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#43966
Sat Jan 02, 2010 1:23 PM
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I am not sure if I am in the right place, but here goes! It has probably been discussed here before, but recently New Covenant Theology has come up before us. A dear brother, who is sovereign grace, is thinking of leaving his fellowship, because the Pastor has embraced the teaching of New Covenant Theology, which he does not and cannot agree with. It is a big decision because he is very involved in the fellowship, and also has recently lost his wife, but he preaches himself wherever he is asked and travels all over. Can someone please enlighten me in simple language exactly what NCT is, please. Thank you. sincerely, En glish Rose
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Hi English Rose, 1. I think your friend is making the right choice in leaving his fellowship over "NCT". 2. You can read about "NCT" here: Theopedia: New Covenant Theology. 3. One of the major tenets of NCT is that the Ten Commandments, in fact ALL of the OT law was abolished at the coming of Christ and therefore not binding upon Christians today... except and unless Christ Himself or an apostle teaches that a particular law, including any/all of the Ten Commandments is to be observed. This is why adherents of NCT reject the 4th Commandment concerning the Sabbath and believe it is not binding today. 4. There are many passages which one could use to refute this entire idea that there are "two laws" in Scripture; the law of the Old Testament which is abrogated in its entirety, including the moral law, and 2) the "Law of Christ" which alone pertains to New Testament (Church) Christians. For example, Matt 5:17-19; Lk 21:33; Jh 7:16; 14:10; 17:8,14,17; Rom 7:7,12,14,22,25; 1Tim 1:8; Heb 12:21-26. Now, what is most instructive is this last reference, Hebrews 12:21-26 where the inspired author takes us back to Mt. Sinai and the giving of the law to Moses. He mentions that "voice" that they heard that "spoke on earth" and then again who shall "speak from heaven". This passage in the Greek makes clear that the one who spoke on Mt. Sinai and who shall once again speak from heaven is none other than Christ; the pre-incarnate Christ on Sinai and the now glorified Christ Who sits on the right hand of the Father in heaven. When we use the "Analogy of Faith", comparing Scripture with Scripture, e.g., comparing the above referenced passages, it becomes very clear that Christ is the Giver of the law in all times and thus it is one and the same. There is not an OT law and a new and different NT law. For God Himself is the author of the moral law, that being an expression of His very nature. Once cannot therefore bifurcate the moral law given on Sinai from a new version with additions and subtractions allegedly given by Christ in the NT to the Church. I hope this helps to give you a beginning for understanding this error being promoted as New Covenant Theology (NCT). In His grace,
simul iustus et peccator
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Hi Englih Rose, This link will provide u with a basic definition of NCT, and along with various critique of NCT. http://www.biblelighthouse.com/covenants/nct.htmSee especially the articles by Richard Barcellos. His did his Thesis on NCT; this evolved into a book that you can find Amazon - "In Defense of the Decalogue". The strength of book is his quotes old reformed Giants to refute NCT. Greg Welty also wrote some very good rebuttals to the movement. I would say many of the reformed baptist scholars now tend to be sympathetic to NCT in some form or fashion. The following Theopedia note is accurate, IHMO. "Leaders of this movement include such theologians as John Reisinger, Jon Zens, Peter Ditzel, Fred Zaspel, Tom Wells, Gary Long, Geoff Volker and Steve Lehrer. The writings of Douglas Moo, Tom Schreiner, [Peter O'Brien], and D.A. Carson, on the relation of the Christian to the law reveal their sympathies with NCT. However they have not wanted themselves to be so labeled. John Piper also has many points of contact with this movement, but an article at Desiring God carefully distinguishes his position from the Covenant, New Covenant and Dispensational theological systems. [1]" (http://www.theopedia.com/New_Covenant_Theology); I added the name in the bracket)I apologize for not linking as properly; it's been a very long time since I have posted on the site and have forgotten everything. In few days, I should be able to get a handle posting correctly again Let me know if you have any questions, Carlos Carlos
"Let all that mind...the peace and comfort of their own souls, wholly apply themselves to the study of Jesus Christ, and him crucified"(Flavel)
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Oops. I did not see your Post when I wrote mine. Thanks Pilgrim.
Carlos
"Let all that mind...the peace and comfort of their own souls, wholly apply themselves to the study of Jesus Christ, and him crucified"(Flavel)
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Annie Oakley
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Annie Oakley
Joined: Sep 2003
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An Open Letter to Dr. R.C. Sproul By John Reisinger Originally posted on Sound of Grace Statement on offsite articles This may be of interest. Dear Dr. Sproul: For many years I have benefited from your ministry. Your books present the reality of our sovereign, gracious God and his amazing love for undeserving sinners in clear, biblically accurate language. We have used your videos in Sunday School classes and youth groups and have encouraged many others to do the same. I was, therefore, greatly disappointed, but given your unreserved commitment to Covenant Theology, not at all surprised by your unjustified attack on New Covenant Theology in general and two other men and me in particular. Your magazine, Tabletalk, of September 2002 carried five articles against ‘antinomianism.’ One of those articles, "The Death of the Decalogue," by Richard Barcellos, applied the odious label of theological antinomian to Tom Wells and Fred Zaspel, co-authors of the book New Covenant Theology (page 55), and to me (page 16). Letter to Sproul
The Chestnut Mare
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Needs to get a Life
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Needs to get a Life
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As I think about this issue, although there are many things that come to mind; I can’t help thinking that the belief that Jesus Beatitudes supersedes the Decalogue is simply wrong, to put it mildly. In my understanding neither supersedes the other; they are equally God’s Word and should therefore be obeyed by any Christian who truly loves their Lord. It would appear to me also that John Reisinger believes that the words of Jesus are more important than the words of Moses. This is rather silly, doesn’t Reisinger believe in Reformed doctrines such as Sola Scriptura and the Inspiration of Scripture? Not to mention that the words of the 10 commandments were the Lord’s words, not Moses’ words. Does Reisinger also believe, that something Jesus said in the Beatitudes cancels out the 4th Commandment? Something has always puzzled me about Christians who view the 4th Commandment as a ceremonial law, rather than a moral law. It seems odd that God would give us 9 moral laws that must be obeyed for all time and one ceremonial law amongst it that needs only to be obeyed until the NC. Their arguments remind me of the egalitarian argument that says that Paul wrote 1Tim.2 &3 in a culture, where a woman would never be accepted as a leader (ya so, did that stop Jesus from going against culture, particularly the Pharisees when they were wrong? The Mishnah comes to mind, see John 9). These egalitarians believe the words from Paul are not for today. Yet these same egalitarians use the same words surrounding those particular words from Paul (1Tim. 3) for the qualification of both elders and deacons. To be consistent both those who believe the 4th Commandment is ceremonial and egalitarians would need to take scissors to cut out portions of Scripture that no longer apply in our culture today. Perhaps I am missing something? Tom
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Needs to get a Life
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Needs to get a Life
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Chestnutmare
I think this deserves its own thread. I would be curious to find out if RC Sproul responded.
Tom
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