While driving home from the fantastic town of McPherson, I was thinking about the wonderful cup of coffee that awaited me at home, and going over my current memory verse, which is 2nd Peter 1.

I was pondering on verses 5-8:

2 Peter 1:5-8

5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

ESV

While dwelling on the qualities mentioned here, I found that none of them aptly describe myself.  But above all, steadfastness is the quality that I lack the most. 

I'm so easily sidetracked and I have difficulty staying on course.  For instance, instead of pointing out my character flaws on my Blog, I should be studying for my history COOP.  

So, I'm going to put a stop to this right now........

My prayer is that God would withhold my fleshly tendencies and grant me grace so that I may be strengthened, through Him, in the area of steadfastness.  Knowing that if these qualities are mind, and are increasing, they shall keep me from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of my Lord Jesus Christ.

For the passed few weeks, some of my friends and I have been discussing the ever popular and controversial topic of Christ's work on the cross.

The modern day sentiment towards the atonement is that Christ has fully atoned for all the sins of all people.

Although the growth of this view shocks reformed/calvinist minded people, it should not be surprising that in today's age of anti-intellectualism that this view is so popular.

Since my interest in this topic has once again been perked, and due to some extra time on my hands, I am going to attempt to write a few posts focusing on the main verses the Arminians use as strongholds for their view of Unlimited Atonement.

The first stronghold is 1 John 2:2:


1 John 2:2
2  He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
ESV

The Arminian will immediately point out that the verse indicates that Christ has payed for the sins of the "Whole World."  And although at first glance this does seem to be the case, a closer look will reveal the truth.

Firstly, who was John's audience?  From the little research I did, it seems that most scholars agree that 1 John was written to the Church at Ephesus.  Ephesus was a town in Asia Minor (modern day turkey), we can therefore assume that most of the congregation were of Gentile descent, with perhaps a few Jews or Judiazers .
The Jews still believed the promise of salvation belonged to them and them alone, except perhaps for the occasional sojourner.  The reason we find the use of universal terms like "Whole World" and "all" used in the context of salvation is because the apostles were demonstrating to the Gentiles that salvation was for people from every tribe, tongue and nation.  They were also attempting to correct those Jews and Judiazers who still believed the promises were their's alone.

Secondly, it is important to note the use of the word propitiation.

Propitiation as defined by Webster is:  "The act of regaining goodwill or favor."  If a fallen human is to regain God's favor, his sin must first be atoned for/justly payed for in full.  And that is exactly what Christ does.  He payed the full price for the sin of His people.

But if what the Arminians says is true, and Christ has made propitiation for the "Whole World" how can any human justly go to hell?  If their sin has all been payed for, and Christ has suffered the full curse for them, what is left for them to suffer for?  Is it not unjust for God to send someone to hell whose sins have been atoned for?

The Arminian will undoubtedly respond by saying that those who go to hell do so because they rejected Christ.  But isn't rejecting Christ a sin of omission? And if Christ really did make atonement for the sin of the "Whole World" wouldn't He of atoned for the sins of omission?

These are greatly disturbing issues.  For we see that if Unlimited Atonement is true, it makes God to be an unjust Judge and therefore fallen by His own standard.

In the end we see that 1 John 2:2 does not point to an Unlimited Atonement.  On the contrary, 1 John 2:2 is some of the strongest evidence in Scripture for the doctrine of Limited Atonement.  For John clearly teaches an atonement that was perfect, and accomplished Salvation for everyone that it was intended for!

S.D.G

In theology, when it comes to debating Arminianism and defending Calvinism, one name stands out...James White.

James White is the founder of Alpha and Omega Ministries and is the author of masterpiece The Potter's Freedom.  James White is an excellent orator and debater who jumps at each and every challenge that is presented to Biblical Orthodoxy.

Two years ago James White came out with two youtube videos commenting on a conference that had happened earlier in the year, known as the John 3:16 conference.

I'm sure Dr. White could of spent hours commenting on the entire conference. However, he chose to wield his sword against two specific instances (which I will post below).

I found these videos to be both instructive and humorous, so without further adieu, Dr. James White:

Of all the hymns that I love so dearly, William Cowper's "God Moves in a Mysterious Way" is my favorite.

