Reformation Theology

21/10/2022

28/11/2021

According Scripture,
God already knew us before we were born (Jeremiah 1:5, cf. Psalm 139:16, Acts 15:18, Romans 8:29-30, 9:11-23, 11:2-7, 1 Peter 1:2),
and individually chose us in Christ (Romans 16:13),
before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4-11, cf. 1 Peter 1:20),
and saved us,
and called us with a holy calling,
not according to our works,
but according to His own purpose,
and grace which was given to us in Christ,
before time began (2 Timothy 1:9, cf. Titus 1:2).

30/06/2021

05/11/2020

03/10/2020

The Mercy/Regeneration Trifecta :

But God,
Who is rich in mercy,
because of His great love with which He loved us,
even when we were dead in trespasses,
made us alive together with Christ,
for by grace you have been saved (Ephesians 2:4-5).
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But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared,
not by works of righteousness which we have done,
but according to His mercy He saved us,
through the washing of regeneration,
and renewing of The Holy Spirit,
Whom He poured out upon us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
so that having been justified by His grace,
we shall become heirs according to the hope of everlasting life (Titus 3:4-7).
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Blessed be The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Who according to His abundant mercy,
has begotten us again to a living hope,
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (1 Peter 1:3).

25/11/2019

The Anatomy of Grace

Common Definition : Un-Merited Favor (eg, Romans 3:24, 4:4-5, 5:15-17, 11:5-6, Ephesians 2:8-9, 2 Timothy 1:9).

Latin Slogan : Sola Gratia (ie, Grace Alone/eg, 2 Timothy 1:9).

Scriptural Truth : GOD Saved us,
and Called us with a Holy Calling,
not according to our works,
but according to His Own Purpose,
and Grace which was Given to us in Christ,
before Time began (2 Timothy 1:9, cf. Ephesians 1:4).

Theological Affirmation : Grace is the soteriological root (eg, 2 Timothy 1:9),
and all else is the resultant fruit (eg, Galatians 5:22-23).
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Hebrew Noun : Chen,
occurs 69 times in The Hebrew OT (eg, Genesis 6:8, Psalm 84:11, Zechariah 12:10, etc...).

Greek Noun : Charis,
occurs 157 times in The Greek NT (eg, John 1:14, Acts 15:11, Romans 3:24, Ephesians 2:5-8, Revelation 22:21, etc...).

24/06/2019

By HIS Amazing Grace (Ephesians 2:1-10),
Which was Already Given to us in Christ Jesus,
Before Time Began (2 Timothy 1:9, Ephesians 1:4),
The LORD Miraculously Opens our hearts (Acts 16:14),
and our minds (Luke 24:45, cf. 2 Corinthians 4:4-6, etc.),
and Powerfully Sets us Free from our Sins (John 8:33-36),
so That we shall be Willing in the Day of HIS Power (Psalm 110:3/KJV),
and The Gospel of Christ is The Power of GOD unto Salvation,
for everyone who Believes (Romans 1:16, cf. Acts 13:48, 18:27),
and it is GOD Who Grants us the Ability to Believe (Philippians 1:29, cf. John 6:63-65),
and Who is also Working in us,
Both to Will and to Work (Philippians 2:13),
but it is NOT of ourselves (Ephesians 2:8-10),
NOR of a human will (John 1:13, John 6:63-65),
NOR of the one Willing (Romans 9:16),
for of HIS Own Will,
HE Brought us Forth through The Word of Truth (James 1:18, 1 Peter 1:23),
and It is Because of HIM,
that we are in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:30),
for HE Chose us in Christ,
Before the Foundation of the World (Ephesians 1:4),
and Christ is both The Author & The Perfector of our Faith (Hebrews 12:2),
and The Author of Eternal Salvation (Hebrews 5:9),
for Salvation is Of The LORD (Jonah 2:9).

15/05/2019

According to Scripture,
we are Saved by Grace through Faith,
and NOT of ourselves (Ephesians 2:1-10),
NOR of our own wills (John 1:13, cf. 6:63-65),
for of HIS Own Will,
HE Brought us Forth through The Word of Truth (James 1:18),
and It is NOT of the who is willing,
but of GOD Who Grants Mercy (Romans 9:16),
and it is GOD Who Works in us,
both to will and to work according to HIS Satisfaction (Philippians 2:13),
and It is Because of HIM,
that we are in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:30),
for HE Chose us in Christ,
Before the Foundation of the World (Ephesians 1:4-11),
and Saved us,
and Called us with a Holy Calling,
not according to our works,
but according to HIS Own Purpose,
and Grace which was Given to us in Christ,
Before Time Began (2 Timothy 1:9, cf. Titus 1:2).

