Comments on: What is Reformed Theology. R.C. Sproul. http://blog.2sparrows.org/2009/01/16/what-is-reformed-theology-rc-sproul/ Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:43:06 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: Jay http://blog.2sparrows.org/2009/01/16/what-is-reformed-theology-rc-sproul/#comment-1205 Jay Sat, 27 Feb 2010 22:13:03 +0000 http://blog.2sparrows.org/?p=1012#comment-1205 I thought I was going to give a response to this blog but then so many other people have done an excellent job I will only add this. I believe Dr. Sproul's early work.. "chose by God" might do a better job in understanding issues of predestination/election then the book referenced. I would also recommend everyone subscribe to Tabletalk through www.ligonier.com. I thought I was going to give a response to this blog but then so many other people have done an excellent job I will only add this. I believe Dr. Sproul’s early work.. “chose by God” might do a better job in understanding issues of predestination/election then the book referenced. I would also recommend everyone subscribe to Tabletalk through http://www.ligonier.com.

]]> By: Larry http://blog.2sparrows.org/2009/01/16/what-is-reformed-theology-rc-sproul/#comment-1142 Larry Wed, 03 Feb 2010 22:56:22 +0000 http://blog.2sparrows.org/?p=1012#comment-1142 I especially like the last three sentences of your narrative, Bryan. We do need to be humble and speak from a heart filled with a genuine love for others. If we're speaking to a brother or sister on this sensitive issue and we find that we don't have that love in our hearts it may be wise to postpone the discussion for some other time. When considering the concept of Predestination I think one of the hardest concepts for Armenian-leaning people to digest is the idea that if God chooses a select group for eternal life, then conversely He chooses another group for eternal torment in everlasting torments and fire. I believe an accurate understanding of Hell takes the edge off that difficult concept. I recently conducted my own personal critical study of Hell and have come to the conclusion that those who are not God's elect will pay the full penalty of their sin. That penalty is not eternal life in pain and torment, but is death, cesation of life, annihilation. They will die the first death (physical) and will stand before God to be judged and then they will experience the second death (spiritual). Christians have no fear of the second death. I'll be glad to go into detail on this subject if you don't mind departing for a few moments from the main line of discussion in this blog. I think it's relative. -Larry I especially like the last three sentences of your narrative, Bryan. We do need to be humble and speak from a heart filled with a genuine love for others. If we’re speaking to a brother or sister on this sensitive issue and we find that we don’t have that love in our hearts it may be wise to postpone the discussion for some other time. When considering the concept of Predestination I think one of the hardest concepts for Armenian-leaning people to digest is the idea that if God chooses a select group for eternal life, then conversely He chooses another group for eternal torment in everlasting torments and fire. I believe an accurate understanding of Hell takes the edge off that difficult concept. I recently conducted my own personal critical study of Hell and have come to the conclusion that those who are not God’s elect will pay the full penalty of their sin. That penalty is not eternal life in pain and torment, but is death, cesation of life, annihilation. They will die the first death (physical) and will stand before God to be judged and then they will experience the second death (spiritual). Christians have no fear of the second death. I’ll be glad to go into detail on this subject if you don’t mind departing for a few moments from the main line of discussion in this blog. I think it’s relative. -Larry

]]> By: Bryan http://blog.2sparrows.org/2009/01/16/what-is-reformed-theology-rc-sproul/#comment-1141 Bryan Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:21:43 +0000 http://blog.2sparrows.org/?p=1012#comment-1141 I should clarify one thing. Salvation is completely the work of God. I don't believe we have any role in saving ourselves. I should clarify one thing. Salvation is completely the work of God. I don’t believe we have any role in saving ourselves.

