Discernment Ministry and Philippians 4:13
I am working on a major project right now in regard to GS/Sonship theology. But as I often do, I let myself get distracted, and started doing some reading for a post that is in the batter’s box. Even with being immersed in this foul doctrine, God keeps showing me more, and more. One reality that I have seen of late (discovered in the project I mentioned) is how the movement has systematically redefined almost every tenet of the Christian faith. This tempted me to put some thought into the post that is in the batter’s box. The post will be about how GS has redefined the traditional definition of Antinomianism. Guess what? It’s not what you thought it was—it’s really legalism! Go figure.
I am using (for the post) what I think will be the future, official systematic theology of the GS movement: “The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims On the way” by Michael Horton (over 1000 pages). I’m not a prophet, but I would be willing to bet that this book is already the official text for systematic theology in many seminaries. As I was reading the section on Antinomianism and the relationship of law to the Christian life on pages 673-680, something occurred to me, but I will share some other thoughts first.
In that section, Horton employs the usual techniques found in GS teaching: lots of orthodox statements, red herrings, straw men, pink elephants, nuance par excellence, and criticism of movements that believe the same thing GS proponents believe. Then it occurred to me. I’m not smart enough, educated enough, tenacious enough, disciplined enough, organized enough, connected enough, loving of the truth enough, and rich enough to fight this movement. I am up against a doctrine propagated by highly respected men who are paid to do what they do full-time. And…. I guess that’s the beauty of it all.
“ I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Yes I can. I can be God’s kind of husband, father, parishioner, worker, etc., etc., and God can also use this hillbilly from Portsmouth, Ohio to bring this vile doctrine to ashes. The bigger the mountain—the more glory for God. Let it be so.
paul
Paul's Passing Thoughts 
YES. Praise God for faith that can move mountains. Strength, perseverance, love, joy, HOPE! (By the way, if you’re not familiar with T.M. Moore, I’d like to recommend his series on the law available at ChristianObserver.org (look up T.M. Moore under the Bible Study drop-down). Also, his book “The Ground For Christian Ethics” is excellent (available at ailbe.org).)
Jess
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Thanks Jess–will definitely check it out.
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Hey,
I like your descriptions “red herrings,” “pink elephants,” “naunce par excellence,” etc.. Ha! That’s my experience too with these local guys from the Sonship Movement. More slippery than eels in an oil can! It may be hard to get rid of this Movement with one big excommunication, as Rome did in the old days. Of course, these antinomian types have been around for centuries, but GS/Sonship is getting more and more extreme. Many can be nailed on technicalities and specifics. Proof of violations is in Horton’s text book and the writings of others as you show.
Some are not going to be so easy. When it comes to the antinomian tendency, it’s always slippery. They say, “hey look Paul and Bill , this is merely a pastoral preference of not emphasizing obedience and works. Remember, even small faith we know saves. However, works are not quantifiable. How much work is necessary for salvation we don’t know. We don’t tell people not to do good works. Obviously, saints in the Bible were guilty of great sin. Some, who’s lives were cut short had little or no works to show. We just don’t believe in judgment on the order of strict justice. We just don’t believe that we are justified by works, small or great. Historically, Westley pushed holiness and works; others grace. How much of one or the other is a matter of liberty. But we see Unity in Christ Alone, Grace Alone, and Faith Alone. Paul and Bill, you guys talk like a humanist, exactly how much works would you have us put into this ministry anyway?”
Ha! So round and round we go, where it stops nobody knows.
Keep up the good fight.
Arkansas Bill
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“hey look Paul and Bill , this is merely a pastoral preference of not emphasizing obedience and works.” Yep–and there other favorite: “I understand your concern, but remember, not all of the elders here beleive that; after all, you don’t want a cookie cutter elder body do you?” LOL! I know you’ve heard that one.
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“Their,” not There.
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