Dispensationalism, Calvinism, Arminianism, Evangelical, Reform,
Post-Trib/Pre-Trib. If you clearly understand the meaning behind these words
and concepts; you're smarter than I am (which isn't a huge compliment, but
that's another subject altogether). I would posit that "ignorance is
bliss" is an expression that applies here, as for the most part, when I
started exploring these (and a myriad of other terms/concepts), winsome is not
a word that would describe how I felt. This stuff can make you crazy! And it's
all so unnecessary.
It's been said that God's Word (The
Bible), is so simple that a child can understand it; but so deep that no man
can plumb it's depth. With that, I would advise more people to spend more time
wading and less time SCUBA diving. That is to say: let's stay with the basics,
and leave the "high theology" to those who can handle it. By handle it, I mean that one can enjoy the
mental gymnastics of studying, but at the end of the day the only thing we need
to really understand is what Jesus did on the Cross for us. It doesn't matter
where you stand regarding the aforementioned in the opening paragraph. Most who
identify themselves or relate to the subjects mentioned will still concede that
you can hold a different, even contrary view, and still be a Christian.
My experience has demonstrated that
delving into these deep theological waters often leads to confusion (at best),
or a smug, self-righteous attitude (at worst). The Devil must be a big fan of
the quandary produced by this dynamic. Either way; he wins. Both confusion and
smugness produce "distracted" Christians. It's the time-worn strategy:
'Divide and Conquer' (in my opinion, the same result often produced by
denominations). Any way you can fracture cohesiveness and get people to fight
among themselves, not against you (Devil); you win. These, and other
distinctions often lead to splintering. So you end up with Lutherans vs
Methodists, Baptists vs Presbyterians, KJO vs NIV, traditional vs contemporary,
reform vs Calvinism - and on it goes.
Instead of all Christians of any
"stripe" coming together to evangelize and fight against the powers
of darkness and all manner of sin (pornography, alcohol, blasphemy,
fornication, etc.), we debate and ridicule each other over these differences. I
would agree with the statement: “In essentials – unity; non-essentials –
liberty; in all things – charity”. And as far as I’m concerned, anything other
than believing/accepting/applying what Jesus did by rising from the grave to
free us from sin and give us eternal life in Heaven: is a non-essential! Even
more precise: the only essential is believing why His tomb was/is empty.
Charles Spurgeon’s view on John Wesley demonstrates the attitude
we all need to adopt. Spurgeon (an admitted Calvinist), and Wesley (whom many
felt represented the antithesis of Calvinism), were worlds apart on many
doctrinal issues. But Spurgeon writes of his enormous respect for Wesley as a
man of God, and states he is sure that Heaven is not reserved exclusively
for Calvinistic Christians. Point to be taken here is that if one as Godly and
theologically brilliant as Spurgeon realizes that Christians who fall on
different sides of so many issues that we take so seriously can all be saved
and meet in Heaven; so should we. We see through a glass darkly, so we shouldn’t
expect to figure it all out this side of Glory.
This is not to say doctrine doesn’t matter; because it does. It’s
just that not all doctrine matters.
It doesn’t all carry the same weight. It’s not all essential doctrine. For example: if from the same pulpit you hear the doctrine of the Virgin Birth and that women should only wear long hair and
skirts; I think you can comfortably stay there, even if you disagree with the
latter position: it’s a non-essential. And if the congregants were of the
proper spirit; they would not think you less of a Christian because of it. If,
however, you hear from the same pulpit that God was not born of a virgin, it
doesn’t matter what they’re stance is regarding women’s hair and dress. The
stance on an essential doctrine is un-Biblical. Which leads to another
indicator of whether something is essential or not. As the saying goes, “The
main things are the plain things”. This is no less true for the Bible. Who
Jesus is, what He accomplished for us, how we know the Bible is the word of God
– these are all very main and very plain. Eternal security, irresistible grace,
free-will vs God’s sovereignty; whether these are main or plain, are dependent
on your view. Many very smart, very godly people have spent years studying
these issues and come to different conclusions.
So what is a body to do?
Be a slave to your Master; do what He would have you to do. Read
your Bible and get some good commentaries to assist. Pray that God illuminates
His Word to you. Surround yourself with authentic Christians who have accepted
Jesus as Savior and Lord (you will know them by their fruits). Be light in this
dark world. It’s not rocket science. It’s often not easy, but it’s not rocket
science.
No comments:
Post a Comment