Whenever I feel vexed, stressed or depressed, this song is one of the first places I go.

This hymn brings me great comfort for two reasons:

1:  It clearly demonstrates God's Almighty sovereignty and control over all things.

2:  It also displays the deep love and compassion our Lord shows His children in all that He does.

This is one of the few hymns I can play by memory on the piano, and I've spent a lot of time just sitting there....playing it over and over again.

Anyways, I posted the song below, enjoy!

Earlier this week I had a chance to discuss the issue of infant salvation with some of my friends from college.

Although opinions differed greatly we did come to a general agreement that Scripture has not spoken much on the issue and therefore we must trust in God to do what is good and just in His eyes.

Although we somewhat resolved the issue, I would like to ramble on for a bit and give some thoughts that I have had on the issue.

The ordeal of Infant salvation is a though one to discuss in todays culture.  In America alone we are surrounded by the murder of thousands of babies each year in abortion clinics, not to mention the ever present sad occasion of a still born child or other sad mis happenings.

Most humans have a tender spot in their hearts for new born babies, infants and toddlers, and I am no exception.  I think those feelings probably comes from the beauty we see in God's creation of the newness of life, that's what makes this specific issue of infant salvation so hard to discuss, especially for the Calvinist.

As a Calvinist, I believe Scripture teaches that when Adam fell, as our Covenant representative, we all fell IN him.  Therefore, all descendants of Adam are born with his corrupt nature which they receive at conception.

That being said, I do not believe it possible (or in line with Scripture) to state that all human children that die at birth or infancy are immediately ushered into heaven.

However, we look around today at the modern day church, or even to those church's who claim to be "reformed" or "Calvinistic," we see that many people today hold strongly to this doctrine.  People state different reasons for why they believe this, some of the more popular reasons are that "They are Innocent!"  This idea that children are born sinless and therefore cannot be held accountable for doing any evil.  Another popular statement is that "God is to merciful to send a child to hell."

Although both these reasons are appealing to our flesh, I believe that neither of them are in line with Scripture.

The first argument made (that human children are born innocent) I believe is in error due to the simple fact that all children are born with Adam's radically corrupt nature, and therefore all humans from birth justly deserve eternal punishment away from the face of God.

⁵Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
   and in sin did my mother conceive me.

-Psalm 51:5

The second argument made (God is to merciful to send a child to hell) I also must must frown upon from Scripture's view point.  As sad as it may seem, a child is still a human and still possesses a radically corrupt nature, therefore from the beginning of life they deserve what every other human deserves, separation from God.

So does this leave all those who die an infant to certain doom?  I believe this is not the case.  Due to by reformed beliefs, I acknowledge that since salvation requires no cooperation from the human, no prior learning is necessary to be regenerated and receive salvation.  How this happens, I don't understand, however I believe we get a clear snapshot of this from within Scripture:

   And the LORD afflicted the child that Uriah’s wife bore to David, and he became sick. ¹⁶David therefore sought God on behalf of the child. And David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground. ¹⁷And the elders of his house stood beside him, to raise him from the ground, but he would not, nor did he eat food with them. ¹⁸On the seventh day the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, "Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spoke to him, and he did not listen to us. How then can we say to him the child is dead? He may do himself some harm." ¹⁹But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David understood that the child was dead. And David said to his servants, "Is the child dead?" They said, "He is dead." ²⁰Then David arose from the earth and washed and anointed himself and changed his clothes. And he went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. He then went to his own house. And when he asked, they set food before him, and he ate. ²¹Then his servants said to him, "What is this thing that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child while he was alive; but when the child died, you arose and ate food." ²²He said, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, 'Who knows whether the LORD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?' ²³But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me."
2 Sam 12:15-23


David seems to be very clear in his speech that he will soon be reunited with His son in paradise.


This is really the only  Scripture we have that touches on the subject, and even this passage isn't real direct with it's message.


All in all, it really boils down to God will do what pleases Him and He will bring total glory and honor to His name in all that He does.  


And you can be 100% sure, that every single last thing that He has done, does and will do, is entirely Just in every aspect. 

