We Signed the Statement and This is Why

For nearly 6 years (since I first discovered Calvinism and Arminianism), I've been told that I do not understand the gospel and that methods I've used to lead people to Jesus during my husband's twenty-three year ministry were "wrong", "dangerous" and "superstitious". I've since read about Arminians and do not agree with their doctrine.  I've read about and talked with many Calvinists and do not agree with their doctrine.

I once posted a series of sermons by Dr. Adrian Rogers on predestination and a Calvinist described them as a "RANT".  When I defended Dr. Rogers, I was told I exhibited "passive aggressiveness" by another Calvinist.  Christian scholars, theologians, and ministers I trust for doctrinal messages have repeatedly been called "arrogant, heretics, mean-spirited, ignorant, unknowledgeable and hate-filled", simply because they voiced their views on God's love, God's sovereignty, God's grace, and God's plan of salvation for man.  I've read people argue that the "blood of Jesus" had no power for salvation--it was grace and grace alone.  Hymns I love and cherish, which have touched my heart through the years, were made fun of and denigrated.

This week I read the "statement" presented at SBC Today and had my husband read it.  He agreed to allow me to sign it (yeah, I still seek my husband's advice on spiritual matters), and added his name to the growing list of signatories: distinguished theologians, sitting SBC presidents, former pastors, evangelists, SBC seminary presidents and leaders.  Why would I add my little insignificant name to the document of so many notables?  Because, that is exactly what the gospel is about.  Anyone can come to Jesus.  Anyone can join the family of God.  Anyone can sign the statement that articulates that anyone can be saved--that God does not create any man to die and go to hell.  That is why I find it important to sign this document.  It is what I believe.  It is what I see the Word of God teaches.

My husband and I believe the  Statement of the Traditional Southern Baptist Understanding of the Plan of Salvation posted at SBC Today articulates what I have been taught to believe as a Southern Baptist regarding salvation all my life.  I am so grateful to have a document that outlines a clear doctrinal position for people like me and the majority of Baptists who have found Jesus and grew in His grace within the Southern Baptist Convention. 

Readers, friends, brothers and sisters, should you agree with the statement I have signed, I encourage you sign it too by sending an email to [email protected] and give them your name, position at church, the church you attend, and city you live in.  May God be pleased with our endeavors to lead more people to an understanding of the Savior and Lord who died for our sin.  selahV

Comments

[Shane Dodson]

Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

"Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God's grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus. It is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit through conviction of sin, to which the sinner responds in repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of grace."

[Jeph]

Please be informed,

[selahV-hariette]

Shane, Hello, welcome to my blog. I do not believe I've had the pleasure of meeting you or talking with you on other blogs.

Is this a trick question?

Everything is by God's grace, isn't it?

[selahV-hariette]

Jeph, Good morning! Welcome to my blog. I've seen your name about on the posts at SBC Voices, don't know if you are the same "Jeph". Nice to have you drop in here.

As to your plea, all I can say is I've already been reborn, is that not sufficient? selahV

P.S. I did chuckle at your comment. It was cute.