I was a young Christian about 30 yrs ago, and flying for a major airline. I had a layover in San Francisco, and was listening to a Christian radio station on one of those $5 radios the hotel puts on the nightstands. I was listening to Harold Camping's radio show where he answers callers questions on the Bible. At the time I had no idea what Calvinism is, and did not know, nor care that Harold Camping was a Calvinist. I listened to his program to learn from him, and was amazed at his ability to quote Scripture. While listening, a caller called in who wanted to know how he could be saved. You could hear the desperation and sincerity in his voice. He wanted a relationship with Christ. I was moved by his cry. I listened in unbelief as Camping proceeded to tell the guy that there was nothing he could do to be saved, that it was up to God, and so Camping just left this guy hanging with no real hope. I could just see in my mind this poor guy hanging his head in disappointment as Camping ended the call, and then told the audience that there are some out there who would have explained the Gospel to this man, and asked him if he wanted to accept Christ as his Savior, but that was not how its done. If God wants him saved, then God would save him! I was dumbfounded, and picked up the phone and called the radios call line, and actually found myself talking to Camping over the air. I then started making my comments directed to the man who had called previously,"if you are still listening....", and explained the Gospel as quickly as i could, and told him how he needs to repent and put his faith in Jesus Christ, etc. Camping let me finish my thoughts. I got off the phone hoping this young man had continued to listen to the show, and heard my remarks. I had no way to know, but was glad i made the effort. That was my first experience with Calvinism. So entrenched in the idea that its not up to the individual, that even a "minister" of God would not even share the Gospel with a man who desparately wanted it. Unbelievable.
I am a lead teaching pastor and I am about to take my church through Ephesians. You explain Ephesians 1 better and more clearly than any pastor I’ve ever heard or commentary that I’ve ever read. THANKYOU.
Hello, sister! I just listened to your conversation with Leighton Flowers and I had to tell you that so much of your testimony is familiar to mine own. I laughed when you talked about your internal response when Paul Washer would just go all out Tulip in his messages. I was such a fan that I listened on repeat during a family camping trip (I was 7 months pregnant and couldn't sleep anyway). I was a 5 point C, converted myself into the system while looking for a more passionate and bible-centered theology. I was homeschooling my kids, playing John MacArthur on the way to hockey practice at 6 am, and even had a well visited blog back in 2003 where and argued with Tony Jones and the Emergent Church crowd. As a mom, I thought it was the goal to love the "gospel" and God's sovereignty so much that I could one day watch my own child burning in Hell and glorify God (Thanks to Todd Friel). The Holy Spirit rescued me back in 2017. One of my kids completely left her faith and was rebelling and self destructing. I needed to understand how God could decide that this child was from the moment of conception destined for Hell. So, I went to God's word. Long story short, all five points evaporated. God doesn't hate my daughter, and He is even more desirous than I am for her salvation and a new life. This was the beginning of my deep dive into Jesus, grace, identity in Christ, and true freedom. Praise God for the work He is doing in you and through you!
Then you need to get out more. Be around Christians who know how to properly exegete scripture. Otherwise, you will wind up in a theological culdesac and not be grounded in the doctrines of grace.
One thing is clear from listening to you and others who are shedding light on a lot of our beliefs we who are serving God for many years have not taken the time to get to know what the word says for ourselves we have placed too much confidence in what we are told from the pulpit God bless❤
New to your Channel.. my husband and I have been Christians for a long time and we were searching to be free in Jesus to be free indeed.. my husband was on a calvinist trip for a little while and I never really was....because I knew that something was off, just something didn't sit right because Christ would have never come here and die for us in vain if we were already chosen...what about the free will??? And the pride of Calvinism is off the charts and really hard to Bare to be honest with you. It's amazing how reading the Holy Word yourself and asking the Lord to guide you...earnestly desiring Him...the vail will be lifted...revealing through his spirit of what's wrong and what's right especially in Doctrine. The most important thing anyone could find is the Gift....FREE GIFT OF SALVATION... I am so happy to hear that Jesus has broken the chains of Calvinism and I pray that many more follow to the real gospel.. Out of everything in my whole life that I have ever asked for or done the most important is that we understand the gospel it's a free gift ...when we limit the gift we take away from the cross for He died for us and that's something we do not deserve. But through his mercy and Grace we have Jesus... keep your eye on the cross and it's all about the gospel praise the Lord...many Blessings to you and family....💛 *** oh and when MacArthur said that Jesus dying on the cross wasn't the most important thing NO John MacArthur it wasn't just the most important thing......MOST UNBELIEVABLE ACT OF LOVE AND A GIFT TO THE WHOLE WORLD.. WHO BELIEVES.... ETERNAL LIFE!!
FROM PORTUGAL, EUROPE - So great to see you understanding the truth of God and leave that phisosophy and absurd error of calvinism. Love your clear and easy bible explanation .
Thank you so much for this. I have vehemently argued against Calvinism with a family member in the past, but then sort of got sucked into some of it, although I never fully aligned my beliefs with things like limited atonement. Once I learned about Calvinism, every time I read scripture, I could see where words like “chosen” and “elect” were everywhere, and I was having a hard time not being pulled into Calvinist beliefs. Your explanation of the scriptures have been very helpful, and I feel relieved!
Your flesh feels relieved, but she is wrong. Please compare the following verses... As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Romans 3:10-12 We love Him, because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins. Matthew 1:21 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:19 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the Church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood. Acts 20:28 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I Am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father which is in heaven. Matthew 16:15-17 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in Thy sight. All things are delivered to Me of My Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and He to whom the Son will reveal Him. Luke 10:21-22 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:13 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of 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. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. John 3:5-8 All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent Me, that of all which He hath given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. John 6:37-39 No man can come to Me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto Me. John 6:44-45 And He said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto Me, except it were given unto him of My Father. From that time many of His disciples went back, and walked no more with Him. John 6:65-66 He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. John 8:47 I Am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep. John 10:11 But ye believe not, because ye are not of My sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:26-27 But though He had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on Him: That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. John 12:37-40 As thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given Him. John 17:2 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given Me; for they are thine. John 17:9 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave Himself for it. Ephesians 5:25 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified. Romans 8:28-30
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace; Wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will: That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the Gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of Promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1:1-14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14 Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil. Jeremiah 13:23 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. 2 Timothy 1:9 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. Acts 13:48 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth. Whereunto He called you by our Gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 For many are called, but few are chosen. Matthew 22:14 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. Romans 2:28-29 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. Romans 9:6-8 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. For He saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew My power in thee, and that My name might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath He mercy on whom He will have mercy, and whom He will He hardeneth. Romans 9:13-18 Hath not the Potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? What if God, willing to shew His wrath, and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had afore prepared unto glory. Romans 9:21-23 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the Power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:2-5 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
@@jeffrachelburkhalter3783 Thank you for sharing all these verses. If this is the best you got, it even more clearly shows how wrong Calvinism is. The reason you think these are such undeniable big "proofs" is because you still have your blinders on. To Christians, they are just referencing Gods love. Even the ones that seem individually deterministic, in context are referencing groups of people. None of these justify belief in an unloving God who destroys his creation for his own glory. Gods glory is revealed in love, even unto the ultimate sacrifice. You are commanded to do likewise and love your fellow man. The fact that you are quick to see your fellow man tortured for eternity without sufficient justification shows your lack of love and empathy. You weren't rightly horrified by the implications of Calvinism, so you didn't do the work of researching to find the truth. Either laziness, or lack of love for your brothers, or lack of love for the truth. It's sin. Repent.
@@JWar- God reveals the Doctrines of Grace to us when the Holy Spirit leads us to study His Word and not to take the words of men as fact without looking to the Scriptures to see if what they are teaching is found in them. The reason you think that my God is unloving is because you don't fully grasp the fallen state of unregenerate men and you do not understand God's attributes, particularly His justice. Regeneration is the work of the Holy Spirit and it precedes faith. We are all born spiritually dead and in bondage to sin. The natural man cannot know the things of the Spirit so we must be born again. When we are born of the Spirit our new nature sees who God is, how wicked we have been and what Jesus has done for us. We repent and put our God given faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins. We confess with our mouths the Lord Jesus and believe in our hearts that God has raised Him from the dead. He which has begun a good work in us will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ, we don't take the glory for any of it, all the glory goes to God. None of us deserve God's grace and mercy and everyone who is cast into the lake of fire deserves God's wrath.
@@JWar- People saying things like you have no idea what the Reformation did. It was in about 1800 that the first departed from the Reformed Theology. Protestant but no longer Biblical believers. Charless Finney started the doctrine of decisional regeneration followed by Billy Graham who ended up with universalism. ua-cam.com/video/hrf60-zHl9A/v-deo.html The saying Of Jesus: No-one can enter the kingdom of God without BEING born again. That is not making a decision that is a work of the Holy Spirit. If the anti-Calvinist were right there would have been no Gospel for the last 1400 years and even not before that. Origin of men’s free will goes back to Pelagius about 400AD. And the heresy of the pope around 700 AD About 20 to 30 million people following the Reformation died by the hand of the Spanish Inquisition for not giving up their faith. The Queen of England at the time was Called Bloody Mary for her cruelty against the Calvinist, I rather say reformed because we don't follow a man. William Tyndale was burned at the stake for translating the Bible and being a Calvinist on 6 October 1536. Do you claim his faith he died for was a heresy???? It was from the Lord. Never lost is never saved, Christ Jesus did not come for choosers. Arminius was a Pelagian heretic. He twisted all of the Letter to the Romans. I have and read all Arminius works. For one he claims that God's plan of salvation came after the Fall in Paradise, otherwise God would be the Author of sin. The other is that Paul said: Wretched man I’am was before his conversion, he would not have said after his conversion . Arminius had studied theology under Theodore Beza, Calvin's successor. Beza was one of the stronger proponents of the Reformed doctrine of predestination. But Arminius's theology represented a retreat from this position. In some ways, ARMINIUS'S THEOLOGY WAS ACTUALLY A RETURN TO THE POSITION TAKEN BY ROMAN CATHOLICISM AT THE COUNCIL OF TRENT. NATURALLY, ARMINIANISM STIRRED HEATED CONTROVERSY toward THE REFORMED CHURCHES. The reformation was a Miracle of the Lord equal to David Killing Goliath with a Stone. 95 teases written in Latin killed the Giant of the Pope’s false doctrine. The American Great Awakening was a reformed puritans movement and the doing of the Lord. Millions came to accept Christ our Lord as there Savior. Claiming that that was the work of a deceiver is crossing a dangerous line. [I rather say Reformed, we do not follow a man. Calvin was just a small part of the reformation. Edwards's earliest writings brought together John Locke and Isaac Newton in a defense of a religious metaphysics. Later, after a career as a practicing clergyman who led the ‘Great Awakening’, Edwards developed a Calvinist theology founded on the covenant of grace whose center was the experience of an omnipotent God. His views were most significantly spelt out in Religious Affections (1746) and Freedom of the Will (1754). JONATHAN EDWARDS ON THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD (CALVINISM) "The Sovereignty of God is the stumbling block on which thousands fall and perish; and if we go contending with God about His sovereignty it will be our eternal ruin. It is absolutely necessary that we should submit to God as an absolute sovereign, and the sovereign of our souls; as one who may have mercy on whom He will have mercy and harden whom He will" (Jonathan Edwards). The quote above, by Jonathan Edwards, is excerpted from Arminianism: Another Gospel - Jonathan Edwards Most historians consider Jonathan Edwards, a Northampton Anglican minister, one of the chief fathers of the Great Awakening. Edwards’ message centred around the ideas that humans were sinners, God was an angry judge and individuals needed to ask for forgiveness. He also preached justification by faith alone. In 1741, Edwards gave an emotional sermon, entitled “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” No-one in the church had dry eyes. It was not the gifted preacher because Edwards read most of the sermon. It was a strong conviction of the Holy Spirit. News of the message spread quickly throughout the colonies. Edwards was known for his passion. He generally preached in his home parish, unlike other revival preachers who traveled throughout the colonies. Edwards is credited for inspiring hundreds of conversions, which he documented in a book, Narratives of Surprising Conversions. George Whitefield George Whitefield, a minister from Britain, had a significant impact during the Great Awakening. Whitefield toured the colonies up and down the Atlantic coast, preaching his message. In one year, Whitefield covered 5,000 miles in America and preached more than 350 times. Martin Luther said this Gospel of “grace alone” will be for a moment but soon attacked by the Devil. We see so much hate against the sovereignty of God. Daniel 4: 34 At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; 35 all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?” THIS IS HOW CALVIN PREACHED THE GOSPEL FREE OFFER OF THE GOSPEL (Calvin's Wisdom p119-120) He calls all men to himself, without a single exception, and gives Christ to all, that we may be illumined by him. When we pray, we ought, according to the rule of charity, to include all. God invites all indiscriminately to salvation through the Gospel, BUT THE INGRATITUDE OF THE WORLD IS THE REASON why this grace, which is equally offered to all, is enjoyed by few. Other than the result of men’s refusal. Calvin never preached Double predestination as you can see and put the responsibility by men. Listen I say Preached. It is a Biblical Doctrine that God Choose or elected His Own and not the whole human race.
Thank you sister , lol . It's always so wonderful to hear someone , especially a former calvinist explain these passages correctly as you have here . Don't allow those who attack and insult you bother you at all but count it for glory as you speak the truth of GOD'S word . One is not elect until they are in THE FIRST ELECT CHOSEN SERVANT CHRIST JESUS , in HIM , IN CHRIST . GOD bless you and your family .
This morning in my quiet time, I prayed that He would lead me even closer to Him. I fell upon your videos and what a blessing! I can clearly see how some teaching has confused me. We are not robots....we are free to choose the greatest gift ever offered! Praise God! Thank you so much for making things so clear to me.
How can anyone not fall in love with God’s Word. Read it everyday and see the Blessings of The Lord unfold in your life. No it’s not prosperity in material things, but a heart that listens and speaks with God as His child.
Good morning from Scotland Alana. I pray you and you husband snd children are well. God bless you. I’ve been blessed in watching your videos regarding Calvinism. You are indeed a light bearer for the truth of the Scriptures. I watched John MacArthur on several occasions, but when he started preaching that some people are destined to be saved and others are destined for hell, even before they were born and had never done anything, this did not wrong true to me. Its totally against and a sad distortion of the Word of God. So, keep up the good word, you are s great means of help and support to so many people. Your grip of the Scriptures is amazing. God bless. Pastor James C. Liddle.
Any Calvinist who tries to brush off their indoctrination claiming, "Why do you care so much, it's not a big deal!" is gaslighting you. I talked to my pastor a little bit about my escape from Calvinism this past Wednesday evening and he had a similar situation happen to him when a local hard Calvinist preacher asked my pastor, "When are you going to invite me to preach at your church?" and then tried to tell him how it's not a big deal. Luckily my pastor was wise enough to tell him No and remain strong in the biblical doctrine of salvation. I'm so thankful for my pastor, he's a wonderful shepherd of the flock. I hope that everyone can find a church with a strong biblical shepherd.
@@truth7416 Yeah, I try to be softer with brothers in Christ, but I think you're right. Calvinism was probably one of the devil's own inventions. A demon's favorite sermon is, "God doesn't love you! You can't be saved! God didn't choose you! And you can't choose God!"
Hi Alana, thanks for these videos. I was never a Calvinist really, but some of those beliefs crept in my thinking. So glad to be free of it. Keep it up!
