Re: James White's take on 1689 Federalism

[@epistemicfoundations3600]

Brandon, I have great respect for Dr. White and have learned quite a bit from him, but I can hardly see how your work or attitude could have in any way hindered his understanding of this subject. Your research, writing and presentations have always been clear, thorough and well documented, and your attitude has been one of great humility which is very rare indeed. I applaud your work and appreciate all that you are doing in helping Baptists recover their covenantal heritage. -Nick

[@Collidedatoms]

Dude! I hadn't seen that DL yet, but I have to give you mad props for being a big enough man to repent and apologize for that. I hope James sees this video.

[@JBOwen88]

While I saw James White's video I did not know he was referring to you. I don't know any of the context about your guys' dialogue but I wanted to encourage you. Your video and attitude is a breath of fresh air of humility. In a world with hubris and boastful people (myself included) this is a reality check and a convicting intro, which makes me examining my attitude and interactions with others. Thank you for being more concerned about your sin then how the world views you.

[@np1672]

While I appreciate Brandon's willingness in this, I didn't see sin on Brandon's part with his exchanges (that I saw) with Dr. White. If anything, I saw White hastily (or arrogantly?) brush off a brother trying to helpfully encourage him to study the topic further. I welcome evidence of correction if needed.

[@asahelnettleton9044]

In my opinion, that would be in line with other of White's interactions, wherein he allows the tone or zeal of another to be an impassable stumbling block.

[@brandonvarnado4216]

Great video, brother! I appreciate your work in 1689 Federalism and the resources/reading list you’ve compiled. I know I have greatly benefited from it. I also appreciate your humility shown in your apology in this video. Thank you!

[@ChristiansColloquy]

Excellent video, Brandon! Thank you for all the work you've put in on 1689 Federalism, it's been such a blessing.

[@BuckTheSystem]

Excellent response, Brandon! Your 1689 Federalism video has really helped me understand things and solidify my beliefs.

[@Leatherwoodoutdoors]

Great Video Brandon! Thank you for your dedication and hard work in your videos and articles.

[@davidc.4305]

This is a wonderful response. I had no idea Dr White was referring to you Brandon. You are both godly men and have both blessed me tremendously with your separate ministries/ studies. You showed great humility here with your apology (happens to all of us at times). God Bless, David Connors

[@MurderHornetProductions]

Excellent response.

[@theoglossa]

Thank you for this. To God be the glory!

[@ericdelanoy9570]

Don’t ever apologize unless you have done something wrong and can specifically put your finger on it.

[@davidgcavada]

He said it was a stumbling block.

[@mariohortaphd]

Thank you for this great explanation, blessings!

[@schoolprojects5399]

Brandon you’re a boss!

[@philiphughes5302]

Please don't call something sin when it patently is not! This is something someone of White's calibre should be aware of.

[@greglogan7706]

I wonder at what point we depart from having others tell us about the playground equipment and actually use and interact with equipment ourselves?

[@28reynoldsburg]

What episode(s) of the dividing line did you interact with?JamesW

[@ReformedRookie]

Brandon- great video. Would you say that the OT saints were in the new covenant, not just saved by it?

[@brandonadams07]

Yes

[@ReformedRookie]

@@brandonadams07 thanks. Would you ever be available for an interview on my video podcast? I host a website called the ReformedRookie.com

[@brandonadams07]

@@ReformedRookie I just sent you an email through your page's contact form

[@greglogan7706]

With respect to Brandon, if James White allowed Brandon's behavior to affect his ability to interact with 1689 Federalism, really that's remarkably juvenile and I'm being generous That being said, if Brandon was behaving as a jerk then certainly he needs to deal with that as he appears to have done very well here.

[@jakobbarger1260]

The first minute of this a very refreshing contrast to certain 1689 rabble rousers. Not sure he was talking about you though. Lighten up bro.

[@CaseyCovenant]

This situation is so confusing. What behavior are you talking about? Dr. White endorsed Greg Nichol's book on 1689 Covenant Theology so why would Dr. White speak against it. He has been a 1689 Baptist for decades.

