Life gets in the way, doesn't it?! It's been a very long time since I posted last...school and work can really force your attention away from what's important if you let it.
Perseverance of the Saints is one of the five points of Calvinist Doctrine adopted in many forms and fashions by the world of institutional Christianity. While hard-core Calvinists would differentiate between this doctrine and the "Once Saved, Always Saved" ideology, for all intents and purposes they are the same in today's religion.
This doctrine states that God's grace automatically covers the sin of a true Christian. Once a Christian is truly saved, he/she can never lose salvation. Should someone who was supposedly saved fall away, the claim is that he/she was never truly saved to begin with. This idea is extremely popular and should be studied and examined thoroughly by every Christian.
Study of the scriptures will prove that this belief is unfounded. Living in Sin can indeed separate us from God should we go on without repenting--we will see examples of this. Of course thinking this way is commonly viewed as legalistic and just downright pessimistic. Many believe that to think in this manner is to forfeit comfort and assurance. Does this mean that those who believe salvation can be lost are living in a state of constant fear?
Quite the contrary! There is assurance that can be found in the Scriptures that far exceeds the false-comfort based in Calvinist ideas. Don't substitute the assurance of God for the false assurance of man! Let's look at the text....
We must not underestimate the power of Sin! It can indeed separate us from God should it go unrepented for. The Hebrew writer lets us know the seriousness of the unrepentant heart of one living in sin...
Hebrews 6:4-8 >>
4For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit,5and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come,6and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame. 7 For ground that drinks the rain which often falls on it and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God; 8 but if it yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless and close to being cursed, and it ends up being burned.
Those who have tasted the heavenly gift and fall away into sin cannot be renewed to repentance again. Now understand that this is not due to a weakness of God's...nor is it because they were never saved to begin with. Clearly the writer is speaking of those who have once tasted the gift of the Holy Spirit. These people cannot be renewed to repentance because of a hardened heart and a seared conscience!
1 Tim. 4:1-2 >>
1But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, 2by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron..
God warns us time and time again of the dangers of sin that goes unrepented for
Hebrews 10:26-27 >>
26If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.
During our Studies in the AUSC we paired this study with a study of repentance. Not only does repentance involve remorse and an appeal for forgiveness, but it necessitates a turning away from the sinful practice! Continually Living in sin carries the penalty of death--this holds true even for those who have once been redeemed.
2Peter 2:18-22 >>
18 For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. 19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage. 20 For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. 21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.”
A final example that should be taken into account is found in Galatians 2. The passage is too long to post here, so I'd like anyone who's reading to find it and read it for yourself. Peter was carrying on in hypocrisy for fear of persecution by the Jews; he refused to eat with the Gentile Christians while Jews were present. Paul then opposed Peter to his face because "He stood condemned" (Gal. 2:11). A solid example of one who had clearly tasted the gift of the Holy Spirit being carried away to standing condemnation by sin.
The Word establishes firmly that the penalty of sin is death, even for those who have once been baptized into Christ. Many people see this truth as a threat to their spiritual assurance and a point of great worry. Christian, do not let this fact worry you, for we can still have complete and total assurance in our standing with God! (1 John 5:13).
Feeling doubt about our standing with the Lord is natural--do not let it affect your faith in the promises of God. During times of doubt, I go to the Word and ask myself..
Am I A Christian?
Do I understand God's Promises?
Is God true to his promises?
God's Word is our ultimate source for assurance in Christ Jesus. That's why it's called the Gospel. It's good news!
We can have solid, biblical assurance in our salvation! Do not exchange the solid assurance of God for the false assurance of man.
1 John 5:11-13 >>
11And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.13I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
A Study of Calvinism: Total Depravity and Original Sin
Long time no blog! I'll have a couple coming to you in the next week or so, so hang on..
A few weeks ago we searched the scriptures in an attempt to answer this question...
Are we born sinful? Is man completely incapable of choosing to do right?
Calvinist doctrine states that, as a consequence of the fall of man, every person born into the world is a slave to sin, and utterly unable to choose to follow God. God must therefore, through an act of sovereign will, predestine individuals to salvation--this is the springboard for the rest of the doctrine.
