jangnim said:
Man reading this thread is just like reading a King James Only thread. Everybody is convinced they are right, and they all think they have the Bible to back them up, as well as their associated heavy-weights Calvin vs Wesley.
Honestly, a theology is a human interpretation of what someone thought in regard to all of these things. It is a human understanding of a subject way too big to comprehend for us little people of faith, at least I think I have faith, much like some of my friends who ARE mormon.
Fact is that we tend to get wrapped up in the discussion of these puny theologies and we stop looking at Jesus Himself. Personally, at the risk of betraying my Methodist heritage, I would say it doesn't matter who is right, since in the end God knows who is saved and who he has not drawn to Himself.
Personally, and I know this will get a few angry comments, we should burn the theologies and get back to the simple gospel. Let God worry about who is saved and how, all we need do is have faith in Him.
This is a wonderfully heartfelt post. I agree whole-heartedly. That is, I agree in my heart; however, what you are suggesting is precisely what a lot of modern churches are doing. As a result, we have millions of Christians who never get off milk and into the meat of their faith. I know men who have been Christians their entire lives who don't know a thing about their faith. All they know is that they believe in Christ Jesus.
Don't get me wrong! That's good. It's great. It's the greatest great. The problem is that their faith, their witness, their
lives suffer as a result of a critical lack of doctrine. Their faith is perched on a tenuous foundation. It's like a house of cards. One stiff wind and it will all crumble. A Christian without assurance is of no use to God. How can he serve God when he does not even have faith in his faith? Doubting Thomas is a perfect example. He was crushed when he heard of Christ's crucifixion, even though it had been foretold. Jesus said it would be coming, but he was still completely crestfallen at the development.
When a Christian's faith is broken, he becomes nigh useless.
This is the danger of simply abandoning theology. It is a critically vital component of Christianity. It is commanded by Scripture. Paul wrote extensively on the subject (long before it was ever called theology, mind you). It's primarily his epistles that we use to form our arguments. You cannot study Scripture without running into theological topics. It's impossible. God has manifested himself (that's what theology is: the study of God) profoundly in the Scriptures.
No, my friend. I understand your heart, but do not let your desire for peace and tranquility to overcome your better Christian judgment. Theology is vitally important to Christians. The less we understand it, the more opportunities Satan has to tempt us back into our old ways. Without sound doctrine and the knowledge of our purpose and existence on this earth (to glorify God, yes, but to what end? and by what means?), Satan will deceive us in all manner of ways to lead us astray.
Though the contest can be bitter at times, we must persevere. We are sinful creatures, after all. What in this life isn't a struggle? What good is it if we never face trials? Consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds. James was absolutely right. He did not mean just trials outside of the church, in the workplace, or at the supermarket, or at a little league game. He also meant within the church! Why do you think Christianity is so factionalized, now? Why is there Catholicism, Orthodoxy, Protestantism, and even more sects and denominations within these? Because of foundational differences in theology and the practice of faith.
It is man's inherent arrogance and propensity to strife that causes these dissentions, not theology in itself. The pursuit of the study of God is noble and righteous. The pursuit of detractors for contention is not. I can only speak for myself, but in the threads that I post in on these forums, my intent is to first glorify God through the proclamation of his truth, second to edify my brethren, and lastly (but not least of all) to grow my own faith and understanding.
I would like to say that I could not care less about being right. But that's is not true. I do want to be right. But I want to glorify God, also. Sometimes, through the power of the Holy Spirit, I am able to maintain composure and act righteously. Sometimes, I lose my cool and respond with unnecessary candor. Sometimes, you can't tell the difference.
But
I can, and so can God. I am accountable for those times when I act selfishly and not out of a desire to glorify God. For these, I repent in shame, and pray that God would humble me, more and more.
And that is what Christian living is about. It's about growing in our relationship with God. He has shown me more amazing things in the past four months that I have been studying Reformed theology than I had learned in my entire 22 years of life before. His Spirit of revelation is astounding. I can't express how privileged I feel, knowing now, not just that my salvation was entirely his doing, but that my
understanding of salvation was entirely his doing. Most Christians do not even come to grips with the truth of the Word. That is such an amazing revelation to me that words cannot express it. We Reformed believers are so abundantly blessed that his grace surpasses all words for the wisdom he has bestowed upon us.
I praise God for the wisdom and understanding that he has revealed to me through his Word by his Spirit. I praise God and give him all the glory for my salvation, my sanctification, and my justification. He is truly God Almighty. There is none who can stay his hand, or say unto him What are you doing? (Dan. 4:35).
Soli Deo Gloria (solely God's glory)
Jon
