Paul's Passing Thoughts

There is much discussion, even among New Calvinists themselves as to whether or not the New Calvinist movement has staying power. The best article I have read yet on that question is here:  http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/blog/2011/11/confessions-of-a-theological-swinger/.

Yes, no doubt, the “swingers” mentality is very prevalent in the movement, but that is far from being what drives it. The movement is here to stay for the following reasons:

Because the Scriptures teach that the last age will be framed by type “A” doctrines   (Antinomian).

 And New Calvinism is type A. “Legalism” is not a biblical word, but “anomia” is. Consider:

Regarding Love in the Last Days:

“….and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of anomia, the love of most will grow cold” (Matthew 24:11,12).

“Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law” (Psalm 119:70).

The Latter-Day Judgment :

“The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do anomia” (Mathew 13:41).

“And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of anomia‘” (Matthew 7:23).

Fellowship:

“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with anomia?” (2Corinthians 6:14).

Already at work in the first century:

“For the mystery of anomia is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way” (2 Thessalonians 2:7).

The Antichrist:

Called “the man of anomia” once and the “anomia one” twice in 2Thesalonians, chapter two.

The purpose of redemption:

“….who gave himself for us to redeem us from all anomia and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14).

Those who continually propagate New Calvinism state that “legalism” is the big problem in today’s church. And the high priestess of New Calvinism, Elyse Fitzpatrick, even claims there is no such thing as antinomianism and was praised for saying so by the who’s who of New Calvinism.

Flesh Appeal

The apostle Paul made it clear that the last age (marked by the first coming of Christ and ending with His return) would be marked by the masses heaping to themselves teachers that tell them what they want to hear. What is more appealing than Jesus does it for us and all that matters is where people stand on the gospel? Don’t worry, be happy. “You say they believe in snake handling? That doesn’t matter, where do they stand on the GOSPEL?” Can’t we just all get along? Yes, Absolutely!

Lack of Opposition

Believers are marked by a love for the truth (2Thess. 2:10). I am alarmed by the lack of zeal I see among today’s leaders (and parishioners following) in regard to truth. It seems the only exception is when teachers like Joel Osteen start squeezing the market share. Subtle antinomian doctrines like New Calvinism are far more dangerous than what Osteen teaches. He would scoff at the idea that Jesus obeys for us, and that the Bible is primarily a gospel narrative, and not for instruction.

A reader sent me an email and stated that he initially thought New Calvinism was a fad that would pass; and therefore, not worth fighting about. He wrote to say that he was wrong about that. In fact, folks have been saying that since the doctrine was New Covenant Theology (blatantly antinomian), then Sonship theology, then Gospel Sanctification, and now New Calvinism.

Nevertheless, we are commanded to demolish “every thought” that raises itself up against the knowledge of God.  Christians are in the truth business, that’s what matters. Unity and peace are important, but that duo comes via truth; truth is what truly unifies. The apostle Paul commanded us to be unified in the truth, not compromise. Truth and peace come with a price—you can pay it now, or you can pay it later.

paul

Ps: still working on the Southwood video, “An Introduction to New Calvinism.”  Never made one before, hoping it turns out ok.