What does Calvinism look like if it isn’t based in federalism?

[JM]

In the sermon/lecture I posted here the speaker said he couldn’t find federal or covenant theology in Romans 5. I’m pretty sure the speaker is a Calvinist. What does Calvinism look like if it isn’t based in federalism? It was my understanding the speaker denied the federalism of the WCF and had a short back and forth with someone in the audience about the perspicuity of scripture. Doesn’t his denial of federalism affect his Calvinism and the idea they discussed about the perspicuity of scripture?

Did I read too much into his statement?

Perspicuity of scripture, as I understand it, is that all things needful for salvation are clear. Other, more detailed doctrines, may be more difficult to discern.

Yours in the Lord,

jm

 

[JM]

Calvin's theology included a robust understanding of biblical federalism even if the modern structure of covenant theology was fine tuned after him. I've never read Horton's work on theology and his understanding of Law is said, by reviewers, to be closer Luther than Calvin.

John Calvin's Integrated Covenant Theology

 

[abacabb3]

WHat is Federalism?

 

[gord44]

WHat is Federalism?

I was gunna ask the same.

 

[JM]

Federal and covenant theology are used interchangeably.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Covenant_theology

 

[striger]

Doesn't federal have one more word attached to it. I think it's in two words. I didnt know federalism denies the confession the PCA uses.

 

[AmericanSamurai]

If I'm not mistaken it has something to do with Adam as the first Federal head of mankind when he sinned thereby all mankind guilty of sin, and also Jesus "the Last Adam" whose Federal headship granted those Redemption who placed their sole Faith in Him alone.

 

[JM]

If I'm not mistaken it has something to do with Adam as the first Federal head of mankind when he sinned thereby all mankind guilty of sin, and also Jesus "the Last Adam" whose Federal headship granted those Redemption who placed their sole Faith in Him alone.

Yes, exactly. In Adam our federal head we all died in sin due to his fall. Adam represented all mankind as our federal head. Christ, the federal head of His people, will be raised up on the last day.

J

 

[twin1954]

Here is a sermon on Federal Headship if you're interested:
Federal Headship | SermonAudio.com

 

[abacabb3]

Covenant Theology in short is what, however? I have heard arguments like baptism is the new circumcision based upon "God not abrogating something so important in a previous covenant" to me does not sound very convincing.

 

[JM]

Covenant Theology in short is what, however?

If I understand you correctly…in short of:

1) modernistic tendencies to place emphasis on the literal meaning even if the text wasn’t written in such a manner as to be understood literally. (ex. Dispensationalism)
2) liberal tendencies to reduce everything to morality, deemphasizing doctrine. (Liberalism)

Both groups, Liberalism and Dispensationalism, practice theology devoid of a biblical worldview, one that also lacks historicity.

Covenant theology is a hermeneutic that is consistent with history, scripture and therefore Reformed theology.

I have heard arguments like baptism is the new circumcision

Very poor argument. Jer. 31 tells us that heart circumcision is the circumcision of the New Covenant. The circumcision “made without hands.” The New Covenant of Grace is the spiritual reality of the Old Mosaic Covenant of Works.

based upon "God not abrogating something so important in a previous covenant" to me does not sound very convincing.

It’s a matter of abrogation, yes. Once the physical type or shadowed prefigured under the old covenant has been fulfilled it is abrogated.

Yours in the Lord,

jm
PS: I think we should ban Dispensationalism! lol

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

or What does Christianity look like if it isn't based on Covenant Theology?

Since Covenant Theology is biblical, it would definitely make Christianity unbiblical, that is Christianity without Covenant Theology is not Christianity at all.

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

The Puritans were BIG promoters/popularizers of Covenant Theology, some would try to argue it is a Puritan invention, which I would argue is nonsense. Essentially it is the equivalent of arguing that the doctrine of the Trinity is an invention of the Early Church which is absurd. Both are firmly rooted in Scripture.

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

In the sermon/lecture I posted here the speaker said he couldn’t find federal or covenant theology in Romans 5. I’m pretty sure the speaker is a Calvinist. What does Calvinism look like if it isn’t based in federalism? It was my understanding the speaker denied the federalism of the WCF and had a short back and forth with someone in the audience about the perspicuity of scripture. Doesn’t his denial of federalism affect his Calvinism and the idea they discussed about the perspicuity of scripture?

Did I read too much into his statement?

Perspicuity of scripture, as I understand it, is that all things needful for salvation are clear. Other, more detailed doctrines, may be more difficult to discern.

Yours in the Lord,

jm

Without looking into it, perhaps the person mispoke or was not clear in explaining, or confused different concepts. There is opposition to "federal vision" within Calvinism, did the person confuse fv with federalism? I don't know, like I said, without looking into it. I think many Christians are bewildered by terms like "Covenant Theology", I know the terminology threw me for a loop. I hope brothers and sisters will get inspired to do further research, it sheds light on the riches, the depths, the greatness of God's glorious plan of salvation from eternity!

 

[JM]

Thanks AW. The speaker is a Dispey and is slightly biased. Have a listen.

 

[JM]

Augustine was a federalist.

https://contrast2.wordpress.com/2015/03/27/augustine-proto-1689-federalist/