GRACE: RESISTIBLE OR IRRESISTIBLE? Evidence that Grace is Resistible

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "GRACE: RESISTIBLE OR IRRESISTIBLE? Evidence that Grace is Resistible"

Transcription

1 1 GRACE: RESISTIBLE OR IRRESISTIBLE? Evidence that Grace is Resistible If grace in the Calvinistic tradition is coercive it would be the height of irony. Since grace is defined as unmerited favor and has also been contrasted with mercy by considering mercy as God withholding what we deserve and grace as God giving us what we don t deserve. As the free favor of God, it seems contradictory to speak of something that is free as being forced upon someone. The Bible is clear that man has a will and makes choices (1 Co 7:37, Jos 24:15). Choices relate to alternatives. If by grace we can choose to believe, we can also choose not to believe. If, on the other hand, we must believe, and choosing to not believe is impossible, we are not choosing. Then God has chosen for us. In accusing Arminians of synergism, are Calvinists fair? Such an accusation is justified only in the case where proponents of Arminianism view salvation as a joint operation in which man cooperates with God. Such is not the typical Arminian, certainly not Reformed/Arminian, viewpoint. Adam Clarke puts the issue in perspective, "We can no more believe than we can make a world. It is readily granted that without God we can do nothing; but as he gives us the power to discern, to repent, to hope, to love, and to obey; so does he give us power to believe; and to us the use or exercise of the power belongs. He does not discern, repent, hope, love, or obey for us, no more than he believes for us. God gives power to will, man wills through that power; God gives power to act, and man acts through that power. Without the power to will, man can will nothing; without the power to work, man can do nothing. God neither wills for man, nor works in man s stead, but he furnishes him with power to do both; he is therefore accountable to God for these powers." 1 Since conversion means totally renouncing all claim to self-righteousness, a complete repudiation of dependence on good works, the renunciation of all claim to personal merit and thus casting oneself on the mercy of God, how can such an attitude be considered synergistic? It is God's will to save all mankind. God wants to save all people and has no pleasure in the death of the wicked (1 Ti 2:4, 2 Pe 3:9, Jn 3:16-17, Eze 18: 32). Many passages makes it clear that God's grace is resisted: Luke 13:34, Luke 7:30, Hebrews 6:4, Psalms 81:13, Matthew 11:21and Isaiah 5:4.

2 2 John 6:44 As to the priority with regards to faith and regeneration, R. C. Sproul writes: A cardinal point or Reformed theology [Calvinism] is the maxim: Regeneration precedes faith. Our nature is so corrupt, the power of sin is so great, that unless God does a supernatural work in our souls we will never choose Christ. We do not believe in order to be born again; we are born again in order to believe. 2 What this means is that one does not believe until one is saved (born again). Such a doctrine is incompatible with Scripture. A key text to Calvinists is John 6:44: No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. Those who find in this an irresistible and sovereign act of God in calling individual sinners find much more than is in it, for the very next verse tells exactly how the drawing is accomplished: "They shall all be taught of God." To assume that God draws some and not others is to suppose that God is partial and unjust (Ac 10:34). The murmurers in this passage had rejected the teaching of God relative to the lowliness of the Messiah, thus thwarting God's drawing of them unto himself. The fact of rejection by some does not nullify the promise; the ones who respond will still be raised up at the last day. In the following verse (v. 45) John states, It is written in the Prophets, They will all be taught by God. Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from Him comes to Me. The prophets call to mind Isaiah 54:13 and Jeremiah 31:31-35; but Jesus' words here seem more reasonably construed as a reference to the general teaching of the Old Testament that in the days of the new covenant people will receive teaching from God. Those who heed God's word come to Jesus as they are drawn to Him and drawn of God. All human theories of immutable decrees, effectual calling, eternal election and irresistible drawing as applied to some people and not to others appear to be vain speculations without foundation either in reason or the text. If God does not draw men by his word, how is it done? Is not the word a sufficient instrument? Was it not the word that hurled the suns in space and lifted up the cross and stilled the sea? Why should some other means of drawing be imagined? The divine word is more than enough. Also, in the book of Acts, not a single record exists in the history of apostolic preaching in which even one person was converted who had not first heard the word of God. All who are converted are converted by the word of God. John taught that those who "believe on His name" through hearing God's word, are given the "power to become children of God" (Jn 1:12). The theory which stipulates that one who has heard God's word, consequently believing on Jesus Christ, does not thereby have the right to become a child of God until some mysterious further action on the part of God himself in

3 3 "drawing" the sinner is repugnant; because, in the final analysis, it makes God and not the sinner responsible for whether or not he accepts the Lord. God has already given His word to mankind, and therein is also the power for all who choose to do so to become God's children. The Gospel the message of the cross is the power of God (1 Co 1:18). It draws by its manifestation of the love of God, by its revelation of the crucified Savior. If man's will responds by yielding to God s drawing power he becomes a child of God. But if he will not, and refuses to be drawn, he does not come. God will not force him. The key word here is draw. The Calvinistic explanation that this drawing is irresistible rather than a resistible "wooing" does violence to the text of Scripture, particularly to the biblical meaning of the word draw. The Greek word used (elko) is defined by Kittle s Theological Dictionary of the New Testament as to compel. 3 Sproul cites James 2:6 and Acts 16:19 where the same Greek word is used of forceful dragging. Albrecht Oepke comments that in John s usage of helkuo force or magic may be discounted, but not the supernatural element 4 For such a definition to hold up, John s usage must mean to force. According to Kittle: The basic meaning is to draw, tug, or, in the case of persons, compel. It may be used for to draw to a place by magic, for demons being drawn to animal life, or for the inner influencing of the will (Plato). The Semitic world has the concept of an irresistible drawing to God (cf. 1 Sam. 10:5; 19:19ff.; Jer. 29:26; Hos. 9:7). In the OT helkein denotes a powerful impulse, as in Cant. 1:4, which is obscure but expresses the force of love. This is the point in the two important passages in Jn. 6:44; 12:32. There is no thought here of force or magic. The term figuratively expresses the supernatural power of the love of God or Christ which goes out to all (12:32) but without which no one can come (6:44). The apparent contradiction shows that both the election and the universality of grace must be taken seriously; the compulsion is not automatic. 5 (Emphasis added) The compulsion is not automatic! But this is what Sproul and other Calvinists argue that helkuo means in John 6:44. Could it be that God does not literally and irresistibly compel, drag, or force the elect to come to Christ? It is true that helkuo can literally mean drag, compel or force in certain contexts (Jn 18:10; 21:6, 11; Ac 16:19; 21:30; Jas 2:6), but it is not the meaning in the context of John 6:44, nor for John 12:32. Sproul confidently states that linguistically and lexicographically, the word means to compel in terms of forcing, but where is the lexical evidence for such support? The word compel usually means convince and demand rather than force. If this is the acceptable meaning then compel is a good word to use in terms of God s drawing power.

