"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:16,17
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TULIP (Five Basic Beliefs of Calvinism)
I. T - Total Depravity
II. U - Unconditional Election:
Conclusion: Part One
Part Two: Introduction
III. L - Limited Atonement:
IV. I - Irresistible Grace:
V. P - Preservation of the Saints:
Conclusion: This TULIP is not a plant which can be grown from the seed of the Kingdom.Introduction:
A. As members of the New Testament church, we have before us the obligation of teaching and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ as revealed in the Bible to “every creature.”
B. Preaching and teaching involves understanding the truth taught by God and being able to give a defense of our faith accorded to what God has said.
2 Tim 2:15: "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
Acts 17:11-12: "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few."
1 Pet 3:15: "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:"
C. Today, I want us to come to a better understanding of the teaching of Calvinism which is by far our greatest obstacle to teaching people how to receive the salvation that God has provided through Jesus Christ.
1. Calvinism is the foundational doctrine of all who believe we are saved by “Faith Alone.”
2. Calvinism is the doctrine which has prevented millions of souls from being baptized into Jesus Christ for the remission of their sins.
3. Calvinism is also responsible for shutting out countless souls from the kingdom of God.
4. Calvinism teaches that God does not love all men or give all men the opportunity to be saved!
5 . Calvinism teaches that the Gospel of Jesus Christ cannot be offered to everyone!
D. Historically, Calvinists have explained their doctrine as having five basic points which they form into an acrostic: TULIP.
1. T- Total Depravity
2. U- Unconditional Election
3. L- Limited Atonement
4. I- Irresistible Grace
5. P- Preservation of the Saints
E. Today, we will begin a brief look at each point and what the Bible really teaches.A. What Calvinists Believe about Total Hereditary Depravity.
1. Man was originally created with free will, but after the fall of Adam, all men are born totally depraved and incapable of knowing or doing anything “good.”
2. “Original Sin”: (Synonym of Total Depravity) Something inherited from Adam, belief that sin is not something we do, but something we are.
3. Total Depravity: (1794) Webster: “a state of corruption due to original sin held in Calvinism to infect every part of man’s nature and to make the natural man unable to know or obey God.”
4. Some quotes from “TULIP: Faith of our Fathers” (Calvinist tract, Southeast Protestant Reformed Church, Grand Rapids, MI).
“Can a man do good works then, if he is not a Christian who is born again? No.”
“Can a man want to be born again and follow instructions on ‘how to do it’? No.”
“Can a man ‘accept Christ’ as his personal Saviour, so that he becomes saved after that? Of course not. Accepting Christ is a good work done only by a Christian. Only AFTER God makes a person alive, can he and will he accept Christ. ‘No man can come unto me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him.’ (John 6:44).”
“ONLY GOD CAN MAKE US ALIVE. AND GOD DOES THAT SOVEREIGNLY - WITHOUT OUR AID, WITHOUT OUR ASKING.”
B. Calvinism is FALSE because it denies what the Bible says about how God created man:
1. Man is (not “was”) created in the image of God, not totally depraved.
Gen 1:26: "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:...”
1 Cor 11:7: "For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man."
James 3:9: "Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God."
Psa 58:3: "The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies."
a. How can a child “go astray” if they are born totally depraved to start with?
b. Note that Psa. 58:10 speaks of the “righteous” who rejoice at God’s vengeance on the wicked.
c. Were “wicked” and “righteous” born differently in this context?
C. Calvinism is FALSE because it denies that God has given everyman a free will and a mind which can comprehend good and evil.
Gen 3:22: "And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:"
Gen 4:6-7: "And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him." (A descendant of Adam can do good).
Deu 30:11-16: "For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. 12 It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? 13 Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? 14 But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it. 15 See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; 16 In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it."
2 Cor 5:10: "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." (Not what Adam did??)
Psa 34:14-15: "Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. 15 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry."
3 John 1:11: "Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God." (Is a choice implied, even as a child of God??).
1. If man is incapable of faith and respect for God, how did Cornelius’ devotions come to the attention of God??
Acts 10:1-2: "There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, 2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway."