Please carefully and prayerfully compare the following verses... As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Romans 3:10-12 We love Him, because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins. Matthew 1:21 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:19 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the Church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood. Acts 20:28 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I Am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father which is in heaven. Matthew 16:15-17 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in Thy sight. All things are delivered to Me of My Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and He to whom the Son will reveal Him. Luke 10:21-22 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:13 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of 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. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. John 3:5-8 All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent Me, that of all which He hath given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. John 6:37-39 No man can come to Me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto Me. John 6:44-45 And He said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto Me, except it were given unto him of My Father. From that time many of His disciples went back, and walked no more with Him. John 6:65-66 He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. John 8:47 I Am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep. John 10:11 But ye believe not, because ye are not of My sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:26-27 But though He had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on Him: That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. John 12:37-40 As thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given Him. John 17:2 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given Me; for they are thine. John 17:9 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave Himself for it. Ephesians 5:25 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified. Romans 8:28-30
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace; Wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will: That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the Gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of Promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1:1-14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14 Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil. Jeremiah 13:23 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. 2 Timothy 1:9 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. Acts 13:48 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth. Whereunto He called you by our Gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 For many are called, but few are chosen. Matthew 22:14 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. Romans 2:28-29 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. Romans 9:6-8 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. For He saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew My power in thee, and that My name might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath He mercy on whom He will have mercy, and whom He will He hardeneth. Romans 9:13-18 Hath not the Potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? What if God, willing to shew His wrath, and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had afore prepared unto glory. Romans 9:21-23 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the Power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:2-5 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
After being confronted by a rabid Calvinist in the workplace I had to try to make sense of their doctrine and this explanation has helped immensely. Thank you for all the additional information too ! God Bless.
Having just finished this video, great job exegeting some of Calvinists' favorite prooftexts and demonstration what they actually mean in context! I never fell into the trap of Calvinism, as I am from a family of "theology geeks" and my parents studied theology in Bible college under Dr. Jack Cottrell, a leading theologian who promotes the teaching that Biblical election is unto service to God, not unto salvation.
Amazing. Thank you for walking through scripture. I busted out my own Bible with you… and kept pausing and reading for myself. I felt like I was in a Bible study. Love it! May the Lord bless you for humbling yourself before the Word of God. Regardless of what you wanted it to say before, you submitted to Scripture. Praise the Lord!
yeah, protestants are always submitting to Scripture, whatever they believe - because for each of them Scripture only says what they are disposed to accept as true in a certain moment - the problem is that sola scriptura inevitably leads to only obeying oneself
Thank you so much for sharing. Calvinism is so dangerous. I knew someone who told .me they wanted to be saved but they had heard that God only chose certain ones so they walked away from God. Calvinism lays a stumbling block to the lost. You are being wise ! Keep telling your story ❤
It's amazing how the IN HIM stood out to you cause it was when I was crying out to God pleading for somebody to see like me how wrong this other stuff is we r suddenly learning...and all came together that day as I read Ephesians and the IN HIM all over the place literally lept off the page...and I knew because I knew because I knew...I never fell for Calvinism not once, never, but I knew because no gospel was offered (like before) that it was Calvinism with our new pastor. That was many years agoooooo now and i never returned to that church..and have been loving God and praying somebody like you could explain better than me. I don't know how you stayed under wrong teaching all these years I couldn't stay one minute the gospel wasn't preached ..I do not doubt that my old friends are saved, just that they are kind and don't even know what Calvinism even is still....BUT you aren't elect before time began! The gospel is for all and God loves all and wants ALL to be saved and have eternal life in glory with Him! By hearing the gospel and belief !! Not by adding words and ideas that aren't in the Bible!! Take plainly the verses meant for you!
I always believe this too. Nobody was chosen before they were born or condemn to be not chosen. The sad thing is many people will feel they are chosen before they were born and feel superior. Not given God glory. God's heart is for all to be saved. But he will not force them. Your great ! I am so glad I found you.
That's true! Equally as sad as those who become arrogant because they feel they are "chosen" are those on the opposite side of the coin: those who are tricked by Calvinism and become depressed because they believe they are NOT chosen. While we don't hear as much about the ones on that side, they are definitely out there. One of the top Christian singers from a few years ago who was a Calvinist became convinced he was "not elect" and left Christianity altogether because of it.
From first time I heard John Calvin tulip. I couldn’t see wat was being put out as biblical. Appreciate you finding biblical scripture to bring true Light into you beautiful home. God bless your family
Thanks Alana....you have such joy in expressing your new understanding of Ephesians 1 and Romans 9. You're beaming!! So glad for the freedom in Christ you've found!
We are homeschoolers, too! 😁This has been incredibly encouraging for me. All my close friends over the years have become reformed. It’s the most frustrating thing. this whole total depravity and determination thing has always rubbed me the wrong way. The hardest part right now is with my dear husband. He leans towards reformed and I don’t like talking about this area with him because it just becomes this whole thing. Now I’m just praying about it. My husband is a pastor. Would like to start a ministry….but that’s going to be really hard, even if i submit and keep quiet, if we aren’t on the same page. I honestly think that’s why God hasn’t opened a door of opportunity to start something.….so something’s gotta give. I’m praying that He open my husband’s eyes and sees scripture for what it says.
Wow. That’s a really tough situation😬 My wife lost a close friend to Calvinism. Now it’s the elephant in the room at every encounter and her friend seems to look down on my wife as a poor simpleton, who just can’t grasp the “deep truths” of scripture. It’s hard not to view Calvinism as a cancerous growth on the body of Christ 😢
I know a few couples who have faced a lot of struggle in thinking differently in these things. It’s a huge deal. If he wants to speak with my husband, he’d be willing to.
It is indeed devastating and destructive to the marriage when one partner believes Calvinism and the other adamantly rejects it. I'm not sure how it can be overcome. At best you end up living sadly separate lives together.
@@janicehenreckson1615 well no not so much. We’re happily married in every other aspect and he is my bff for real. Lol. Since this topic came up in church yesterday, I’m taking her example in my approach and we’re both being intentional in making sure we try to understand what the other believes and why. So we’ll see. I did tell him if asked I’m always going to be honest about where I stand and why. He respects that. As long as open discussion is on the table, that’s all I ask at this point.
Just heard your story on Dr. Leighton Flowers’ podcast. God bless you for sharing there and also here on your UA-cam channel. Your honesty & heart for truth in scripture so spoke to me! I’ve listened to Leighton for over a year now-his teaching is so deep & meaningful-I take notes so that I can share correctly with those I encounter! But this podcast & the way it ended with being sure to not attack the person; but instead the scripture & it’s interpretation through the power of the Holy Spirit & totally in love❣️
I’m only 15 minutes in, but definitely in agreement with your understanding of Ephesians 1! Yesss!!! It’s all about being IN CHRIST! Which ties in so nicely with Ephesians 2, where Paul is saying in Christ, man made ordinances and hostility between Jews and Gentiles are abolished because IN Christ, salvation is the same for Jew/Gentile, spiritual blessings are for both, redemption from sin and disobedience is for both, grace is for both, etc etc. His point is that IN CHRIST, there’s no difference between believers. In Christ, we are all- Jew or Gentile- part of the household of God. And this theme follows the whole book- two become one…. Sooo much to be said, but going to stop here and keep listening. Haha I’m loving your talks on Calvinism! It was eye opening for me when you said in a previous video, ‘when calvinists say…. (Free will/sovereignty), they mean (this).’ So interesting & good to be aware of!!
I'm happy to have found you. It was actually a random video on UA-cam where a guy was defending John MacArthur for criticizing you, and that made me very interested in hearing what you had to say, so I looked you up. I'm glad, because I'm enjoying your videos as much as I had hoped I would.
Calvinism is the one thing that almost made me lose my faith. I'm so encouraged to see other people get out of Calvinism and I hope it's a steady increase of the body of Christ leaving that doctrine. If there's anybody else out there like me, they could very quickly lose their faith unnecessarily because of scripture being twisted. Thank you for sharing your story!!
Same here. For years I feared I might not be chosen to be saved. It was a thorn in my side i couldnt pull out. It took the Lord to pull it out and rescue me from this horrible theology. Praise God I am free from its sffect.
@@jessejames3149 praise God!!! I had the same fears, but they were intensified when I had children. When my daughter was born, I wasn't excited. I could only look at her precious face and wonder if God loved her as much as I did and if he chose her. Now I fully believe all of my children and know Christ and be saved. ❤️
@@dallas41891 Amen brother!! Since coming back to the Lord I have learned so much about the Calvinism lie and have learned to refute it. Augustine was a manichism gnostic. I learned from good brothers like Joe Schimmel's expose on Calvin and calvinism. What a blessing. God bless you brother.
Reformed 5-Point Calvinism The problem with Calvinists is they just don’t understand Christianity. Christianity is not a mystery to them. Christianity is written on every page of the Bible. Calvinism is no where to be found. Paul preaches Christianity and calls Calvinism a Doctrine of Demons. Calvinists straw man Christianity because they are on the outside looking in. Only discernment can understand the deep love in Christianity, which Calvinist do not have. Christians try to win the lost to Christ. Calvinists discourage the lost from seeking Christ. Jesus says to the sinner come. Calvinists say to the sinner you can’t come. No man has an excuse saying they don’t believe in God all creation in Romans proves that. The Calvinist says most people cannot see that God exists by observing the Creation. Nothing makes people hate God faster than Calvinism! Nothing turns people into Atheists faster than Calvinism! Nothing kills hope and love faster than Calvinism! Calvinism is nothing more than a group of puffed up intellectuals without spiritual discernment from the holy spirit. It's just a topic of verbal gymnastics. They become fools with a mission, to make foolishness the things of God that they themselves WILL NOT ACCEPT! Their songs sound like this "Jesus loves me, this I know. As for you, I don't think so. Only some to Him belong. We are right and you are wrong. Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! But I hope this isn't effervescent grace that I'm walking in and instead I'm actually deceived and one of the reprobates that He created to burn as a candle for His glory in Hell forever." The verdict to those who preach this Heresy! This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live 20and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. Deuteronomy 30: 19-20 Proverbs 1 : 23 Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings. 24 But since you refuse to listen when I call and no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand, 25 since you disregard all my advice and do not accept my rebuke, 26 I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you; I will mock when calamity overtakes you- Truth in Love
@@truth7416 Decisional Regenerationalist reject all scripture that goes against their idea. The Reformation is part of History. Calvin did not make a new doctrine but all he did is referring to the early church fathers like John Chrysostom, against the heresies of the Catholic church However I gladly give you some Bible text Words like “predestined - predestinated - foreknowledge - elect - election - foreordained” appear with regularity and are always the basis for Pauline teaching on salvation. When someone denies personal predestination from before the foundation of the World” it shows that they have never really stood toe-to-toe with the Bible and read it for what it actually says. The staunchest brick wall opposition to deny the truth of God’s word is always built on traditions of men; never on the clear word of Scripture. Our fleshly, human ego just loves the idea that our “will” is totally at liberty. Yet, the Bible tells us that we are “dead in trespasses and sins.” Human tradition refuses to believe that. And Biblical salvation is always based on God’s free and sovereign grace, Only His will and His good pleasure; NEVER on our willingness first and God’s grace last. Again, human tradition refuses to believe that. Exodus 33:19 And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The Lord.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. Proverbs 16:4 The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of Doom. Matthew 20:23 He said to them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 25:34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Mark 13:20 And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. John 6:37 All that the Father gives me will come to Me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. Acts 4:12 Nor is there SALVATION in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. John 6:44 NO ONE CAN COME TO ME UNLESS the Father who sent me DRAWS him. And I will raise him up on the last day. Coming to Christ and Salvation is Only by the DRAWING of the Father. Not By us choosing. I absolutely know that you will keep on denying the TRUTH. Pray for conviction by the Holy Spirit, of your lost state. John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. John 17:9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. Romans 8:28-30 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. Romans 9:11 (for the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls), 12 it was said to her, “The older shall serve the younger.” 13 As it is written, “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.” 14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? Certainly not! 15 For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.” 16 So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy. Romans 11:7 What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened, 2 Timothy 1:9 Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, Ephesians 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will. Ephesians 1:11-12 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 1 Peter 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. Galatians 1:15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 1 Thessalonians 1:4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, Revelation 13:8 And all who dwell on earth will worship it, ( So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast) everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. Revelation 20:1 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; 3 and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more. Revelation 20:7 Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan WILL BE released from his prison 8 and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. “WILL BE” means it will happen BECAUSE of God’s Decree. Why now release Satan to deceive the nations? This lifetime is short and Hell is forever. Would you rather be presumptuous and not find out the truth. Never Lost is Never Saved. How much FREE-WILL do people in Thailand have with 93% practicing Buddhist and 5.5% Islam 1.5% divided in no religion and Christians? To be born & raised a Buddhist only a miracle from our Sovereign Lord can change the heart of a person. If God wanted all to be saved all would be saved. The old covenant was for Israel only. The new covenant does not have limitation to certain people. But to people who hear the Gospel.
Hey,sis you're doing great, You've encourage me a lot,thru my depressing times, and God used you to clear up my mind of few crosswalk about the free will issue. Thanks
Thanks so much Alana! In verse 13 of Ephesians 1, which you also talked about, mentions that the chronological order of being sealed with the Spirit (aka being born of the Spirit) is 1.hearing the Word, 2. Believing the Word, and THEN 3. being sealed by the Spirit. Calvinists believe you have to be reborn in order for you to believe. This text clearly says “in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed..”
The sealing of the Spirit isn't exactly the same thing as the new birth. The new birth would be more comprehensive, and involve the entire work of the Holy Spirit in bringing us to Christ and transforming our lives. The sealing is the end result.
@@robertwheeler1158 Thanks for your reply 🙏🏻 So would you suggest that the text says 1.) you hear the Word, 2.) you believe the Word, 3.) you receive the end result (being sealed by the Spirit)? It sounds very encompassing to me? The text doesn’t say anything about being born again and then steps 1,2,3 following. Furthermore the text describes how we (“you”) are being included IN CHRIST and therefore share in the blessings in Christ mentioned in the previous verses. Therefore if this describes our initiation into Christ and in His blessing and shared inheritance, mentioning the work of the Spirit can’t be taken as something that does not encompass His work of regeneration.
@@lucasdewitartist7406 It's a little confusing here. The term "born again" is one that Jesus uses in John 3 to describe the process of spiritual renewal. The various blessings mentioned in Eph. 1 are the result of being "in Christ." The sealing of the Spirit is the down payment that gives us the assurance that we belong to Christ and will inherit eternal life. But the question remains, how do we come to believe in the first place? And as Paul goes on to explain in chapter 2, we were once spiritually dead and it was God who made us alive.
