-
31 Bible Doctrine – The Emergence Of 18th Century Hyper-Calvinism
I would like to welcome you back to another study in Bible Doctrine. Having looked at the emergence of 17th century Hyper-Calvinism, I now turn to that of the 18th century. By way of review, we left off in the previous study with the emergence of 17th century Hyper-Calvinism, culminating in the doctrinal statements of the 1646, the 1658 and the 1689 confessions of faith. These documents set forth a threefold covenantal framework—a covenant of redemption, drawn up by the TriUne Jehovah from eternity, which is relegated to the backdrop of history; a covenant of works, made by God with Adam before he sinned, requiring of him perfect obedience to the law inscribed upon his heart; and a covenant of grace, made by God with…
-
30 Bible Doctrine – The Emergence Of 17th Century Hyper-Calvinism
I would like to welcome you back to another study in Bible Doctrine. In our previous study, I pointed out the broadest definition for Hyper-Calvinism is any teaching which goes beyond that of Calvin himself. It is in that sense I am using the label as we consider the emergence of Hyper-Calvinism during the 17th century. I believe there are two branches of Hyper-Calvinism, one which came about during the 17th century, beginning with the publication of John Calvin’s Institutes in the year 1536 and culminating with the 1689 Baptist confession; the other came about during the 18th century, beginning with two sermons preached by Benjamin Keach in the year 1692 and culminating in the year 1770 with John Gill’s Body of Divinity. In addition…
-
29 Bible Doctrine – The Two Branches Of Hyper-Calvinism And The Weeds Of Modified-Calvinism
I would like to welcome you back to another study in the Word of God. I am returning to our little series on Bible Doctrine, and would like to speak on the subject of Hyper-Calvinism. I wish to begin with some basic definitions. Calvinism, as we know it by this name, emerged during the 16th century with a French theologian named John Calvin. In 1536, he published a systematic theology entitled, “The Institutes of the Christian Religion”. This, together with his sermons and commentaries on the books of the Bible, have served for hundreds of years as the benchmark for reformed teachings. Hyper-Calvinism, as you know, has a historic definition, pointing to those who deny the doctrines of duty-faith, the free-offer and the moral law…
-
28 Bible Doctrine – A Devotional Review
Let us take a few minutes to review the topics covered. Our first study answered the question, “What Is A Framework Of Doctrine?”, where I attempted to show the importance of formulating a systematic overview of the various branches of theology, or Bible teachings. Our second study answered the question, “What Do These Labels “Arminianism”And “Calvinism” Represent?”, where I provided a basic definition for these theological nicknames. Our third study answered the question, “Do These Teachings Originate With Arminius And Calvin?”, where I traced Arminianism and Calvinism to the garden of Eden, showing that Arminianism is rooted in free will humanism, whereas Calvinism is rooted in free grace salvation.
-
27 Bible Doctrine – How Can The Framework Of Sovereign Grace Be Used As A Tool For Discipleship And Evangelism?
A Transcript Of The Video Study In our previous study, I commended the Framework of Sovereign Grace as an excellent teaching tool for evangelism and discipleship. First, it is a scripturally shaped framework, based on the teachings of Romans 9:21-23 and 2 Timothy 2:20; Second, it begins with the Unconditional Election of God the Father, rather than the Total Depravity of man; Third, it allows room to discuss other vital doctrines and related issues within the context of God’s masterplan for the ages; Fourth, it doesn’t require the use of unnecessary academic labels; Fifth, it presents the major teachings of the Bible in the form of a diagram, illustrating how they fit together as a whole; Sixth, it tends to nurture a warm and humble…
-
26 Bible Doctrine – Are There Disadvantages Using The Five Points Of Calvinism As A Tool For Evangelism And Discipleship?
A Transcript Of The Video Study In our previous study, I gave an explanation on what I believe the terms evangelism and discipleship mean, and then proceeded to show how the Five Points of Calvinism can be used as a teaching tool for both. In my concluding remarks, I commended to you the use of the Five Points for that purpose. Indeed, there are some advantages associated with using the Five Points as a teaching tool—first, it provides a basic summary of the duties incumbent upon the unregenerate under the authority of the covenant of works, and also of the blessings bestowed upon the regenerate under the authority of the covenant of grace; second, it clearly distinguishes between the free will of man on the…