Who Said That?

Who Said That?

"Those who find their own experience written in the seventh chapter of Romans [i.e. Romans 7:13-25] are not converted persons.  If that is their habitual character, they are not regenerated, they are under conviction, but not Christians . . . . You see, from this subject, the true position of a vast number of church members.  They are all the time struggling under the law.  They approve of the law, both in its precept and its penalty, they feel condemned, and desire relief.  But still they are unhappy.  They have no Spirit of prayer, no communion with God, no evidence of adoption.  They only refer to the 7th [chapter] of Romans as their evidence.  Such a one will say, `There is my experience.'  Let me tell you, that if this is your experience, you are yet in the gall of bitterness and the bonds of iniquity. . . .  You are yet carnal, sold under sin, and unless you embrace the gospel you will be damned."

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This is awful.  Who is bearer of such glad tidings?

Update on Thursday, July 6, 2006 at 02:09PM by Kim Riddlebarger

I am going to call this one early.  As Phil (who either cheated and google searched, or who was at Keith Green's compound in Texas) pointed out, these horrible words come from Charles Grandison Finney, the patron saint of American evangelicalism.

For those of you who are "disappointed" that I hold the traditional Reformed view (I know it is a shock that a Reformed pastor and theologian would actually hold to the view taught in his confessions, even after reading the arguments on the other side), I'll make my case in my forthcoming blog publication on Romans.  We'll debate the matter then.

FYI--I also discussed this on KFUO today (Thursday, July 6).  Go to KFUO.org.  My discussion with Todd Wilken about Romans 7:14-25 will be archived. 

Comments

[M Burke]

Wow, Riddleblog taken over by neo-pelagians.

[J. Joseph Stellman]

Kim,

I meant no offense by saying I was "disappointed."

It's just that many Reformed theologians today who consider themselves heirs not only of Calvin but also of Vos, Ridderbos, and Kline seem to read Rom. 6-8 more redemptive-historically than existentially.

But either way, I've benefited greatly from your ministry.

Blessings brother,

JJS

[Phil]

Kim wrote: "...As Phil (who either cheated and google searched)..."

I didn't know I was "cheating." I had no intent to commit an act of dishonesty. Sorry.

Bye,
Phil

[Chase]

Here is the audio link to Kim's sermon on Romans 7:14-25 that he preached in his exposition of Romans.

http://www.christreformed.org/real/20030105a.ram

[markbenson]

Victory, as a way of life, is a certainty (Rom. 8:4,5-9). Believers, as to the general tenor of their lives, will live on a higher plane, They will set their minds on and walk in accord with the Spirit. And if their experience more closely matches that of Rom.
Regards:
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