19/04/2019

Ultimately,
Only The Infinite GOD-Man (John 1:1-18, 8:58, 20:28, Colossians 2:9, 1 Timothy 3:16),
could Pay The Infinite Price for us and our Sins (1 Corinthians 6:20, 7:23),
with His Own Precious Blood (1 Peter 1:18-19, cf. Acts 20:28/GOD's Own Blood),
which He fully Accomplished upon The Cross (John 19:30),
by The Giving and Offering of Himself (Galatians 1:4, 2:20, Ephesians 5:25, Titus 2:14, Hebrews 7:27, 9:26, 10:10-14),
as a Sinless Sacrifice to GOD The Father (Ephesians 5:2, Hebrews 9:14),
and as a Substitutionary-Ransom (Greek noun : Anti-Lutron),
on Behalf of All (1 Timothy 2:6, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15),
especially of those who Believe (1 Timothy 4:10).

19/04/2019

40 Scriptural GOD Facts Every Christian Should Know :

All of our Works Done by GOD - Isaiah 26:12 (cf. Philippians 2:13)
Appointed/Ordained by GOD for Eternal Life - Acts 13:48 (cf. John 17:2-3)
Appointed/Ordained by GOD to Obtain Salvation - 1 Thessalonians 5:9
Born Again of GOD's Incorruptible Seed - 1 Peter 1:23 (cf. 1 John 3:9)
Born of GOD - John 1:13 (cf. 1 John 2:29, 3:9, 4:7, 5:1-5, 5:18)
Called by GOD - 2 Timothy 1:9 (cf. Romans 8:29-30, 11:29, 1 Thessalonians 5:24)
Caused by GOD - Psalm 65:4 (KJV/NKJV, cf. Ezekiel 36:26-27)
Chosen by GOD Before Birth - Romans 9:11-23
Chosen by GOD Before The Foundation of The World - Ephesians 1:4-11 (cf. 2 Timothy 1:9)
Chosen by GOD for Salvation - 2 Thessalonians 2:13
Created by GOD - Isaiah 43:7 (cf. Psalm 139:13-16)
Determined by GOD - Job 14:5 (cf. Acts 4:28, 17:26)
Drawn by GOD - John 6:44 (cf. Jeremiah 31:3, Hosea 11:4)
Energized by GOD to Will & to Work - Philippians 2:13 (Literal)
Engraved/Inscribed by GOD - Isaiah 49:16 (cf. John 6:37, 10:27-29)
Foreknown by GOD - Romans 8:29-30 (cf. Jeremiah 1:5, 1 Peter 1:2, 1:20)
Formed by GOD - Isaiah 43:7 (cf. Psalm 139:13-16)
Given by GOD - Hebrews 2:13 (cf. John 6:37-39, 6:65, 10:27-29, 17:2-6)
Glorified by GOD - Romans 8:29-30
Granted Faith by GOD - Philippians 1:29
Granted Repentance by GOD - 2 Timothy 2:25
Granted to Come to Christ by GOD - John 6:63-65
Heart Opened by GOD - Acts 16:14
In Christ Because of GOD - 1 Corinthians 1:30
Justified by GOD - Romans 3:30, 4:5, 8:29-33
Known by GOD - 1 Corinthians 8:3 (cf. 2 Timothy 2:19)
Known to GOD from Eternity are All of HIS Works - Acts 15:18 (Literal)
Loved by GOD - Romans 5:8, 8:38-39 (cf. 1 John 4:19)
Made by GOD - Isaiah 43:7 (cf. Psalm 139:13-16)
Made Alive by GOD - Ephesians 2:1-5 (cf. Colossians 2:13)
Mind Opened by GOD - Luke 24:45
Perfected Forever by GOD - Hebrews 10:14 (cf. Psalm 138:8)
Pre-Destined by GOD - Romans 8:29-30 (cf. Ephesians 1:4-11)
Pre-Prepared by GOD - Romans 9:23 (cf. Ephesians 2:10)
Pre-Selected by GOD - Acts 10:41 (Literal)
Preserved Forever by GOD - Psalm 37:28
Purchased by GOD - Acts 20:28
Purposed by GOD - 2 Timothy 1:9 (cf. Romans 8:28-30, 9:11-23, Ephesians 1:11)
Regenerated by GOD - Titus 3:5 (cf. James 1:18)
Sanctified by GOD - 1 Thessalonians 5:23
Saved by GOD - 2 Timothy 1:9 (According to HIS Own Purpose & Grace Before Time Began)
Sealed by GOD - 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (cf. Ephesians 1:13, 4:30)
Workmanship of GOD - Ephesians 2:10 (cf. Isaiah 26:12)