Scriptures cited in support of this viewpoint are as follows:
Mark 7:21-23
21 For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. 23 All these evils come from inside and make a man 'unclean.' "
Romans 8:7-8
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Ephesians 2:1-3
1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.
The critical flaw in this segment of Calvinist doctrine (and most false doctrine for that matter) lies in the interpretation of scripture. Remember back to a point made during one of our previous studies...God's word is perfect and complete. God's word is one entire entity and should be treated as such. God's word does not contradict itself. If two passages seem to contradict, the error lies in the human interpretation, not the Bible.
That being said...there are many passages that, if taken as stand alone verses, can lead the reader to believe erroneous things (see the last blog entry for examples). Scripture +must+ be taken in context. Not only does the immediate context have to be accounted for, but an interpretation of a specific passage must hold up with what we know is stated in the rest of the scriptures.
--let's look at a few passages...keep the previous verses in your mind as we go. Does the Original Sin interpretation hold up?
Romans 7:14-25
14We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. 21So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22For in my inner being I delight in God's law; 23but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. 24What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.
Kind of a confusing passage at first glance...what we can clearly see here is a dichotomy between the spirit and the flesh. This conflict is illustrated throughout the new testament, most notably in Galatians 5. Paul clarifies this passage more directly in Romans 8
Romans 8:5-9
5For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,
7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so,8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.9 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.
This passage clearly illustrates a +choice+ that is made in regard to our sin. The setting of the mind towards the flesh or the spirit is a conscious decision made by an individual.
James 1:14-15
Each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished it brings forth death.
Again we see a choice here...
I Cor. 9:25-27
25Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.26Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air;27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
Nobody explained the condition of man better than Solomon...
Ecclesiastes 7:29
29 This only have I found: God made mankind upright, but men have gone in search of many schemes.
Consider what the writer of Hebrews says about the nature of Christ...
Hebrews 2:17
17For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.
Had Christ been made like a population that was Totally Depraved, he would have entered the world burdened with sin. A sinful sacrifice for a sinful people wouldn't have saved us--Christ's sacrifice brought salvation because he died perfect.
Think on these passages and relate them to our original 3 verses. I believe it is clear that the Depravity doctrine does not hold up to what we see in the rest of scripture.
The discussion of human nature is ongoing...there are many other facets to this ideology that could be discussed and debated. I do hope you can take comfort in some of what we've discussed here. We do have free will, we do have a choice, and yes there are punishments for choosing the path of sin...but there are great rewards promised for those who walk in the light. Thank the Lord!
A few weeks ago we searched the scriptures in an attempt to answer this question...
Are we born sinful? Is man completely incapable of choosing to do right?
Calvinist doctrine states that, as a consequence of the fall of man, every person born into the world is a slave to sin, and utterly unable to choose to follow God. God must therefore, through an act of sovereign will, predestine individuals to salvation--this is the springboard for the rest of the doctrine.
Scriptures cited in support of this viewpoint are as follows:
Mark 7:21-23
21 For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. 23 All these evils come from inside and make a man 'unclean.' "
Romans 8:7-8
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Ephesians 2:1-3
1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.
The critical flaw in this segment of Calvinist doctrine (and most false doctrine for that matter) lies in the interpretation of scripture. Remember back to a point made during one of our previous studies...God's word is perfect and complete. God's word is one entire entity and should be treated as such. God's word does not contradict itself. If two passages seem to contradict, the error lies in the human interpretation, not the Bible.
That being said...there are many passages that, if taken as stand alone verses, can lead the reader to believe erroneous things (see the last blog entry for examples). Scripture +must+ be taken in context. Not only does the immediate context have to be accounted for, but an interpretation of a specific passage must hold up with what we know is stated in the rest of the scriptures.
--let's look at a few passages...keep the previous verses in your mind as we go. Does the Original Sin interpretation hold up?
Romans 7:14-25
14We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. 21So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22For in my inner being I delight in God's law; 23but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. 24What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.
