Romans 9 is often the “go to” text for Calvinists. They hold that it is about individual election to salvation — that God unconditionally chooses to save certain individuals, and that he unconditionally rejects and…
Arminianism
God’s Care for Every Person
It is interesting to see how many passages there are in the Scriptures which speak of God’s protection of animals, even of those which are the least considerable. He takes care of the cattle of…
Romans 9 in the Wider Context of Pauline Thought
In a recent essay, I argued that John Piper fails in his attempt to reconcile the doctrine that God desires all to be saved with the doctrine of unconditional election. However, one may reply that…
Tim Keller and D.A. Carson: Prime Examples of the Gumby Theology of Calvinism
Gumby—a green clay humanoid character that can twist and turn to get out of every predicament. A great toy it makes; a great theologian it does not. There is no greater theological imperative today then…
Philosophical and Scriptural Argument For God’s Universal Salvific Will
Arminians and Molinists believe that God wants everyone saved. We also believe that Jesus Christ died for every single human being who will ever exist in this world. There’s an overabundance of scriptures that testifies…
Mike Barlotta – 3 Characteristics of Predestination
In “The Softer Face of Calvinism” (Christianity Today), it is argued that, rather than appealing to theologians to understand Reformed theology, one should use the Reformed confessions and creeds. The confessions, therefore, form an important…
Roger Olson, “Review of Oliver Crisp’s *Deviant Calvinism* Part Four”
This is Part Four of my series of review essays of Oliver Crisp’s new book Deviant Calvinism: Broadening Reformed Theology and deals with Chapter 4 : “Augustinian Universalism.” I invite those reading the book with…
Mike Barlotta – Ordaining All that Comes to Pass
The Westminster Confession was drafted in 1646 and is one of the Reformed creeds of faith. In this confession (chapter III section 1) it reads: God from all eternity, did, by the most wise and…
Mike Barlotta – An Ancient Theologian tackles John 6 and Romans 9
John Chrysostom, a 4th century theologian, served as Bishop of Constantinople and was known for his preaching and ascetic lifestyle. What made him a noteworthy teacher was his ability and desire to be understood by…
Michael Patton, “12 Myths About Arminianism”
C. Michael Patton runs a rather unique ministry in Oklahoma. He runs Reclaiming the Mind Ministries which includes such diverse offerings as a theological coffee house (Credo House), in-depth DVD courses taught by renowned scholars…
Steve Sewell, “Election and the Character of God”
When studying any doctrine of the Bible, it’s important to have a correct starting point, and that is especially true when studying the doctrine of election. An incorrect starting point will lead us down the…
James White Comments on a Sermon by James McCarthy, Author of *John Calvin Goes to Berkeley*
James White reviewed a sermon by James McCarthy, author of “John Calvin Goes to Berekely,” and this post will review James White’s review. The title of James White’s YouTube clip is “Radio Free Geneva: Ephesians…
Steve Sewell, “God’s Plan of Election (Commentary on Romans 9 – Part Two)”
Scripture quotations are from the English Majority Text Version (EMTV) unless noted otherwise. Does God Harden Hearts? (Still addressing verses 17 and 18): 9:17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose…
Steve Sewell, “God’s Plan of Election (Commentary on Romans 9 – Part One)”
Scripture quotations are from the English Majority Text Version (EMTV) unless noted otherwise. Introduction Romans 9 is a very controversial chapter, but it shouldn’t be. All through the Word of God we learn about all…
Saving Grace Conference
Saving Grace Conference | Oakland Baptist Church, Corinth, MS January 9th & 10th, 2015 For whose sins did Jesus die? Who are the elect? Is the sinner’s prayer biblical? What exactly is T.U.L.I.P.? These are…
How John Wesley Spent the New Year in 1785
From the Journal of John Wesley: Saturday January 1, 1785. — Whether this be the last or no, may it be the best year of my life! Sunday, January 2, 1785. A larger number of…
Roger Olson, “Review of Oliver Crisp’s *Deviant Calvinism* Part One”
I have invited other interested persons to join me in this series. I will post occasional (tentatively about one chapter per week) reviews and others who read the book are welcome to agree, disagree, add…
H. Orton Wiley on Prevenient Grace
H. Orton Wiley on Prevenient Grace Extended quotation provided by SEA member Roy Ingle PREVENIENT GRACE Before taking up the discussion of prevenient grace, it may be well to call attention to the fact that…
God’s Sovereign Choice
“You Arminians deny the sovereignty of God and you want all the credit for your salvation. You want man to play his part so that God doesn’t get all the glory.” These are common arguments…
The Gospel’s Freedom – Colossians 1:13-14
The apostle’s prayer in verses 9-12 is followed by a statement about the Gospel’s effect on his readers’ lives. They have been: rescued from the power of darkness and transferred into the Kingdom of God’s…
