What is Provisionism?
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- Опубліковано 22 лип 2019
- Dr. Leighton Flowers, Director of Evangelism and Apologetics for Texas Baptists, explains PROVISIONISM in contrast to Arminianism and Calvinism.
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People have been saying, “Calvinist or Arminian? You have to choose!” Now I have an answer. I’m a Provisionist! Thank you so much for this. 🙏🏻
I'm none of the above. Why fit Into a category.
@@brokengirl8619 Yes very true! But, at the same time... We must hold to Biblical truth. So, sometimes it is important to be firm in things like this. At least have a 100% stance on the essentials. The secondary issues, we can have a bit of wiggle room of course. And ultimately let Scripture and the Holy Spirit lead us to all understanding. I can't wait till we have full knowledge!
Amen
Mr flowers is awesome
@@truthdefenders-grow up you're dogmatic on issues you're not able to definitely defend
Your words: "Some argue that the gospel is not sufficient to enable the lost to believe without the work of the Holy Spirit. But I argue the gospel is always sufficient because IT IS A WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT". Amen
I believe that God will save anyone who calls out to him he will save for God so love the world that he gave his only begotten son that who so ever believes in him will not perish John 3 :16
Yes they can my brother believes that people can’t confess their sins
Amen
We don’t know who the Holy Spirit is working on we will probably never know until we die and it’s not our place to say who the Holy Spirit works on I believe God expect us who are saved to get out and evangelize when people talk that way it sounds like you don’t want the lost to be saved
Amen! It is the illuminating grace, the light, revelation of Gods appeal to all mankind
L = Limitless atonement. O = Overflowing grace. V= Victory over sin and death. E = Everlasting life for the faithful in Christ.
Love this LOVE acrostic !!!
💯❤
It’s nice. However, just like Calvinist’s view, each still needs explanation. Limitless atonement would spark a Calvinist to say “so everyone gets saved?”
It’s honestly why a label at least helps. Someone who says “I don’t use labels. I’m a Bible believing Christian” just completely misses that nobody knows how you interpret text. Every Christian believes they’re a Bible believing Christian… yet there are hundreds of doctrine perspectives. Unless you want to talk with someone all day long about every passage of scripture, the labels help.
@@Michaelh217 I'm happy enough with the term, "Provisionism." Leighton has been great person to listen to over the years. I've learned a lot from his discussions. I'm smiling a little bit because Leighton does love to talk all day long about every (relevant) scripture. It's kind of his thing.
Based on the description you’ve given here, I’m definitely a provisionist - though I tend to think of it as simply Biblical Christianity
Me too. When I first heard about provisionism I felt an incredible sense of relief, thinking yes! that's what I believe too. I've always thought that the message of the Bible as a whole is simple. Yes, there are parts that are harder/hard to understand but I believe that God has His reasons and if He wanted them to be understood he would have spelled it out for us. Sometimes we just have to trust God in a very simple way without having answers to everything. If God had decided from the beginning who was going to be saved/not saved, then, plain and simple, He didn't need to send Jesus.
And I don't like labels either, but we seem to "need" them. It's unfortunate that saying Biblical Christianity doesn't seem to mean what it should mean.
Jo Brown Amen ‼️ I also had such a relief come over me with this video. Like my heart breathed- finally theology that glorifies God as God, yet where men still have free will. 👍🏼
Same. Amen! 🙏🏽
@@urawesome4670 this comment is man centered. I encourage you to do more research until you come to my view. If you do not come to my view, keep studying until you do. When you get to my view, stop studying!!!
me 3
6:52 Tozer quote
9:23 P.R.O.V.I.D.E acrostic
14:49 Proverbs 28: 13-14
20:15 Traditionalist Predestination
24:05 How God is glorified
25:52 Total inability rebutted
Thank you
Where does that Tozer quote come from? What book?
I've been struggling with election and predestination. My dad is a SB pastor and while I was raised to not believe in Calvinism I didn't know what doctrine to agree with. I didn't agree with Arminians and Molinism sounded good but seemed like it was missing something. I've been reading and listening to a lot of your stuff and agree with it so much more
Praise God! That was awesome to read , may God continue revealing the doctrines of grace !
@t r I'd say "probably not", because Molinism leans more towards Calvinism, where Provisionism leans more towards Arminianism., to use the false binary as an imperfect framework for comparison.
yes, i am. Apologist William L Craig is. Many others are.
@t r Yes, you can be a Provisionist and a Molinist, IMO. I currently claim both of those labels. Simplistically, one is the theology (the what), the other the philosophy (the how).
@@joefrescoln I'm not any 'ism'. Instead I work through the scriptures to understand and share them as is appropriate. LF does throw some helpful light, no doubt.
I'm one of three pastors of a church, I'm watching your videos on Provisionism to present a class on this at a future board meeting. We believe and teach this, to have it presented in full will help to clarify distinctly in black and white exactly what we believe and teach. Thank you for what you have put together here and in so many other videos. God Bless!
This is Awesome, Chris. Wish you were in Oregon!
What church?
@@drewtenpas7894 New Covenant Church Of The Apostles. We are a Non Denominational Church. You can find us on Facebook.
So basically you are going to teach people that when the gospel is preached the natural man that does not understand the things of the spirit can make a decision. This is insane, I am glad I am not in your church. Faith is a gift from God and a promise (Hebrews 10:16), from God for his people, that anybody would rob God of his glory and teach that faith is a decision that we make and that we can all be saved by making a decision for Christ is repugnant. No man, not a single man in history since Adam was saved by making a decision for Christ or choosing Christ, on the contrary God chose every single human being that will go to heaven and gave him faith to believe as a gift.
So then God also chose to send the non elect to hell because he decided not to give them faith and grace? Why would Jesus criticize people for their lack of faith? Why wouldn’t he just give them more faith?
This is an excellent biblical explanation brother, thank you very much for providing these teachings, I do believe we must always study the scriptures so we can test everything to the Word of our Father
Thank you for the very scholarly response to Calvanism and its interpretation of election and predestination. I've is been a Provisionist and didn't know it LOL. Looking forward to more material. Subscribed!
Thank you for this much-needed clarity. This gives me a fresh, new perspective on the relationship between God's sovereignty and my responsibility. I'm also deeply encouraged to better understand how God's wrath comes AFTER his provision and our free choice to put our trust/faith in Him.
