† KJV †
To come to a more appropriate understanding of why so many consider the Calvinism "TULIP"doctrine as a whole, to be heresy, we first must establish the doctrine as put for by Calvinist themselves. Best way to do that, is let them speak for themselves.
The essential doctrines concerning salvation, which the Puritans and all good Christians cling to, are summed up in the acronym T.U.L.I.P. A tulip is a flower with 5 petals, all intertwining, and without which, it would not make up a complete flower. If one petal is removed from the flower, it ceases, for all intents and purposes, to be complete. It is the same with the essential doctrines of salvation. Each doctrine is essentially linked to the others. If one of them is removed, then the whole system falls into absurdity and contradiction. (Thus, there would be no such thing as a 3 point Calvinist or a 4 point Calvinist )--it would be better to say they are confused ARMINIANS .)
(like AMYRALDIANISMT.U.L.I.P. stands for Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints. It has been said that this acronym came to light at the Synod itself, but this is not true. The term itself developed later, though the 5 points were readily distinguished in the 5 articles, or heads, of Dordt’s formulation of the doctrines of grace.
Total depravity is the extensive ruin of man's nature. Man is made up of two parts primarily: the material (body) and the immaterial (soul). "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Matthew 10:28. Both the body and soul are corrupted because of the fall. This does not mean that people are as a bad as they can be, but rather, that the effects of the Fall have completely ruined the total being of man. It is not just that man's mind is ruined, or that just his body is ruined, or that just his soul ruined. It means the whole man is corrupted with sin. This would mean that man cannot fundamentally do anything to please God. Isaiah 64:6, "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away."
Unconditional Election is defined this way through the catechisms and confessions: God did, by His most wise and holy counsel, of His own, freely and unchangeably ordain some men to heaven and some men to hell by the nature of His good pleasure. In eternity, God has predetermined the course of everything and everyone. He had foreordained the eternal destiny of everyone whether to heaven or to hell for His glory. Men are unconditionally elected by God for His purposes without any prior works (good or evil) by which God would judge them good or evil. The election of men rests solely on the counsel and purposes of God. God has not decreed anything which he foresaw in the future, for that would place His decree upon foreseeing something in the creature. Limited atonement is that fundamental Christian doctrine which states that Jesus Christ came and died for a limited number of people. He did not die, or redeem, every individual for all of time, but for some individuals, i.e. His sheep. This does not mean that the power of His death could not have saved all men. The power and efficacy of His death through one drop of His blood could have saved a million-billion worlds. But the Scripture does not dabble in "possibilities." It does, though, state that the scope of His death is limited. He died for some people, and secured the salvation of those people through his death which took away their sin and imputed His own righteousness to them. Since grace is undeserved by any person, Irresistible Grace teaches that when the Spirit of God is sent to change a person's heart, that person cannot resist the change. This is when the Spirit of God applies the work of Christ to the soul. This does not mean that the person is unwilling to be changed because the Spirit of God is "fighting against them", rather the Spirit changes the heart of stone to beat as a heart of flesh. The change opens the eyes of the spiritually blind to the work of Christ. It is that which the Spirit of God does on his own, previous to any act of man. The Spirit of God will accomplish what He is sent out to do and will not be frustrated in His work of changing the sinner's heart. There are two types of calling upon people, external and internal. The external calling is the preaching of the Word to men's physical ears. The internal is the Spirit of God changing the heart to respond inwardly to the Gospel message. This is the means by which the blood of Christ is applied to the heart and conversion takes place. Here is where the Spirit of God alone draws men to Christ. The Spirit of God then causes the heart of the sinner to be willing to repent of his sins, believe on the Lord Jesus and come to Christ. Perseverance of the Saints does not mean "once saved always saved". This corruption of the doctrine has been popular in recent years, but has never been a true representation of the doctrine. "Once saved always saved" is more keenly given the name "Perseverance of the sinner" instead of "the saint". For it teaches that man can be saved by Christ and then sin habitually, do whatever he wants, and then still "persevere to the end". Perseverance of the saints does not teach this. Perseverance of the saints teaches that once God has renewed the heart of a sinner through the application of the redemption wrought by Christ upon the cross, he will continue to be saved and show forth the fruits of that salvation. The sinner perseveres because of Christ, but he continually shows himself as one who has been changed by Christ. God has saved the individual and will sanctify him until the end when he is ultimately glorified, and in heaven. It does not mean man has a license to sin. Those who think they have a license to sin are not changed and saved by grace. They are still in sin. Those who are saved by grace and changed, desire to show forth the fruits of that salvation. God motions the heart to good work, and continues that good work to the end.
statement of faith, most agree, all true "T.U.L.I.P-card carrying Calvinist" believe this way. And now, here is mine.
