Let us now consider it as to provide a refutation, it starts out by stating the following:
When one reads such a statement as this, it cannot be helped as we notice several issues with it. But there is one good point to mention: 'A Calvinist is a person who subscribes to the theological beliefs of John Calvin, the Swiss Protestant reformer of the sixteenth century.' In as far as getting the person and the century right, this is correct. But this the only commending factor.A Calvinist is a person who subscribes to the theological beliefs of John Calvin, the Swiss Protestant reformer of the sixteenth century. There are five main points in Calvinism, four of which are false teachings. The five points of Calvinism are usually represented by the letters T.U.L.I.P.
Let us note the errors here on out: First, it should be noted that Calvinism is only a nickname. Reformed theology might be a better way to describe it, and it is the best way to allow the scripture define their own teaching of God's sovereign ruler-ship in all he does including salvation. Second, John Calvin may have been the most vocal proponent of this theological stance; but he certainly was not the first. Nor was he the one who came up with it. For that you have to go to the Lord Jesus Christ in John 6 among many other passages. Until one has correctly handled this text and others, none can say that Calvinism is in error in any point. Third, in saying '4 are false teachings' and then proceeding to not give a shed of evidence is not convincing.
Let us now turn to the first real objection:
Straight away not even a sentence into this objection, and we already have an error being made. Note what is said here: 'that man is so depraved that he cannot see his sinful condition' which reformer ever said such nonsense. None. It is the biblical position, that a man who is united to Adam has been effected in two senses: (a) judicially or federally (b) through pollution. So when a Calvinist speaks of man's depravity it is more of a recognition that he has been effected holistically; every aspect of his whole being has been radically corrupted. It is once again, not that man doesn't want to call on God. It is he cannot do any pleasing in God sight as Paul says in Romans 8:5-8. Note what Paul says in that passage is completely in line with John 3:1-8, it reads: 'For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot (speaks of inability). Those who are in the flesh cannot (speaks of inability) please God.' This is the full reality of the biblical testimony. Any attempts to dismiss it or redefine it only end up in serious catastrophe.The "T" is for TOTAL DEPRAVITY. This is the false doctrine that man is so depraved that he cannot even see his sinful condition and call upon God for salvation. It is true that all men are natural-born sinners (Rom. 3:23; 5:12; Psa. 51:5), but it is also true that God COMMANDS all men to repent and receive Christ (Acts 17:30-31; I John 3:23; Luke 13:3). Man is indeed depraved, but he isn't so depraved that he has no free will of his own (II Pet. 3:9; Jn. 1:12; 3:16; Jos. 24:15; Exo. 35:5, 21, 22, 29). Total Depravity is heresy.
The writer then goes on to state this fascinating thing: 'It is true that all men are natural-born sinners (Rom. 3:23; 5:12; Psa. 51:5), but it is also true that God COMMANDS all men to repent and receive Christ (Acts 17:30-31; I John 3:23; Luke 13:3).' He first agrees that man is born in sin; but then he says something which no Calvinist would disagree with that God commands people to do certain things. The question, however, lies in the realm of human capacity: do men have the ability to do said commands? If yes, then why did Israel continually break God laws? And the answer cannot simply because they chose too; of course, they chose too but could they, if they so chose to, then keep them. And if they could, then, why the saviour? See the conundrum that Arminians get themselves into when they put forth this idea that man can keep God's commands. But then we come to the final part of this objection. We read: 'Man is indeed depraved, but he isn't so depraved that he has no free will of his own (II Pet. 3:9; Jn. 1:12; 3:16; Jos. 24:15; Exo. 35:5, 21, 22, 29).' Now it is so abundant what is being asserted in this: man has a "free will" not that it has ever been proved, but what is this free will? Where can I find such a commodity? And more importantly, can we see one clear text on this? As none of the ones offered actually prove such a thing. In all of these texts mentioned, only one can be even associated with this pagan Christianised teaching and that is Joshua 24:15 only upon surface level reading. It is about choice; but not the will of man.
