Room for Nuance The Reformed Baptist Interview
Jan 1, 2026
Tom Hicks, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Clinton, is an accomplished theologian with degrees from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. In this engaging discussion, he delves into his spiritual journey and the nuances of being a Reformed Baptist. Hicks explains the significance of covenant theology, the distinction between law and gospel, and how historical confessions shape church identity. He also contrasts different views on covenants, emphasizes the importance of church membership, and addresses modern challenges like legalism and Christian liberty.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Old Covenants Reveal The New
- Old Covenant covenants (Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic) carried the seed-line and revealed the coming new covenant by types and shadows.
- They functioned pedagogically, pointing to Christ but were not themselves saving by their rites.
Threefold Taxonomy Of Law
- The law's taxonomy: eternal law in God, natural law in human conscience, and divine/positive law in Scripture.
- Distinguishing moral law from positive (ceremonial/judicial) laws prevents collapsing law and gospel.
Local Church Practice Example
- Tom's church has about 150 members and two elders, and they require elders to affirm the Second London Confession.
- He applies strict subscription but allows rewording concerns if doctrine is held.