Acts 10:4: "And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God."
2. If man is incapable of faith and obedience, then where did Abraham’s faith come from?
James 2:23: "And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God."
3. If depravity is the reason we commit sin, then why did Adam and Eve sin???
C. Calvinism is false because it rejects the Bible definition of SIN.
1. In the Bible, Sin is something an individual does to separate himself from God, and in a sinful world, all choose to sin. (Dead in trespasses and sins, in which once lived. Eph 2:1,2).
Isa 59:1-2: "Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: 2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear."
Ezek 18:20-23: "The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. 21 But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. 22 All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live. 23 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?"
Rom 3:10: "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:"
Rom 3:23: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"
a. Calvinism is based on a misunderstanding of the meaning of the word “SIN.”
1 John 3:4: "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law."
b. The Bible says that a man can commit sin and be in sin, but not that he is sin!
c. James tells us that sin is the end result of our following our lusts (James 1:14,15).
d. If all humans are depraved, then why wasn’t Jesus depraved?
John 1:14: "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."D. If Calvinism is true, THEN:
1. A lost person is saved BEFORE he believes. (John 3:16)
2. A lost person is saved BEFORE he repents. (Luke 13:3)
3. A lost person is saved BEFORE he confesses Christ. (Luke 12:8)
4. A lost person is saved BEFORE he is baptized for the remission of sins. (Acts 2:38)
5. A lost person is saved BEFORE he is IN CHRIST (Gal. 3:27)
6. God requires absolutely nothing of a lost person to be saved!
7. The most sincere and humble desire to know and obey God has nothing to do with salvation!
8. Man does not have free will and preaching the Gospel is not the power of God to salvation.
Rom 1:16: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."II. U - Unconditional Election:
A. What Calvinists Believe about unconditional election: (TULIPS, tract).
“God chooses to give some people eternal life, without looking for anything good in them, as a condition for loving and saving them.”
“Before any man or woman is born - in fact, before the world was made - God decided who would go to heaven and who would not. Before they did anything good or bad, God chose some to be His people and rejected others.”
1. If you are among the “elect” predestined by God, there is nothing you can do to insure or reject your salvation.
2. You will be saved without any decision on your part.
3. If you are not among the elect, God hates you and preplanned before the world was created to send you to hell and there is nothing you can do about it. (Do not preach God’s love for all men).
B. What The Bible Teaches About Election or Predestination:
1. God did determine before the foundation of the earth who would and would not be saved:
a. Remember that “foreknowledge” of what a person will do is not the same thing as
being responsible for what a person does. (I may have foreknowledge when a child is chasing a ball which has gone into the street with a car speeding in his direction, I am not responsible).
2. God determined the “elect” or the “predestined” to be those who would be willing to put their faith in Jesus Christ.
Eph 1:3-13: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9 Having made known unto us the “mystery” of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also AFTER that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,"
a. Those “In Christ” are those who God preplanned to save. (John 3:16,17).
b. In Galations, Paul identifies those who were “baptized into Christ” as the children of God.
Gal 3:26-29: "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."
c. If you have been scripturally baptized into Christ you are in Christ and have put on Christ, and have demonstrated that you are now among those God planned to save.
3. The “mystery” was that whoever would receive (obey) the Savior who God promised would be saved.
Eph 3:2-6: "If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:" (Mark 16:15,16).
Rom 16:25-26: "Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:"
4. The “Elect” are those who hear God’s “call” through the Gospel and obey:
2 Th 2:13-14: "But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Titus 1:1-3: "Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; 2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; 3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;"
1 Pet 1:1-4: "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,"
C. The Bible states that God has a desire for all to be saved, even though he has preplanned that only those who have faith can be saved. (Heb. 11:6).
2 Pet 3:9: "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."
Ezek 18:23: "Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?"
1 Tim 2:1-4: "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."
1. Calvinist say that if God is all powerful and if God desires all to be saved, then an all powerful God would get whatever he wants.
a. They simply fail to understand that the All powerful God “wills” that each person have the ability to decide to either reject or accept the Gospel.