@@robertwheeler1158, yes you rightly point out that the Holy Spirit is given to us as a down payment Who gives us assurance of things to come, just like the text says. But like I mentioned, v13 describes how we are initiated in Christ. Although a specific work of the Spirit is being highlighted - to seal and to assure - I have to receive Him in order to be sealed and assured by Him. Since v13 describes my initiation, and the Spirit’s work of sealing and assuring is mentioned after the hearing of and the belief in the Word, I have no warrant to believe I received the Spirit before the whole process. v13 Does say how we come to believe - after hearing the Word. That lines up with Paul’s teaching in Romans - “faith comes by hearing the Word of Christ “. So that verse in Romans 10 (I think it is Romans 10) speaks more directly to the question “how do we come to believe?”. Maybe we are missing each other? Do you believe that 1.) a person must be regenerated by the Spirit in order to believe? And 2.) That the reception/sealing/assurance of the Spirit is something that happens after you are regenerated by the Spirit? (Just on a side note, I just want to make it clear that I’m in no way one of those who like to pick a fight with my brother in Christ, and that in public. I appreciate our discussion! And so I hope that you read my comments knowing I respect you and look forward to meet you in glory one day)
Alana, this morning, I just encountered your first video on Calvinism. I was so impressed by your transparency, intelligence, and sincerity. It is refreshing. I am so glad to see women from all walks of life coming to the table to seriously discuss the monumental questions concerning life, love, and God. It is evident you are a thinker. I am strangely charmed by this. Whether by default of differences misunderstood or accident of confluences, I have felt for a long time feminine intelligence has been suppressed or at least marginalized to the fringes of Christian thought and pushed to the province of 'roles' and stereotypes. I say this, not due to feminist ideologies, but Scripture, sister 'image-bearer'. To me this is clear evidence of God's wisdom and glory. The 'paradigms' you are dealing with implicit in the questions you have concerned yourself with are real and powerful. Yet, this is but the tip of the iceberg in our human dilemma... can we really KNOW anything? Realistically, if God is our creation, the answer would be agnosticism. But if we are GOD'S creation, I am compelled to assert that we can KNOW truth truly if not exhaustively and infinitely. The question is, has God chosen to reveal Himself, or not? I think it is rather apparent He has, else what is self-consciousness for? I don't believe, given the world around us, it was NECESSARY for evolution (regardless of one's position on origins). Everything else seems to operate decently without it. Even when one considers more complex and advanced forms, without ourselves IN THE IMAGE OF GOD to measure 'advanced' lifeforms with, how would we even come up with terms such as 'advanced' or an 'evolution'? ...And this is at the most basic level of evidence, though I think it ALONE is a powerful evidence of God's Self-Revelation. ...And then there is Scripture, though it has a tendency to multiply questions as it answers them! 🤣 But I think even THAT is significant because the Scripture is introducing the very WONDER of the Infinite (God) Himself! He CHOSE to reveal Himself, so it seems oblivious to me that He equipped us TO KNOW. And this is given such CENTRAL importance in the teaching of our Lord Jesus, that He taught that the consummate fulfillment God intended in His design of us and the point of His WHOLE MISSION of 'salvation' was to the end that we WOULD KNOW GOD--in the words of our Master, "this eternal life" (see John 17:3)! So, Alana, keep up the good work. I sense that incense coming from sacred sacrifice from your direction! You've gained another 'fan,' and brother in spirit and in The Spirit. Please be encouraged: we are about the good life eternal.
Oh, Alana, may I add another observation. Much has been made in our interpretations of, "the man was first formed, then the woman." (See 1 Cor. 11:7-12.) But I notice something peculiar on Easter, the dawn of the 'first day' of NEW CREATION: Jesus, revealed His "life-giving spirit" or 'appeared' to Mary, a woman, BEFORE the men! And was SENT (apostleship?) to tell the rest of the bunch THE GOOD NEWS AND WHERE TO MEET HIM! That seems significant. One cannot say Jesus was in any imposition to do this, was He--the Resurrected, victorious, now declared to the the Son of God IN AUTHORITY, constrained to do this? Paul, in his wit in the above cited Scripture, is tempered with such insights, even given his formation in traditional Judaism. With a glance back at the creation narrative and acknowledging the male role, he is quick to add: 1 Cor 11:11-12 (NET): "In any case, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. For just as woman came from man, so man comes through woman. But all things come from God." This is RESURRECTION Theology as a new paradigm on old ideas. May God bless us to read Scripture through the lens of Easter, as did the apostles. Welcome, sister theologian. Let us rejoice in the marvel of God's full revelation in Jesus Resurrected. I think we often forget the cross is a composite event, not significant ultimately without Easter. May we men remember we too share a composite existence as "image of God" with women, ESPECIALLY NOW this side of Easter. Bless you, Alana, for stepping up... that's so "apostolic" of you! 🤣(I really don't know where we got the idea that having authority was equal with dominance, Jesus said the 'chief' were servants, and I know no other creatures that has submitted to servanthood more than women. Seriously, God bless His Son and His female image-bearers. It has been your day to shine now for 2 millennia!)
"If you only look at Ephesians 1 & Romans 9 you can make a whole doctrine out of that" Such a good point. It is indeed important to look at the whole counsel of scripture.
yeah, we must be faithful to the whole Scripture, meaning that the principle of sola scriptura makes God's revelation is unattainable for the non-specialist.... meaning that protestantism is false... as Calvinism and so many other the versions of that pretension to discover the true Christianity against and outside the Church...
Always praying for you Alana, its tough to talk about this and in transcending your prior view, so much to gain in your walk with the Lord and see how even mightier He is than a presupposition. I really respect Kevin Thompson on how he speaks about the things that want to get swept under the rug. Its amazing during his private zoom Bible studies it is a group of people from all different churches, mainly because they have questions that aren’t being answered where they attend because of fear of retaliation. God Bless You sister keep spreading the Good News!
I've loved your testimony. I had no idea about calvinism. I had no idea any Christian believed about elect. but you made me aware of this word.... now I found cessationist term after your calvanist testimony video.... thank you. it's so easy to understand the term calvinism...
Romans chapter 4 is favorite chapter in the scriptures because it's useful for debunking so many false doctrines. 🙂 In particular, it sets forth that faith is not meritorious.
Great video! Our home church in Arkansas has split over Calvinism. The pastor comes in a few years ago and currently working on his doctorate from The Masters Seminary and I think it’s emboldened him to be more open with Calvinist teachings. The struggle me and my wife have had is, is it possible to sit under a Calvinist you disagree with. We have decided no, we can’t. Fortunately for the last 15 months we have been working in central Tennessee and attending a great church here. When we are finished here in Tennessee we will be looking for another church in Arkansas. I have concluded from my limited studies that Calvinism is a different gospel.
I’m so sorry. Yes, same conclusion for us. We had to do the same:/ all of our elders were 5 point Calvinists and it was too hard to stay under them. The Lord is with you guys!!
Hello Arkansas friend. I so understand. I moved to Arkansas from Dallas two years ago. And I found it difficult to find a strong Bible believing church that values scripture and holiness and NOT Calvinistic. No church is perfect of course! But praise God… He heard those prayers and has led me to one I am currently serving in. Blessings to you all in Tennessee and praying He leads y’all as He has for me.
Glad you found a place to land. We are looking at a couple churches in our area. I’m struggling with whether to stay or leave the SBC altogether. There is so many issues with one being they produce Calvinist pastors out of their seminaries. Calvinism will be a bigger problem in the future.
Late to this video. I watched your interview with Leighton Flowers. As a pastor, I have a few Calvinists in our church, yet we are not a Calvinist church. I keep a running list of verses that make me challenge the idea of Limited Atonement and I've learned that if I don't hold to Limited Atonement, it changes how I see all the other letters of TULIP. It has been a journey of understanding for me even though I have never been a Calvinist. I've had to study to protect my church.
Wow, you just posted! I've been discovering your channel recently, and I thank God for opening your eyes and bringing you out of the error of Calvinism. Keep up the good work!
Hello Alana, you are a woman that is on fire for Jesus... Without your faith level you have the ability to lay hands on new belivers so that you can baptize in the Holy Spirit and Fill them with the Spirit through the annointing that you have... (a college droout)?? Most of the most successful businessmen have little or no collegs to their cresit!!!! YOU ARE A TRUE FOLLOWER OF JESUS AND FULL OF THE SPIRIT.... A VESSEL OF POWER!!!!!! AND THEN SOME!!!!
I am sooo grateful for your 3 videos on Calvanism. I have been through a lot in my spiritual journey! I was apart of the SDA church for 9 years and I was free from that and entered Christianity after battling with my faith. I got sucked into reformed teaching and I’ve been going to a reformed church for a couple months now. I was beginning to accept predestination but hadn’t had a chance to really study into it fully. Although I loved the idea of God in His sovereignty and Him being in control of my life (as opposed to a weak man-like god I once believed who needed his character to be vindicated by humans), something was just very off and I couldn’t reconcile all the verses I remembered about us choosing God and God wanting all to be saved. Was God a liar then? It just didn’t click and I thought maybe I’m just not as knowledgeable and I need to do this great study for it all to click. This has been great because it has caught me at the point of entry and now I can continue learning in Christ and pass over this theology. Moving from one cult to the next just causes more and more damage!! Joining this church felt familiar in regards to its structure but I was ignoring that feeling and forcing myself to continue. I’m glad God has revealed this to me because it has spared myself, my children and potentially my marriage. Thank you sis xx
Thank you for your videos! I'm struggling through this coming out of a mega church 2 years ago and dove into the extreme opposite- a small reformed Baptist church! These are really encouraging videos. Thank you!!
Wow! I had the same experience! A year ago we left a mega church, got sucked into a reformed Baptist church. We were there for almost a year and left cuz it felt like a cult 😅
Alana, thank you so much for your teaching. Could you please help tell me what translation of the Bible that you were reading from thank you Peace of Christ
Crazy! I was in Ephesians 1 just yesterday! I noticed the same “in Him” theme (word count: 12!). After that, an even bigger revelation came…it is possible that Paul is speaking of the Jews only in v4-12, then begins to speak about Gentile inclusion (grafting), beginning in v13 (“In him you also, when you heard…”). 🤯
We cannot stress how clearly the Bible teaches that Faith and Works are different. Law of works vs law of faith are contrasted over and over. How can anyone conclude that faith is a work? "To him that worketh not, but believeth..." Could there be any clearer language? I think you are right, some people read the Bible looking for their own theology and not what it just plainly says. Thank you for the blessing of your words on this subject.
Part 1... As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Romans 3:10-12 We love Him, because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins. Matthew 1:21 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:19 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the Church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood. Acts 20:28 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I Am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father which is in heaven. Matthew 16:15-17 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in Thy sight. All things are delivered to Me of My Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and He to whom the Son will reveal Him. Luke 10:21-22 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:13 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of 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. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. John 3:5-8 All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent Me, that of all which He hath given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. John 6:37-39 No man can come to Me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto Me. John 6:44-45 And He said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto Me, except it were given unto him of My Father. From that time many of His disciples went back, and walked no more with Him. John 6:65-66 He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. John 8:47 I Am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep. John 10:11 But ye believe not, because ye are not of My sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:26-27 But though He had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on Him: That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. John 12:37-40 As thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given Him. John 17:2 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given Me; for they are thine. John 17:9 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave Himself for it. Ephesians 5:25 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified. Romans 8:28-30 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace; Wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will: That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the Gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of Promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1:1-14
Part 2... But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14 Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil. Jeremiah 13:23 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. 2 Timothy 1:9 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. Acts 13:48 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth. Whereunto He called you by our Gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 For many are called, but few are chosen. Matthew 22:14 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. Romans 2:28-29 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. Romans 9:6-8 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. For He saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew My power in thee, and that My name might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath He mercy on whom He will have mercy, and whom He will He hardeneth. Romans 9:13-18 Hath not the Potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? What if God, willing to shew His wrath, and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had afore prepared unto glory. Romans 9:21-23 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the Power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:2-5 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
It is SO refreshing to see someone "get it", to realize there IS another option out there other than the man-made choices of Calvinism or Arminianism ( which is just a subset or flipside of that same wrong coin) called GRACE! The TRUE doctrines of grace are Paul's 13 epistles to the Body of Christ, Romans-Philemon. The rest of the Bible is addressed to Israel in time past & Heb-Rev are to the remnant of Israel in ages to come! Blessings!
Also important in studying Ephesians 1, is to realise there's a parallel passage 1 Peter 1:1-6: Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the chosen ones who are living as foreigners in the Diaspora in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, that you may obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with his blood: Grace to you and peace be multiplied. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that doesn’t fade away, reserved in Heaven for you, who by the power of God are guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:1-5 Not that you read 1 Peter here into Ephesians 1, or Ephesians 1 into 1 Peter, but it's important to compare whenever parallel passages are found, expressing the same idea. Also it's just neat that 1 Peter is sort of like a snack version of Ephesians 1. :P
I have been following your story and I LOVE the way you explained things in this video. I make videos myself mostly pertaining to eschatology. I’m glad you mentioned replacement theology as well because it is also very prominent among reformed teachers. I believe Romans 9-11 simply cannot be read properly coming from that theological position (replacement theology). If you don’t understand (or you deny) the historic and future role of Israel you will certainly misinterpret those chapters. Soteriology was never the main focus of my personal teaching until awhile back when I started encountering questions about Calvinism. I ended up making a long multi-part video about Calvinism explaining the historical development, the skewed definitions of terms, and also digging into Romans 9 to explain how it’s mostly all about Israel and their status in unbelief. Girl you sound just like me!!! ❤️ Keep it up! You are fantastic at explaining these things and your story is so necessary for the soteriological conversation. Calvinism has seem tremendous growth and resurgence here in the last 40-ish years... much to my dismay. It’s always wonderful to see folks come out of it!
Thank God for you, Leighton Flowers and Mike Winger (and others) who are bold to speak out so clearly on the unscrptural system of Calvinism. I grew up in a compatibalistic Calvinist tradition. My eyes were opened to it's errors first through reading Dave Hunt's book "What Love is This?" Finding others online who defend Biblical soteriology has been so refreshing. There is such joy and freedom in my worship to know God genuinely loves all people he created, that He truly is wise and powerful enough to give us genuine freedom of choice while working all things together perfectly in His sovereign plan!
Believe it or not there’s a awakening happening in the body of Christ. God has been dealing with the spirit of religion since the beginning of this new decade. Church won’t look the way as we’ve known it. People are coming into the knowledge of who they are in Christ and will walk in true power and authority❤️
This is great! Thank you. The most helpful for me was you pointing out what, by language, was clearly meant to refer to Israel’s chosenness to bring the Messiah vs. what is being said to the Gentiles in regard to redemption. To understand well what atonement is and what it isn’t George MacDonald’s sermon Justice is so helpful. To understand how the word adoption is being misunderstood and what it means to be a child of God vs. a son of God his sermon ABBA Father is eye opening. It’s important to know what it means to believe and the fruit that must come from that.
I am so glad you pointed out that Romans 9 is full of cross references. Even the Jacob I loved is quoting the OT. Too often the church has come up with doctrines from things from the NT that don’t line up with the OT.
I’m so thankful that I found your story about Calvinism even though I have never been a Calvinist. I feel like you in that this is all I wanna talk about because I feel like this is a huge deal but I also have felt like nobody wants to hear it or people say it doesn’t matter and I think it does. But I don’t have a platform like you, because I don’t have a story of coming out of it. But God keeps bringing it up in ways in my life and now I am at a church that I love and that I have grown and learned so much about the Bible, but have learned that our leader ship is Calvinist leaning And some of my family members are as well. Newly. And some of the younger family members are asking questions and I want to scream from the rooftops that Calvinism is false but it’s very intimidating and I want to expose it but I feel like I have no credibility. I just wanted to say that. To someone who understands.
Alana, you are doing a good job witnessing "The Faith" in Christ Jesus as presented in the NT in context. Regarding Ephesians 1, I also pay attention to the pronoun "us" and "we" in context. The Apostle Paul is praising God for the many blessings the "us" have "in" Christ Jesus. The "us" clearly refers to the church of believers, the ones who are in Christ, of whom the Apostle Paul is writing to. As you clearly presented, Paul then goes on to explain "how" the "us," who are in Christ, receive these gracious promises of God in Ephesians 1. The Calvinists like to ignore the "how" and replace it with their own doctrinal interpretation rather than relying on the Scriptures themselves to explain all this to us. They do the same with "regeneration." Blessings and Love to you Alana.
