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At this point there may be some veterans who are sidetracked by wondering how or why LABTS was handed over to John
MacArthur. It is a question worthy of further investigation, but not here. Suffice it to say that LABTS at least
wore the label that MacArthur immediately set aside, while taking possession of the school as well as the Robert T.
Ketchum library and archives.
We need to agree that the expression "Reformed Baptist" is an oxymoron invented by those who wish to draw Baptist
church doctrine and polity into a Reformation in which Baptists had no part. Reread Laurence Brown's excellent
article, On Baptist Church Polity, in the previous edition of THE REVIEW before you dismiss the subject too
quickly. While the London Confession of Faith is admittedly an adaptation of the Westminster Confession of Faith,
there were never Baptists among the so-called "Westminster Divines" who authored the latter work. It would have
been heretical to suggest such an idea.
The term "Baptistic" opens the door and builds the bridge to become inclusive with both worldly methodologies and
Neo-Evangelicalism, as well as Reformed doctrine with the resulting destruction of Baptist identity, distinctives
and history. This contrived connection grants license to become worldly yet ritualistic, satisfying our appetites
while salving our consciences at the same time. However, in the process we will forfeit the vitality of strong
doctrinal preaching and genuine, effective evangelism. If this seems remote, consider that its invitation is as
near as your computer and email.
Baptist preachers have a hard time turning away from anything free. Especially when it comes to books and now, free
software. So groups like E-4 make a fantastic offer; electronic books for only the price of shipping. Who would
resist such a deal? When you live in Philadelphia, you learn to look every "gift horse" in the mouth. A little
online research will reveal that the books and their source are devoutly Reformed. Indeed, they state they will not
ever publish anything that opposes Reformed Theology.
Consider further the following reasons why we should be Baptist, not Baptistic:
1. Being Baptistic is a concession to Immaturity. Like so many young people today who want all the privileges
without any of the responsibilities, some churches and pastors enjoy the doctrinal distinctions (at least some of
them) but do not want to be marked as Baptist. If that is because of the way in which the term has been abused and
distorted by others, then shall we also yield "Fundamentalist," or Church, or Christian or Born Again? All these
and more have been disparaged by enemies of the cross, but we must press the fight to define and demonstrate them
correctly. Which leads us to the next.
2. Being Baptistic is yielding up Blood-Bought Ground. Perhaps our spiritual forefathers might have escaped the
threat of prison, the gallows or being burned at the stake if only they had Baptist in their subtitle instead of
their name. Disowning the name dishonors those who have paid the highest price to pass the doctrines and title down
to our generation.
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