19/04/2019

The Biblical Doctrine of Election : 21 Scriptural Facts

1. It is According to The Foreknowledge of God The Father (1 Peter 1:2, cf. Jeremiah 1:5, John 6:64, Acts 2:23, Romans 8:29-30, 11:2-7).

2. It is Based upon The Love of God for His Own People (Deuteronomy 7:6-8, cf. 4:37, 10:15, Psalm 33:12, Romans 9:11-23, Titus 2:14, 1 Peter 2:9, 1 John 4:7-19).

3. It is God's Sovereign Choice (Romans 9:11-23, cf. Psalm 65:4, John 15:16-19, James 1:18).

4. It is In Christ Before the Foundation of the World (Ephesians 1:4-11, cf. 2 Timothy 1:9, Titus 1:2).

5. It is Un-Merited because It is of Grace & Not of Works (Romans 11:5-7, cf. 9:11-16, 2 Timothy 1:9).

6. It includes Angels (1 Timothy 5:21).

7. It includes Assurance (2 Peter 1:10-11, cf. John 6:37-39, 10:27-29, Romans 8:33-39).

8. It includes Belief (2 Thessalonians 2:13, cf. Acts 13:48).

9. It includes Certain People & Excludes Others (Numbers 16:5, Deuteronomy 18:5, 1 Samuel 16:10, 1 Kings 8:16, 1 Chronicles 28:5, 29:1, Psalm 33:12, 65:4, 89:3, 89:19, 135:4, Nehemiah 9:7, Amos 3:2, Matthew 22:14, Acts 1:24-26, 9:1-15, 10:40-41, 13:48, 22:14, Romans 9:11-23, 11:7, 16:13, Colossians 3:12, 1 Thessalonians 1:4,
2 Timothy 2:19, 1 Peter 2:9, 2 John 1:1, 1:13, Revelation 13:8, 17:8, 17:14, 21:27).

10. It includes Holiness (Ephesians 1:4, Colossians 3:12).

11. It includes Israel (Psalm 33:12, 135:4, Isaiah 14:1, 41:8-9, 43:10, 44:1, 45:4, Ezekiel 20:5, Romans 11:28).

12. It includes Jesus (Isaiah 42:1, Matthew 12:18, Luke 23:35, 1 Peter 2:4-6).

13. It includes Mercy (Romans 9:11-23, cf. 11:32).

14. It includes Obedience (1 Peter 1:2).

15. It includes Predestination (Ephesians 1:4-11, cf. Romans 8:29-30).

16. It includes Purpose (Romans 9:11-23, cf. 8:28-39, Ephesians 1:4-11, 2 Timothy 1:9).

17. It includes Salvation (2 Thessalonians 2:13, cf. 2 Timothy 1:9).

18. It includes Sanctification (2 Thessalonians 2:13, 1 Peter 1:2).

19. It includes The Apostles (Acts 1:2, cf. John 6:70, 13:18, 15:16-19).

20. It includes The Church (1 Peter 5:13, cf. Ephesians 5:25-32, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 2 Thessalonians 2:13).

21. It includes The Foreknown Remnant (Romans 11:5, cf. 11:1-7).
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FYI : It is not according to nor based upon a mysterious/secret un-conditional decree as some folks claim.

30/03/2019

This book (nearly 400 pages) is a fresh examination of the debate between monergism and synergism,
specifically focusing on the nature of effectual calling and regeneration.

The integral nature of total depravity,
effectual calling,
election,
and regeneration is carefully explored.

Barrett argues that the Scriptures teach effectual calling,
and regeneration as is represented in the Reformed tradition.

The bulk of the book’s content deals with exegesis,
and the theological conclusions that are deduced from various passages.

Barrett interacts with Arminian theology and exegesis,
particularly in regards to the issue of prevenient grace.

He also examines the nature of libertarian free will,
and concludes that the Arminian view is unsustainable,
both biblically and philosophically.

Arminian logic and interpretation is compared with Calvinist logic and interpretation,
and some attempts to chart middle ways between the two are examined as well.