Alana, I am a pastor of a Baptist church in East Texas and seminary graduate. I must thank you for this video. I began teaching Ephesians, January of this year and was quickly reminded just how difficult it is for those who "wear calvanist glasses" to tolerate those of us who are not calvanist. I think I heard you say you had not been seminary educated and therefore you have not been exposed to the pressure that is present in higher Christian education to conform to the "more enlighten position" of five point Calvinism. Your prayerfull observations of Ephesians 1 and 2 is inspiring in its simplicity and accuracy. Thank you and I pray the Lord bless you and fill you with his Spirit, Dale
Around 15:00, Scripture quoted, "he predestined as to the adoption as sons through Christ Jesus." Comment: "How do you get that adoption? Being a son. How? Through Christ Jesus." Good point on adoption not synonymous with conversion. Here's where I wish to add: "When do you get that adoption? When in glory, when the body is redeemed." Rom 8:23. It harmonizes to "being conformed to the image of his son," Rom 8, future, or "we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is" in 1 John 3.
Thank you for this video. It helps. Calvinism has caused me so much confusion, mainly because I didn't realize that so many around me are part of it or take parts of it and use that as part of their doctrine. You've stated so clearly what I've been thinking as I have been working this out.
Hi Alana! New to your channel. This is an awesome message...I thoroughly enjoyed listening to you break down Ephesians 1 and Romans 9 in it's Biblical context! Praise God we need more people like you! To stand up and point out why there's flaw in the Calvinistic doctrine to show what the Truth of God's Word is really saying. (PS- I loved hearing your story on Soteriology 101 with Dr. Flowers)
Alana you are doing such a good job of making this plain te see in the scriptures. I watch Kevin and Leighton often....but really you can fill a great need for people to hear this liberating truths..symply explained to masses of people caught up in confusion.. please do more of this.
Your passion is contagious- I love it! I do disagree though :) One could wonder how are we chosen in Christ AND how was He slain from the foundation of the world, if we had not been born nor had Jesus walked the earth yet? The answer: God is not confined by time, space or matter- we are. From His perspective everything is ALREADY DONE. Since we are confined by time, matter, and space, we have to live out, from our human perspective, what is ALREADY DONE, from God's perspective. There is a specific point in time when regeneration occurs for all who believes- when the Holy Spirit takes residence in us and is our Seal to the end (hence new creation has come, the old is gone). At the point of regeneration, we are now IN Him. Before that, we were/are truly NOT in Him (excluded, dead, stranger, etc) because we have to live out our life in space, time, and matter. We are created beings who aren't omnipresent. That does not negate the fact that we were chosen in Him and that He was slain from the foundation of the world---its just 2 perspectives at play. Those Calvinists who believe that faith is a work have a misunderstanding of Calvinism. Work is evident by your belief in God. If you believe, your works will prove that. Not that your works are required or will put you in right standing with God, but that if you truly believe and love Him, you will, guided by the Holy Spirit, show that BY your works- James 2:14-26. In other words, your belief or unbelief will determine how you live your life. Work doesnt save you. Furthermore, according to Philippians 1:29, God grants us to believe in Christ. We do not do it on our own will/power.
The Lord Bless you Alana, You are doing Gods work, by being faithful wife, and Loving Gods TRUTH! Keep going. Our Calvanist brethren are in for Big surprise when they stand before Jesus!
Thank you Alana for this. It was very helpful for me. I have been listening a lot to John McArthur for the last few years. Then you showed up on UA-cam. And I have listened a lot to Mike Wingers chanel. He has a study on Romans that was very helpful too. We don't have reformed churches in my country. If we had I probably be in one. Blessings to you and keep up your good work 🙏📖
Kevin Thompson is the best at explaining it. I rejected Calvinism from the start. Obviously it's wrong when God is punishing people for stuff he brought to pass that is morally wrong and defeats the whole good God thing. But yes Ephesians 1:13 tells us when we are in Christ Ephesians 1:13 New International Version 13 And you also were included in Christ(A) when you heard the message of truth,(B) the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal,(C) the promised Holy Spirit After you hear the gospel and believe you are in Christ not before the foundation of the world. Also Romans 9 is about election of servitude not salvation.
I think the time-bound language issue makes this hard to parse out rationally-so it takes a bit of faith. Trusting that Gods word is true even though we can’t square election and our choices mattering (both biblically true time based concepts in light of a timeless God!) God is above time, we are in time. God has to condescend to us and speak in language we would understand. Words like “before” or even “choose” are time related concepts. The answer is to hold the tension that it’s both-you were chosen and your choice matters. Timothy Keller’s sermon on “Does God Control Everything” cleared this up for me in that I accept in my humility and limited nature I can’t fathom a timeless God with timeless truth while I live within time itself. I then feel the need to make it either/or when it’s BOTH! Calvinist go to far when they say there is no choice and Armenians go to far when they say it’s up to them. John 6:44-You can’t even come to Christ unless the spirit draws you… and yet the Bible is full of choice implications-John 3:16 comes to mind. I can’t understand how both choice and election go together, but the Bible says they do so I have faith given my limited time bound mind. Your choices matter… but rest… you don’t have control of the wheel.
100% These things matter! Calvinism is a different gospel! You not saying anything would be the worse thing to do. I had a friend who grew up with a calvinist pastor dad. She acknowledges Calvinism is bad but still holds to TULIP. My story is so similar to yours so I was so disturbed and bothered that I had been deceived, as you mentioned too. So I remember telling her like over and over … basically this is wrong, this doesn’t make sense … this and that … at one point she said to me that Calvinism was my idol and that I needed to stop. There’s nothing worse than genuine concern being squashed my someone you genuinely trust. But at the same time, God gives me the courage to continue in His work, exposing evil deeds of darkness!
@@jongee4336 you’d have to ask the Calvinist that. Not every Calvinist believes the same. Not very person that says they’re Calvinist knows exactly what they’re saying, some people literally regurgitate ideas w/o having actually processed them. Only God knows the heart. And my knowledge of anyone person’s walk of life is very limited. Perhaps it could be they’re not actually saved based on acceptance and profession but later in life they are. 🤷🏻♀️ But what I can tell you is that peeps like Johnny Mac saying that, “Calvinism is the gospel …” are treading dangerous waters. That’s where Calvinism becomes a different gospel.
@@jongee4336 there is no biblical salvation in calvinism. If a calvinist is saved, it's because of who they were before coming into calvinism. Alana was a Christian before she stumbled into calvinism
Don’t just read Roman’s 9, keep going and read 10 & 11 as well, the answer to the “what if” is there. I’m so glad your eyes have been opened, you have been granted repentance, praise the Lord.
As a Calvinist, I love the conversation and challenges you bring up in these types of videos. Even though we strongly disagree I respect you and consider you a sister in Christ.
What exactly are you disagreeing with? It would seem you’re disagreeing with scripture based on the fact that the interpretation doesn’t align with your theological stances as a Calvinist. (To clarify, I am assuming you hold to TULIP as your foundation for biblical interpretation as a self proclaimed Calvinist.) She didn’t interject with any sort of doctrine. She let scripture interpret scripture. Could you be more clear as to what exactly it is you strongly disagree with? Jesus clearly defined who “family” is, those that are about the Father’s business. You literally cannot just claim to be brothers and sisters w/o actually knowing you’re about the same business. Clearly, you strongly disagree with what she’s preaching here.
@@ruralmillennial4354 bro what? U do understand that I also believe in all scripture and we both think we have the correct interpretation of these texts... not sure why you're so hostile for no reason. We also hold to the same gospel I think. The most concerning thing about her views are her rejection of PSA but I'm honestly not sure if that's grounds to deny her as a Christian because I'm not sure whether it is or isn't a fundamental issue. I still love the heart and like she said she's on a journey
@@jongee4336 “bro what?” I’m not a bro., just thought you’d like to know. And, hostile? The only thing you didn’t do was answer what exactly do you disagree with? Don’t want to answer the question, simply say you’d rather not answer. This is open and friendly dialogue. But in my opinion your hostile response might be indicative of not really knowing what you strongly disagree with. She let scripture interpret scripture.
At the 15:40 minute mark (or so) all I can say is AMEN! Ephesians is written for born again believers who were adopted into the family of Christ at the point of Salvation, at which point their eternal destination is predestined to be Heaven. I left a comment under your "In and Out of Calvinism" video letting you know that I am a fellow UA-camr... Born Again, Christian Witness, Wife, Young Mother, Cook, Gardener, etc... who is also so, so passionate about discussing the problems within Calvinism! I have a channel ministry focused on reaching Mormons (the LDS) with Gospel truth and I'm about to launch a series on Calvinism because sadly many Christians who reach out to the LDS are TULIP Calvinists and the LDS people are rejecting this concept of Limited Atonement and Predestination through a Calvinistic mindset (understandably so!!) and so it is ultimately hurting the Christian's witness to the Mormon people. My goal is to refute Calvinism and point them to plain old "Biblicism." If you ever wanna join forces, I'd love to. Or even just chat. Your content is excellent from what I've watched so far. Thanks for your boldness and honesty! To God be the glory as we share Biblical truth to those within our spheres of influence.
Calvinism was debunked in the garden by Adam and Eve. Having only one restriction, they both made the conscious choice to disobey and sin. God didn’t predestine them to go to hell, but he knew they were going to choose the wrong way. That’s the difference between foreknowledge and predestination. Christ’s Agape love is the only hope for this world ♥️✝️
So much this 🗣️🗣️🗣️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 all of it. Calvinism and replacement theology, when we become like the bereans and test every spirit we see what THE WORD of God says. Calvinism brings SO much spiritual pride, and it’s so sad, and really repulsive…we are told in Deuteronomy and then again in Revelation, so the last book of the Mosaic law and then the last book of the full Bible… NOT to add to, or take away from. And with Calvinism and replacement theology, that has been done, the pride in our flesh will make us want The Bible to say what WE want it to say, rather then just reading Gods Word for what it ACTUALLY says. Very well put together video, I have spent the past few years digging deep and being vocal against these doctrines that are plaguing the church, and it’s because of this stuff right here, that made me come out of the church building, and start engaging in House church, and I believe that’s truly where Yahweh desires my family to be. Intimate and pure, reading The Word together without all the man made religious bias. Stand strong on The Word sister, and keep shining your light out For Jesus. 🙏🏼🫶🏼👏🏻
Along with Romans 9, this chapter exalts the sovereignty of God in salvation like no other in the N.T. Here is where election is defined by God’s choice of us and predestination is mentioned twice. Here is where the will of God is mentioned four times but the will of man is not mentioned at all! Here is where the Synergistic belief of accepting Jesus is replaced with God accepting us in Jesus! Here is where praise of his glorious is mentioned three times but praise of men is not mentioned! Here is where the emphasis is on the pleasure and purpose of God, not the desire of man! Here is where the emphasis is on God’s glory and grace, not the inherent worth of man! Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: The reference to heavenly places, as shown by the following context, is our legal standing in Christ and the eternal inheritance of glorified bodies there with Him that awaits all saints. These legal blessings includes election, adoption, justification, reconciliation, etc., etc. If the blessed God gave His Son for us, then He will give all other things as well (Rom 8:32). The “in Christ” relationship on which all spiritual blessings depend is our election in Him, as can be clearly seen by the connection of this verse to the preceding verse. All spiritual blessings of the previous verse are in Christ. How do sinners get into Christ? the true gospel of Jesus Christ declares right here that it is based on election in Christ. Salvation is by God’s purpose and grace given in Christ before the world (II Tim 1:9). God chose Paul and the Ephesian saints and us in Jesus Christ - this is election defined. The great determining factor in salvation and the spiritual riches of Christ is God’s choice. It is the sovereign will of the great God that determines salvation (Romans 9:10-24). He did not choose by foreknowledge those who had chosen to be in Christ, for (a) this contradicts Psalm 14:1-3 and Romans 3:9-18 and (b) it would make your choice supreme. God’s eternal choice was to place and view the elect in Jesus Christ legally and covenantly. The choice was made before the foundation of the world - before the act of creation. Here are cross-references for this ancient decree in the mind of God (Matt 25:34; Acts 15:18; Eph 3:11; II Tim 1:9; Titus 1:2; I Pet 1:20). In this eternal sense, they were already viewed as adopted, justified, reconciled, etc., etc. This is the proper basis for blessing God - He chose us to all spiritual blessings long ago. Chosen in Jesus Christ, God views His elect as holy, without blame, and objects of His love. By foreknowledge and fact, we were rebellious sinners and children of wrath even as the reprobates (Ps 14:1-3; 53:1-3; 1; Eph 2:1-3; Titus 3:3). By grace and election, we are seen as sanctified and spotless children that He fully loves. This is not election so that we should live practical lives of holiness and love to God (though this is true), but He rather chose us in order to view us as holy objects of love. The issue here is our legal position and standing in Jesus Christ - clothed in His holiness. God cannot love sin or sinners, so He chose us in Christ where He could love us (1:6). Romans 5:8 exalts God’s love for us by Christ dying for sinners: but He did not love us as sinners: He loved us as chosen in Christ, Who died for us when still sinners.
Grateful for your videos on Calvinism...found you by "accident" lol :) I hope one day your husband will be able to share with you on this subject. Blessings in Jesus!
I was a young Christian about 30 yrs ago, and flying for a major airline. I had a layover in San Francisco, and was listening to a Christian radio station on one of those $5 radios the hotel puts on the nightstands. I was listening to Harold Camping's radio show where he answers callers questions on the Bible. At the time I had no idea what Calvinism is, and did not know, nor care that Harold Camping was a Calvinist. I listened to his program to learn from him, and was amazed at his ability to quote Scripture.
While listening, a caller called in who wanted to know how he could be saved. You could hear the desperation and sincerity in his voice. He wanted a relationship with Christ. I was moved by his cry. I listened in unbelief as Camping proceeded to tell the guy that there was nothing he could do to be saved, that it was up to God, and so Camping just left this guy hanging with no real hope. I could just see in my mind this poor guy hanging his head in disappointment as Camping ended the call, and then told the audience that there are some out there who would have explained the Gospel to this man, and asked him if he wanted to accept Christ as his Savior, but that was not how its done. If God wants him saved, then God would save him!
I was dumbfounded, and picked up the phone and called the radios call line, and actually found myself talking to Camping over the air. I then started making my comments directed to the man who had called previously,"if you are still listening....", and explained the Gospel as quickly as i could, and told him how he needs to repent and put his faith in Jesus Christ, etc. Camping let me finish my thoughts. I got off the phone hoping this young man had continued to listen to the show, and heard my remarks. I had no way to know, but was glad i made the effort.
That was my first experience with Calvinism. So entrenched in the idea that its not up to the individual, that even a "minister" of God would not even share the Gospel with a man who desparately wanted it. Unbelievable.
I am a lead teaching pastor and I am about to take my church through Ephesians.
You explain Ephesians 1 better and more clearly than any pastor I’ve ever heard or commentary that I’ve ever read.
THANKYOU.
Dr Leighton Flowers on Soteriology is the best resource. He left Calvinism.
Hello, sister! I just listened to your conversation with Leighton Flowers and I had to tell you that so much of your testimony is familiar to mine own. I laughed when you talked about your internal response when Paul Washer would just go all out Tulip in his messages. I was such a fan that I listened on repeat during a family camping trip (I was 7 months pregnant and couldn't sleep anyway).
I was a 5 point C, converted myself into the system while looking for a more passionate and bible-centered theology. I was homeschooling my kids, playing John MacArthur on the way to hockey practice at 6 am, and even had a well visited blog back in 2003 where and argued with Tony Jones and the Emergent Church crowd. As a mom, I thought it was the goal to love the "gospel" and God's sovereignty so much that I could one day watch my own child burning in Hell and glorify God (Thanks to Todd Friel).
The Holy Spirit rescued me back in 2017. One of my kids completely left her faith and was rebelling and self destructing. I needed to understand how God could decide that this child was from the moment of conception destined for Hell. So, I went to God's word.
Long story short, all five points evaporated. God doesn't hate my daughter, and He is even more desirous than I am for her salvation and a new life. This was the beginning of my deep dive into Jesus, grace, identity in Christ, and true freedom.
