Lose Particular Redemption, Lose Penal Substitution

Lose Particular Redemption, Lose Penal Substitution

Do People, by Nature, Have a Free Will to Come to Christ?

Do People, by Nature, Have a Free Will to Come to Christ?
Excerpt:

Does any person, by nature, have a free will to come to faith in Jesus Christ? No. The Bible declares that we were all held captive by our corruptions, Satan and the world. That is why Paul prays for unbelievers, "…if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.” Now if we were held captive to do someone else’s will then it is clear that our will was not free, and according to the above passage, freedom comes to an individual only when God grants it. Likewise when Jesus promises freedom to the captives to sin, He says, “if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36) And again, in like manner Paul declares that "No one can say 'Jesus is Lord' apart form the Holy Spirit." (1 Cor 12:3) We would only do ourselves harm if left to our own boasted free will.

Notice the word "perhaps" before praying for God to grant them repentance. This clearly reveals that in Paul's mind, God did not do so for everyone. This granting of repentance was only for those the Father has "given" the Son (John 6 & 17) Likewise Jesus does not say "when the Son sets you free" but rather "IF the Son sets you free..."

Comment: Good read

My view of the Sword of the Lord (rag)

Comment: These blog posts say it all!

The Sword of the Lord on John Calvin

The Sword of the Lord on Calvinism

Good defense of Limited Atonement

Was Anyone Saved at the Cross?

Excerpt:

we are not talking about presenting some terrible limitation on the work of Christ when we speak of “limited atonement.” In fact, we are actually presenting a far greater view of the work of Christ on Calvary when we say that Christ’s death actually accomplishes something in reality rather than only in theory. The atonement, we believe, was a real, actual, substitutionary one, not a possible, theoretical one that is dependent for its efficacy upon the actions of man. And, as one who often shares the gospel with people involved in false religious systems, I will say that the biblical doctrine of the atonement of Christ is a powerful truth that is the only message that has real impact in dealing with the many heretical teachings about Christ that are present in our world today. Jesus Christ died in behalf of those that the Father had, from eternity, decreed to save. There is absolute unity between the Father and the Son in saving God’s people. The Father decrees their salvation, the Son dies in their place, and the Spirit sanctifies them and conforms them to the image of Christ. This is the consistent testimony of Scripture.

Comment: The term "limited atonement" is not perhaps the best term to define what I would call particular redemption.

Kathee's a Calvinist

Comment: I know because I did not choose her, she chose me!

A Primer on Hyper-Calvinism

A Primer on Hyper-Calvinism

JP: Good read by Phil Johnson.

Introduction:

I wrote and posted this article because I am concerned about some subtle trends that seem to signal a rising tide of hyper-Calvinism, especially within the ranks of young Calvinists and the newly Reformed. I have seen these trends in numerous Reformed theological forums on the Internet, including mailing lists, Web sites, and Usenet forums.

Lest anyone wonder where my own convictions lie, I am a Calvinist. I am a five-point Calvinist, affirming without reservation the Canons of the Synod of Dordt. And when I speak of hyper-Calvinism, I am not using the term as a careless pejorative. I'm not an Arminian who labels all Calvinism "hyper." When I employ the term, I am using it in its historical sense.

History teaches us that hyper-Calvinism is as much a threat to true Calvinism as Arminianism is. Virtually every revival of true Calvinism since the Puritan era has been hijacked, crippled, or ultimately killed by hyper-Calvinist influences. Modern Calvinists would do well to be on guard against the influence of these deadly trends.

Spurgeon on Who Limits the Atonement?

The World From Our Window: Spurgeon on Who Limits the Atonement?

Comment: Worthwhile read.

As cited in The Doctrines of Grace: Rediscovering the Evangelical Gospel

Why is America resistant to Calvinism?

J.W. Hendryx Interview with Dr. Steven J. Lawson

Comment: Read the entire interview!

Excerpt:

Tragically, the church in America, I have found, is the most resistant to the doctrines of grace. I think that this is caused by a culture and church that is saturated with political correctness, individual autonomy, and financial prosperity, as well as spiritual apathy and theological superficiality. All these elements have a deadening effect upon understanding the truth and feed Arminianism, in one way or another. Sad to say, the church is just as man-centered in other parts of the globe as it is here. We, who believe in the sovereignty of God in salvation, remain islands of reformed thinking in the midst of oceans of semi-Pelagian doctrine.

Verses: Total Depravity (Total Inability)

Total Depravity (Total Inability)

Comment: A healthy reminder that being "dead in trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1), the only way to be saved is "by grace"! (Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.")

Hyper-Calvinism defined

Challies: Hyper-Calvinism: A Brief Definition

Comment: a good read. I've regarded hyper-Calvinism as the teaching that precludes evangelism. This is basically the sum of what Phil Johnson states.

Read the full article. As for me, I'm a TULIP guy. But I don't believe in double predestination and I believe in heralding the gospel to all.