Table of Contents -

Foreword : Bruce Ware and Thomas Schreiner
Introduction : The Contemporary Debate
Chapter 1 Monergism in the Calvinist Tradition
Chapter 2 Total Depravity and the Bo***ge of the Will
Chapter 3 The Scriptural Affirmation of Effectual Calling
Chapter 4 The Scriptural Affirmation of Monergistic Regeneration
Chapter 5 Arminian Synergism in Theological Perspective
Chapter 6 The Inadequacy of Arminian Synergism
Chapter 7 The Failure of Recent Attempts at a Middle Way
Conclusion

Summary

Chapter 1
Monergism in the Calvinist Tradition

Although contemporary evangelicalism associates predestination and sovereign grace with John Calvin,
Calvin’s theology was heavily influenced by Augustine.

Debates concerning Augustinianism,
Pelagianism,
Semi-Pelagianism,
and Semi-Augustinianism continue today.

Augustine believed that human beings were totally depraved,
and that their wills were enslaved to sin.

People were responsible moral agents,
but were not able not to sin.
Their free will was in bo***ge.

God in sovereign grace chose to liberate the wills of the sinners in whom he chose to work.
Since nobody was able to choose to follow God,
he had to choose to grant his elect the gift of faith.

Augustine’s view was monergistic.
He believed that God’s work of saving, electing grace was always efficacious.

Pelagius rejected original sin,
and maintained that the will was unaffected by inherited corruption.
People retained free choice,
so assisting grace was — strictly speaking — unnecessary.
He argued that God’s grace was resistible.
Pelagius’s view was monergistic as well,
except his view was of a human monergism,
whereas Augustine’s was of divine monergism.

Semi-Pelagianism posits a human-initiated synergism (where God responds to the will).

Semi-Augustinianism posits a synergism that is initiated by God (God gives universal, prevenient grace).

30/03/2019

According to The Exact Words of Scripture,
God has ALLOWED all the nations to walk in their own ways (Acts 14:16),
but He specifically says that He has NOT DECREED everything that they do (Jeremiah 19:5/ESV, MEV, RSV).
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According to Scripture,
God causes, determines, and pre-determines certain things (eg, Psalm 65:4, Acts 2:23, 4:28, 17:26, Romans 8:29-30, 9:11-23, Ephesians 1:4-11),
and accordingly works all things together for good to those who love Him,
and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28, 2 Timothy 1:9-10),
which He accomplishes according to the counsel of His own will (Ephesians 1:11),
but the theory that God has DECREED all things,
including whatsoever comes to pass,
directly contradicts The Exact Words of God Himself in Jeremiah 19:5 (ESV, MEV, RSV),
and even the very first paragraph of the 1689 LBCF 3.1 fails the test of Scripture,
because of the un-Scriptural theory that God has DECREED all things,
including whatsoever comes to pass (1689 LBCF 3.1),
which directly contradicts exactly what God Himself explicitly states about this,
in His explicit triple negation of this in Jeremiah 19:5 (ESV, MEV, RSV).

Check out The Exact Words of GOD Himself in Jeremiah 19:5 -
They have built the high places of Baal,
to burn their sons in the fire as burnt offerings to Baal,
which I did not command,
NOR DECREE,
nor did it come into My heart.
_____________________________

Bottom Line :
the claim that God has DECREED all things,
including whatsoever comes to pass (1689 LBCF 3.1),
is an un-mistakable "point-blank" contradiction of the triple negative,
Spoken directly and explicitly by God Himself in Jeremiah 19:5 (ESV, MEV, RSV, etc...).

Also,
Scripture explicitly warns about those who DECREE iniquitous/un-righteous DECREES (Isaiah 10:1, cf. 30:1).

30/03/2019

In Romans 9:22-23 (Greek Interlinear, KJV, Youngs Literal Translation),
it is important to notice the Asymmetrical contrast,
between the Vessels of Wrath,
which were FITTED for Destruction (Greek verb : Katartizo, cf. 2 Peter 2:1ff),
and the Vessels of Mercy,
which GOD PREPARED BEFOREHAND for Glory (Greek verb : Proetoimazo, cf. Ephesians 2:10).
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The Greek verb Proetoimazo is only used of the Vessels of Mercy,
which GOD Prepared Beforehand (eg, Romans 9:23, cf. Ephesians 2:10),
but never of the Vessels of Wrath,
which GOD Endured with much Longsuffering (eg, Romans 9:22, cf. Ezekiel 18:23, 18:32, 33:11, Romans 10:21, 11:32).