Kind of a confusing passage at first glance...what we can clearly see here is a dichotomy between the spirit and the flesh. This conflict is illustrated throughout the new testament, most notably in Galatians 5. Paul clarifies this passage more directly in Romans 8
Romans 8:5-9
5For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,
7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so,8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.9 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.
This passage clearly illustrates a +choice+ that is made in regard to our sin. The setting of the mind towards the flesh or the spirit is a conscious decision made by an individual.
James 1:14-15
Each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished it brings forth death.
Again we see a choice here...
I Cor. 9:25-27
25Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.26Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air;27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
Nobody explained the condition of man better than Solomon...
Ecclesiastes 7:29
29 This only have I found: God made mankind upright, but men have gone in search of many schemes.
Consider what the writer of Hebrews says about the nature of Christ...
Hebrews 2:17
17For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.
Had Christ been made like a population that was Totally Depraved, he would have entered the world burdened with sin. A sinful sacrifice for a sinful people wouldn't have saved us--Christ's sacrifice brought salvation because he died perfect.
Think on these passages and relate them to our original 3 verses. I believe it is clear that the Depravity doctrine does not hold up to what we see in the rest of scripture.
The discussion of human nature is ongoing...there are many other facets to this ideology that could be discussed and debated. I do hope you can take comfort in some of what we've discussed here. We do have free will, we do have a choice, and yes there are punishments for choosing the path of sin...but there are great rewards promised for those who walk in the light. Thank the Lord!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
A Study of Calvinism: Unconditional Election and Predestination
Hope everyone's had a good break!
Remember back to our last study...it's been a while, hasn't it?
In our last meeting we delved into the "U" of the Calvinist acronym "TULIP": Unconditional Election...
In my personal study, the first thing I noticed about this subject is its breadth; You would not believe how many ins and outs this topic hides. It's a real challenge to even decide where to begin. So, in order to produce a more rounded, complete study, we focused more on the idea of "predestination". Predestination, while ultimately culminating in the same end, comes at the issue by simpler means than Unconditional Election, and is therefore a more commonly held viewpoint. My hope is that coming at things from this perspective will be both practical and significantly easier than the infinitely more complicated alternative...
While among all this complicated theology of man, we can praise God, as David did, for the pure simplicity of his Word! (Psalm 19:7)
Due to the overwhelming nature of the Unconditional Election doctrine itself, some condensing was necessary in our study two weeks ago. Here's a bit of what we talked about--
I'll start off by saying that my strategy with this study, and with all subsequent studies, is not to spend time debunking every individual argument existing on these subjects, but to solidify in each of us how we interpret the Word of God--
2 Tim 2:15 - "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth."
So..ALL that being said...What is Predestination?
Well, this is a rather loaded question, to be honest. So to put it relatively simply, Calvinists would claim that, because we as sin-tarnished humans are so incapable of doing anything right of our own volition (a developed theology in itself), it was necessary for God to step in and predetermine who was to be saved. This decision is based solely on his own sovereign will, not on a foreknowledge of our actions. This would be under the banner of "Unconditional Election".
The difference between this doctrine and the more common Predestination ideology is subtle but significant. Predestination is the idea that God chose his elect based on a foreknowledge of our actions--he knew beforehand that, throughout our lives, those chosen would exhibit the qualities necessary to be saved.
I want to briefly cover one of the passages we looked at during our study, just as a bit of a refresher. I'll do my best to not be redundant by repeating verbatim what was said at the study...this will just serve as an outline of sorts for your reference. Let's look at Ephesians 1:1-12--
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Redemption in Christ
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,
5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,
6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.
7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace
8 which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence,
9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself,
10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both[a] which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. 11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,
12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.
Verses 3-5 are commonly cited as a support for the predestination school of thought. Taken as stand-alone verses, a prior election of the saved would be what I would come up with as well. But accurately handling the Word of truth involves using not only the context of the surrounding verses, but of the entire chapter, the complete letter, and ultimately the complete Word of God. God's Word is perfect...if we perceive a contradiction from one passage to the next, the flaw is in our interpretation, not in God.
