Federal Vision theology is a recent theological movement within conservative Reformed and Presbyterian churches that seeks to re-envision the doctrine of salvation. The name comes from the emphasis on “covenantal federalism” – the idea that God relates to humanity through covenants.
The key distinctives of Federal Vision theology include:
Covenantal Language
Federal Vision proponents use covenantal language to speak about salvation. They reject the traditional Reformed distinction between the covenant of works (made with Adam) and the covenant of grace (made after the fall). Instead, they see salvation as taking place within the context of the covenant God makes with believers and their children. This leads to a focus on covenant faithfulness and downplaying the distinction between those who are truly regenerate and those who are merely formal members of the covenant community.
Baptismal Efficacy
Federal Vision theology places great emphasis on the efficacy and importance of baptism. They connect baptism closely with regeneration and salvation, rather than seeing it as merely a sign and seal of grace. They argue that baptism actually confers grace and unites a person to Christ. This blurred line between sign and thing signified leads to baptism being seen as mediating saving benefits.
Corporate vs Individual Election
Advocates of Federal Vision theology stress corporate election over individual election. They see election as primarily regarding the church as a covenant community, not specific individuals predestined by God. They argue that the Bible speaks of groups being chosen more often than individuals. This corporate view of election leads them to downplay the traditional Reformed doctrine of unconditional election of individuals.
Temporary Benefits of Salvation
Federal Vision proponents teach that it’s possible for someone to receive temporary, non-saving benefits of Christ’s work like pardon, justification, and sanctification. These benefits can be lost through lack of covenant faithfulness. This is a departure from the traditional Reformed view that saving benefits only accrue to the elect and can never be lost.
Works and Final Salvation
While affirming salvation by grace, Federal Vision advocates connect works to final salvation more than in traditional Reformed theology. Good works are seen as the instrumental means by which we lay hold of Christ. Some argue for a future judgment based partly on works, leading to charges of a doctrine of justification by faith and works.
REC Criticisms
The Reformed Evangelical Council (REC) has critiqued Federal Vision theology as out of accord with the Reformed confessions on a number of points:
– Blurring the distinction between covenant membership and saving grace
– Undermining the doctrine of justification by faith alone through their view of baptismal efficacy and future judgment according to works
– Losing the Gospel of grace by making covenant faithfulness, rather than Christ’s work, the basis of salvation
– Confusing the conditional promises of the covenant of grace with conditions of maintaining salvation/justification
The REC also charges Federal Vision theology with using traditional Reformed language but redefining terms in non-traditional ways.
Defense and Responses
Proponents of Federal Vision theology claim their views have been misrepresented and reject the charges of heterodoxy. They argue their views do not contradict Reformed confessions when properly understood.
They say they uphold salvation by grace alone and justification by faith alone. Works are important for final salvation but flow from being united to Christ, not as grounds for justification. They also maintain they preach the same Gospel of saving grace in Christ as mainstream Reformed ministers.
Some key figures have distanced themselves from the Federal Vision label, arguing their views have been distorted. Others have clarified their positions to affirm key Reformed doctrines after criticisms were raised. There is diversity among Federal Vision supporters, with some holding more controversial views than others.
Denominational Responses
Most Reformed denominations have issued cautions regarding Federal Vision theology, stating their belief that it is inconsistent with their doctrinal standards.
The Orthodox Presbyterian Church has declared Federal Vision theology to be erroneous and has barred its teaching by OPC ministers. The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) and United Reformed Churches have also warned about Federal Vision teachings.
In 2007, the PCA’s General Assembly acknowledged theological errors present in Federal Vision theology, while stopping short of outright condemnation. The PCA affirms the doctrine of justification by faith alone as central and rejects Federal Vision formulations seen as departing from this.
Individual churches and presbyteries have taken differing actions regarding Federal Vision. Some allow its propagation with caution while others prohibit its teaching among ministers. The diversity of responses reflects the decentralized nature of Presbyterian polity.
Key Figures
Some prominent advocates associated with Federal Vision theology include:
– Douglas Wilson – Pastor and theologian who promotes covenantal language for salvation. Has tried distancing himself from some controversial aspects.
– Peter Leithart – Pastor and theologian influenced by N.T. Wright’s New Perspective on Paul. Teaches temporary benefits of salvation can be lost. Tried and acquitted of heresy charges by the PCA.
– Steve Wilkins – Former PCA minister and early promoter of Federal Vision theology. Teaches baptism as the instrument of justification by uniting people to Christ. Barred from PCA ministry.
– John Barach – Canadian Reformed pastor who has defended Federal Vision proposals. Emphasizes covenant faithfulness in salvation. Lost ministerial credentials over Federal Vision adherence.
– Norman Shepherd – Former professor at Westminster Seminary. Early influence on Federal Vision. Taught justifying faith as faithfulness and good works as completing justification. Was dismissed by seminary.
– Rich Lusk – Pastor who argues for a doctrine of justification by faith and works. Supports paedocommunion.
– James Jordan – Controversial teacher who mixes Federal Vision theology, biblical theology, and postmodern thought. Known for radical theonomy views.
Critics
Some of the more prominent theological critics of Federal Vision theology include:
– Richard Phillips – Pastor and author of book critiquing Federal Vision. Sees it as a dangerous departure from Westminster Confession.
– Guy Waters – Professor and author attacking Federal Vision for blurring law/gospel and other issues. Focuses on doctrine of justification differences.
– Rick Phillips – Editor of book opposing Federal Vision as undermining grace and Reformed theology. Charges it with doctrinal errors.
– Scott Clark – Professor who contends Federal Vision theology compromises justification sola fide and other key doctrines.
– Michael Horton – Theologian who argues Federal Vision distorts covenant theology and fails theological triage.
– Timothy Keller – Prominent PCA pastor who signed statement opposing Federal Vision for serious errors.
Influence and Legacy
Federal Vision theology sparked intense debate and controversy within conservative Reformed circles over key doctrines like justification, the sacraments, and assurance of salvation.
While few denominations have fully embraced Federal Vision proposals, it has had influence on getting people to re-examine important theological loci from a covenantal perspective. Some of its emphases have impacted missionary work, covenantal apologetics, and pastoral ministry in Presbyterian context.
The desire of Federal Vision proponents to recover a more robust Reformed orthodoxy is appreciated by supporters, though critics believe it has led to imbalance and doctrinal compromises. Some conservative Reformed pastors have appropriated elements of Federal Vision theology while avoiding controversial positions.
The Federal Vision controversy served to reinforce the emphasis on sola fide and the law/gospel distinction among many conservative Reformed believers. It also created deeper analysis of the nature of covenant theology and its relationship to doctrines like election, justification, and perseverance of the saints.
While a fading movement, Federal Vision left an indelible mark on American Presbyterianism and will remain an important issue that shaped 21st century Reformed theology. It reveals the potential risks and pitfalls when innovating with tried and true doctrines and formulations.