4 4 According to Vine s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, HELKUO, to draw, differs from suro as drawing does from violent dragging.... This less violent significance, usually present in helko, but always absent from suro, is seen in the metaphorical use of helko, to signify drawing by inward power, by Divine impulse, John 6:44; 12:32. 6 The claim that helkuo in John 6:44 has reference to violent dragging is plainly discounted. Calvinists correctly claim that the drawing of John 6:44 is strong, maybe even a forceful attraction. But this does not mean a causal force that renders one unable to resist. Augustine Calmet answers:... a man is attracted by that which he delights in. Show green herbage to a sheep, he is drawn by it: show nuts to a child, and he is drawn by them. They run wherever the person runs who shows these things: they run after him, but they are not forced to follow; they run, through the desire they feel to get the things they delight in. So God draws man: he shows him his wants-he shows the Savior whom he has provided for him: the man feels himself a lost sinner; and, through the desire which he finds to escape hell, and get to heaven, he comes unto Christ, that he may be justified by his blood. Unless God thus draw, no man will ever come to Christ; because none could, without this drawing, ever feel the need of a Savior. 7 Drawing, alluring, inciting, not dragging, is the meaning. If the drawing in John 6:44 refers to irresistible regeneration then the word draw is synonymous with give life. So, according to Reformed theology, this would mean that no one can come to God unless the Father first gives them life, that is, no one can come unless they are first regenerated. While this interpretation may line up with the teachings of Calvinism, it renders nonsensical several passages. One of these is found in the gospel of Matthew when Jesus states: O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing (Mt 24:37). There are two related passages in the gospel of John:... yet you refuse to come to Me to have life (Jn 5:40).

5 5 Jesus tells these Jews that having life is the result of coming to Him. Calvinism teaches that coming to Jesus is the result of already having life! Jesus did not say,... yet you refuse to come to Me because you have not been given life. Calvinists point out that come is a synonym for faith which they base on the comparison of John 5:40 and John 6:35. In turn they apply such a comparison to John 6:37, and 65. This would most likely also mean that when Jesus speaks of eating His flesh and drinking His blood, that He is also speaking about faith since nobody can have such a relationship with God except by faith. John 6:51-58 would seem to confirm this. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.... I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day...whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your fathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever. It is clear from these passages that one must first eat and drink [by faith] the flesh and blood of Christ before they can experience life. The life resides in Christ and flows into those who partake of him by faith. If regeneration precedes faith, then anyone who eats the bread by faith proves that he was already living. It would also mean that the bread, which is Jesus flesh, will be given only to those who have unconditionally elected and irresistibly regenerated. Furthermore, it would mean that unless a person has already been made alive that such a person cannot eat the flesh of the Son of Man or drink His blood. If the Calvinist's position is correct how do we reconcile John 6:44 with John where Jesus claimed that when He was "lifted up from the earth," He would "draw all men to Himself? Now, if all people would be drawn to Him, then, logically speaking, and according to His own statement at John 6.44, then all people will come to Him and be raised up on the last day. A person only comes to be in Christ by grace through faith. Only those whose faith is in Christ Jesus will be raised up on Resurrection Day. Faith is the requirement and condition of salvation. So if Christ is to draw all people to Himself (Jn 12.32), and the Father also draws people to His Son, then the determining factor of who will be in Christ and experience the resurrection is the faith of the one drawn. When Jesus said, And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw [helkuo] all men to Myself (Jn 12.32), He definitely did not mean that He would draw every human being to Himself. Most likely, He meant that His drawing power would make it possible for any person who hears the gospel to come to Him.

6 6 It is improbable that Jesus was actually telling these Jews mentioned in John 6 that His Father had already chosen some of them, whom He intended to effectually draw and save, and by-pass the rest. If that were so, the reaction of the crowd would seem rather unlikely (Jn ; 52). God is a gracious, loving and personal sovereign who experiences no threat to, or diminishing of, His sovereignty if one refuses His gift. said: According to Scripture, man is capable of resisting God s grace. Through Isaiah, God All day long I have held out my hands to an obstinate people.... I called but you did not answer, I spoke but you did not listen (Isa 65:2,12). Stephen accused his hearers of being stiff-necked people... [who] always resist the Holy Spirit (Ac 7:51). If we cannot resist God s grace, then nonbelievers will perish, not because they would not respond but because they could not. God s grace would not be efficacious for them. What is clear is that eternal life resides in Christ (Jn 1:4; 5:26; 6:35; 11:25; 14:6; 1 Jn 1:2; 5:11; Col 3:4), and only those who come to Christ in faith will experience this life. The Reformed doctrine that one must first experience life, before one can come to God, does injustice to the overall tenor of the gospel of John and distorts the meaning of the numerous challenges in to believe. The thought of force is alien to the gospel of John, as well as to the rest of Scripture. The term figuratively expresses the supernatural power of the love of God or Christ which goes out to everyone (12:32) without which no one can come to God (6:44). The paradox is that both the election and the universality of grace must be taken seriously. Thomas Oden speaks to the fact that divine grace works in the hearts and wills of every person to elicit a faith response: God s love enables precisely that response in the sinner which God s holiness demands: trust in God s own self-giving 8 Without the grace or power to believe no man ever did or can believe; but with that power the act of faith is a man s own. The penitent person, through this grace enabling him, believes for himself. But this does not mean he believes necessarily or impulsively when he has that power.

7 7 The application of this grace is worked within us through the Holy Spirit. Any restoration of free-will is initiated by the Holy Spirit. We cannot claim any merit for any good toward our salvation since apart from the enabling of the Spirit of God. Without grace we are impotent, this is why there can be no merit in faith and repentance. The Holy Spirit is said to "strive" with man. If He strives, then how can His influences be irresistible? How come man is not willing? Paul wrote to the Galatians, "I do not frustrate the grace of God" (Gal 2:21). In Hebrews we are warned not to "insult the Spirit of grace" (Heb 10:29). If man is unable to resist the grace and operation of the Spirit, then why do would we have these passages? It is clear from Scripture and experience that we can go against our conscience, which is quickened by the prevenient grace of God. Jesus warned, "You will not come to Me, that you might have life" (Jn 5:40). What would be the purpose of this statement if the offer to come did not exist for the hearers? It would be nothing less than cold, calloused taunting to the eternally damned, and that from the Son of God Himself! Why did He not say clearly "You cannot come to Me" if this was the truth? If we cannot believe and have faith until after we are regenerated, then there is no place for preparation by the Spirit. There is no justifying faith without penitential sorrow which mourns for guilt and cries for mercy. The jailor at Philippi was sincerely penitent when he was directed to believe in Jesus. John the Baptist observed the same order in the exhortation, Repent and believe the Gospel" (Mk 1:15); and so did Paul in his preaching, whether to Jews or Greeks (Ac 20:21), "testifying repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. "... repentance is distinctly stated to be the gift of God (Ac 5:31, 11:18, 2 Ti 2:25); and yet is commanded as the duty and act of man (Mk 6:12, Lk 13:3, Ac 8:22; 17:30). Scripture is also clear that salvation follows belief or faith, and does not precede it (Jn 3:16, 36. Ro 10:9-10). The belief in prevenient grace is based on the inability of man to gain entrance into God s kingdom without violating the freedom and responsibility that comes with it. If God does not restore a level of freedom to mankind while they remain unregenerate, then man cannot be responsible or accountable. Experience tells us that our actions are free and that we are responsible for them. The prevenient grace of God has been working in us all of our lives. When we listen to Christian testimonies we typically hear that they can look back through their past and see where God was working in them, even though they did not attribute this to the power of God at that time. Many of us had resisted the tugging or drawing of the Holy Spirit upon our hearts, sometimes for years, before we finally surrendered to its influence.