2 Peter 3:9 is a favourite of the Arminian but sad to say it has been misrepresented. It's speaking of the believers whom God has chosen, read the whole context and follow the argument from the first letter to the second and you will see that only the elect are in view. None else. John 1:12 is only half a verse and needs verse 13 to see the real point. That the believer who receives Christ does so because of God. He is 'born of God'. John 3:16 is a wonderful verse but it does not belong in isolation; it has a context starting from verse 1 of that chapter. Man must be born from above to be a believer in Christ. And finally, the text in the law (Exodus 35) has no baring on us today unless you want to put us back under the law (particularly the ceremonial law. Let us note an important connective point in this: the depravity of man due to its severity leave man with a real issue of inability; but we need to make it clear what this inability actually is. It is not a physical inability so they can not do anything in the natural realm; it is a moral and spiritual inability. They will never turn to Christ in the spiritual sense as they hate Him. Let us consider a few biblical examples of this:
Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus *said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (John 3:3-5)
But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” (John 8: 45-47)
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (Romans 8: 5-8)
And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2: 13-16)
And we see that Total Depravity has not been refuted by this surface level objection. It stands as being biblically founded.
Let us turn to the second objection:
Again, we come to the most basic misrepresentation of scriptures. Note what is said: U" stands for UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION, which is a heresy derived from perverting verses like Ephesians 1:4-5 and Romans 8:29.' It is such an attack on reformed theology and the scriptures that gives us great concern. The charge is made but never substantiated in even most basic attempt. How do Calvinists pervert Ephesians 1:4-5 and Romans 8:29? We are not told."U" stands for UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION, which is a heresy derived from perverting verses like Ephesians 1:4-5 and Romans 8:29. The Calvinists believe that God predestinated everyone way back before Genesis 1:1, totally ignoring their free will to choose for themselves. That is, He supposedly decided who would go to Heaven and who would go to Hell long before anyone was even born. If you'll read Romans 8:29 and I Peter 1:1-2 you'll see that God's election is based on FOREKNOWLEDGE. He didn't elect to save or damn anyone against their free will. God knew all along who would choose Christ and who would not, and He made His "elections" based on that information.
It is then said 'Calvinists believe that God predestinated everyone way back before Genesis 1:1, totally ignoring their free will to choose for themselves.' This golden calf of freewill comes up once again. But it is not a biblical truth at all. Man has a will but like man it is enslaved to sin. And that is biblically demonstrated beyond all doubt. Note what John 8: 34-38 states:
The man who sins, says our Lord Jesus Christ. That man 'is a slave to sin' meaning that because he is born a sinner by nature he is a slave to that sinful nature and will inevitably act upon that nature through his actions. And that pattern will in turn be his master.Let us not forget this issue.Thereby, it means that this notion of freewill is not a true standpoint. It cannot be found in any part of scripture. There is a freedom from sin which as Our Lord tells us comes by his direct work in our lives. He says 'So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.' It is he whom makes one free. Let us note that Christ's words on this matter should be more enough to settle this matter; but if they are not, then we have every other writer making this point clear Paul in Romans 6:6, 16-17. Peter in 2 Peter 2: 17-20. James in James 1:13-15 as supporting verses.Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are Abraham’s descendants; yet you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you. I speak the things which I have seen with My Father; therefore you also do the things which you heard from your father.”
Now we come to the common misunderstanding of these grand texts. To suggest that Election is based on God passively taking in knowledge of who would receive Christ. This is the Arminian thought. But it is much more philosophical in nature than theological. It is not to be found in scriptures based on true biblical exegesis; purely an eisegetical falsehood in its application. Let us note two things that are vital at this point: (1) if it is case God chose based on this standard; then does this means that such knowledge did not originate with God. And he learned something he did not know before the moment he come upon such information. There is no safe-guard against Open theology. (2) if it is the case, then what would it achieve in God's plan to only ever see men acting evil. such a neutral state where man can be good and choose is biblical unfounded. So we see the issue here is horrendous.
