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 It
is extremely interesting to hear or read one of our
"grace-and-works-are-mutually- exclusive" brethren
reply to one who follows classic Calvinistic lines. Such
backpedaling, in order to show the necessity of baptism, etc.
Our "grace-" brother seems to understand, under these
circumstances, that there are conditions which must be
met in order to be saved, and that can be met without being a
"legalist" or claiming to "merit" salvation.
He may even bring out, in a round-about way, that justification
by law refers to perfect law keeping, and in no wise
negates man's "doing" of the Lord's commands.
Now,
if these brethren would only remember these points as they write
their "grace-and-works-are-mutually exclusive"
articles, they would not get so much opposition --- and there
would be fewer "legalist" for them to save.
"Works" and "law" in much of the Roman
letter refer to seeking justification by such (apart from
the forgiveness made possible by Christ's blood) — hence,
necessitating perfection — and are antagonistic to
grace ONLY in this frame of reference. It would be a bit
awkward, but if these fellows who seem recently to have learned
that we are saved by grace, would put "perfect" before
their use of "works", and "alone" after
their use of "law," it would greatly quiet current
conflicts in the matter.
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In
the early days of the institutional conflict I wished a strong
missionary society advocate would challenge a Herald-of-Truth
man to a debate. It didn't happen, but it may have shown some of
our brethren the weakness of their institutional defenses. And
now, I wish some of our "grace—" advocates would
have to meet a smart Calvinist — or even an Arminian. We might
learn if faith really is a "human response" and if man
can "implement" his salvation. The principle that
makes "faith" on man's part, essential to the
reception of God's grace, also makes "repent and be
baptized" essential to the reception of God's blessings. I
think we might learn that gospel truth can not be preached with
Ashdodic terminology; and if, in the process, we learn that we
have been careless in our own concepts and terminology, so be
it.
While
I deplore the half-cocked neo-Calvinism that is paraded in the
name of Salvation By Grace, I equally deplore any inclination to
put our trust in our achievements; failing to see that without
God's mercy and the forgiveness of our sins we are lost. We
sorely need to develop an objective hunger for truth, unhampered
by Calvinism or old sermon outlines.
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