8 8 John 20:31 Another pivotal verse in attempting to understand grace is John 20:31: But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name (Jn 20:31). The question is whether John is writing primarily for an audience of unbelievers, with purely evangelistic emphasis, or whether he envisions an audience of believers, whom he wants to strengthen in their faith. Calvinists rightly point out that in the immediate context (Jn 20:30), the other signmiracles spoken of by John were performed in the presence of disciples. In the case of the first of the sign-miracles, at Cana, John makes a point of the effect the miracle had on the disciples (Jn 2:11). If the primary thrust of the Gospel is toward unbelievers, why is so much material in chapters (the Last Supper and Last Discourse, concluding with Jesus prayer for the disciples), which deals almost exclusively with the disciples, included? In fact, throughout the Gospel the disciples were repeatedly said to have believed in Jesus, beginning with John 2:11, yet, if Thomas experience is any indication (Jn 20:127-28), they still needed to believe after the resurrection. John s Gospel also appears to be written with the assumption that the readers are familiar with the basic story (or at least one or more of the gospel accounts. Therefore there is considerable material left out in John s Gospel such as the account of the birth of Jesus, and although Jesus is identified as being from Nazareth, the words of the Pharisees and chief priests to Nicodemus (Jn 7:52) seem to be taken as ironic, assuming the reader knows where Jesus was really from. Likewise, when Mary is identified as the one who anointed Jesus feet with oil (Jn 11:2), it appears to be assumed that the readers are familiar with the story, since the incident involved is not mentioned in the Fourth Gospel until John 12:3. These observations cannot be ignored in light of the clear statement of purpose in John 20:31, which seems to have significant evangelistic emphasis. In addition to this there is the repeated emphasis on witness throughout the Fourth Gospel (e.g. the witness of John the Baptist in Jn 1:7, 8, 15, 32, 34; 5:33; the Samaritan woman in 4:39; Jesus own witness, along with that of the Father who sent him, in Jn 8:14, 18, and 18:37; the disciples themselves in 15:27; and finally the eyewitness testimony of John himself in Jn 19:35 and 21:24). Furthermore, the reason scholars have called John the Evangelist for hundreds of years is obvious. In light of all this evidence it seems best to say that the Evangelist wrote with a dual purpose: to strengthen the faith of believers, by deepening and expanding their understanding of who Jesus is; and to witness to unbelievers concerning Jesus, in order that they come to believe in him and have eternal life.

9 9 F. F. Bruce concurs with such a conclusion: Therefore the purpose of John's Gospel is to "confirm and secure Christians in the faith." 9 Then Bruce adds: John also uses 3:16 and 8:24 to support this. 10 In his book, The Gospel According to John, 11 D. A. Carson favors this passage as the author s own purpose statement which he renders evangelistic since it was written to show that the Messiah is Jesus and therefore answers a question more likely asked by a Jew who is familiar with Messianism, Who is the Messiah? 12 Joseph Fletcher put it well, "I raise the following doctrine of free grace; if Christ tasted death for every man, there is undoubtedly a Gospel for every man, even for those who perish by rejecting it. 13 Jesus said that no-one could come to Christ unless the Father draws them (Jn 6:44) but one must count the cost of following Christ (Mt 8:19-22; Lk 14:26-33), believe on Jesus (Ac 16:31) and confess Him as Lord (Ro 10:9). God s prevenient grace is morally drawing all people to Himself (Jn 12:32). This gracious working of God does not compel or force anyone to believe but enables everyone to respond to God s commands to turn away from sin in repentance and embrace Jesus as Savior and Lord in faith. Thus God is still the author of salvation without the denial of genuine human responsibility. It is both/and rather than either/or.

10 10 NOTES 1 Adam Clarke, Clarke's Commentary (Abingdon Press, Reprint of 1810), 3: R. C. Sproul, Chosen By God (Tyndale, 1994), Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, edited by Gerhard Kittel and Gerhard Friedrich and trans. by Geoffrey W. Bromiley, One Volume (Abridged Edition, Eerdmans, 1985), Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, edited by Gerhard Kittel and Gerhard Friedrich and trans. by Geoffrey W. Bromiley, Volume 2 (Eerdmans, 1964), Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, edited by Gerhard Kittel and Gerhard Friedrich and trans. by Geoffrey W. Bromiley, One Volume (Abridged Edition, Eerdmans, 1985), Vine s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Revell, 1966), Augustine Calmet, Tract, 26, in Joan. 8 Thomas Oden, "The Transforming Power of Grace," Werner Georg Kummel, Introduction to the New Testament (Abingdon Press, 1975), Blue Letter Bible Study Tools hrrp:// (10/17/2009), Page 1 of D. A. Carson, The Gospel According to John (Eerdmans, 2008). 12 New Testament Studies Blog (10/17/2009), Page 1 of Jeff Paton, Prevenient Grace (10/17/2009), Page 13 of 19. Recommended Books: Grace Unlimited by Clark H. Pinnock, Vernon C. Grounds, I. Howard Marshall, and others; God s Strategy in Human History by Roger T. Forster and V. Paul Marston; and Chosen in the Son and Elect in the Son by Robert L. Shank.

11 11

Agenda: for tonight July 25th, 2010

Agenda: for tonight July 25th, 2010 Hermeneutic Study 17th Session Agenda: for tonight July 25th, 2010 Understanding Calvinism Quick Recap of History Quick Recap of 5 Points Irresistible Grace (the fourth of 5 points) The Calvinistic view

More information

Doctrine of Irresistible Grace. 1. A better term for what this doctrine teaches is effectual grace.

