Calvinism In The Restoration Movement?

[FaithfulPilgrim]

Hello there! I am a Southern Baptist, but I have been doing research into the Restoration Movement, specifically the Churches of Christ.

What led me to this movement is that I am a High School student, and my bus always drives by a Church of Christ church after school, so I was curious in what they believed.

I agree with some things about the Churches of Christ like their structure (Forgive me if I am wrong as I am new to this), but they have a pastor except they do not call him that (they quote a verse where it says "You shall not call any man Father") and I like their intention of moving beyond denominations and having one church.

My only issue is their anti-Calvinism. As a Southern Baptist, I believe in eternal security (I also believe in total depravity of man, but don't know the official SBC position on that) while the Churches of Christ believe you can lose your salvation and has to be done in a certain way and in a certain order.

I consider myself neutral when it comes to Arminianism vs Calvinism as I think both sides have some biblical evidence, but neither one is completely Christian.

Are there other churches in the Restoration Movement that are similar to the Church of Christ except they believe in salvation by faith alone and are not necessarily Arminian or Calvinist?

If I decide not to join the Restoration Movement, then I decided to at least incorporate some of their doctrine in the SBC, particularly with the church structure. I think it is congregational, but with some differences from the Baptist congregations.

 

[actionsub]

Probably not. The Restoration Movement has three strands: the Churches of Christ, the Independent Christian Churches, and the Disciples of Christ.

Church of Christ you know.
Independent Christian Churches are doctrinally and ecclesiologically similar to Churches of Christ. The major difference centers on the use of musical instruments in worship. Officially their stance on baptism is that of the Churches of Christ, in that it is required for salvation.
Then there's the Disciples of Christ. They have softened their stance on baptism considerably in the last fifty years or so; that's the good news. The bad news, they take a very liberal stance toward Scripture in general. (I speak in generalities here; Disciples churches tend to be more conservative in rural areas.)

You're not going to find any true Calvinism in any sector of this movement, as it historically began as a backlash against some of the more exclusive teachings within Presbyterianism.

 

[bbbbbbb]

Probably not. The Restoration Movement has three strands: the Churches of Christ, the Independent Christian Churches, and the Disciples of Christ.

Church of Christ you know.
Independent Christian Churches are doctrinally and ecclesiologically similar to Churches of Christ. The major difference centers on the use of musical instruments in worship. Officially their stance on baptism is that of the Churches of Christ, in that it is required for salvation.
Then there's the Disciples of Christ. They have softened their stance on baptism considerably in the last fifty years or so; that's the good news. The bad news, they take a very liberal stance toward Scripture in general. (I speak in generalities here; Disciples churches tend to be more conservative in rural areas.)

You're not going to find any true Calvinism in any sector of this movement, as it historically began as a backlash against some of the more exclusive teachings within Presbyterianism.

There is a parallel denomination which is very similar, but is not Arminian. It is the Plymouth Brethren. I had the same misgivings concerning the Churches of Christ and ended up finding a good fit for myself with the Brethren. As with the Churches of Christ, there are many variations of which some IMO have deep problems. Here is the Wikipedia article - Plymouth Brethren - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Thedictator]

Hello there! I am a Southern Baptist, but I have been doing research into the Restoration Movement, specifically the Churches of Christ.The Restoration Movement started out as Baptist but left very early in the beginning.

What led me to this movement is that I am a High School student, and my bus always drives by a Church of Christ church after school, so I was curious in what they believed.

I agree with some things about the Churches of Christ like their structure (Forgive me if I am wrong as I am new to this), but they have a pastor except they do not call him that (they quote a verse where it says "You shall not call any man Father") and I like their intention of moving beyond denominations and having one church. We have pastors but they are not the preacher. They are what we call Elders, there is always a plurality of pastors

My only issue is their anti-Calvinism. As a Southern Baptist, I believe in eternal security (I also believe in total depravity of man, but don't know the official SBC position on that) while the Churches of Christ believe you can lose your salvation and has to be done in a certain way and in a certain order.
Most of us believe in eternal security also except that you may walk away or turn away from God's grace, God will not save you against your will. Also if you stop having faith in Christ you are no longer saved.
I consider myself neutral when it comes to Arminianism vs Calvinism as I think both sides have some biblical evidence, but neither one is completely Christian. We do not take sides we just teach what the bible says

Are there other churches in the Restoration Movement that are similar to the Church of Christ except they believe in salvation by faith alone and are not necessarily Arminian or Calvinist? Yes, The International Churches of Christ, The Christian Church, The Christian Church-Disciples of Christ, The Christian Church and Church of Christ USA, are some the Restoration churches

If I decide not to join the Restoration Movement, then I decided to at least incorporate some of their doctrine in the SBC, particularly with the church structure. I think it is congregational, but with some differences from the Baptist congregations.Churches of Christ have no HQ, or structure outside of the local congregation.