Let's take a look at the passage a little closer...
There are a few questions that I ask myself when searching for overarching meaning,
- Who is this passage written to?
- Who is writing the passage and why?
- Do I know for SURE the meaning of each word used (particularly pronouns) or am
I making general assumptions? Each and every word is important!
Taking a look at Ephesians...
- Paul the Apostle wrote this letter (v.1)
- This letter is addressed to the Saints (Christians) who are in
Ephesus, who are faithful in Christ Jesus (v. 1)
Now in regard to the third question--I don't have the blog space to go through every word and phrase step by step, but there are two pivotal words/phrases in this passage that I want to make sure we nail down: To whom is Paul referring when he uses the pronoun "us"? And in verse 9...What is the "mystery of his Will" that Paul refers to?
It is essential that we understand what group of people the word "us" encompasses! Remember to whom the letter was addressed..."to the SAINTS who are at Ephesus, and who are faithful in Christ Jesus" - Paul is speaking to the Local Church at Ephesus; He is speaking to the body of Christ.
Hold that in mind for a sec..Let's look at the "mystery of God's Will" that Paul refers to quickly in chapter 1.
Ephesians 3:3-7
1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles—
2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you,
3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already,
4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ),
5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets:
6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel,
7 of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.
Paul, later in his letter to the brethren at Ephesus, clarifies exactly what the "mystery of his will" has been revealed to be--That the Gentiles are fellow heirs and partakers of the body of Christ!
There is a clear contrast between what Was in the Old Testament, and was Is now with the New Covenant. God chose the Jews to accomplish his purposes before. Now, through the advent of Christ's Sacrifice, we now have a new Covenant with the Lord (see Hebrews chapter 7-9 for elaboration). Where, in the Old Covenant God chose the Jews to accomplish his purpose, with the New Covenant he has selected a new people: The Church!
And Finally we arrive at a clarification of Ephesians 1:1-12. God has purposed from the beginning to draw a people to him to call his own. This people, the Church, The body of Christ, has been destined to become God's chosen people and to obtain the inheritance of eternal life.
"how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, 4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), 5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: 6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel," - Ephesians 3:3-5
We can plainly see through diligent, accurate handling of the Word of God that the term "predestination" does not ever refer to an inescapable fate placed on individuals without their knowledge. It refers to God's choosing of a new people to glorify him! We as individuals can choose whether or not to be a part of this body of Christ by believing in him (Acts 18:8), being baptized (1 Peter 3:21), and walking a new life with Christ.
Remember back to our last study...it's been a while, hasn't it?
In our last meeting we delved into the "U" of the Calvinist acronym "TULIP": Unconditional Election...
In my personal study, the first thing I noticed about this subject is its breadth; You would not believe how many ins and outs this topic hides. It's a real challenge to even decide where to begin. So, in order to produce a more rounded, complete study, we focused more on the idea of "predestination". Predestination, while ultimately culminating in the same end, comes at the issue by simpler means than Unconditional Election, and is therefore a more commonly held viewpoint. My hope is that coming at things from this perspective will be both practical and significantly easier than the infinitely more complicated alternative...
While among all this complicated theology of man, we can praise God, as David did, for the pure simplicity of his Word! (Psalm 19:7)
Due to the overwhelming nature of the Unconditional Election doctrine itself, some condensing was necessary in our study two weeks ago. Here's a bit of what we talked about--
I'll start off by saying that my strategy with this study, and with all subsequent studies, is not to spend time debunking every individual argument existing on these subjects, but to solidify in each of us how we interpret the Word of God--
2 Tim 2:15 - "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth."
So..ALL that being said...What is Predestination?
Well, this is a rather loaded question, to be honest. So to put it relatively simply, Calvinists would claim that, because we as sin-tarnished humans are so incapable of doing anything right of our own volition (a developed theology in itself), it was necessary for God to step in and predetermine who was to be saved. This decision is based solely on his own sovereign will, not on a foreknowledge of our actions. This would be under the banner of "Unconditional Election".
