Two visions of the Christian life – part 3
This is part three of a series – see the first two parts here and here.
Some of you might think that ‘reformed theology’ is as far away from a vibrant spiritual life as you can get. Because for many people ‘reformed theology’ does conjure up images of serious, unsmiling people with thick books of dusty theology under their arms. It makes us think of tiresome people endlessly discussing about predestination… not very attractive!
One of the major ways that reformed theology has been misunderstood is that people think it is primarily about predestination and TULIP. But that’s actually wrong: reformed theology has always been about the glory of God first and foremost – and God’s sovereignty in salvation was only ever a stepping stone towards the end point – of the glory of God.
In fact I have even come across books about reformed theology written by major scholars where they talk a lot about predestination – but who don’t mention the glory of God at all! In contrast, here is what AN Martin writes about Calvinism:
The so-called Five Points of Calvinism are cast in a negative form and can in some ways be misleading. Nonetheless we cannot change the course of history, and so the Five Points have come down to us and we must learn to live with them. Take the last four points – unconditional election, particular redemption, the efficacious call of God and the persevering work of God in all whom he has called and joined to his Son: What is the focal point in all of these? The ultimate focal point, of course, is the display of the glory of God’s grace, as we read in Ephesians 1; but as the immediate focal point, how is that glory displayed? By what means? By the taking of totally depraved creatures and making them wholly men and women in whom the very likeness of God’s Son can be seen.
AN Martin.
You might be surprised, but John Calvin himself affirms the centrality of the glory of God in all his thinking and practice:
Assuredly, the thing at which I chiefly aimed, and for which I most diligently laboured, was, that the glory of thy goodness and justice, after dispersing the mists by which it was formerly obscured, might shine forth conspicuous, that the virtue and blessings of thy Christ (all glosses being wiped away) might be fully displayed. For I thought it impious to leave in obscurity things which we were born to ponder and meditate.
John Calvin, Reply to Sadoleto
For all its bad press, reformed theology is actually all about being captivated by the glory of God! And the centrality of this in the life of the Christian is not merely a meaningless theological affirmation – from these tables you can see that it comes out in intensely practical ways.
In contrast, other theologies may promise much and have a strong and exciting focus on being serious about doing God’s things – but they draw people’s attention away from the glory of God to their obedience – and over time they wear people down.
The focus of today’s table shifts to theology – and as you read across the rows, you’ll probably start to pick up how much of our theology – and even our favourite gospel outlines! are not actually centred on the glory of God… And that’s because I think that many people who claim to be reformed, are “but halfly reformed.”
They may be reformed – but only in their doctrine. In terms of their heart, and their ministry practice, they betray how their Christianity has really centred on humans all along. Oh of course, they are committed to God! But they have not seen, nor are they captivated by, nor are they filled with love and jealousy for … the glory of God.
| Christianity driven by duty and obedience | Christianity captivated by the glory of God | |
| What’s wrong with sinners | They disobey God and commit sins. They may not be too bad, but the few bad things they do are enough to make them objects of God’s wrath. | They do not love God nor fear him. They may only ever have done good things – but that’s not the point. They are condemned for never having honoured God in their hearts. |
| How we think about God’s sovereignty | It is threatening, because it means a loss of personhood and freedom. | It makes absolute sense for God to be sovereign over salvation, because anything else would mean loss to the glory of God. |
| How we understand God’s purpose | God’s chief aim is to look after us. And reciprocally, we are thankful to him and serve him. | God’s chief aim is to glorify himself. We share in the joy of his glory – and that is good for us. |
| The place of human ability | God commands us – and we respond by doing what it is that God commands. | God is the one who commands a love for him, and also creates in us that which he commands – for his glory! |
| How we explain the gospel | We begin from God’s right in creation, and go to the problem of rebellion. The Christian life is coming under his rule again. | We being with us being created for the glory of God, and go to how we have spurned God’s glory. The Christian life is loving, and being jealous of his glory. |
| What we look forward to about heaven | We no longer have to fight sin or temptation. And hopefully it is very pleasant for us. Heaven is a relief, because we love our comfort. | We see the face of Christ, share in his glory, and dwell with him forever. Heaven is consumation, because we love God. |
For more on reformed theology, read talk #1 from SCCCA’s SALT retreat earlier this year!
[ PS: stay tuned: the next post will feature a Bible study series on the Glory of God that you can try out... ]
