I was given this tape series when I was having a crisis of faith and these teachings from RC changed my Christian walk. The ministry of RC Sproul has been a true blessing from the Lord!
I'm new to all of this and the same thing has happened to me regarding the Ministry of R.C. Sproul, I've heard the name, but never heard or watched him until a day or two ago, and have been watching everything I could get my hand on:)
After 20 years of believing this, and learning about all the other types of theology and doctrine: I STILL believe this. God is worthy of ALL the Glory. My Crown will be at His glorious feet!! Amen.
‘The fall is so profound and that the power of sin so strong in the human heart that only God, by His grace and by His grace alone, can change the disposition of the human soul to bring that person to faith.’ One hundred percent truth.
“who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself *a people for His own possession*, zealous for good deeds.” Titus 2:14
Even in Romans 3:11 I think affirms this! “No one seeks God” Also Praise God for men like Dr. Sproul, may God bring up more men like him in future generations.
In the movie " Man of The West " starring Gary Cooper he played a role just about what this great Bible TEACHER is ponding upon ! Cooper was in childhood with Evil PEOPLE that wrongly taught him , but something within him caused in to get on a better path of life ! Julie London played a lovely person and showed how lovely to cause most men great concern ! Julie's role shows one partly what every man is up against in this flesh world and that's divorce lawyers who do not even try to prevent a divorce will answer to God for that ! Hank Snow's 1952 song " Married by The Bible , Divorced by The Law " struct me because my very poor parents were so easily tor apart and 7 of us KIDS paid a very hard price because of it !
These videos are the true blessing. R.C. Sproul is one of my favourite pastors-teachers. But we definitely are Christians firstly and then Calvinists. Knowledge is so important, but debating with the Arminian bretheren with love is more important. Greetings from Ukraine (Evangelical Reformed Presbyterian church of Odesa).
I disagree, we are Christians by virtue of the correct interpretation of scripture (i.e., Reformed theology, or "Calvinism ") first regeneration, then Christianity, then correct doctrine, contending for the faith that was once delivered to the saints is a divine command, sharing the truth of scripture IS an exercise in love
I can’t wait to meet Dr R.C one day and share a quick joke and a hard laugh! What a blessing to the Lords bride he has been. the edifying knowledge he left behind for the sanctification of the Lords elect is unmatched for “his” generation. I believe we will remember him with some of the Great saints of the past like Charles Spurgeon. Oh how humble he was, he’d reject any comparison! lol
Yup! Grade 3, 4, and 5, n all English teachers. ''l'm sure you CAN sharpen your pencil'' l'm from Vancouver Canada. You're a great teacher RC, and a Happy 82nd Birthday John MacArthur! June 19th '21 _ALL GLORY_ goes to The KING of kings, and LORD of lords!
You make this very simple, when yoe explain about choice. love that. I haven't heard any person break it down so far like you did. Many peoplesay we make choices because they hear it, but it is much more
If the way you are understanding this scripture is to refute the biblical truth then this must mean no one goes to hell. If all men come to Jesus right ? We know that all men do not come to Christ because not all belong to Christ.
I imagine the spiritually dead frame of human nature exposed to the power of the gospel, which must find its way into the person through the faculties of his carnal senses (hearing, sight, etc) and be subjected to mental reasoning and evaluation. All mankind have these human inlets for the gospel to get in, hence that's why the gospel has to be preached to every creature. Yet, the efficacy of the gospel seems to produce different results, in accordance to the sovereign will of God,
God's word is a sword that goes straight to the problem! The human sinful heart! The old heart must be removed! God must replace with a new heart, hence, we must be born again!
Free Will has always been an interest of mine. So much so that I plan to write my core subjects’ thesis on it. Probably going to be a lot more challenging though as I am taking a psychological spin on it
Self will and God's will are at odds, because of the fall of Adam. Free will was never the problem OR the solution! 'Self will' is at the heart of the problem and depravity of men. Sin is always opposed to God's will expressed in His WORD. Free will is nothing more than a pretty mask for self-willed and ignorant pride (the poison of the 'serpent', the devil). Even Jesus submitted His human will to the will of The FATHER. 'Go and do likewise'!