[@Metal_Auditor]

I have Nichols' book, and his view seems to not really agree with the 1689 Federalist view in certain respects. He seems to reject the pre-fall covenant of works.

[@brandonadams07]

Casey, it sounds like you are missing several contextual aspects of my video. 1) Did you watch White's video that this is a response to? 2) Are you familiar with what 1689 Federalism is? It is a particular view of covenant theology held by the 17th century particular baptists. Not everyone who holds to the 1689 confession holds to the specifics of 1689 Federalism (i.e. the confession is written more broadly). See here www.1689federalism.com/faq/does-the-2nd-london-baptist-confession-only-permit-1689-federalism/

[@brandonadams07]

Per the link I just gave, 1689 Federalism is more narrow than simply the 1689 Confession. Nichols does not hold to 1689 Federalism.

[@robotnik77]

I never go by endorsements unless they are detailed enough to know that the endorsee has actually read the book. Most endorsements, I believe, are a favor to a friend, and if they have read the book, they just skimmed it.

[@Etheralking]

Quoting Augustine as a proof. That's post church marriage to mammon.

[@Judd.s.c]

Brandon, I've been keeping up with this ongoing/suspended conversation between you and White for a number of years, ever since I found your 2015 blog post titled, "James White doesn't know what 1689 Federalism is." I'd like to know, is the chat log you shared in that post the extent of yours and White's interaction to which he points in his recent video?

[@brandonadams07]

It's about 90% of it. I edited out a few comments because I didn't want to distract initially from the topic by turning it into something between the two of us. My interest was just in clarifying for people where White stood on the topic. If you are interested, here is the full transcript www.evernote.com/l/ANCDWAKrt8JIx5QHRZLsu1QmZydLH2kNkbE

[@biblicalquestionsanswered2354]

It's been a year and this is the first I've heard of it... I looked at the transcript, and can easily see the problem, texting sucks if your trying to convey emotion. And when your interpreting emotion from text, it's easy to see the worst possible interpretation instantly especially if you've encountered it enough.

[@Pastor-Brettbyfaith]

Brandon, 1689 Federalism? I am reformed in my Theology but I am not inclined to use the 1689 LBC as a point of reference when defending the truth of God's sovereign reign over the affairs of man. I have a copy of the 1689 along with its Presbyterian twin...Westminster, but I never quote from it nor use it as an authority in defending the truth. I do not know of your issues with Pastor James White. Your humility is evident, and I applaud your expression of it, but the whole issue of Federalism??? What is the point? Are you born again, by the grace and power of the Lord Jesus Christ? Are you kept by the power of God, through faith? John 3:3-5; Eph. 2:1-10 and 1 Peter 1:3-5 These passages and more point to the sovereign act of Almighty God in salvation. The scripture alone should be your sole source of support. Intended to encourage... in Jesus name

[@brandonadams07]

Brett, Thank you for the comment and questions. However, I find the questions a bit odd. What is the point of federalism (covenant theology)? Well, the same as any other aspect of our theology: to understand and articulate our understanding of Scripture. I really don't understand the relevance of your comments regarding Scripture and the passages you cited. If you are unfamiliar with what 1689 Federalism is, it is simply a label to describe one particular understanding of what God has revealed about the various covenants in Scripture. You can learn more here www.1689federalism.com

[@wisebear2919]

Brandon, i'm sure you're a lovely guy but you should have reached out to James personally. This is a poor example on how Christians are to seek forgiveness. It seems it's just a platform to push your specific view. I don't have a dog in the fight since i'm a Dispe.... Also make biblical arguments please. Don't much care about your inverted sources from Church History. Bible first then name dropping second, so long as they help in uncovering Scriptural texts....BTW all this is easily solved by understanding that Abraham, and all OT persons, were saved by grace through faith alone, although the administration they found themselves in varied; Post fall, before and after the Law and before and after the Cross!! To add insult to confusion: the New Covenant is found in the Old Testament ( - ; Rom 4:9,13,16; Heb 8:7-13.