Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Your Weekly Dose of Gospel
...the doctrines of grace

We are not saved by the goodness of our works, but according to the riches of God's grace. By grace alone; through faith alone; on the Word alone; because of Christ alone; to the glory and praise of God alone. Our new life in Christ is all of grace and not by human works whereby any person can boast. One man can stand on the top of Mount Everest and other stand at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, but neither may touch the stars. "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Thus, what man could never do through human achievement, our Lord did by divine accomplishment! Salvation is the free gift of grace by God through Christ in the regenerating work of lost people through the Holy Spirit to quicken man, being dead in trespasses and sins unto new life (Ephesians 2:1-3, 8-9). This is our eternal heritage in the Lord Jesus Christ.

These doctrines of grace, referred to as the "The Five Points of Calvinism," are simply five key teachings on the nature of salvation found in the Bible that were written down as articles by the Synod of Dort in 1610. The Synod of Dordt was held in order to settle a serious controversy in the Dutch churches initiated by the rise of Arminianism. Jacob Arminius (Arminianism), a theological professor at Leiden University, questioned the teaching of Calvin and his followers on a number of important points. After Arminius's death, his own followers presented their views on five of these points in the Remonstrance of 1610.

In this document or in later more explicit writings, the Arminians taught election based on foreseen faith, universal atonement, partial depravity, resistible grace, and the possibility of a lapse from grace. In the Canons the Synod of Dordt rejected these views and set forth the Reformed doctrine on these points, namely, unconditional election, limited atonement, total depravity, irresistible grace, and the perseverance of saints.

These five articles underline vitally important truths of redemption that:
  • God is Sovereign over all things;
  • God is the source of salvation;
  • People can do nothing to save themselves;
  • Salvation is for the glory of God;
  • Emphasizes our total dependence as guilty sinners on the mercy and grace of God for salvation;
  • And is our belief they form the foundation of true biblical Christianity.

(Much of the following is based with grateful acknowledgement, on an article written by Malcolm H. Watts that appeared in the February 1997 edition of the Evangelical Times.)

The photograph of the tulip to the above left is a helpful acronym-picture to assist us in easily remembering these biblical doctrines of grace:
TULIP:
T
otal depravity;
U
nconditional election;
L
imited atonement;
I
rresistable grace; and
P
erseverence of the saints.
May this encourage you afresh to glorify God for the great work of salvation for sinful man that He has done.


THE DOCTRINES OF GRACE:

1. Total Depravity (or “Inability” – man cannot save himself)
The Scriptures clearly teach that the effects of sin have extended to all parts of our being, rendering us incapable of spiritual understanding and love towards God. Despite the heading of this first article, it does not indicate that all people are as wicked as they could possibly be in all areas of belief and practice. However, sin has so fully and deeply affected our lives that, spiritually speaking, we are in a totally hopeless condition, unable to do anything to get ourselves out of this fallen state.

Our natural spiritual incapacity prevents us from being able to respond by our own strength to the call of the gospel message, yet this does not remove our guilt. We choose to follow the natural inclinations of our depraved hearts because when left to ourselves that is all we want to do.

Scripture references: Ephesians 4:18; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Romans 1:30; John 15:25; Luke 19:14; John 5:40; Isaiah 5:20; Titus 1:15; Deuteronomy 32:18; Hebrews 2:1; John 12:39; John 6:44+65; John 3:18.


2. Unconditional Election (God is no respecter of man nor influenced by man.)
God has shown us in his Word that from eternity past he has elected some sinners to be saved from the condemnation that is justly deserved by all, purely on account of his gracious mercy and love, not because of any foreseen merits in those sinners. Because of the fact of total depravity, salvation must originate with God, and we read in the Bible that it is God's sovereign will alone that has determined the recipients of that salvation.

This doctrine does not render God unjust, for all are guilty and all deserve to suffer God's judgement. Rather, it emphasizes the grace of God by the fact that he has chosen some for salvation.

Scripture references: Psalm 65:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Romans 9:11; Ephesians 1:4,5,9,11; Romans 11:5; Romans 9:15,23; Psalm 103:11; 1 Peter 1:2-3; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; Jonah 2:9.


3. Limited Atonement (or Particular Redemption)
Put simply, Christ died only to save the elect, securing with absolute certainty their salvation. This is not to teach that there is anything lacking in the power of God, perhaps suggesting that he is not able to save all men. Rather, God's Word indicates that it was the Father's intention that his Son was to suffer and die only for his chosen people, atoning for their sins alone. Christ's atonement was limited only in extent, not in power, according to the sovereign will of God.

In the Bible we read that the Lord's servant (Jesus) would see the results of his work (his atoning sacrifice) and "be satisfied" (Isaiah 53:11). But also, Jesus stated plainly that there are many who are heading for eternal destruction (Matthew 7:13). We can only reconcile these two statements if we understand that Christ died only for a limited number of people - for God's elect.

Scripture references: Acts 20:28; John 3:14+15; Galatians 1:4+5; Revelation 13:8; John 6:38+39; John 17:9,10+24; John 10:11; 1 Peter 2:21; Romans 5:8-10; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; Romans 8:33+34; Luke 1:68; Revelation 5:9; Isaiah 53:11.


