One of the most heated debates and controversies within our denomination is that of Calvinism. I believe it is a debate that will only become more intense over the next few years, especially by those who are being trained in seminaries with Calvinistic leadership. I have chosen, by my own volition, not become involved with the debate, but have tried to remain true to what God has called me to do.
I am not a Calvinist, certainly not by today's standards. Nor, am I an Armenian. I refuse to be placed into a manmade camp, and hold to its tenets as my security blanket. I am a Biblicist. And as a Biblicist, I am totally committed to the tenet of the sovereignty of God, without being a Calvinist.
As I understand it, the sovereignty of God is a doctrine which very simply declares that God is in control, and governs the affairs of men. However, God can be sovereign and still allow His creation the freedom to choose. This freedom was first illustrated in the garden of Eden when God informed our initial parents that of every tree in the garden that could "freely eat." Thus, God's sovereignty in no way represents the fact that God is a Heavenly bully who forces us to do what He has already predetermined.
His sovereignty simply declares that He is God of Himself, in Himself, and all by Himself. Thus, being sovereign, He is in absolute control of His own creation. Of all the doctrines of the Bible, I don't know of any that is more comforting to my heart than sovereignty. It lets me know that God is not surprised, shocked, panicked, or alarmed by the events of my life. He is so sovereign that He possesses the right to either allow it or arrange it. If It gets to me, it first had to come through Him.
In the book, "America Out of the Ashes," Colonel Jeffrey O'Leary, of the USAF, gave an answer to the question, "Where was God on September 11th?" He answered the question by looking at what didn't happen that could have happened, and should have happened on that day. He began by looking at the flight manifests. He writes:
"On American Airlines Flight 77, 289 seats were available, only 64 people were aboard. On American Airlines Flight 11, 251 seats were available, only 92 people were aboard. On United Airlines Flight 175, 351 seats were available, only 65 people were aboard. On United Airlines Flight 93, 289 seats were available, only 45 people were aboard."
He continues, "Out of a minimum of 75,000 potential 'victims' that day, more than 93% survived or avoided these despicable acts. The buildings in New York City should have collapsed immediately. Who held them up until tens of thousands could make it out? The Pentago was hit at its strongest point, but it was nearly empty in those sections due to renovations. Why did the plane hit just those 2 sections?"
He concludes, "So, in answer to the question, 'Where was God on September 11th?' The answer is that He was the same place He was on September 10th, right where He was supposed to be: on His throne, and nothing out of His sight."
If the issue of God's sovereignty is something that alarms you, think how much more alarmed you would be if God wasn't sovereign, on His throne, in control, and right where He was supposed to be.
Calvinist, no; comforted, YES!
Thank God for God,
Eternally HIS,
Gratefully Yours,
Pastor Steve
Thursday, December 4, 2008
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5 comments:
Wow!! This is an excellent post. I am with you on being a Biblicist. Your thoughts on the Sovereignty of God was simply refreshing. Thanks for what you mean to me as I grow in grace. Stay true to your calling.
God bless you for your post, I wish I would have had that insight years ago while attending Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, OK as at that time I wa struggling with those same issues however it was in the struggle that gave me the reality to appreciatethe blog you just gave. Bless you.
This was my first time reading your post but it will not be my last. I wish I had this insight when I was a student at Oklahoma Baptist Univeristy as I struggled with this same issue but it was in the struggle where i discovered my beliefs and that belief appreciates your post. Thank you.
This is my first time reading this blog but it will not be my last. I wish I had this insight when I was a student at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, OK. I struggled with this issue but in my stuggle I found my foundation in the Word of God. Thank you for your post.
Pastor Ray,
First, let me say welcome to "It Is What It Is." I appreciate your visit to the blog, and I pray that God may use it to be a blessing.
Your admission to your early struggle over Calvinism is one that is experienced by many in our seminaries. Tragically, the Biblical foundation these young students possess is laid by their seminary leaders; thus, they have no other recourse but to hold to, or at least give thought to what has been imparted to them.
Many of these young students graduate and go on to begin their own ministries still struggling with these same issues. Those who choose to adopt these "calvinistic" beliefs do so at their own demise, as well as the demise of many of the churches they pastor.
I personally know of several churches that have been divided and damaged by young "Calvinistic" pastors. Most of these churches knew little or nothing of their doctrinal stand; thus, when Calvinistic teaching begins to surface, as well as shape the ministry of the church, a dire situation results.
I am thankful that God placed men without an agenda into my early minstry years. Men like Stephen Olford, Warren Wiersbe, Donald Hubbard, and Adrian Rogers who just simply taught the Word line upon line, and precept upon precept. When matters such as election, predestination and sovereignty surfaced they expounded them in their context without any twist and agendda
In my next post, I will continue my thoughts on the subject, and will make reference to a book that I would highly recommend, "Chosen but Free" by Norman Geisler. It is one of the best works dealing with the subject of Calvinism I have ever read.
Again, my brother, I'm so glad that God led you to the blog, and I look forward to future conversations with you.
Pastor Steve
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