In the “multitude of counselors” there is safety. We have had some encounters recently which greatly disturb us as Reformed believers and I am sure you have likewise encountered these things in your ministries. I was reminded recently that there are “many” who hold themselves out to be “teachers” but are rather “babes” in knowledge and doctrine and unfortunately the recipients of those teachings are the losers because of it. This is especially so with those in ministry who teach either literally in word or by example against the visible corporate church. We have seen this in the ministries of Harold Camping and others and we see a resurgence of this in the day of the internet. Thus, how would you respond to one who holds themselves out in the Reformed community as a “Reformed” theologian, teacher, missionary, in ministry, or Reformed believer, holding to Calvin’s Institutes and Reformed theology but they:
1. Personally only agree with a small percentage of Calvin’s theology and writings;
2. Do not subscribe to the Westminster Confession of Faith or like confessions and much of its teachings especially regarding the Sabbath (Lord’s Day); church government; worship;
3. Do not belong to a Reformed church or “have a church” and are not involved in the ministry of a local church and participating in its sacraments and discipline;
4. Do not agree with “church government” as espoused by Calvin and the Reformed community;
5. Do not believe they are to be under the authority of a church, pastor or elders;
6. Cannot espouse in their theology when asked “what they believe”;
7. Do not have a theological education or “training” and are “self-doctrinal” people;
8. Solicit funds from Christians for their “mission” ministries without giving answers to the above questions when asked.
These are just a few of the discrepancies we see so then, we are trying to work this “enigma” out in our minds and toss it out to you so that you can help us “sort out” the obvious discrepancies in thinking of one in this position. We are not questioning whether one has to hold to all tenets of the Reformed faith to be “Reformed” in theology nor seeking to bind one’s conscience but rather how can one hold to the above and yet say they follow Calvin, Calvin’s Institutes and are Reformed in theology? Our obvious concern is that those sitting under these teachings will “leave” the corporate church and/or substitute it and its biblical mandates for something less to their own detriment and spiritual life. We appreciate your discussion.
“Paul’s letter to the Galatians confronts the “different gospel” that took root in first century Galatia and still entices believers today. He exposes it as a deadly distortion of truth and provides much needed correction. Understanding his teaching is as important today (maybe more so!) as it was then.” _Carol Ruvolo“No Other Gospel” teaches us that true freedom in the gospel comes from understanding God’s perfect redemption as His gift by grace alone through faith alone and to deliver us from legalism and works-oriented salvation. Understanding pure doctrine will refresh our souls and deliver us from the constant self-centered desire to please God in the flesh by our own works. This is so relevant and needful for us today in every facet of our lives.