I'd like to first thank you for all your work on this topic Brother Leighton! I'm so happy to see others fighting to preserve the truth of God's Word and His desire to save fallen mankind.
Regarding your statement on some who say that you're being devisive with your videos and doctrine...I encourage you to keep on doing what you're doing. As, I personally think it's very important work. Because we don't want the lost misunderstanding the Way to salvation. nor do we want God looked at in the wrong light. There's been a very hard push and surge by the Calvinistic movement, to teach their false doctrine on predestination to all, especially the young. Therefore, I think it's right and proper, that we lovingly fight against it with the truth of God's Word. Not by bashing it, but by simply speaking the truth out loud to all we can. Just like you are doing. So, I say, good job and work, to you, for the Kingdom of God!
I love my Calvinist brothers and hope they turn from their false doctrine, but again, we must stand and speak truth to and for those who haven't received the Gospel unto salvation yet. I stand with you brother! God bless!
You don't want God looked at in the wrong light? Why, are we His judge? What can man do to God? You should be more worried about what God thinks of your trying to shelter Him from the likes of rebel sinners.
Calvinism's false doctrine on predestination? Please, explain to me how an all knowing God, who has the freedom to create however He pleases, didn't predestine everything at the moment of creation. I mean, He must have known the holocaust was going to take place, yet He did nothing to prevent it. So logically speaking, how is that not determining it? He is free to create in any way we wants to right? He did know that countless humans would do unspeakably evil things throughout history didn't He? So how is it, that mankind, is not predetermined to do those things if He did nothing to prevent them from happening at the moment of creation?You cannot escape this truth. He is the Creator, therefore, everything that follows from the moment of creation was predetermined to happen. The only way to avoid this logically is to accuse God of not having knowledge of the future when He created, or to claim that He didn't have a choice in how He created. But the reality is that He did have a choice, and He did know the end from the beginning. Human free will is a myth. It's what fallen men wish they had because they want to feel powerful in any way possible. This is the definition of sin, to think that you are a God. Sin is the ability to do what you shouldn't. The freedom that you profess to have, is really just the bondage of selfishness. True freedom is full submission to God and His will; it is the abandonment of self. This is what it means to be a Christian. A Christian is someone who takes up their cross, dies to themself, and serves their Master whole heartedly.
You who call yourselves provisionists are the ones teaching false doctrines. You should be ashamed.
@@jtslev before you snap my head off, please know that I am a new or young born again Christian. I can't disagree with anything you said but it would be helpful to me if you could explain or answer a question that I can't seem to grasp. Is there nothing I can do to be saved? I have no ability to do anything to be saved no matter what? That is terrifying.
@@tracyfinch3974 not trying to snap heads off Tracy. Glad to hear you’ve accepted Christ! That’s the most wonderful news anyone can hear! Here’s the thing. God is all knowing, and all powerful. If we accept those two premises, it must be deduced by logical necessity that God is the ultimate determiner of all things. That includes our decisions.
“though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad-in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls- she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory-”
Romans 9:11-23 ESV
@@jtslev I appreciate you backing up everything with scripture and I will definitely study what you have provided! Thank you, but like I said I am newly reborn. You are talking over my head. Again I ask, is there nothing I can do to be saved?
@@tracyfinch3974 no, there is nothing you can “do” to be saved. God shows no partiality towards men and their piety. Christ paid it all! If there was something you could do, that would be like a judge letting a convicted thief off the hook because they donated to charity. That’s the whole point of Ephesians 2:1-10, specifically v8-9; “no one may boast.” Jesus paid the price for the sins of those who are saved out of the world. However, we do not know who God has chosen from all eternity to save. Therefore, we can only be made aware of our salvation through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This means we must test ourselves, to see whether or not we truly have faith in Christ. This is also how we test others. If we prove to live contrary to the commands of scripture, we should be very skeptical of our salvation, because that kind of faith is a faith that doesn’t save; that’s a false profession, or as James would put it, “dead faith.”
Watched again to brush up on the differences. This time I'm struck by your closing thoughts on evangelism and our call to share the Gospel with the world. The one thing that stuck with me some 20 years ago when I learned the views of calvinism was that not only did evangelism not make sense, but once understood it automatically gave excuse for those far from Christ to deny Christ. I know calvinist can "explain this position away," but seem to me to miss the forest for the trees.
Thank you, Leighton, for giving your time to do these podcasts. It was a great blessing for me when I found you on UA-cam. You have affirmed my beliefs. Good bless you!
Thank you, Dr. Flowers.
The Holy Spirit spoke to me first, but your teaching helps to reaffirm what I know to be true.
I've struggled with same sex attraction for well over two decades now (30M) and although I believe in deliverance (first & foremost, before entertaining any thoughts of life-long celibacy, or same-sex marriage), when I was younger in Christ, about ten years ago, my inability to pray away the gay, coupled with my knowledge of Calvinism, had always made me feel like I wasn't part of the elect. It always made me question my salvation, and God's love for me. It was hard being a spiritual baby while also dealing with creeping thoughts that my part was in the lake of fire; that I was a vessel meant for destruction to God's glory.
But this one night, when I had failed (once again) to find deliverance, I tearfully and begrudgingly accepted Calvinism as quite possibly true. It was my first ever crisis of faith. I had shut myself in the room, and almost immediately cried out to God for answers. "Am I saved?" Like the Calvinist, I asked, "Why me?" And, "Do you love me?"
I had so many questions but those are the ones that still stick out. I felt urged to turn on the radio and read the Bible. So I did. I had never before read the Bible to random secular music and never did it again. It was the first and last bible study of its kind. And all anger towards God was forgotten, because I was fearful the devil had come in my moment of weakness and was trying to lead me astray - that he, the father of lies, might somehow interfere, quote scripture like he did to Jesus in the wilderness, or usurp God's microphone. So I prayed in earnest to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; I repeatedly and specifically addressed God by His names. Closing in Jesus' name. Because whatever I read coincided with the secular lyrics (well, certain phrases), it was all so coincidental. I kept reading...