Doctrine of Irresistible Grace. 1. A better term for what this doctrine teaches is effectual grace. 1 Doctrine of Irresistible Grace 1. A better term for what this doctrine teaches is effectual grace. 2. Proposition. It is the teaching of the Word of God that sinful, mortal, fallen men cannot finally

More information

The Five Points of Calvinism

The Five Points of Calvinism The Five Points of Calvinism Thesis: To set forth the five points of Calvinism and what the Bible actually teaches. 1. Beginning in the 1300 s a religious movement started in Europe that sought to reform

More information

IS IT POSSIBLE TO FORFEIT OUR SALVATION? Dr. Jay Zinn

IS IT POSSIBLE TO FORFEIT OUR SALVATION? Dr. Jay Zinn IS IT POSSIBLE TO FORFEIT OUR SALVATION? Dr. Jay Zinn Phil 2:12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence continue to work out your

More information

SOME THINGS GOD HAS NEVER PROMISED Mt.7:21-23

SOME THINGS GOD HAS NEVER PROMISED Mt.7:21-23 SOME THINGS GOD HAS NEVER PROMISED Mt.7:21-23 I. INTRODUCTION 1. In a previous lesson we have studied God s promises from the standpoint of their nature. Our topic was: The Nature Of God s Promises. We

More information

Salvation: God s Pursuit of Us Part Two. The Biblical Doctrine of Election

Salvation: God s Pursuit of Us Part Two. The Biblical Doctrine of Election Sam Storms Bridgeway Church / Foundations Salvation (2) Salvation: God s Pursuit of Us Part Two The Biblical Doctrine of Election The issue before us is why and on what grounds some are elected to salvation

More information

LECTURE FOUR: THE POSSIBILITY OF APOSTASY

LECTURE FOUR: THE POSSIBILITY OF APOSTASY LEROY FORLINES LECTURES AT FREE WILL BAPTIST BIBLE COLLEGE November 19-22, 2002 By Dr. Robert Picirilli Calvinism, Arminianism, and the Theology of Salvation LECTURE FOUR: THE POSSIBILITY OF APOSTASY This

More information

ARMINIANISM VS CALVINISM

ARMINIANISM VS CALVINISM ARMINIANISM VS CALVINISM ARMINIANISM: 1. Free Will or Human Ability 2. Conditional Election 3. Universal Redemption or General Atonement 4. The Holy Spirit Can be Effectually Resisted 5. Falling from Grace

More information

of our God into lewdness and deny our Lord Jesus Christ. (Jude 4)

of our God into lewdness and deny our Lord Jesus Christ. (Jude 4) Discerning Truth and Error about God s Grace (Part 3) I. REVIEW OF THE PREVIOUS TEACHINGS A. The most common area of false teaching is that which perverts biblical understanding of the grace of God. They

More information

Go Make Disciples of All Nations

Go Make Disciples of All Nations Hope Christian Church D. Todd Cravens 3 April 2016 Sermon Series: Jesus Said What? Go Make Disciples of All Nations (Matthew 28:16-20 ESV) 16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to

More information

God's Redemptive Purposes January 25, 2015

God's Redemptive Purposes January 25, 2015 God's Redemptive Purposes January 25, 2015 Key verse: Eph 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace Jesus is Redeemer; (1

More information

Calvin s TULIP Calvin: A.D.

Calvin s TULIP Calvin: A.D. Calvin s TULIP Calvin: 1509-1564 A.D. So why would we discuss this? Because the teaching of Calvin s Tulip has effected millions of people down through the centuries. The Bible teaches: Deuteronomy 4:2

More information

Work of God Revised 10/25/2009

Work of God Revised 10/25/2009 Work of God Revised 10/25/2009 Calvinistic Work Those who take a Calvinistic view of faith are quick to use Jn 6:29 to advance their soteriology by claiming that saving faith is a work of God in the literal

More information

God of My Salvation SAVIOR April 13, 2014

God of My Salvation SAVIOR April 13, 2014 God of My Salvation SAVIOR April 13, 2014 I. Introduction A. Today is Palm Sunday - the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem (Mt 21:1-11; Mk 11:1-14; Jn 12:12-19) Jesus comes into Jerusalem as a conquering

More information

I will first state the committee s declaration and then give my response in bold print.

I will first state the committee s declaration and then give my response in bold print. Steve Wilkins' Letter to Louisiana Presbytery Regarding the 9 Declarations" of PCA General Assembly s Ad-Interim Committee s Report on the Federal Vision/New Perspective To Louisiana Presbytery: On June

More information

SALVATION Part 2 Election, Predestination & Security By: Daniel L. Akin, President Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary Wake Forest, NC

SALVATION Part 2 Election, Predestination & Security By: Daniel L. Akin, President Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary Wake Forest, NC SALVATION Part 2 Election, Predestination & Security By: Daniel L. Akin, President Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary Wake Forest, NC In the plan of salvation: Praise God From Whom All Blessings

More information

SALVATION A FREE Will CHOICE OR PREDESTINATED?

SALVATION A FREE Will CHOICE OR PREDESTINATED? SALVATION A FREE Will CHOICE OR PREDESTINATED? What do the words foreknowledge, election and predestination mean (CP Ge 25:33; Mal 1:1-3; Ro 9:10-24). In these passages we see that God chose Jacob over

More information

CHAPTER 16 PERSEVERANCE

CHAPTER 16 PERSEVERANCE Theology 3: Man, Sin, and Salvation Western Reformed Seminary John A. Battle, Th.D. CHAPTER 16 PERSEVERANCE Note the large work on this subject by John Owen, The Doctrine of the Saints Perseverance Explained

More information

IT'S GOOD TO OBEY GOD'S LAW (THE MORAL LAW OF LOVE) By Jesse Morrell THE PURPOSE OF GOVERNMENT & THE DESIGN OF LAWS

IT'S GOOD TO OBEY GOD'S LAW (THE MORAL LAW OF LOVE) By Jesse Morrell THE PURPOSE OF GOVERNMENT & THE DESIGN OF LAWS IT'S GOOD TO OBEY GOD'S LAW (THE MORAL LAW OF LOVE) By Jesse Morrell THE PURPOSE OF GOVERNMENT & THE DESIGN OF LAWS The purpose of Government is to protect society from harm, to promote the wellbeing of

More information

The Arminian View of Election and Predestination. Mark Stengler Jr. THEO : Theological Essay March 5, 2017

The Arminian View of Election and Predestination. Mark Stengler Jr. THEO : Theological Essay March 5, 2017 The Arminian View of Election and Predestination Mark Stengler Jr. THEO 202-001: Theological Essay March 5, 2017 1 One of the most hotly debated topics in the theological scholarly realm is predestination

