Category: Calvinism
Subject: Calvinism
From the Preacher’s Pen: Free to Choose
The wise man of Ecclesiastes wrote, “Truly, this only I have found: That God made man upright, But they have sought out many schemes” (7:29).
The text clearly teaches that man appears on the earth inherently good. This contrasts with the world view of the Reformed Theologian who contends that man is born to a state of absolute depravity. The text also absolves God of blame when evil abounds. It is not God’s fault or doing when suffering comes as the consequence of sinful behavior. God made man upright!
Why then do men do evil? Because God has given man a will, and men choose to do evil! “They have sought out many schemes.” No one wishes for God to do away with free will. It is His greatest gift, and the reason Moses wrote that God made man “in His own image” (Genesis 1:27). However, when God gave man the freedom of choice, it was inevitable that some would choose to do evil things. Adam did, “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned” (Romans 5:12).
Recently, I was given the following quote — a fitting end to this short missive. “You are free to choose, but you are not free from the consequences of your choice.” Wise words to consider the next time we are tempted to choose foolishly!
Sermon: Calvinism Examined
An overview of Reformed Theology complete with a discussion of God’s Sovereignty, source quotes from Calvinists, and a sampling of verses that refute the 5 major tenets of Calvinism, as represented in the acrostic T.U.L.I.P.
Sermon: Saved by Grace Through Faith
The Sermon explains Bible teaching regarding salvation by Grace. In so doing it refutes Calvinistic and Neo-Calvinistic concepts of Grace.
Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Sermon: Did Judas Have Free Will?
This sermon answers the question, “When Judas betrayed Jesus, did he do so because he was compelled to by God, or did he exercise his free will?
Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Sermon: Trusting in the Finished Work of Christ Alone?
The Calvinistic doctrine of salvation by Faith only is commonly being expressed in our time in the Phrase, “Trusting in the Finished Work of Christ Alone” The phrase intimates not only that obedience is not required of man, but also the impossibility of Apostasy.
It also contradicts plain teaching in Hebrews 11 & 12, and James 2, the texts under consideration in this lesson.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Sovereignty and Man’s Free Will
In Knowledge of the Holy, A.W. Tozer attempts to reconcile the seemingly contradictory beliefs of God’s sovereignty and man’s free will:
“An ocean liner leaves New York bound for Liverpool. Its destination has been determined by proper authorities. Nothing can change it. This is at least a faint picture of sovereignty.
“On board the liner are scores of passengers. These are not in chains, neither are their activities determined for them by decree. They are completely free to move about as they will. They eat, sleep, play, lounge about on the deck, read, talk, altogether as they please; but all the while the great liner is carrying them steadily onward toward a predetermined port.
“Both freedom and sovereignty are present here, and they do not contradict. So it is, I believe, with man’s freedom and the sovereignty of God. The mighty liner of God’s sovereign design keeps its steady course over the sea of history.”
Douglas G. Gerrard
The illustration above is relatively accurate, though limited as illustrations always are. It is true that God’s sovereignty has predetermined the victory of righteousness over evil.
It is equally true that God has granted each man free will in his life. However, there is one thing that is not noted in the story. It is possible, first, for a man to choose not to board the ship, and then for a man to jump off the ship, of his own free will, thus not reaching the destination! (cf. Mark 16:16; 2 Peter 2:21-22).
