The Pillar & Ground of Truth
Nominalism, Voluntarism, & Thomism continued...

If you have not read the article entitled Catholic Protestantism, you should check it out before reading this article.

The purpose of this article (Pillar & Ground of Truth) is to emphasize that Thomistic doctrines were not suppressed by the doctrine of the Reformation.

When I speak of Thomistic doctrine, I do not point to clearly established Catholic doctrine or dogma, but rather, the idea laid down by Thomas Aquinas which attempts to comprehend Christian doctrine through a realistic & comprehensive intellectual sense. Aquinas incorporated much of Aristotle's logic into his efforts to either elucidate or simplify his Theology.

This same concept, I argue, is seen in the writings and practices of the Reformers, although we may be tempted to misinterpret their stance, since they were fighting the sensless doctrines of their time, and attempting to elevate the importance of Faith (Sola Fide).

It has been argued by some that, among the various doctrinal implications of the Reformation was the influence of Voluntarism, however I think that those who truly hold to the key doctrines of the Reformation (i.e., those who call themselves Reformed) would disagree.

For instance, Matthew Henry, when commenting on God's love for the "Gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob," says that His love was, in particular, for His "Houses of Doctrine." (Not the Voluntaristic style of Modern Evangelicals, who purport God's supposed love for all men.) Here, the distinctives of discernable doctrine are elevated and respected.

Charles Spurgeon, a definite proponent of Reformed Theology, when speaking on the same passage (Psalm 87:2) speaks of the doctrine of the Church, and how she is the Ground & Pillar of Truth. He argues that the authority of this position hinges on particular doctrines, not some voluntaristic "feeling" with no legitimate foundation.

Clearly, these are not men who would seek to root out the theological or intellectual implications of the doctrine of the Church.
It was certainly said of John Gill that there was no "greater learned man in all of England" while he lived. In "A Tercentennial Appreciation" of John Gill (Edited by Michael A.G. Haykin) it is said of Gill that he was the "doyen of High Calvinism in the transatlantic Baptist community of the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries."

As we look at some of the highlights of Gill's theological career, we quickly realize the extent of his Intellectual prowess and the theological nuances which composed his person. For instance, if we were to peruse his extensive published works, we would immediately be made aware of his trinitarian theology, soteriological views, Baptist ecclesiology, and his use of Scripture.

Time would fail me to speak of the Puritan views of doctrine and intellectual illumination, while clearly following established Reformation Theology.

Certainly, then, it is illogical to claim that the Reformed Tradition engenders or encourages Voluntarism, but seems, indeed, to do quite the opposite.

For a defense of Gill's scholasticism, I suggest clicking this ARTICLE.

Because The Brits Say It Better
Why We Have a Confession

Charles Spurgeon once remarked on the London Baptist Confession of Faith, saying: "This ancient document is the most excellent epitome of the things most surely believed among us. It is not issued as an authoritative rule or code of faith, whereby you may be fettered, but as a means of edification in righteousness. It is an excellent, though not inspired, expression of the teaching of those Holy Scriptures by which all confessions are to be measured. We hold to the humbling truths of God's sovereign grace in the salvation of lost sinners. Salvation is through Christ alone and by faith alone."

When one wonders why we should have a Confession, why we should espouse a "Faith," or "Tradition of Faith," as opposed to anything other than Scripture, we respond, not with the reply that Tradition is on equal footing with Scripture (see below article), but in the words of C.H. Spurgeon: "Be not ashamed of your faith; remember it is the ancient gospel of the martyrs, confessors, reformers, and saints. Above all, it is the truth of God, against which all the gates of Hell cannot prevail. Let your lives adorn your faith, let your example adorn your creed. Above all live in Christ Jesus, and walk in Him, giving credence to no teaching but that which is manifestly approved of Him, and owned by the Holy Spirit. Cleave fast to the Word of God which is here mapped out for you.’ This new edition of the Confession is sent out as a private venture by a small group of Baptists who are convinced that it has a message for this generation and believe its publication to be long overdue. They hope it will achieve a wide circulation among the churches, and receive the close study which they believe it will richly repay."

As my Elder likes to say: "It would be the height of arrogance to think we could learn nothing from our Fathers."