....

 

[Thedictator]

Probably not. The Restoration Movement has three strands: the Churches of Christ, the Independent Christian Churches, and the Disciples of Christ.

They have softened their stance on baptism considerably in the last fifty years or so; that's the good news.

I would not say that is good news.

 

[ken777]

Hello there! I am a Southern Baptist, but I have been doing research into the Restoration Movement, specifically the Churches of Christ.

What led me to this movement is that I am a High School student, and my bus always drives by a Church of Christ church after school, so I was curious in what they believed.

I agree with some things about the Churches of Christ like their structure (Forgive me if I am wrong as I am new to this), but they have a pastor except they do not call him that (they quote a verse where it says "You shall not call any man Father") and I like their intention of moving beyond denominations and having one church.

My only issue is their anti-Calvinism. As a Southern Baptist, I believe in eternal security (I also believe in total depravity of man, but don't know the official SBC position on that) while the Churches of Christ believe you can lose your salvation and has to be done in a certain way and in a certain order.

I consider myself neutral when it comes to Arminianism vs Calvinism as I think both sides have some biblical evidence, but neither one is completely Christian.

Are there other churches in the Restoration Movement that are similar to the Church of Christ except they believe in salvation by faith alone and are not necessarily Arminian or Calvinist?

If I decide not to join the Restoration Movement, then I decided to at least incorporate some of their doctrine in the SBC, particularly with the church structure. I think it is congregational, but with some differences from the Baptist congregations.

One way to reconcile Calvinism & Arminianism is by concluding they are both right!

.

 

[aggie03]

I would not say that is good news.

Indeed. Becoming lax on any Biblical teaching is a terrible thing.

 

[aggie03]

One way to reconcile Calvinism & Arminianism is by concluding they are both right!

.

The only problem with this statement is that they are mutually exclusive. As such, either one is right or both are wrong. I believe both are wrong; the true Biblical teaching lies somewhere closer to the middle of the two beliefs.

 

[ken777]

The only problem with this statement is that they are mutually exclusive. As such, either one is right or both are wrong. I believe both are wrong; the true Biblical teaching lies somewhere closer to the middle of the two beliefs.

I was suggesting that they are both right because there are two groups of Christians apparent in Jesus' teaching, Paul's letters & notably the letters of John to the 7 churches in Asia.

 

[aggie03]

Not sure what you mean by that. Calvinism and Arianism have fundamentally different assumptions about central teachings, like the ability to choose to follow God. They cannot both be right. If, however, you mean that we must choose to obey God but can, at the same time, know that we have salvation, then I agree with you.

 

[JESUSKiDtommy]

Hello there! I am a Southern Baptist, but I have been doing research into the Restoration Movement, specifically the Churches of Christ.

What led me to this movement is that I am a High School student, and my bus always drives by a Church of Christ church after school, so I was curious in what they believed.

I agree with some things about the Churches of Christ like their structure (Forgive me if I am wrong as I am new to this), but they have a pastor except they do not call him that (they quote a verse where it says "You shall not call any man Father") and I like their intention of moving beyond denominations and having one church.

My only issue is their anti-Calvinism. As a Southern Baptist, I believe in eternal security (I also believe in total depravity of man, but don't know the official SBC position on that) while the Churches of Christ believe you can lose your salvation and has to be done in a certain way and in a certain order.

I consider myself neutral when it comes to Arminianism vs Calvinism as I think both sides have some biblical evidence, but neither one is completely Christian.

Are there other churches in the Restoration Movement that are similar to the Church of Christ except they believe in salvation by faith alone and are not necessarily Arminian or Calvinist?

If I decide not to join the Restoration Movement, then I decided to at least incorporate some of their doctrine in the SBC, particularly with the church structure. I think it is congregational, but with some differences from the Baptist congregations.

