The 5 Points of Fundamentalism

Dr. Curt Daniel shared these historical tenets of Fundamentalism in a recent sermon series on the 5 solas. Here they are . . .

1. The Verbal Plenary Inspiration of Scripture

2. The Virgin Birth of Christ

3. The Vicarious Substitutionary Atonement of Christ

4. The Victorious Bodily Resurrection of Christ

5. The Visible Return of Christ

I've seen these emphasized in almost every church I've attended, but I never knew they were codified officially as the "5 Points of Fundamentalism." I wonder how many of them are still held among mainstream Evangelicals, seeker-sensitive ministries, and Emergents? It seems all 5 are up for grabs in some circles, while in others they remain non-negotiable.

Of course, correct belief combined with a loveless, graceless, arrogant, legalistic, man-focused religion will only create an ungodly disaster called "Pharisaism." This appears to be the type of religion practiced in some conservative churches nowadays. On the other side, there is the heresy of the Emerging Church, which has distanced itself from anything so "traditional" and is now latching onto whatever mystical mumbo-jumbo it can find in the brave new world of post-orthodoxy. Dry fundamentalism holds some truth but lacks grace. Drowning postmodernism thrashes about in the cesspool of humanistic dogma, but gladly welcomes all. "Come on in, the water's fine," they say.

Well, It's time for some Biblically grounded Calvinists to arise (humbly!) with the fire of God in their bones and the grace of God in their tear-stained eyes. May God revive us with 5 Points of Fundamentalism, 4 or 5 Points of Calvinism (see note below), 5 Solas of the Reformation, 9 fruits of the Spirit, 7 Beatitudes of Blessing, 2 Great Commandments, ONE Glorious Gospel, and the 5 fires of genuine devotion: LOVE, MERCY, GRACE, COMPASSION and HUMILITY (yes, I made the last part up, but to God the 5 fires are already written in stone - and according to His command need to be written on our hearts).

Hosea 6:6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

Matthew 9:13 "Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."

Matthew 12:7 "And if you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless."

James 1:27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

Micah 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

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NOTE: If you don't like people clarifying the famed 3rd point of Calvinism, or you think all the points stand or fall together, you'll have to take it up with John Calvin, Richard Baxter, J.C. Ryle, R.L. Dabney, William G.T. Shedd, Bruce Ware, and a whole host of other well known Reformed guys!

Five Solas of the Reformation Conference

You've probably heard about the anti-Calvinistic John 3:16 Conference. Recently a very different conference was held in South Georgia, and I was blessed to be a part of it. Here's how it happened . . .

CHANGING CHURCHES
My family recently started attending a different church. For about 3 years, we were part of a wonderful group of churches known as Sovereign Grace Ministries. However, the Sovereign Grace church in our area is a long distance from where we live. Although the doctrine and core values are a nearly perfect match for us, we felt a nudge from the Lord to get connected with a church closer to our home. As a result, we recently joined ourselves to Lakeside Community Church, a small but vibrant Evangelical Free church. I could say many things about the blessings we have received in this body of believers, but I want to share about the church retreat that took place this past weekend.

FIVE SOLAS RETREAT

We gathered at Honey Creek Retreat Center in Waverly, Georgia - not far from where the John 3:16 Conference was held last year. Our guest speaker was Rick Bourque, pastor of East Side Community Church in Jacksonville, Florida. Rick has made a devoted study of the Reformation, Reformed theology, and Church History. He taught four great sessions on the 5 Solas of the Reformation:

SOLA SCRIPTURA - By the Word of God Alone

SOLA GRATIA - By Grace Alone

SOLA FIDE - Through Faith Alone

SOLUS CHRISTUS - In Christ Alone

SOLI DEO GLORIA - For the Glory of God Alone

Each session included teaching from the book of Romans, an explanation of one or two of the Solas, and a historical portrait of a person who embodied the doctrine. The historical figures were Martin Luther (Sola Scriptura), John Calvin (Sola Gratia & Sola Fide), John Owen (Solus Christus), and Jonathan Edwards (Soli Deo Gloria). All of this was encouraging, faith-building, and challenging.

THE FRUIT OF SUFFERING

We spent one evening singing hymns and learning the stories behind them. What came out clearly through the historical portraits and all of the hymn stories was this: God reveals His glory through our sufferings. John Owen had 11 children, ten of whom died in early childhood. The other child lived into her late teens, and then she too died. Owen's sparkling theological works were written in the midst of these tragedies, and this man who taught us what it means to "mortify sin" knew death up close. Jonathan Edwards wrote some of his best works after he was kicked out of his church and placed in an out-of-the-way pastorate. Calvin wrote the Institutes while he was being hunted down by the French government. Martin Luther translated the Bible into German while hiding from Catholic persecutors who were intent on killing him. And the lives of the hymn writers were similar: death, tragedy, poverty, pain, sickness. Every suffering led to to a greater glorification of the God who sustained them through it.

TESTIMONY TO GOD'S FAITHFULNESS
We also heard the testimony of retired Missionary, Al Larson, who attends Lakeside with his wife. Many years ago, they were part of a group of missionaries who were captured by rebels while serving in the Congo. After watching many of his friends and co-workers die at the hands of the rebels, Al managed to lead several prisoners to safety in a daring escape. Afterwards, he led a group of Cuban mercenaries to a house where the women and children were being held, and assisted in their rescue. Some years ago, all of this was recounted in a book called "Out of the Jaws of the Lion," by H. Dowdy. Missiologists believe that the sufferings of these missionaries planted the seeds for a revival that has come to the Congo in more recent years. The political instability and persecution continue, but God's glory shines in the darkness. I am grateful that my children can hear these firsthand accounts of God's faithfulness.

The photos in this post were taken at the retreat. Whether in the skies or in the fields, in the streams or in the trees, in our joys or in our sorrows - God paints a beautiful picture, revealing His exalted glory.