The difference between this doctrine and the more common Predestination ideology is subtle but significant. Predestination is the idea that God chose his elect based on a foreknowledge of our actions--he knew beforehand that, throughout our lives, those chosen would exhibit the qualities necessary to be saved.
I want to briefly cover one of the passages we looked at during our study, just as a bit of a refresher. I'll do my best to not be redundant by repeating verbatim what was said at the study...this will just serve as an outline of sorts for your reference. Let's look at Ephesians 1:1-12--
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Redemption in Christ
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,
5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,
6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.
7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace
8 which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence,
9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself,
10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both[a] which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. 11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,
12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.
Verses 3-5 are commonly cited as a support for the predestination school of thought. Taken as stand-alone verses, a prior election of the saved would be what I would come up with as well. But accurately handling the Word of truth involves using not only the context of the surrounding verses, but of the entire chapter, the complete letter, and ultimately the complete Word of God. God's Word is perfect...if we perceive a contradiction from one passage to the next, the flaw is in our interpretation, not in God.
Let's take a look at the passage a little closer...
There are a few questions that I ask myself when searching for overarching meaning,
- Who is this passage written to?
- Who is writing the passage and why?
- Do I know for SURE the meaning of each word used (particularly pronouns) or am
I making general assumptions? Each and every word is important!
Taking a look at Ephesians...
- Paul the Apostle wrote this letter (v.1)
- This letter is addressed to the Saints (Christians) who are in
Ephesus, who are faithful in Christ Jesus (v. 1)
Now in regard to the third question--I don't have the blog space to go through every word and phrase step by step, but there are two pivotal words/phrases in this passage that I want to make sure we nail down: To whom is Paul referring when he uses the pronoun "us"? And in verse 9...What is the "mystery of his Will" that Paul refers to?
It is essential that we understand what group of people the word "us" encompasses! Remember to whom the letter was addressed..."to the SAINTS who are at Ephesus, and who are faithful in Christ Jesus" - Paul is speaking to the Local Church at Ephesus; He is speaking to the body of Christ.
Hold that in mind for a sec..Let's look at the "mystery of God's Will" that Paul refers to quickly in chapter 1.
Ephesians 3:3-7
1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles—
2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you,
3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already,
4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ),
5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets:
6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel,
7 of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.
Paul, later in his letter to the brethren at Ephesus, clarifies exactly what the "mystery of his will" has been revealed to be--That the Gentiles are fellow heirs and partakers of the body of Christ!
There is a clear contrast between what Was in the Old Testament, and was Is now with the New Covenant. God chose the Jews to accomplish his purposes before. Now, through the advent of Christ's Sacrifice, we now have a new Covenant with the Lord (see Hebrews chapter 7-9 for elaboration). Where, in the Old Covenant God chose the Jews to accomplish his purpose, with the New Covenant he has selected a new people: The Church!
And Finally we arrive at a clarification of Ephesians 1:1-12. God has purposed from the beginning to draw a people to him to call his own. This people, the Church, The body of Christ, has been destined to become God's chosen people and to obtain the inheritance of eternal life.
"how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, 4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), 5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: 6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel," - Ephesians 3:3-5
We can plainly see through diligent, accurate handling of the Word of God that the term "predestination" does not ever refer to an inescapable fate placed on individuals without their knowledge. It refers to God's choosing of a new people to glorify him! We as individuals can choose whether or not to be a part of this body of Christ by believing in him (Acts 18:8), being baptized (1 Peter 3:21), and walking a new life with Christ.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Calvinism Overview
HELLO!!!
Hope you all are doing well this week!
SO...in our AU Student Center Study last friday, we set up what will be about a 3 week study on the doctrine of Calvinism. We didn't get into too much detail on any one point or practice, so this entry won't need to be very long.
Just as a refresher:
Main-Stream Calvinism is based on 5 central points; these points can be denoted by the acronym T.U.L.I.P.
T - Total Depravity
This first point asserts the idea that each person is born enslaved by sin, and that, apart from direct intervention through the grace God, no man can choose to do what is right. Understand that this doctrine can be and is either exaggerated or downplayed by various sects of Denominational Christianity; even so, by and large this is the basic idea.