So what then does 'foreknew' mean? Simply this he loved us in advance; in despite of our own sinfulness. And Chose us based out of this grand fact that he loved us and gave us to his Son. It is all based on God very love for his Son that he loved us. Let us just the note of a few key texts:
The Jews then gathered around Him, and were saying to Him, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father’s name, these testify of Me. But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” (John 10:24-30)
I have manifested Your name to the men whom You gave Me out of the world; they were Yours and You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. Now they have come to know that everything You have given Me is from You; for the words which You gave Me I have given to them; and they received them and truly understood that I came forth from You, and they believed that You sent Me. I ask on their behalf; I do not ask on behalf of the world, but of those whom You have given Me; for they are Yours; and all things that are Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine; and I have been glorified in them. (John 17:6-10)Our first ones come from The Apostle John and they are very important ones to hold forth. For the language of the elect are right there in the word "those you have given me." But we now come to the Apostle Paul whom brings this truth forth in more clarity in many of the main text; but equally in lesser known places like these ones below:
knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you; for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, (1 Thessalonians 1:4-6)
Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago, but at the proper time manifested, even His word, in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Saviour, (Titus 1:1-3)
Having seen how Paul makes it clear in his clear texts such as Romans 8 and Ephesians 1; He likewise done so in other texts such as the above ones. Now let us see what Peter tells us:
We come upon a text which the Arminian selects and reads his own understand into which is primarily a philosophical one. And not a theologically driven exegetical one. When this is done one will see that even Peter is dealing with God's activity of choosing an individual based on his great love for them because of what Christ has done. Foreknowledge simply means that God has loved prior to or ahead of his choice. His choice is not based on external factors but internal factors.Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure. (1 Peter 1:1-3)
Now we come to the third objection.
Let us now consider this third objection that is raised against the Doctrines of grace; and in particular regarding Limited Atonement. Notice the incomplete understanding of what this doctrine is. He says, 'This is the belief that only a limited number of people can be washed from their sins in the precious blood of Christ, because only "the elect" will be saved anyway.' It is not even the heart of the this truth. We can discuss how many Christ died for; but it much simpler to consider two facts. First, we must ask this did Jesus die to secure salvation for somebody or did he merely die a death which if one believes in it that is that it makes salvation a mere possibility. That is the first issue and a major one. Second, what was the Father intention, the son's intention, and the Spirit's intention in this death was it one in the same or was there multiple intentions? There is the second issue. But let us consider this more closely.Then we have the "L" for LIMITED ATONEMENT. This is the belief that only a limited number of people can be washed from their sins in the precious blood of Christ, because only "the elect" will be saved anyway. The idea is that Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it (Eph. 5:25); so the blood of Christ was only shed for the church. This is foolishness. I Timothy 2:6 says that Christ gave Himself a ransom for ALL, not just the elect. ALL have sinned (Rom. 3:23); so He died for ALL, and He saves "as many as" receive Him (John 1:12).
It should be seen that the only verse that is offered on the Calvinist side, which apparently suggests that it is on this one verse. But that is not true. However, the verse that is being
put forth is a grand verse from a grand section. Take a hold of its words:
Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, because we are members of His body. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.There it is! This grand passage on marriage of two persons (a man and a women; a husband and wife). Keep this in mind. For it is a very important point to hold in mind in this matter. This is of course is a grand passage; and if it were the only one, it would most definitely be enough to substantiate the very close natured relationship between Christ and his church. It absolutely proves individual election. But this is not the only passage that we have on the nature and extent of the Atonement. A number will be significant at this point: (1) Romans 8:31-39 and note the language of the individual election. (2) 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 and note the language of election. (3) Ephesians 1:3-11 and the language of elect. (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5; 2 Thessalonians 2:15-17 and the language of election. (4) 2 Timothy 2:10 which like those before speak of the Elect. This is a biblical truth; and it is a fact. Now since all attacks on Limited Atonement are nothing more than attacks on the former truth; it was necessary to give a further consideration of this truth. Let us now consider one passage that speaks to the nature of the Atonement.