Praise God for the work He is doing in you and through you!
I’m halfway through the video and I have to say that was the CLEAREST breakdown of Ephesians 1 I have EVER heard. Thank you Alana!!
Then you need to get out more. Be around Christians who know how to properly exegete scripture. Otherwise, you will wind up in a theological culdesac and not be grounded in the doctrines of grace.
One thing is clear from listening to you and others who are shedding light on a lot of our beliefs we who are serving God for many years have not taken the time to get to know what the word says for ourselves we have placed too much confidence in what we are told from the pulpit God bless❤
Acts 17:10-12 is where l am coming from
New to your Channel.. my husband and I have been Christians for a long time and we were searching to be free in Jesus to be free indeed.. my husband was on a calvinist trip for a little while and I never really was....because I knew that something was off, just something didn't sit right because Christ would have never come here and die for us in vain if we were already chosen...what about the free will??? And the pride of Calvinism is off the charts and really hard to Bare to be honest with you.
It's amazing how reading the Holy Word yourself and asking the Lord to guide you...earnestly desiring Him...the vail will be lifted...revealing through his spirit of what's wrong and what's right especially in Doctrine. The most important thing anyone could find is the Gift....FREE GIFT OF SALVATION...
I am so happy to hear that Jesus has broken the chains of Calvinism and I pray that many more follow to the real gospel..
Out of everything in my whole life that I have ever asked for or done the most important is that we understand the gospel it's a free gift ...when we limit the gift we take away from the cross for He died for us and that's something we do not deserve. But through his mercy and Grace we have Jesus... keep your eye on the cross and it's all about the gospel praise the Lord...many Blessings to you and family....💛
*** oh and when MacArthur said that Jesus dying on the cross wasn't the most important thing NO John MacArthur it wasn't just the most important thing......MOST UNBELIEVABLE ACT OF LOVE AND A GIFT TO THE WHOLE WORLD.. WHO BELIEVES.... ETERNAL LIFE!!
FROM PORTUGAL, EUROPE - So great to see you understanding the truth of God and leave that phisosophy and absurd error of calvinism.
Love your clear and easy bible explanation .
From Uganda, Africa. You a real teacher of the Word. I have never heard such wonderful exposition of Romans 9-11. God bless you sister.
Thank you so much for this. I have vehemently argued against Calvinism with a family member in the past, but then sort of got sucked into some of it, although I never fully aligned my beliefs with things like limited atonement. Once
I learned about Calvinism, every time I read scripture, I could see where words like “chosen” and “elect” were everywhere, and I was having a hard time not being pulled into Calvinist beliefs. Your explanation of the scriptures have been very helpful, and I feel relieved!
Your flesh feels relieved, but she is wrong. Please compare the following verses... As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Romans 3:10-12
We love Him, because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins. Matthew 1:21
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:19
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the Church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood. Acts 20:28
He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I Am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father which is in heaven. Matthew 16:15-17
In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in Thy sight. All things are delivered to Me of My Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and He to whom the Son will reveal Him. Luke 10:21-22
Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:13 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of 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. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. John 3:5-8 All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent Me, that of all which He hath given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. John 6:37-39 No man can come to Me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto Me. John 6:44-45 And He said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto Me, except it were given unto him of My Father. From that time many of His disciples went back, and walked no more with Him. John 6:65-66 He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. John 8:47 I Am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep. John 10:11 But ye believe not, because ye are not of My sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:26-27 But though He had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on Him: That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. John 12:37-40 As thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given Him. John 17:2 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given Me; for they are thine. John 17:9
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave Himself for it. Ephesians 5:25
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified. Romans 8:28-30
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace; Wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will: That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the Gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of Promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1:1-14
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14
Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil. Jeremiah 13:23
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. 2 Timothy 1:9
And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. Acts 13:48
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10
But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth. Whereunto He called you by our Gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:13
For many are called, but few are chosen. Matthew 22:14
For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. Romans 2:28-29
Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. Romans 9:6-8
As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. For He saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew My power in thee, and that My name might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath He mercy on whom He will have mercy, and whom He will He hardeneth. Romans 9:13-18
Hath not the Potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? What if God, willing to shew His wrath, and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had afore prepared unto glory. Romans 9:21-23
Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the Power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:2-5
For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
@@jeffrachelburkhalter3783 Thank you for sharing all these verses. If this is the best you got, it even more clearly shows how wrong Calvinism is. The reason you think these are such undeniable big "proofs" is because you still have your blinders on. To Christians, they are just referencing Gods love. Even the ones that seem individually deterministic, in context are referencing groups of people. None of these justify belief in an unloving God who destroys his creation for his own glory. Gods glory is revealed in love, even unto the ultimate sacrifice. You are commanded to do likewise and love your fellow man. The fact that you are quick to see your fellow man tortured for eternity without sufficient justification shows your lack of love and empathy. You weren't rightly horrified by the implications of Calvinism, so you didn't do the work of researching to find the truth. Either laziness, or lack of love for your brothers, or lack of love for the truth. It's sin. Repent.
@@JWar- God reveals the Doctrines of Grace to us when the Holy Spirit leads us to study His Word and not to take the words of men as fact without looking to the Scriptures to see if what they are teaching is found in them. The reason you think that my God is unloving is because you don't fully grasp the fallen state of unregenerate men and you do not understand God's attributes, particularly His justice.
Regeneration is the work of the Holy Spirit and it precedes faith. We are all born spiritually dead and in bondage to sin. The natural man cannot know the things of the Spirit so we must be born again. When we are born of the Spirit our new nature sees who God is, how wicked we have been and what Jesus has done for us. We repent and put our God given faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins. We confess with our mouths the Lord Jesus and believe in our hearts that God has raised Him from the dead. He which has begun a good work in us will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ, we don't take the glory for any of it, all the glory goes to God. None of us deserve God's grace and mercy and everyone who is cast into the lake of fire deserves God's wrath.
@@JWar- People saying things like you have no idea what the Reformation did. It was in about 1800 that the first departed from the Reformed Theology. Protestant but no longer Biblical believers. Charless Finney started the doctrine of decisional regeneration followed by Billy Graham who ended up with universalism. ua-cam.com/video/hrf60-zHl9A/v-deo.html The saying Of Jesus: No-one can enter the kingdom of God without BEING born again. That is not making a decision that is a work of the Holy Spirit.
If the anti-Calvinist were right there would have been no Gospel for the last 1400 years and even not before that. Origin of men’s free will goes back to Pelagius about 400AD. And the heresy of the pope around 700 AD About 20 to 30 million people following the Reformation died by the hand of the Spanish Inquisition for not giving up their faith. The Queen of England at the time was Called Bloody Mary for her cruelty against the Calvinist, I rather say reformed because we don't follow a man. William Tyndale was burned at the stake for translating the Bible and being a Calvinist on 6 October 1536. Do you claim his faith he died for was a heresy????
It was from the Lord. Never lost is never saved, Christ Jesus did not come for choosers. Arminius was a Pelagian heretic. He twisted all of the Letter to the Romans. I have and read all Arminius works. For one he claims that God's plan of salvation came after the Fall in Paradise, otherwise God would be the Author of sin. The other is that Paul said: Wretched man I’am was before his conversion, he would not have said after his conversion . Arminius had studied theology under Theodore Beza, Calvin's successor. Beza was one of the stronger proponents of the Reformed doctrine of predestination. But Arminius's theology represented a retreat from this position. In some ways, ARMINIUS'S THEOLOGY WAS ACTUALLY A RETURN TO THE POSITION TAKEN BY ROMAN CATHOLICISM AT THE COUNCIL OF TRENT. NATURALLY, ARMINIANISM STIRRED HEATED CONTROVERSY toward THE REFORMED CHURCHES. The reformation was a Miracle of the Lord equal to David Killing Goliath with a Stone. 95 teases written in Latin killed the Giant of the Pope’s false doctrine.
The American Great Awakening was a reformed puritans movement and the doing of the Lord. Millions came to accept Christ our Lord as there Savior. Claiming that that was the work of a deceiver is crossing a dangerous line. [I rather say Reformed, we do not follow a man. Calvin was just a small part of the reformation.
Edwards's earliest writings brought together John Locke and Isaac Newton in a defense of a religious metaphysics. Later, after a career as a practicing clergyman who led the ‘Great Awakening’, Edwards developed a Calvinist theology founded on the covenant of grace whose center was the experience of an omnipotent God. His views were most significantly spelt out in Religious Affections (1746) and Freedom of the Will (1754).
JONATHAN EDWARDS ON THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD (CALVINISM)
"The Sovereignty of God is the stumbling block on which thousands fall and perish; and if we go contending with God about His sovereignty it will be our eternal ruin. It is absolutely necessary that we should submit to God as an absolute sovereign, and the sovereign of our souls; as one who may have mercy on whom He will have mercy and harden whom He will" (Jonathan Edwards).
The quote above, by Jonathan Edwards, is excerpted from Arminianism: Another Gospel -
Jonathan Edwards
Most historians consider Jonathan Edwards, a Northampton Anglican minister, one of the chief fathers of the Great Awakening.
Edwards’ message centred around the ideas that humans were sinners, God was an angry judge and individuals needed to ask for forgiveness. He also preached justification by faith alone.
In 1741, Edwards gave an emotional sermon, entitled “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” No-one in the church had dry eyes. It was not the gifted preacher because Edwards read most of the sermon. It was a strong conviction of the Holy Spirit. News of the message spread quickly throughout the colonies.
Edwards was known for his passion. He generally preached in his home parish, unlike other revival preachers who traveled throughout the colonies.
Edwards is credited for inspiring hundreds of conversions, which he documented in a book, Narratives of Surprising Conversions.
George Whitefield
George Whitefield, a minister from Britain, had a significant impact during the Great Awakening. Whitefield toured the colonies up and down the Atlantic coast, preaching his message. In one year, Whitefield covered 5,000 miles in America and preached more than 350 times.
Martin Luther said this Gospel of “grace alone” will be for a moment but soon attacked by the Devil. We see so much hate against the sovereignty of God.
Daniel 4: 34 At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; 35 all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?”
THIS IS HOW CALVIN PREACHED THE GOSPEL
FREE OFFER OF THE GOSPEL (Calvin's Wisdom p119-120)
He calls all men to himself, without a single exception, and gives Christ to all, that we may be illumined by him. When we pray, we ought, according to the rule of charity, to include all. God invites all indiscriminately to salvation through the Gospel, BUT THE INGRATITUDE OF THE WORLD IS THE REASON why this grace, which is equally offered to all, is enjoyed by few.
Other than the result of men’s refusal. Calvin never preached Double predestination as you can see and put the responsibility by men. Listen I say Preached. It is a Biblical Doctrine that God Choose or elected His Own and not the whole human race.
I listened to this months ago, and I was blessed. I have listened to it again, and 'blessed' is an understatement!
Greetings from Uganda.
Thank you sister , lol . It's always so wonderful to hear someone , especially a former calvinist explain these passages correctly as you have here . Don't allow those who attack and insult you bother you at all but count it for glory as you speak the truth of GOD'S word . One is not elect until they are in THE FIRST ELECT CHOSEN SERVANT CHRIST JESUS , in HIM , IN CHRIST .
GOD bless you and your family .
Exactly!
This morning in my quiet time, I prayed that He would lead me even closer to Him. I fell upon your videos and what a blessing! I can clearly see how some teaching has confused me. We are not robots....we are free to choose the greatest gift ever offered! Praise God! Thank you so much for making things so clear to me.
How can anyone not fall in love with God’s Word. Read it everyday and see the Blessings of The Lord unfold in your life. No it’s not prosperity in material things, but a heart that listens and speaks with God as His child.
Good morning from Scotland Alana. I pray you and you husband snd children are well. God bless you. I’ve been blessed in watching your videos regarding Calvinism. You are indeed a light bearer for the truth of the Scriptures.
I watched John MacArthur on several occasions, but when he started preaching that some people are destined to be saved and others are destined for hell, even before they were born and had never done anything, this did not wrong true to me. Its totally against and a sad distortion of the Word of God. So, keep up the good word, you are s great means of help and support to so many people. Your grip of the Scriptures is amazing. God bless. Pastor James C. Liddle.
Any Calvinist who tries to brush off their indoctrination claiming, "Why do you care so much, it's not a big deal!" is gaslighting you. I talked to my pastor a little bit about my escape from Calvinism this past Wednesday evening and he had a similar situation happen to him when a local hard Calvinist preacher asked my pastor, "When are you going to invite me to preach at your church?" and then tried to tell him how it's not a big deal. Luckily my pastor was wise enough to tell him No and remain strong in the biblical doctrine of salvation. I'm so thankful for my pastor, he's a wonderful shepherd of the flock. I hope that everyone can find a church with a strong biblical shepherd.
I completely see that now.
To allow that preacher in is like asking a demon to preach! They pretty well would say the same thing.
Truth in Love
@@truth7416 Yeah, I try to be softer with brothers in Christ, but I think you're right. Calvinism was probably one of the devil's own inventions. A demon's favorite sermon is, "God doesn't love you! You can't be saved! God didn't choose you! And you can't choose God!"
@@truth7416 a demon? Do they not get baptized? Do they not worship the same God? This is not edification of the body of christ .
@@Mjpaeschke they are pointing out that Calvinism sows division and doubt.
These are not fruit of the Spirit.
Calvinism is dangerous to faith.
Keep up the good fight AL! You are a blessing to so many, including this 70 year old. IT IS A BIG DEAL IN CHURCHES TODAY!!
Hi Alana, thanks for these videos. I was never a Calvinist really, but some of those beliefs crept in my thinking. So glad to be free of it. Keep it up!
She helped you be a demon.
@@jonedward3208 ouch 🤕
@@jonedward3208 He is wrong and so is she, but a demon? That's not possible and not helpful.
Please carefully and prayerfully compare the following verses... As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Romans 3:10-12
We love Him, because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins. Matthew 1:21
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:19
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the Church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood. Acts 20:28
He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I Am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father which is in heaven. Matthew 16:15-17
In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in Thy sight. All things are delivered to Me of My Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and He to whom the Son will reveal Him. Luke 10:21-22
Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:13 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of 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. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. John 3:5-8 All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent Me, that of all which He hath given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. John 6:37-39 No man can come to Me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto Me. John 6:44-45 And He said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto Me, except it were given unto him of My Father. From that time many of His disciples went back, and walked no more with Him. John 6:65-66 He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. John 8:47 I Am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep. John 10:11 But ye believe not, because ye are not of My sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:26-27 But though He had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on Him: That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. John 12:37-40 As thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given Him. John 17:2 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given Me; for they are thine. John 17:9
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave Himself for it. Ephesians 5:25
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified. Romans 8:28-30
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace; Wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will: That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the Gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of Promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1:1-14
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14
Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil. Jeremiah 13:23
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. 2 Timothy 1:9
And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. Acts 13:48
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10
But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth. Whereunto He called you by our Gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:13
For many are called, but few are chosen. Matthew 22:14
For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. Romans 2:28-29
Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. Romans 9:6-8
As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. For He saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew My power in thee, and that My name might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath He mercy on whom He will have mercy, and whom He will He hardeneth. Romans 9:13-18
Hath not the Potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? What if God, willing to shew His wrath, and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had afore prepared unto glory. Romans 9:21-23
Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the Power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:2-5
For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Thank you so much for going through Romans!!!
After being confronted by a rabid Calvinist in the workplace I had to try to make sense of their doctrine and this explanation has helped immensely. Thank you for all the additional information too ! God Bless.
