Lovins argues that while doctrinal precision is essential to Christian faith, Reformed believers should pursue theological understanding with humility and grace toward those holding different positions. Using the infralapsarian versus supralapsarian debate over the order of God's decrees as a primary example, he contends that both views affirm God's sovereignty and mercy despite their different logical orderings, and that neither position constitutes heresy or demonstrates God as reactionary or fatalistic. He calls the church to remember Christ's parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18) and to extend the grace received in Christ to brothers and sisters studying Scripture's deep mysteries, lest Reformed Christians repeat history's errors of sectarian division over secondary matters.
What does the Bible say about God's decrees?
The Bible teaches that God's decrees are purposeful and reflect His sovereignty over all creation.
Furthermore, 2 Timothy 1:9 states that God 'has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of His own purpose and grace.' This reinforces that His decrees are grounded in grace, showing us not only His power but also His profound love for His people. Each doctrine we discuss about God's decrees should lead us to greater humility and love for one another, as we recognize the manifold wisdom of God's plan through His Word.
Why is understanding sovereign grace important for Christians?
Understanding sovereign grace is crucial as it informs our view of salvation as entirely dependent on God's mercy rather than human effort.
Moreover, grasping the concept of sovereign grace shapes our worship and community. It instills in us the importance of grace in our relationships, allowing us to extend forgiveness and understanding toward others, just as God has shown us His grace. This communal aspect encourages unity among believers, amidst diverse interpretations and practices, as we focus on our shared foundation in Christ. Thus, understanding sovereign grace cultivates a heart of worship and brotherly love, as modeled by Christ.
How do we know predestination is true?
Predestination is affirmed in Scripture, demonstrating God's sovereign plan for salvation and His love for the elect.
The understanding of predestination also reveals the character of God—His love, justice, and grace. Instead of portraying Him as capricious or arbitrary, this doctrine showcases His purposeful design in history. By embracing this truth, believers become more grateful and worshipful, recognizing the extraordinary grace He has extended to them despite their unworthiness. Thus, the assurance of being predestined brings a profound sense of hope and duty among Christians to live in accordance with God’s calling.
In theological circles today there is considerable division over various points of doctrine. All serious Christians acknowledge that doctrine is the lifeblood of the faith. To not know who we worship, why, or even how would leave us no less blind than the masses that are here today and gone tomorrow. Our faith in Christ is no mindless assent without definable content, lacking stable ground upon which to stand. The Rock of our faith is rich and vibrant, calling us to worship in humble submission to the Great and Sovereign God of history who has shed His love abroad in our hearts. Our kinship is not an earthly one and can never be dissolved.
As in all families, there is disagreement. No point of doctrine is too small or too obscure to evade the eyes of the Body and to be squabbled over. From the forms and offices of the Church, the powers and purposes of the sacraments, all the way to the very mind of God Himself, we all have gleaned our answers from the Scriptures and come to the conclusions that we hold sacred and dear to ourselves.
We are men of Sovereign and Free Grace, preachers and teachers of men in the truth of the purposeful and sure mercies of God. The best example that I see of this in the Sovereign Grace community is the debate over the order of decrees, and it is the perfect example to display the appropriate way we ought to love each other.
It is a haughty spirit that causes one to say 'High Calvinist' when referring to his view of God's decree (unless it be tongue in cheek amongst the brothers). The infralapsarian does not make God "reactionary" by supposing God's election is subsequent to his decree of the Fall. They acknowledge God is the cause of the Fall, would that make him reactionary towards Himself? The supralapsarian does not make God a rank fatalist by ordering the decree of reprobation before the Fall. The supra sees God's decree as ordered by His logic and not emotion, but in no way silences the love and mercy of God.
These are common in our day and age. Bickering and name calling at our brothers who simply seek to understand the mysterious truths of scripture in a deeper way. Both acknowledge the perspicuity of Scripture, but there are many deep doctrines that are plumbed from depths not so clearly defined. As we give grace to ourselves in trying to understand these truths, may we give the same to others and acknowledge that our brothers are no more heretics for trying to learn then we are.
Ought we not to seek our brotherhood in the truth of grace before anything else? Have we learned nothing from the generations that drowned and burned each other over modes of baptism? Shall we then excommunicate the children who sing hymns their Arminian friends teach them in school? Have our hearts become calloused against our brothers? I recall a parable of Christ where a servant is forgiven a tremendous debt, and yet he abuses his brother over a meager sum. Christ's application here was that the servant was expected to have his heart melted by the compassion of his master and to then give that grace, and more, to his fellows.
So let us go forward ever more in grace and continue to plumb the depths of God's glorious Word! May we be humbled even more by the truth He has shown us and endeavor to use the tools given us to communicate that truth to others, with grace and love abounding to one another. Jesus tells us that by our love they shall know us. Let them know us all the more.
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