The Greek verb Katartizo is commonly understood in the passive voice (ie, having been Fitted),
in the sense of 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12,
because they Refused to Receive the Love of The Truth,
and it is etymologically and grammatically distinct from Proetoimazo in the active voice (ie, Prepared Beforehand by God),
but Katartizo can also be understood in the middle voice (ie, having Fitted themselves),
denoting that the Vessels of Wrath Fitted themselves for Destruction,
which harmoniously accords with the warning in 2 Peter 2:1,
concerning the False Teachers who Brought Destruction upon themselves,
because they Denied The LORD Who Bought them.
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Unfortunately,
some English versions inaccurately use the same English verb "prepared" in both Romans 9:22 and 9:23,
which obscures the distinct etymological and grammatical meanings,
of the two different Greek verbs Katartizo and Proetoimazo,
and is also sometimes incorrectly assumed to imply the un-Scriptural theory of Equal Ultimacy (aka Symmetrical Double Predestination/Un-Conditional Reprobation).

If Equal Ultimacy was true,
then the exact same Greek verb Proetoimazo that is in Romans 9:23,
would have therefore also been used in Romans 9:22,
which then would have been translated :
"Vessels of Wrath which GOD PREPARED BEFOREHAND for Destruction",
but that is definitely NOT the case here,
which is WHY Paul used the totally different Greek verb Katartizo in Romans 9:22,
in direct contrast the to Greek verb Proetoimazo in Romans 9:23.

Also,
the un-Scriptural theory of Equal Ultimacy,
although affirmed by many if not most hyper-Calvinists,
is usually rejected by many if not most moderate Calvinists,
and is universally rejected by all traditional Reformed theologians.

http://biblehub.com/interlinear/romans/9-22.htm

https://biblehub.com/interlinear/romans/9-23.htm

02/03/2019

Double Jeopardy?

http://theologicalmeditations.blogspot.com/2005/09/double-jeopardy.html?m=1

Double Jeopardy?

17/02/2019

Colossians 2:8-10
Beware,
lest anyone captivate you through philosophy,
and empty deceit,
according to the traditions of humans,
according to the principles of the world,
and not according to Christ,
for in Him dwells all the fullness of The Deity bodily,
and you are complete in Him,
Who is The Head of all rule and authority.

09/12/2018

Basically,
there are 4 main soteriological sub-categories of Soteriology :

Divinely Initiated Monergism (aka Efficacious Grace/eg, Amyraldianism, Augustinianism, Calvinism, Lutheranism, Presbyterianism, Reformation Theology)

Divinely Initiated Synergism (aka Prevenient Grace/eg, Arminianism, Catholicism, Molinism, Traditionalism)

Humanly Initiated Synergism (aka Retroactive Grace/eg, Semi-Pelagianism)

Humanly Initiated Monergism (aka No Place For Grace/eg, Pelagianism)

28/10/2018

According to Scripture,
The Atonement is multi-faceted,
and includes :
Bloodshed - Hebrews 9:22
Chastisement - Isaiah 53:5
Cleansing - 1 John 1:7-9
Death - Romans 5:6-8
Expiation - John 1:29
Imputation - 2 Corinthians 5:21
Justification - Romans 5:9
New Covenant - Luke 22:20
Peace - Colossians 1:20
Price - 1 Corinthians 6:20, 7:23
Propitiation - 1 John 2:2
Purchase - Acts 20:28
Purification - Hebrews 1:3
Ransom - Mark 10:45
Reconciliation - Romans 5:10-11
Redemption - Hebrews 9:12
Righteousness - Romans 3:25
Sacrifice - Ephesians 5:2
Sanctification - Hebrews 10:10-14
Satisfaction - Isaiah 53:11
Substitution - 1 Timothy 2:6 (Greek : Anti-Lutron = Substitutionary-Ransom)
Suffering - 1 Peter 3:18
Victory - Colossians 2:15
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Ultimately,
Only The Infinite GOD-Man (John 1:1-18, 8:58, 20:28, Colossians 2:9, 1 Timothy 3:16),
could Pay The Infinite Price for us and our sins (1 Corinthians 6:20, 7:23),
with His Own Blood (1 Peter 1:18-19, cf. Acts 20:28/GOD's Own Blood),
which He fully Accomplished upon The Cross (John 19:30),
by The Giving and Offering of HIMSELF (Galatians 1:4, 2:20, Ephesians 5:25, 1 Timothy 2:6, Titus 2:14, Hebrews 7:27, 9:26, 10:10-14),
as a Sinless Sacrifice to GOD The Father (Ephesians 5:2, Hebrews 9:14).

