This is a part of a series on Federal Vision. To read part 2, click here.

During this series I am going to answer 3 questions. 

1. Give a brief history of a heresy known as “Shepherdism” “Federal Vision” or “Auburn Avenue Theology”. 

2. Provide a host of resources from churches that have studied, examined, and concluded the specific errors of this heresy. Included will be a synopsis of the gross errors of Federal Vision.  

3. List those proponents of this heresy who have not recanted from their heretical views. 

Why Even Discuss Federal Vision?

We rarely discuss heresy such as Federal Vision around here partly because of the preponderance of so-called theological watchdog groups that delight in stirring fear and sitting in a seat of prosecution. In our family, we’ve experienced what it’s like in our own sin to stir fear and lob accusations toward brothers and sisters in Christ. It legitimately is an enemy of Christian fellowship. Our aim is to encourage and equip families to live out the truths of Biblical Christianity within their local context.

Federal Vision in Multiple Denominations

When we’ve brought up heresy in the past, it’s been in a historic context, with some application of what to be aware of today. That same approach is what we’re going to do here this week in discussing Federal Vision. While proponents of Federal Vision are still active and clever in their speech, this heretical movement has more than 50 years of baggage. As such, there is plenty of history to share that will (it is our hope) bring you up to speed, and be watchful regarding certain unrepentant teachers and teachings.  

On this topic of Federal Vision, the church, across multiple denominational lines, from varied reformed traditions, has spoken clearly, and with biblical warrant against this false teaching. This is not a “hobby horse” personal agenda or topic of special obsession for us at Redeeming Family. Our aim is to serve as a church historian, bringing up to speed those who perhaps have never heard, or haven’t previously understood what the “big deal” is about Federal Vision. 

Christian Leaders on Federal Vision

For those of you wondering just how big of a difference Federal Vision is versus true Biblical Christian doctrine, here are a few quotes from Christian leaders and denominations over the last 50+ years on the topic: 

“The true seriousness of all this [Federal Vision] is clear when we ask ourselves a simple question: if it is possible to lose one’s justification, how does he or she do that? How else except by sin! But how much sin? What kind of sin? The questions are endless (taking us ultimately back to Rome with it’s hierarchy of sins), but the bottom line is that I can lose my justification by something I do! And if I can lose my justification by something I do, then it also follows that I retain my justification by what I do! But what is the standard for retaining my justification? The standard is absolute perfection – perfect obedience to God’s commandments and the perfect satisfaction of His justice when I sin. And I can do neither, not even as a believer who has been regenerated and converted to God! And so, if it depends on me to hold on to or retain my justification by what I do, I am doomed forever.” Alan Camarigg - Thoughts on ‘The Federal Vision’ - Banner of Truth 2005

“That Norman Shepherd’s theology of justification has attracted interest within Reformed circles in the past is indisputable, and that it is again a matter of great curiosity seems increasingly true. Whatever the importance of the variety of matters hotly debated among Reformed Christians, the present issue is undoubtedly of the highest urgency, for the nature of the Gospel is directly at stake. In light of this, our churches ought to be vigilant in keeping the clear distinctions of the Reformed doctrine of justification from falling into flaccid ambiguity, and persistent in refusing to revise the life-giving message that our faith, and not our obedience, justifies.” Dr. David VanDrunen - Banner of Truth “Justification by Faith in the Theology of Norman Shepherd”

“[The Federal Vision is] A Denial of the imputation of the active obedience of Christ in our justification” Orthodox Presbyterian Church - Report on Justification

“The view that justification is in any way based on our works, or that the so-called ‘final verdict of justification’ is based on anything other than the perfect obedience and satisfaction of Christ received through faith alone, is contrary to the Westminster standards” Presbyterian Church of America - Report of Ad Interim Study Committee on Federal Vision, New Perspective, and Auburn Avenue Theology

“[Federal Vision proponents are those] Who teach that there is a separate and final justification grounded partly upon righteousness or sanctity inherent in the Christian” United Reformed Churches - Report of the Synodical Study Committee on the Federal Vision and Justification

“The ‘federal vision’ teaches that the saving grace of God in Christ is universal within the sphere of the covenant, but that this grace can be resisted and lost. Everyone who is baptized, particularly every child of believing parents who is baptized, is savingly united to Christ, although many later fall away and perish.”

“The movement teaches baptismals regeneration. The ceremony of sprinkling with water in the name of the triune God effects the temporary regeneration and salvation of everyone baptized. It effects regeneration by the power of the Spirit, but the ceremony regenerates and saves everyone who is baptized, particularly every infant of godly parents.” David J. Engelsma - 2005 journal article on “Federal Vision”

“What is at stake in this deliberation is our commitment as a denomination to the clarity in our presentation of the Gospel truths enumerated in the declarations of this report....What we will decide today, gentlemen, is whether this Assembly has the will to insist that our ministry is clear on and committed to the Gospel truths affirmed in the declarations of this report.” Ligon Duncan - 2007 Report of Ad Interim Study Committee on Federal Vision, New Perspective, and Auburn Avenue Theology

“I can’t fathom why there’s any hesitancy about [rejecting Federal Vision]. There’s too much at stake—this is the Gospel we’re talking about.” R.C. Sproul - 2007 prior to the PCA’s General Assembly:

Amazing Grace

The good news, even for false teachers, is that the Lord Jesus Christ is a gracious and merciful king. Even for those who propagate false teaching, the Lord extends His call to repentance and offers clemency upon sincere forsaking of false teaching. In other words, at no point this week am I making a claim that anyone or everyone associated with Federal Vision is damned to hell without opportunity for repentance. I am saying that the beliefs put forward by proponents of Federal Vision lead away from Christ, to the utter and everlasting abyss. Federal Vision as conceived is a perilous thing. Those who have held to Federal Vision have a sacred opportunity for their own souls to repent. Those who have propagated Federal Vision as preachers and teachers have a sacred duty to the Lord to feed the flock, and repent when found in sin. 

The stakes here are serious and high, because the present trajectory of those teaching the Federal Vision heresy, under all of its names or various disguises, is one of eternal destruction. Thus, our aim here acting as historian and resource sharer this week, is to help better inform you as a dear brother or sister in the Lord to grow in your faith, love, and admiration for the Lord Jesus Christ.

This is a part of a series on Federal Vision. To read part 2, click here.