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Ὀρθοτομέω means to “cut straight” in 2 Timothy 2:15 and is translated in most versions as “rightly divide”.
be diligent to present yourself approved to God—a workman not ashamed, straightly cutting the word of truth; LSV
Do your best to present yourself to God as an approved worker who has nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of truth with precision. ISV
Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth. AMPLIFIED TRANSLATION
Paul also tells Timothy in 2Timothy 4, to preach the word. Be ready in season and out of season. There will come a time when people will not endure SOUND DOCTRINE.
I think it would be good, at this point, to ask ourselves what is "doctrine". What is it that we are to "rightly divide"? First of all, doctrine is anything taught in the Bible, and the Bible is that which we are to rightly divide. What is the CENTRAL theme of all of Scripture? The answer to that is God's provision of salvation to a fallen world. In other words, the gospel. From Genesis to Revelation, all of it, is given to declare God's gift of salvation. By doing this, God reveals Himself to man. The study of salvation is called Soteriology. If there was ever something we should get correct, it is soteriology. Many times I hear from self proclaimed "Bible believers" that they do not believe the issue of Calvinism is important enough to address or "argue over". Well, I don't believe it should cause us to lose fellowship, but I guarantee you it is serious enough that we who know better, must address it and must refute it. We are commanded to do so. To ignore the obvious error of Calvinism is to abdicate your responsibility to correct error and defend truth. I want to also point out that there is a difference between condemning a doctrine and condemning a person. Many good Bible teachers and believers claim to believe in Calvinism.
I consider you a dear brother in the Lord whether you are a Calvinist or not. Some don't feel that way. (On either side of the aisle)
I do not think it is necessarily a bad thing to have Calvinists and Non-Calvinists in the SBC, nor do I think it is impossible to have Calvinists and Non-Calvinists as members together in the same church, as long as it is understood that the pulpit, not the pew drives the Bible teaching in the church. I think it is unwise to have Calvinists and Non-Calvinists serving on a teaching staff together. Perhaps in capacities other than teaching, like administration or service, but all teaching should be unified and in agreement. I will also say, however, it is rare for a Bible teaching church (one that places prime importance on teaching & Bible doctrine) to have Calvinists and Non-Calvinists together. It is THAT MUCH of a divisive doctrine. The reason is the very nature and character of God is at stake and the very essence of the gospel itself is at risk of being distorted. Those on one side believe the other is wrong and vice versa. It is no small issue for sure.
We all have heard that the best way to ruin a party is to talk religion or politics, so just don't talk about it. Well, that's fine at a party, but that does not apply at church. Church is THE ONE place doctrine MUST be discussed. And it must be dealt with accurately, precisely, lovingly, firmly and truthfully. Scripture tells us that doctrine divides - and that is a good thing. We should never be united in error, only in truth. Amos 3:3 reminds us ... "Can two walk together unless they be agreed?"
Paul spends more time talking about doctrinal purity than he does talking about lifestyle. Why is it important? Because the eternal destiny of souls are in the balance. If you are a pastor reading this, I want to encourage you to be encouraged and strong in your resolve. Preach the Word, be instant in season and out of season. You are on assignment. Your boss is God, you work for Him alone. If the Lord is leading you to address an issue in your church, do so. Do it lovingly, but do it. Be encouraged.
WHY DO SOME NOT ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF CALVINISM AND CONTROVERSIAL SUBJECTS?
There are many reasons a person might not address the error of Calvinism.
1.) Ignorance (not stupidity): many people don't know enough about what the Bible actually does teach on the subject of soteriology. Some are ignorant of what Calvinism teaches. They think they know, but when pressed, they "know" what they "know" primarily by assumption. They hear something against Calvinists and they quickly say, "oh, we don't believe that" or "that is hyper-Calvinism" or "you just don't understand Calvinism”. They have a "knowledge" of things that simply are not so. These people are not stupid, and they are often the most intelligent in the room. The teachers of this form of theology are often the most eloquent and usually do a pretty good job at teaching various Biblical passages. This is not the same as “getting it right”. Many times these highly intelligent people have been misled and are simply ignorant of other ways of looking at a text. They are very good at their own talking points and proof texts, but often oblivious to other interpretations of a passage. Many times they do not know what they do not know. When studying any topic, looking at as many viewpoints as possible is the best way to be fully educated on a subject and it will challenge your own assumptions or solidify your position even more.