A few of the Bible Passages that are used to support this idea are...
Genesis 6:5
Job 25:4-6
Jeremiah 17:9
Mark 7:21-23
Romans 8:7-8 ; 3:10-11
This point is very important to the entire Calvinist idea set. If this point is not true, most of the other points lose their merit.
U - Unconditional Election
This is the idea that God, for reasons only known to him, has preselected those who are to receive his grace, and those who will not. Those who are selected receive mercy, and those who are not, justice. I'm sure you can see the correlation between this idea and the idea of predestination. We will discuss this in more detail soon.
Passages used to support this idea are...
Ephesians 1:1-11
Romans 9:15-16
Philippians 1:29
2 Timothy 1:9
L - Limited Atonement
Limited Atonement hinges almost entirely on the last point, unconditional election. The belief here is that Christ's atonement through the cross is limited in scope, effective only for those that have been unconditionally selected. Thus, Christ's sacrifice is not for everyone.
The main passage used to support this idea is John 10--The good shepherd metaphor.
I - Irresistible Grace
This doctrine follows that since one is so depraved that one cannot do anything good, the only way that God can save one is to change that person. This is done by the direct operation of the Holy Spirit.
Passages in John 6 are used to back up this belief...
v. 37, 39, 44-45, 69
P - Perseverance of the Saints
This doctrine is very similar to the more recognizable "once saved, always saved" school of thought. When studied side by side, its apparent that these two doctrines, while ending the same, arrive at their conclusions through very different paths. We will likely spend an entire lesson on this point.
Passages cited to defend this point are as follows...
Romans 8:1, 35, 38-39
1 John 5:4-5
Isaiah 46:3-4
Now understand that these are just a few of the verses cited for these points. As you can imagine, all proponents of this doctrine would undoubtedly claim that their point of view is based heavily in scripture. We are going to spend our time looking at each one of these points closely and hold it up in view of the entire Word of God. These ideas seem to hold up pretty well next to these select verses, but will they remain justified when looked at through an understanding of the context surrounding these verses? We'll see!
Our topic this Friday is Total Depravity. Take a look at these verses listed here, reading into the context of the book.
I'm looking forward to our discussion!
Seth (this post is longer than i thought)
Hope you all are doing well this week!
SO...in our AU Student Center Study last friday, we set up what will be about a 3 week study on the doctrine of Calvinism. We didn't get into too much detail on any one point or practice, so this entry won't need to be very long.
Just as a refresher:
Main-Stream Calvinism is based on 5 central points; these points can be denoted by the acronym T.U.L.I.P.
T - Total Depravity
This first point asserts the idea that each person is born enslaved by sin, and that, apart from direct intervention through the grace God, no man can choose to do what is right. Understand that this doctrine can be and is either exaggerated or downplayed by various sects of Denominational Christianity; even so, by and large this is the basic idea.
A few of the Bible Passages that are used to support this idea are...
Genesis 6:5
Job 25:4-6
Jeremiah 17:9
Mark 7:21-23
Romans 8:7-8 ; 3:10-11
This point is very important to the entire Calvinist idea set. If this point is not true, most of the other points lose their merit.
U - Unconditional Election
This is the idea that God, for reasons only known to him, has preselected those who are to receive his grace, and those who will not. Those who are selected receive mercy, and those who are not, justice. I'm sure you can see the correlation between this idea and the idea of predestination. We will discuss this in more detail soon.
Passages used to support this idea are...
Ephesians 1:1-11
Romans 9:15-16
Philippians 1:29
2 Timothy 1:9
L - Limited Atonement
Limited Atonement hinges almost entirely on the last point, unconditional election. The belief here is that Christ's atonement through the cross is limited in scope, effective only for those that have been unconditionally selected. Thus, Christ's sacrifice is not for everyone.
The main passage used to support this idea is John 10--The good shepherd metaphor.
