Mathias321
Puritan Board Freshman
Independent Fundamentalist Baptists (IFBs) are fond of saying Calvinism is a “doctrine of devils” because it teaches strongly on repentance. Being once an IFB myself holding that same position, I can tell you exactly what is wrong with their thinking.
It has to do with not allowing for proper soteriological category distinctions. That is, a thorough understanding of the distinctions made in Scripture between justification and the ongoing process of salvation (sanctification). They believe preaching on repentance is a form of works salvation.
IFBs, as opposed to Reformed Baptists and Reformed Presbyterians, tend to lump together anything they may be wrongly perceive as “works-based theology” with the teachings of Rome. They look to the sacramental teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and its belief that one must be sanctified (made holy) through its various sacraments and confessions before being justified (counted as righteous) in the sight of God. This they wrongly compare to the Reformed position of Ordo Salutis (Order of Salvation) which brings forth the Scripture’s teaching of salvation plainly outlined in Romans 8:29-30.
The church of Rome, historically and still in their catechism today, does not believe that justification is a one-time declaration of righteousness for those who put their faith in Jesus Christ. However, we believe that this righteousness is not our own, but Christ’s own righteousness being imputed to us by reason of our faith (2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 4). By this righteousness we are adopted as beloved children of God and will be with Him for eternity. But the process of salvation does not end there, but proceeds with sanctification and good works, which is evidenced by a heart of repentance from sin. Genuine faith produces genuine works (James 2). Faith and justification logically precede the process of sanctification for those the Father gave the Son before eternity. Those who die immediately after putting their faith in Christ therefore can be with God in eternity by means of faith, though God did not grant them a long time to be sanctified in this lifetime. Not everyone is sanctified at the same level, but those who are justified will in fact, due to the Spirit working in them, lead a life in subjection to Him. This is because we are made new in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17). Rome, on the other hand, teaches that one must continue to be sanctified, thus “purgatory”, before being able to be in the presence of God.
IFBs, due to their narrow traditions which don’t allow for category distinctions and meaningful discussion with other denominations, are incapable of seeing the difference between the Reformed position of sanctification and the Roman Catholic position of sanctification.
It is important for us to understand their mindset so that we can rightly correct it and hopefully lead more to a Reformed and Biblical understanding of Scripture.
It has to do with not allowing for proper soteriological category distinctions. That is, a thorough understanding of the distinctions made in Scripture between justification and the ongoing process of salvation (sanctification). They believe preaching on repentance is a form of works salvation.
IFBs, as opposed to Reformed Baptists and Reformed Presbyterians, tend to lump together anything they may be wrongly perceive as “works-based theology” with the teachings of Rome. They look to the sacramental teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and its belief that one must be sanctified (made holy) through its various sacraments and confessions before being justified (counted as righteous) in the sight of God. This they wrongly compare to the Reformed position of Ordo Salutis (Order of Salvation) which brings forth the Scripture’s teaching of salvation plainly outlined in Romans 8:29-30.
The church of Rome, historically and still in their catechism today, does not believe that justification is a one-time declaration of righteousness for those who put their faith in Jesus Christ. However, we believe that this righteousness is not our own, but Christ’s own righteousness being imputed to us by reason of our faith (2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 4). By this righteousness we are adopted as beloved children of God and will be with Him for eternity. But the process of salvation does not end there, but proceeds with sanctification and good works, which is evidenced by a heart of repentance from sin. Genuine faith produces genuine works (James 2). Faith and justification logically precede the process of sanctification for those the Father gave the Son before eternity. Those who die immediately after putting their faith in Christ therefore can be with God in eternity by means of faith, though God did not grant them a long time to be sanctified in this lifetime. Not everyone is sanctified at the same level, but those who are justified will in fact, due to the Spirit working in them, lead a life in subjection to Him. This is because we are made new in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17). Rome, on the other hand, teaches that one must continue to be sanctified, thus “purgatory”, before being able to be in the presence of God.
IFBs, due to their narrow traditions which don’t allow for category distinctions and meaningful discussion with other denominations, are incapable of seeing the difference between the Reformed position of sanctification and the Roman Catholic position of sanctification.
It is important for us to understand their mindset so that we can rightly correct it and hopefully lead more to a Reformed and Biblical understanding of Scripture.
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