Calvinism and the Southern Baptist Convention

"How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,  Who bring glad tidings of good things!" Romans 10:14-15

This week was the 155^th meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention, this year held in New Orleans, Louisiana.  Our organization’s first black President was elected, Fred Luter of New Orleans, a man with a great vision and passion for the lost.  Discussion was made whether to change the name of the convention, and instead passed a descriptor: “Southern Baptist: Great Commission Baptists.”  Also a resolution was passed affirming the “sinner’s prayer,” supporting that it takes a humble repentance of sin to God, and also acknowledging that it is not a magical set of words that saves anyone who says them.  Many other things were discussed and presented, for more you can go to www.bpnews.net for many stories.

Leading up to, and many times during the convention, much has been discussed about the teaching of Calvinism again.  This group of ideas centers around God’s foreknowledge, or predestination, of which individuals will be saved, and which will not.  The alternative view holds to “free-will,” saying that whosoever can be saved, whenever they want.  Much discussion took place during both the “Great Commission Baptist” and the “sinner’s prayer” debates over these ideas.  I believe President, Bryant Wright, summed it up best in his Convention Sermon.  Wright said, “If we pride ourselves more on being a traditional Southern Baptist or more on being a Calvinist, more than we are thankful that we are Christ-centered and biblically based ... then it is time to repent of theological idolatry.”

Whichever view you hold, I ask that you consider the verses at the top.  Remember back to the person who shared the gospel to you, and you believed.  God calls you to do the same for those around you, and one day they will think of you, as the one who showed me how to be saved.  I cannot help but think of Mordecai Ham, the man who led Billy Graham to Christ.  Who might Christ save through you?

a link to video on Fred Luter's heart and passion http://vimeo.com/44338479