As I was browsing Drudge this evening I came across this article that caught my gaze and I decided to quickly browse what it said and search for any decent information.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0110/31839.html

I found it quite entertaining that the shocked Democrats, after losing a seat held by one of their own for 46 years, are done biting their tongues and have announced that they are finished blindly and aimlessly going along with this administration's ideals and goals.

I remember when the Health Care Bill first passed through the house, it seemed like nothing could stop it from reaching the President's desk.  True, there were many other difficulties that still had not been worked out, but it appeared that this would be a breeze for push and shove method of Obama's White House.  As any other citizen who has any idea what this country was founded on and has any comprehension of what freedom means, I was very concerned with what this bill might have in store for America, not to mention what it may lay the foundation for.  However, I did take solace in the fact that we have a Sovereign God who has passed through the heavens.  I knew from Scripture that nothing has ever happened that God has not ordained.  Therefore, I also knew that God had complete and total control over what was to happen to this bill.  However I DID not know why God would bring such a thing to pass, but once again I took solace in the words of Deuteronomy 29:29:

29 "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.

ESV

Whatever God's reason for bringing this bill into existence, it was obviously not for me to know.

But after reading this article and seeing the anger that burns against Obama's administration, not only from Conservative America BUT ALSO FROM HIS OWN PARTY!  I am hoping that the reason God brought this bill before us is to show America the stupidity of those we have elected as well as to point us in the direction that we should go, which is of course a return to His word.

The Lord has begun the mock our elected officials by turning their so called "accomplishments" into a living nightmare for them.

I have no idea what God has planned, but I do know that it's to wonderful for me to imagine.  Therefore, I will continue to trust in Him, for as it was written:

4 He who sits in the heavens laughs;

the Lord holds them in derision.

5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath,

and terrify them in his fury, saying,

6 "As for me, I have set my King

on Zion, my holy hill."

Ps. 2:4-6 ESV

Soli Deo Gloria

In Christ,

Andrew

Well after not posting on my very neglected Blog for over a year, I think it's probably high time I at least put a little effort once again in attempting to write something worth while.

This evening, the Covenanting heads of households of Coram Deo Fellowship met in our family's basement to begin a mens Bible Study that will eventually cover the rich and profound texts of Romans.  Unfortunately, due to the business of life not all could be present, but for those of us who were able to attend we enjoyed a very blessed time of studying the very foremost part of Romans.

First off we covered the Who, What, When, Where, Why and How of Romans.  We discussed the Author, Paul, and how he wrote the inspired book of Romans through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit as an Apostle of Christ.  We also covered the affect that the book has had throughout the past and how it has transformed the lives of many important Theologians and Scholars as well as laymen.  We discussed the date and the era that Romans was written so that we could put in perspective what troubles the church may have been going through when Paul was writing this Epistle.

After this brief introduction, we preceded to start reading Romans verse by verse and to discuss what these verses mean in the context of what we had discussed earlier and also how it fits in and brings together the rest of Scripture.

We enjoyed a lot of great conversation, but most notably we discussed the meaning of the word Servant in verse one of chapter one.

 ¹Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God

Romans 1:1 ESV

My Father pointed out that some versions use the words "bond servant" in place of servant.  We then began to search the Scriptures in order to find out exactly what a bond servant was, which we found in the reading of the law in the Old Testament. 

¹"Now these are the rules that you shall set before them. ² When you buy a Hebrew slave, he shall serve six years, and in the seventh he shall go out free, for nothing. ³If he comes in single, he shall go out single; if he comes in married, then his wife shall go out with him. ⁴If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the wife and her children shall be her master’s, and he shall go out alone. ⁵But if the slave plainly says, 'I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free,' ⁶then his master shall bring him to God, and he shall bring him to the door or the doorpost. And his master shall bore his ear through with an awl, and he shall be his slave forever.

Exodus 21:1-6 ESV

We see through the context of the Old Testament law, that a bond servant is one that chooses to serve his master for the rest of his/her earthly life.  It then follows that Paul, after being chosen by God as a member of His elect, has chosen to be a bond servant to God forever.  Serving Him by guarding Christ's church and teaching and preaching the word of God to His elect.

