The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Moral Law

Just so you know, my friend is not a Reconstructionist. He is a 1689 Federalist like myself.
Reconstructionism, is not compatible with 1689 Federalism.

My friend however, is tired of taking people’s word for what Reconstructionists believe. He wants to read them himself and he is telling me in some cases, he believes they are being misunderstood.
He went on to say, that he has found very few people who call themselves “Theonomists”, that are actually “Reconstructionists”.

He is a very good Christian friend, who is an elder in his Church. His Church is Confessional Reformed Baptist, holding to the 1689 LBCF, that was started up, when the Baptist Church he belonged to closed down for the duration of the Covid mandates, imposed by the government.
He was an elder in training there also, but found himself at odds with the other elders because of this issue. One other elder (who is now the head pastor of his Church) and others left and started up the new Church.

Him and I often talk to each other on various issues. In fact, during Covid, we helped each other to navigate the rough waters. What I found, is often how someone understands Romans 13, played a big part in their stand on the government and the Church. He was helped greatly, by watching a sermon series by Dr. Samuel Waldron on Romans 13.

To be honest, this particular topic although I have done a lot of research on it (referring to the 10 questions). Seems way above my pay grade.

Those 10 questions he asked, I really had trouble answering. Mainly because in principle, I want to answer yes to all of them. Yet, I do not believe it is easy as saying yes. Pilgrim thanks for your 2 cents.

My friend does not believe in a theocracy like Israel was in the OT. Yet, still believes we should answer “yes” to the questions.
He believes regardless of whether we will not see these things until the New Heavens and the New Earth.
Scripture indicates that no matter what sphere we are in (family, Church, government), they are under God and will answer to God for not taking their responsibility seriously.

I keep hearing two extremes. Or variations of the two.

1.) We need to primarily be concerned about giving people the Gospel. If we don’t we may succeed in making a moral people, where it will be comfortable for Christians to live. Yet, people will still be going to hell.
Let change happen, because of changed hearts.
Pastors getting arrested for defying government mandates, is not the way to do this. Pastor John MacArthur was wrong to take the stand he did during Covid.
Whether they know it or not, they are advocating for “Christian Nationalism”.

(Personal note) I have heard people in this group, condemn people like Voddie Baucham for advocating for “Christian Nationalism”, despite Voddie saying: “Why would I not want America to be Christian? Yet, when I hear the term “Christian Nationalism”. I suspect, I am not that. It really depends on someone’s definition of “Christian Nationalism.” In fact, that statement made one Calvinist Baptist dig in on his condemnation of Voddie Baucham.

This group seems to believe politics and the Gospel should be kept separate. Definitely never from the pulpit.

(Personal note: While I am against endorsing political candidates or parties from the pulpit. I believe we can’t get away from the fact, the Bible does indeed talk about politics. Especially when it comes to the policies of candidates and parties.)

2.) Law and Gospel needs to be proclaimed, equally.
The law cannot save, but it is still God’s moral standard.
We need to proclaim God’s sovereignty, in the government, the Church and the family.
Issues like abortion, euthanasia, Woke, etc.., need to be called out for what they are. Yet, done in a manner that is according to 1 Peter 3:15-16.
The whole council of God needs to be proclaimed, not just the Gospel.
The whole counsel of God includes, talking about issues such as abortion, and many of the issues of our culture.
The culture is doubling down on these things, we ignore them at our peril.

Charlie Kirk and Voddie Baucham are examples of how we should engage the culture.

(Personal note) I have seen both Voddie Baucham and Charlie Kirk, being interviewed together.
Charlie Kirk said he is extremely grateful, to Voddie Baucham for his wealth of knowledge that helped him
to understand how to communicate truth.

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I am still trying to wrap my mind around this whole topic and although I know the topic better than before.
I am not certain I am closer to coming up with a solid position.
I am sure that this is to the consternation of my friend. ???? He is a bit more of a black and white person than me.

Talking to many Christians, including family and some in my own Church.
If you bring up politics, they quickly get agitated and shut the conversation down. Some have never even heard of things like Woke, the WEF, and CRT.

By the way, i hear Christians that appear to be solid where the Gospel in concerned. I have even seen good fruit in their lives. However, it appears they have bought into the left media lies concerning President Trump.
Often I just bite my tongue, when such conversations get brought up.
I have been bit a few times, for a contrary opinion on Donald Trump, as them.
Even saying things like: “If you like Donald Trump so much, why don’t you move to the USA?”



Tom