More information

Irresistible Grace Introduction Irresistible Grace Explained By Calvinists

Irresistible Grace Introduction Irresistible Grace Explained By Calvinists Irresistible Grace Introduction. Most of us have the concept that irresistible grace means that God decides He is going to save one of the elect, and the person does not want to be saved. With clinched

More information

PLAIN TRUTH ABOUT THE BIBLE Ed Dye

PLAIN TRUTH ABOUT THE BIBLE Ed Dye I. INTRODUCTION PLAIN TRUTH ABOUT THE BIBLE Ed Dye 1. All religious teaching, preaching, and writing should be plain and simple enough to be down where people live where the average person lives; that

More information

Foundation Institute Center for Biblical Education

Foundation Institute Center for Biblical Education Foundation Institute Center for Biblical Education Fundamental Beliefs Church of God, a Worldwide Association Water Baptism Handouts/Study Material 2012 Church of God, a Worldwide Association Summary of

More information

g reat Biblical Baptism teachings of the Bible

g reat Biblical Baptism teachings of the Bible g reat teachings of the Bible Biblical Baptism One of the great topics of the New Testament is baptism. The word baptism, including its various forms, is mentioned over one hundred times in the New Testament.

More information

Slide 1. Slide 2. Slide 4. Slide 5 SOME BELIEVE IT IS IN CALVINISM THEN JAMES DID NOT PREACH THE GOSPEL! THEN PAUL DID NOT PREACH THE GOSPEL!

Slide 1. Slide 2. Slide 4. Slide 5 SOME BELIEVE IT IS IN CALVINISM THEN JAMES DID NOT PREACH THE GOSPEL! THEN PAUL DID NOT PREACH THE GOSPEL! 1 ( part 4) What Is The Grace of God? Where Is Grace Found? 2 SOME BELIEVE IT IS IN CALVINISM All verses are from NKJV unless noted. 3 C. H. SPURGEON I have my own opinion that there is no such thing as

More information

Altar & Prayer Ministry Training Lesson 12 - Salvation

Altar & Prayer Ministry Training Lesson 12 - Salvation Altar & Prayer Ministry Training Lesson 12 - Salvation Why is Salvation necessary? God s Original Plan God had a plan. In the beginning Adam and Eve had fellowship with God. At the fall of mankind in the

More information

How do we believe? The Theology of coming to Faith in the face of Original Sin

How do we believe? The Theology of coming to Faith in the face of Original Sin How do we believe? The Theology of coming to Faith in the face of Original Sin Views on Total Depravity / Original Sin Not Dead Denies that the whole man was "changed for the worse" through the offense

More information

Church of the Nazarene

Church of the Nazarene Church of the Nazarene ARTICLES OF FAITH PREAMBLE In order that we may preserve our God-given heritage, the faith once delivered to the saints, especially the doctrine and experience of entire sanctification

More information

Wesleyan Theology: a Summary

Wesleyan Theology: a Summary Wesleyan Theology: a Summary The key concept that distinguishes Wesleyanism from Calvinism: prevenient grace. The fallen nature of man Unlike historic Continental Arminians, Wesleyans (who used to be called

More information

REVEALING HEARTS. By Apostle J.P. Timmons July 27, CCI Publishing ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

REVEALING HEARTS. By Apostle J.P. Timmons July 27, CCI Publishing ALL RIGHTS RESERVED REVEALING HEARTS By Apostle J.P. Timmons July 27, 2012 2012 CCI Publishing ALL RIGHTS RESERVED I am going to continue on this week writing about the Word of the Lord, the Bible. What an awesome book it

More information

BAPTISM AND "WORKS" Ephesians 2:8-9. (by George Battey)

BAPTISM AND WORKS Ephesians 2:8-9. (by George Battey) BAPTISM AND "WORKS" (by George Battey) Ephesians 2:8-9 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. It

More information

Doctrine of Grace. Is the Will Co-operative with Grace

Doctrine of Grace. Is the Will Co-operative with Grace 1 Doctrine of Grace Is the Will Co-operative with Grace 1. The critics of Calvinism like to mischaracterize what is being said, with shallow, but very emotional illustrations that are all man-centered.

More information

Lesson #9: The Doctrine of Predestination

Lesson #9: The Doctrine of Predestination Lesson #9: The Doctrine of Predestination What is the doctrine of Predestination and Unconditional Election? (Instead of trying to explain the doctrine of predestination to you, I am going to let someone

More information

ESSENTIALS OF REFORMED DOCTRINE

ESSENTIALS OF REFORMED DOCTRINE ESSENTIALS OF REFORMED DOCTRINE LESSON #19 REGENERATION [Rev. D. Kleyn, PRCA Missionary] WHAT IS SOTERIOLOGY? Definition of Soteriology: Soteriology is the locus of dogmatics that treats the work of God

More information

Man is most free in heaven, where he is morally unable to sin. True freedom isn't freedom to sin, but freedomfrom sin.

Man is most free in heaven, where he is morally unable to sin. True freedom isn't freedom to sin, but freedomfrom sin. Free will Probably the most common definition of free will is the "ability to make choices without any prior prejudice, inclination, or disposition,"^[1]^ and specifically that these "free will" choices

More information

Overcoming Addictions

Overcoming Addictions Overcoming Addictions By B. D. Tate The Power of Addiction Comes From Sin Each of us has some areas in our life where we have become addicted. For some it is watching too much Television. For some it is

More information

B. What the issue is: what is the intention of God in offering his Son as an atoning sacrifice?

B. What the issue is: what is the intention of God in offering his Son as an atoning sacrifice? Extent of the Atonement: Outline of The Issue, Positions, Key Texts, and Key Theological Arguments Bruce A. Ware Professor of Christian Theology The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary I. The Issue Regarding

More information

Preamble and Articles of Faith

Preamble and Articles of Faith Preamble and Articles of Faith PREAMBLE In order that we may preserve our God-given heritage, the faith once delivered to the saints, especially the doctrine and experience of entire sanctification as

More information

DOCTRINAL STATEMENT. The Scriptures. God Is Triune. God The Father

DOCTRINAL STATEMENT. The Scriptures. God Is Triune. God The Father DOCTRINAL STATEMENT We consider the Statement of Faith to be an authentic and reliable exposition of what Scripture leads us to believe and do. Hence, we seek to be instructed and led by the Statement

More information

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE STATEMENT OF FAITH

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE STATEMENT OF FAITH STATEMENT OF PURPOSE The purpose of The Children s Ark and The Lighthouse is to: Make a positive impact on young children at an impressionable age. Impact the children and their families for Christ. Provide

More information

HOLY SPIRIT: The Promise of the Holy Spirit, the Gift of the Holy Spirit, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit By Bob Young 1

