The BRI Newsletter Reflections Reflections Number 33 Reflections January 2011 Arminianism and works, but such works are not a part of faith or a condition of justification. 1 Seventh-day Adventism Barry Callen, University Professor Emeritus of Christian BY GARY LAND Studies at Anderson University, picked up on this theme of the human dimension. Agreeing with Olson, he stated that salva- The symposium on Arminianism and Ad- tion comes only by unmerited divine grace, but added that it ventism, held October 14-16, 2010 at Andrews also involves a necessary human work. In contrast to Calvinism, University, attempted to analyze Adventist which is monergistic since it places all action with God, Cal- theology within a larger theological con- len favors a synergistic approach, which involves a God-human tinuum, helping to explore the relationship. While very concerned that we not connections between Adventism tip the scales, that with Arminius we not “devi- and other religious traditions. ate from viewing salvation as a sheer gift of a The plenary papers addressed gracious God,”3 he nonetheless criticized contem- three major areas of concern: porary evangelical theology for undercutting “the first, the Calvinist and Arminian conscious choice to exercise faith and the serious understandings of God; second, action required of believers for needed growth in Calvinist and Arminian posi- the Christian life.”4 tions regarding the assurance of Hans K. LaRondelle’s analysis of biblical salvation; and third, the rela- passages bearing on election and predestination, tionship of Seventh-day Advent- though not mentioning Calvinism, seems to fit with ism to Arminianism. this group of papers.5 He noted passages from both the Old and New Testaments that speak of God Calvinism and Arminianism choosing Israel, Christ choosing his disciples, and Christians as Roger Olson, professor of theology at a chosen people. Throughout all of these elections God expects a George W. Truett Theological Seminary of response from the people he has chosen. Nonetheless, in line with Baylor University, addressed Calvinist/Re- Olson’s and Callen’s understanding of Arminianism, LaRondelle formed arguments that Arminianism is a man- made clear that our decision to exercise faith, obey God’s will, centered theology because it allegedly places and persevere in a sanctified life “are not meritorious works that the decision for salvation in Christ within the contribute to our salvation.” But having said this, he also stated human will.2 He responded to this criticism that an “authentic faith in Christ honors not only the sovereignty first by arguing that Calvinism, by placing all and the priority of God’s grace, but also seeks a faithful walk responsibility for determining who will be with Christ.”6 saved and who will be lost on God, makes God Assurance of Salvation an ambiguous moral character. Furthermore, he said, the criticism is misplaced—the crit- A second ics do not seem to have read Arminius or other group of papers TABLE OF CONTENTS classical Arminians such as the Remonstrants addressed the issue Arminianism and Seventh-day and John Wesley. Had they done so, they would of the assurance of Adventism ............................................... 1 have seen that, because of prevenient grace salvation. Woodrow Editorial – Revival As a Way of Life ..............2 which gives the human being the power to W. Whidden asked Booknotes choose to accept Christ, even repentance is a which theological Beyond Common Ground ........................ 5 Seven Keys:Unlocking the gift of God. Classical Arminianism emphasizes tradition, Calvinism Secrets of Revelation ...................... 6 human free will in order to protect God’s good- or Arminianism, Worldwide Highlights ness and clarify human responsibility for sin. best provides assur- Third International Bible Conference But the free will decision to accept God’s gift ance. He described Set for 2012 .................................... 7 is itself empowered by God’s grace. Nothing God’s redeeming Call for Papers .........................................8 happens in the process of salvation apart from power as both a BRICOM and Faith & Science Science Council, 2010-2015 ...........8 God. True faith is always accompanied by good (continued on page 3) Page 2 Reflections – The BRI Newsletter January 2011 January 2011 Reflections – The BRI Newsletter Page PB EDITORIAL New Books Revival As a Way of Life Two new books are The need for spiritual revival cannot be overstressed. As stated by now available dealing Elder Ted Wilson, this is the time for church leaders to call the church with revival. to pray for it. But what does revival mean and what is its intended goal? 1. Revival Based on Our Conversion. Revival implies a prior conversion, that we were once spiritually alive but that we are now slipping toward spiritual death and in need of a revival of our spiritual life. Before our conversion, we were dead in our sins (Eph 2:1), but God through Christ forgave our sins and made us alive (2:5; Col 2:13). As a result, we were