10/10/2018

Timeline Photos

30/09/2018

Reformation Theology

05/09/2018

Historically & Theologically,
Augustine, Calvin, the Synod of Dort, etc...,
and all traditional Augustinian/Reformed theologians,
all unanimously affirmed both (eg, 1 Timothy 4:10, etc...),
the Particular Efficacy of Redemption for believers/the elect,
and the Infinite Sufficiency of the Atonement for all/the whole world.

This Historical fact is confirmed by one of the most well known,
and highly respected Reformed theologians in History,
who was also the Principal of Princeton Theological Seminary,
Charles Hodge :

"It has in all ages been customary with Augustinians,
to say that Christ died sufficiently for all (sufficienter pro omnibus),
but efficaciously only for the elect (efficaciter tantum pro electis)."(Systematic Theology, volume 2, pages 545-546).

"Augustinians do not deny that Christ died for all men.
He was a propitiation effectually for the sins of His people,
and sufficiently for the sins of the whole world.
Augustinians have no need to wrest The Scriptures.
They are under no necessity of departing from their fundamental principle,
that it is the duty of the theologian to subordinate his theories to The Bible,
and teach not what seems to him to be true or reasonable,
but simply what The Bible teaches."(Systematic Theology, volume 2, pages 558-559).
__________________________________________________________________________________

Reformed theologian William G. T. Shedd :
"Atonement is Unlimited,
and Redemption is Limited.
This statement includes All The Scripture texts :
those which assert that Christ Died for All men,
and those which assert that He Died for His people.
He who asserts Unlimited Atonement,
and Limited Redemption,
cannot well be misconceived.
He is understood to hold that The Sacrifice of Christ is Unlimited in Its Sufficiency,
but Limited in Its Effectual Application."(Dogmatic Theology, volume 2, page 470).

Reformed theologian Jonathan Edwards :
"He was enabled to Do and to Suffer the Whole Will of God,
and He Obtained the Whole of the End of His Sufferings -
a Full Atonement for the Sins of the Whole World,
and the Full Salvation of every one of those who were Given to Him in the Covenant of Redemption."(Works, volume 2, page 874).
_____________________________________________________________

The Scriptural distinction between Atonement and Redemption,
which is both important and necessary,
is often overlooked :

Atonement is the Infinite Satisfaction FOR All Sins,
and is therefore,
Un-Limited/Universal (eg, 1 John 2:2, cf. 5:19, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, 2 Peter 2:1, etc...).

Redemption is the Actual Deliverance FROM Our Sins,
and is therefore,
Limited/Particular (eg, Colossians 1:13-14, cf. Matthew 1:21, Hebrews 9:12-15, etc...).

30/05/2018

Ultimately,
The Only Thing that we Contribute to Salvation is the SIN that Made It Necessary,
and The Only WORK that is Necessary for Salvation,
Is The Finished Work of The LORD Jesus Christ upon The Cross (John 19:30),
Where The Infinite PRICE for us & our Sins was Paid In Full (Greek : Tetelestai, cf. 1 Corinthians 6:20, 7:23, 1 Peter 1:18-19),
and the Only Works that are Acceptable to GOD,
are the Good Works which GOD Prepared Beforehand (Ephesians 2:10, cf. Romans 9:23, Isaiah 26:12),
Because It is GOD Who Works in us,
Both to Will and to Work according to HIS Satisfaction (Philippians 2:13).

This is Not to Deny the Fact that GOD Given Faith (Philippians 1:29),
is the Necessary Instrumental Means through Which we Receive The GIFT of Salvation (John 1:12-13, 5:24, Acts 16:30-31, Romans 3:24-6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9, etc...),
but let us Never Forget that The LORD Jesus Christ Himself,
is Both The Originator & The Perfector of our Faith (Hebrews 12:2/Literal).

Therefore,
Salvation is OF The LORD (Jonah 2:9, Ephesians 2:1-10, 2 Timothy 1:9),
and NOT OF us (John 1:13, 6:63-65, 15:16-19, Romans 9:16, Ephesians 2:8-10),
and NOT OF Works (Romans 3:24-5:9, 6:23, Galatians 2:16, Ephesians 2:8-9, Philippians 3:9, 2 Timothy 1:9, Titus 3:4-7),
and It is Because OF HIM that we are in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:30),
Because HE Chose us in Christ,
Before the Foundation of the World (Ephesians 1:4-11),
and OF HIS OWN WILL,
HE Brought us Forth through The Word of Truth (James 1:18, cf. 1 Peter 1:23).

