The enemies of the so-called “Federal Vision” have had a grand time “exposing the heresies” of me and my friends. It has been quite entertaining to read these documents — especially since most of our “errors” were held by men whose orthodoxy has never been challenged, and sometimes, our positions were even held by those who have denounced us. Thus, for example, Jeff Meyers was charged with this:
TE Meyers believes ‘the triune God is the archetype of all covenantal relations’ (Joint Federal Vision Profession [JFVP], 2). This is contrary to the Standards which state that the covenant is a way by which God voluntarily condescends to man so that man can have God as His blessedness (WCF 7.1).
Ligon Duncan, who has been an outspoken critic of “Federal Vision” theology apparently does not view this position as problematic, however. A few years ago, he wrote this:
Covenant theology flows from the trinitarian life and work of God. God’s covenant communion with us is modeled on and a reflection of the intra-trinitarian relationships. The shared life, the fellowship of the persons of the Holy Trinity, what theologians call perichoresis or circumincessio, is the archetype of the relationship the gracious covenant God shares with His elect and redeemed people. God’s commitments in the eternal covenant of redemptive find space-time realization in the covenant of grace.
[taken from Dr. Duncan’s brief position statement “What is Covenant Theology”]
So, I guess I am forced to conclude that Dr. Duncan has fallen over the wall and become one of us. What else can we conclude?
After all, this is the judgment of all the major Reformed denominations. This is the settled conviction of all the “experts” on “Federal Vision.” And, finally, this is the judgment of the men who write “The Aquila Report” (and if you can’t trust their judgment, pray, what is the world coming to??).
So, sorry Ligon, I’d love to defend you, but . . . well, who am I to contradict such unanimous condemnation?
[HT: Mark Horne]
Isn’t it nice to know you’ll have such good company in the Sixth Circle?
Aquila.
oops. thanks Daniel.
Well said, Pastor Steve. I beg God to illumine Dr. Duncan to the hurt and damage he and some of his colleagues have done to the covenant community through their attacks on their brothers and sisters these past many years. May God give this gifted brother the grace to follow in the way of Jesus as a wise and loving shepherd.