I'm surprised it's coming from you. I dont' have to do anything for you to qualify a statement, one that questions the salvation of most on this board. Based on your non answer I will take it that is exactly what you meant, then.

 

[preacher4truth]

I'm not "spitting"...I asked you a question. What you have going on between the two of you has no bearing on you referring to everything but your doctrine as "darkness". Scripture defines darkness as absence of Christ, judgment and impurity (Eph. 5:11). Do you agree, and is this what you meant?

I see, as well as others, this elitist attitude among Calvinists.

To ascribe other theological slants (those orthodox views that are conservative) as darkness is unfortunate.

Many of the Sovereign churches I have attended become so thematic, that every text, every sermon is election, predestination, Calvinism, week after week after week.

Our theology shouldn't become our God. Shamefully, it has. If anything becomes our God other than He Himself, it turns ugly, and instead of God working through us, that new god we have set on a pedestal consumes us and controls us. Although I believe in Reformed theology, I will not become thematic about it.

I started these threads to become informed about it (reformed theology.) Instead of this, we have brothers come on here and accuse others, myself namely, among others as being "pelagian" or believing my works assist Christ. Then we have one who says all others, by implication, are in darkness. We have people feigning repentance while at the same time pasting anothers statements in an attempt to slam the person while doing so, and it is foolishly called wise by unthinking persons. Cheap shots on others because they don't agree with one's theology. Personal attacks on threads and in private. Accusations that I hold other writings as high and as valuable as the Scriptures, and that I hold them as inspired.

These are the things that prove people are more in love with themselves, and more in love with their personal theologies, more in love with hating the brethren (to wit, the Scripture speaks highly against such attitude, and is very suggestive) instead of being in love with the Christ who shed His precious, holy blood for their sins.

I am amazed that persons that claim themselves to be Christian can spout off accusations, slanders, out-right lies, upon other brothers, the witch hunt mantra "I can tell how he writes his posts he's a false teacher" bologna, and yet go on with life as if nothing happened. It's funny, I wonder has God even disciplined you as He will a true son over doing these things, or do we just go on, undisciplined, as if we are fatherless and not His? It is a total, undeniable shame, and those who have slandered and accused need to get their hearts right with their brother and their God over it.


Who cares about your theology. Your slanders, mouths, and lies show who really controls you. Our theology is meaningless when our lives are denying it, and it is being denied right here for all to see on BB.

- Blessings to all

 

[Robert Snow]

Why is there a resurgence in Reformed Theology? Because light is breaking into darkness. Soli Deo Gloria.

The Archangel

I see just the opposite.

Ti 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

Since the world is devolving, as evidenced by the above verse, I expect the church likewise to become more lukewarm as time goes on. Think of Laodice.

 

[The Archangel]

An answer to the question: Are you saying any doctrine but reformed theology is "darkeness"? Posed by Webdog (here)

The reason for answering this question without Webdog engaging Robert Snow is this: Some friends, preacher4truth, to be specific, is being caused to stumble by my refusal to answer Webdog (see here). So, since he misunderstood my post and my refusal to answer and since I do not desire to be a stumbling block and since I do not desire to cause people to sin, I will answer Webdog's question.

Before I answer the question, I will answer this post by Webdog:

You are not the authority on the BB, and your reply is actually quite childish. I'm surprised it's coming from you. I dont' have to do anything for you to qualify a statement, one that questions the salvation of most on this board. Based on your non answer I will take it that is exactly what you meant, then.

Of course, I am not "the" authority or even an authority on the BB. But, neither are you. And, as such, you have no right to demand an answer to any one of your questions and you have no expectation of such an answer.

The reason for my statement answering this question by stating "Why is there a resurgence in Reformed Theology? Because light is breaking into darkness. Soli Deo Gloria." (see here) is this: Robert Snow stated the exact antithesis to this (here) when he said:

People will not endure sound doctrine, so they turn to Calvinism.

Now, consider what Paul calls contrary to sound doctrine:

[9] understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers,
[10] the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, (1 Timothy 1:9-10 ESV; emphasis mine)
​

So, for Robert Snow to say that Calvinsts do not hold sound doctrine is to call them "Lawless." "Murderers." "Sexually Immoral." "Liars." It is to call all Calvinists "non-believers."

And yet, Webdog and the other Arminian-types say nothing!

So, it is fine for an Arminian to question the salvation of every Calvinist on this board and it seemingly gains hearty approval. Yet, when a Calvinist says something more cryptic that appears to question salvation, it is a crime. This is a perfect example of a double standard

It simply will not do for Arminians to question a Calvinist's salvation and it simply will not do for a Calvinist to question an Arminian's salvation, though many Arminians do question the salvation of Calvinists all the time.

If one is going to rail against Calvinists seeming to question the salvation of Arminians, one must also rail against Arminians questioning the salvation of Calvinists.

As To The Statement Itself:

I in no way, shape, or form question the salvation of Arminians. Do I think their understanding is clear? No. Do I think there is a deficiency in their theology? Yes. Does that inclarity or deficiency mean that they are not Christians? ABSOLUTELY NOT.

I have many, many Arminian friends who, frankly, are better Christians than I am. I hope their understanding becomes fuller and they bask in the Sovereignty of God. I hope the light of deeper theology breaks into the "darkness" of what I understand to be a superficial theology--even if these beloved Arminian brothers and sisters do not become Calvinists. But, are they Christians? Absolutely, and I am proud to call them my brothers and sisters in Christ--something many Arminian-types here seem not to be willing to do.

A word to the wise (both Calvinists and Arminians) should be sufficient.

Here endeth the lesson.

The Archangel

 

[Jerome]

"We believe in the five great points commonly known as Calvinistic; but we do not regard those five points as being barbed shafts which we are to thrust between the ribs of our fellow-Christians." —Charles Spurgeon