introduced to a new life in union with Christ (Rom 6:4; John 15:1-10). This new Both may be obtained at life reached us through the Spirit and is directly related to the words www.adventistbookcenter.com of Jesus, which are Spirit and life (John 6:63; 2 Cor 3:6). The union of believers with Christ is so deep that the love of God is poured into their hearts, Christ lives in them (Gal 2:20), they live in service to oth- Reflections ers (1 John 3:14; 2 Cor 13:4), and they are assured that their prayers Reflections will be heard (John 15:7, 16, 23; 1 John 5:14). Reflections 2. Revival As a Return. In their journey believers may get dis- couraged and slowly weaken their union with Christ. This is called los- Reflections seeks to share information ing one’s first love (Rev 2:4). A change is needed. We must acknowl- concerning doctrinal and theological edge our need and return home like the prodigal son (Luke 15:17-19). developments among Adventists and to foster doctrinal and theological unity in the When the father saw him, he exclaimed, “This son of mine was dead world church. Its intended audience is church and now has come to life again” (15:24; NASB). Only the love of God administrators, church leaders, pastors and revealed in Jesus, through the Spirit, can move us to reestablish union teachers. with the Lord. We reach our true destination when, moved by Him, we Editor Clinton Wahlen open the door (Rev 3:14-22). Then, we are once more alive, revived! Production Manager Marlene Bacchus 3. Revival As a Way of Life. Revival is the realization that we Images Brenda Flemmer are about to lose our vital union with Christ, that the influence of the Editorial Committee Spirit in our lives has diminished, and that we need to strengthen our Ángel M. Rodríguez • Kwabena Donkor spiritual life through study of the Word and through a life of prayer Ekkehardt Mueller • Gerhard Pfandl and service to others. This is what the Christian life should always be; Manuscript Policy Articles important if it is not, then we need revival. As we come closer to the Lord the for Adventist theology are written at the Spirit will empower us to understand the Scriptures and to walk in invitation of BRI and should be sent by email attachment to the editor at holiness, moving us to spend quality time in communion with the Lord [email protected]. in prayer asking for the outpouring of the Spirit. The manifestation of the power of the Spirit in our lives is directly related to our interest in Permissions Material may be used for preaching and public presentations and spiritual growth and our engagement in the mission of the church. The may be reprinted by official entities of the Spirit is dynamic and therefore His power is not granted to those who Seventh-day Adventist Church if the Biblical are indifferent to God’s mission. As we approach the end of the con- Research Institute is indicated as the source. flict, the Spirit will come with unprecedented power (the latter rain) in Translated articles should be reviewed by the appropriate Biblical Research Committee preparation for the divine harvest. We should pray for this event and prior to publication. ask the Spirit to use us today as we share the message. Revival is not about emotionalism, nor about miracles, but about Copyright © 2011 a life totally committed to the Lord and nurtured by Him through Biblical Research Institute ® study of the Scriptures, prayer, receptivity to the power and presence General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists 12501 Old Columbia Pike of the Spirit, and witnessing. If in our witnessing a miracle is neces- Silver Spring, MD 20904, USA sary, the Spirit will do it and miracles will happen in connection with Phone: 301.680.6790 • Fax: 301.680.6788 the latter rain. Let us all, together, pray for the revival of primitive www.adventistbiblicalresearch.org godliness among us. Ángel Manuel Rodríguez, BRI Page 3 Reflections – The BRI Newsletter January 2011 January 2011 Reflections – The BRI Newsletter Page PB (continued from page 1) nion, an act in which God obliges himself to creation for priori, which includes such elements as prevenient grace its benefit.”13 and forgiving grace, and a posteriori, which includes In his concluding, practical reflections, Stanglin also the sense that God is speaking to the individual and the addressed “once-saved, always saved” but was more “practical manifestations concerned with its actual of the ‘fruit of the Spirit’ effects on the life of the in the life of the believer.”7 Christian. He called that He asserted that Calvin- position “reductionistic” ists and Arminians accept and expressed concern both of these categories, that it “expects little or including “the full panoply no progress in Christian of the a posteriori factors holiness.”14 Believing that in the experience of saving sanctification is impor- 8 assurance.” But because Courtesy of Darren Heslop tant, he stated that “good Calvinists have no way works are not a causal factor of knowing whether God has elected them to be saved, in obtaining or maintaining salvation.