In a recent post on his blog, James White took to task Westminster Seminary California professor R. Scott Clark, for his narrow use of the term “Reformed.” Professor Clark reserves the use of that word for paedobaptists (those who practice infant baptism). The Eggus Blog wants to take up the question of whether Reformed Baptists are, indeed, Reformed. I have quoted part of a post I made on Reformed message board. The post has been edited to fit this blog format.
Are Baptists Reformed in the way the term would have been used and understood during the first few generations following the Reformation? No. Simple answer. In fact, as much as early confessional Baptists wanted to distance themselves from Rome, they also wanted to make clear their disagreement with Presbyterians over baptism and church polity. They sought unity where it existed, but also skillfully articulated their doctrinal differences (1644 and 1689 LBC). They were called Particular Baptists, both by others and themselves, and wore that label gladly.
The term “Reformed Baptist” is actually a modern term used to describe confessional Baptists (those who subscribe to either the 1644 or 1689 LBC). The question is whether Reformed Baptists are actually Reformed. The answer to that question depends on who you ask. As I said earlier, if you define Reformed Theology as that theology which first appeared following the Reformation, and which is articulated in the Canons of Dort and the Westminster Confession of Faith, then the answer is no, Reformed Baptists are not Reformed. However, if we enlarge the table to include all those who hold to a covenantal understanding of scripture, and the doctrines of grace, then the answer would be yes. A question I want to ask is, “does it really matter?”As a Reformed Baptist, I have become a bit miffed at some of my fellow Reformed Baptists who feel the need, almost the compulsion, to receive the approval and inclusion of what I have come to describe as our Presbyterian Reformed brethren. I understand what motivates this mindset, it just bothers me. Reformed Baptists share a set of theological distinctives that are in opposition to Reformed Presbyterians. To be sure, there are many things that bind us together, and we should seek to gather around these shared beliefs for the sake of the gospel. Men such as R.C. Sproul and John MacArthur, although MacArthur is not covenantal or confessional, have found common ground that brings them together, all the while not capitulating on the areas in which they disagree.
As a Reformed Baptist, I do not feel compelled to receive permission from my Reformed Presbyterian brethren for matters of belief or practice. I understand the term Reformed Baptist to refer to a covenantal understanding of the Christian faith that traces it’s lineage to the beginning of the Reformation. It borrows from the theology of the early Reformers, while eschewing paedobaptism and Presbyterian church polity. These differences lead to a distinctly Baptist version of Covenant Theology, similar in many respects to the WCF, but different enough to separate both groups. This separation has manifested itself in various ways; from denying the elements of the Lord’s Supper, membership, and even acknowledging that those who hold to the opposing view are brothers in Christ. This disagreement has raged on for the better part of four centuries, it’s not likely to be settled apart from the return of our Lord.So, do Reformed Baptists have a place at the table in regards to this argument? Ideally the answer should be “yes.” If you are a Reformed Presbyterian you should welcome your Reformed Baptist brethren to the table, all the while understanding that there are systemic differences that may never be reconciled this side of glory. Those differences may limit participation in ministry. They will result in less opportunities for fellowship, since most of the Christians we fellowship with are those we worship with. But there will be times when our unity should be unassailable. When the church faces persecution, or a local assembly of believers is threatened by crisis or catastrophe; our unity in Christ should be displayed at such times. Reformed Baptists would do well to give up trying to change history. Do you really want to be as reformed as your Reformed Presbyterian brethren? If so, are you ready to give up congregationalism and credo-only baptism? If not, than throw off your pride and maintain those distinctives that you believe scripture teaches. Understand that we operate in the spirit of the Reformation, whether or not we fit a historical definition or receive acceptance from another group.
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