That was about 5 years ago, and TBH I forgot exactly how The Spirit lead me through the Bible that day, and how I came to arrive at conclusions I've since upheld as true. He wasn't focused on debunking Calvinism, but through scripture, He shared with me essential truths that later made me caution myself against the teachings of Calvinism. What seemed important was that I believe God loves me too and that Jesus died for the sins of the whole world. God wants all people to repent of their sins and believe in Jesus Christ. He wants us to clothe ourselves in the garment of Christ, His blood, His righteousness, so that His wrath could pass over us in the day of judgment. His wish is for all to accept the free gift of eternal life with Him. It's like being saved from drowning... like Peter... the restless sea churns dirt at its maker... you can't breathe and His hand reaches in the waters... He chose to save you, to save us all, but our salvation requires we choose Him too, and have faith in His power to pull us out of the restless sea... and the choice is between His hand vs. wilfully becoming part of the dead lost at sea vs. a ladder opposite His hand, offered by the strength of an idol, representing false religion, with its rungs - the idea to work for one's own salvation, to save oneself by climbing up. He wants us all to reach back and choose Him as much as He chose us; only He can pull us out from certain death. And just because He knows which decision we make, does not mean we didn't make our own decision. In the end, he has to make us all an offer so that we are without excuse as you preach.
And in that moment, after accepting all this, He gave me rest. I felt at peace.
In retrospect, as though anticipating that I would one day forget the verses and what exactly He said and how he exactly He established His points, the very last song the radio host played that night on shift was Journey's - Don't Stop Believing. (Edit: the end lyrics have a part that says, "hold onto this feeling" on repeat... I felt loved. I felt saved. I felt close to God. I felt sorry. Above all I felt His love). And the Holy Spirit was instructing me to hold on to that feeling, even when/if I forget the theology.
The Spirit taught me things more specific to me - possible ways to reconcile my faith and sexuality. I'm afraid to share that bit here because I have since lost faith in the answer... no, not really... my faith wavers, which is bad (if I remember correctly) because His teaching was linked to not ever violating my conscience and the end of Romans 14. Idk., you hear so many opinions and interpretations from Church leaders and over time, they drown out what you think you know. You know?
At least I am no longer distressed by Calvinism and thoughts of being unsaved by God from the very beginning.
I hope my testimony does not derail you, or cause you to stop preaching your message, Dr. I know the gay issue is complicated. I live it. (P.S. I'm a virgin btw, by choice). Just wanted to say thanks. God bless.
I hear you. I am a bit older @53 but have struggled with it since my teens . It's a lonely sometimes sad life but I also struggle with the assurance of salvation because of deadly calvinistic doctrines. Before I ever heard of Calvinism I believed that God was a harsh God waiting to crush me. I have wavered in my faith continually for 20 years and it is very sad. I sometimes cry out with all my soul and strength for God to save me from porn and masturbation.
I just hope I am not reprobate. I can only ask mercy from a God who is not willing ANY perish.
Thank you for sharing this testimony and praise Jesus. The Lord be with you in repentance, sanctification, faith and endurance. Looking forward to Heaven, illuminated by the glory of the Lamb, the struggles of this life behind. God is mighty. Amen
From 3 years ago . . . but I couldn't help but to respond, please forgive me.
This was absolutely beautiful . . . I could feel your heart as I read every word . . . I just got Spirit bumps on both arms & across my shoulders as I typed that . . . I pray for you!!!
I don't struggle with the same issues as you, but I suffer with them just the same . . . you have succeed where I have failed, BUT where we differ . . . when I came to realize just exactly what Calvinism was teaching, I could easily dismiss it, it didn't apply to me cause I had no doubt of my salvation, & I could draw comfort from some of their points . . . where I became defensive was Calvinism attacking John 3, the entire conversation with Nicodemus - as if even 1 drop of Jesus blood is wasted falling to the ground, not with my GOD!!!
THANK YOU for sharing all these details . . . it was difficult, God is indeed with you!!!
Oh, BTW, Journey & REO are my favorite groups with the most songs that I love, perhaps Eagles too.
But now, my mind is constantly filled with praise & spiritual songs, but I pray for them too, definitely want all of them in heaven!!! GOD BLESS YOU, dear friend!!!
Awesome....thank you so much....I am like a Berean Jew in seeking truth through scripture. I have been meeting Calvinists and many I know are of this belief. I found you because one of them used Acts 13:48 today and in doing a search.....I found your web-site. I like what you have shared very much. God bless.
God bless you Leighton.
Discovering you and soteriology 101 has been a life changing experience for me.
Thank you for this expounding on Provisionism.
The Lord has called us to unity, not uniformity.
You have the same Lord and Master.
Be united in His love. Be kind and show love to your brothers and sisters in Christ.
Thank you so very much Mr. Flowers! You made sense of it all in this short clip. I am only sorry that I am not able to support this ministry financially, but I will pray. It is not the one staying on the narrow path who is divisive, but the one who has wandered from it.
Isn't it Dr Flowers?
It was nice to come back and watch this 😊 I forgot how much I have forgotten 😂 Thanks again Leighton, it was a blessing to hear this again.
I wholeheartedly embrace this. I was once a Reformed Baptist Pastor
Great presentation!
Thank you Leighton - I already had these views - you have just put all I thought into an articulate and intelligent manner LOL.
Thankyou for making this video so those of us who are not professors of theology can have a better understanding of God's word and his providence.
I do believe PROVIDE will have a profound impact in Baptist soteriology. Calvanism never made sense and made God seem as an uncaring creator who never gave most men much hope. Thank you for illuminating the true hope we have in Jesus Christ.
Thank you. I am pretty sure this is what I follow. Just called it Biblical Christianity. I can’t believe how nasty some reformed people have treated me and others. The arrogance that they show is so contrary to God’s word. It’s so sad.
If the fruit is pride instead of humility then it cannot be of the Holy Spirit.
Thank you for answering my question about salvation I’ve always believed that God would save anyone who confesses their sins and believe in God
Your site is very enlightening. The critiques of Calvinism you present is very useful in studying Provisionism as by contrast. Like studying a foreign language actually results in improvement of English. I wish more of the church I attend would listen to your podcasts; however, none I know of there know anything about Calvinism. They know nothing about the it's encroachment of the SB convention and seminaries. Thanks for your work.