In light of this we also talked about how the terms "servant" or "slave" can be so offensive to people in the Postmodern era, especially in America where we so proudly flaunt our "freedom."  But we also realize that the slavery or servant hood of the Old Testament times (at least in the land of Israel) was more of an employer/employee relationship.  Obviously there are vast differences, but it is a much better picture than that of a beaten, abused and overly used human who is forced to labor at the commands of a demanding and violent master.  Obviously, God would not condone humans to be treated that way. 

This is just a very simple overview of what was discussed this evening, I am very much looking forward to our future studies and drinking deeply from the beautifully layed out and inspired book of Romans.

In Christ,

Andrew 

18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. ESV

This is one of those sections of Scripture that when I read it causes the hair on the back of my neck to stand on end. 2nd Timothy 3:16 says "All Scripture is breathed out by God" which should be enough to cause us to tremble at the hearing of His Word. I'm going to take a few minutes and share a few comments on this particular passage in Scripture.

Verse 18 says: 18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.

Pretty scary verse, but what does it mean when it says "the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness?" As Dr. D. James Kennedy says "All does not mean all, all of the time," is this one of those moments when all only means a certain amount or a select few? Lets read it in that context: "For the wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against a select few of the ungodliness and unrighteousness of men." It seems to me that this interpretation contradicts God's character as a just God who always punishes sin and always maintains His Holy Name. From what we see of God from His word, He is not the type to "Turn His Head" or to "Look the other way" at what we might call a few minor sins. God cannot tolerate sin, from that viewpoint it is easy to see that NO sin is a minor sin to Him. But God has mercy on whom He will have mercy, and his love is never ending toward His elect. Even so God never lets sin go unpunished. Something that should strike terror into our hearts, and at the same time cause us to be thankful for His ever abounding mercy.

Verse 19: 19For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.

"God has shown it to them," what is the antecedent of "them"? I think if we go back to verse 18 we find it's "men." Now another question arises, to who exactly does "men refer?" I am open to correction on this but from what I understand "men" refers to all mankind. So from what I see, Paul is saying that the evidence of God has been shown to all mankind and "plain to them." How has it been made plain to them? Lets look at the next verse.

Verse 20: 20For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

It has been made plain by the things that He has made. By his attributes, and Paul goes on to share a few of the many. God's creation is such an overwhelming and complex system that it clearly demonstrates God's existence. The alternate ideas, which the flesh has invented with are so ridiculous that "they are without excuse." Dr. Richard Dawkins of Oxford University, what would he say to God at the end of time answered "Why did you take such pains to hide yourself." This answer is unacceptable, when Dawkins says this he is suppressing the truth and is "without excuse." I am reminded of the words of Romans 3: 19: 19Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. Romans 3:19. My guess is that Mr. Dawkins will not ask God that question.

Questions or Comments? Please feel free to contact me at andrew32693@yahoo.com

Up to this point we have looked at the five points that provide the base of Arminian and Calvinistic Theology. I have attempted to show my belief on these points and I hope it will be used for God’s glory. This is just a quick short sum up post about what we have discussed.

Arminian Theology

First off man really isn’t that badly hurt by the fall and he can really make it on his own. Also man chooses his salvation thus bringing glory to man. God cannot penetrate man’s free will which gives man power over God. God is forced to let everyone have a chance to be saved, why? Because man says if it were different it would not be fair. God’s grace is not irresistible and if God calls someone they can resist Him. Last off, it is up to man to keep His salvation and also watch out because he can loose it showing that God has no ability to keep Christians on the straight and narrow path.

Calvinistic Theology

We see that God is entirely and completely sovereign and that man has absolutely no power over his Creator. Number one, man is in a completely fallen state and has a nature that only continually seeks sin and is at enmity with God. Man has no ability to choose God because of his nature and only God can bring about the salvation of a man bringing full glory to Himself. God’s call is irresistible and no man can resist it, if it is God’s will that someone will be saved that person will be saved no matter what. If a man is saved then he can never loose his salvation showing God to be a God of His word and promise!

Which Theology sounds like the one preached in Scripture? It comes down to one question in my mind, who is Sovereign? Is Man Sovereign, or is God? Who deserves to be glorified, the creation, or the Creator.

