BAPTISTS----REFORMED OR REFORMERS? PART 2
- In my first writing about whether or not Baptists are "reformed" I concentrated mostly on the doctrines held by all Baptists, in contrast to the doctrines held by the Reformed Churches, and in it, I hope I communicated with certainty, that Baptists, while holding differing views on soteriology, could not be "reformed" and still be Baptist. When two things are "married", whether it be persons or theologies, you must accept the baggage that comes with both. In this writing, I'd like to show that not only have I represented those calling themselves "Reformed Baptists" accurately, but will show that they tend to value "historic Christianity" more than they value BIBLICAL Christianity.Reformed churches always celebrate "Reformation Day" which is October 31. Why this date? This is the date Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of Wittenburg Church. It is the day before "All Saints Day" in which supposed relics of saints were displayed in churches all over Europe. People would pay to see and pray before the supposed finger of John the Baptist, or skull of a catholic saint, and other relics by the thousands. The main thrust of Luther's argument with the Catholic church was the selling of indulgences, the practice of gaining forgiveness of sins by paying money to the Roman church. "I think it's important to note Luther wasn't against indulgences, he just didn't like the idea of selling indulgences," said Steven Martinson, professor of German studies and director of the World Literature Program at the University of Arizona. "One had to have a penance for one's sins, but at the same time, Luther was just outraged that you would have to pay money for that." WOW! This is HUGE.Calvin also taught that grace was received through the church, in the form of sacraments. The Reformed churches still teach that original sin is washed away at baptism. Thus they do believe in baptismal regeneration in essence. The fact that they affirm and recite the Nicene Creed also proves this point. As I said in part 1 of this article, the reformers were not intent on leaving the Catholic Church. Luther still believed that forgiveness came "through the church" but was only against charging a fee for it! This is why "sacraments" (baptism and communion) give "grace" in the theology of Reformed churches. A Baptist church however has no "sacraments" and cannot dispense grace to anyone. If grace is given, it will come from God Himself.Is this "reformed" theology the bedrock of Baptist beliefs? Hell no, and I am not meaning that as a curse word! Baptists, however varied, have always said "no" to Hell and its trying to persuade people that salvation can be bought, or that it can be dispensed by any person or church. Ah but they say salvation is "unconditional" in those Reformed churches, but is that what they really affirm? Let's take a look.Reformed churches adhere to the Apostles Creed, Nicene Creed, Chalcedonian Creed, Athanasian Creed. First, the Apostles Creed states Christ descended into hell, which would not be a statement left on its own by any Baptist. The Nicene Creed affirms baptismal regeneration when it says "I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins", and the Chalcedonian Creed refers to Mary as "the mother of God" and "the holy fathers" which includes catholic bishops/saints up until the 5th century. The Athanasian Creed states "And shall give account for their own works. And they that have done good shall go into life everlasting; and they that have done evil, into everlasting fire." So "doing good" is what saves? To place these words in a creed with no clarification is dishonest. Jesus did indeed say these words, but It was because He had been chastised by the Jewish leaders for healing on the Sabbath. He was showing us that keeping the Law was not "doing good" especially when keeping the Law was used as an excuse for NOT doing good, He was contrasting those who prided themselves in keeping the letter of the Law, as opposed to keeping the intent and spirit of the Law. The Jewish leaders believed they were "doing good" by keeping the Law, even if it meant harm or failing to help someone. He was, in effect, telling them that their "good works" were not good at all, and on the day of judgement, they would be left wanting.All of these creeds capitalize "virgin" when referring to Mary, this denotes the Catholic belief that Mary was a perpetual virgin, denying that Jesus had siblings such as His brother James. While Mary was most definitely a virgin when Jesus was born, she had other children by Joseph. Wording and punctuation are very important when trying to decipher meaning. There is a vast difference between "the virgin, (comma) Mary" and "the Virgin Mary". Reformed Baptists will quote these creeds along with Augustine as much if not more than they do Paul. Do any of these creeds describe Baptist beliefs on these points?Many will say that I misrepresent Reformed Baptists, but is this really so? To find out I searched out several dozen "Reformed" Baptist churches at random, to see what confessions or articles of faith might be found on their websites. What I found was that they all have a different ecclesiastical polity than true Baptists. They are governed by "elders" which most often are appointed by the pastor, and never voted on by the congregation. Baptist polity is congregational, with each member having a vote and a voice. Baptists have two officers, pastor (elder, bishop) and deacons. More often than not, they cited at least one of the above creeds, many citing all. To see for yourself, go to the website of Tuscon Reformed Baptist Church and take a look.I study history myself including Augustine, Origen, etc etc. However I study them as a matter of history, and do not form my theology based on what they've said. The Bible alone contains ALL things necessary to point men to Christ and it alone sufficiently contains all things necessary for salvation. I believe in the priesthood of the believer, and it is MY duty to search the scriptures for myself, regardless of what men in the past may have preached, including Baptists. THIS is the historic Baptist doctrine my friend!If any Baptist theology is true it is in part because we reject tradition on all sides. Even if a tradition is good, to believe it for tradition's sake is error, for eventually it becomes a law that, while possibly good, becomes perverted in the hearts of men, merely because they follow it out of habit or to please others. Such was the case when Christ Jesus was condemned by the Pharisees, for they had turned their traditions into law, and the law merely became tradition. Though outwardly they seemed godly, inside they were vipers. Tradition and law had become their god. The very thing that was meant to POINT them to God, they made into an idol, and worshiped it. Do you know any Baptists who have traditions that have become their god? What say ye? Stay tuned! (SEE PART 2)K. Mann
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