18/03/2018

6 Things Luther & Calvin Said About Genesis in their Commentaries

According to GOD Himself in Exodus 20:8-11,
He Made EVERYTHING in exactly 6 Days (ie, 6 Evenings & Mornings/Genesis 1:1-31).

According to GOD Himself in Exodus 20:8-11,
He Made EVERYTHING in exactly 6 Days (ie, 6 Evenings & Mornings/Genesis 1:1-31).

According to Genesis 1:26-31 (cf. Genesis 5:1-2),
GOD Made Adam on the 6th Day,
and Adam lived exactly 930 Years (Genesis 5:5),
but IF each Day was at least 1000 Years or More (as some folks say),
then Adam did NOT even live to the END of the 6th Day!!!...LOL

According to 1 Corinthians 15:45/Literal,
Adam was the FIRST human (Greek : ho prōtos anthrōpos).

According to Mark 10:6 (cf. Genesis 1:26-31, 5:1-2),
GOD Made them Male and Female FROM the Beginning of the Creation,
NOT Thousands or Millions of Years AFTER the Beginning of the Creation (as some folks say).

According to Romans 5:12-14 (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:21),
Death and Sin BEGAN with Adam,
NOT Thousands or Millions of Years BEFORE Adam (as some folks say).

https://isgenesishistory.com/6-things-luther-calvin-said-about-genesis/

They didn't mince words concerning their views of Genesis. With the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation upon us, it's worth reading what Luther said.

05/02/2018

According to Scripture,
Salvation is OF THE LORD (Jonah 2:9),
And It is Because OF HIM that we are in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:30),
Because HE Chose us in Christ BEFORE the Foundation of the World (Ephesians 1:4-11, cf. 2 Timothy 1:9),
And OF HIS OWN WILL,
HE Brought us Forth through The Word of Truth (James 1:18, cf. 1 Peter 1:23).

Therefore,
It is NOT OF ourselves (Ephesians 2:8-9, cf. John 6:63-65, 15:5, 15:16-19),
And It is NOT OF him who is Willing (Romans 9:16, cf. John 1:13),
But OF GOD Who Shows Mercy (Romans 9:16),
Because It is GOD Who Works in us,
BOTH to Will and to Work according to HIS Satisfaction (Philippians 2:13).

Furthermore,
It is also GOD Who Gives us the Ability to Believe (Philippians 1:29),
Because the Ability to Believe is a Work OF GOD (John 6:29),
And It is The LORD Jesus Himself,
Who is BOTH The Originator and The Perfector of our Faith (Hebrews 12:2/Literal).

05/02/2018

Ultimately,
The Foundational CORE Soteriological Difference Between Authentic Reformation Theology,
and ALL other Theologies (eg, Arminianism, Catholicism, Pelagianism, etc...),
is THIS : Monergism VS. Synergism.

Technically,
Monergism specifically refers to The Scriptural Fact and Truth of REGENERATION (i.e., "Born-Again" John 3:3, 1 Peter 1:23),
And Is Nothing Less Than An Absolute Miracle Of GOD Alone (John 1:13, 6:63-65, 15:3, Titus 3:5-7, James 1:18, 1 Peter 1:23),
In Which HE Alone Makes A Spiritually Dead Sinner Spiritually Alive (Ephesians 2:1-5, Colossians 2:13),
By Giving A New Heart And A New Spirit (Ezekiel 36:26-27),
Thus Setting The Sinner Free From Sin (John 8:34-36),
And Causing The New Creation In Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 2:10)
To Accordingly Respond To HIM (Psalm 65:4, 110:3/KJV, John 6:37, 6:63-65, Acts 9:1-21, 13:48, 16:14, Romans 8:29-30, 9:23, 1 Corinthians 12:3, 12:13, Philippians 1:6, 2:13).

*The LORD Miraculously Opened Lydia's Heart So That She Could Respond (Acts 16:14, cf. 14:27, Luke 24:45).

