A brother in Christ once asked me : Who are you?
I replied: I am a Christian.
But then he told me, that's what everyone claims to be. Isn't quite startling that we have to specify every little nuances of our theological convictions to make others know who we are? So I ventured to reply him, an exhaustive answer.
This is my reply:
Name: Jayamohan.D, lovingly called by all as Jay.
Unbeliever Background: Aristocratic Hindu Nair family.. (Heathen of all Heathens)
Doctrine of God: Trinitarian
Basic conviction regarding Scriptures and Personal Conversion: Evangelical Protestant (Reformed)
Soteriology : Reformed (Calvinistic)
Redemptive History : Covenant Theology
Charismatic Convictions : Continuationist (not strictly a Charismatic, open for anything biblical, cautious of everything extra biblical), presently persuaded greatly by Cessationist literature. Yet to come to a clear conviction on this, as research is going on.
Eschatology : Historic Premillianist
Church Governance : Plurality of elders governing a local body of believers - all of whom are equally the priests of God. Thus I believe in an elder led, yet congregational church governance.
Evangelism : Preach the word in all seasons, wholeheartedly trusting the Sovereign Lord in being infallibly efficacious to draw His people to Himself.
Missiology : Indigenisation
Preaching : Christocentric doctrinal systematic expository preaching
Ministry support :Tentmaking (I work in a tentmakers only Christian IT firm based in US)
Bottom line :
My reply that I am a Christian is more satisfying than this dissection of my beliefs. The brother who asked this question seems to be more satisfied with my first reply. Truly regenerate brothers and sisters in Christ are one in the Lord, no matter how different our theological persuasions be. I do believe so, in spite of my rigorous passion for doctrines. Though I am a fully convinced Calvinist, I go to an Arminian church. All my spiritual fathers are hard core Arminians. I do not think that they are unregenerate, in fact they are more spiritual than I am. Though I am a Covenanter, I have lots of dear brethren who are staunch dispensationalists. Same goes with my fellowship with my cessationists brothers. It is perfectly alright for all of us to have different convictions regarding these theological matters, provided in love and with great hope for the joy of the others, we labour hard in our study and proclamation of the word to make known our stand with substantial and accurate scriptural evidence.
I do not believe in being silent about our doctrinal convictions in order to maintain peace. That is diplomacy (in other words compromise) and will only build dead ecumenism. But rather, I labour hard with benevolent boldness, to make known all my doctrinal convictions with ample scriptural evidence. Whether Calvinists or Arminians, Covenanters or Dispensationalists, Continuationists or Cessationists, truly born again children of God all alike love the word of God, for the Spirit of God is at work in them. Hence I know that if I show ample Scriptures in their proper exposition to define and defend my doctrinal convictions, then true children of God will give a good ear to what I say. Though they may not all agree with me instantly, I know the word I have shared will do its work in His own time.
Sadly due to the rise of doctrinal disputes by unlearned and unskilled men, it has made most believers to think that doctrine divides. They think that this whole fight for truth is a mere waste of time, something that grieves the Holy Spirit and hinders His work. I do agree that servants of Christ are not to be quarrelsome. However, I do believe that people who are learned should engage in healthy discussions and debates to understand our doctrinal convictions and only they - the learned and skilled, should do it. Folks who just have second hand information on some doctrinal issue should humbly abstain from unwanted fights. As Paul showed Peter his error in practically denying the truth of God, while he showed discrimination towards Gentiles, may all those who have learned well their convictions, share their convictions boldly, yet with love for the other.
This is my philosophy when it comes to defending my convictions - For the joy of God's people, I will make known His truths.. O I am not fighting for mere propositions, but for their joy in God..
"Not that we lord it over your faith, but are workers with you for YOUR JOY" (2 Corinthians 1:24)