I - Irresistible Grace
This doctrine follows that since one is so depraved that one cannot do anything good, the only way that God can save one is to change that person. This is done by the direct operation of the Holy Spirit.
Passages in John 6 are used to back up this belief...
v. 37, 39, 44-45, 69
P - Perseverance of the Saints
This doctrine is very similar to the more recognizable "once saved, always saved" school of thought. When studied side by side, its apparent that these two doctrines, while ending the same, arrive at their conclusions through very different paths. We will likely spend an entire lesson on this point.
Passages cited to defend this point are as follows...
Romans 8:1, 35, 38-39
1 John 5:4-5
Isaiah 46:3-4
Now understand that these are just a few of the verses cited for these points. As you can imagine, all proponents of this doctrine would undoubtedly claim that their point of view is based heavily in scripture. We are going to spend our time looking at each one of these points closely and hold it up in view of the entire Word of God. These ideas seem to hold up pretty well next to these select verses, but will they remain justified when looked at through an understanding of the context surrounding these verses? We'll see!
Our topic this Friday is Total Depravity. Take a look at these verses listed here, reading into the context of the book.
I'm looking forward to our discussion!
Seth (this post is longer than i thought)
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Through the Lens of Truth
HELLO!
Welcome to our (your!) Bible Study Blog Space!
I've set up this area in the hope that you will have a useful, organized area to express any thoughts, questions, or concerns you may have pertaining to our biweekly Student Center Bible Study. We're on the forefront of a study of Calvinism and feel that, due to the pervasiveness of this doctrine within religious society, it would be advantageous to have a resource such as this for both present and future use.
Now seeing as though I've never been a "blogger" before (haha), some of the layouts of the texts and outlines may be a little shaky, but I'm hoping to learn as I go and get better as the semester progresses, so bear with me!!
Now...
I've entitled this blogspot and subsequent opening entry "Clinging to Truth" and "Through the Lens of Truth", respectively. Notice any common words?
Truth will, naturally, be our common theme and chief motivator throughout this doctrinal study (as it should be every time we open God's Word). But what is Truth exactly? Unfortunately, the definition of the word has become muddied and rather complicated. Just as a for instance…the first sentence in Wikipedia's page on the word truth is:
- "Truth can have a variety of meanings, from the state of being the case, being in accord with a particular fact or reality, being in accord with the body of real things, events, actuality, or fidelity to an original or to a standard. In archaic usage it could be fidelity, constancy or sincerity in action, character, and utterance."
The word Truth has changed and devolved over the years from an absolute defined by God, to close certainty defined by man’s reason, to a possible surety discovered by science, all the way down to what it’s turned into today: A relative opinion based on one’s own personal experiences and viewpoints--subject to change, debate, and even denial.
Something’s wrong with this picture…if we let culture dictate what truth is, it will change with the wind. Truth, by its very nature and definition, needs to be based on something unchanging, something solid… something eternal!
You know, I've always thought truth was supposed to be much simpler than all this...Let’s look at what Christ has to say about truth.
- 5 Thomas said^ to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?" 6 Jesus said^ to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me. 7 "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him." (John 14:5-7)
- 17 "Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth. 18 "As Thou didst send Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 "And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. (John 17:17-19)
We see here with these two verses two definitions of truth given by Christ:
1. God’s Word is truth
2. Christ himself is truth
Now I realize this is a very simple analysis of a very prevalent subject in scripture, but for our purposes this will suffice. Now, with these passages in mind, we can easily come to the definition of truth…
In our “post-modernistic” Society, truth is relative. Everyone has a different perspective--different truths held up by thin air. To question anyone about his/her beliefs is deemed “intolerant.” Well Christ has laid out truth’s eternal definition:
Truth is reality from God’s Perspective.
In our studies, we will hold various doctrines and creeds up to eternal truth: God’s Word. If something doesn’t sync up to his word, it is simply not truth, and should not be regarded as such.
I look forward to growing with you all!!
- Praise the LORD, all nations; Laud Him, all peoples! For His lovingkindness is great toward us, And the truth of the LORD is everlasting. Praise the LORD! (Psalm 117)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)