Tragedy At Southeastern? What’s The Big Deal? I Thought We Are All Totally Depraved!
Stuff like this always causes me to have to stop everything I am doing and post. I didn’t know anything of William Birch or his blog before the breaking story this week that he fell into significant sin and has confessed. Apparently, even though I have never heard of him, he was fairly well known in the blogosphere and was a student at Southeastern Theological Seminary. In fact, the sinful act took place on campus, and we are not talking about getting caught smoking in the boy’s restroom.
Of course, Southeastern is stunned and is busily partaking in damage control. Am I here right now? Southeastern is all but totally in the tank for the doctrine of Gospel Sanctification which is the hallmark of, well, “aggressive Calvinism” or New Calvinism, depending from what perspective you are looking at it. Basically, the doctrine teaches that we are (this includes Christians) totally depraved, really don’t change, and either manifest a sin realm or spirit realm depending on how often we use the Scriptures to contemplate the gospel; ie, Gospel Contemplationism. Supposedly, when we contemplate the works of Christ in the Scriptures, his righteousness is imputed to us in the same way it was when we were saved. In salvation, it is a general imputation; as Christians, specific things are imputed to us in the same way when we see them in the Scriptures. Hence, sanctification is still an imputation of righteousness in the same way justification was.
Therefore, the doctrine denies an orthodox view of the new birth, claims that Christians are totally depraved, and also claims that we do not really change, we only manifest one realm/sphere or the other at any given time. A post that is an example of how they see progressive imputation through use of the Scriptures can be observed here: http://wp.me/pmd7S-1lh . An example of how they view the fact that we do not really change as Christians can be read here: http://goo.gl/T1pMg , but the money quote by New Calvinist Terry Rayburn follows:
There are several problems with that essentially Legalistic view of Sanctification, as reflected in the following observations:
1) Our flesh cannot get better. In Romans 7:18 Paul wrote, “For I know that NOTHING good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh…” Your flesh cannot be improved. Flesh is flesh, and spirit is spirit.
2) Our new nature, on the other hand cannot get better, because it has already been made new and perfect through regeneration. We have been given a “new heart” (new nature, or new spirit), and not a defective one, which would be absurd. This new spirit has been made “one spirit with Him” (1 Corinthians 6:17), such that when we “walk according to the Spirit” (i.e., the Holy Spirit), we also walk according to our own new spirit.
3) Those who deal with Sanctification by zeroing in on so-called “Progressive” Sanctification as the main point of Sanctification, are at best in Kindergarten.
So, Southeastern will come forth in dismay and act completely incredulous that this has happened. Meanwhile, Southeastern’s conference schedule is saturated with propagators of this doctrine, including Tullian Tchividjian. On the one hand, it’s a tragedy. On the other hand, they invite leaders to speak to the students who teach that we are totally depraved and can’t change! Can teaching seminary students such things lead to said behavior? Well, forgive me for thinking so! How ironic that Tchividjian has already spoken there this year, and is scheduled to return in the fall. Consider this commentary on a post he wrote on the total depravity of the saints http://goo.gl/Jiu4I , and the following tweets by Tchividjian:
I guess I am the only one scratching my head on all of this, but I also wonder if Southeastern is going to get a “I told you so” from New Calvinist Michael Horton who often warns Christians about trying to “be the gospel” rather than “preaching the gospel.” Like all New Calvinists, Horton teaches that the gospel is “news to be proclaimed” not a list of “do’s and don’ts.” They plainly teach that “law and gospel” are separate. This concept can be found in Horton’s book, “Christless Christianity” on pages 117-119, and also on pages 53-54 of “Family Shepherds” written by Southeastern graduate Voddie Baucham. If the same gospel that saved us also sanctifies us, and the law and gospel are separate; well, you do the math (the law is separated from sanctification). Supposedly, a deeper understanding of the gospel that saved us must always precede obedience which then is a “mere natural flow” without effort because we are really manifesting a spiritual realm that was imputed to us at salvation.
And the present-day New Calvinist movement got this doctrine from Seventh-Day Adventist Robert Brinsmead, who combined Reformed theology with Platonism to come up with the centrality of the objective gospel outside of us. Instead of reality or truth being completely outside of man (Plato), in New Calvinism, the gospel must remain completely outside of us, and nothing of grace may be infused within us. Hence, consider the following quotations by the who’s who of New Calvinism in our day:
When the ground of justification moves from Christ outside of us to the work of Christ inside of us, the gospel (and the human soul) is imperiled. It is an upside down gospel. ~John Piper
Thus, it will inevitably lead not to self-examination that leads us to despair of ourselves and seek Christ alone outside of us, but to a labyrinth of self-absorption. ~ Michael Horton
So what does this objective Gospel look like? Most importantly, it is outside of us.~ Tullian Tchividjian
The blessings of the gospel come to us from outside of us and down to us.~ John Fonville
It robs Christ of His glory by putting the Spirit’s work in the believer above and therefore against what Christ has done for the believer in His doing and dying.~ Geoffrey Paxton (Australian Forum)
But to whom are we introducing people to, Christ or to ourselves? Is the “Good News” no longer Christ’s doing and dying, but our own “Spirit-filled” life?~ Michael Horton
And the new-birth-oriented “Jesus-in-my-heart” gospel of evangelicals has destroyed the Old Testament just as effectively as has nineteenth-century liberalism. (footnoted to Paxton’s article with above quote). ~ Graeme Goldsworthy (Australian Forum)
Of course, the only practical application of Platonism is Gnosticism, and incredibly, some of the most popular New Calvinists of our day have Gnostic themes for their ministries as illustrated by the following two screen shots that clearly illustrate Gnostic dualism.
