Paul’s Conversion Reveals the True Nature of Election
“The pattern of Paul’s conversion is right in front of us, and should be allowed to instruct us in our understanding. Whenever such clear insight is given to us, it should not be relegated to the realm of least importance, but be given the highest place of consideration when studying these doctrines. Examples in […]
Commentary on Romans 11 – [The Election of True Israel in Christ]
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 […]
Glory to God For Our Salvation
Why So Much Talk About Unconditional Sovereign Election? Many years ago in the early stages of my walk with Christ, I read of a visiting speaker to a class of seminary students, who asked them this question: “What is our purpose in life (as Christians)?” Not one student out of that class could answer the question […]
Election, Salvation and the Human Heart
The Total Sovereignty of God in Salvation The Pride and Boastfulness of the Human Heart Christians who believe that the Bible teaches free-will (or freed will), personal-ability salvation (Arminians/provisionists), believe that every person who comes into the world has the capacity to choose to receive Christ as their Savior upon hearing the gospel message. They believe that our salvation […]
The One-Sided Grace of God In Salvation
The longer I live and the more I learn, the more I realize how one-sided the grace of God really is. I think most Christians would agree that the grace of God is one-sided, that God does as He pleases for His own purposes and glory. However, when it comes to our salvation, many […]
There’s No Such Thing as Unlimited Atonement
Arminianism (also Provisionism) teaches that the atonement of Christ is unlimited, where Christ died for all and salvation is available to all. However, in the strict meaning of the word, there is no such thing as unlimited atonement. That would only be true if everyone got saved. The fact is, only a small fringe group of people believe in universal salvation. Orthodox, historical Christians […]
Everyone Called, Receives Christ
In regard to the call to salvation in Christ, there’s two forms: First, there’s a general call that goes out to the world via the spoken or written gospel of Jesus Christ. It’s inevitable that there will be many people who hear the words of the gospel message, because the message is going out to the world via […]
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 […]
Chosen and Known “From All Eternity”
(Titus 1:1-2 – ASV) – [1] Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, [2] in hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before times eternal; “before times eternal” is […]
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 […]