]]> By: Bryan http://blog.2sparrows.org/2009/01/16/what-is-reformed-theology-rc-sproul/#comment-1140 Bryan Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:17:30 +0000 http://blog.2sparrows.org/?p=1012#comment-1140 Just happened to stumble across this blog today and thought a comment or two might help. I have studied both books mentioned above, Grudem's Systematic Theology and Sproul's intro to Reformed Theology. I am Reformed in my thinking and have remained so despite 20 years of testing reformed teachings against the teachings from other schools of thought (Primarily Arminianism and Semi Pelagianism or Catholicism. One key thing that helped me was understanding how the Holy Spirit influences our choices, especially our choice to believe the gospel. I believe we are free to choose that which we desire most. Unfortunately, our corrupt nature inhibits our desire for God unless God intervenes on our behalf. The Holy Spirit quickens our desire for the things of God which in turn leads us to choose God. In this way the work of salvation is completely a work of God and also a choice by man. God doesn't force us to choose Him. He begins a process of regeneration that enables us to see the blessing of choosing Him. We actually begin to desire the things of God. Along these lines, The Great Commission is the primary means God has chosen to reach His elect. He sows the seeds of desire for one to share the gospel while also sowing the seeds of desire for another to receive the gospel. We have the honor of participating in God's work as we share the gospel. We do this because God commanded us to and because it brings God glory. We also should have a passion for sharing the gospel with everyone because we do not know whom God has chosen to elect. We are participants in God's plan and shouldn't be tempted to think the results are up to us or are because of us. I am as, if not more, passionate about evangelism as than many of my non-reformed brethren. One last thing, many reformed believers act with a prideful and unloving attitude toward others due to their new found beliefs in reformed theology. This is and always will be a sinful response. Please be humble, gracious and loving toward others, always remembering the great love and mercy shown to you by Christ Jesus. Just happened to stumble across this blog today and thought a comment or two might help. I have studied both books mentioned above, Grudem’s Systematic Theology and Sproul’s intro to Reformed Theology. I am Reformed in my thinking and have remained so despite 20 years of testing reformed teachings against the teachings from other schools of thought (Primarily Arminianism and Semi Pelagianism or Catholicism. One key thing that helped me was understanding how the Holy Spirit influences our choices, especially our choice to believe the gospel. I believe we are free to choose that which we desire most. Unfortunately, our corrupt nature inhibits our desire for God unless God intervenes on our behalf. The Holy Spirit quickens our desire for the things of God which in turn leads us to choose God. In this way the work of salvation is completely a work of God and also a choice by man. God doesn’t force us to choose Him. He begins a process of regeneration that enables us to see the blessing of choosing Him. We actually begin to desire the things of God. Along these lines, The Great Commission is the primary means God has chosen to reach His elect. He sows the seeds of desire for one to share the gospel while also sowing the seeds of desire for another to receive the gospel. We have the honor of participating in God’s work as we share the gospel. We do this because God commanded us to and because it brings God glory. We also should have a passion for sharing the gospel with everyone because we do not know whom God has chosen to elect. We are participants in God’s plan and shouldn’t be tempted to think the results are up to us or are because of us. I am as, if not more, passionate about evangelism as than many of my non-reformed brethren. One last thing, many reformed believers act with a prideful and unloving attitude toward others due to their new found beliefs in reformed theology. This is and always will be a sinful response. Please be humble, gracious and loving toward others, always remembering the great love and mercy shown to you by Christ Jesus.

]]> By: seanb724 http://blog.2sparrows.org/2009/01/16/what-is-reformed-theology-rc-sproul/#comment-979 seanb724 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:21:56 +0000 http://blog.2sparrows.org/?p=1012#comment-979 Hi Larry, Thanks for commenting. It is funny, when I read this post before I sent you the link via email, I realized pretty much what you said regarding the major difference. This book was the first one I have read on what is Reformed, and that is what I got out of it at the time. I would likely get something different out of it now that it has been a year or so since I 1st made may way through it! I love how God works on us over time. :-) I just finished Jim Belcher's Deep Church ( http://blog.2sparrows.org/2009/10/16/deep-church-jim-belcher/) and he talks about the hermeneutical circle: “Hermeneutical Circle” truth neither starts with knowledge that leads to faith nor with faith that leads to knowledge. How do we get into this circle? The starting point lies beyond us, with the Holy Spirit who places us inside the faith – knowledge circle… That is so true, and I am so glad God has placed it on my heart to study Him intellectually. I still stand by some of the things I said regarding Sproul's book. As an introduction, I felt that it lacked in explaining some of the concepts that someone new to Reformed might not have much of a background in. Still, a very good book overall, and well worth a read. I've just had to supplement it over time. And I'm still learning and growing in this area! Hi Larry,

Thanks for commenting. It is funny, when I read this post before I sent you the link via email, I realized pretty much what you said regarding the major difference. This book was the first one I have read on what is Reformed, and that is what I got out of it at the time. I would likely get something different out of it now that it has been a year or so since I 1st made may way through it!

I love how God works on us over time. :-) I just finished Jim Belcher’s Deep Church ( http://blog.2sparrows.org/2009/10/16/deep-church-jim-belcher/) and he talks about the hermeneutical circle:

“Hermeneutical Circle” truth neither starts with knowledge that leads to faith nor with faith that leads to knowledge. How do we get into this circle? The starting point lies beyond us, with the Holy Spirit who places us inside the faith – knowledge circle…

That is so true, and I am so glad God has placed it on my heart to study Him intellectually.