Having just finished this video, great job exegeting some of Calvinists' favorite prooftexts and demonstration what they actually mean in context! I never fell into the trap of Calvinism, as I am from a family of "theology geeks" and my parents studied theology in Bible college under Dr. Jack Cottrell, a leading theologian who promotes the teaching that Biblical election is unto service to God, not unto salvation.
Amazing. Thank you for walking through scripture. I busted out my own Bible with you… and kept pausing and reading for myself. I felt like I was in a Bible study. Love it! May the Lord bless you for humbling yourself before the Word of God. Regardless of what you wanted it to say before, you submitted to Scripture. Praise the Lord!
yeah, protestants are always submitting to Scripture, whatever they believe - because for each of them Scripture only says what they are disposed to accept as true in a certain moment - the problem is that sola scriptura inevitably leads to only obeying oneself
Thank you so much for sharing. Calvinism is so dangerous. I knew someone who told .me they wanted to be saved but they had heard that God only chose certain ones so they walked away from God. Calvinism lays a stumbling block to the lost. You are being wise ! Keep telling your story ❤
So terrible
It's amazing how the IN HIM stood out to you cause it was when I was crying out to God pleading for somebody to see like me how wrong this other stuff is we r suddenly learning...and all came together that day as I read Ephesians and the IN HIM all over the place literally lept off the page...and I knew because I knew because I knew...I never fell for Calvinism not once, never, but I knew because no gospel was offered (like before) that it was Calvinism with our new pastor. That was many years agoooooo now and i never returned to that church..and have been loving God and praying somebody like you could explain better than me. I don't know how you stayed under wrong teaching all these years I couldn't stay one minute the gospel wasn't preached ..I do not doubt that my old friends are saved, just that they are kind and don't even know what Calvinism even is still....BUT you aren't elect before time began! The gospel is for all and God loves all and wants ALL to be saved and have eternal life in glory with Him! By hearing the gospel and belief !! Not by adding words and ideas that aren't in the Bible!! Take plainly the verses meant for you!
I truly appreciate your emphasis on Romans 4. I reread that passage and you are spot on. Believing is not works. Thanks.
I always believe this too. Nobody was chosen before they were born or condemn to be not chosen. The sad thing is many people will feel they are chosen before they were born and feel superior. Not given God glory. God's heart is for all to be saved. But he will not force them. Your great ! I am so glad I found you.
That's true! Equally as sad as those who become arrogant because they feel they are "chosen" are those on the opposite side of the coin: those who are tricked by Calvinism and become depressed because they believe they are NOT chosen. While we don't hear as much about the ones on that side, they are definitely out there. One of the top Christian singers from a few years ago who was a Calvinist became convinced he was "not elect" and left Christianity altogether because of it.
@@DamonNomad82 that's really heartbreaking that somebody left the faith of Jesus for that reason. There always hope they will find the truth.
From first time I heard John Calvin tulip. I couldn’t see wat was being put out as biblical. Appreciate you finding biblical scripture to bring true Light into you beautiful home. God bless your family
Thanks Alana....you have such joy in expressing your new understanding of Ephesians 1 and Romans 9. You're beaming!! So glad for the freedom in Christ you've found!
Hey, Joel Osteen expresses much joy as he misleads millions. Alana might as well join in.
Joel Osteen doesn't not mislead millions but you do with youre loose tongue.@@Gablesman888
We are homeschoolers, too! 😁This has been incredibly encouraging for me. All my close friends over the years have become reformed. It’s the most frustrating thing. this whole total depravity and determination thing has always rubbed me the wrong way. The hardest part right now is with my dear husband. He leans towards reformed and I don’t like talking about this area with him because it just becomes this whole thing. Now I’m just praying about it. My husband is a pastor. Would like to start a ministry….but that’s going to be really hard, even if i submit and keep quiet, if we aren’t on the same page. I honestly think that’s why God hasn’t opened a door of opportunity to start something.….so something’s gotta give. I’m praying that He open my husband’s eyes and sees scripture for what it says.
Wow. That’s a really tough situation😬
My wife lost a close friend to Calvinism.
Now it’s the elephant in the room at every encounter and her friend seems to look down on my wife as a poor simpleton, who just can’t grasp the “deep truths” of scripture.
It’s hard not to view Calvinism as a cancerous growth on the body of Christ 😢
I know a few couples who have faced a lot of struggle in thinking differently in these things. It’s a huge deal. If he wants to speak with my husband, he’d be willing to.
Sorry Marie Bo! I've often thought of how hard it would be if my husband was reformed, since I'm not. Prayed for you.
It is indeed devastating and destructive to the marriage when one partner believes Calvinism and the other adamantly rejects it. I'm not sure how it can be overcome. At best you end up living sadly separate lives together.
@@janicehenreckson1615 well no not so much. We’re happily married in every other aspect and he is my bff for real. Lol. Since this topic came up in church yesterday, I’m taking her example in my approach and we’re both being intentional in making sure we try to understand what the other believes and why. So we’ll see. I did tell him if asked I’m always going to be honest about where I stand and why. He respects that. As long as open discussion is on the table, that’s all I ask at this point.
Just heard your story on Dr. Leighton Flowers’ podcast. God bless you for sharing there and also here on your UA-cam channel. Your honesty & heart for truth in scripture so spoke to me! I’ve listened to Leighton for over a year now-his teaching is so deep & meaningful-I take notes so that I can share correctly with those I encounter! But this podcast & the way it ended with being sure to not attack the person; but instead the scripture & it’s interpretation through the power of the Holy Spirit & totally in love❣️
Leighton Flowers ... he's the bomb. So comprehensively and relentlessly, dismantling Calvinism. So needed.
Amen. I see it now. In Christ. Praise God. Once we are in Christ we are predestined for many things that will come to pass regardless.
Promises that he will give those in Christ:)
I’m only 15 minutes in, but definitely in agreement with your understanding of Ephesians 1! Yesss!!! It’s all about being IN CHRIST! Which ties in so nicely with Ephesians 2, where Paul is saying in Christ, man made ordinances and hostility between Jews and Gentiles are abolished because IN Christ, salvation is the same for Jew/Gentile, spiritual blessings are for both, redemption from sin and disobedience is for both, grace is for both, etc etc. His point is that IN CHRIST, there’s no difference between believers. In Christ, we are all- Jew or Gentile- part of the household of God. And this theme follows the whole book- two become one…. Sooo much to be said, but going to stop here and keep listening. Haha
I’m loving your talks on Calvinism! It was eye opening for me when you said in a previous video, ‘when calvinists say…. (Free will/sovereignty), they mean (this).’ So interesting & good to be aware of!!
I'm happy to have found you. It was actually a random video on UA-cam where a guy was defending John MacArthur for criticizing you, and that made me very interested in hearing what you had to say, so I looked you up. I'm glad, because I'm enjoying your videos as much as I had hoped I would.
Calvinism is the one thing that almost made me lose my faith. I'm so encouraged to see other people get out of Calvinism and I hope it's a steady increase of the body of Christ leaving that doctrine. If there's anybody else out there like me, they could very quickly lose their faith unnecessarily because of scripture being twisted. Thank you for sharing your story!!
Same here. For years I feared I might not be chosen to be saved. It was a thorn in my side i couldnt pull out. It took the Lord to pull it out and rescue me from this horrible theology.
Praise God I am free from its sffect.
@@jessejames3149 praise God!!! I had the same fears, but they were intensified when I had children. When my daughter was born, I wasn't excited. I could only look at her precious face and wonder if God loved her as much as I did and if he chose her. Now I fully believe all of my children and know Christ and be saved. ❤️
@@dallas41891 Amen brother!! Since coming back to the Lord I have learned so much about the Calvinism lie and have learned to refute it. Augustine was a manichism gnostic. I learned from good brothers like Joe Schimmel's expose on Calvin and calvinism. What a blessing. God bless you brother.
Reformed 5-Point Calvinism
The problem with Calvinists is they just don’t understand Christianity.
Christianity is not a mystery to them.
Christianity is written on every page of the Bible. Calvinism is no where to be found.
Paul preaches Christianity and calls Calvinism a Doctrine of Demons.
Calvinists straw man Christianity because they are on the outside looking in.
Only discernment can understand the deep love in Christianity, which Calvinist do not have.
Christians try to win the lost to Christ. Calvinists discourage the lost from seeking Christ.
Jesus says to the sinner come. Calvinists say to the sinner you can’t come.
No man has an excuse saying they don’t believe in God all creation in Romans proves that. The Calvinist says most people cannot see that God exists by observing the Creation.
Nothing makes people hate God faster than Calvinism!
Nothing turns people into Atheists faster than Calvinism!
Nothing kills hope and love faster than Calvinism!
Calvinism is nothing more than a group of puffed up intellectuals without spiritual discernment from the holy spirit.
It's just a topic of verbal gymnastics. They become fools with a mission, to make foolishness the things of God that they themselves WILL NOT ACCEPT!
Their songs sound like this
"Jesus loves me, this I know.
As for you, I don't think so.
Only some to Him belong. We are right and you are wrong.
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
But I hope this isn't effervescent grace that I'm walking in and instead I'm actually deceived and one of the reprobates that He created to burn as a candle for His glory in Hell forever."
The verdict to those who preach this Heresy!
This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live 20and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. Deuteronomy 30: 19-20
Proverbs 1 : 23 Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings. 24 But since you refuse to listen when I call and no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand, 25 since you disregard all my advice and do not accept my rebuke, 26 I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you; I will mock when calamity overtakes you-
Truth in Love
@@truth7416 Decisional Regenerationalist reject all scripture that goes against their idea. The Reformation is part of History. Calvin did not make a new doctrine but all he did is referring to the early church fathers like John Chrysostom, against the heresies of the Catholic church However I gladly give you some Bible text
Words like “predestined - predestinated - foreknowledge - elect - election - foreordained” appear with regularity and are always the basis for Pauline teaching on salvation. When someone denies personal predestination from before the foundation of the World” it shows that they have never really stood toe-to-toe with the Bible and read it for what it actually says. The staunchest brick wall opposition to deny the truth of God’s word is always built on traditions of men; never on the clear word of Scripture. Our fleshly, human ego just loves the idea that our “will” is totally at liberty. Yet, the Bible tells us that we are “dead in trespasses and sins.” Human tradition refuses to believe that. And Biblical salvation is always based on God’s free and sovereign grace, Only His will and His good pleasure; NEVER on our willingness first and God’s grace last. Again, human tradition refuses to believe that.
Exodus 33:19 And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The Lord.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.
Proverbs 16:4 The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of Doom.
Matthew 20:23 He said to them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”
Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Matthew 25:34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
Mark 13:20 And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days.
John 6:37 All that the Father gives me will come to Me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.
Acts 4:12 Nor is there SALVATION in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.
John 6:44 NO ONE CAN COME TO ME UNLESS the Father who sent me DRAWS him. And I will raise him up on the last day.
Coming to Christ and Salvation is Only by the DRAWING of the Father. Not By us choosing. I absolutely know that you will keep on denying the TRUTH. Pray for conviction by the Holy Spirit, of your lost state.
John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
John 17:9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours.
Romans 8:28-30 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
Romans 9:11 (for the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls), 12 it was said to her, “The older shall serve the younger.” 13 As it is written, “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.”
14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? Certainly not! 15 For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.” 16 So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.
Romans 11:7 What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened,
2 Timothy 1:9 Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,
Ephesians 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.
Ephesians 1:11-12 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.
1 Peter 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
Galatians 1:15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace,
1 Thessalonians 1:4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,
Revelation 13:8 And all who dwell on earth will worship it, ( So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast) everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain.
Revelation 20:1 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; 3 and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more.
Revelation 20:7 Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan WILL BE released from his prison 8 and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. “WILL BE” means it will happen BECAUSE of God’s Decree.
Why now release Satan to deceive the nations? This lifetime is short and Hell is forever. Would you rather be presumptuous and not find out the truth. Never Lost is Never Saved.
How much FREE-WILL do people in Thailand have with 93% practicing Buddhist and 5.5% Islam 1.5% divided in no religion and Christians? To be born & raised a Buddhist only a miracle from our Sovereign Lord can change the heart of a person. If God wanted all to be saved all would be saved. The old covenant was for Israel only. The new covenant does not have limitation to certain people. But to people who hear the Gospel.
Hey,sis you're doing great, You've encourage me a lot,thru my depressing times, and God used you to clear up my mind of few crosswalk about the free will issue. Thanks
Thanks so much Alana! In verse 13 of Ephesians 1, which you also talked about, mentions that the chronological order of being sealed with the Spirit (aka being born of the Spirit) is 1.hearing the Word, 2. Believing the Word, and THEN 3. being sealed by the Spirit.
Calvinists believe you have to be reborn in order for you to believe. This text clearly says “in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed..”
Yes! You’re right. I’m so glad for comments like these that mention things I didn’t!
The sealing of the Spirit isn't exactly the same thing as the new birth. The new birth would be more comprehensive, and involve the entire work of the Holy Spirit in bringing us to Christ and transforming our lives. The sealing is the end result.
@@robertwheeler1158 Thanks for your reply 🙏🏻 So would you suggest that the text says 1.) you hear the Word, 2.) you believe the Word, 3.) you receive the end result (being sealed by the Spirit)?
It sounds very encompassing to me? The text doesn’t say anything about being born again and then steps 1,2,3 following.
Furthermore the text describes how we (“you”) are being included IN CHRIST and therefore share in the blessings in Christ mentioned in the previous verses. Therefore if this describes our initiation into Christ and in His blessing and shared inheritance, mentioning the work of the Spirit can’t be taken as something that does not encompass His work of regeneration.
@@lucasdewitartist7406 It's a little confusing here. The term "born again" is one that Jesus uses in John 3 to describe the process of spiritual renewal. The various blessings mentioned in Eph. 1 are the result of being "in Christ." The sealing of the Spirit is the down payment that gives us the assurance that we belong to Christ and will inherit eternal life. But the question remains, how do we come to believe in the first place? And as Paul goes on to explain in chapter 2, we were once spiritually dead and it was God who made us alive.
@@robertwheeler1158, yes you rightly point out that the Holy Spirit is given to us as a down payment Who gives us assurance of things to come, just like the text says.
But like I mentioned, v13 describes how we are initiated in Christ. Although a specific work of the Spirit is being highlighted - to seal and to assure - I have to receive Him in order to be sealed and assured by Him. Since v13 describes my initiation, and the Spirit’s work of sealing and assuring is mentioned after the hearing of and the belief in the Word, I have no warrant to believe I received the Spirit before the whole process.
v13 Does say how we come to believe - after hearing the Word. That lines up with Paul’s teaching in Romans - “faith comes by hearing the Word of Christ “. So that verse in Romans 10 (I think it is Romans 10) speaks more directly to the question “how do we come to believe?”.
Maybe we are missing each other? Do you believe that 1.) a person must be regenerated by the Spirit in order to believe? And 2.) That the reception/sealing/assurance of the Spirit is something that happens after you are regenerated by the Spirit?
(Just on a side note, I just want to make it clear that I’m in no way one of those who like to pick a fight with my brother in Christ, and that in public. I appreciate our discussion! And so I hope that you read my comments knowing I respect you and look forward to meet you in glory one day)
Alana, this morning, I just encountered your first video on Calvinism. I was so impressed by your transparency, intelligence, and sincerity. It is refreshing. I am so glad to see women from all walks of life coming to the table to seriously discuss the monumental questions concerning life, love, and God. It is evident you are a thinker. I am strangely charmed by this. Whether by default of differences misunderstood or accident of confluences, I have felt for a long time feminine intelligence has been suppressed or at least marginalized to the fringes of Christian thought and pushed to the province of 'roles' and stereotypes. I say this, not due to feminist ideologies, but Scripture, sister 'image-bearer'. To me this is clear evidence of God's wisdom and glory.
