How Do Traditional Baptists Unite with Calvinist Baptists in the SBC?

Tough question given the road of superiority some folk seek to travel as they satirically decode notable leaders responses.  However,  a kinder, gentler, more reasoned thinker offers us Scripture to tend to the possible under Christ our Lord.

I've encountered more than a couple of diverse conversations (here and here) related to the Statement of Traditional Baptists Understanding of God's Plan of Salvation.  You probably have, too.  Some cause me to quiver, others shiver.  Some create calm, others provoke whirlpools of validation of Traditionalists claims of "New" Calvinism.  Accusations of heresy and semi-pelagianism abound--as do temptations to retaliate in kind.

I ask you:

How do we discuss our differences and recognize the blood-bought, Christ-wrought righteousness in each brother and sister in Christ?  Can we not see the love each other has for God, for Christ, for the lost?  Can we not speak with one another without charges of heresy?

Reading Dr. Malcolm Yarnell's post on unity, I find myself believing, once again, that we can--without hate or anger toward the opposition.  Dr. Yarnell, one of the esteemed and notable signors of the Traditional Statement, brings Scripture to the forefront of contentions:

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.
It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard, that went down to the skirts of his garments.
As the dew of Hermon, that descended upon the mountains of Zion, for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life forevermore (Psalm 133).

"Scripture does not tell us "how" the dew on Mount Hermon falls on Mount Zion; it simply remarks that it does. Likewise, because of certain silences in Scripture, I cannot tell you how we can reconcile the doctrine of human responsibility with the doctrine of divine sovereignty in a manner that meets every theologian's preference, at least not on the basis of revelation. However, I can tell you that these two doctrines--divine sovereignty, or grace, and human responsibility, or free will (if you will)--are both true and both necessary to be affirmed, because they are both revealed in Scripture.
     My prayer is that we as Southern Baptists, whether we identify ourselves with the mountains of either Calvinism or Traditionalism, that we will seek our unity only in Christ by the Spirit before the Father. This unity is a gift of grace worked in us through sanctification on the basis of the truth of Scripture. It is a unity we desire. However, until we reach unity in how we bring the mountains of Zion and Hermon together, or, to put it cheekily, how we can successfully mix oil with water, we must trust that God will do it. Moreover, we must continue to come together as one to worship this God, this God who reveals to us His divine sovereignty, or grace, and our human responsibility to respond in faith, repent of our sins, and tell others how they too may be reconciled to the Trinity. Lord God, bring us unity in doctrine in Your time, but let our unity not be disrupted until then, for we wish to fulfill Your mission, and we know the world will believe and receive eternal life from You as they see us united in telling them of You."

Dr. Yarnell's entire post on unity can be read HERE.  Please give it a read and let it seep into the recesses of your mind and heart.  We do not have to treat one another like the world chooses to treat one another.  We can, indeed, find a way to discuss our differences with respect and kindness and love amid the controversy of orthodox theological views.  selahV

ANOTHER MUST READ FROM DR. MALCOLM YARNELL:  "Semi-Pelagianism, A Plea for Clarity and Charity"

Comments

[Peggy Scott]

Dear Hariett: Just wanted you to know that I enjoyed your devotion,Do you have what I have. Peace with My God. This week has been stressful in many ways and with the death of a family friend, but the only way I can face each day is to turn it over to God every morning when I arise. God sends us to a specific devotion for the day that relates to what we are going thru each day.Yours hit the spot. You have a new reader and thank you for your comments on my blogging and the death of our friend. Peggy Scott

[selahV-hariette]

Hi Peggy, so glad to have you comment. I do pray God pours out His grace in mega-amounts to meet the needs of your heart and calms your mind. Also, I pray for that family who lost their son. My heart breaks for them. The agony is unexplainable and hard for any to comprehend.
God has a way of putting people together in times like this that shows me, just how much He cares about my every thought and feeling. He is good. I am so grateful my words helped you. Thanks for telling me. selahV