A Great Day

Yesterday was a great day in the history of Southern Baptists and I am thankful that I am here (New Orleans) and able to experience it.  We, Southern Baptists,  elected our first African-American president, Fred Luter.  It was an awesome scene to witness.  The convention area looked full (the best I could see; I was on the front row). There was an electricity in the air and the Spirit of God enveloped the place as well.  He was the only one nominated and the tradition is that the recording secretary casts one vote to represent the convention.  However, on this hallowed occasion, they allowed us all to be a part of it by standing.  We stood and held up our ballots (many waving them) in celebration.  The ovation was so loud that our current president, Bryant Wright, could hardly be heard as he introduced Fred Luter.  I have watched Fred Luter for years and spoke to him many times.  He is a kind and strong servant of the Lord.  Tears rolled down my face (and his) as he was introduced.  It was a great moment! I found a rough youtube video that may help you understand- (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdo_HQ-jWRY) . Watching a video cannot capture the moment though.

That was followed by a tense discussion over adding an optional descriptor to the name of the Southern Baptist Convention.  After deliberating about changing the name of the Convention to make for more effective outreach, a task force presented the idea of allowing churches or organizations to be called 'Great Commission Baptists', if they so chose.  The vote was not to legally change the name at all but to simply allow churches and organizations to use that alternate description if they desired.  The 'ballot raising' vote was too close to call, so we voted by ballot.  The results will be announced this morning.   After such a time of elation, this tense discussion brought us right back down to earth, however, it could never take away any of the joy of the election experience.

The 'elephant in the room' this year is the increasing conversation about the role of Calvinism in the life of Baptists.  John Calvin was a theologian who is best known for his theological doctrines on the sovereignty of God, the election of God for salvation, and the permenance of salvation.  His theology is the basis for the Presbyterian church.   The discussion requires too many details for this blog, however, the debate centers around the shallow salvation processes that have often been used by Baptists.  I believe we have to lead people to Christ with integrity and make sure that they understand the process and do not just 'raise their hand' when no one is looking.  That part of the conversation is wonderful and needed.  Some, however, go further to say that only some are to be saved and have often carried the attitude that if you disagree, you just don't understand.  Well, I don't understand the depths of the mind of God when it comes to salvation, nor does anyone else.  The apostle Paul called it a 'mystery'.  We are finite and He is infinite.    However, I do believe that Jesus died for all and the opportunity is not only open to all the world, but Christ commissioned us to share with all the world.  This morning I read  I Timothy 2.5-6- For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, ⁶ who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. (www.lifejournal.cc)
I believe it, including the part about the ransom for all. 

Maybe Charles Spurgeon, the great Baptist theologian, put it best: As we approach the gates of heaven, we'll see written overhead as we enter, "Come, Whosoever Will". Then, as we pass through the gates and look over our shoulder, we'll see the backside, where it reads, "Chosen Before The Foundation Of The World".   Personally, I will leave those matters up to God and spend my time enjoying, sharing, and celebrating my salvation until He comes!  Let's do it today!