The Next Reformation - Journey

When I penned the name of the Facebook page ‘The Next Reformation.’ I have to say I didn’t know very much about the “Reformation” or for that matter ‘The Reformers’ I had never heard about a theologian called Jacobus Arminius. I knew even less of his struggle against the Calvinists over doctrines like the Depravity of mankind; the Election of the saints, the breadth of Atonement; the irresistibility of Grace; whether the saints will Persevere and of course the doctrine of Predestination in its totality.

I also had no idea about the beliefs of John and Charles Wesley and a theology called Wesleyan Armenianism and the impact that it had on the Church in the Western World over the last two centuries. Bringing the Church from a stance on Salvation that all Christians are predestined and without choice to accept or reject Christ’s work on the Cross to another perspective. One that states the believer has choice to believe on Christ’s work of atonement on their behalf and repentance is also based on choice as is the Christians journey toward sanctification.

My personal view of the Calvinist and Armenian perspectives on Salvation, Justification and Sanctification is that both perspectives are true. It seems to me, and I am prepared to accept correction on this or any issue, that there are themes in scripture. In this case there is the theme of Predestination which clearly shows that the believer is predestined, that the Father brings us to His Son, Christ Jesus and we as Christians are chosen.

There is also the theme that Salvation is for all. John 3:16 “For God so loved the World that he gave His only begotten Son that who so ever believes on him shall not perish but inherit eternal life.” So, you could say that Grace is made available to all through the Gospel. Now we can say, and many do, that these two themes are incompatible but my answer is why should that be? Jesus said that all things are possible with God. Yes we may not be able to understand what God can do but that doesn’t mean that He cannot do it.

I know that the truth is paramount to Christians and that many reading what I have just said would brand me a liberal and read no further. Fair enough. If you do continue to read on though. I would say that there are benefits to be derived from either perspective. The Calvinist view is valuable because it is a persistent view of the Christian life. The believers exposed to this lens tend to be strongly grounded folk who believe that they can do nothing aside from the work of God in their lives. A good place to start your walk with God. I would say and a proven path in that these humble folk have persisted for the last four plus centuries and as with all of the bible believing, faith alone reformed Churches they are still going strong. While many other denominations have faded into the oblivion of history.

The greatest thing about the Armenian perspective is it’s focus on the love of God. That God so loved you that he gave His only Son Jesus Christ that in believing on Him you shall not perish but will inherit eternal life. The belief that the gospel is for all. That in Grace all are Predestined to Salvation but not all will avail themselves of that Salvation. It is a lighter yoke than Calvinism.

Compared to the constraints of the Reformed Theology. The Wesleyan Armenian theology is about Matthew chapter 28 verses 19 & 20. The Great Commission to take the gospel to the World baptising all who will in the name of Jesus Christ. This resulted in a golden age of Christianity in the nineteenth century known as the Great Awakening. There were many great leaders (Moody, Finney, Torrey), in that era and Christianity flourished in the West.

However, as with so many Church movements false teachings can find a home and Methodism is no different in that regard. Initially a preoccupation with the personal holiness of the believer became a stumbling block for many leading to a works based gospel and individual defeat. Over time the Gifts Movement began to make its home in Wesleyan Protestantism and corresponding error came into the Church through a shift away from Sola Scriptura.

Over time the movement began to wane and the Mainline Church branches fell into liberalism leaving the Gifts Movement to consolidate the remaining adherents into world styled mega churches and abundant smaller Christian fellowships. Today the Church’s impact is being quenched by the growing wave of humanism and atheism and ultimately the return to paganism in this End Time.

So, there is no doubt that the Church needs to return to it’s roots. We need an outpouring of the Holy Spirit and a widespread revival both here in New Zealand Aotearoa and in countries across the Western World. I suppose the question arises “What will ‘The Next Reformation’ look like and when will it occur?” It seems that times are changing and much of the World is falling into a time of spiritual darkness. I continue to speculate that it won’t be until the people recognise what this ‘Rise of Paganism’ means to them personally that they will be open to the Gospel of Jesus Christ once more. So, I think the people will be going much further into that spiritual darkness before they begin to repent and turn back to God. The Next Reformation may well occur in the “Tribulation Time’ to come and it will look revolutionary as countless millions repent in the name of Jesus Christ in that era.