Word And SpiritSample

DAY FOUR: What is the Difference?

For those on the Word side, their message is that we must:

• Get back to the Bible
• Earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 3)
• Get back to Reformation doctrine (justification by faith as taught by Martin Luther)
• Rediscover assurance of salvation as taught by John Calvin
• Return to the teaching of the sovereignty of God as preached by Jonathan Edwards.

What is wrong with this emphasis? Nothing, in my opinion; it is exactly right.

Take those on the Spirit side. Their message is that we must get back to the Book of Acts where there were signs, wonders, and miracles—gifts of the Spirit in operation. When they had a prayer meeting the place was “shaken” (Acts 4:31). Get into Peter’s “shadow,” and you were healed (Acts 5:15); lie to the Holy Spirit and you were struck dead on the spot (Acts 5:1–10).

What is wrong with this emphasis? Nothing, in my opinion; it is exactly right.

The problem is that neither will learn from the other; they talk past each other and don’t take the other point of view seriously.