HOLY SPIRIT: The Promise of the Holy Spirit, the Gift of the Holy Spirit, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit By Bob Young 1 HOLY SPIRIT: The Promise of the Holy Spirit, the Gift of the Holy Spirit, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit By Bob Young 1 Introduction The challenges facing the church in the contemporary world call for

More information

Know Who You Are In Christ

Know Who You Are In Christ So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; The last words in verse 11 emphasize the pre-eminence of Jesus Christ:

More information

THE ARTICLES OF FAITH

THE ARTICLES OF FAITH THE ARTICLES OF FAITH Article I The Triune God We believe in one eternally existent, infinite God, Sovereign Creator and Sustainer of the universe; that He only is God, holy in nature, attributes, and

More information

The Apostle John teaches by repetition. Throughout his first epistle, repeatedly, John has spoken of

The Apostle John teaches by repetition. Throughout his first epistle, repeatedly, John has spoken of Whoever Has the Son Has Life The Tenth in a Series of Sermons on John s Epistles Texts: 1 John 5:1-12; Ezekiel 37:1-14 The Apostle John teaches by repetition. Throughout his first epistle, repeatedly,

More information

SINNERS BY CHOICE OR BY CONSTITUTION? By Jesse Morrell

SINNERS BY CHOICE OR BY CONSTITUTION? By Jesse Morrell SINNERS BY CHOICE OR BY CONSTITUTION? By Jesse Morrell May you know the truth and may the truth set you free! (John 8:32) Merriam-Webster s 11 th collegiate dictionary defines: Choice: the act of choosing:

More information

ARTICLES OF FAITH. I. The Triune God. II. Jesus Christ. III. The Holy Spirit

ARTICLES OF FAITH. I. The Triune God. II. Jesus Christ. III. The Holy Spirit ARTICLES OF FAITH NOTE: Scripture references are supportive of the Articles of Faith and were placed here by action of the 1976 General Assembly but are not to be considered part of the Constitutional

More information

Christian Ministry Unit 1 Introduction to Theology Week 6 God s Sovereignty & Human Choice in Salvation

Christian Ministry Unit 1 Introduction to Theology Week 6 God s Sovereignty & Human Choice in Salvation Christian Ministry Unit 1 Introduction to Theology Week 6 God s Sovereignty & Human Choice in Salvation Introduction Do humans have free will to believe or reject the gospel? How should we understand the

More information

PROBLEM PASSAGES FOR SECURITY

PROBLEM PASSAGES FOR SECURITY PROBLEM PASSAGES FOR SECURITY BY ALAN KENT SCHOLES AN IMPORTANT PRINCIPLE Do some passages in Scripture teach that those who are truly saved can lose their salvation? In considering this or any other controversial

More information

Soteriology Lesson 22 The Work of Salvation

Soteriology Lesson 22 The Work of Salvation Soteriology Lesson 22 The Work of Salvation By Dr. David Hocking Brought to you by The Blue Letter Bible Institute http://www.blbi.org A ministry of The Blue Letter Bible http://www.blueletterbible.org

More information

A 16 lesson study on the subject of discipleship as viewed from the pen and life of the apostle Peter. Prepared by Boyd Jennings

A 16 lesson study on the subject of discipleship as viewed from the pen and life of the apostle Peter. Prepared by Boyd Jennings Peter & Discipleship A 16 lesson study on the subject of discipleship as viewed from the pen and life of the apostle Peter. Prepared by Boyd Jennings What Is A Disciple? (Lesson #1) Mark 10:17-22, 29-30;

More information

ARTICLES OF FAITH. I. The Triune God*

ARTICLES OF FAITH. I. The Triune God* ARTICLES OF FAITH I. The Triune God* 1. We believe in one eternally existent, infinite God, Sovereign Creator and Sustainer of the universe; that He only is God, [creative and administrative,] holy in

More information

1 Ted Kirnbauer John 6: /22/13

1 Ted Kirnbauer John 6: /22/13 1 6:37 "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. 6:38 "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent

More information

QUARTER ONE The Life Of Christ Part One Birth thru Great Galilean Ministry

QUARTER ONE The Life Of Christ Part One Birth thru Great Galilean Ministry QUARTER ONE The Life Of Christ Part One Birth thru Great Galilean Ministry * Lesson Nine: The Sin Against the Holy Spirit * Memory Work: "For nothing is hidden that shall not become evident, nor anything

More information

The goal is orthopraxy (right living), through orthodoxy (right teaching). -- Cultivating the heart.

The goal is orthopraxy (right living), through orthodoxy (right teaching). -- Cultivating the heart. This catechism is a simple a tool for parents to teach essential Christian doctrine to their children. Many of these questions have been around for a very long time. I have chosen the best, added a few,

More information

Did Anyone Have God s Holy Spirit in the First Covenant?

Did Anyone Have God s Holy Spirit in the First Covenant? Did Anyone Have God s Holy Spirit in the First Covenant? (Copyright 1truth1law.com 2012) Some believe that God s Holy Spirit was not given to anyone until the commencement of the Second Covenant, following

More information

Discerning Truth and Error about God s Grace (Part 4)

Discerning Truth and Error about God s Grace (Part 4) Discerning Truth and Error about God s Grace (Part 4) I. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GRACE AND MERCY A. Justice is getting what we deserve both positively and negatively. Because of our long history of sin

More information

Regeneration Lecture 2. Presented by Dr. Richard Spencer

Regeneration Lecture 2. Presented by Dr. Richard Spencer Regeneration Lecture 2 Presented by Dr. Richard Spencer Outline We are going to examine: 1. Why the doctrine is important 2. The context for the doctrine 3. Definitions of the term 4. Human nature; total

More information

Overwhelming Evidence and Unbelievable Hardness (John 10:22-42) Pastor Peter Yi November 18, 2018

Overwhelming Evidence and Unbelievable Hardness (John 10:22-42) Pastor Peter Yi November 18, 2018 Overwhelming Evidence and Unbelievable Hardness (John 10:22-42) Pastor Peter Yi November 18, 2018 (John 10:22-42) 22 Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was in

More information

2. Regeneration (sometimes called being born again )

2. Regeneration (sometimes called being born again ) Living Way Church Adult Sunday School Program Introduction to Systematic Theology Lesson Four I. The Doctrine of the Application of Redemption A. Last week, the lesson focused on the person and work of

More information

CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota CONSTITUTION ARTICLE I. NAME. ARTICLE II. PURPOSE.

CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota CONSTITUTION ARTICLE I. NAME. ARTICLE II. PURPOSE. CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota CONSTITUTION We, being born-again and Bible-believing Christians by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; believing the Bible to be the divinely inspired and authoritative

More information

A Gospel of Grace. first edition // April, 2017

A Gospel of Grace. first edition // April, 2017 1 A Gospel of Grace Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which

More information

GOD S THREE WITNESSES TO HIS SON JESUS CHRIST 1Jno.5:6-12 Ed Dye

GOD S THREE WITNESSES TO HIS SON JESUS CHRIST 1Jno.5:6-12 Ed Dye GOD S THREE WITNESSES TO HIS SON JESUS CHRIST 1Jno.5:6-12 Ed Dye I. INTRODUCTION 1. The matter of Jesus of Nazareth being the Christ the Son of the living God has been under consideration throughout this

More information

Ted Kirnbauer 1. The Judgment of God

Ted Kirnbauer 1. The Judgment of God Ted Kirnbauer 1 The Judgment of God The Fact of God s Judgment: Any casual reading of the Bible would reveal that God is a Judge (Ps. 50:6; 75:7; 82:8; 96:13; Isa. 5:16; Ja. 5:9; I Pet. 4:5 etc.). To understand

More information

Jesus Parables as Judgment A Response to Leighton Flowers View of the Purpose of the Parables

Jesus Parables as Judgment A Response to Leighton Flowers View of the Purpose of the Parables Jesus Parables as Judgment A Response to Leighton Flowers View of the Purpose of the Parables By Drew S. C. Mery Professor Leighton Flowers has recently written an article titled, The Messianic Secret,

More information

NOT BY RACE, BUT BY GRACE

NOT BY RACE, BUT BY GRACE NOT BY RACE, BUT BY GRACE #1, #2 Jno.1:11-13 Ed Dye I. INTRODUCTION 1. What we mean by our lesson topic Not By Race, But By Grace a. That salvation is not by race, but is by grace. b. That is, salvation

More information

THE PURPOSE OF BAPTISM

THE PURPOSE OF BAPTISM THE PURPOSE OF BAPTISM (by George Battey) This present study revolves around the purpose of baptism. The issues discussed here are not: How baptism is to be performed? (sprinkle / immerse) Who should be

More information

A study guide in the doctrine of justification by faith. by Roger Smalling, D.Min

A study guide in the doctrine of justification by faith. by Roger Smalling, D.Min A study guide in the doctrine of justification by faith by Roger Smalling, D.Min and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our

More information

Full Doctrinal Statement

Full Doctrinal Statement Full Doctrinal Statement Inspiration of Scripture We believe that the Bible is God s Word, inspired by the Holy Spirit in His exercising of divine influence over men of God, whereby they wrote the precise

More information

Month Seven: Conversions and Non-Conversions

Month Seven: Conversions and Non-Conversions Month Seven: Conversions and Non-Conversions Introduction: Conversion A. Repentance and conversion are similar words. Repentance is a change of heart that leads to a change in lifestyle. Conversion refers

More information

CERTAINTY CONFERENCE The Biblical View of Salvation

CERTAINTY CONFERENCE The Biblical View of Salvation 1 2 3 4 CERTAINTY CONFERENCE The Biblical View of Salvation March 15-18, 2015 FBC New Philadelphia, OH INTRODUCTION & OVERVIEW OF CALVINISM Reformed Theology Historical Designation Calvinism Philosophical

More information

THE LIVING GOD April 20, 2014

THE LIVING GOD April 20, 2014 THE LIVING GOD April 20, 2014 Introduction The title the living God is used 27 times in the Bible. In describing God as the Living God, Scripture distinguishes between the Lord and all competing deities.

More information

Why the Need for Bread and Wine?

Why the Need for Bread and Wine? The Lord s Supper Old Testament Background Is. 25 involves the promise of a future age that includes the coming of divine judgment (v. 2) and the revealing of a salvation that extends to all peoples (v.

More information

Unconditional Election

Unconditional Election Unconditional Election Introduction. Unconditional election is a fancy phrase that refers to what is commonly known as Predestination. Predestinate comes from the Greek word proorizo. This word was translated

More information

If people are dead in sin, and the message of Christ crucified comes to them as either foolishness or a

If people are dead in sin, and the message of Christ crucified comes to them as either foolishness or a The Spirit of God The Fifth in a Series of Sermons on Paul s First Letter to the Corinthians Texts: 1 Corinthians 2:6-16; Isaiah 64:1-7 If people are dead in sin, and the message of Christ crucified comes

More information

CHRIST AND THE CHURCH IN THE ETERNAL PURPOSE OF GOD Eph.1:1-23 Ed Dye

CHRIST AND THE CHURCH IN THE ETERNAL PURPOSE OF GOD Eph.1:1-23 Ed Dye CHRIST AND THE CHURCH IN THE ETERNAL PURPOSE OF GOD Eph.1:1-23 Ed Dye I. INTRODUCTION 1. The book of Ephesians is Paul s essay on the church belonging to Jesus Christ, the glorious bride of Christ, the

More information

THE MISAPPLICATION OF ROMANS 9 TO PREDESTINARIAN VIEWS by Ray Faircloth

THE MISAPPLICATION OF ROMANS 9 TO PREDESTINARIAN VIEWS by Ray Faircloth THE MISAPPLICATION OF ROMANS 9 TO PREDESTINARIAN VIEWS by Ray Faircloth WHAT IS PREDESTINARIANISM? In its ultimate Calvinistic form this doctrine states that there are particular individuals who have been

More information

Condemnation: All men condemned by revelation of God s righteousness (1:17--3:20).

Condemnation: All men condemned by revelation of God s righteousness (1:17--3:20). 21 II. Condemnation: All men condemned by revelation of God s righteousness (1:17--3:20). The first thing Paul will do is to show how all men come short of God s revelation and are condemned. A. The Gentile

More information

Hebrews 6: Stanly Community Church

Hebrews 6: Stanly Community Church Faith in Jesus Christ is all that can save you from hell. But what does saving faith look like? It is more than simply claiming Christianity and participating in religious activity, no matter how biblical

More information

DOCTRINE OF FOREKNOWLEDGE, ELECTION AND PREDESTINATION

DOCTRINE OF FOREKNOWLEDGE, ELECTION AND PREDESTINATION DOCTRINE OF FOREKNOWLEDGE, ELECTION AND PREDESTINATION I. Preliminary considerations. A. These concepts have caused a great deal of confusion and perplexity among theologians and believers for years. B.

More information

Building Your Faith for Prosperity May 3, 2015

Building Your Faith for Prosperity May 3, 2015 Building Your Faith for Prosperity May 3, 2015 I. Our good heavenly Father Our perception or understanding of the nature of God will determine our level of faith in His ability or desire to help us. When

More information

This lesson has three points, which we will look at as we come to them.

