The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Baptist Child Dedication

<blockquote><font size=1>In reply to:</font><hr>[color:"blue"]If you know howard personally like I do then you will understand where he is coming from and is acting out of the convictions of his heart and with all sincerity.</font><hr></blockquote><p> Though I do not know Howard personally his posts do sound the trumpet call that he earnestly believes what he posts--as I think most here believe what they are posting or else they would not be posting it (of course, there are a few exceptions, et. al.). But, all of us need re-teaching from time to time--I am a former Baptist who is now a Presby, etc. Where this may be viewed as a major transition it took place by many smaller steps that others assisted me in taking.<br><br>What one needs to do is try what he believes (1) by Scripture, and (2) by history (community, church, confessions, et. al.). First, one would look at Scripture and see if his convictions match with what he asserts is true. Second, he needs to go to history (and I am speaking of good histories and theologians of the past/present) and see if others, who have probably studied the issues out in even more detail, agree with your exegesis. Then study opposing views and examine their exegesis and where it may fall short and even where it may appear to have some substance (all subjects are not always black and white). Then one also needs to look how the Reformers of the past conducted themselves and presented their material. Theology is more than what one knows, it is what one lives. <br><br>Thus, we may be very earnest about something and be very wrong. Correction needs to be viewed as positive, but in many cases, especially in myself, we find this VERY difficult. We need to be humbled and re-trained. The Holy Spirit uses many means--this forum being one of them. And, when we are corrected the Scripture advises how we are to take it.<br><br><blockquote>1 Peter 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.</blockquote>

Joe,<br>thank you for the kind post.<br><br>blade

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[color:"blue"]I apologize if some of my posts are a bit unclear to you or others on this board.

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There is no need to apologize for "unclear" posts. Given the medium we are labouring under in this type of format, misunderstandings are not a rare occurrence. What I found unacceptable is your lack of charity to me when I sincerely asked for clarification. I'm not the brightest bulb in the box, ya know! [img]http://www.the-highway.com/w3timages/icons/laugh.gif" alt="laugh" title="laugh[/img]

I completely understand your zeal to give God all the glory in the matter of salvation. You won't find any objections from me on that point whatsoever. I tenaciously hold to and try to uphold "Sola Gratia" as much as any. Confessing that God also uses means to accomplish His will among men, not excluding salvation, and that in particular if understood correctly actually gives even more honour to the LORD and exalt Christ. For to imagine that the sovereign Creator and Sustainer of the universe actually has foreordained that sinful men should have a significant part in bring forth His kingdom of righteousness is staggering; at least to my thinking. [img]http://www.the-highway.com/w3timages/icons/wink.gif" alt="wink" title="wink[/img] Paul looked upon all those who were converted under his preaching/teaching ministry as "his children" in the faith. I dare say that it would be sheer folly to accuse Paul of denying God all the glory in the salvation of that multitude of individuals. The Apostle Paul expressed it most succinctly when he wrote:

1 Corinthians 3:5-10 (ASV) "What then is Apollos? and what is Paul? Ministers through whom ye believed; and each as the Lord gave to him. I planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: but each shall receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow-workers: ye are God's husbandry, God's building. According to the grace of God which was given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder I laid a foundation; and another buildeth thereon. But let each man take heed how he buildeth thereon."

And again,

2 Corinthians 5:18-20 (ASV) "But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and gave unto us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not reckoning unto them their trespasses, and having committed unto us the word of reconciliation. We are ambassadors therefore on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us: we beseech [you] on behalf of Christ, be ye reconciled to God."

Lastly, I would simply point out that we must avoid falling off to one side or the other with respect to the two great truths of God's sovereignty and man's responsibility. Both are equally true and thus compliment each other. The LORD gives faith to whom and when He wills. But it is not God who believes, but man, albeit by an irresistible calling. And thus, salvation is of the Lord (Jonah 2:9) AND it is incumbent upon each individual to repent of their sins and believe upon Christ. Likewise, it is God alone Who saves. But no less true is it that no man will come to Christ unless there is a hearing of the gospel by those who are sent to do so.

In His Grace,

Dear Blade,<br><br><blockquote><font size=1>In reply to:</font><hr>[color:"blue"]As faar as doctrine particullary bpatism should it not be black and white.It is isnt it I mean there is no room for grayness.</font><hr></blockquote><p><br>Perhaps Howard and yourself might allow me to share something of my own experience which you might find helpful?<br>To quote Pilgrim..." where a doctrine is much disputed and not a matter of salvation..." I'm afraid I, as a young man, had very little charity and tended to see such as black and white.To be otherwise would I felt be dishonouring to God and be a lack of faithfulness towards Him on my part. I was also sincerely concerned to share such doctrines with other believers. I am now 58yrs old, and God has been teaching me some lessons about myself. He has shown me that all that I am and have ( life, family, friends, posessions, finances, home etc. etc.) is on loan from Him, to be used in His service and to His glory. He has impressed upon me that I am nothing, and that "all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags." Isaiah 64:6 Any scrap of love that I exhibit towards Him originates with Him. Often I feel I have loved His work more than I have loved Him. Prone to wander, cold of heart, rebellious, these things<br>have convinced me, like Paul, that I must be the "chief of sinners." Yet as my friend David Davidson tells me, "He knew all this and everything else about me before He saved me, and still He saved me!" Ah, there is love!!!!<br><br> Now why am I sharing all this with you? Simply because He is changing me! My attitudes, how I see others, how I see myself. He is teaching me, more about Himself, how He sees me! I hope I am learning something, I know I am, but I am such a poor scholar. It is going to take a lifetime!!! In the meantime as I realise His boundless love for me, (such a wretch) I find His love is being shed abroad in my heart. All those who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity I am anxious to embrace as brothers and sisters. In the face of my own shortcomings and ignorance, theirs fade, and I know that He will lead us both into all truth in His own perfect time. In the meantime,<br>..I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." 2 Timothy 1:12 <br>Hallelujah, what a Saviour!<br>Yours in his amazing grace.<br>Brian.

Brian , I agree with you wholeheartedly . One of my problems is to keep these things in mind all the time. I seem to be forever falling back within myself exposing my old nature which is , believe me , not nice at all.<br><br>Learning these things and "putting them into practise" , is now , God willing , my lifes work .<br><br>I have every confidence in Him who is able to shepherd my paths .<br><br>howard

Howard<br><br>I am pleasantly surprised when I see this kind of humble attitude from you, keep it up.[img]http://www.the-highway.com/w3timages/icons/bravo.gif" alt="bravo" title="bravo[/img] <br><br>Tom