Besides inventing a new word (predestinational), I would to highlight two errors that some make people when it comes to thinking about the doctrine of predestination. These two errors can also be seen as two extremes or opposite ends of the theological spectrum. The two errors are: Arminianism and Hyper-Calvinism
Category: Calvinism
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
Free Will vs. Total Depravity
Can we choose God? Would we ever want to choose God? Do we have a free will? These questions have caused controversy amongst Christians throughout history. The Reformed Doctrine of Total Depravity speaks to this. Total depravity is the teaching that, since the Fall of Man (Genesis 3), every area of the life of a… Continue reading Free Will vs. Total Depravity