For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness (for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God. And inasmuch as it was not without an oath (for they indeed became priests without an oath, but He with an oath through the One who said to Him, “The Lord has sworn And will not change His mind, ‘You are a priest forever’”); so much the more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant. The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.The only thing that we must hold forth in this is the wondrous fact that the New testament as a whole and in part makes it clear that all whom come to Christ in faith; they will find Him to be a perfect and powerful Saviour. One whom actually saves all whom God the Father gives him. This section is one of the most beautiful ones as it makes it clear that Christ death was made for a specific people who are innumerable. Like the stars that God asked Abraham to count; your offspring will be far too many to count. Let also note that other wonderful text in 1 timothy 2 which states 'For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.' The question we must ask is this: not 'how many are the all in this matter?' But 'what does this action on Christ mean in reality? Let us spell it out: it is speaking to an actually atonement which correspond to an actual intercession before God. And only one view fits this: the Reformed View which teaches that Christ's death actually secured those whom it was designed and intended for.
Let us also note two more very important text at this point:
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight. He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. (Ephesians 1:7-10)
For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1: 9-14).One should note the language of these statements concerning the Atonement in the Lord Jesus Christ. It comes through these kinds of passages that speak to the reality of the saving work of our Lord. Take that last one: 'for he rescued us from the dominion of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.' See, that there is a real firm foundation being spoken of that those 'whom receive redemption' and are 'transferred from darkness to the kingdom of his beloved Son' are those whom it is once and for all established in. There is no possibility just certainty. You, as a Christian, are apart of this new humanity that has been untied with Christ; and from all eternity this has been God way. There is no arbitrariness about it; it is clearly how God achieves his purpose. And what is the foundation of this great new humanity?
The perfect and powerful work that Christ performed upon the cross that is able to save each one it is made for.
Now we come to the fourth objection:
Here we come upon another clearly laid out canard. The simply reality is that along with the other points, this one finds itself being poorly misrepresented by this Arminian or Catholic. And it is all in the name of this golden calf of free will; which has no basis in the scriptures at all. So in what manner does he misrepresent this biblical truth, in the following: 'This teaching says that God the Holy Spirit overpowers the sinner and grants him the new birth without his submission or positive response.' The errors are glaring to say the least. the first one is this: we are being told that the Holy spirit's work of regeneration in a man is nothing more than force like a violent act. When the bible no place suggest this and neither does the reformed position. Simply a canard. To say the Spirit needs man's permission to free them from sin, and give them new life in Christ is simply unscriptural and blasphemous in nature. The second thing to note is this: man is made king instead of a fallen rebel sinner who only wants death. In such terms as 'his submission' 'positive response' which is Arminian pet talk but clearly not biblical.The "I" stands for IRRESISTIBLE GRACE, which is also false doctrine. This teaching says that God the Holy Spirit overpowers the sinner and grants him the new birth without his submission or positive response. As we've already seen, man DOES have a free will and no one is saved without CHOOSING to believe on Christ as Lord and Saviour. There is no such thing as irresistible grace. God has given us all the ability to resist anyone or anything we choose (Acts 7:51; II Tim. 3:8; Jas. 4:7). There are times when the convicting power of the Holy Spirit is so strong and real that a sinner sees no choice but to give in to God and receive Christ as Saviour, but the sinner always has a choice. No one is saved against their will, and no one is saved without first choosing to receive Christ.
Let us note another thing that is commonly raised, in these words 'There is no such thing as irresistible grace. God has given us all the ability to resist anyone or anything we choose (Acts 7:51; II Tim. 3:8; Jas. 4:7)' Apart from the clear fact that the writer has no clue what we actually mean by 'irresistible grace' and that is clear from his diatribe. It is simply the Spirit's role of regeneration. The other issue is this: the sinner man, of course, resists God every day he lives unless God subdue him by the work of the Spirit in regeneration. But once again, not only does the Arminian misunderstand the doctrine; he likewise, misunderstands scriptures too. Acts 7:51 is not about God's activity in regenerating a man; it is about natural man resisting the Spirit's work of common grace of conviction. This is one.