I didn't know you had this video! Looking forward to learning more! Edit: Okay, I'm a provisionist! 😊
Thank you for your time and explanation !
Well done as always Leighton
Good Points about "labels;" I call them categorical expressions as they apply to classes or divisions. Grateful that the SBC is engaging a formidable response toward the category called "Calvinism." Thanks for your realistic perspective: Grateful for the direction your labor is guiding many.
Glad it's not called leightonism or flowersism very much a great name that shows the person who named it isn't prideful love it and Id consider myself a provisionist :)
Very grateful I’ve found this channel.
Awesome video again!Praise God!
Thank you. I felt like I was abusing myself mentally trying to adopt Calvanism.
@seanxl_ You’re telling me that you’re 100% sure Calvinism is 100% truth.
@seanxl_ If you were a true Calvinist then you couldn't possibly be 100% sure of any manmade doctrine is truth and nor should you. If you believe in total depravity(I do) then this is not a statement you should make in good faith. A lot of Calvinism is Biblically sound, but the only thing that contradicts itself is limited atonement. This is the reason why I myself am not a Calvinist, but I'm not going to fully reject it because the majority of it is sound. To me a Calvinist is a brother in the Lord just with different perceptions.
@@AbombOO7 Calvinists believe in a God that unconditionally determines a few to receive salvation and the vast majority can not repent because god has not determined them to repent. Therefore, the vast majority were created for hell with no opportunity for escape. I have a hard time calling those a brother who have such a low view of God's love and grace.
New teaching? Uh oh!
Because God provides sun and rain for all without exception, this shows His provision of free salvation for all by grace through faith in His only begotten son apart from works, standing and resting on all that Christ Jesus has done for us. Your approach in dealing with this subject of provisionism in and with love is wonderful. God bless.
Thank you for this. I pray for JP ( I really do) took me a minute to get there though. Like to ask, all who feel lead, to also say a prayer for JP.
Whose JP?
@@lrmiller4408 John Piper?
I love this Doctrine thank you Leighton Flowers for strengthening my faith in God and coming up with a coherent format to follow and defend it means the world to me 🎉❤
I basically agree with provisionism, as far as I understand it. Where I don't agree is with the "eternal security" idea. But keep doing your good work! Christ love, Peter.
Peter Bengtsson - By understanding the truths in I Pet 1:3-5 one can see that salvation could never be anything but ETERNAL.
Thank you Dr Flowers. You are doing God's work.
No he’s not… he misrepresents Calvinism and does exactly what Satan did in Matthew 4 when tempting Christ in the wilderness.
Very enlightening, thank you and God bless
Wow the spirit lit up in me hearing this
This is basically Eastern Orthodox theology. Thumbs up!
minus the relics, mary, corpses and priests
@@inTruthbyGrace This is true.
Really I’m such a doofus. No problem here. I like the minus part too. Thank you Lord You bring joy to my heart.
Nah don't Eastern Orthodox Christians believe you can apostasize and lose your salvation
Thank you, Brother🌹🌹🌹
Thank you for your time and dedication. I am truly enjoying your topics. I have found a number of insights on the range of Calvinism to Arminianism and all parts around them. I now am better prepared to speak to this in conversation
I'd like to purchase your book of Provision for All but I use no credit cards and I'm not too apt on computers. It's important I have your book as Calvanists are taking over my church. If I had an address I'd send a check. Thank you for your refreshing video talks.
Another great video.
Your breakdown is the greatest I have ever seen. I love your Videos dr. leighton flowers.
Thank you for what you just said about salvation
Very helpful video, Leighton! So clear and concise. After being under Reformed teaching since the late '80's, it is so refreshing to now see that Scripture clearly
emphasizes God's amazing LOVE and forbearance --- that His desire is for His special creation, made in His image --- to offer His grace to sinners -- whoever will humble themselves to be saved. Reformed teachers lean so heavily on God's holiness, sovereignty (both great doctrines) and deterministic attributes , but rarely mentioning His profound love. Very unbalanced.
Thank you Leighton, for introducing us, since January of this year, the rest of the story. And to fine teachers like Drs. Wilson, Olson, and Allen. Amazing scholars, and such sweet men of God.
Keep up your great work,
Sallie
Love that bit from your book. Such a plain understanding of biblical common sense. Keep it up Leighton!
Thank you for speaking truth
As always, so blessed by your ministry. I have suffered much at the hands of our former pastor who came to BE pastor via questionable means and then declared our church Reformed. I don’t know how many of these comments you actually see, but I am in search of a resource. I would love to see a document that contains a list of common Calvinist “proof texts“ paralleled with ways in which we may refute them as provisionists. Is there such a document?
I am sorry you have had to endure that, inshallah, Brother. I would also like to see this document. If such a document exists.
For proof texts, start with the Westminster Confession and the London Baptist Confession of 1689. Both can be found online for a free download. Leighton Flowers has his book, The Potter's Promise, available from Amazon for a very reasonable price. Leighton also has many many many videos which are often named after the verses he is discussing.
Thank you
I wish we had church like they did in 1st century. Before all the separation. When it was purely the gospel and what christ did and simply united and get a letter from paul or peter ect to set us all back on track or to be uplifted
@Soteriology101 Is it okay if you put that acrostic in the description? So we can write it down?
Hello Dr L. Flowers
I'd like to order your books but shipping has been restricted here in the UAE. Is there any other options?
Hi Leighton,
I've read you articles of faith on your website, and almost completely agree with your stance on soteriological issues.
My one question is: Why do you shy away from predestination of the individual. Personally, it is a wonderful comfort to know that God knew me before creation and chose me freely to be his. I can't imagine how God, being omnecient, wouldn't know beforehand who would accept him. Also, Scripture seems to uphold God's foreknowledge as part of his free choice to save us through Christ. So how can God's choice of us as individuals not be personal?
Hey, this is certainly a late reply to your comment, but maybe you're still looking for the answer?
To my understanding, Leighton believes in predestination so far as God knew who would be saved and who would not be saved. However, His knowledge of who is to be saved does not entail that He picked only a certain group of "elect" to be saved. To Leighton, the Elect are those who accept God's offer of salvation through Jesus Christ. This is still extremely personal, perhaps more so, because it is two parties joining together rather than One playing both roles. Again, Leighton would believe, I think, that God freely chose all people to be His, yet not all people were/are His because the offer was not accepted.
