i'm teaching a class now on evangelism and how important it is to study the Gospel. the premise is that as you study the gospel, it will lead to evangelism and as it leads, you'll have the knowledge to respond in truth and the spirit to respond in love.
The author of this article goes for some length about the need for right knowledge prior to salvation. He almost goes as far as saying that you need to understand basic reformed theology to become a believer. He seems to be presenting an ideal that is for from reality. We can have right knowledge but false beliefs and false knowledge but right beliefs. While exalting the Spirit's work in evangelism, the author seems to get too caught up in the "right" way to do evangelism. Granted this is an article and not exhaustive, but there is little temperance and little exaltation of the Spirit's work despite espousing what the Spirit does. At least that is the impression I received.
With that, what do you believe is the knowledge or belief that is necessary for salvation?
Yeah, I think we need to remember that this article is specifically to Presbyterians... though certainly Reformed Baptists can be included in the discussion. If you're not familiar with confessionalism, than some info in the article is lost.
Geoff - for prior knowledge, I think one has to have a worldview that allows for exclusive truth that can be known. One has to know about who and what God is - and that he is our creator and ruler. One has to understand sin and his own responsibility for it. Judgment. The cross and the resurrection and the lordship of Jesus. Faith alone.
What else did you think Riddlebarger was saying we needed to understand?
Joy - actually, I think Riddlebarger is Dutch, not Presby.
I love his critique of reformed activity in evangelism at the beginning. Excellent, convicting stuff that we need to pay heed to.
excellent article.
ReplyDeletei'm teaching a class now on evangelism and how important it is to study the Gospel. the premise is that as you study the gospel, it will lead to evangelism and as it leads, you'll have the knowledge to respond in truth and the spirit to respond in love.
-joe
The author of this article goes for some length about the need for right knowledge prior to salvation. He almost goes as far as saying that you need to understand basic reformed theology to become a believer. He seems to be presenting an ideal that is for from reality. We can have right knowledge but false beliefs and false knowledge but right beliefs. While exalting the Spirit's work in evangelism, the author seems to get too caught up in the "right" way to do evangelism. Granted this is an article and not exhaustive, but there is little temperance and little exaltation of the Spirit's work despite espousing what the Spirit does. At least that is the impression I received.
ReplyDeleteWith that, what do you believe is the knowledge or belief that is necessary for salvation?
Yeah, I think we need to remember that this article is specifically to Presbyterians... though certainly Reformed Baptists can be included in the discussion. If you're not familiar with confessionalism, than some info in the article is lost.
ReplyDeleteGeoff - for prior knowledge, I think one has to have a worldview that allows for exclusive truth that can be known. One has to know about who and what God is - and that he is our creator and ruler. One has to understand sin and his own responsibility for it. Judgment. The cross and the resurrection and the lordship of Jesus. Faith alone.
ReplyDeleteWhat else did you think Riddlebarger was saying we needed to understand?
Joy - actually, I think Riddlebarger is Dutch, not Presby.
I love his critique of reformed activity in evangelism at the beginning. Excellent, convicting stuff that we need to pay heed to.
Good stuff Derek. I finally got to read through the whole thing today.
ReplyDeleteInfant baptism?
ReplyDeleteYou gotta problem wit dat?!
Ha ha!
ReplyDeleteYes. :)
But at least you don't divorce faith and baptism, Steve. :)
And by the way... we're back! Time to get to writin' again...
Hey, I don't divorce faith and baptism either!
ReplyDeleteIt would be funny to have a Lutheran/Presbyterian debate on a Baptists blog. ;-)
ReplyDelete