Warranted Faith
Written by T. Scott Morgan Sunday, 28 February 2010 21:36
Unconditional Election - I
Definition & Sovereignty of God
It has been said that in the doctrine of election a theologian takes his final examination.
- Francis Pieper, Christian Dogmatics, Vol. III, p. 503
It is commonly asserted in the modern evangelical church that God is in control of all things. But usually this is meant in only a very general way, referring to the hardships and unknown future circumstances that await us in our personal lives. It is comforting to believe that God is in control of the difficult situations we face in life. But try to push that general doctrine of sovereignty out into all aspects of evangelical theology, particularly that aspect of man’s free choice over his eternal state, and you may find yourself faced with an entirely different reaction. The modern evangelical church hates the idea that man is not free to choose his eternal state. But then, Jesus didn’t receive a very warm response when He taught the doctrine either (Luke 4:16-30; John 6:65-66).
Written by T. Scott Morgan Thursday, 13 August 2009 18:18
Total Depravity
Dead in Sin
"It is not in your power to turn to God. If you think it is in your power to turn to God you have missed the whole Reformation and don't understand total depravity. It is not in your power to turn to God. You are a sinner, you're dead, you're eaten up with corruption. Every free choice of yours is evil and not good. So how can we turn to Him who is light, righteousness, holy and good?" - Martin Luther
Written by T. Scott Morgan Friday, 12 June 2009 15:26
Original Sin
Original Sin and Total Depravity, in addition to the Sovereignty of God, are the most critical issues to keep in mind when it comes to understanding Calvinistic soteriology. Where you stand on these issues will inevitably determine where you stand on the issues that follow, if you remain consistent with your position. We cannot jump right into a discussion on election or the extent of the atonement without first grasping a sound understanding of what Scripture teaches about the Sovereignty of God and the extent of man's sin. I believe that the failure to adequately study these underlying doctrines beforehand is a major contributing factor to why the Reformed view (and the necessity of that view) of election and predestination is so often misunderstood. We must understand what the Bible teaches about the extent of man's moral corruption before we can go any further with other issues pertaining to the gospel. The cure cannot be correctly understood and appreciated without first having a good understanding of the problem!
Written by T. Scott Morgan Tuesday, 19 May 2009 21:47
Why This Debate is So Important
It is common for those unfamiliar with the Arminianism/Calvinism debate to criticize our efforts in continuing the discussion. Why must we bicker and dispute all the time?, they'll say. There is enough division in the church already ... are we not only causing more? Can't we just agree to disagree? This kind of talk should be expected from secular relativists who don't know the difference between fact and feeling, but not Christians. The dispute over the doctrines of grace is and always has been perhaps the most important debate within Christianity, and it must continue to be so until all come to see the truth of God's grace. In the attempt to shed a little light on the great importance of this debate I am going to offer a consideration that some may find to be very controversial, but it is critical that the issue be addressed.
Written by T. Scott Morgan Wednesday, 13 May 2009 15:43
Calvinism and Reformed Theology - Is There a Difference?
THE MEANING OF "REFORMED"
Before focusing on the hot-button issues which Calvinism is so known for, it is important to get some historical background on this system in order to counter a few common misconceptions, such as the idea that Calvinists "idolize" John Calvin, or even the idea that Calvin "created" Calvinism. Individuals who make such accusations are simply ignorant of history. Furthermore, it is very common for the terms "Calvinism" and "Reformed theology" to be used interchangeably. Is this appropriate? What exactly is meant by "Reformed theology"?
More Articles...
Page 1 of 2
