"Lively" was perhaps a poor choice of terms. And for me to say that I don't believe it doesn't make a difference is also incorrect; otherwise I wouldn't hold these views. What I should have said is there are some truths that are far more fundamental to the faith than others. Some truths are the milk, some are the meat. Each of us has to decide where that line is.
You have that luxury. You've already been baptized by immersion (or so I assume). However, if you start hanging your hat with the RP and, subsequently, you evangelize someone, what will you advise them to do? Get sprinkled?
That's a very fair question and one of the reasons I have not become a Presbyterian. However, it all goes back to that line. To me the issue of free will is so paramount to the understanding of our faith. This heresy can be traced to just about every major error people hold today or ever held-and that's not an exaggeration.
Pick a heresy or a problem the church faces today and I'll trace it back to the idea that man is free; eschatology included. The church realized for 1900 years that we were the new Israel until someone got some looney idea that God just loves people who rejected His Son and worship a god that is totally foreign to the God revealed in scripture.
I would rather have a person be sprinkled and to understand God's glorious election and purpose for their life, than to watch people go through life being baptized thinking they were free to bounce around trying to do things to please God.
As a matter of practicality, the decisions needs to be congruous. If not, the line itself becomes a point of contention.
[...what will you advise them to do? Get sprinkled?]
That's a very fair question and one of the reasons I have not become a Presbyterian.
Ok. What's the other reason?
However, it all goes back to that line. To me the issue of free will is so paramount to the understanding of our faith. This heresy can be traced to just about every major error people hold today or ever held-and that's not an exaggeration.
Free will is the root of most heresies? That's fantastic! No doubt in my mind, the RP are going to love you.
Pick a heresy or a problem the church faces today and I'll trace it back to the idea that man is free; eschatology included.
Ok. I pick chiliasm. :) Knock yourself out.
The church realized for 1900 years that we were the new Israel until someone got some looney idea that God just loves people who rejected His Son and worship a god that is totally foreign to the God revealed in scripture.
I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. Perhaps you could post a reference?
I would rather have a person be sprinkled and to understand God's glorious election and purpose for their life, than to watch people go through life being baptized thinking they were free to bounce around trying to do things to please God.
Is there something else you'd rather they be doing?