I hope this helps, God bless
i will buy this book-sounds like something i believe it,thanks Leighton for all you do!!
I don't know how I just found this, but FINALLY a theological teaching of the way I see it myself.
Thank the Lord my brother.
I seen a young man who had is own theory of salvation . When a evangelist revealed his sin to him the boy burst into uncontrollable tears and was saved .
Dr. Flowers, I have a question. I was a former Calvinist (PCUSA) and am now a Baptist, attending a IFB church. My question to you is where do you put conviction in salvation? If you have a pre-existing video talking about conviction could you please link it in a reply?
Very good
This makes a lot of sense to me.
In what of the book from Tozer we can find that explanation. What book you recommend from Tozer about this subject?
Do you have history regarding Provisionism Doctrine that can help my study thanks
I'm definitely a provisionalist this is what I believed ever since I started reading the Bible it's what God's laid on my heart for years I had entertained Calvinism because I also believe once saved always saved if saved and was always taught that well that's only Calvinism I don't I don't believe most of the rest
Since I've never heard you speak on this subject can I ask you please what does provisionalism believe in salvation can you lose your salvation or salvation set
Just a question because right now I guess I consider myself a provisional calvinist 😂
But that's definitely a something that arises what's your thoughts on what the Bible teaches about salvation is it set or can it be lost
BTW thank you I really love your channel it's a real breath of fresh air I've been watching a lot of RC Sproul and John MacArthur I've grown up in southern baptist culture and there's just so many mixed emotions and feeling's I know what the Lord's laid on my heart especially when I read scripture I know what answers he's giving me but then I'm hearing men with degrees and all this telling me something contradictory to what's in my heart and it's just a hard pill to swallow all I care about is knowing the truth getting to know God in a more deep intimate relationship I trust in Jesus for my salvation and I want the rest of my days filled giving glory to God for what he's done in my life sorry about the longness of this thank you so very much God bless
My husband is a Calvinist who becomes angry when I mention anything against Calvinism.
Regina ten Brinke they all do. My entire family is calvinist and they accuse me of all sorts of things whenever I point out things agains5 Calvinism. We don’t speak anymore.
@@jaygee2187 were you born and raised in Calvinism? I was born into a Mennonite family but my parents left the Mennonite faith and joined a nondenominational church when I was 6 or 7.
Regina ten Brinke yes, I was born reformed; not just nominally and largely ignorant reformed, but devout reformed. I had to memorize the Heidelberg Catechism, Belgic Confession and Canons of Dort as a teen, as well as forms for infant baptism, adult baptism, marriage, profession of faith, Lords supper, discipline, excommunication, reinstatement. Also apostles, nicene and athanasian creeds. I also had to go to classes on Reformed Doctrine.
I was really brain washed.
@@jaygee2187 what was it that opened your eyes to the truth?
@@jaygee2187 I would love to send you my notes on my investigated on Calvinism.
Amen and Amen!
What is the difference between molinism provisionalism? Can't find anything on the web.
I love listening to your videos.
You're certainly doing God's work.
Did you also have a graphic with the acronym ROSE?
Thank you. How would provisionists interpret 2 Timothy 1:9?
Simply put: you were saved by grace through faith in Jesus, not by works. God had his plan for redemption through the messiah (in Christ) before creating the world.
So the difference between Provisionism and Arminianism is that Arminianism is more mixed-in with Calvinist ideas?
I am getting the tulip video. But real quick. Thanks for not being prideful. Secondly, you believe here once saved always saved? I was confused on that part of your theology.
The only reason we know our spouse loves us is their free capacity to hate or be indifferent to us if they choose.
If someone can help me see how the same can't be true of God, than I might be able to understand the acceptance of Calvanism. Predetermined Love is weird when you really think about it.
Can someone help point me to where he discusses how Provisionism distinguishes itself from Arminianism, specifically?
What book does that Tozer quote come from?
Solid!
Never heard of Armenian theology until I was already a pastor for 5 years. I was made aware of John Calvin 5 years before I became a pastor. I chose to believe in Gods foreknowledge of all things. Was I predestined to do so? I just love Jesus and want to tell everyone about Him. Is that not enough?
Is it whoever “can” believe will be saved? Or whoever believes will be saved?
This stuff is so confusing for me..I grew up in church completely just fell away at 12 13 when my parents split, but knew nothing of any of these doctrines and stuff back then and it's like I dont want to say noone has a chance to be saved...but I'm sure God knows the names and number of who will be there at the last trumpet, you know?
@@tylerbasham1491
Absolutely he does my friend. And I am with you on the confusion. Much like you I fell away from my Lord and His people as a teen. Yet I can testify He never fell away from me. I can look back and see His sovereign Hand on my life.
All I have ever does is read the Bible, pray, and trust in Him. He has never left or forsake me. May He bless you days with the confidence of His Love and Mercy.
@@justamannn8674 Romans 9
@@ShepherdMinistry
Joshua 24:15 choose Ye…
I used to be a Calvinist Baptist because of getting mansplained into it, as if all the mysteries of Scripture required socratic rhetoric to undermine common sense. I started out in free will Baptist churches and schools and gradually as I progressed toward a master's degree at a Baptist seminary, I would say that like Darth Vader, the dark side took over. My friends and I were of the same mind, that growing up semi-Arminian and legalistic led to its own abuses and we over reacted by becoming Calvinists. Little did I know that we had traded individualism for puritanism. In these latter years, after being older at 53, and having discovered the late Thomas Reid's Scottish School of Common Sense of hundreds of years ago, I feel like I once again have permission to reevaluate this. I am very attracted to a statement made by Eric Hankins that "it is painful to consider the enormous investment of time and energy that has been spent trying to reconcile how God chooses individuals..." and that "Baptists must get off this grid." For that reason, I am afraid to even consider a new label such as provisionism or molinism because as NT Wright has allegedly said, some of these issues are 15th century answers to 13th century questions, and we need 1st century answers to 21st century questions.
Hard determinism makes God sound like he is a house divided against himself (Mark 3:25).
