The Gross Errors of Federal Vision Theology
This is a part of a series on Federal Vision.
To Read Part 1: Is Federal Vision a Big Deal click here.
To Read Part 2: A Brief History of Federal Vision click here.
To Read Part 3: Resources on Federal Vision click here.
The Errors of Federal Vision
This week we have introduced why Federal Vision is a big deal, reviewed some of the history, and proponents of Federal Vision theology, and provided a list of resources from various Reformed denominations reviewing, rejecting, and responding to Federal Vision.
In this section, I’ll briefly provide a synopsis of the gross errors of Federal Vision theology.
Federal Vision is of grave and serious error in striking against the vital core of the gospel, the biblical understanding of the work accomplished by the Lord Jesus Christ in His life, death, resurrection, and ascension. The errors of Federal Vision in this area focus around Christ’s righteousness (often called his active obedience in technical theology). In this way, Federal Vision is a Christological heresy. A departure from the biblical testimony (error) rises to the level of false teaching (heresy) when the false teaching persists even after having had errors pointed out, correctional teaching provided, and opportunities for grace, forgiveness, and repentance extended.
Federal Vision confuses the accomplished work of Christ on behalf of His people (Justification), with the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer (Sanctification). In this way, Federal Vision is a heresy around the person and work of the Holy Spirit. Federal Vision is more akin to a resurrection of medieval Roman Catholic dogma, rather than a classically reformed confessional doctrine. When sanctification is in any way collapsed into justification, a meritorious work is by necessity still needed to be provided by an individual, or group to earn, win, achieve, or “see out” their justification.
Federal Vision reimagines biblical covenant in a manner that covenants between God and mankind are mirrored after relationships within the triune Godhead. In this way, Federal Vision is a heresy regarding God the Father. Striking against the doctrines of God (Trinity) and the doctrines of man, Federal Vision turns what God has promised and provided by His grace, into a relational compact by which true faithfulness to God is channeled by the sacraments and covenantal renewal ceremonies.
Is Federal Vision Different from Biblically Faithful Christianity?
At this point, you may be asking “Is Federal Vision really that different from biblically faithful Christianity?” Yes is the answer. You do not need to take my word for it, and I encourage you NOT to take my word for it, but to study the Word of God in contrast with the twistings of Norman Shepherd, and those who have followed in his footsteps without repentance. This is partly why I have provided so many quotes, resources, and citations throughout this work. Federal Vision did not have a track record of biblical faithfulness and then a sudden “new” departure, nor have proponents of Federal Vision been misrepresented, misquoted, or been the victim of denominational witch hunts. Federal Vision itself claims to be a departure from historic, reformed, confessional positions, while simultaneously saying “nut uh, we're the ones who are confessional!”
I’ll close with this quick apology (used in the sense of defense). If Federal Vision does not represent a departure from God’s word on issues relating to:
Christ’s person, and work
Justification and Sanctification
The relationship of the Trinity and covenants in scripture
Sacraments (their efficacy and role in the Christian life)
Worship (its function and form)
Then why do the proponents of Federal Vision write, teach, and preach demanding new definitions, applications, and departures from historically faithful, biblical truths about these things?
Federal Vision is a gross error striking against the very heart of the good news of Jesus Christ. Speaking of good news, the Lord is gracious and merciful! Those who have embraced or followed these false teachers and their teachings can and must repent, turn, and follow the Lord instead of false gospels!
But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. (Jude 20-25)
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