Michael this is crazy, this exact line of thought you expounded is exactly what has been on my mind lately, like, when Adam sinned he was cut off separate from God in Spirit só his will was turned from God disconnected completely, he will chose always to do his will and pursue his own glory he wont turn to God, thats why sovereign grace is só hated amongst us sinners because it goes directly against our natural inclination of self willing, romans says that the Flesh is unable to submit to Gods law or will, thats the very characterization of our sinful condition...
Simply put , God's will must be done. In His creatures life. He decides who come. God and God alone ElECT His ElECT. We were not physically present when He chose his chosen. Paul said before the Foundation of the world. He was not physically present. But he exists in the Mind of the Holy and Mighty God.
Paul says that before the foundation of the world those "in Him" that is, in Christ were chosen for certain blessings. Read Ephesians chapter 1, the entire thing through chapter 3 lists the blessings for Christians in Christ.. It is a list of blessings for those "in Christ" - "In Him," Christians. These verses in no way refer to people being elected from a lost state to a saved state, but they refer to blessing for those already in Christ. I suggest you read it. Because God made the choice before the foundation of the world (knowing that man would sin) that "In Him", in Christ would be these blessings that has nothing to do with choosing to save someone before they are born. That interpretation is contrary to almost every thing in the New Testament. Blessings to you. May you read and study and God open your mind to the simple truth written in plain English. Stop listening, please, to someone teaching Augustine's philosophy which was never heard of in the Church before Augustine. This is Augustine's doctrine which was the current Pagan Philosophy of Augustine's day. The church fought this doctrine, a Pagan doctrine, now R C teaches it as a biblical truth.
Semipelagians said that man begins alone to believe, and then God comes with His Grace. Augustine and the Council of Orange say that man believes moved by God, Who is then the first Cause of our salvation. For Augustin, sanctifying grace comes with Baptism, that is posterior to faith, so the grace that moves the will of man to believe, to come to God, is another grace, called lately "actual grace". The willing consent of man to believe is not a "plus" to actual grace, but an effect of it. And is free, because actual grace gives the capability that nature all alone does not have.
Neil “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” Ephesians 2:8 faith itself is a gift (which is by definition, grace )
If man has no natural desire for (the true) God what to make of the anthropological finding that religiosity is pretty much universal? Is there a natural desire for idolatry (I definitely get that impression of the OT Jews) or Eastern religions or today’s secular ideologies?
I learned a lot from RC.. As I listened I am both enlightened at some but also confused at some of what he said.. Can we say that God draws us to Jesus but it is still our choice to reject or receive Him? Like I was invited to come to a birthday party and then I left because I didn't like the food.. I was present but didn't joined the whole celebration. Thanks for the reply. God bless
Saul of Tarsus was on a mission to arrest Christians in the city of Damascus. On his way Jesus struck him down with a light brighter than the sun, then He blinded him and then He commanded him to go to Straight Street. Jesus didn't first ask Saul for his permission to blind him or strike him down, He just did it because He knew exactly what Saul was going to do. It's called predestination. If God draws you, He isn't wanting your permission to save you, He is commanding you to repent and receive Christ. Just do it!
The 'will of the flesh' and 'carnal mind' will not 'come to' Christ; indeed it 'cannot', because it is 'sold under sin', that is, taken captive by the devil 'at his will' (2Tim.2:26). But the gospel of Christ enables one, being the Word of life, and Word of faith, by the Promise of God, to 'come to Christ' when the Father wills it, as the Promise generates faith in one's heart, and regenerates life in one's soul. Thus, apostle Paul was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it gives life and faith to as many as God calls according to His purpose, to as many as are 'ordained to eternal life' shall believe on Him! Paul is proclaiming (in Rom.1:16) that 'the gospel of Christ' really and truly 'IS the power of God, unto salvation, to every one believing' the Promise of God, that is, the Person of Christ, through 'faith in His blood' atonement! How glorious is the Truth of the Gospel!
