Reformed doctrine of predestination - Boettner - XVII - Chapter 27 commenced

Required reading
Reformed Doctrine of Predestination by Loraine Boettner (Available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example).   Commence Chapter 27 (Practical importance of the doctrine) by reading points 1 to 6.

My summary
Today we start chapter 27 looking at the practical importance of the doctrine of predestination.

Firstly we see that doctrine has an influence on the Christian's daily life: 'The Christian who has this doctrine in his heart knows that he is following a heaven-directed course; that his course has been foreordained for him personally; and that it is a good course.'

Secondly we are shown that the doctrine of predestination is a source of security and courage because it is 'our one sure guarantee of salvation.  Other things may give us comfort, but only this can give us certainty.'

Thirdly, Calvinism is the only system which gives proper emphasis to God's agency in man's salvation: 'The doctrine of Predestination emphasizes the Divine side of salvation while its rival system emphasizes the human side. It impresses upon us the fact that our salvation is purely of grace, and that we were no better than those who are left to suffer for their sins.'

Fourthly, only Calvinism stands all tests: 'Only Calvinists hold views which are, in all respects, Scriptural in regard to any of the leading doctrines of Christianity. This does not mean that the main substance of the most important doctrines, such as the Divinity of Christ, His sacrificial death, His resurrection, the work of the Holy Spirit, etc., are not held by others; but that the general tendency of mistaken views in regard to these distinctively Calvinistic tenets is to lead to greater departures from sound doctrines on other subjects. '

Fifthly, Boettner suggests that the doctrine is only unreasonable when not properly understood: 'Many of those who have criticized Calvinism have done so without making any adequate study of the system, and it may truly be said that our opponents in general know little of our opinions except what they have picked up by hearsay in which there is neither connection nor consistency.'

Finally in today's reading Boettner gives a plug to the Westminster Confession.

What grabbed me
Good reading today, apart from what appears to be an unashamed exclusion of Baptists and Congregationalists from the Reformed faith: '...the Baptist Church emphasizes the importance of the sacraments, particularly baptism, and the right of individuals and of congregations to exercise private judgment in religious affairs...the Congregational Church emphasizes the right of private judgment and of local congregations to manage their own affairs...But all of these, while good in themselves, are paled by the great doctrine of the sovereignty and majesty of God which is emphasized by the Presbyterian and Reformed Churches. While the others are more or less anthropological principles, this is a theological principle, and it presents to us a GREAT GOD who is high and lifted up, who is seated upon the throne of universal dominion.'

Boettner reveals a very poor understanding of other denominations.  Presbyterians are known for using a system of elders (presbyters) for church government and so according to Boettner's logic that makes them a group who use anthropological principles.

Boettner might have found it worthwhile to reflect on the 1689 Baptist Confession and the Savoy Declaration before excluding such faithful brothers and sisters so quickly.

Next week's reading
Conclude Chapter 27 (Practical importance of the doctrine) by reading points 7 to 10.

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.