Then we have these other references being alluded too. 2 Timothy 3:8 in context helps not the slightest fashion. As the full context speaks of the natural man in his full rebellion against God's truth. And the final passage from James 4 helps not in the slightest either. James is give an a practical exhortation to the members of the church whom have been redeemed already. It is important; therefore, to consider not a single verse but the whole context of the chapter and even the book. James is not addressing how one is saved in the bulk of his letter; but how a Christian must live out their faith before his own brethren. This comes through in the verse first words of the every chapter of the Epistle. Now having considered these verse which have no baring on the matter in question. Let us consider some other texts:
Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:3-8)That is the first one; and the next two are:
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)
But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. (Ephesians 2:4-10)And then we have the fourth and fifth examples:
Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. (James 1: 16-18)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. .... Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God. For, “All flesh is like grass, And all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, And the flower falls off, But the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word which was preached to you. (1 Peter 3-5, 22-25)And finally we have our sixth example:
Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming. If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices righteousness is born of Him. .... No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother. .... Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. ... Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him. (1 John 2:28-29; 3:9-10; 4:7-10; 5:1)It should be obvious that the attacking a doctrine because a term that is being used to accurately describe the truth behind is just plain foolish. 'Irresistible grace' is simply describing the fact to the Elect, God's grace is simple effective in its work; and therefore, it irresistible. As we know from Isaiah 55: 10-13 God word is effective in what is purposed for and that is bringing in the Elect. All of these texts cited above display in a perfect manner what we believe when they are correctly handled through exegesis.
Now we come to the final objection:
Now we come to the final point. And there is not much to do in way of biblical correction to do as it is not the issue. There, however, is one necessary issue to put forth: the "P" in the tulip although it has been said understand in terms of perseverance of the saints; it is vital to note that can also mean (and more than likely) refers to a secondary issue which is the reality of preservation of the saints. And both points are complimentary truths; and one cannot be seen without the other.The last letter is "P," which represents the PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS. This is the only point in "T.U.L.I.P" which is anywhere near correct, but not near enough. Once a sinner receives Christ, he is predestinated to be conformed to Christ's image (Rom. 8:29). That is, as Christians, we are eternally secure and cannot lose the salvation which God has freely given us, but this is due to GOD'S PRESERVATION, not our perseverance.
Notice these two passages from a moment:
At that time the Feast of the Dedication took place at Jerusalem; it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple in the portico of Solomon. The Jews then gathered around Him, and were saying to Him, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father’s name, these testify of Me. But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” (John 10:22-30)There is our first text demonstrating that God has guaranteed our salvation and will preserve us even in the most cruel time. But there is also the other truth as we see in the next text:
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armour of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armour of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6: 10-17)It is in this kind of scripture that we find the greatest attestation to the truth of Perseverance of the saints. It is to stand firm, whether the storms, and persevere against all the attacks of Satan.
But there are scriptures that presents both sides of this truth, such as this one:
So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. (Philippians 2:12-13)Note the order. First it is our work 'work out you salvation' that is speaking not of earning salvation; for it is something a Christian already possesses due to what Christ done. But rather he is now in the midst of a spiritual war; he must be fully diligent to all things that can bring him into a dark place though not being of it. But then in the second part, we are told 'it is God who is at work in you' in other words, not only is God the one fighting for you; he is the one that is preserving the Christian through such a issue.
If this brief consideration of this matter is not enough; then we can go to a text which state the term 'Perseverance of the Saints' in its words. We read:
But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For, “Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.This is a warning text with a vital distinctive in it. Notice in the last statement that there is a contrast being made; on one hand, you have those who "shrink back" that is those who have a taste of the glories but do not have a full on reality in relation to the Christian disposition (regeneration). But on the other hand, you have those "have faith" but not that alone, his faith was one that "preserved his soul." What does this all mean? He has a true saving faith which is founded and established or grounded and rooted in Christ. And such a faith is not a natural faith that one already possess in him from his birth; but is one that is a gift of the Spirit which is grafted in and is a living thing in mans very existence. And it is that faith in Christ that perseveres and preserves a man in and through all trials and tribulations.