Ok I won’t rant anymore on this post. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas Season! God Bless! Andrew

We have now come to the last of the “five points” of the Calvinistic faith, “Perseverance of the Saints.” The Arminians have an opposing view, which is called “Falling from Grace”. It appears that all Arminian doctrines glorify man and diminish God. Is “falling from grace” different? Perhaps this Arminian doctrine will finally give glory to God? However, the opposite is true – man is again glorified while keeping his salvation. As I have said before, you can sum up the Arminian faith in four simple words; “Man first, God Second.” Here are the definitions of these two doctrines, taken from http://www.the-highway.com/compare.html:

Calvinistic View

Perseverance of the Saints

All who are chosen by God, redeemed by Christ, and given faith by the Spirit are eternally saved. They are kept in faith by the power of Almighty God and thus persevere to the end.

Arminian View

Falling from Grace

Those who believe and are truly saved can lose their salvation by failing to keep up their faith, etc. All Arminians have not been agreed on this point; some have held that believers are eternally secure in Christ - that once a sinner is regenerated, he can never be lost.

Again, we go back to the very same point, how do these doctrines fulfill man’s primary purpose, which is to “Glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” Let’s look at the Calvinistic view; God makes His elect to persevere through their whole Christian walk and thus brings glory to himself by showing His faithfulness to the elect. Look at John 10:27-29:

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. –John 10:27-29

Now let’s look at how the Arminian doctrine “supposedly” brings glory to God. The some-what powerful God, who is forced to submit to His creations choice, cannot assure anyone that he or she will always have the salvation that they have accepted. He can only tell them that they better sit up straight and follow His laws or else they will lose their salvation. If man makes it through life, and still has faith in Christ, then he should be praised that he made it on his own without falling away. So, show me where God receives glory in that? It’s basically God, leaving it all up to man, hoping, just hoping that they will remain on the narrow path or otherwise He can’t take them to heaven with Him. It also shows that God isn’t powerful enough to bring them all the way home like He promises. Why? Perhaps, because His power is limited by man’s power (Free Will)? I believe this is absurd!

Also, how do you know when you have become “un-saved?” Where is the yardstick which tells us when we are no longer one of God’s children? I can’t find it anywhere in Scripture. Where is it? And what about Hebrews 10:10, which says:

10And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. –Heb 10:10

We see here that Christ died once for all. So what about the backslider who loses his salvation? Does he get to receive God’s salvation over and over again? It seems to me here that Christ died once for all the elect, and so how can one receive the gift again if he has already thrown it away? Arminians contradict their view and try to draw these backsliders to Christ, even though to remain consistent with their view every one should only get one chance at the Christian Walk because Christ died for everybody once.

Some Arminians believe that the doctrine of Perseverance of the Saints “spells” disaster. They believe that this doctrine opens up the idea “Once saved always saved.” This statement is true, even though it’s not the statement I would choose to represent this doctrine with. It gives the impression that once you’re saved you can do whatever you want because once you’re saved you’re always saved. This is the ground on which Arminians attack perseverance of the saints. Of course, if God changes someone’s heart then that person will have a heart that wants to please God. This is because whatever God does, He does well and therefore none of the people He changes will still have a nature that craves after sin. Those who profess faith, but do not live according to His statutes and laws however were never saved. Look at Matt 7:21-23:

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.” –Matthew 7:21-23

Notice God says “I never knew you.” Not “I knew you and then because you failed to keep my law I ceased to know you.”

Finally here are some Scripture verses supporting this doctrine:

“‘He will guard the feet of his faithful ones, but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness, for not by might shall a man prevail.’” -1 Samuel 2:9

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” –Psalm 23:6

“But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel , your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you.” –Isaiah 43:1-3

“‘For the mountains may depart, and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,’ says the LORD, who has compassion on you.” –Isaiah 54:10

“And they shall be my people, and I will be their God. I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me forever, for their own good and the good of their children after them. I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me. I will rejoice in doing them good, and I will plant them in this land in faithfulness, with all my heart and all my soul.” - Jeremiah 32:38-41

“And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away.” -Luke 8:13

In the next post I will give a sum up over-view of both Reformed Theology, and Arminian Theology.

If you have any questions or objections you can contact me at andrew32693@yahoo.com. God Bless!