Andries Tatane’s death and the death of Jesus of Nazareth bear some remarkable similarities and differences. Both men were 33 years old, guilty of no crime, yet treated with contempt, beaten, and killed by the authorities of the day. Both men’s death was terrible and tragic. Both men’s death also achieved results for their people.… Continue reading No ordinary death
Year: 2011
How not to commit adultery
Every week there seems to be another report of a pastor falling into sexual sin and disqualifying himself from the ministry. Adultery is more and more the norm and even celebrated by some. The book of Proverbs gives us some really practical advice on how to keep our marriage beds (and future marriage beds) pure.… Continue reading How not to commit adultery
Perseverance of the saints
Can a Christian loose their salvation? The Bible says no. The last point of Calvinism is: The perseverance of the saints. Perhaps a better summary would be: God’s preservation of the saints or God’s persevering with the saints. (BTW “Saints” is the word the New Testament uses for regular Christians.) The Westminster Confession of Faith… Continue reading Perseverance of the saints
Why saving grace must be irresistible
The fourth point of Calvinism is Irresistible Grace. This doctrine says that when God calls us to faith in Jesus he calls effectively. God always succeeds in his purpose to save us. The Bible distinguishes between the General Call of God to all sinners to come to Jesus (e.g. Jesus saying “Come to me, all you who… Continue reading Why saving grace must be irresistible
Why I believe in Limited Atonement
Who did Jesus die for and what did Jesus’ death achieve? These two questions point to the heart of the third so-called point of Calvinism1, “Limited Atonement2“. Most Christians would say that Jesus died for all the sins of every person in the entire world. In other words, Jesus paid the price for each sin of… Continue reading Why I believe in Limited Atonement