*The GRACE Of Regeneration Necessarily Comes BEFORE Faith (Not AFTER Faith) :
Luke 1:15 (Regenerated In The Womb/BEFORE Birth & Faith, cf. Jeremiah 1:5, Galatians 1:15)
Acts 9:1-21, 10:44, 13:48, 16:14
Romans 3:24-25
Ephesians 2:1-10
Colossians 2:13
2 Timothy 1:9 (Grace BEFORE Time)
Titus 3:5-7 (The Grace of Regeneration BOTH Precedes AND is Distinct FROM the Hope of Eternal Life)

*GOD Regenerates Us Through HIS Word (NOT Through Faith) :
Psalm 119:50
John 6:63-65, 15:3, 17:17
Romans 10:17 (cf. Ephesians 6:17, Hebrews 4:12)
1 Corinthians 4:15
Ephesians 5:26, 6:17 (cf. John 6:63)
2 Timothy 1:10
James 1:18
1 Peter 1:23

*GOD Is The Sole CAUSE Of Regeneration (NOT our Faith) :
Deuteronomy 30:6 (cf. 29:4)
Psalm 51:10, 65:4, 110:3/KJV
Ezekiel 11:19-20, 36:26-27, 37:4-14
Jeremiah 24:7, 32:39-40
John 1:13, 3:3-8 (Literally, "Begotten From Above" cf. 3:27), 6:63-65
Acts 16:14
Romans 4:17, 9:16
2 Corinthians 4:6-7
Ephesians 2:1-10
Philippians 1:6, 2:13
James 1:18
1 John 3:9 (cf. 1 Peter 1:23)

*GRACE Is The Foundational ROOT (Romans 3:24, Ephesians 2:1-10, 2 Timothy 1:9, Titus 3:5-7),
and Faith Is The Resultant FRUIT (Galatians 5:22/Literal, cf. Acts 13:48).

*FAITH Is The RESULT Of HEARING,
And HEARING Is The RESULT Of The WORD Of GOD (Romans 10:17, cf. John 6:63-65, James 1:18, 1 Peter 1:23).

*According to Hebrews 12:2/Literal,
Jesus Is BOTH The Originator & The Perfector of our Faith,
Which proves that Faith does NOT Originate with us (cf. John 1:13, 3:27, 6:63-65, 17:2-6),
That's Why It is NOT of us (Ephesians 2:8-10, Romans 9:16, James 1:18),
But It is a Gift that HE Gives to us (Philippians 1:29, cf. 2:13, Romans 12:3, 2 Peter 1:1).

*Regeneration Is 3 Dimensional Triune GRACE In Action :
GOD Is The Sole CAUSE (Psalm 65:4, Ezekiel 36:26-27, John 1:13)
The Holy SPIRIT Is The AGENT (John 3:8/Greek Text, John 6:63, 1 Corinthians 12:3)
The WORD Is The INSTRUMENT - The SWORD Of The SPIRIT (Ephesians 6:17, cf. John 6:63, Hebrews 4:12, James 1:18, 1 Peter 1:23).

*Scripturally (cf. Ephesians 2:1-10),
It Is Important To Carefully Distinguish Between Regeneration (SAVED BY GRACE = The Foundational ROOT/2 Timothy 1:9),
And Conversion (THROUGH FAITH = The Resultant FRUIT/Galatians 5:22-23).
This Distinction Is Logical (As To Order : ie, Cause & Effect),
But Not Necessarily Chrono-Logical (As To Time).

*A Very Common/Popular But UN-Biblical Synergistic Theory Of Regeneration :
Decisional Regeneration (cf. John 1:13, 6:63-65, 15:16, Acts 9:1-21, 16:14, Romans 9:16, James 1:18, 1 Peter 1:23).

*Salvation is OF THE LORD (Jonah 2:9),
And It is Because OF HIM that we are in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:30),
Because HE Chose us in Christ BEFORE the Foundation of the World (Ephesians 1:4-11, cf. 2 Timothy 1:9),
And OF HIS OWN WILL,
HE Brought us Forth through The Word of Truth (James 1:18, cf. 1 Peter 1:23).

Therefore,
It is NOT OF ourselves (Ephesians 2:8-9, cf. John 6:63-65, 15:5, 15:16-19),
And It is NOT OF him who is Willing (Romans 9:16, cf. John 1:13),
But OF GOD Who Shows Mercy (Romans 9:16),
Because It is GOD Who Works in us,
BOTH to Will and to Work according to HIS Satisfaction (Philippians 2:13).

Furthermore,
It is also GOD Who Gives us the Ability to Believe (Philippians 1:29),
Because the Ability to Believe is a Work OF GOD (John 6:29),
And It is The LORD Jesus Himself,
Who is BOTH The Originator and The Perfector of our Faith (Hebrews 12:2/Literal).