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| Ric_b Registered user Username: Ric_b Post Number: 309 Registered: 7-2004  |
I am currently reading a history of the Reformation which has been filled with interesting tidbits. But I nearly dropped the book when I read this quote discussing the first Council at Trent.
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| Jwd Registered user Username: Jwd Post Number: 98 Registered: 4-2005 |
Ric_b, I'm interested in the book title you are reading.This is truly an interest arresting quotation. I'm almost finished reading "The Bondage of the Will" by Martin Luther, said to be the "greatest piece of writing that came from Luther's pen." In his rebuttle to Erasmus' claim of free-will, Luther emphatically denies it. A few choice quotes include the following: "For I have shown above that 'free-will' belongs to none but God only." p. 137 "Thus, Paul's simile (Rom 9) holds good, and proves most effectively that there is no such thing as freedom of will in God's sight." p.231 "Apart from grace, 'free-will' by itself is Satan's kingdom in all men." p. 201 I was just reading again Rom. 11 this morning and this brings to mind verse 6: "But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, OTHERWISE grace is no longer grace." (Emphasis mine). Is the title of your book "The Reformation" by Diarmid MacCulloch? Or was that quote merely discussed by MacCulloch? Jess P.S. Stan will want to give his input here I'm sure. | ||
| Ric_b Registered user Username: Ric_b Post Number: 310 Registered: 7-2004 |
Yes, the quote is from the book I am reading. It is a slow, detailed read. But I am enjoying it very much. It made me wonder why I didn't learn more of this during my Church History courses from Dr. B. Perhaps he was too busy talking about his newest book throughout the classes. But more seriously, it would be very hard to read through this history and conclude that SDAism was an heir to the reformation. And the information on the teachings among some of the Anabaptist groups is really interesting. | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 785 Registered: 3-2005 |
Thanks Ric_B and Jess for bringing up a topic that I will never get tired of, and that is the recovery of the true gospel of grace in the Reformation. Luther and Calvin were united on this topic of free will, and that is, no man can will himself into the Kingdom of God. Salvation is of the Lord from start to finish. We don't get our dirty hands on it at all. We just respond in humble gratitude and service, and praise the Lord for His marvelous grace. I would also be interested in reading that book Ric. I think I remember on another thread that you were also reading Luther's lectures on Galatians. That book was one of the greatest I ever read. There is a book that is easy reading comparing the Roman Catholic gospel to the SDA gospel, and examining SDAs stupendous claims as to being the heirs of the Reformation. This book probably had the biggest influence in my leaving SDA. It is Geoffrey Paxton's "The shaking of Adventism", and it examines and compares Trent's pronouncements to SDA pronouncements. The Council of Trent called anathema Luther's gospel of justification by faith alone. This book can be read online and is highly recommended for anyone who would like to get up to speed as to the key doctrines of the Reformation. Go to www.presenttruthmag.com/7dayadventist/shaking/index.html Stan | ||
| Ric_b Registered user Username: Ric_b Post Number: 313 Registered: 7-2004 |
I think that The Shaking of Adventism remains one of the best analyses of SDAism. I had concluded that EGW wasn't a true prophet of God (I was years away from accepting that she was a false prophet) and that the IJ wasn't Biblical (but hadn't really put together the idea that it was another Gospel) a few months before I came across a copy of his book at a used religous book store in Grand Rapids. The first time I read it, several of the points really struck me. I have read it a number of times since then. My copy is literally falling apart, but I still prefer "real" books to online reading. The book is a relatively light read and is a great and easy comparison between SDAism and the reformation Gospel. | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 790 Registered: 3-2005 |
Ric_b, that quote you led with is sure similar to many EGW quotes and SDA pronouncements.The more I think about that quote the more a feeling of deja vu I get. Today's evangelical Christian church has lost the light of the Reformation in many ways. Surveys have shown that very few Christians can articulate the very basis of Christianity and that is justification by grace alone through faith alone on the account of Christ alone. The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals drafted a statement addressing this concern. Here is a document summarizing the five solas of the Reformers, and how they relate to the Christian church today. See what you think of this statement and your comments are welcome. www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/cambridgedeclaration.html Stan | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 839 Registered: 3-2005 |
What is the Reformation doctrine of election? Here is an easy to read and short review by the systematic theologian Wayne Grudem, where he tries to clear up some misunderstandings about this great doctrine of the Reformation. www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/misunderstandings.html Any comments? Stan |