2. God is not a respecter of persons as the Calvinists teach:
Acts 10:34-43: "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. 36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) 37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: 40 Him God raised up the third day, and showed him openly; 41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins."
D. The Gospel invitation is for: “Whosoever” will hear and obey Jesus Christ!
John 3:16-17: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."
Mat 12:50: "For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother." (Acts 10:42-43)
a. Free will has a part in determining whether we become one of the “elect.”
b. The Gospel message is for all who will hear and obey!
Rom 10:11-17: "For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."Conclusion:(Part I)
A. Our all powerful and sovereign God has created man to have a choice in determining his own relationship with God’s will.
1. If we are incapable of choice then 99% of the Bible means nothing for the prophets constantly exhort sinners to repentance.
B. Our all powerful and sovereign God has preplanned who will be saved and who will be lost.
1. Those who obey the truth of the Gospel are the elect group God will save.
2. Those who choose to reject the Gospel, put themselves into the group which will be lost.
3. God makes it clear that He wants as many as possible (whosoever will) to repent and put their faith in Jesus Christ.
C. Will you put your faith in Christ today by being baptized into Christ? (Gal. 3:27)Part Two:
TULIP: Five Basic Teachings Of Calvinism (2)
Introduction
A. Last week, we began a study of the five basic errors of Calvinism: (Acrostic that spells TULIP)
1. T- Total Hereditary Depravity (Everyone is born incapable of understanding the Word of God or making a personal decision to submit themselves to the teachings of God without miraculous intervention by God’s Holy Spirit.)
2. U- Unconditional Election (God has predetermined who will be saved and who will be punished in hell and nothing an individual does, even obedience to the Gospel, has anything to do with the destiny God has chosen for them).
B. Today, we want to take a look at the last three basic errors of Calvinism: LIP
1. L - Limited Atonement
2. I - Irresistible Grace
3. P - Preservation of the Saints
C. Remember the reason we are studying Calvinism is that every religion that teaches “faith only” salvation is deeply rooted in this error. BE READY to give an answer:
1 Pet 3:15: "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:"III. L - Limited Atonement:
A. What the Calvinists teach about Atonement: (TULIP: tract).
“The SECOND DISTORTION of the biblical truth is that Christ died for all men. Some teach that Christ made it possible for all men to be saved. But the questions that must be asked are: ‘If Christ died for all men, why are not all men saved?’ ‘Cannot God do what He desires to do?’ ‘Is there something defective in Christ’s death?’ ‘Must man desire to be saved first?’ But a man who is totally depraved cannot will to be saved. He hates God and wants nothing to do with Christ’s death. So it must not be said that Christ died for all men.”
“The Bible says that Christ laid down His life for His sheep, and only them. John 10:11. The ATONEMENT is LIMITED to the elect of God.”
B. It is the Sovereign (unlimited in power and control) will of God that man has a choice:
1. Is God limited in power if He desires that all would be saved, but by His own will also decides to give each individual the choice of heaven or hell?? I don’t think so!!
2. This idea is not out of character for God! God chooses to have an “IF, Then” relationship with His people.
Deu 11:26-28: "Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; 27 A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day: 28 And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known."
1 Chr 28:9: "And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever."
Heb 3:13-15: "But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; 15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation."
C. IF God’s atonement is limited only to a few, then:
1. Why preach the Gospel to every creature?
2. It is not true that “whosoever” believeth in Him should not perish.
3. God does not desire that all men be saved.
1 Tim 2:1-4: "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."IV. I - Irresistible Grace:
A. What the Calvinists believe: (TULIP: tract)
“The fourth Biblical truth in the five points of Calvinism teaches that God’s grace to save a person cannot be resisted.”
“That grace is irresistible. That means that if God gives grace to you, there is nothing in the world that you can do to resist it and thwart God’s intention to take you to heaven.”