Then if one googles “Plato Two Worlds,” you get:
And the similarities between the New Calvinist concept of separating law and gospel is eerily similar to those of the 2nd century Gnostic heretic Marcion. In regard to the gospel being completely outside of us like knowledge of reality (Plato), many New Calvinists now teach that the gospel cannot be fully known: http://5ptsalt.com/2012/02/23/grasping-the-gospel/
Lastly, I heard on the news that this brother that fell is going to enter counseling at Southeastern! Right, that’s all this brother now needs—to be taught that he is totally depraved, that he can’t change, and that the primary cure for his problem is a deeper understanding of the death, burial, and resurrection. After all, as Southeastern hero Paul David Tripp often states: applying biblical instruction to this problem would not be seeing the problem in its “gospel context,” and instruction also denies Christ’s saving work on the cross by replacing Christ’s personhood with “a cognitive concept applied to a new formula for life.”
The brother has it bad right now. Counseling at Southeastern will finish the job. I am reading a lot on the blogosphere about all the friends this guy has. Ha! We will see.
paul
Paul's Passing Thoughts 
Paul,
For your information, William Birch was a flaming Arminian who renounced everything to do with Calvinism and practices the same kind of holiness you advocate.
🙂
Guess that blows your post out of the water, huh?
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Charles,
Why would it? None of what you say is even the point. Where does any of my points hinge on Birch’s theology? Did you even read the post? The point is: will Southeastern now issue a statement that this behavior is to be expected from the totally depraved? If asked about the propagation of such theology in light of what has happened, regardless of Birch’s theology, would Southeastern deny that such things are taught there? Probably. Is that really the message they want to now project in the future in light of what has happened? I hope not, seems like something you wouldn’t want to be tossing around. The other point is the following: Does Birch now need counseling that will teach him that he is totally depraved and that we really don’t change? Where is the hope in that, other than Jesus obeys for us?
So, since you brought it up hotshot, why don’t you and I discuss this theological issue right here in public. In regard to sanctification, the difference between what you perceive as my theology and why New Calvinist theology is better. We can start with Romans 8:30: Is sanctification missing from that verse because its totally separate from justification, or because justification, sanctification, and glorification are one and the same? Do you believe that sanctification is “justification in action”? Since you say I practice the “same kind of holiness” that Birch does, seems like you, being a grace and mercy guy, would want to set me straight.
So, if you are done laughing at me, put up or shut up.
paul
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William Birch had a blog called:
http://thearminian.net/
Which is now passprotected. Months back he sent those who went to the Arminian to his new blog called William Birch and stopped posting on the Arminian. William Birch blog is deleted. The ARminian is passprotected.
I did read the “about” page on the ARminian and he was a Calvinist for quite a while. Then he became a “real” Arminian and wrote about him quite a bit. Then he stopped with the Arminian and went with William Birch. Just recently he was commenting on SBC Voices complaining about the Georgia Index article written by Gerald Harris concerning Calvinists in the SBC. He was against Harris’s article. He also affirmed Danny Akin’s doctrine.
One of his blogs had very nastry links to other blogs that scourged Peter Lumpkins and another SBC pastor who are non Calvinists.
So, not sure what he is but he was certainly siding with New Calvinists on SBCVoices just a few weeks ago.
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Lydia,
Thanks.
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you gonna judge…or do you wish to be judged in same manner. judge your own heart deeply. confess your own personal sins to God and another. Why spread gossip rumor mill of another or another school no matter what you think of them. No offense but better to judge yourself critically before spreading rumor mill of another. never know when day will come when your own sins will go before others. just saying dont judge less you judeg yourself critically under hand of GOd first and look to see what in your own heart. take a look at what is in your own heart first….go under hand of God first. Confess your own personal sins first before jduging another or another school.
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Confess your own sins first. dont spread anothers. deal with your own personal sins and sins in your own heart first.
