Do you agree with Brian Abasciano's corporate election theory? Why or why not? With regards to corporate election, well of course there is such a thing as corporate election (church, nation) and yes, definitely there is individual election. Even Dr. Abasciano acknowledges this as you quoted above. However I do not subscribe to Dr. Abasciano’s view because for the following reasons:1.) Dr. Abasciano engages in word play, argues on semantics and argues fallaciously – No matter how he states it either way, the group and the individual are inseparable. There is no group without the individual, no “ekklesia” without the “called out ones.” His insistence on somehow drawing a fine line between corporate election and individual election borders on committing the fallacy of equivocation. Trying to make a distinction when there should be none and then saying that both views are logically coherent, borders on the fallacy of circular reasoning. Of course, it is logically coherent because … [Read more...]
Steering Clear of Online Scams: How to Protect Yourself from Digital Fraud
Scams and get-rich-quick schemes have been around for as long as money has existed. But in today's fast-paced, hyper-connected digital world, scammers have more opportunities than ever to trick people out of their hard-earned cash and sensitive information. There are all sorts of scams out there, from fake emails and identity theft to Ponzi schemes and bogus investment opportunities. Scammers are getting smarter and more creative, using a wide range of tactics to fool people. The scary part is that these scams are having a huge impact on people's lives. A recent survey by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance and Scam Adviser found that a whopping 40% of people worldwide have lost money to investment scams. Even worse, most of them (69%) didn't even try to get their money back because they didn't know how. These scams are hitting people where it hurts - their wallets. About 66% of people said that getting scammed had a big impact on their finances. Surprisingly, 32% didn't try to … [Read more...]
Understanding the Differences Among Calvinists: 3-Point, 4-Point, 5-Point, and Hyper-Calvinism
Well, there are some points in Calvinism that some people who label themselves "Calvinist" don't accept. However, for me, one can't consider himself a Calvinist if one does not accept the five points. The five points work seamlessly and are logically flawless together and supported by Scriptures. Further, they have a basis in Church history as they are the ones laid down by the Synod of Dort in response to Arminianism. (A side note: The most famous five-point Calvinist among independent Baptists was probably Charles Spurgeon.) You can't take one point away and still call it Calvinism. It's the whole package. You can't call yourself a Calvinist if you don't accept the five points. But that's just me; I can't impose labels on people if they insist on calling themselves a Calvinist if they only accept three or four points. But if we are to be technical about it...Most Calvinists do not consider somebody to be a Calvinist if he/she only adheres to three points, and there are a lot of … [Read more...]
Is election unto salvation corporate or individual ?
Being a staunch 5 point Calvinist I frequently come across statements in my interaction with non-Calvinist. Since it takes me a while to write a response to them, I have decided to turn my responses into blogpost. Here is a statement from my a dear brother with regards to whether election to salvation is corporate or is it individual and below is my response STATEMENT: I agree with your statement that the doctrine of election can be found all over Scriptures but I don't think that individual election to salvation is taught in the Bible. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not an Arminian. I have problems with the Arminian view of Eternal Security so I don't consider myself to be one. So I'm neither. I go with what the Bible teaches. I have read a lot about this issue and had been thinking which side is correct. Finally, I came to the conclusion that Calvinism is not taught in the Bible. Though I won't say I'm that knowledgeable about it since I only do personal study and don't … [Read more...]
My take on Infralapsarianism, Sublapsarianism, or Supralapsarianism
Among the theological topics I am interested in, soteriological issues pique my interest. As a theologian who holds to Calvinistic soteriology, I get to be asked a lot of questions on Calvinism. In this post we will tackle a somewhat technical question related to Calvinism, Infralapsarianism, Sublapsarianism, or Supralapsarianism. My response is stated below after the question. Question: First off, I want to affirm that I believe in God's Sovereignty. I have no problem with that. And yes, God could save everyone and yes, he's not oblige to. But you and I know that Universalism is not taught in the Bible. When you said he chose to save some, when did that chosing occur? Before or after the Fall? Which sysretem do you follow? Infralapsarianism, Sublapsarianism, or Supralapsarianism? When you said He "leave others to the consequences of their sin," you mean damned others to go to Hell even before they were born, right? Let me address the issue you brought up in your second to … [Read more...]