Paul's Passing Thoughts

“RL” is a New Calvinist and author. I am pleased to have this clarifying dialogue with him. I was going to write a review of a book he wrote on marriage which would have included some sensitive information. While obtaining his side of the story, which I believe to be the true side, an ability to work together in distinguishing doctrinal views was exhibited. Not only that, I have grown to like him personally. Why? Because he tells it like he sees it. Of course, it’s no secret that I disdain New Calvinist doctrine, but what I disdain more is nuanced doublespeak concerning doctrine. For crying out loud, if that’s what you believe—state it and let the chips fall where they may. No doubt, if I believe someone is trying to trick others into believing what they believe, it does become personal—I can’t respect that.

Here is what RL agreed to:

“Thanks. Actually I would like to just have an open discussion on marriage so that you can present the New Calvinist side. Q and A format. It would be posted on my blog–and I am primarily interested in a clear presentation of the New Calvinist side. You would then be welcome to address any comments that come in.”

Well, while we are at it, let’s just take this opportunity to learn more about New Calvinism. I look forward to several productive parts:

Q: Do you consider yourself to be a “New Calvinist”?

 

New Calvinism(ist) (hereafter NC) could be a very broad term.  It’s sort of like saying,

“Are you reformed?”  To some, that can speak of paedo-baptist practices; to some it is

soteriological, to some it is non-dispensational, etc. Can we get a working definition

of the NC concept and then go from there?

Q: Yes, one that would associate themselves with T4G, TGC, SGM and their general

tenants such as “the same gospel that saved you also sanctifies you”–ie., gospel-

driven this and gospel-centered that. Then we can cover some other specific tenets

from there.

 

Yes. I do believe the gospel that saves, also sanctifies.  However, to suggest that the

term gospel is strictly limited to the doctrine of justification alone would be a

misnomer.  Contextually, sometimes the term “gospel” refers to a God centered

perspective on the Christian life.

The gospel is a God centered declaration of both His glory and grace.  Hence, because

of the “amazing grace” there is a sense of gratitude that compels/motivates our

sanctification.  Simultaneously, because of the concurrent experience of glorifying

God, there is an inexpressible joy that also compels/motivates our sanctification.

“NC’s” are motivated by both glory and grace.

Q: So how is this experienced? Say I believe the NC package. Let’s say you are discipling

me day one. Where do I go from here?

Depending on the age, of course, of the individual, there is obviously a

contextualization discernment made as to where to begin.  But, for argument’s sake,

we’ll say our new convert is 25 years old.

Initially, we’d direct them to begin reading Scripture (allowing the HS to renew their

mind before we begin to “reform” them) to begin familiarizing themselves with God.

Much along the lines of how Calvin puts things, “We must first know and understand

who and what God is before we can truly begin to know anything about ourselves…”

That being said, much of the confidence of the NC would derive from the perspicuity of

Scripture, as our new convert begins to read the story of redemption and allow the HS

to begin to teach him.  Law and Gospel, we would say, underlies the believer’s new

life.

For some new believers, the realization of the necessity of regeneration is something

that is seen/learned, sooner than others.  Such is why all Calvinists stress the theological

and sanctifying importance of how the Holy Spirit has overcome our depravity and, as

Jonathan Edwards penned so eloquently, “liberated the will” to once again please God.

Hence, there is an immense measure of grace that fuels the believer’s obedience once

they understand how enslaved they once were to their sin.

From there, we proceed to train/instruct the new believer as to how to go about living the

Christian life.  We would explain to them that the Christian life is not about learning an

endless list of “do’s and don’ts” in order to gain “justifying” favor with God.  Our

foundational emphasis for empowering the believer stems from the finished work of

Christ that has been applied to his life, that there is no longer any further “good works”

that are required in order to be justified.  His sanctification, we would say, is being

empowered by the Gospel of glory and grace; of what God has done on his behalf and

the joy found in pleasing God.

The question then becomes, what must a Christian do in order to please God?  Answer:

Find joy in Holiness.  How is holiness defined?  God’s word, as it becomes a reflection

of who and what God is.  It is for holiness’ sake that we have been set free from our sin,

why we were justified, why we are sanctified and why, ultimately, God will glorify his

people.  God has an undeniable prefixation with our being conformed into the image of

Christ, who is perfectly holy, something we have been destined to reflect for the rest of

eternity, beginning as soon as we have been justified sola fide.

That last answer covers some serious territory.  Will resume with some questions tomorrow.

paul