Tag Archives: Calvinism

A Baptist Perspective on Reformed Theology

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The term Reformed theology means different things to different people. For some, this term simply refers to the ‘doctrines of grace’ which are also known as the five points of Calvinism. They are: Total depravity: Sin has so affected all areas of our personality that no one seeks after God. Unconditional election: God’s choice of some to be saved was not based on foreseen merit or faith. Limited atonement: God’s purpose in sending His Son was to actually save and preserve the elect.

Some Reflections on the Pentecostal/Charismatic Movements, Part 1

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I. Their Distinctive While there are many beliefs held by Pentecostals and Charismatics, the one which is held in common among them and which distinguishes them from others is the belief that the supernatural spiritual gifts evident in New Testament times ought to be practiced today, including tongues, miracles, healings, and prophecy. II. Their Heritage The modern Pentecostal/Charismatic Movements are of fairly recent origin. While certain phenomena might have been observed occasionally in the later 1800s, the movement itself did not begin until the early 1900s, with the first of three distinct waves.

Implications of Evolutionism

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“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). Beyond all doubt, Darwin left a great deal of influence. It seems little wonder that Origin of Species raised a storm when it appeared. To then, even the atheists were living in the Western heritage of a created universe. Even if the eighteenth century rationalists didn’t like the idea of a Creator, they still seemed to see an underlying intelligence in the world that they perceived by their senses.

Those For Whom Christ Died: Some Reflections

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Introduction The Statement of Belief of Faith Baptist Theological Seminary affirms the following truth concerning Jesus Christ: “We believe that Jesus Christ…gave Himself as a perfect substitutionary sacrifice for the sins of all men” (page 6, 1995–1997 catalog). The Issues Not all Christians agree with the above statement. One Reformed theologian states, ”God, existing in eternity outside of and anterior to all time, decreed to send the Second Person of the Trinity into the world, at the appropriate moment, to save a chosen few.

Divine Sovereignty and the GARBC

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WAIT! Don’t throw this article away (at least until you know the real topic about which I am writing)! I am NOT writing about the truth or falsity of Calvinism. Instead, I am writing this article as a response to those who criticize the GARBC for drifting away from its original Calvinistic belief in unconditional election and predestination. In this article, I will try to show that the GARBC never had an official position on election and predestination. The Basis of the Critics’ Charge: The primary reason why some believe that the GARBC originally held to Calvinism is that throughout GARBC history, statements have been made linking the GARBC with Baptist Confessions of faith which were Calvinistic.