2.) Lack of dedicated energy & effort: Some preachers are just not dedicated enough to study it at the necessary level to be able to be for it or against it. I've always said that Calvinism is a lazy man's theology. Meaning that many believe what they believe because someone told them that was the truth, and they rarely search the Scripture to see if what they have been told is actual truth. Some are just not invested enough in it to face the push back and to take the heat from those who will be in opposition. This is often the case in the area of Eschatology as well. It takes some time and effort & it can be exhausting to "study to show thyself approved." It also takes backbone to withstand those who call you brother, but would leave you for dead if you counter their pet beliefs or practices. Pastors are extra sensitive to this because many times they have already been deeply hurt by those whom they have loved, mentored, prayed with and become close to. They realize most who call you “friend” say words, but words without truth. Why put yourself through more issues needlessly? This is also exacerbated by the culture in which we all live today. In today’s world, if you disagree with someone, you are anathema to them and all of a sudden become their enemy. It is a shame. The exchange of ideas and knowledge was once the hallmark of good education. Now, in our day, to question a person’s understanding is paramount to declaring war on them. In all honesty, this is often the result of the offended being insecure of their own position but being unwilling to admit it. Instead of engaging in a firm yet friendly discussion, they each go to their own corners and sling the word “heretic” around like incense in an old Catholic church.
This is one reason I stopped doing formal debates. For years, I was accustomed to pastoring while also agreeing to speaking engagements outside the church.. This often involved speaking at conferences, teaching Greek to local pastors, and theological debates. It got to the point where I needed to limit these times to once a month at most because it seemed as if there was a never ending list of topics on the docket for debate or discussion. I finally came to the understanding that formal debates only serve as a place to state the disagreement and then argue back and forth for 2 hours while not solving the question at hand. Don't get me wrong, debates have a place and can serve to enlighten others on opposing sides of an argument, but they usually end up as just that, an argument. I have found that time is better spent in deep, verse by verse, exegesis of the Word of God and a systematic teaching of the whole Bible to those who WANT TO BE TAUGHT. So, I am not big on arguing back and forth on doctrine, but I will be the first in line to defend and teach what I believe to be the truth of Scripture when I am faced with error.
We need to remember that we are called and commanded to lead, not be loved. We are called to correct, not called to coddle. We are called to preach, not placate. We are called to teach, not tickle. We are called to be non-negotiable on truth, not negotiate with those who could care less about the truth. But I do not believe we have to be argumentative in the process. I do suppose, one man's definition of "argumentative" is different from another man's definition, however. I am reminded again of Paul’s words in Galatians 4:16… “Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?” When it comes to the most important issue of all of Scripture - our eternal destiny - what could be more important?!
3.) Church members: Some pastors and preachers are averse to addressing this because they know some in the church adhere to this form of theology or they are worried that some might. Number one, theological teaching comes from the pulpit, not the pew. God gifts and calls qualified men to the office of pastor-teacher and that is the system He has put in place. It is the responsibility of the pastor to lead and teach and guide the congregation in matters of doctrine and spiritual matters. Some pastors are so afraid to speak because it would be bad if these people were offended and left the church and took their offerings with them. "After all, they are saved, and can't we just get along?" Those pastors that never address controversial subjects should step down immediately. They have abdicated their responsibility as shepherd. Those types of members who refuse to hear and abide by truth would be better off somewhere else anyway. Just as non-Calvinist pastors should never apply for nor accept a Calvinist church and a Calvinist pastor should never apply for nor accept a non-Calvinist church, neither should individuals join a church contrary to their own beliefs of the Scripture in hopes to change or to cause division. If they cannot abide by the teaching from the pulpit and be teachable, they need to be somewhere else. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. A recent poll was just released that stated that young adults are looking for the church to address the hard issues of life and the hard-to-understand topics of the Bible. They are looking for answers to doctrine, social questions, morals - and they want guidance. The liberal church today is so afraid of telling the truth and addressing these controversial subjects, they are in turn failing those who are looking to them for guidance. So, whether it is the controversial subjects of life or the hard to understand and controversial doctrines of the Bible, it is the responsibility of the pastor to address these subjects fully and without hesitation. It should be always with the spirit of “Thus saith the Lord”. But I do not think the pastor should do so out of vindictiveness or pride or a heavy hand. Nor do I think he should be unloving in the way in which he does this. He should be empathetic to those he is ministering to. But the key is to always remember, a pastor shepherds all of the people and should endeavor to teach everyone. He must also remember that not everyone is teachable and not everyone wants to be taught. So, he should teach exactly as he is led to do so, on any topic, and let the consequences be what they are. He should never shy away from ministering to those who are sincere seekers of truth because of others who might be upset, it is a dereliction of duty. In an ideal situation, everyone on all sides would approach the subject with open minds and teachable spirits and in the end either agree or agree to disagree and maintain love and unity.
4.) They could care less: How can a man of God care less about the CENTRAL MESSAGE OF THE BIBLE? They will drone on forever about their pet subject or favorite verse or their sermon series on happiness and joy. They will give sermonettes to Christianettes and then think how great of a job they are doing while they avoid dealing with doctrinal error in their own church.
