My brother and sister, the dead horse has been beaten beyond recognition. Every day I see on blogs and twitter and posts fight and arguments about Calvinism and Traditionalism. I think the scripture points out where we are today in Titus.
But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. Titus 3:9
Friends, we are there. This conversation has become without value. Most of what I see has become hostile on both sides. There have been words used like “evil” or “heresy” or “satanic”. Both sides have declared that the opposition has come from the pit of hell. I have seen a book published that pretty much comes right out and says that Calvinism is from hell. The Calvinists have thrown around words like Pelagian and heretic. This has become all together unprofitable.
We have become arrogant, thinking we are totally right, they are totally wrong. We have become hateful, spiteful and down right ugly. I am pleading with you, my brothers and sisters to let it go. We have to find common ground, commonality and the shared foundation. If we cannot, it may be time to separate the SBC, something I would hate to see happen.
We have divided ourselves over this theological position in a way that even the results to bridge the gap have been burned. Cinders and ashes are all that is left of much of the goodwill we need in the SBC. Can we not work together for the cause of Christ? Can we not focus on reaching out, serving, loving and caring? There must be more too us than our division on an aspect of soteriology. There is much about the act and realities of Salvation we agree on, and we all know we must preach Christ and His death, burial and ressurection.
Above all, we must be a convention united behind the cause of Christ. I know I have said and been part of the problem in the past. I apologise to all those I have insulted or offended. I pray that God blesses your ministry and that we can be a united SBC, working together for the cause of Christ.
Remember, above all, we are to love God and one another, so can we focus on that?
I grant you that much that is said in this controversy has been very unChristlike; and love has been left out in our disagreements. In fact, we are commanded how we are to oppose error: “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will” (2 Timothy 2:24-26). But at the same time it is important that the pastor; or for that matter, any Christian should heed what Paul tells Timothy: “Take heed unto thyself, and UNTO THE DOCTRINE; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both SAVE THYSELF, AND THEM THAT HEAR THEE” (1 Timothy 4:16).
Therefore, I believe it is not a question of theology; whether Calvinism or “traditionalism” in our differences; although we might defend what we believe inappropriately. Because salvation and God’s grace is involved in this controversy, I would believe that Galatians 1:6-9 would be appropriate here. The question that has to be answer is this: Is salvation ALL of God, or does man have his part in order to be saved? Is it God’s Free Grace or a spiritually dead sinner so-called “free will?” we CANNOT have both; it’s either one or the other.
For my part, what confusion do we participate in the salvation of sinners if I, and one who believes in free will, witness to a lost sinner and present two ways of being saved. He will hear from me that God can save him ALL BY, and OF GRACE; but then hear from the other that he has to do his part in order for to save him. What further says to the Galatians is true here: “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ” (v.10; ESV).
Yes, we need God’s Grace to be humble and loving with those that differ with us; but at the same time, not give in just for the sake of unity among ourselves. True unity can only be accomplished in the TRUTH, as it is in Jesus (Ephesians 4:21); and it is because of our love for the Truth; and that this Truth will make anyone free by submitting to it in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Some Calvinists are rude, but we shouldn’t try to rid the SBC of Calvinists (the same goes for Trads). Some Calvinism discussions are rude, but we shouldn’t try to rid the SBC of all discussions of Calvinism. I think we would be better served to campaign against rancor and encourage proper conduct in debates. Without controversy and the debates of opposing positions through the centuries, the theological understanding of the Church would not be as rich and deep as it is.
Unfortunately this issue has become more of a stumbling block. Not many are willing to actually discuss and pride is so strong in this area that no one would move for sake of having to admit they were wrong. I am sure there are many in the middle who are sensible, but there is a real reason Dave Miller doesn’t want to post articles about the Calv/Trad issues anymore. It’s become fruitless at least on this site.
A discussion in person, in a group setting where we can talk may be good, but the rants on Blogs, drive bys on Twitter and Facebook don’t seem to bear much fruit.