I still stand by some of the things I said regarding Sproul’s book. As an introduction, I felt that it lacked in explaining some of the concepts that someone new to Reformed might not have much of a background in. Still, a very good book overall, and well worth a read. I’ve just had to supplement it over time.

And I’m still learning and growing in this area!

]]> By: Lawrence King http://blog.2sparrows.org/2009/01/16/what-is-reformed-theology-rc-sproul/#comment-978 Lawrence King Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:06:10 +0000 http://blog.2sparrows.org/?p=1012#comment-978 Sean, What you described as the main difference between Reformed and other theologies is certainly a MAJOR difference, but I would hesitate to call it the MAIN difference. Keep in mind that I too am very new to Reformed theology but it has captivated me and I've read extensively on the subject. My view on the major difference between Reformed and other theologies lies on a more foundational level. I would say that the main difference lies in "our understanding of God," all of His attributes and most of all His sovereignty. God is in control of and preordains all that happens, from the hairs of our head, the sparrow falling from the tree to hurricanes and tsunamis. Man can do nothing to thwart God's plan or God's will. It is not man who finds God. It is God who finds man. It is not man who decides he wants to be saved. God decides that and ensures that it happens. God isn't sitting back in his recliner waiting to see what free will choices man may or may not make, and then have to come up with a plan to redirect things toward His intended will. God is in control, not man. God is sovereign. As for the need to carry out the great commission, although the elect will be saved regardless of whether we individually take action to witness and evangelize. Even the elect must hear the gospel. That is part of God drawing man to Christ. If we don't witness and evangelize God will simply bypass us and use someone else. Then we've missed out on the blessing. Besides, part of being a Christian and loving God is to want to be willing to walk alongside Him and participate in His plan for the redemption of His elect. We should look forward to and enjoy every opportunity to glorify and magnify Jesus Christ. God invites us to be a part of His glorious work. I'm more than happy be corrected on anything I've said if I've erred. I hope we can continue to learn from one another. Larry Sean,

What you described as the main difference between Reformed and other theologies is certainly a MAJOR difference, but I would hesitate to call it the MAIN difference. Keep in mind that I too am very new to Reformed theology but it has captivated me and I’ve read extensively on the subject. My view on the major difference between Reformed and other theologies lies on a more foundational level. I would say that the main difference lies in “our understanding of God,” all of His attributes and most of all His sovereignty. God is in control of and preordains all that happens, from the hairs of our head, the sparrow falling from the tree to hurricanes and tsunamis. Man can do nothing to thwart God’s plan or God’s will. It is not man who finds God. It is God who finds man. It is not man who decides he wants to be saved. God decides that and ensures that it happens. God isn’t sitting back in his recliner waiting to see what free will choices man may or may not make, and then have to come up with a plan to redirect things toward His intended will. God is in control, not man. God is sovereign.

As for the need to carry out the great commission, although the elect will be saved regardless of whether we individually take action to witness and evangelize. Even the elect must hear the gospel. That is part of God drawing man to Christ. If we don’t witness and evangelize God will simply bypass us and use someone else. Then we’ve missed out on the blessing. Besides, part of being a Christian and loving God is to want to be willing to walk alongside Him and participate in His plan for the redemption of His elect. We should look forward to and enjoy every opportunity to glorify and magnify Jesus Christ. God invites us to be a part of His glorious work.

I’m more than happy be corrected on anything I’ve said if I’ve erred. I hope we can continue to learn from one another.

Larry

]]> By: Paideia of God, And Other Essays on Education. Douglas Wilson. « 2sparrows http://blog.2sparrows.org/2009/01/16/what-is-reformed-theology-rc-sproul/#comment-490 Paideia of God, And Other Essays on Education. Douglas Wilson. « 2sparrows Fri, 12 Jun 2009 03:24:22 +0000 http://blog.2sparrows.org/?p=1012#comment-490 [...] on what it actually means, but if you are looking for more, I would recommend RC Sproul’s “What is Reformed Theology?” What is most interesting is the following quote, which matches up quite well with at least two of [...] [...] on what it actually means, but if you are looking for more, I would recommend RC Sproul’s “What is Reformed Theology?” What is most interesting is the following quote, which matches up quite well with at least two of [...]

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