The 'paradigms' you are dealing with implicit in the questions you have concerned yourself with are real and powerful. Yet, this is but the tip of the iceberg in our human dilemma... can we really KNOW anything? Realistically, if God is our creation, the answer would be agnosticism. But if we are GOD'S creation, I am compelled to assert that we can KNOW truth truly if not exhaustively and infinitely. The question is, has God chosen to reveal Himself, or not? I think it is rather apparent He has, else what is self-consciousness for? I don't believe, given the world around us, it was NECESSARY for evolution (regardless of one's position on origins). Everything else seems to operate decently without it. Even when one considers more complex and advanced forms, without ourselves IN THE IMAGE OF GOD to measure 'advanced' lifeforms with, how would we even come up with terms such as 'advanced' or an 'evolution'? ...And this is at the most basic level of evidence, though I think it ALONE is a powerful evidence of God's Self-Revelation.
...And then there is Scripture, though it has a tendency to multiply questions as it answers them! 🤣 But I think even THAT is significant because the Scripture is introducing the very WONDER of the Infinite (God) Himself! He CHOSE to reveal Himself, so it seems oblivious to me that He equipped us TO KNOW. And this is given such CENTRAL importance in the teaching of our Lord Jesus, that He taught that the consummate fulfillment God intended in His design of us and the point of His WHOLE MISSION of 'salvation' was to the end that we WOULD KNOW GOD--in the words of our Master, "this eternal life" (see John 17:3)!
So, Alana, keep up the good work. I sense that incense coming from sacred sacrifice from your direction! You've gained another 'fan,' and brother in spirit and in The Spirit. Please be encouraged: we are about the good life eternal.
Oh, Alana, may I add another observation. Much has been made in our interpretations of, "the man was first formed, then the woman." (See 1 Cor. 11:7-12.) But I notice something peculiar on Easter, the dawn of the 'first day' of NEW CREATION: Jesus, revealed His "life-giving spirit" or 'appeared' to Mary, a woman, BEFORE the men! And was SENT (apostleship?) to tell the rest of the bunch THE GOOD NEWS AND WHERE TO MEET HIM! That seems significant. One cannot say Jesus was in any imposition to do this, was He--the Resurrected, victorious, now declared to the the Son of God IN AUTHORITY, constrained to do this?
Paul, in his wit in the above cited Scripture, is tempered with such insights, even given his formation in traditional Judaism. With a glance back at the creation narrative and acknowledging the male role, he is quick to add: 1 Cor 11:11-12 (NET): "In any case, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. For just as woman came from man, so man comes through woman. But all things come from God." This is RESURRECTION Theology as a new paradigm on old ideas. May God bless us to read Scripture through the lens of Easter, as did the apostles.
Welcome, sister theologian. Let us rejoice in the marvel of God's full revelation in Jesus Resurrected. I think we often forget the cross is a composite event, not significant ultimately without Easter. May we men remember we too share a composite existence as "image of God" with women, ESPECIALLY NOW this side of Easter. Bless you, Alana, for stepping up... that's so "apostolic" of you! 🤣(I really don't know where we got the idea that having authority was equal with dominance, Jesus said the 'chief' were servants, and I know no other creatures that has submitted to servanthood more than women. Seriously, God bless His Son and His female image-bearers. It has been your day to shine now for 2 millennia!)
"If you only look at Ephesians 1 & Romans 9 you can make a whole doctrine out of that"
Such a good point. It is indeed important to look at the whole counsel of scripture.
yeah, we must be faithful to the whole Scripture, meaning that the principle of sola scriptura makes God's revelation is unattainable for the non-specialist.... meaning that protestantism is false... as Calvinism and so many other the versions of that pretension to discover the true Christianity against and outside the Church...
Your wording didn't come out well.
Anyway, Calvinism is demonic.
Amazing job explaining. Praise the Lord!
Always praying for you Alana, its tough to talk about this and in transcending your prior view, so much to gain in your walk with the Lord and see how even mightier He is than a presupposition. I really respect Kevin Thompson on how he speaks about the things that want to get swept under the rug. Its amazing during his private zoom Bible studies it is a group of people from all different churches, mainly because they have questions that aren’t being answered where they attend because of fear of retaliation. God Bless You sister keep spreading the Good News!
I've loved your testimony. I had no idea about calvinism. I had no idea any Christian believed about elect.
but you made me aware of this word.... now I found cessationist term after your calvanist testimony video.... thank you. it's so easy to understand the term calvinism...
Thank you for correctly dividing the Word. May multitudes hear, repent, and believe.
This is your calling, and you should be faithful to Christ.
Romans chapter 4 is favorite chapter in the scriptures because it's useful for debunking so many false doctrines. 🙂 In particular, it sets forth that faith is not meritorious.
You explain the gospel in a beautifully simple way. Thank you!
Great video! Our home church in Arkansas has split over Calvinism. The pastor comes in a few years ago and currently working on his doctorate from The Masters Seminary and I think it’s emboldened him to be more open with Calvinist teachings. The struggle me and my wife have had is, is it possible to sit under a Calvinist you disagree with. We have decided no, we can’t. Fortunately for the last 15 months we have been working in central Tennessee and attending a great church here. When we are finished here in Tennessee we will be looking for another church in Arkansas. I have concluded from my limited studies that Calvinism is a different gospel.
I’m so sorry. Yes, same conclusion for us. We had to do the same:/ all of our elders were 5 point Calvinists and it was too hard to stay under them. The Lord is with you guys!!
@@AlanaL3 You are so so encouraging Sister. God bless you.
The only two " fruits " of Calvinism are divisions and confusion!
Hello Arkansas friend. I so understand. I moved to Arkansas from Dallas two years ago. And I found it difficult to find a strong Bible believing church that values scripture and holiness and NOT Calvinistic. No church is perfect of course! But praise God… He heard those prayers and has led me to one I am currently serving in. Blessings to you all in Tennessee and praying He leads y’all as He has for me.
Glad you found a place to land. We are looking at a couple churches in our area. I’m struggling with whether to stay or leave the SBC altogether. There is so many issues with one being they produce Calvinist pastors out of their seminaries. Calvinism will be a bigger problem in the future.
Late to this video. I watched your interview with Leighton Flowers. As a pastor, I have a few Calvinists in our church, yet we are not a Calvinist church. I keep a running list of verses that make me challenge the idea of Limited Atonement and I've learned that if I don't hold to Limited Atonement, it changes how I see all the other letters of TULIP. It has been a journey of understanding for me even though I have never been a Calvinist. I've had to study to protect my church.
Wow, you just posted! I've been discovering your channel recently, and I thank God for opening your eyes and bringing you out of the error of Calvinism. Keep up the good work!
Maybe you could do interviews with people who came out of Calvinism? I appreciate your videos! May the Lord bless you and all those who listen! ❤
Hello Alana, you are a woman that is on fire for Jesus... Without your faith level you have the ability to lay hands on new belivers so that you can baptize in the Holy Spirit and Fill them with the Spirit through the annointing that you have... (a college droout)?? Most of the most successful businessmen have little or no collegs to their cresit!!!! YOU ARE A TRUE FOLLOWER OF JESUS AND FULL OF THE SPIRIT.... A VESSEL OF POWER!!!!!! AND THEN SOME!!!!
Love your passion! Keep digging into the scriptures As they will free us from all false doctrines.
I am sooo grateful for your 3 videos on Calvanism.
I have been through a lot in my spiritual journey! I was apart of the SDA church for 9 years and I was free from that and entered Christianity after battling with my faith.
I got sucked into reformed teaching and I’ve been going to a reformed church for a couple months now. I was beginning to accept predestination but hadn’t had a chance to really study into it fully. Although I loved the idea of God in His sovereignty and Him being in control of my life (as opposed to a weak man-like god I once believed who needed his character to be vindicated by humans), something was just very off and I couldn’t reconcile all the verses I remembered about us choosing God and God wanting all to be saved. Was God a liar then? It just didn’t click and I thought maybe I’m just not as knowledgeable and I need to do this great study for it all to click.
This has been great because it has caught me at the point of entry and now I can continue learning in Christ and pass over this theology. Moving from one cult to the next just causes more and more damage!! Joining this church felt familiar in regards to its structure but I was ignoring that feeling and forcing myself to continue. I’m glad God has revealed this to me because it has spared myself, my children and potentially my marriage.
Thank you sis xx
Thank You Lord for showing her the truth
Thank you for your videos! I'm struggling through this coming out of a mega church 2 years ago and dove into the extreme opposite- a small reformed Baptist church! These are really encouraging videos. Thank you!!
Wow! I had the same experience! A year ago we left a mega church, got sucked into a reformed Baptist church. We were there for almost a year and left cuz it felt like a cult 😅
Alana, thank you so much for your teaching. Could you please help tell me what translation of the Bible that you were reading from thank you Peace of Christ
Crazy! I was in Ephesians 1 just yesterday! I noticed the same “in Him” theme (word count: 12!).
After that, an even bigger revelation came…it is possible that Paul is speaking of the Jews only in v4-12, then begins to speak about Gentile inclusion (grafting), beginning in v13 (“In him you also, when you heard…”). 🤯
We cannot stress how clearly the Bible teaches that Faith and Works are different. Law of works vs law of faith are contrasted over and over. How can anyone conclude that faith is a work? "To him that worketh not, but believeth..." Could there be any clearer language? I think you are right, some people read the Bible looking for their own theology and not what it just plainly says. Thank you for the blessing of your words on this subject.
We are grateful for your videos and for the voices that take a stand against Calvinism
Part 1... As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Romans 3:10-12
We love Him, because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins. Matthew 1:21
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:19
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the Church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood. Acts 20:28
He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I Am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father which is in heaven. Matthew 16:15-17
In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in Thy sight. All things are delivered to Me of My Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and He to whom the Son will reveal Him. Luke 10:21-22
Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:13 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of 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. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. John 3:5-8 All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent Me, that of all which He hath given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. John 6:37-39 No man can come to Me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto Me. John 6:44-45 And He said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto Me, except it were given unto him of My Father. From that time many of His disciples went back, and walked no more with Him. John 6:65-66 He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. John 8:47 I Am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep. John 10:11 But ye believe not, because ye are not of My sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:26-27 But though He had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on Him: That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. John 12:37-40 As thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given Him. John 17:2 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given Me; for they are thine. John 17:9
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave Himself for it. Ephesians 5:25
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified. Romans 8:28-30
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace; Wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will: That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the Gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of Promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1:1-14
Part 2... But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14
Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil. Jeremiah 13:23
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. 2 Timothy 1:9
And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. Acts 13:48
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10
But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth. Whereunto He called you by our Gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:13
For many are called, but few are chosen. Matthew 22:14
For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. Romans 2:28-29
Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. Romans 9:6-8
As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. For He saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew My power in thee, and that My name might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath He mercy on whom He will have mercy, and whom He will He hardeneth. Romans 9:13-18
Hath not the Potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? What if God, willing to shew His wrath, and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had afore prepared unto glory. Romans 9:21-23
Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the Power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:2-5
For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Yes!! Context kills Calvinism❤
It is SO refreshing to see someone "get it", to realize there IS another option out there other than the man-made choices of Calvinism or Arminianism ( which is just a subset or flipside of that same wrong coin) called GRACE! The TRUE doctrines of grace are Paul's 13 epistles to the Body of Christ, Romans-Philemon. The rest of the Bible is addressed to Israel in time past & Heb-Rev are to the remnant of Israel in ages to come! Blessings!
Pauline only heresy..... preaches a different grace or different gospel for jews and gentiles.... this is heretical. Be aware.
Also important in studying Ephesians 1, is to realise there's a parallel passage 1 Peter 1:1-6:
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the chosen ones who are living as foreigners in the Diaspora in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, that you may obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with his blood: Grace to you and peace be multiplied. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that doesn’t fade away, reserved in Heaven for you, who by the power of God are guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
1 Peter 1:1-5
Not that you read 1 Peter here into Ephesians 1, or Ephesians 1 into 1 Peter, but it's important to compare whenever parallel passages are found, expressing the same idea.
Also it's just neat that 1 Peter is sort of like a snack version of Ephesians 1. :P
The worst part of this issue is that churches are breaking up because of calvinists sneaking in and trying to take over. The SBC is in a civil war.
The SBC is lost to it.
I juggle videos, so I'm finally finishing this, and I appreciate you a lot. You're a good teacher and really helpful.
I have been following your story and I LOVE the way you explained things in this video. I make videos myself mostly pertaining to eschatology. I’m glad you mentioned replacement theology as well because it is also very prominent among reformed teachers. I believe Romans 9-11 simply cannot be read properly coming from that theological position (replacement theology). If you don’t understand (or you deny) the historic and future role of Israel you will certainly misinterpret those chapters. Soteriology was never the main focus of my personal teaching until awhile back when I started encountering questions about Calvinism. I ended up making a long multi-part video about Calvinism explaining the historical development, the skewed definitions of terms, and also digging into Romans 9 to explain how it’s mostly all about Israel and their status in unbelief. Girl you sound just like me!!! ❤️
Keep it up! You are fantastic at explaining these things and your story is so necessary for the soteriological conversation. Calvinism has seem tremendous growth and resurgence here in the last 40-ish years... much to my dismay. It’s always wonderful to see folks come out of it!
Oh... here’s the video btw... in case anyone wanted to listen.
ua-cam.com/video/a-AWxEE9dCg/v-deo.html
It sure is great to see people coming out of it, indeed! Amen!
Thank God for you, Leighton Flowers and Mike Winger (and others) who are bold to speak out so clearly on the unscrptural system of Calvinism. I grew up in a compatibalistic Calvinist tradition. My eyes were opened to it's errors first through reading Dave Hunt's book "What Love is This?" Finding others online who defend Biblical soteriology has been so refreshing. There is such joy and freedom in my worship to know God genuinely loves all people he created, that He truly is wise and powerful enough to give us genuine freedom of choice while working all things together perfectly in His sovereign plan!
Believe it or not there’s a awakening happening in the body of Christ. God has been dealing with the spirit of religion since the beginning of this new decade. Church won’t look the way as we’ve known it. People are coming into the knowledge of who they are in Christ and will walk in true power and authority❤️
This is great! Thank you. The most helpful for me was you pointing out what, by language, was clearly meant to refer to Israel’s chosenness to bring the Messiah vs. what is being said to the Gentiles in regard to redemption. To understand well what atonement is and what it isn’t George MacDonald’s sermon Justice is so helpful. To understand how the word adoption is being misunderstood and what it means to be a child of God vs. a son of God his sermon ABBA Father is eye opening. It’s important to know what it means to believe and the fruit that must come from that.
Excellent rightly dividing the Word sister
Thanks for another well thought out and articulated video teaching! I appreciate so much that you're taking the time to do them.
Totally agree that clear understanding and teaching on these scriptures are essential and affect so many things this side of glory!
I am so glad you pointed out that Romans 9 is full of cross references. Even the Jacob I loved is quoting the OT.
Too often the church has come up with doctrines from things from the NT that don’t line up with the OT.
I’m so thankful that I found your story about Calvinism even though I have never been a Calvinist. I feel like you in that this is all I wanna talk about because I feel like this is a huge deal but I also have felt like nobody wants to hear it or people say it doesn’t matter and I think it does. But I don’t have a platform like you, because I don’t have a story of coming out of it. But God keeps bringing it up in ways in my life and now I am at a church that I love and that I have grown and learned so much about the Bible, but have learned that our leader ship is Calvinist leaning And some of my family members are as well. Newly. And some of the younger family members are asking questions and I want to scream from the rooftops that Calvinism is false but it’s very intimidating and I want to expose it but I feel like I have no credibility. I just wanted to say that. To someone who understands.
