It is God Who Rules in
the Nations of the World.
Posted 11/12/2008
[T]here are some who deny that a commonwealth is duly framed which neglects the
political system of Moses, and is ruled by the common laws of nations. Let
other men consider how perilous and seditious this notion is; it will be enough
for me to have proved it false and foolish. --John Calvin, Institutes of the
Christian Faith, IV:20:14 [Battle]
Thus Calvin, more than five hundred years ago, lays in the dust the modern
foundation principles of theonomy, reconstructionism, Federal Vision theology,
and all the step-children derived from the rejection of natural law and common
grace.
Self-conscious Christianity must include a deep humility based upon the
understanding of the deceitfulness of each Christian's own heart which
precludes the idea that individualistic self-conscious understanding of the
Scripture may not tainted with sin and error. There is a doctrinal
perfectionism that is as pernicious as any volitional perfectionism taught by
Finney or others like him.
Of course, I cannot take a neutral position with respect to the Lord Jesus
[Luke 11:23], but I can certainly and must be neutral about many other people
[Mark 9:40] This requires a certain humility of mind and soul. Just because a
man is not in my box, doesn't mean he is not doing the will of God.
Those who will take care to read all of Calvin's Institutes and
especially Chapter 20 of Book Four [about Civil Government] will see how
different it is from the spirit of the MIddle Ages and the modern movements
listed above.
The Apostle Paul did not have enough political influence to stay out of
jail, nor did the Lord Jesus avoid crucifixion, but they had a bit of influence
on the world, wouldn't you say? How did they manage that? I don't think they
even had campaign managers, unless the Holy Spirit and God's eternal decree
count.
Although Calvin was backward looking in some things, the general tenor of
his theology looked forward to the liberating spirit of the Reformation and
newness in Christ. Hence, he was able to maintian friendships even with those
who abandoned the Reformation and returned to Rome, or with those who did not
break completely with Rome. Calvin did not live in a box.
For a modern critique of Theonomy and Reconstructionism, read J. Ligon
Duncan's essay at the following link. Click
here
A great many things that have afflicted the peace and usefulness of the
modern reformed churches come of this stew. There are many articles that have
been linked HERE.
I would also strongly recommend Guy Prentiss Waters The Federal Vision
and Covenant Theology. You can get it at Amazon.
