Southern Baptists and Calvinism

Calvinism, also known as the doctrines of grace or Reformed theology, is making waves in the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). Actually, Calvinism has been making waves in the SBC for quite a while; however, now there is growing concern by some of the SBC “old” guard because an increasing number of young seminarians are embracing the doctrines of grace.

Southern Baptist evangelists recently got together to lament the growth of Reformed theology among Southern Baptists. Read the Baptist Press article: “Evangelists lament Calvinism; SBC trends”

Christianity Today recently posted, “TULIP Blooming: Southern Baptist Seminaries re-introduce Calvinism to a wary denomination.” (HT: Justin Taylor)

In September of 2006, Colin Hansen, wrote an article for Christianity Today titled, “Young, Restless, Reformed,” in which he addressed the growth of Reformed theology among young evangelicals. Contrary to the concerns of some in the SBC, Hansen notes that this Calvinism is marked by a passion for God’s glory which leads to a passion to make God famous throughout the world: i.e., evangelism and missions. Hansen is also publishing his findings in a book due out in early 2008.

Unfortunately, some of the concerns around Calvinism (the doctrines of grace, Reformed theology) stem from ignorance. This is one of the reasons we should be readers. Let us read and meditate on God’s Word; let us read and consider thoughtful arguments; let us reason with one another. Let us not embrace systems of theology and then promote “a” system as an end all and be all. Let us instead allow Scripture to inform our theological systems. As we grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ, we should be willing to allow Scripture to correct our systems wherever and whenever necessary. Systems of theology serve as frameworks for our ministries whose entire purpose is to exalt Christ as the greatest treasure. It is Christ we preach, not systems!

By conviction I am a Calvinist and hold to the doctrines of grace or Reformed theology. However, the term Calvinist means many things to different people, so I refuse to use labels. Instead, I choose to use biblical terminology wherever possible.

If you would like to study the doctrines of grace or Reformed theology, there are various sources; however, let me point you to one you can access immediately – What We Believe About the Five Points of Calvinism, put together by the Bethlehem Baptist Church Staff. Also, you can check out the resources on the doctrines of grace on the desiring God website here.

You may also listen to a sermon on election which I preached from John 6, here.

Finally, here is a sermon by Charles Spurgeon on election.

I pray that this information will be helpful and useful in your personal study.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Juan
Acts 20:24

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