Tulip Part 2

TULIP and Reformed Theology: Unconditional Election

FROM R.C. Sproul Nov 14, 2012 Category: Articles

The Reformed view of election, known as unconditional election, means that God does not foresee an action or condition on our part that induces Him to save us. Rather, election rests on God’s sovereign decision to save whomever He is pleased to save.

In the book of Romans, we find a discussion of this difficult concept. Romans 9:10–13 reads: “And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls—she was told, ‘The older will serve the younger.’ As it is written, ‘Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.’” Here the Apostle Paul is giving his exposition of the doctrine of election. He deals with it significantly in Romans 8, but here he illustrates his teaching of the doctrine of election by going back into the past of the Jewish people and looking at the circumstances surrounding the birth of twins—Jacob and Esau. In the ancient world, it was customary for the firstborn son to receive the inheritance or the patriarchal blessing. However, in the case of these twins, God reversed the process and gave the blessing not to the elder but to the younger. The point that the Apostle labors here is that God not only makes this decision prior to the twins’ births, He does it without a view to anything they would do, either good or evil, so that the purposes of God might stand. Therefore, our salvation does not rest on us; it rests solely on the gracious, sovereign decision of God.

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GOD DOES NOT FORESEE AN ACTION OR CONDITION ON OUR PART THAT INDUCES HIM TO SAVE US. —R.C. SPROUL

This doesn’t mean that God will save people whether they come to faith or not. There are conditions that God decrees for salvation, not the least of which is putting one’s personal trust in Christ. However, that is a condition for justification, and the doctrine of election is something else. When we’re talking about unconditional election, we’re talking in a very narrow confine of the doctrine of election itself.

So, then, on what basis does God elect to save certain people? Is it on the basis of some foreseen reaction, response, or activity of the elect? Many people who have a doctrine of election or predestination look at it this way. They believe that in eternity past God looked down through the corridors of time and He knew in advance who would say yes to the offer of the gospel and who would say no. On the basis of this prior knowledge of those who will meet the condition for salvation—that is, expressing faith or belief in Christ—He elects to save them. This is conditional election, which means that God distributes His electing grace on the basis of some foreseen condition that human beings meet themselves.

Unconditional election is another term that I think can be a bit misleading, so I prefer to use the term sovereign election. If God chooses sovereignly to bestow His grace on some sinners and withhold His grace from other sinners, is there any violation of justice in this? Do those who do not receive this gift receive something they do not deserve? Of course not. If God allows these sinners to perish, is He treating them unjustly? Of course not. One group receives grace; the other receives justice. No one receives injustice. Paul anticipates this protest: “Is there injustice on God’s part?” (Rom. 9:14a). He answers it with the most emphatic response he can muster. I prefer the translation, “God forbid” (v. 14b). Then he goes on to amplify this response: “For he says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion’” (v. 15). Here the Apostle is reminding his reader of what Moses declared centuries before; namely, that it is God’s divine right to execute clemency when and where He desires. He says from the beginning, “I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy.” It is not on those who meet some conditions, but on those whom He is pleased to bestow the benefit.

Scriptures for further study: Romans 8:28–39; Ephesians 1:3–14; 2:8; 2 Timothy 1:9, 10

Tulip Part 1

TULIP and Reformed Theology: Total Depravity

FROM R.C. Sproul Nov 07, 2012 Category: Articles

The doctrine of total depravity reflects the Reformed viewpoint of original sin. That term—original sin—is often misunderstood in the popular arena. Some people assume that the term original sin must refer to the first sin—the original transgression that we’ve all copied in many different ways in our own lives, that is, the first sin of Adam and Eve. But that’s not what original sinhas referred to historically in the church. Rather, the doctrine of original sin defines the consequences to the human race because of that first sin.

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WE ARE NOT SINNERS BECAUSE WE SIN. WE SIN BECAUSE WE ARE SINNERS. —R.C. SPROUL

Virtually every church historically that has a creed or a confession has agreed that something very serious happened to the human race as a result of the first sin—that first sin resulted in original sin. That is, as a result of the sin of Adam and Eve, the entire human race fell, and our nature as human beings since the fall has been influenced by the power of evil. As David declared in the Old Testament, “Oh, God, I was born in sin, and in sin did my mother conceive me” (Ps. 51:5). He was not saying that it was sinful for his mother to have borne children; neither was he saying that he had done something evil by being born. Rather, he was acknowledging the human condition of fallenness—that condition that was part of the experience of his parents, a condition that he himself brought into this world. Therefore, original sin has to do with the fallen nature of mankind. The idea is that we are not sinners because we sin, but that we sin because we are sinners.

