Why I am a Christian and a Voluntaryist?

in voluntaryist •  7 years ago 

I grew up as a Christian but my parents didn't want to force me to Christianity. They encourage me to continue to be a Christian and I'm sure they prayed about it, numerous times when I'm growing up. I had an experience, in a Baptist church (grew up Lutheran), that according to the pastor he vigorously prayed about a certain event that will happen within the youth group and it did happen. That was the start of my acceptance of Christ as my Lord and Savior. Now fast forward from 2004ish to 2014, I have become reformed in my Christian theology. I was more of a typical evangelical believer but the ministries of Grace to You, Ligiouner Ministry and Alpha & Omega Ministry have grown my understanding of Biblical doctrines. That is why I also am a Voluntaryist. It is my understanding of Biblical doctrines and the overall theme of the Bible that the only consistent philosophy is Voluntaryism. I don't want to force my Christian doctrines on anybody but in the spirit of conversations and debates, I hope that Christian doctrines are accepted in the world.

The two biggest reasons why I'm a Voluntaryist from a Christian perspective is that the overall theme of government in the Bible is a negative one and the ten commandments specifically Thou Shalt Not Steal. Even in Romans 13, the government is evil and in order for Christianity to survive Paul was addressing the fact that we Christians must be in good standing in society. The church couldn't live out all of the teachings because if they did, it would be stamped out very quickly. It was more of a tactical move than a theology move. This is my understanding of Romans as a whole and the rest of Scripture. Another aspect is that the rulers of our society must also live under God's rules and regulations. If they don't they will suffer the consequences, which is why we see empires rise and fall throughout the centuries. Romans 13 by itself might seem like the Bible is enthusiastically for government and that the government is holy and right. But it isn't, in light of the rest of scripture. Could this interpretation of Scripture be skewed because of my personal thoughts and beliefs of outside influences? Yes, but likewise that can be anybody like John MacArthur and the late R. C. Sproul, my favorite theologians. It is a process that I'm willing to accept to and continually examine my positions from time to time in new insight from Scripture.

Trying to be absolutely in line with Scripture at all times is impossible because of sin. And so, I accept the notion that I might be wrong but I know that Scripture is clear about sin and Christ's redeeming love for humanity.

Thanks for reading my post on this subject, I hope it is helpful and rewarding!

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