Wright is not Reformed. His theology of the NPP is not biblical, but heretical (cf.
Phil Johnson, et. al.). Others say, it is as William Ames said of Arminianism, 'an error tending to heresy, but not heresy itself.' If not heresy, it is at least error and definitely false, as latter demonstrated. As Craig Branch says,
Close attention and stern warnings are to be given about false teachers who twist the Scriptures to their own destruction (2 Pet. 3:16). Paul even uses harsh words calling those who pervert and thus bring a false gospel, dogs and evildoers (Phil 3:2). Jesus calls them whitewashed tombs, and You serpents, you brood of vipers, and ravenous wolves in sheep clothing (Mat. 23:27, 33; 7:15).
If this forum is for posting and supporting heresy, then IMO individuals should be able to post concerning such issues. However, if this is a Christian (Reformed) forum: (1) heresy should be noted, (2) the poster "marked" and warned and reproved twice, (3) if they are non- repentant then they should be excommunicated, and (4) the divisive posting not allowed to continue as it is detrimental to the faith once delivered to the saints (Tit. 3:9-11; 1Tim. 1:3-7; cf. Prov. 23:9; 26:4; Matt. 18:15ff; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; these are Paul's and others responses to such controversial topics).
Wright's views are not Reformed. While the reasons for such a statement overlap one another, their overlap reveals the consistency of the Gospel against such heretical views:
1). Wright denies a biblical view of justification. Paul teaches in Romans that justification is faith is reckoned as righteousness, but Wright says, faith is but a badge of covenant membership. This is a different gospel, which is not Gospel at all (Gal. 1:7). See
Hill.
2). Wright contaminates the true Gospel with an emphasis upon a future justification on the basis of works. In essence, such a position denies any true justification in the present and denies such texts as 'there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus' (Rom. 8:1: 33-39, etc.). He confuses justification and sanctification, etc. See
Venema and
Waters.
3). Wright's view of 'the works of the law' is Wrong. Wright disagrees with Scripture. Christ's works, not ours are the ground of our justification (Eph. 2:8-10). See
Fesko.
4). As any divisive teacher must do - as even in the early church (and even some members in forums such as these) - Wright falsely accuses his detractors from being biblical, or not being broad enough with their definitions, etc. See
Thomas.
5). NPP denies the omniscience of God. See
Mathis
6). NT Wright is not Reformed. See
Greco and
Duncan
Packer correctly calls the doctrine of justification by faith the backbone of Pauls gospel, Gods fundamental act of blessing, for it both saves from the past and secures for the future" (The New Bible Dictionary, ed. J. D. Douglas (Eerdmans, 1962), p. 684). Packer is an interesting read; See
Packer on Justification
For these and many other reasons, which I do not have time to express and post numerous other links to, Wright is wrong and his views are not consistent with the Reformed faith. "Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God ..." (2 John 1:9; John 7:16: 8:31; 1 John 2:19).
From what I understand this "safe" forum is entitled, "Semper Reformanda," because it essentially agrees with the
5 Solas. Among other essential scriptural truths, the 5 Solas revolve around a proper Scriptural understanding of "justification." Since Wright not only disagrees with the Reformed view of justification, but literally attacks it (a WMD to the true Gospel attacking the twin towers of (1) the faith once delivered and (2) the Lordship of Christ himself), any such discussion and/or support for such should be considered "off topic."
Just because someone calls himself "Reformed" does not make one "Reformed." True doctrine does not consist of a title, but every jot and tittle of Scripture. While being Reformed consists of more than just 5 points, without the 5 points, one is merely an imposter; a wolf among the sheep (Matt.10:16) in Reformed circles. Though true Christians are sent out as sheep among the wolves, they are sent out also in how to deal with such - see above on how Paul dealt with such WMD False Teachers.
I pray that God will give all repentance unto the acknowledging of the truth (2 Tim. 2:24-26) and that they by grace be given the ability to separate themselves from such false doctrines as NPP and the numerous other dangers such views lead too.
