Question: How sure are the Calvinists that they are unconditionally elected if no one shared the gospel to them ? While there are exceptional circumstances in which we hear testimonies of people being "saved" without any direct human involvement in sharing the gospel, God invariably employs means to draw the elect to the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. True adherents of Calvinism would never assert that God bypasses such means for imparting the knowledge of the Gospel. If any so-called Calvinists suggest otherwise, they likely do not adhere to Calvinist doctrine or the broader beliefs of the Reformation movement on this matter. This principle is not only evident in Scripture but also explicitly outlined in the Canons of the Synod of Dort, the standard against which all claims about Calvinist teachings should be measured.The Third and Fourth Main Points of Doctrine of the Canons clearly state that Calvinists believe God uses means: “Article 17: God’s Use of Means … [Read more...]
Faith, Works, and Salvation: A short Comparative Analysis of Calvin & Arminius’ soteriological perspectives
Question: Explain the relationship between Faith and Works in justification and salvation. Compare the positions of two different theologians: John Calvin and Jacobus Arminius. There is arguably no better demonstration of the relationship between faith and works in justification and salvation than through the soteriological perspectives of John Calvin and Jacobus Arminius. John Calvin, a pivotal leader of the Reformation, and Jacobus Arminius, who studied under Calvin’s successor, Theodore Beza, represent two distinct views within Christian theology. Calvin’s soteriological doctrines, alongside those of similar Reformation thinkers, refined what is now known as "Reformed Soteriology," or more commonly, "Calvinism." In contrast, Arminius’s teachings are encapsulated within "Arminianism." As a side note, the standard of Calvinist doctrine is established by the Canons of the Synod of Dort (1618 to 1619) and various Confessions of Faith that clearly articulate … [Read more...]
How to Create a DIY Contract of Lease: A Quick Guide
As early as last year, there has been widespread discussion on the internet about artificial intelligence potentially replacing lawyers and even judges. Honestly, I’m no longer surprised. Many jobs are already being taken over by robots, and it’s only a matter of time before this becomes reality. In light of this, I’ve decided to shift careers by enrolling in a bachelor’s degree in computer science and sharing all my “lawyering” secrets. Kidding aside, even without artificial intelligence, the internet has, in many ways, been replacing lawyers. Instead of visiting a lawyer’s office for advice, many people simply turn to a Google search. Technology is truly transforming numerous industries and professions. One of the most common legal topics people search for online is legal forms. Documents like contracts, affidavits, and other legal forms can now be easily downloaded from the internet. So, is that it? Just download a lease contract online, and you’re done? Kidding again! … [Read more...]
Were the King James Bible Translators Actually Calvinists? A Historical Analysis
Recent debates concerning the theological orientation of the King James Bible translators necessitate a careful examination of historical evidence regarding their doctrinal positions. Historical records strongly indicate that a significant majority of the translators adhered to Calvinist theology or demonstrated strong Calvinistic leanings in their soteriology. Historical Context and Anglican Identity The theological landscape of the Anglican Church during the Elizabethan era, which immediately preceded King James's reign, shows substantial Calvinist influence. Gerald Lewis Bray, a prominent British theologian and Anglican priest, provides crucial insight into this historical reality:"The Thirty-nine Articles of Religion follow the outline of Calvin's Institutes to a surprising extent, and their content is similar... the theologians who shaped Anglican identity in the Elizabethan era were deeply indebted to Calvin, whose major works were quickly translated into English to become the … [Read more...]
Is There Really an Unbroken Succession of Baptist Churches Since Christ?
The concept of Baptist Church Perpetuity, also known as Baptist Successionism, has been a subject of intense debate within Baptist circles. This theory posits that Baptist churches have existed in an unbroken line since the time of Christ and the apostles. However, this claim is not without its critics. Let's examine the arguments for and against this controversial idea. The Case for Baptist Church Perpetuity Proponents of this theory argue that: Jesus promised church perpetuity when He said, "upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18). The church is defined as a local, visible entity composed of properly baptized, organized groups of people, given the exclusive right to propagate in perpetuity until Christ's return. This perpetuity is claimed because it is promised by an all-powerful God. Even in the absence of historical documents, faith in Jesus' promise is sufficient. Various historical groups, such as the … [Read more...]
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