This lesson has three points, which we will look at as we come to them. February 24, 2013 ONE AND THE SAME Isaiah 53: 1-6 In the scriptures Saul of Tarsus, who sought to wipe Christianity off the face of the earth, and Paul, the Apostle, who wrote most of the New Testament,

More information

2 Corinthians 5: Stanly Community Church

2 Corinthians 5: Stanly Community Church The wonder of Christ s incarnation is not only that God the Son assumed the likeness of humanity but that, in His humanity, He died for our sins. Likewise, to be a Christian is more than just believing

More information

Calvin s Institutes, Book Three, The Way in Which We Receive the Grace of Christ [cont d]

Calvin s Institutes, Book Three, The Way in Which We Receive the Grace of Christ [cont d] Calvin s Institutes, Book Three, The Way in Which We Receive the Grace of Christ [cont d] CHAPTER XI: JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH: ITS DEFINITION, PART 1 1. The Definition of the Double Grace Calvin: I believe

More information

Can Regeneration precede Baptism in the Spirit?

Can Regeneration precede Baptism in the Spirit? Can Regeneration precede Baptism in the Spirit? What was the experience of the disciples in Jesus times? Is it the same for pagans or gentiles who convert to Christianity today and in the time of Christ?

More information

GETTING TO KNOW GOD. Bible Class Series Newton Church of Christ Newton, North Carolina

GETTING TO KNOW GOD. Bible Class Series Newton Church of Christ Newton, North Carolina GETTING TO KNOW GOD Bible Class Series - 2007 Newton Church of Christ Newton, North Carolina GETTING TO KNOW GOD The enclosed series of lessons will be used as a format for the in-class teaching of adults

More information

Body. Revelation: For Children! vv First, this kingdom's revelation is for children! Text

Body. Revelation: For Children! vv First, this kingdom's revelation is for children! Text - Body Revelation: For Children! vv. 25-26. First, this kingdom's revelation is for children! Text 25 At that time Jesus declared, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these

More information

Evangelism Session 3

Evangelism Session 3 Developing a Biblical Understanding Session 3 1 What we have covered: o The big picture of what God is doing in salvation. o Definition of evangelism. o Our evangelistic responsibility (OT & New). o Is

More information

Four Views on the Role of Grace in Salvation

Four Views on the Role of Grace in Salvation Four Views on the Role of Grace in Salvation November 2, 2008 Pelagianism o Pelagius was a British monk at the end of the 4 th Century who was offended by the loose morals of the clergy in Rome o Pelagius

More information

CATHOLICS AND REDEMPTION

CATHOLICS AND REDEMPTION CATHOLICS AND REDEMPTION 1 Mark 1:29-39 Crowds Healed 29 (1) And immediately after they came (2) out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon's

More information

Series: 1 Corinthians Title: The Wisdom and Pleasure of God Text: 1 Cor 1: 21 Date: July 2, 2015 Place: SGBC, New Jersey

Series: 1 Corinthians Title: The Wisdom and Pleasure of God Text: 1 Cor 1: 21 Date: July 2, 2015 Place: SGBC, New Jersey Series: 1 Corinthians Title: The Wisdom and Pleasure of God Text: 1 Cor 1: 21 Date: July 2, 2015 Place: SGBC, New Jersey Our subject is The Wisdom and Pleasure of God. 1 Corinthians 1: 21: For after that

More information

Volume The Security of the Believer Dr. David E. Luethy

Volume The Security of the Believer Dr. David E. Luethy www.preciousheart.net/ti Volume 1 2005-2007 The Security of the Believer Dr. David E. Luethy A. Definition of Eternal Security B. Proof for this Doctrine C. Objections to this Doctrine Works Cited A. Definition

More information

GETTING TO KNOW GOD. Bible Class Series Winter Park Church of Christ Wilmington, North Carolina USA

GETTING TO KNOW GOD. Bible Class Series Winter Park Church of Christ Wilmington, North Carolina USA GETTING TO KNOW GOD Bible Class Series - 2018 Winter Park Church of Christ Wilmington, North Carolina USA GETTING TO KNOW GOD The enclosed series of lessons will be used as a format for the in-class teaching

More information

PRESENTS: FREE OR CHOSEN:

PRESENTS: FREE OR CHOSEN: PRESENTS: FREE OR CHOSEN: Unpacking Calvinism and Arminianism Ptr. Jim Whelchel NAME CONTACT INFO: 1 GLC APOLOGETICS: FREE OR CHOSEN: Unpacking Calvinism and Arminianism Copyright 2017 by Global Leadership

More information

Who Gets Elected? By the Spirit, that is!

Who Gets Elected? By the Spirit, that is! Thank you for downloading CQ Rewind Summary Only Version! Each week, the Summary Only version provides you with approximately 4 pages of brief excerpts from the program, along with Scripture citations.

More information

DOES GOD PREDESTINE SOME PEOPLE TO HEAVEN AND OTHERS TO HELL?

DOES GOD PREDESTINE SOME PEOPLE TO HEAVEN AND OTHERS TO HELL? SERIES: YOU ASKED FOR IT! SESSION EIGHT, WINTER 2012 DOES GOD PREDESTINE SOME PEOPLE TO HEAVEN AND OTHERS TO HELL? THE FIVE POINTS OF CALVINISM 1. DEPRAVITY This is the only one of the 5 points of Calvinism

More information

Authority of Scripture

Authority of Scripture A Biblical Study of Monergism (God s Sovereignty in Salvation) God s Authority & Glory o Authority of Scripture o Submission to Scripture o God's Glory, not mankind's, is the purpose of all things Man's

More information

January. NT Proverbs Psalm OT Yr-2

January. NT Proverbs Psalm OT Yr-2 1 January NT Proverbs Psalm OT Yr-2 1 Mt 1:1-17 1:1-7 1 2 Ch 13 2 Mt 1:18-25 1:8-9 2:1-6 2 Ch 14 3 Mt 2 1:10-19 2:7-12 2 Ch 15 4 Mt 3 1:20-22 3:1-4 2 Ch 16 5 Mt 4 1:23-27 3:5-8 2 Ch 17 6 Mt 5 1:28-33 4:1-3

More information

One Essential Article

One Essential Article In matters of doctrine you will find orthodox congregations frequently changed to heterodoxy in the course of thirty or forty years, and that is because, too often, there has been no catechizing of the

More information

Roman Catholic View on Justification

Roman Catholic View on Justification Roman Catholic View on Justification October 19, 2008 Justification based on inherent righteousness or infused righteousness; it includes both the merits of Christ plus human cooperation o A person can

More information

II. VINDICATION- THE WISDOM OF GOD REVEALED (9-11)

II. VINDICATION- THE WISDOM OF GOD REVEALED (9-11) 1 II. VINDICATION- THE WISDOM OF GOD REVEALED (9-11) Question: Why has Israel been set aside? Answer: That He might have mercy upon all (11:32) A. The Divine Sovereignty (9) Paul s motivation in writing

More information