Strongest Argument for Unconditional Sovereign Election
There are two primary ways to understand the doctrine of election: Unconditional Sovereign Election — This is God’s choosing of certain people, chosen “before the foundation of the world, according to His own good pleasure” (Eph 1:4-6). God’s choosing of certain people guarantees that the one chosen will respond to the gospel of Christ […]
Election of True Israel in Christ — [Commentary on Romans 11]
All Scripture quotations are from the 1901 American Standard Version (updated) unless otherwise noted. Introduction Like Romans 9, Romans 11 is one of the most important chapters in the New Testament regarding the doctrine of election, Israel and the Church. This discussion – that actually began in Romans 8 (especially verses 28-39) – ends […]
Arminian CE vs. Calvinist CE (OT Pattern) — [4 of 4]
Four, Arminian Corporate Election (CE) falls short in its understanding of the connection between Old Testament Israel and New Testament Israel, which results in an erroneous position on CE. First let me say again that I am a strong proponent of Fulfillment Theology, which is a central teaching of Covenant Theology, Baptist Covenant Theology and New Covenant […]
Arminian CE vs. Calvinist CE (Christ as the Group) — [3 of 4]
Three, Arminian Corporate Election (CE) has the erroneous idea that Christ Himself is the group. In close association with the previous flaw (part 2), Arminian CE teaches that Jesus is essentially the group Himself—as the corporate Head of the group. But this cannot be, since the group is the Church, and Christ died for the Church and He is Head […]
Arminian CE vs. Calvinist CE (Christ’s Twofold Election) — [2 of 4]
Two: Arminian Corporate Election (CE) fails to factor-in the two-fold election of Christ, which disallows the idea that we can share in His election. Arminian CE describes election in a manner that only takes in one aspect of Christ’s election. While it acknowledges that Jesus was chosen to be both the Corporate Head of the Church and its Savior, it fails to factor-in His election […]
Arminian CE vs. Calvinist CE (Corp & Indiv) — [1 of 4]
(Please read Introduction first) Four Major Flaws of Arminian Corporate Election (CE) I have a lot of respect for the Arminian view of CE. It presents a scholarly and fairly plausible interpretation of the doctrine of election. There are certain aspects to that position that I agree with. I think it has the right basic idea, […]
Arminian Corporate Election VS. Calvinist Corporate Election – [Introduction]
Introduction Union and Identification vs. Actual Sovereign Choice Corporate Election (CE) is normally associated with Arminian theology. However, it can be argued that CE is fundamentally a Calvinist position on the doctrine of election — which I shall do in this study. Central debate: Is election merely one of union and identification? Or is […]
Examining Ephesians 1:4 – (“Chosen in Christ”)
Introduction When studying the doctrine of election, I believe the starting point must be Ephesians 1:4. The reason I say that is because, number one, it’s so plainly stated. There’s no other passage in the Bible quite like it, especially within the context that it’s written. But also, after considering all other interpretations, there’s […]
The Plan and Pathway of Election — [Commentary on Romans 9]
All Scripture quotations are from the 1901 American Standard Version (slightly updated) unless otherwise noted. Introduction Romans 9 is one of the central passages of the New Testament in understanding the doctrine of election. Paul’s discussion really begins in chapter 8, and more specifically, Romans 8:28-39. Those verses serve as an introduction to and as a key to […]
The Redemption of the Elect — [Romans 8:28-39]
All Scripture quotations are from the 1901 American Standard Version (slightly updated). Introduction Romans 8:28-39 serves as the introduction to Romans 9. Therefore, in order to understand chapter 9, we must understand this passage in Romans 8. The subject is the doctrine of election. Particular redemption (limited atonement) is seen all over this passage to the unbiased […]