The Gospel Standard
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The many and varied differences and nuances on the doctrine of soteriology ought to be cause for separation, instead of unity, since these differences portray a different Gospel than what the Bible teaches. Except that we allow for it under the pretext of unity, toleration, indecision, misinterpretation, application and controversy of hermeneutical method(s), the meaning and translation of specific words and phrases, the extent of the atonement, mankind’s (will) ability or lack thereof, all leading to the many and varied differences and nuances we see played out in unending arguments.
Furthermore, the myriads of denominations, sects, and religions are clear and deliberate evidence of these facts, indicative that almost all are in error, in one way or another. Either there is only one Gospel or there are myriads of gospels. We add insult to injury, when we lay claim, by some human authority, that there are essential and non-essential, or primary and secondary doctrines. On whose authority is a doctrine declared essential? Who defines what is and what is not essential? Henceforth, the many and varied differences and nuances I mention at the outset. Certainly, soteriology is an ESSENTIAL or primary doctrine, as it is closely aligned, or better stated, inextricably connected to the Doctrine of the Triune God! And yet, historically, this has been repeatedly challenged. No side has conceded their position, hence, gnostic doctrine, unitarian doctrine, JW’s, Mormons, Islam, Judaism, and the never-ending cycle of resurrecting old lies, in new forms.
One’s understanding of a biblical soteriology CANNOT be separated from that of the Doctrine of the Trinity. And those theologians of the past, who use the vague and generic name of Elohim, (English) God, as a reference to the Triune God of the Covenant of Redemption, infuse more confusion and a lack of clarity, and especially when mixed with Aristotelian or any human metaphysics, and demonstrate they possess NOT a biblical soteriology!
Other significant differences and nuances are the Church/State authoritative model of Roman, and other pedobaptists, who lay claim to historical evidence as in their favor to being the true and living manifestation of biblical fidelity. Yet, history itself, finds plenty of evidence to the contrary so that the whole charade must of necessity come back to the idea of a biblical, rather than historical, philosophical, or ecclesiastical one. This is Sola Scriptura! The only rule and authoritative standard which reveals and indicates the one and true meaning and intention of divine revelation! Its purpose is narrow and specific, instead of broad and inclusive.
The continuing expansion of denominational sectarianism demonstrates how far we have drifted from the truth, rather than made it clearer. It seems there is no turning back, humanly speaking, as Providence clearly has to allow it to fulfill the purposes of the Everlasting Covenant (COR/COG). Is it part of the coming apostasy, right in front of our eyes, yet with no eyes to see it, intentionally? This would be no different than in the fullness of time, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law. Indeed, His choice to redeem and specifically, SOME, under the COW, fallen and condemned already were it not for His adopting us as sons and daughters. And surely SOME remain under the COW, and reprobate, condemned continually, deserving the just penalty of an imputed fallen nature, which naturally is against Him and thus is sinful.
The following is an empirical illustration of the last sentence: I saw two of my young grandchildren the other day in conflict. One, did bite the other, causing her to cry. Both grandparents were nearby. The one bit said, he bit her. When he was asked if he did so, he outright lied and denied the claim. Asked again, he lied again. Then when the evidence was presented, he was asked once more, did you bite your sister? Obviously, the evidence of teeth marks did not lie! The children involved in this conflict are 5 and 7. Are they accountable to God for their behavior or do they need to reach an age of accountability? Is it possible that they are NOT indeed sinful or is this testimony of the truthfulness that they are conceived in sin and shaped in iniquity? Should he have blamed Adam for his own behavior or did he, himself, actually sin? Lying is a sin!!! So is not loving your neighbor as yourself. The amount of genuflecting to the culture, or some other ideology, rather than the Word of God, can be seen in this illustration, it seems to me.
Well, on to the sectarian view I embrace, and an explanation of its development from the horse’s mouth, so to speak.
At the present time, I am mostly in agreement with what is held by this distinct group, though I may have some differences I think over time will be remedied or may not be reason enough to separate. (Which may be essential, though not held). I have found an affinity in reading more John Gill than any other theologian in the past 40 yrs which has shed greater light and given more clarity to what I, myself, have seen in Scripture.
If you read this section “About us”, you may find what seems to be at least one or more inconsistent statements as regards the issue of separation. On the other hand, I may not be understanding it in the manner intended. It is inevitable that some compromise(s) be made, or the sectarianism would explode exponentially. We must draw lines which will contribute to division, as much as to unity, and of course this is a select and limited audience either way. There is no such thing as universal unity!
As a group they are slowly becoming obsolete and their numbers dwindling. Could this be because of their biblical commitments and lack of compromise like many today? I certainly think they are of the narrow way which leads to life!
Robert Gilmore is a Strict and Particular Baptist preacher. He resides in Blountville, Tennessee, serving the Lord in various capacities. He is widely read on historic and modern theology, engaging with believers on social platforms and other mediums.