i would want to offer a thought about denominations, doctrines, and theologies..... GOD very well knew mankind would do exactly what we have done with HIS WORD..... It is no surprise to HIM that we have all these denominations that have been the product of people viewing the interpretation of the WORD in different ways.... I would contend that a persons salvation is so personal.... that you would do well to learn straight from HIM rather than those in this world that attempt to teach or preach.... (yes even myself).... The key is to be humble before HIM... asking HIM to guide your heart into the way HE wants you reach your own spiritual maturity....... The last thing i would say is that to pay attention to ANY DOCTRINE that is not grounded in the base teachings of CHRIST is foolish..... I would wish you could ask yourself what any belief you hold... such as once saved always saved..... ask yourself if those type of things are something that JESUS described for the sheep? .... Those sheep did works of real and genuine CARING for the people they touched.... and we as Christians are called to grow in HIS LOVE... and to show it..... get up everyday with the attitude of being a help and a blessing to anyone you can help in any way you can help them..... ASK HIM FOR MORE LOVE.... as i have been doing since 1988...... cling only to the undebateable teachings of JESUS... and let the rest go.... it wont matter when your judged anyway..... I admired what you said about calvinism and arminianism ..... and as best you can in this modern world of huge mercy and grace try to find it within yourself to also have and ask for a good degree of respectful LOVE for the FATHER...

 

[Thedictator]

I was suggesting that they are both right because there are two groups of Christians apparent in Jesus' teaching, Paul's letters & notably the letters of John to the 7 churches in Asia.

And just who are the two groups of Christians you are talking about? The Bible says that there is on one group. One Faith, One Body, One Church, one Salvation.

 

[Thedictator]

i would want to offer a thought about denominations, doctrines, and theologies..... GOD very well knew mankind would do exactly what we have done with HIS WORD..... It is no surprise to HIM that we have all these denominations that have been the product of people viewing the interpretation of the WORD in different ways.... I would contend that a persons salvation is so personal.... that you would do well to learn straight from HIM rather than those in this world that attempt to teach or preach.... (yes even myself).... The key is to be humble before HIM... asking HIM to guide your heart into the way HE wants you reach your own spiritual maturity....... The last thing i would say is that to pay attention to ANY DOCTRINE that is not grounded in the base teachings of CHRIST is foolish..... I would wish you could ask yourself what any belief you hold... such as once saved always saved..... ask yourself if those type of things are something that JESUS described for the sheep? .... Those sheep did works of real and genuine CARING for the people they touched.... and we as Christians are called to grow in HIS LOVE... and to show it..... get up everyday with the attitude of being a help and a blessing to anyone you can help in any way you can help them..... ASK HIM FOR MORE LOVE.... as i have been doing since 1988...... cling only to the undebateable teachings of JESUS... and let the rest go.... it wont matter when your judged anyway..... I admired what you said about calvinism and arminianism ..... and as best you can in this modern world of huge mercy and grace try to find it within yourself to also have and ask for a good degree of respectful LOVE for the FATHER...

It is heresy to reject truth for some form of Phony love. You can love someone deeply and reject the false belief or life they are portraying. Calvinism has no bases in scripture and is false and heresy.

 

[nothead]

One way to reconcile Calvinism & Arminianism is by concluding they are both right!

.

Yeyuh. And the thing is HOW they are both right ain't really known. We clay pots after all. The formed and not the Former.

 

[nothead]

It is heresy to reject truth for some form of Phony love. You can love someone deeply and reject the false belief or life they are portraying. Calvinism has no bases in scripture and is false and heresy.

That's a dictatorial reply. You stand by it, I guess.

 

[nothead]

i would want to offer a thought about denominations, doctrines, and theologies..... GOD very well knew mankind would do exactly what we have done with HIS WORD..... It is no surprise to HIM that we have all these denominations that have been the product of people viewing the interpretation of the WORD in different ways.... I would contend that a persons salvation is so personal.... that you would do well to learn straight from HIM rather than those in this world that attempt to teach or preach.... (yes even myself).... The key is to be humble before HIM... asking HIM to guide your heart into the way HE wants you reach your own spiritual maturity....... The last thing i would say is that to pay attention to ANY DOCTRINE that is not grounded in the base teachings of CHRIST is foolish..... I would wish you could ask yourself what any belief you hold... such as once saved always saved..... ask yourself if those type of things are something that JESUS described for the sheep? .... Those sheep did works of real and genuine CARING for the people they touched.... and we as Christians are called to grow in HIS LOVE... and to show it..... get up everyday with the attitude of being a help and a blessing to anyone you can help in any way you can help them..... ASK HIM FOR MORE LOVE.... as i have been doing since 1988...... cling only to the undebateable teachings of JESUS... and let the rest go.... it wont matter when your judged anyway..... I admired what you said about calvinism and arminianism ..... and as best you can in this modern world of huge mercy and grace try to find it within yourself to also have and ask for a good degree of respectful LOVE for the FATHER...

You go dude. Love is the Purpose and INTENT of God for man since Adam. COMMANDED in the Shema Great Command.

TOLD to all men willing to listen but FULFILLED in the pentecostal FERVOR of the SAINTS.

Whoops I said too much. Whatbimbo I AM, sir.