I recently heard someone say that God is watching and waiting, to see what we are going to do and what choices we will make. This person went on to say that because God is…
Scripture Index
Romans 9:30-10:3 – Why have so many ethnic Israelites failed to obtain righteousness?
This is part of a series of posts on Romans. The main focus of this series will be chapters 9-11 of the letter. These chapters, particularly chapter 9, have been interpreted in various different ways.…
Ben Witherington and Roger Olson, “Roger Olson’s Arminian Theology – Part 14”
BEN: It seems reasonably clear that Arminius took the Calvinistic view that regeneration precedes conversion. I suppose it depends on what one means by regeneration— the ability to repent? In any case, various later Arminians…
Paradise Deserted: Can a True Christian Renounce Their Faith? (Apostasy Part 2)
But whether they are capable, through negligence, of forsaking again the first beginnings of their life in Christ, of again returning to this present evil world, of turning away from the holy doctrine which was…
Dr. Michael Brown Exegetes John 6:37-44
SEA member Dr. Michael Brown responds to a caller’s question on Calvinism and John 6:44. The The video can also be accessed at YouTube here.
Ben Witherington and Roger Olson, “Roger Olson’s Arminian Theology – Part 12”
BEN: I was reflecting on what you say on pp. 155-56 about ‘simul justus et peccator’ and it occurred to me what a difference there is between Luther and Wesley on this matter. Luther, famously…
David Bentley Hart, “Traditio Deformis” (On Augustine’s Misreading of Romans)
Please click on the link to view David Bentley Hart, “Traditio Deformis.”
Arminianism Vs. Decisionism
Calvinism and Classical Arminianism are not opposite theological views (link). In fact, I like to say that they are theological first cousins, both residing under the “Reformed” umbrella. While there are certainly differences, both systems of…
Steve Sewell, “Commentary on Romans 11”
All Scripture quotations are from the 1901 American Standard Version unless otherwise noted. Introduction Romans 11 is one of the most important chapters in the New Testament regarding the doctrine of election, Israel and…
Augustine’s Evolving Views on God’s Sovereignty (Part 2)
We have been examining Augustine’s changing views on faith, free will, and God’s sovereignty. His original views on these topics evolved from a synergistic model (where God and man cooperate in coming to faith) to…
Background to Romans 9-11: Key Teaching from Romans 3:1-4:25
This is part of a series of posts on Romans. The main focus of this series will be chapters 9-11 of the letter. These chapters, particularly chapter 9, have been interpreted in various different ways.…
Easy Believism Versus True Salvation
Zacchaeus up in the tree, Paul’s conversion, the Philippian jailer. What do these stories have in common? In every case, it was God who took the first step towards man. As I’ve stated many times,…
“(Re)Thinking through Romans 9”
Share This: Via Twitter | Via Facebook *All scripture quotations are from NASB, unless otherwise noted. In his song “Context”, Calvinist recording artist Flame says: “exegesis is the careful systematic study of scripture for the…
“Tactics And Total Depravity”
A recent article stated: “Millennials leaving the church in droves, study finds.” We could say, “oh, that’s just young people these days”, or “it’s a sign of the times!” Or, perhaps we should consider that…
Romans – Who is Paul addressing?
This is part of a series of posts on Romans. The main focus of this series is chapters 9-11 of the letter. These chapters, particularly chapter 9, have been interpreted in various different ways. My aim…
Can God Love All People?
Calvinist John Piper answers the question he himself frames and thus poses: “Why can’t God eternally love those who don’t believe in Him?” (link) Is there not at least one obvious and inherent flaw in…
The Bible Project Video on Job
The Bible Project is a tremendous resource for understanding the Bible that, in the Project’s own words, utilizes short-form, fully animated videos to make the biblical story accessible to everyone, everywhere. We create videos, podcasts, and…
Rich Davis, “Calvinism’s Gospel Tautology”
Christians of every stripe agree that Christ’s substitutionary and atoning work on Calvary’s cross is marvelous beyond comprehension. It is an act of unspeakable mercy, condescension, and grace—on the human level, wholly unearned and uninitiated,…
Steve Sewell, “Rebuttal to Maverick Victor Witlouw” [Prevenient Grace vs. Irresistible Grace]
Maverick Victor Witlouw, of Sovereign Grace Messianic Blog, wrote a response to my article, “Why Irresistible Grace Doesn’t Work, and Why Prevenient Grace Does” [Responding to Steve Sewell’s Presentation of Prevenient Grace]. He happened to…
Recap of Unconditional Election Debate between Dan Chapa and Richard Bushey
I recently debated Richard Bushey regarding the doctrine of unconditional election (Part 1) (Part 2). The debate was nearly two hours and while I hope you enjoy watching the full debate, I will attempt to…