I strongly agree that God doesn't glorify himself at our expense, but rather, he is glorified at his own expense by his atoning sacrifice and resurection. Taking the former view says that the moral evil that God has ordained magnifies his glory and goodness somehow. I do not believe God needs to oradain a stark contrast in order for himself to be glorified. He doesn't need evil to make good look better. He is good and holy, period.
Any sickness that you have or get is not given to you by God in order for God to be glorified.
I watched the movie American Gospel and the lady at the end who is very sick seemed very depressed in thinking God ordained this for her. I can't imagine how people can find peace in that situation from a Calvinistic system.
Great
It's humility that God is looking for and there is no humility in being "predestined" to be saved (without entering in through the door) without choosing to do what is right. There is no license to sin. You are still judged according to your deeds. The difference is that you are being convinced by God's living word.
Super
Calvinism has TULIP, and some use the term DAISY. Is Provisionism aka FLOWERISM? Please note: This is absolutely tongue in cheek ;)
Excelent! Thank you!
YEAH! We don’t lose our ability or responsibility to respond to the call God puts out to ALL.
Could someone explain to me the difference between Provisionism and Arminianism?
Arminians affirm total depravity, he denies it
How is Provisionism different than Arminianism and Molinism? Honestly trying to learn. I come from a Calvinist tradition but as time is going on I seem to have more and more issues with it. I know some about Molinism which seems like a good balance between Arminianism and Calvinism.
Calvinism and Arminianism share the "T" of the Tulip acrostic of Total inability to believe the gospel (Total Depravity). Provisionism rejects "Total Inability". They also differ on the possibility of losing one's salvation.
Molinism explains the philosophy of the how God sovereignly predestines things and yet humans are still free and responsible.
Dont bother with "isms". I just accept that we have a real free will, and that free will is a pre-requisite for both sin and love. Understanding that is pretty self-evident when you live in a relationship with God, through Christ, and possess basic logic. Justifying it is where people get twisted in knots, as it takes a much deeper understanding of context within scripture - language of the time, translation, cultural context, audience context etc. etc. etc.
TL:DR - I've studied Theology at a Masters Degree level. Free Will is critical to understanding Love and Sin.
How does the E in PROVIDE differ from the P in TULIP? I very much disagree with the P in TULIP and think that those 3 verses provided for the E do not actually disqualify the possiblity to become apostate and walk away from the faith. If I could interpret "eternal security" to be for those that REMAIN in Christ and do not reject Him by their decisions, then I could get behind it but the term is potentially misleading still.
Samuel Carter. - All one has to accept to believe OSAS is the words of Jesus in John 10:27-30 and realize that Jesus cannot LIE !!
Interesting - I like this - it make more Biblical Sense ...
Amen
This is GOLD!
@Soteriology101
Dr. Flowers do you ever hide or ban comments?
I ask because the comment that I made about Brown from a month ago, has been ghosted/hid and not viewable to anyone else but only to me.
@@Lloyd.B. I know what you mean. I had asked Dr. Flowers to to see, but I havent a gotten a response as to if he deleted my comment, or if youtube did it.
I would like to give him the benefit of the doubt, and believe that he didnt delete my comment about Brown-- because Dr. Flowers seems like a good natured and reasonable man. I know that he and Brown are friends though.
Nothing that I said was slanderous, instead it was only truth-- referring to Brown's hypocrisy when it involves zionism (which Im against), his slandering of calling Christians "antisemetic" when they dont support zionism, and the racism within the state of so-called israel. Everything that I wrote about, Im able to back up with evidence.
Im glad to learn that it doesnt happen to only me, but that posts do get ghosted or blocked by whomever.
Not sure if I got this right. Provisionism is just like Arminianism without the first point? Without the T? For what I could hear, everything else is the same. Thank you
1. The blood of the lamb was available to ALL to apply to their doorposts.
2. The serpent on the pole was available to ALL to look upon.
3. Jesus is available to ALL who believe.
Nothing has changed.
Just because it’s available to all doesn’t mean all will believe and be saved.
He made a PROVISION.
1. The lamb’s blood on the doorpost was a PROVISION.
2. The serpent on the pole was a PROVISION.
3. Jesus Christ was a PROVISION
The atonement doesn’t save us.
It makes a PROVISION.
It makes salvation possible which is on and of itself the greatest accomplishment.
It provides a WAY that was otherwise unavailable.
Jesus is the WAY the truth and the life.
Providing a way for mankind, who otherwise would perish, is an incredible accomplishment beyond comprehension.
To say that Christ’s death didn’t accomplish anything tramples underfoot the very blood that He shed, counting it an unholy thing DESPITE THE SPIRIT OF GRACE.
What spirit of grace is trampled underfoot?
The very SAVING grace that is available to ALL in Titus 2:11:
TITUS 2:11
11 FOR THE GRACE OF GOD THAT BRINGETH SALVATION HATH APPEARED TO ALL MEN,
*SAVING grace is available to all.*
If you freely choose to reject the provision of Christ’s blood DESPITE this grace then you are counting it unworthy to save you.
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If Jesus Christ Himself gave us an analogy of salvation would we believe it?
Because He does.
And it’s recorded in John 3 in the account of Nicodemus and not the account of Lazarus.
You must be born again, which is exactly what Jesus went on to tell Nicodemus in the succeeding verses of John 3 that reformers seem to ignore.
In response to Nicodemus’ question Jesus tells him clearly and plainly HOW to be born again.
He must BELIEVE in the one who will be lifted up in on the pole.
Yet reformers like to stop reading early on in John 3 and then try and tell Jesus what He means instead of just continuing to read Jesus’ own words and explanation.
How about we take Jesus Christ Himself’s analogy of salvation instead of using other passages that are meant to show His power over death and the grave and the resurrection.
These are Jesus words.
Will you sweep them under the rug and ignore His analogy:
JOHN 3:14,15
14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, EVEN SO MUST THE SON OF MAN BE LIFTED UP:
15 THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE.
God commanded us what to do all 3 times:
1. Strike (apply)
2. Look
3. Believe
*Moses understood and obeyed both times to the “T”.*
He did not question.
**So why is it that when Jesus Christ Himself tells us clearly how to have eternal life in John 3:14,15 now all of a sudden reformers question Him?
