I like this photo because it describes the semi-odd place where I stand related to salvation and the church (at least I think Arthur Sido would be with me).
I'm in with the tulips because they represent the Doctrines of Grace (what some call the 5 points of Calvinism). I love the fact that God is sovereign over salvation and that it is all a gift of grace. I take joy in the fact that God actually saves people instead of only potentially saving them. If salvation required any work on my part - even my faith (as a work) - then I know I'd be headed straight to Hell.
I'm in with the tulips, but I'm the white one - not because white represents purity but because it doesn't fit in with the crowd. This is where I am as far as church is concerned. Those who are Reformed in soteriology tend to be pretty traditional when it comes to the church. There is a belief among some that Calvin's view of the church cannot be challenged. Sorry. I can't fit in with that any longer. I'm going the way of simple church even if that makes me a white tulip in a red field.
This white tulip is still happy to fellowship with all the red tulips! I hope they feel the same way about me.
9 comments:
There are a lot more white tulips in the field than many people might think. When you encourage people to take the Bible seriously, sometimes they find things that don't fit with tradition!
Soli Deo Gloria!
Arthur,
I'm gad to hear it.
It seems that Reformed folks in general are some of the least willing to listen to any hard questions about the church. For all the talk of sola scriptura, I just don't see it being applied to Reformed churches.
Eric,
Arthur took the words out of my mouth. There are a few such "heretics" Down Under, at least two in Queensland.
Arthur,
That should say "glad" to hear it.
John,
A few dissenters from the party line are almost always a good thing.
Eric,
Historically, and Biblicly, it was often the "odd-one-out" that God often used to bring about much needed change.
Eric,
You and I can be thankful that there are (at least) two families in our metropolitan area that don't fit in. I for one am excited to see what God can do with a few white tulips in an organic garden.
This passage comes to mind:
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
BTW, you and your fam were in my thoughts for much of the day. I really hope that you had a great reformation day, all things considered.
Bobby,
Thank you brother for the encouragement. It is nice to be like-minded about salvation and church. More than that, it's great to cherish Christ as brothers in Him.
Yesterday was a good day. There was a lot of emotion. It was good to be with everyone and have some closure.
We are excited now to move on. We don't know what God has planned, but we are ready to find out!
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