Does he do this simply for attention, enjoys stirring up the Reformed anthill, or does he really simply not know any better? Zach Dotson, a PB alum, reviews Doug Wilson's recent blog where he continues to muddle the doctrine of Justification. From his public FB post.
Doug Wilson is at it again; by that, I mean he is leaving the door open to Auburn Avenue and Federal Vision Theology. This blog was posted on July 28th, 2023 (Link below, but here are a few thoughts).
1. The Blog is an extract from Wilson's "The Auburn Avenue Chronicles" book. The "Auburn Avenue Chronicles" comes from the Auburn Avenue Theology, which Doug Wilson was a part of promoting and in substantial agreement with. Another name for the "Auburn Avenue Theology" is 'Federal Vision". The book is from is a compilation of all of Wilson's blogs and other papers regarding the Auburn Avenue Theology/ Controversy. IF Wilson indeed had disavowed the Auburn Avenue/ Federal Vision theology, then probably he would not be:
a. Blogging excerpts of the book for discussion.
b. Continuing to sell the book- which he is.
2. The content of the quote given "for discussion" is also deeply troubling. Wilson argues that the imputed Grace of Justification is based upon an "infused grace" in Regeneration. This is a subtle but dangerous error! Wilson is confusing categories. (more to that in the next point) Westminster Larger Catechism Question and Answer 77 speaks of righteousness in Justification being imputed and Sanctification grace being infused. To suggest that Justification is imputed on the basis of Grace infused in "regeneration" is to subvert the precious distinction between Justification and Sanctification. And does it incredibly subtly at that.
3. Wilson's subtle suggestion that perhaps Justification is based on "infused grace" in Regeneration is confused. Reformed Theology does not speak of Regeneration as "infused" or "imputed" Grace. Instead, it is typically spoken of as a mighty of God whereby the heart is changed, and all the benefits of salvation follow. (See Westminster Larger Catechism Q&A 67-68 and WCF chapter 10) There can only be a couple of reasons Wilson is making these "rookie' mistakes:
a. He doesn't understand historic Reformed Theology and the context in which these doctrines were discussed.
b. He is trying to pervert historic theological categories for his project, leaving people utterly confused in his wake.
4. The Federal Vision frequently likes to subvert what is of Grace and make it of works. They do this subtly by rhetorical flushes such as "At the end of the day, this means . . . infused righteousness as the instrument of imputed righteousness." The statement just quoted allows for Regeneration to become something that happens by the Means of Grace and covenant membership, which is over time infused, and this is the basis for the imputation of Justification. Do you see the danger here? Works are underlying Justification, just as with Rome.
5. As already remarked but needs to be further enlarged, Wilson posted this as "Discuss Among Yourselves". Others have made the allegations I have made about this post. The reactions have been of course, varied. Some accused Wilson of outright heresy, others trying to defend him as if there was some way the statements could be taken as orthodox. Frankly, the fact that Wilson wants to leave some of his conclusions and arguments from the "Auburn Avenue" years open for discussion shows he has not repudiated the teaching and has not distanced himself from it. The matter of how a soul is saved has eternal import- it is frankly appalling that Doug Wilson will not be open and honest and continues to operate in the shadows with plausible deniability by, for example, "encouraging discussion" while not endorsing a position. A position that seems dangerous to souls and not based on the Word of God.
What Wilson does by leaving things open for discussion and not identifying his position nor what is Biblical is in violation of the plain teaching of the Scriptures:
a. When Jesus says, "Let your yea be yea" and vice versa in Matthew 5:37, Wilson has never been clear in his ministry in terms of what he believes.
b. When Paul instructed Timothy to "take heed to his doctrine" (1 Timothy 4:16) and to "Hold fast to the form of sound words" (2 Timothy 1:13). Wilson does not take heed to his doctrine and teach it clearly nor does he seem to heed the historic creeds and confessions of the church as a form of sound words to keep the church within the bounds of orthodoxy.
6. In conclusion, Wilson should be seen as no safe guide, unhelpful, and one that endangers souls with sloppy doctrine. And perhaps even he willfully does it because he is a wolf. HE IS TO BE AVOIDED.
https://web.archive.org/web/2023080...g-the-culture/ordo-order.html?mibextid=Zxz2cZ