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EXODUS 12:7
7 AND THEY SHALL TAKE OF THE BLOOD, AND STRIKE IT ON THE TWO SIDE POSTS AND ON THE UPPER DOOR POST OF THE HOUSES, wherein they shall eat it.
EXODUS 12:13
13 And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and WHEN I SEE THE BLOOD, I WILL PASS OVER YOU, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.
*Even though the animals were killed and their blood shed that did NOT save them.*
Their instructions were clear that they must APPLY the blood to the doorposts.
ONLY THEN would the Lord pass over their house.
If they forgot to apply the blood they would be slain in the night.
So to, Christ shed his blood for you and if you don’t BELIEVE and RECEIVE what He did for you, you will perish.
God needs to see His Son’s blood on the doorposts of your heart when He passes over you.
If He just sees it shed on the ground you will surely be destroyed.
EXODUS 12:22,23
22 And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and STRIKE THE LINTEL AND THE TWO SIDE POSTS WITH THE BLOOD that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.
23 For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; AND WHEN HE SEETH THE BLOOD UPON THE LINTEL, AND ON THE TWO SIDE POSTS, THE LORD WILL PASS OVER THE DOOR, AND WILL NOT SUFFER THE DESTROYER TO COME IN UNTO YOUR HOUSES TO SMITE YOU.
Q: Did the Israelites save themselves?
No. God saved them AFTER they freely applied the animal’s blood to their doorposts.
Q: Do we save ourselves?
No. God saves us AFTER we freely believe.
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NUMBERS 21:8,9
8 And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS, THAT EVERY ONE THAT IS BITTEN, WHEN HE LOOKETH UPON IT, SHALL LIVE.
9 And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, WHEN HE BEHELD THE SERPENT OF BRASS, HE LIVED.
*Even though the serpent was provided on a pole for everyone to look upon that did NOT save them.*
Their instructions were clear that they must LOOK/BEHOLD the serpent on the pole.
ONLY THEN would the Lord heal them and they would live.
If they refused to behold the bronze serpent on the pole they would die.
So to, Christ shed his blood for you and if you don’t BELIEVE and RECEIVE what He did for you, you will perish.
Q: Did the Israelites heal themselves?
No. God healed them AFTER they freely beheld the serpent on the pole.
Q: Do we save ourselves?
No. God saves us AFTER we freely believe.
Is it provision for those who never heard the gospel?
Carlos Aguilera Absolutely.
And hence the importance of the Great Commission.
We are ministers of reconciliation for that very reason.
Reformers make a mockery of the great commission treating it as trivial and of no real meaningful importance other than simply an act of obedience.
They don’t see God’s heart behind the commission.
It’s available to all and its availability to all is not dependent on men hearing the gospel.
Mankind is without excuse even if he has never heard the gospel message.
This is overwhelmingly and abundantly clear in scripture.
Whether you hear the gospel or not has no bearing on the provision of Calvary.
Calvary happened.
It’s finished.
It’s available to all and its availability to all is not dependent on men hearing the gospel.
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...According to Romans 1:18,19 the wrath of God is revealed against ALL ungodliness and unrighteousness BECAUSE that which may be known of God IS MANIFEST IN THEM, FOR GOD HATH SHEWED IT UNTO THEM:
ROMANS 1:18,19
18 "FOR THE WRATH OF GOD IS REVEALED FROM HEAVEN AGAINST ALL UNGODLINESS AND UNRIGHTEOUSNESS of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; FOR GOD HATH SHEWED IT UNTO THEM.
**Man is WITHOUT EXCUSE AND WILL BE JUDGED ACCORDINGLY
************************************
...According to Romans 1:20 the invisible things of God ARE CLEARLY SEEN, BEING UNDERSTOOD:
ROMANS 1:20
20 For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are CLEARLY SEEN, BEING UNDERSTOOD by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; SO THAT THEY ARE WITHOUT EXCUSE."
**Man is WITHOUT EXCUSE AND WILL BE JUDGED ACCORDINGLY
************************************
...According to Psalm 19:1-9 The heavens declare the glory of God and THERE IS NO SPEECH NOR LANGUAGE WHERE THEIR VOICE IS NOT HEARD.
Their line has gone out through ALL THE EARTH,
And their words TO THE END OF THE WORLD:
PSALM 19:1-9
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork.
2 Day unto day utters speech,
And night unto night reveals knowledge.
3 THERE IS NO SPEECH NOR LANGUAGE WHERE THEIR VOICE IS NOT HEARD.
4 Their line has gone out through ALL THE EARTH,
And their words TO THE END OF THE WORLD. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.
6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
**Man is WITHOUT EXCUSE AND WILL BE JUDGED ACCORDINGLY
@@apilkey Agree, Man is without excuse and is therefore under just judgment, yet natural revelation does not bring the gospel, people need to hear the good news (special revelation) preached by a preacher, calvary may have happened but if people never come to me and preach calvary's message to me is calvary really provision for me?
Carlos Aguilera You can’t preach the gospel to every creature unless the gospel is FOR every creature .
Otherwise you’d be preaching a lie or another gospel.
A false gospel.
**You can preach “ABOUT” the gospel but you can’t actually preach THE GOSPEL.
You can’t preach GOOD NEWS to those who in their belief system are eternally damned to hell before the foundation of the world.
If you believe scripture you would have to agree that at some point in history the gospel has in fact been preached to all nations/people groups.
Maybe not to each individual baby that’s born every second on the planet, but at least to every people group so that the knowledge of the gospel is out there and can be passed down and is near and not far off.
God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
If you’re honestly searching for the truth as many in today’s world honestly are then rest assured God will reveal His Son to you.
He will make a way for you.
He’s not some trickster that’s going to withhold His truth from those who are searching for answers with pure motives and an honest heart.
But again to reiterate the importance of preaching the gospel to make known to others this provision that’s been provided to them.
God’s not only provided His Son but He’s also provided His word and He’s also provided His messengers and ministers of reconciliation.
He didn’t just die on the cross providing a way to Him and then abandon us until He returns.
He sent His Holy Spirit to convict the WORLD of sin and unrighteousness.
Is the Holy Spirit not doing His job properly?
Does He need to do a better job at convicting people in the far reaches of the earth?
