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Book 1: Chapter 18, The Instrumentality Of The Wicked Employed By God, While He Continues Free From Every Taint
This chapter may be conveniently divided into two parts:—I. A general explanation is given of the doctrine of Divine Providence, in so far as conducive to the solid instruction and consolation of the godly, sect. 1, and specially sect. 2-12. First, however, those are refuted who deny that the world is governed by the secret and incomprehensible counsel of God; those also who throw the blame of all wickedness upon God, and absurdly pretend that exercises of piety are useless, sect. 2-5. Thereafter is added a holy meditation on Divine Providence, which, in the case of prosperity, is painted to the life, sect. 6-11. II. A solution of two objections from passages of Scripture, which attribute repentance to God, and speak of something like an…
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24 Bible Doctrine – How Do The Five Points Of Calvinism Align With The Framework Of Sovereign Grace?
A Transcript Of The Video Study In our previous study, I reminded you that there are two diametrically opposed systems of biblical theology—Arminianism and Calvinism. The Five Points of Calvinism were formulated in response to the Five Points of Arminianism, and they are as follows: Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace and the Preservation of the Saints. The natural and most common way to approach these teachings is in chronological order, beginning with the first point, moving down the list to the last point. However, the Five Points may also be viewed according to a structural order. The first and last points speaking of the nature of man, and his relationship to and with God; the middle three points speaking of the nature…
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23 Bible Doctrine- How Are The Doctrines Of Grace Structured?
A Transcript Of The Video Study This is the twenty-third study in the series, and I would like to speak to you on the subject of the Doctrines of Grace. I pointed out in an earlier study that there are two diametrically opposed systems of biblical theology—Arminianism, named after a Dutch Theologian who lived during the 16th century (Jacobus Arminius, 1560-1609); and Calvinism, named after a French Theologian who lived during the same century (John Calvin, 1509-1564). However, neither man formulated the systems of teachings represented by these labels. Rather, the teachings were drawn up by those who lived after both men died. This took place in Holland, between the years 1610 and 1618. The first system of teaching to be formulated was that of…
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22 Bible Doctrine- Why Is Supralapsarianism An Important Issue?
A Transcript Of The Video Study This is the twenty-second study in the series, and I would like to speak to you once again on the subject of Supralapsarianism. In our previous study, I shared several reasons I believe Supralapsarianism is the correct view of God’s electing love. For this study, I would like to explain why I believe the issue of Lapsarianism is an important matter. You see, there are many who view the subject of Lapsarianism as an insignificant issue. Some say the whole idea of discovering an order in God’s decree of election is nonsense. They say it is like attempting to count the number of angels that can fit simultaneously through the eye of a needle—what’s the point? They say it…
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21 Bible Doctrine – Why Is Supralapsarianism The Correct View?
A Transcript Of The Video Study This is the twenty-first study in our series on Bible Doctrine, and I would like to speak to you on the subject of Supralapsarianism. In our previous study, I explained the meaning of Lapsarianism, distinguishing between two basic views—that of Sub or Infralapsarianism, which refers to God’s decree of the fall before that of election, meaning the human race was viewed in sin when the Father set His love upon the elect; and that of Supralapsarainism, which refers to God’s decree of election before that of the fall, meaning the human race was viewed without sin when the Father set His love upon the elect. For this study, I would like to share some of the reasons I believe…
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20 Bible Doctrine – What Does Lapsarianism Mean?
A Transcript Of The Video Study In our previous study, I held forth, what is sometimes called, the Supralapsarian view of the Father’s electing love. For this study, I would like to speak on this subject at more length. If we remove the prefix of the word, then we are left with lapsarian. The Latin term “lapsus” means “to fall”, from which we get our English word lapse, referring to a fall or failure to maintain some standard. For instance, you might say, “I had a lapse in memory.” Or, “I lapsed behind when I went for a walk with my family.” Well, when the label Lapsarianism is used in a theological context, it is speaking about the decree of God in election as it…