In the Reformed tradition, total depravity does not mean utter depravity. We often use the term total as a synonym for utter or for completely, so the notion of total depravity conjures up the idea that every human being is as bad as that person could possibly be. You might think of an archfiend of history such as Adolf Hitler and say there was absolutely no redeeming virtue in the man, but I suspect that he had some affection for his mother. As wicked as Hitler was, we can still conceive of ways in which he could have been even more wicked than he actually was. So the idea of totalin total depravity doesn’t mean that all human beings are as wicked as they can possibly be. It means that the fall was so serious that it affects the whole person. The fallenness that captures and grips our human nature affects our bodies; that’s why we become ill and die. It affects our minds and our thinking; we still have the capacity to think, but the Bible says the mind has become darkened and weakened. The will of man is no longer in its pristine state of moral power. The will, according to the New Testament, is now in bondage. We are enslaved to the evil impulses and desires of our hearts. The body, the mind, the will, the spirit—indeed, the whole person—have been infected by the power of sin.

I like to replace the term total depravity with my favorite designation, which is radical corruption. Ironically, the word radical has its roots in the Latin word for “root,” which is radix, and it can be translated root or core. The term radical has to do with something that permeates to the core of a thing. It’s not something that is tangential or superficial, lying on the surface. The Reformed view is that the effects of the fall extend or penetrate to the core of our being. Even the English word core actually comes from the Latin word cor, which means “heart.” That is, our sin is something that comes from our hearts. In biblical terms, that means it’s from the core or very center of our existence.

So what is required for us to be conformed to the image of Christ is not simply some small adjustments or behavioral modifications, but nothing less than renovation from the inside. We need to be regenerated, to be made over again, to be quickened by the power of the Spirit. The only way in which a person can escape this radical situation is by the Holy Spirit’s changing the core, the heart. However, even that change does not instantly vanquish sin. The complete elimination of sin awaits our glorification in heaven.

Scriptures for further study: Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 1:18–25; 3:9–23; 7:18; 1 John 1:8–10

TULIPS

For me in college, during my first Bible class with Steve Whiten, I remember being introduced to this new acronym called TULIP. I was very intrigued and as I began to continue my education journey I was constantly confronted with these five doctrines over and over again. I slowly began to understand the importance they had in my understanding of the Bible and all that surrounded as was a part of the Gospel. There are countless sermons and massive volumes written about what these five letters stand for. While I have been studying these doctrines for four years, and as I continue to study them today and will keep on till my last day, the truth that is discovered never really ends. Whether this is your first time hearing about these doctrines, or whether you have already begun studying the flowing blog posts will be a series of a total of 6 where we will briefly look at each one. R.C. Sproul, one of my favorite theologians and teachers has done such a series of mini posts where he discusses each doctrine and gives explanation, and scriptures to support each of them. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do, and learn even more. May the Spirit enlighten, reveal, empower your heart and mind to understand these blessed truths. 

TULIP and Reformed Theology: An Introduction

FROM R.C. Sproul Oct 31, 2012 Category: Articles

Just a few years before the Pilgrims landed on the shores of New England in the Mayflower, a controversy erupted in the Netherlands and spread throughout Europe and then around the world. It began within the theological faculty of a Dutch institution that was committed to Calvinistic teaching. Some of the professors there began to have second thoughts about issues relating to the doctrines of election and predestination. As this theological controversy spread across the country, it upset the church and theologians of the day. Finally, a synod was convened. Issues were squared away and the views of certain people were rejected, including those of a man by the name of Jacobus Arminius.

The group that led the movement against orthodox Reformed theology was called the Remonstrants. They were called the Remonstrants because they were remonstrating or protesting against certain doctrines within their own theological heritage. There were basically five doctrines that were the core of the controversy. As a result of this debate, these five core theological issues became known in subsequent generations as the “five points of Calvinism.” They are now known through the very popular acrostic TULIP, which is a clever way to sum up the five articles that were in dispute. The five points, as they are stated in order to form the acrostic TULIP, are: total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints.

I mention this historical event because it would be a serious mistake to understand the essence of Reformed theology simply in light of these five doctrines—the Reformed faith involves many other elements of theological and ecclesiastical confession. However, these are the five controversial points of Reformed theology, and they are the ones that are popularly seen as distinctive to this particular confession. Over the next five posts, we are going to spend some time looking at these five points of Calvinism as they are spelled out in the acrostic TULIP.

Certainty In The Midst Of Uncertainty

The verses and promises that have been my rock lately!! In a world, and time of life filled with such uncertainty so thankful for the hope I have in a God who never changes!


For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Psalm 32:8

Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace. Psalm 37:37

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32

Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the LORD all the day.  Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 23:17-18 

My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste.  Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 24:13-14

Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.  But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6: 31-33

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.  I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.  My 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

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  Hebrews 13:5

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. Isaiah 43:2

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3

I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.  Psalm 37:25

The Song Sessions: "Not For A Moment" Vertical Church Band

This song has been playing in my head over and over again lately!! Especially with all the seasons of life that I have been going through recently. The truths in this song reminds of  the greatness of our God and His ultimate constancy and sovereignty in the life of the believer.


