Well, just as I was getting set to examine books available and appropriate to this study of doctrine my wife points out that she had already given me a book on doctrine as a Christmas present which I have not gotten around to reading. Argh. Don't you love it when someone points out something you are looking for is right under your nose?
The book she gifted me with is titled Systematic Theology, subtitled An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine, written by Wayne Grudem.
The book looks like it will be a tough read for me. But I have other concerns that I need to address first. Anything I read these days I try to find out all I can about the author’s background and theological position. It isn’t enough any more to for someone to simply state they are a Christian. Unfortunately that title is used by many people who don’t seem to run parallel paths with me.
Grudem is a Calvinist. He is also a Baptist. Now before I hear shrieks and yelps let me explain that the most prominent marker of Calvinism and the various Baptist traditions is their view of eternal security. I just can not buy into eternal security. There are just too many scriptures that make it clear in my understanding that as long as we have life on this side of eternity we live with the possibility of sinning. And I am a firm believer that sin separates us from a sinless God.
I am just as firm in my belief that we don’t have to sin. I believe that we CAN be eternally secure in the peace of not having to sin. But Calvinists believe we can’t break the relationship with God after once coming under grace.
So, I am undecided whether I will even venture into this book. It’s not that I am the least bit intimidated or afraid it will lead me astray. I just don’t see any reason to spend time reading something that I would disagree with and not be able to apply to my life.
If you have any suggestions for good Wesleyan Bible doctrine texts I would be grateful.
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