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...According to Colossians 1:23 Paul himself says the gospel was preached TO EVERY CREATURE WHICH IS UNDER HEAVEN:
COLOSSIANS 1:23
23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, AND WHICH WAS PREACHED TO EVERY CREATURE WHICH IS UNDER HEAVEN;
whereof I Paul am made a minister
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...According to Romans 1:8 Paul himself says their faith was spoken of THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE WORLD:
ROMANS 1:8
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE WORLD
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...According to Romans 16:19 Paul himself says their obedience is COME ABROAD UNTO ALL MEN:
ROMANS 16:19
19 For your obedience is COME ABROAD UNTO ALL MEN.
I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
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...According to Romans 1:8 Paul himself says IN EVERY PLACE their faith to God is SPREAD ABROAD:
1 THESSALONIANS 1:8
8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also IN EVERY PLACE your faith to God is SPREAD ABROAD; so that we need not to speak any thing.
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...According to Acts 2:4,5 devout men, out of EVERY NATION UNDER HEAVEN had experienced the filling of the Holy Spirit:
ACTS 2:4,5
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of EVERY NATION UNDER HEAVEN.
************************************
...According to Romans 1:18,19 the wrath of God is revealed against ALL ungodliness and unrighteousness BECAUSE that which may be known of God IS MANIFEST IN THEM, FOR GOD HATH SHEWED IT UNTO THEM:
ROMANS 1:18,19
18 "FOR THE WRATH OF GOD IS REVEALED FROM HEAVEN AGAINST ALL UNGODLINESS AND UNRIGHTEOUSNESS of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; FOR GOD HATH SHEWED IT UNTO THEM.
************************************
...According to Romans 1:20 the invisible things of God ARE CLEARLY SEEN, BEING UNDERSTOOD:
ROMANS 1:20
20 For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are CLEARLY SEEN, BEING UNDERSTOOD by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; SO THAT THEY ARE WITHOUT EXCUSE."
************************************
...According to Psalm 19:1-9 The heavens declare the glory of God and THERE IS NO SPEECH NOR LANGUAGE WHERE THEIR VOICE IS NOT HEARD.
Their line has gone out through ALL THE EARTH,
And their words TO THE END OF THE WORLD:
PSALM 19:1-9
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork.
2 Day unto day utters speech,
And night unto night reveals knowledge.
3 THERE IS NO SPEECH NOR LANGUAGE WHERE THEIR VOICE IS NOT HEARD.
4 Their line has gone out through ALL THE EARTH,
And their words TO THE END OF THE WORLD. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.
6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
************************************
...According to John 1:9 Jesus is the light that LIGHTETH EVERY MAN THAT COMETH INTO THE WORLD:
JOHN 1:1-10
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that ALL MEN THROUGH HIM MIGHT BELIEVE.
8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
9 That was the true Light, which LIGHTETH EVERY MAN THAT COMETH INTO THE WORLD.
10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
************************************
...According to Romans 16:19 Paul himself says the Gentiles shewed the work of the law WRITTEN IN THEIR HEARTS, THEIR CONSCIENCE ALSO BEARING WITNESS:
ROMANS 2:14-16
14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
15 Which shew the work of the law WRITTEN IN THEIR HEARTS, THEIR CONSCIENCE ALSO BEARING WITNESS, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;
16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
************************************
...According to Titus 2:11 God’s SAVING GRACE has appeared to ALL:
TITUS 2:11
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for ALL PEOPLE
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...According to Acts 17:24-27 God predetermined WHEN and WHERE we were to be born specifically so that we COULD SEEK HIM AND FIND HIM:
ACTS 17:24-27
24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that He is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing HE GIVETH TO ALL LIFE, AND BREATH, AND ALL THINGS;
26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and HATH DETERMINED THE TIMES BEFORE APPOINTED, AND THE BOUNDS OF THEIR HABITATION;
27 THAT THEY SHOULD SEEK THE LORD, IF HAPLY THEY MIGHT FEEL AFTER HIM, AND FIND HIM, THOUGH HE BE NOT FAR FROM EVERY ONE OF US:
@@apilkey excellent
is this PROVIDED acronym 'poster' available for download or order?
1 Cor 11:19
For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.-KJV
for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.-ESV
For there must also be factions among you, so that those who are approved may become evident among you.-NASB
For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you.-NKJV
Is it Biblical to witness to the lost my oldest brother and sister in law they are calvinist and they say that witnessing isn’t biblical
I have been attending a small nondenominational church in Austin Texas for about 7-8 years. My pastor has recently delivered a sermon on predestination and has begun dropping comments about Total Depravity. In looking back at books that study groups have been supplied, I have discovered that all are by by Calvinistic authors. The sermon made me very uncomfortable and I have been biting my tongue but wondering what I should do. Should I approach him and if so, how? I'm afraid I might have to find a new church. I'm having misgivings about tithing here, etc. I'm also in a small leadership position. I'm feeling a bit betrayed. It seems the congregation is getting led towards Calvinism as if this is the accepted belief but without saying that openly. Any thoughts?
This is very sad. I would say you should talk to other members of your church and see if they are comfortable with what is going on. If they agree with your concerns, then everyone should speak up together. Beyond the Fundamentals has some videos on what to do when Calvinism starts taking over your church because it happened to him and he has seen it happen to many others. And ultimately I would leave if it keeps going in that direction.
The total depravity of man is seen throughout the Bible. Man’s heart is “deceitful and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9). The Bible also teaches us that man is born dead in transgression and sin (Psalm 51:5, Psalm 58:3, Ephesians 2:1-5). The Bible teaches that because unregenerate man is “dead in transgressions” (Ephesians 2:5), he is held captive by a love for sin (John 3:19; John 8:34) so that he will not seek God (Romans 3:10-11) because he loves the darkness (John 3:19) and does not understand the things of God (1 Corinthians 2:14). Therefore, men suppress the truth of God in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18) and continue to willfully live in sin. Because they are totally depraved, this sinful lifestyle seems right to men (Proverbs 14:12) so they reject the gospel of Christ as foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:18) and their mind is “hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is unable to do so” (Romans 8:7).
Just listening to this though it's an old video. If we say man is responsible for believing in THE LORD, is that faith and trust in THE LORD a one time event or something that should be continuous. I am asking because of your stand in eternal security. Since a man has free will, does he not also have the will to apostatized as well?