4. Irresistible Grace (All whom the Father draws, will come to Christ)
When the gospel is preached, an invitation is issued by the Lord to all people to come to him for salvation. However, as the first article clearly states, the natural state of all people renders them incapable of responding to this invitation, except to reject it. So when God calls an elect sinner to repentance and faith in Christ Jesus, he does so by sending his Holy Spirit to work a great change in that sinner's heart, enabling them to see their sin and their need of a Saviour and leading them to put their faith in Christ alone for salvation. The Lord, by his Spirit, irresistibly draws his elect to himself, raising them to spiritual life and making them willing to trust in Jesus.

Scripture references: Matthew 11:28-30; John 6:37; Matthew 23:37; John 5:40; Ephesians 1:12,19; Ezekiel 11:19+20; Psalm 110:3; 2 Thessalonians 1:11.


5. Perseverance of the Saints (or Preserved in Christ for Eternity)
Once God has saved elect sinners, he continues to keep and preserve them by his power and grace and will never let them go. Thus, they persevere to the end and can never be lost. If God did not do this, we would inevitably turn back again to the world, because of the sin that is around us and within us. Thus God enables his children to continue in faith and obedience throughout their earthly lives, then to pass into God's presence forever.

This doctrine is not to be taken as a license to go on sinning, as if the believer is free to act in any way he chooses now that he is eternally secure in Christ Jesus. The true believer will show signs of a growing desire for holiness and an increasing loathing of sin. The one who attempts to use the grace of God as an excuse for sinful living is in all probability not a true believer, for where there is spiritual life, the fruit of the Spirit will become evident.

Scripture references: 1 Peter 1:5; James 4:6; Philippians 1:6+19; John 6:39; John 10:28+29; Romans 8:38+39; Romans 8:8; Galatians 5:13-26.

11 comments:

davidinflorida said...

Nice post, but what`s the point?

I think Titus 3:9 applies here.

Arthur Sido said...

David,

Does the nature of God qualify as "foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law"? I can think of nothing more important to focus our energy and study upon.

Without understanding the inability of man, the sovereignty of God and His gracious election, our worship, our prayer, our preaching all are off kilter. The doctrines of Grace turn our focus to God and away from ourselves, from a synergistic salvation to a monergistic realization that salvation is all of God.

Arthur

donsands said...

This was just what the doctor ordered for me.

Those articles are a lot to read, and I will take my time and look them over.

Just reading through them quickly, this quote hit me:
"That some receive the gift of faith from God, and others do not receive it, proceeds from God's eternal decree."

This is the statement that no man can accept, unless God's grace is upon you.
Why? Because it's not fair, and it doesn't make sense.

I have been discussing these 5 points lately, (which I have been blessed to embrace by His grace), and really needed some support as this post gives.

Thanks for sharing this.

SJ Camp said...

David:
Arthur answered this correctly.

With so much confusion about the gospel today and what is the nature of man and saving faith, I thought it would be a profitable reminder of what is essential for us as representatives of the gospel.

Titus 3:9 you've misapplied here. Titus 3:9 is qualified by 3:10 - a factious man is one who introduces heresies (GK: heretikon in 3:10 for factious) not in accordance with Scripture trying to syphon off for himself a segment of the church body to teach these destructive falsehoods too. Titus 3:9 tells us what the content of those falsehoods are; 3:10 tells us of the character of the one propagating them.

Titus 3:9 does apply here if anyone preaches a different gospel than what the Word of God teaches. Dort got this absolutely correct--and we should be willing to defend the gospel against all who raise their ugliness against it.

Seven to ten times the N.T. writers under the superintending ministry of the Holy Spirit use the word "remind" (depending on the translation you like) concerning the ministry, the gospel, spiritual gifts, calling in service to Christ, election, and our duty to governing authorities in this world.

That is my purpose here to this post--to remind you of the great gospel of Jesus and what others in a point in time almost 400 hundred years did to stand for the truth.

We need to stand for it in our day as well--regardless of the personal cost or sacrifice.

Grace and peace,
Campi
2 Cor. 4:5-7

SJ Camp said...

Don:
Great personal testimony as to why this can be helpful for us all to review.

Thank you brother...
Campi
Col. 1:9-14

davidinflorida said...

Sorry Guys

But the Calvinism-Arminianism debate goes nowhere. What`s the purpose?

Your post would make more sense to me if I removed John 3:16-20 from my Bible.

Alan E. Kurschner said...

Steve,

Thanks for the post. The basics are always refreshing...

Alan E. Kurschner said...

David said,

"But the Calvinism-Arminianism debate goes nowhere. What`s the purpose?"

i. God's truth being proclaimed is purposeless?

ii. The debate goes nowhere? God's Word never returns to him void. And therefore David, make no pretense that you are neutrally effected. It either hardens you as you comment here, or softens your heart.

Alan

SJ Camp said...

David:
You said, "Your post would make more sense to me if I removed John 3:16-20 from my Bible."

You stopped reading too quickly my brother: John 3:36 “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”

How do answer God's wrath abiding on some and not on others apart from the doctrines of grace? The gospel is not about man and his need but about God and His glory. The gospel is not how to get sinful people to a holy God; but how does a holy God come to sinful people without violating His holiness and His justice?

The answer is the cross.

Arminianism provides no explanation for this my friend; but the Scriptures do.

Read on - and may I suggest the book of Hebrews?

Steve
Col. 1:9-14

SJ Camp said...

Thank you Alan for your words.
Campi

Stacy Plocek said...

Steve, Thanks for this article on the doctrines of Grace.
Don, Thanks for your encouraging comment.
The only way I understand the doctrines of Grace is on my knees. Regardless of what's going on in my life this so called Grace continually changes my life.