Friday, April 06, 2007

Response to IrishCalvinist's blog posting on evangelization

For those just joining us, I was posting comments to the IrishCalvinist posting above. Erik Raymond, the blogger and the assistant pastor of Omaha Bible Church, had responded to my comments. I attempted to post a rebuttal, but as of yet the comments have not been approved, even though subsequent comments have been approved. Lest those readers of Erik's blog think I had no response, I have copied it here in full. I invite those involved to continue the debate on this page. Though I may disagree with you, I have no fear of allowing you to post your positions.


Erik, you say:

“I do not see how the association of Rome’s view of baptism with the Galatian heresy is inaccurate. Just because the text does not say baptism does not mean that what Rome is doing does not apply. For they are of the same seed; both are adding something one does (or receives if you prefer) to the cross.”

The problem is that YOU have ADDED that YOURSELF. YOU think that just because it makes sense, it must be correct. But it is just as correct (if not more) to say that Paul did NOT mean for baptism to be lumped in. Baptism is not adding to the Cross, but rather is part of what Jesus prescribes for the faithful.

You have proven my point, Erik. You read a passage, you say to yourself, “Gee, I think this means ‘X’,” and then you proclaim it to be the Gospel. But it is not the Gospel - it is your reading, your interpretation of the Gospel. And when you ‘point’ to other passages which you say support your view, you are doing the SAME THING. But you CANNOT point to any other source to support your position.

Jacob, you are doing the same thing with Ephesians 2. It does not contradict what I am saying because Saint Paul is still addressing the works of the Old Covenant. Paul specifically believed in the regenerative aspect of baptism:

“Or are you aware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life.” Romans 6:3-4.

“In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not administered by hand, by stripping off the carnal body, with the circumcision of Christ. You were buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.” Colossians 3:11-12.

“But when the kindness and generous love of God our savior appeared, not because of any righteous deeds we had done but because of his mercy, he saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the holy spirit, whom he richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ our savior, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:4-7.

Rob, I am striving to attain the glory of Christ in Heaven, and it is my fervent hope that I can lead Erik to do the same. For while Erik’s intentions may be good in his zeal for the Lord, he is actually actively attempting to pull people away from the truth of the Gospel. I think it is terrible that someone, no matter how misguided, would try to separate people from the presence of Christ himself in the Eucharist. My hope is that by pointing out the faults in Erik’s and other Calvinists’ thinking, they will truly understand Scripture and reach the fullness of their faith.

Also look at Acts 2:37-41. The Apostles have just finished preaching to the multitudes about Christ, after having received the Holy Spirit:

Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and they asked Peter and the other apostles, “What are we to do, my brothers?” Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the holy Spirit. For the promise is made to you and to your children and to all those far off, whomever the Lord our God will call.” He testified with many other arguments, and was exhorting them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand persons were added that day.

No comments: