Christianizing the World

 

This video features a Q&A session with Prof. David J. Engelsma at Westminster Seminary California (October 4, 2013), focusing on the theological concept of "Christianizing the world" and the doctrine of "Common Grace."

Key Takeaways:

• Critique of Abraham Kuyper: Prof. Engelsma argues that the doctrine of "Common Grace," as taught by Abraham Kuyper, is unbiblical and has caused significant damage to Reformed churches by encouraging cooperation with the "wicked world" (0:55-1:59, 2:46-3:48).

• The Nature of Grace: He asserts that the term "Grace" should be reserved exclusively for God’s saving relationship with His elect people. He suggests that God’s governance of the world and the ungodly should be classified under "Providence" rather than "Common Grace" (7:10-9:25).

• The Kingdom of Christ: The professor explains that the Kingdom of Christ is a spiritual kingdom already established in the hearts of believers and in the true church. He rejects the idea that the church is mandated to transform or "christianize" the culture, noting that such a goal is impossible and misaligned with Scripture (5:20-6:07, 12:02-14:03).

• The Great Commission: He clarifies that the Great Commission is focused on gathering God's elect from all nations through the preaching of the Gospel, not on building an Earthly kingdom or engaging in societal transformation (4:02-5:17).

• Response to Other Movements: He addresses questions regarding Chuck Colson and dispensationalism, stating that cultural activities should only be driven by God's saving grace in the believer, not by a common grace theory (9:27-11:57).

• Restraining Evil: He maintains that while governments and human authorities may restrain outward expressions of evil, this is not a result of common grace upon the hearts of the ungodly, who remain totally depraved