Lecture Notes: Differences between Reformed Baptist and Evangelical Denominations

Introduction

• Topic: Differences between Reformed Baptist and evangelical denominations and the possibility of being both Calvinist and evangelical.
• Approach: The lecturer approaches the topic by clarifying misconceptions and providing a broader understanding of evangelicalism.

Evangelicalism

• Definition: Not a denomination but an overarching collection of multiple denominations.
• Core Belief: Evangelicals generally believe in salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
• Evangelicals vs Catholics:
  • Catholics are not typically considered evangelical.
  • Significant theological differences, e.g., the gospel message.
  • Historical context: Council of Trent anathematized the evangelical gospel.

Denominational Categories

• Christian Banner: Includes Catholics, evangelicals, and sometimes other groups like Unitarians (in a broad historical context).
• Evangelical Category:
  • Includes Baptists, Reformed Baptists, Presbyterians, Anglicans, Lutherans.
  • Not a specific denomination but a collective categorization.

Reformed Baptist vs Evangelical Denomination

• Misconception: Evangelical is not a denomination; Reformed Baptist is one of many that fall under evangelicalism.
• Key Question: Difference between Reformed Baptist and Calvinistic Baptist.

Reformed Baptist vs Calvinistic Baptist

• Names and Examples:
  • Calvinistic Baptist: John MacArthur.
  • Reformed Baptist: Votie Bauckham, James White, Joel Webben.

Doctrinal Differences

• Confessional vs Non-Confessional:
  • Reformed Baptists hold to the historic 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith.
  • Calvinistic Baptists like John MacArthur do not fully adhere to it.
• Specific Doctrinal Differences:
  • Christian Sabbatarianism: Reformed Baptists affirm the Sabbath as moral law.
  • Covenant Theology vs Dispensationalism:
    • Reformed Baptists adhere to covenant theology.
    • MacArthur is a "leaky dispensationalist."
  • Eschatology: Covenant theologians are typically amillennial or postmillennial, whereas dispensationalists are premillennial.

Conclusion

• Summary: Two distinct expressions within evangelicalism: Reformed Baptists are confessional; Calvinistic Baptists hold fewer doctrines.
• Evangelicalism: A broad banner encompassing multiple gospel-believing denominations.

Announcement

• Conference Announcement:
  • Postmillennial and Theonomy Conference details: May 5th, 6th, and 7th in Georgetown, Texas.
  • Price increase after October 31st from $100 to $130.
  • Registration information: rightresponseconference.com.