5.) Their favorite preachers/mentors are Calvinist: They secretly listen or follow their "favorite" Bible teacher and he just happens to be a Calvinist.
6.) They want to be considered part of the "in crowd": Pastoring can be a lonely gig. Dealing with hundreds or thousands of people each week and without a lot of close friends. A pastor is very susceptible to want to be a part of the "in crowd" - especially the younger pastors. Once "in" it would be a tough thing to leave that group you "belong to". Who wants to be an outcast? Not many young preachers.
7.) They themselves are secret Calvinists: (or they are not sure) Here is where most of the issues lie. Either a person is a secret Calvinist or he is not sure if he is or not. I can't tell you how many times I have spoken with another Bible teacher who exposits a Scripture verse or passage based on faulty Calvinistic presuppositions and then tries to teach something other than Calvinism. They inevitably will say they are a 3 or a 4 point Calvinist. Or they will say they are a "Calvinist light" or a "Diet Calvinist" or they are certainly not a "hyper-Calvinist".
Some of these men accept the call to pastor non-Calvinistic churches and hide the fact they themselves are indeed Reformed in their beliefs. They find themselves deceptive and deceiving and in some cases are even deceiving themselves. Some are just waiting for the right time to "release the truth". You know, once they feel they have manipulated, I mean “developed”, their congregation enough to buy into it.
8. ) They are now older and don't want to admit they have been wrong all these years: "Legacy" is an odd thing for the pastor/preacher. I believe John MacArthur is a perfect example of this and several other points on this list. When he began in ministry, he was not Calvinist. Once he began to feel the loneliness of ministry and felt like a voice crying in the wilderness and eventually came across R.C. Sproul, he changed. You can listen to his sermons over the years and see his obvious departure from true Biblical soteriology. I also think he knows in his heart that Calvinism is wrong. At his advanced years, I also believe he will not recant what he knows to be false. I believe he, like so many Calvinistic people, rationalize their teachings and tell themselves that what they have been teaching must be true and if not, God will understand.
Conclusion:
I know of no other more important subject than that of the gospel. It is the central theme of the entire Bible. In it lies the very nature and character of God, the way to eternal life, the person of Jesus, the work of the Holy Spirit, the central purpose of the Old Testament, the central topic of the prophets, the purpose for the incarnation and the only way to be reconciled to a holy God.
To teach Calvinism is a travesty. It is a dereliction of duty. It is teaching error. All areas of theology are impacted by the false teaching of Reformed Theology. A pastor who does not teach his congregation the truth and does not warn them of this erroneous doctrine is failing to rightly divide the word, failing to protect his sheep and setting the church up for false teaching in the future.
The early church did not teach Calvinism. For 400 years, the errors of Augustinian Gnosticism (Calvinism today) was absent in the church. Many great men of God were and are not Calvinist.... Men like Adrian Rogers, Charles Stanley, Jerry Vines, Bailey Smith, C.I. Scofield, Jimmy Draper, Eric Hankins, Ed Young, Paige Patterson, W.A. Criswell, C.S. Lewis, Vance Havner, D.L. Moody, Charles Wesley, John Wesley, Billy Sunday, Chuck Smith, A.W. Tozer, Andrew Murray, R.A. Torey, Billy Graham, Oswald Chambers, G. Campbell Morgan, Franklyn Graham, F.B. Meyer, J. Vernon McGee, Howard Hendricks, Gordon Fee, Charles Ryrie, Lewis Sperry Chafer, Adam Clarke, David Hunt, David Allen, Adam Harwood, Henry Thiessen, Greg Laurie, Jack Hibbs, Jerry Falwell, Steve Lemke, and on and on and on.
For those pastors out there who just don't feel this is important enough to address.... Let me ask you..... what is important then? What is more important than the gospel? What is more important than teaching the nature and character of God? What is more important than the central theme of all of Scripture?
What category above do you fit in? If none of the above, then tell me, how would you describe yourself?
The biggest lie to ever hit the Christian church was the lie of Augustinian Gnosticism, which is the foundation for modern day Calvinism. How sad that so many have been duped to believe these errors. And how terribly sad that those who know better don't have the backbone to correct the error and consequently lead their congregations into danger. As a non-Calvinistic pastor, if you do not address the errors of Calvinism in your church, you are exposing your congregation to false teaching, you are abdicating your responsibility and you are not abiding by the very Word of God that you say you believe. As for me, I will continue to stand against it and do everything in my power to protect those I love, those whom God has entrusted to me, from the error of all errors - Calvinism.
What difference does it make? Eternity weighs in the balance!
If your central purpose is something other than to share the gospel and teach the accurate word of God, then what are you in ministry for? What do you think God called you to do?
I shutter to contemplate what your answer will be.
Pastor Tim
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