NOW that is THEIR
I believe Father in his wisdom and divine sovereignty, decreed before time as we know it, that all would be included in both total depravity and in unlimited atonement. To prove my stance I will show that Christ died for all souls, that salvation can be lost after partaking in Christ fully. That free will does exist for all men, and that both the election and the damned will be judge for their actions, and this judgment has direct cause and effect on salvation. I also believe Father knew, before the foundations of the world, who would choose to accept Christ and who would choose to refuse Him. 1 Pet 1:2 "Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father" I don't believe Father culled who would and who would not receive Christ. But, knows the outcome of each use of free will. And that predestination does not mean an absolute fate, but that the destination was set for all, and some rejected that destination For the elect, Fathers plan was salvation through the grace in Christ Jesus before the world began (2 Tim. 1:9; 2 Thess. 2:13). For unbelievers, he paid the price, to leave them without vindicate. The damned are so because they have rejected the blood of Jesus Christ (John 3:18; 5:40). One will never stand before Father claiming "I am not saved because Christ did not die for me." God has left them no excuse Romans 1:20. . .so that they are without excuse: Initial salvation refers to the moment in time when a person extends a trusting-submitting faith in Jesus Christ for his personal salvation and thereby instantly receives the gift of salvation. At this same moment in time he also passes from spiritual death to life, from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to the power of God (Jn. 5:24; Acts 26:18; 1 Jn. 3:14). Such a person is also set free from sin (Jn. 8:32-36; Rom. 6:22 1john 3:8-9 1 John 3:6.). As a receiver of salvation he has also been held righteous in Fathers eyes and made a son of God because of his faith in Christ (Rom. 3:22; Gal. 3:26), who is now his Lord and Savior (Gal. 5:24; Eph. 5:24). Here are NUMBERED refutions of why this T.U.L.I.P doctrine is so clearly a falsehood. If one wishes to debate this matter, all I ask is that you start with #1. If you have no answer to anyone number, hey that's a clue the doctrine is not in line with the Word of God. All verses are from the KJV translation unless otherwise noted. KJV is the bible most Calvinist used and use.
Limited Atonement vs Unlimited Atonement for the Sins of the World.
#2 John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.Point #1 Isaiah 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
("All" means "all" man kind, does that mean all will accept it, no.)
[Strong's Number: 3956 Orig/word pa'ß Def. including all the forms of declension Trans/word Pas Def 1. individually a. each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things, everything.]#3 John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (Showing who can be saved.) 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (reason why) 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (And free will at work.)("All" there in John 12:32, means the first definition to me.)
Some try to tell me that "world" doesn't really mean "world"' and "the whole world" doest really mean "the whole world." and "all" doesn't mean "all" and "every man" doesnt mean "every man" etc. etc. Meaning I should change it to fit their order of theology. I believe that for the most part, God, in His Might and Power was able to give the word to the english speaking masses. If one needs to be learned in greek to understand the bible, then the election must all be Greeks. It is proper if a word comes into question, to seek out the root word, but not proper to fit that word to make the bible fit ones own theology
#4 2 Corinitains 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
#5 1 John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our's only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
The elect people of God are told not to sin, but if they did sin Jesus Christ is an advocate to God. John continues by stating that the blood of Christ was not only shed for the elect but for the sins of the whole world. This strongly asserts unlimited atonement, not limited atonement. But in no way means all will take the atonement. All Jews did not take the atonement of the sacrificial lamb either, but it was granted to them all, and all the conformed with the Hebrew law, not just the Jews. One could take certian rites, become a member of the tribes of Jacob, enter the temple, present his sacrificial lamb and have atonement for his sin. It was the willingness to conform ones heart to Gods will, and the Word of God clearly calls all men to repent.
#6 1 John 4:14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
#7 Mathew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
#8 John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
#9 2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
The false prophets in that verse are unsaved, they're bound for destruction. Peter says that even though they are unsaved Christ died for them. Some will not come to Him, that they might have salvation; they will not have Him to rule over them; they reject their salvation.