Lyrics:

You were reaching through the storm
Walking on the water
Even when I could not see
In the middle of it all
When I thought You were a thousand miles away
Not for a moment did You forsake me
Not for a moment did You forsake me

Chorus:

After all You are constant
After all You are only good
After all You are sovereign
Not for a moment will You forsake me
Not for a moment will You forsake me

You were singing in the dark
Whispering Your promise
Even when I could not hear
I was held in Your arms
Carried for a thousand miles to show
Not for a moment did You forsake me

Chorus:

After all You are constant
After all You are only good
After all You are sovereign
Not for a moment will You forsake me
Not for a moment will You forsake me

And every step every breath you are there
Every tear every cry every prayer
In my heart at my worst
When my world falls down
Not for a moment will You forsake me
Even in the dark
Even when it's hard
You will never leave me
After all

Moments of Thanksgiving!

The month of November has come and has also almost ended just as fast. Fall is one of my favorite times of the year, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, it is such a time of reflection and really taking time to appreciate all that the Lord has done the past year and all the things that the Lord has blessed me with. This year I definitely have soo much to be thankful for, it can be quite an overwhelming occurrence as one sits still before the Father and begins to go over all that one has been given and will still receive in the months and years to come. I have listed below just a handful of the things that I am beyond grateful for.

1. I am first and foremost so thankful to my loving Savior who exhorted, encouraged, and loved me through a whole  nother year, through trials, set backs, discouragement, victories, and so much more not once was I left alone. Each new year that I am blessed with life I am so excited to see all that the Lord will teach me and how He will grow me through trials and triumph.  

2. This year I was able to graduate from two schools. I now have my bachelors as well as my license in cosmetology. These were two very big goals for me but the Lord was soo faithful in walking every step of the way with me, I stayed the course and completed the race. It has been a strange transition from a life in school full time to  looking for jobs and not having any homework to do when I get home. (I have been able to get used to that part of it very easily though :p)

3. Thirdly I am so thankful for an amazing family who loves the Lord! I have been so blessed to be raised in a godly home, not a perfect home by any means, but a home where failure is learned from and where forgiveness flows. I would not be the person I am today without my parents gracious guidance and continually pointing me to the cross and Christ time after time again. They have been there for me in my highs and lows. 

4. My church family. Grace CHurch Fellowship has been such an incredible Spirit filled body of believers that I am soo blessed to be a part of. This spring will mark 3 years that I have been heavily involved in numerous ministries at the church. My faith has been tested and pushed beyond its limits inside those four walls and I cant imagine life being anywhere else. It truly is a blessing and I love each and every person there so much. 

5. Last but not least I am so thankful for the Lords constance, and ultimate sovereignty in my Dad's life this past week. I got the scare of my life, when it feels like your world is close to falling apart and spinning out of control the only thing to turn to is the ROck of Ages. The One who is always in control and who is never for a split second confused. My Dad just suffered from a heart attack on Monday and the doctors said that he was very close to not pulling through if he hadn't been in San Diego close to good hospitals. You never think something like this will happen to you and then it does you don't know exactly what to think. 

As I faced the possibility of having to continue to live a life without my Father I was humbled and graciously reminded God is enough. No matter what this life may bring, I have a solid foundation in Christ to lean and rest upon. In all that life throws at me Jesus constantly asks me "Am I enough, am I the Only One you need, are you placing your trust and ultimate love in another besides Me" Uggh its painful because in this case its my Dad, thats not bad right, but yes it is when he is place above your need and reliance on the Lord. 

It has also been a great reminder of just how precious life is. That God is the giver of every breath and that He gives as takes away according to His perfect will and purpose. Praise be to God that my Dad is alive and well and on the road to recovery. Even though the Lord soo often uses trials and hard time to teach us and remind us of life transforming truths , my prayer is that I will always welcome these seasons with patience and grace looking to the Savior to teach and change me into a person more and more like Jesus. 

This holiday season make sure to stop and count the big and small blessings the Lord has so graciously poured out in your life. The Lord is sooo worthy of our thanks and praise. Grace and Peace to all.

Patience, Patience, and still more Patience!!!

It never ceases to boggle my mind how my heart and mind work. I pray and ask for certain things and the Lord ever faithful and merciful see's that those things come through, He continually pours our His blessing and favor in my life. What do I do??? Well I turn around after a season of acknowledgement and thankfulness for those blessings and I find something else to be dissatisfied with!!! Even something soo little I still find something, something to need, something that stirs my heart towards discontentment. WHY, why does this happen time after time again? Why do I doubt the Lords goodness, His sovereignty, His loving hand in each and every detail of this daughters life? 

The Lord is ever sooo loving as i continue to sin in this area that He lovingly calls me back to Himself reminding me of the truth of Himself and the Gospel. How merciful, oh how merciful, there are no words to describe my love and appreciation that my Father would delight in dealing with me in such a way day after day. The following verse is one that a dear friend Malia Mason sent me this past week as a loving reminder that there is a reason that the Lord is in control of EVERYTHING! I have chosen to use this verse as my verse to live by lately because it has served as such encouragement! 

Daniel 2:20-23

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;

    wisdom and power are his.²¹ He changes times and seasons;    he deposes king and  raises up others.
He gives wisdom to the wise    and knowledge to the discerning.²² He reveals deep and hidden things;    he knows what lies in darkness,
    and light dwells with him.²³ I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors:    You have given me wisdom and power,you have made known to me what we asked of you,    you have made known to us the dream of the king.”