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and southeastern does teach that you can be forgiven and have a redeemed life. you think wrongly about them. unless you have personally understand true view of whole school then dont judge. i dont doubt you probably have a wonderful heart and wish to see great redemption of all peopel but GOd is going to do something great out of sebts. Judgment always begin in house of God first….so dont judge southeastern or another student….begin with your self and begin walking thru judgment of GOd yourself first and your own personal confession of sin. remember same measure of judgment that given always come back. Give grace, give mercy. dont talk about issue. just be silent and pray. dont judge the school or any student at it. deal with your own heart personally. and go forthn proclaim freedom to captives.
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Anon, to comment 1
Either affirm or deny that the total depravity of the saints is taught at Southeastern.
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Anon, to comment 4
Either affirm or deny that the total depravity of the saints is taught at Southeastern.
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Anon, to comment 3
Either affirm or deny that the total depravity of the saints is taught at Southeastern.
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dont judge. dont judge the school. dont judge students. dont write about students. Same measure you givewill eb given in return. Dont write about another. Why even start gossip rumor mill. you dont know heart of southeastern. i have sat under them and they are always about preaching redemptive lives. people have had to confess sins and they are always gracious and always merciful and always showing kindness to students even ones that come to be stuednt. if they didnt beleive in redemptive lives, then why do peopel who have come out of hard lives come in being redemptive individuals. please dont judge the school ro herats of peopel there. you know nothign about them. they dont beleive everything you say. Judge yourself first. Take yourself under judgment of HOly God. im sure your heart is good and meaning well but seriouly. dont participate in rumor spreading mill. instead of oppressing begin to show forgiveness, mercy,grace, and prayer silently ratehr than spreading gossip mill. better to show support cuz obviously you stated billy has confessed and once a person confessed they are set free of that sin immediately and GOd forgives them. H ow many of you have confessed your sins. have you confessed to God or another? Have you looked deep into your heart to see what evils lie within…..tkae time to judge your own heart crictically. even if you have good intentions….look at your own heart. look at your own logs. i see you beleive in good things and holiness and redemption. we all go astray. we all sin and fallen short and southeastern beleives in redemption lives. you just dont know peopel who have gone thru there grace and mercy and kindness and love that pastor and professors show allll the time….so dont judge in anyway. do your own heart first and obey gospel.
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Anon, to comment 2
Either affirm or deny that the total depravity of the saints is taught at Southeastern.
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You are one miserable Satanic distraction Paul. If anybody needs a DOHSE of reality it’s YOU.
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Thanks Dexter. Expressions of hatred from mystical despots are the compliments that satisfy some of my deepest desires. Thanks again sweetie.
> —–Original Message—– >
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And on top of that you’re an excommunicated divorcee. Go back in your miserable theological hole and smoke your miserable pipe you apostate.
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Oh really Dexter? Where do you get your information?
> —–Original Message—– >
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I know this is looooooong past the post date and this may never be read, but I just found this. First, this post is completely based off of a straw-man argument. Your argument is nothing more than a “this is what they believe because I said so” which is not sufficient to substantiate your outright hostile attack against this school. The first and foremost thing that we all should do when we hear a brother/sister has fallen into grievous sin is to pray that the Lord will restore them, just like David wrote in Psalm 51. Not gloat at it and wait to see if others will screw up too. Second, as stated above, if you have not fully grasped the argument/doctrine of one you wish to debate or refute, then don’t talk about it. That is rhetoric 101. Total depravity is the doctrine that we are dead in our trespasses and sin (Eph 2:1). Let me say this again or better yet, the Bible say it again, DEAD in your trespasses and sin! Let me ask you, what can a dead man do? Can he WILL himself to do anything? Of course the answer is no (that was rhetorical just so you know). Now, no Augustinian/Calvinist/New Calvinist/Sound biblical student would ever teach what you claim we teach, this dualistic theology. And if they did they wouldn’t be any better than those who would teach antinomianism. We state that scripture shows us that we can not come to God unless He draws us (John 6:44) and once we come to saving faith by the grace, and only the grace of Him, then are we spiritually alive. And with this life we are justified in the eyes of God, for Jesus is the propitiation for us. With that is Jesus’ righteousness is imputed to us. I can keep going but the point is, is now, after saving faith we are alive in Christ (Rmns 6:11) We would then further teach that “it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me” (recognize that passage?) And any good work that is done is done ONLY by God through me. This is not Gnostic, this is not dualism. We do not teach that the flesh is bad and spirit is good so lets go sin it up. What Armenians fail to realize (and I can only say this because I was one for 30 years) is that if we are going to claim salvation by God’s grace alone, then we can not expect to earn any merits or favor with Him by trying to keep the Law on our own, for it is only through God to “work and to will according to His good pleasure”.
I know this will not change your mind about the doctrine that I believe scripture clearly teaches because I have seen your side ads and I know that you are firm in your understand. Yet, I guess the reason for this post is to exhort you to first learn, with out hostile bias, what others teach so you can properly address what you believe is incorrect. Secondly, try to avoid the open gloating of the failures of brothers in Christ, that attitude is nowhere shown in scripture to be an evidence of a Christians fruit.
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