#10 Romans 5:6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (All men are born into sin and ungoldy.) 5:7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Clearly to me that shows that he died for all un-righteous, which is everyone. Will all accept it, no.)
#11 1 Tim 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
#12 Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
#13 1 Timothy 3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 3:7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
#14 niv Romans 2:8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger...
#15 Mark 7:9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
#16 1 John 4:14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
#17 Romans 10:3 Romans 10:3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
#18 1 Timothy 4:9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. 4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe..
#19 EXCERPT FROM a page... Calvin in his later days wrote in about 1 John 2:2 as follows: "Christ suffered for the sins of the whole world, and in the goodness of God is offered unto all men without distinction, His blood being shed not for a part of the world only, but for the whole human race; for although in the world nothing is found worthy of the favor of God, yet He holds out the propitiation to the whole world, since without exception He summons all to the faith of Christ, which is nothing else than the door unto hope." It seems Mr.Calvin had a change of heart and doctrine before his death. Praise God!
Who did Christ died for by the bibles words. 1. For all (1 Tim 2:6; Isa 53:6). 2. For every man (Heb. 2:9). 3. For the world (John 3:16). 4. For the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2 Isa 49:6). 5. For the ungodly (Rom. 5:6). 6. For false teachers (2 Peter 2:1). 7. For many (Matthew 20:2. 8. For Israel (John 11:50-51). 9. For the Church (Eph. 5:25). 10. For "me" (Gal. 2:20). I don't know how the bible could have been any clearer on the matter.Next I plan to show that limited atonement isn't biblical in my view because, the word show beyond doubt that man must take that second step, after the knowledge of Christ's atonement. Some point out that this is just a means "cause" to salvation and wholly of God and one has no choice to repent or not... just a formality in the election process of Salvation. I rejected that stance and believe the word in part sows the first seeds of faith.
#20 Acts 5:31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
#21 Luke 5:32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
#22 Mathew 9:13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
#23 Rev. 9:21 Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.
#24 Rev. 2:22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
#25 Revelation 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
#26 Mark 6:12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent. (Men.)
#27 Mark 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
#28 Luke 15:10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
#29 Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
#30 Luke 13:5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
#31 Luke 15:7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
#32 Luke 5:32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
#33 Acts 11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
(Note!) Romans 2:24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written. (Showing Paul used Gentiles to mean non-Christians, also in 1 cor 10:20 1cor 12:2 and others... some try to say gentiles means Christians only in that verse, but Paul used it both ways.)
#34 Galations 3:14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
#35 Acts 8:22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
#36 Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.
#37 Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
#38 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
#39 Acts 13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
#40 rom 9:11 For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;
#41 Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
#42 Rom 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
#43 Heb.3:12 Take heed brethren , lest there be in any of you and evil heart of unbelief , in departing from the truth. ( Can't depart unless a part of the truth. Can't know the truth without Jesus Christ .) But exhort one anotheir daily , while it is called today. Lest any of you be hardened threw the deceitfulness of sin . For we are partakers of Christ , if we hold the beggining of our confidence stedfast till the end. (Need God say anymore?)
#44 (If limited atonement is true, why would there be a judgment day at all. "I judged you damned because I picked you to be damned from before creation")
#45 (If limted atonement is true why are the elect judge before the throne of Christ... "You are judge blessed because I blessed you before creation")
#46 (Jesus says Love God with all your heart and soul... but if pre-elected to this faith, how is it we love at all, does God put the love in us, to make him love us... and if so is that true love? And if God doesnt put the love in us then isn't it a free choice to love him.)
#47 ("If" limited atonement is true wouldn't that mean that some babies will burn in hell?)
#48 ("If" limited atonement is true, and only fulfilled by the blood of Christ... does that mean before Christ all men where doomed? If not, then somehow overs found atonement for there sin... how?)
THOSE are by no means "all" the verse that prove that unlimited is the truth and will of Father... more to come later... but for one to prove Calvinism true they would have to prove each one of those verses don't really mean what they mean. But if you click on SALVATION LOST? you will see the word shows one can lose their salvation in Christ, which would also refute "Preservation of the Saints."
INDEX PAGE
HOME
Visit #ChristianWarrior Homepage.
Visit Our Message Board
Check'out da Guestbook
Sign'da Guestbook