We are gathered at a wedding, and we have gathered in order to witness the vows being made. When these vows are exchanged, a new relationship in the world is established—the marital relationship between Alec and Hannah. But it would be false to say that a new kind of relationship has been established. A unique …
Calvinism 4.0/Preservation and Perseverance
Introduction: The usual way people refer to this next doctrine is with the phrase “perseverance of the saints.” I believe that for the sake of a fuller accuracy, we should make the phrase longer, a bit more cumbersome, but much richer and more complete. We should call it the “preservation and perseverance of the saints.” …
And Very Grateful for This . . .
In the midst of a great deal of confusion on sexuality and gender (see the previous post), I am very grateful that the denomination Christ Church belongs to (the CREC) has issued a statement on one of the basic issues involved. That statement can be accessed here. For those unfamiliar with the polity of the …
Calvinism 4.0/Resurrecting Grace
Introduction: We have learned from Scripture that our salvation is from all eternity, which is the reason it will extend into all eternity. In accordance with His good pleasure, the Father has chosen those who will make up the number of His elect. He did this before eternal times, before all worlds. His choice determines …
Calvinism 4.0/Purchased by the Son
Introduction: The doctrines of grace are a set of doctrines which describe the three persons of the Trinity as working in concert to secure our salvation. Those whom the Father chose, the Son purchased with His own blood. Those whom the Son purchased with His own blood, the Spirit effectually calls when He converts. At …
Calvinism 4.0/Election by the Father
Introduction: Everyone who believes the Bible knows that the doctrine of sovereign election is taught there. Unfortunately, this does not mean that we have universal agreement on the doctrine. There are two main approaches to the subject among evangelicals, the first being that God elects His own on the basis of foreseen faith. The second …
Calvinism 4.0/Man as Fallen
Introduction: The nature of the problem dictates whether or not there can even be a solution, and if so, what that solution might be. Among evangelical Christians, the nature of the “problem” that salvation solves can be described in two basic ways. Either man is sick in his sin, needing to take the medicine, or …
Calvinism 4.0/The Liberty of the Creature
Introduction: The theologians behind the Westminster Confession said something that was curious, and it was this: They did not want to say that God’s absolute sovereignty was merely consistent with the liberty of creaturely will, but rather that God’s sovereignty was what established the liberty of that will. God does not offer violence to the …
Calling It Something Else
The Bible instructs us on how we are to live together. When we do not follow those instructions, there are two kinds of disobedience. One is flagrant, and knows that it is disobedient. When professing Christians give way to these sorts of temptations, the results are called theft, adultery, fornication, sodomy, false witness and so …
How Much More
The New Covenant is not a covenant that altered the fundamental nature of covenants. Throughout the Old Testament, covenants always had attendant blessings and curses. Some have wanted to imagine that the New Covenant was a covenant of automatic blessings, and that by its very nature, curses were impossible. But Paul tells us here that …