WOW! BEAUTIFUL TESTIMONY! AND SUPER BRILLIANT INSIGHTS ON THESE SCRIPTURES!
Alana, you are doing a good job witnessing "The Faith" in Christ Jesus as presented in the NT in context. Regarding Ephesians 1, I also pay attention to the pronoun "us" and "we" in context. The Apostle Paul is praising God for the many blessings the "us" have "in" Christ Jesus. The "us" clearly refers to the church of believers, the ones who are in Christ, of whom the Apostle Paul is writing to.
As you clearly presented, Paul then goes on to explain "how" the "us," who are in Christ, receive these gracious promises of God in Ephesians 1. The Calvinists like to ignore the "how" and replace it with their own doctrinal interpretation rather than relying on the Scriptures themselves to explain all this to us. They do the same with "regeneration." Blessings and Love to you Alana.
Alana,
I am a pastor of a Baptist church in East Texas and seminary graduate. I must thank you for this video. I began teaching Ephesians, January of this year and was quickly reminded just how difficult it is for those who "wear calvanist glasses" to tolerate those of us who are not calvanist. I think I heard you say you had not been seminary educated and therefore
you have not been exposed to the pressure that is present in higher Christian education to conform to the "more enlighten position" of five point Calvinism. Your prayerfull observations of Ephesians 1 and 2 is inspiring in its simplicity and accuracy.
Thank you and I pray the Lord bless you and fill you with his Spirit,
Dale
You are a prophetess. Keep teaching! I'm a man who feels these issues deeply! Keep going!
Around 15:00, Scripture quoted, "he predestined as to the adoption as sons through Christ Jesus." Comment: "How do you get that adoption? Being a son. How? Through Christ Jesus." Good point on adoption not synonymous with conversion.
Here's where I wish to add: "When do you get that adoption? When in glory, when the body is redeemed." Rom 8:23. It harmonizes to "being conformed to the image of his son," Rom 8, future, or "we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is" in 1 John 3.
Amen!!
Thank you for this video. It helps. Calvinism has caused me so much confusion, mainly because I didn't realize that so many around me are part of it or take parts of it and use that as part of their doctrine. You've stated so clearly what I've been thinking as I have been working this out.
Hi Alana! New to your channel. This is an awesome message...I thoroughly enjoyed listening to you break down Ephesians 1 and Romans 9 in it's Biblical context! Praise God we need more people like you! To stand up and point out why there's flaw in the Calvinistic doctrine to show what the Truth of God's Word is really saying.
(PS- I loved hearing your story on Soteriology 101 with Dr. Flowers)
Alana you are doing such a good job of making this plain te see in the scriptures. I watch Kevin and Leighton often....but really you can fill a great need for people to hear this liberating truths..symply explained to masses of people caught up in confusion.. please do more of this.
This was edifying, thank you and God bless in Jesus name🙏🏼
This is my beloved son in whom I delight, listen to him
Can you listen to Him? Or only if you’re elect?
@@AlanaL3 Joh 8:47 El que es de Dios, escucha las palabras de Dios; pero como ustedes no son de Dios, no quieren escuchar.
Joh 8:45 Pero como yo digo la verdad, ustedes no me creen.
@@SpanisGuitarBest who doesn’t believe? The people he is talking to there. The Pharisees not the “non-elect.”
Your passion is contagious- I love it! I do disagree though :)
One could wonder how are we chosen in Christ AND how was He slain from the foundation of the world, if we had not been born nor had Jesus walked the earth yet? The answer: God is not confined by time, space or matter- we are. From His perspective everything is ALREADY DONE. Since we are confined by time, matter, and space, we have to live out, from our human perspective, what is ALREADY DONE, from God's perspective. There is a specific point in time when regeneration occurs for all who believes- when the Holy Spirit takes residence in us and is our Seal to the end (hence new creation has come, the old is gone). At the point of regeneration, we are now IN Him. Before that, we were/are truly NOT in Him (excluded, dead, stranger, etc) because we have to live out our life in space, time, and matter. We are created beings who aren't omnipresent. That does not negate the fact that we were chosen in Him and that He was slain from the foundation of the world---its just 2 perspectives at play.
Those Calvinists who believe that faith is a work have a misunderstanding of Calvinism. Work is evident by your belief in God. If you believe, your works will prove that. Not that your works are required or will put you in right standing with God, but that if you truly believe and love Him, you will, guided by the Holy Spirit, show that BY your works- James 2:14-26. In other words, your belief or unbelief will determine how you live your life. Work doesnt save you.
Furthermore, according to Philippians 1:29, God grants us to believe in Christ. We do not do it on our own will/power.
Good job tackling these two main proof texts.
The Lord Bless you Alana, You are doing Gods work, by being faithful wife, and Loving Gods TRUTH! Keep going. Our Calvanist brethren are in for Big surprise when they stand before Jesus!
Maybe you will be In for big surprise, don't get too cocky.
Thank you Alana for this. It was very helpful for me. I have been listening a lot to John McArthur for the last few years. Then you showed up on UA-cam. And I have listened a lot to Mike Wingers chanel. He has a study on Romans that was very helpful too. We don't have reformed churches in my country. If we had I probably be in one. Blessings to you and keep up your good work 🙏📖
Kevin Thompson is the best at explaining it. I rejected Calvinism from the start. Obviously it's wrong when God is punishing people for stuff he brought to pass that is morally wrong and defeats the whole good God thing.
But yes Ephesians 1:13 tells us when we are in Christ
Ephesians 1:13
New International Version
13 And you also were included in Christ(A) when you heard the message of truth,(B) the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal,(C) the promised Holy Spirit
After you hear the gospel and believe you are in Christ not before the foundation of the world. Also Romans 9 is about election of servitude not salvation.
I think the time-bound language issue makes this hard to parse out rationally-so it takes a bit of faith. Trusting that Gods word is true even though we can’t square election and our choices mattering (both biblically true time based concepts in light of a timeless God!)
God is above time, we are in time. God has to condescend to us and speak in language we would understand. Words like “before” or even “choose” are time related concepts. The answer is to hold the tension that it’s both-you were chosen and your choice matters. Timothy Keller’s sermon on “Does God Control Everything” cleared this up for me in that I accept in my humility and limited nature I can’t fathom a timeless God with timeless truth while I live within time itself. I then feel the need to make it either/or when it’s BOTH!
Calvinist go to far when they say there is no choice and Armenians go to far when they say it’s up to them.
John 6:44-You can’t even come to Christ unless the spirit draws you… and yet the Bible is full of choice implications-John 3:16 comes to mind.
I can’t understand how both choice and election go together, but the Bible says they do so I have faith given my limited time bound mind. Your choices matter… but rest… you don’t have control of the wheel.
100% These things matter! Calvinism is a different gospel! You not saying anything would be the worse thing to do.
I had a friend who grew up with a calvinist pastor dad. She acknowledges Calvinism is bad but still holds to TULIP. My story is so similar to yours so I was so disturbed and bothered that I had been deceived, as you mentioned too. So I remember telling her like over and over … basically this is wrong, this doesn’t make sense … this and that … at one point she said to me that Calvinism was my idol and that I needed to stop. There’s nothing worse than genuine concern being squashed my someone you genuinely trust. But at the same time, God gives me the courage to continue in His work, exposing evil deeds of darkness!
Are Calvinist saved?
@@jongee4336 you’d have to ask the Calvinist that. Not every Calvinist believes the same. Not very person that says they’re Calvinist knows exactly what they’re saying, some people literally regurgitate ideas w/o having actually processed them. Only God knows the heart. And my knowledge of anyone person’s walk of life is very limited. Perhaps it could be they’re not actually saved based on acceptance and profession but later in life they are. 🤷🏻♀️
But what I can tell you is that peeps like Johnny Mac saying that, “Calvinism is the gospel …” are treading dangerous waters. That’s where Calvinism becomes a different gospel.
@@jongee4336 there is no biblical salvation in calvinism. If a calvinist is saved, it's because of who they were before coming into calvinism. Alana was a Christian before she stumbled into calvinism
@@jongee4336 they may be. It’s in spite of their doctrine though not because of it.
@@jongee4336 there is no gospel in TULIP.
The gospel is found in the pages of scripture.
Calvinism saves no one.
Don’t just read Roman’s 9, keep going and read 10 & 11 as well, the answer to the “what if” is there. I’m so glad your eyes have been opened, you have been granted repentance, praise the Lord.
As a Calvinist, I love the conversation and challenges you bring up in these types of videos. Even though we strongly disagree I respect you and consider you a sister in Christ.
What exactly are you disagreeing with? It would seem you’re disagreeing with scripture based on the fact that the interpretation doesn’t align with your theological stances as a Calvinist. (To clarify, I am assuming you hold to TULIP as your foundation for biblical interpretation as a self proclaimed Calvinist.) She didn’t interject with any sort of doctrine. She let scripture interpret scripture.
Could you be more clear as to what exactly it is you strongly disagree with?
Jesus clearly defined who “family” is, those that are about the Father’s business. You literally cannot just claim to be brothers and sisters w/o actually knowing you’re about the same business. Clearly, you strongly disagree with what she’s preaching here.
@@ruralmillennial4354 bro what? U do understand that I also believe in all scripture and we both think we have the correct interpretation of these texts... not sure why you're so hostile for no reason.
We also hold to the same gospel I think. The most concerning thing about her views are her rejection of PSA but I'm honestly not sure if that's grounds to deny her as a Christian because I'm not sure whether it is or isn't a fundamental issue. I still love the heart and like she said she's on a journey
@@jongee4336 “bro what?” I’m not a bro., just thought you’d like to know.
And, hostile?
The only thing you didn’t do was answer what exactly do you disagree with?
Don’t want to answer the question, simply say you’d rather not answer.
This is open and friendly dialogue.
But in my opinion your hostile response might be indicative of not really knowing what you strongly disagree with.
She let scripture interpret scripture.
good for you man. Really consider the challenge. It’s good for all of us and at least one of us is wrong. Take care man
Strongly Disagree? she is right! Apostle Paul over John Calvin anyday!
At the 15:40 minute mark (or so) all I can say is AMEN! Ephesians is written for born again believers who were adopted into the family of Christ at the point of Salvation, at which point their eternal destination is predestined to be Heaven. I left a comment under your "In and Out of Calvinism" video letting you know that I am a fellow UA-camr... Born Again, Christian Witness, Wife, Young Mother, Cook, Gardener, etc... who is also so, so passionate about discussing the problems within Calvinism! I have a channel ministry focused on reaching Mormons (the LDS) with Gospel truth and I'm about to launch a series on Calvinism because sadly many Christians who reach out to the LDS are TULIP Calvinists and the LDS people are rejecting this concept of Limited Atonement and Predestination through a Calvinistic mindset (understandably so!!) and so it is ultimately hurting the Christian's witness to the Mormon people. My goal is to refute Calvinism and point them to plain old "Biblicism." If you ever wanna join forces, I'd love to. Or even just chat. Your content is excellent from what I've watched so far. Thanks for your boldness and honesty! To God be the glory as we share Biblical truth to those within our spheres of influence.
Calvinism was debunked in the garden by Adam and Eve. Having only one restriction, they both made the conscious choice to disobey and sin. God didn’t predestine them to go to hell, but he knew they were going to choose the wrong way.
That’s the difference between foreknowledge and predestination.
Christ’s Agape love is the only hope for this world ♥️✝️
So much this 🗣️🗣️🗣️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 all of it. Calvinism and replacement theology, when we become like the bereans and test every spirit we see what THE WORD of God says. Calvinism brings SO much spiritual pride, and it’s so sad, and really repulsive…we are told in Deuteronomy and then again in Revelation, so the last book of the Mosaic law and then the last book of the full Bible… NOT to add to, or take away from. And with Calvinism and replacement theology, that has been done, the pride in our flesh will make us want The Bible to say what WE want it to say, rather then just reading Gods Word for what it ACTUALLY says. Very well put together video, I have spent the past few years digging deep and being vocal against these doctrines that are plaguing the church, and it’s because of this stuff right here, that made me come out of the church building, and start engaging in House church, and I believe that’s truly where Yahweh desires my family to be. Intimate and pure, reading The Word together without all the man made religious bias. Stand strong on The Word sister, and keep shining your light out For Jesus. 🙏🏼🫶🏼👏🏻
Alana, wonderful message I got teary-eyed but much needed message for me Thank You so much!!!
Along with Romans 9, this chapter exalts the sovereignty of God in salvation like no other in the N.T.
Here is where election is defined by God’s choice of us and predestination is mentioned twice.
Here is where the will of God is mentioned four times but the will of man is not mentioned at all!
Here is where the Synergistic belief of accepting Jesus is replaced with God accepting us in Jesus!
Here is where praise of his glorious is mentioned three times but praise of men is not mentioned!
Here is where the emphasis is on the pleasure and purpose of God, not the desire of man!
Here is where the emphasis is on God’s glory and grace, not the inherent worth of man!
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
The reference to heavenly places, as shown by the following context, is our legal standing in Christ and the eternal inheritance of glorified bodies there with Him that awaits all saints.
These legal blessings includes election, adoption, justification, reconciliation, etc., etc.
If the blessed God gave His Son for us, then He will give all other things as well (Rom 8:32).
The “in Christ” relationship on which all spiritual blessings depend is our election in Him, as can be clearly seen by the connection of this verse to the preceding verse.
All spiritual blessings of the previous verse are in Christ. How do sinners get into Christ?
the true gospel of Jesus Christ declares right here that it is based on election in Christ.
Salvation is by God’s purpose and grace given in Christ before the world (II Tim 1:9).
God chose Paul and the Ephesian saints and us in Jesus Christ - this is election defined.
The great determining factor in salvation and the spiritual riches of Christ is God’s choice.
It is the sovereign will of the great God that determines salvation (Romans 9:10-24).
He did not choose by foreknowledge those who had chosen to be in Christ, for (a) this contradicts Psalm 14:1-3 and Romans 3:9-18 and (b) it would make your choice supreme.
God’s eternal choice was to place and view the elect in Jesus Christ legally and covenantly.
The choice was made before the foundation of the world - before the act of creation.
Here are cross-references for this ancient decree in the mind of God (Matt 25:34; Acts 15:18; Eph 3:11; II Tim 1:9; Titus 1:2; I Pet 1:20).
In this eternal sense, they were already viewed as adopted, justified, reconciled, etc., etc.
This is the proper basis for blessing God - He chose us to all spiritual blessings long ago.
Chosen in Jesus Christ, God views His elect as holy, without blame, and objects of His love.
By foreknowledge and fact, we were rebellious sinners and children of wrath even as the reprobates (Ps 14:1-3; 53:1-3; 1; Eph 2:1-3; Titus 3:3).
By grace and election, we are seen as sanctified and spotless children that He fully loves.
This is not election so that we should live practical lives of holiness and love to God (though this is true), but He rather chose us in order to view us as holy objects of love.
The issue here is our legal position and standing in Jesus Christ - clothed in His holiness.
God cannot love sin or sinners, so He chose us in Christ where He could love us (1:6).
Romans 5:8 exalts God’s love for us by Christ dying for sinners: but He did not love us as sinners: He loved us as chosen in Christ, Who died for us when still sinners.
Grateful for your videos on Calvinism...found you by "accident" lol :) I hope one day your husband will be able to share with you on this subject. Blessings in Jesus!
Your videos have blessed me greatly. Thank you so much. 🙏🏼
May God bless this YT channel.
That was a good and clear explanation. I especially appreciate the purpose of his death and the rising from the dead part. Thanks.
Great scripture to support free will!
Very well stated for the average non theologian.
Thanks🙂
Thank you and God bless!