Lecture Notes: Federal Vision and Assurance of Salvation

Key Topics Discussed

• Federal Vision

  • A theological framework within Christian theology.
  • Not universally adhered to; varies among proponents.
  • Spectrum among proponents like Peter Lightheart and Doug Wilson.

• Baptist Perspective

  • American Baptists and individualism.
  • Lack of assurance of salvation in American Christianity.
  • Emphasis on personal decision over covenantal faith.

Federal Vision's Intentions

• Attempt to set up a hedge of protection.
• Provide assurance of salvation amidst doubt.
• Addressing personal decisionism and revivalism.
• Offering metrics for belonging to Christ.
• Objective vs. subjective signs of belonging.

Assurance of Salvation

• A major concern in pastoral counseling.
• Relationship between assurance and union with Christ.
• Importance of outward signs and seals.

Debate and Controversies

• Baptism Validity

  • Debates over Roman Catholic baptism validity.
  • Historical issues of ordination validity affecting baptism.
  • Concerns over faithfulness and legitimacy.

• Individualism vs. Covenant Community

  • Lack of assurance linked to individualism.
  • The importance of looking outward rather than inward.
  • Loving and serving the community as evidence of faith.
  • Importance of corporate identity.

Social Justice and Identity

• Intersectional Identities

  • Corporate victim identities within social justice.
  • Desire for community and corporate identity.

• Covenantal Identity

  • Christian covenant community provides clear identity.
  • Contrast with individual victim identities.

Upcoming Conference

• Theonomy and Post-Millennialism Conference 2023

  • Dates: May 5th - 7th.
  • Notable speakers include Dr. James White and Dale Partridge.
  • Features include live panels and a catered Texas BBQ.

• Registration Details

  • Register at rightresponseconference.com.