“Now, some ridicule this truth of the Bible and say that it makes man go to heaven against his will. (AND IT DOES, rj). ‘He kicks and screams all the way to heaven.’ But that is not how the Bible presents God’s grace. God makes his people ‘willing in the day of His power.’ Psalm 110:3. For a wonderful illustration of that truth, just consider the converted Apostle Paul. ‘By the grace of God’ he was what he was. 1 Corinthians 15:10. And immediately after his conversion he said willingly, ‘Lord what wilt thou have me to do?’ Acts 9:6. That surely was not against his will.”
B. How God’s Grace (Kindness) Draws Men To Him According To The Scriptures:
1. Not by the direct operation of the Holy Spirit:
a. There is not one example of a person in the New Testament being converted by the direct operation of the Holy Spirit! (Paul included).
2. Saving Grace was always made available through the preaching of the Gospel or Word of God:
1 Cor 1:18: "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God."
1 Cor 1:21: "For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe."
Rom 1:16: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
1 Cor 15:1-2: "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain."
John 6:63: "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."
John 14:23: "Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him."
James 1:21-22: "Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."
1 Pet 1:22-23: "Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever."
Luke 1:16-17: "And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. 17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."
C. The Spirit’s leadership is not irresistible, the Spirit can be resisted:
1 Th 1:1; 5:19 “Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church ... which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ:... Quench not the Spirit."
Acts 7:51: "Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye."
Eph 4:30: "And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption."
D. The Holy Spirit, working through the prophets, always appeals to man’s reason and will in calling them to God:
2 Pet 2:20-21: "For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them."
Josh 24:15: "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."
1 Ki 18:21: "And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word."
Isa 1:18-19: "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:"
Mat 28:19-20: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
E. Is not Israel the greatest example of a people’s ability to resist the Grace (Kindness) of God???
Mat 23:37: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would (God’s desire, will) I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not (man’s will)!"V. P - Preservation of the Saints:
A. What Calvinists Believe about “Once Saved, Always Saved.”
“The last of the five points of Calvinism teaches that God preserves His people so they can never be lost. To put it simply, it means this: ‘Once you are saved, you are always saved.” (TULIP: Tract).
1. They say that this is a doctrine which gives comfort, but if a Calvinist were to revert to a life of sin, they would simply say that he was never really saved.
2. So, they teach that there is security in your salvation as long as you continue to live the Christian life???
“There have been some who have used this beautiful truth as an excuse to live like the devil. But they are not Christians...Those who never fall away are saints.”
3. At least they are consistent, for if nothing you do has anything to do with your salvation, then nothing you do could cause you to lose that salvation. (But you must never fall away?????)
B. Consider the Teachings of the Bible about our relationship to God:
1. Only those who live by faith shall be justified in God’s eyes.
Rom 1:16-17: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith."
Rom 5:1-2: "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."
Eph 2:8: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:"
2. Faith without obedience is dead and has no power to save:
James 2:20: "But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?"
Heb 11:6: "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
Rom 11:20-21: "Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee."
3. If a person turns away from faith, they cannot be pleasing to God and thus reject His Grace:
Heb 10:38-39: "Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul."
Gal 5:4-6: "Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love."
Heb 6:11-12: "And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises."
4. It is better to not have experienced salvation than to later reject it.
2 Pet 2:20-22: "For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire."
Heb 10:26-29: "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?"
5. The scriptures teach that those who remain faithful and die in faith shall be saved:
Rev 2:10: "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."
1 Tim 4:16: "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee."\
Conclusion: This TULIP is not a plant which can be grown from the seed of the Kingdom.
A. If the Bible taught total depravity, then it makes sense, but it does not. (God gives each person the freedom to either obey or reject the Gospel).
B. The Bible teaches the election of all those who will choose to live by faith.
C. God’s atonement is limited only by a persons refusal to hear, believe, repent, confess and be baptized into Christ and remain faithful unto death.
D. God’s Grace (Kindness) can be resisted and has been through out His history with man.
E. The faith that saves is a faith that endures to the end, that is why the scriptures constantly warn us to persevere.
Mat 15:13-14: "But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. 14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch."