Michael Stanley I couldn’t help but notice that you deceptively misquoted Paul and said that “the will of the flesh and the carnal mind cannot come to Christ; indeed it cannot.” That’s NOT what the scriptures say. It does NOT say the word “come to Christ” it says “SUBMIT” to Christ. BIG DIFFERENCE. Can I ask why you freely chose to misquote this verse? Are you trying to deceive the minds of the simple? Just for the record for others who are reading this... this is what the verse actually says: ROMANS 8:7 7 For the mind that is SET ON THE FLESH is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. **This passage is crystal clear it’s speaking ONLY to the mind that is set on the FLESH. BUT if our minds are set on SEEKing the Lord then we we’re NOT hostile to God. This passage absolutely does NOT say what reformers want it to say. They want it to say that no one can set their minds on the things of the spirit, but that’s NOT what the passage says at all. A man who’s mind is set on the flesh simply cannot SUBMIT to God’s laws. It’s a quantum leap to then make the false assumption that man also therefore cannot ADMIT this inability to submit to God in faith and ask Him to give them a new heart so that they then CAN submit to God by walking in the Spirit. Believing in faith doesn’t mean submitting to God it means you’re admitting to Him that you CAN’T submit and that you need His hemp and His mercy so that you CAN. Even a born again Christian can’t submit to God’s laws unless He surrenders and dies to self daily and ALLOWS the Holy Spirit to lead him and guide him. **It’s still possible to acknowledge this and repent. The fall of Adam did not take away the knowledge of good and evil, but it actually did the opposite and OPENED Adam’s eyes and gave him the knowledge of good and evil. Once you repent and turn to Christ then you CAN submit. If you continue in your sin then of course you can’t submit. You need to turn and repent at which point YOU CAN SUBMIT.
@@apilkey 'the will of the flesh' is from Jn.1:13, which shows that regeneration is only 'of God'. Men's 'flesh mind' is from Adam, who did his own will while knowing God's will. Thanks for pointing out that most people need scripture references included. Also, Matt.11:28, Jn.6:65, Acts 17:27, etc indicate that God 'hath determined' that humble hearts would indeed 'find Him', as it is to those He gives grace (1Pet.5:5, Ps.149:4). Thanks! It's Jesus Who points out our inability to please God, until He authors faith in our hearts. Jesus says, 'Without Me ye(plural) can do nothing'. John writes that every thing is a gift 'from Heaven' (Jn.3:27). Every breath we take is a gift of life (temporal), and receiving/taking Christ as our 'Lord and Christ' is also 'given unto (us) of the Father' (Jn.6:65). 'given' and 'granted' are the same Greek word (#1325 in Strong's)
Michael Stanley thanks for pointing out that regeneration is only of God. That’s a given we all know that and no one is debating that. Man doesn’t regenerate himself. Man is regenerated by God AFTER he freely believes. Seems like you’re conflating faith and believing with being regenerated. When Jesus states without me you can do nothing He wasn’t referring at all ru freely accepting His free gift of salvation. Again context and meaning. You can quote scripture all day long but do you understand it? Do you know who and why God have certain people to the Son during His earthly ministry? Do you have any idea of what was happening in the book of John and especially in chapter 5. Read the book of John starting in chapter 1 and you won’t stumble by the time you get to chapter 6. It’s all very clear and makes perfect sense. Also refer to the end of the book of John where the author himself tells you his purpose for writing. Will you listen to John or will you attempt to come up with your own purpose? ************************************ We must meditate on one of the VERY FIRST STATEMENTS in the beginning of the book of John: JOHN 1:9 9 That was the true Light, WHICH LIGHTETH EVERY MAN THAT COMETH INTO THE WORLD. ************************************ We also must meditate on Jesus’ analogy in John 3:14-18: JOHN 3:14-18 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. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the WORLD THROUGH HIM MIGHT BE SAVED. 18 HE THAT BELIEVETH on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. **Why is Jesus Christ’s analogy of salvation discarded by reformed theology? Should we not listen to what the Saviour Himself says about salvation? This verse should be held in much higher regard than we do. ************************************ We also must meditate on Jesus’ statement in John 5:34: JOHN 5:34 34 But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, THAT YE MIGHT BE SAVED. ************************************ And finally we must meditate on JOHN’S CONCLUSION and summary at the end of John: JOHN 20:31 31 BUT THESE ARE WRITTEN, THAT YE MIGHT BELIEVE that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; AND THAT BELIEVING YE MIGHT HAVE LIFE THROUGH HIS NAME. ************************************ We must also meditate on JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF’s SUMMARY in John 12:44-48: JOHN 12:44-48 44 Jesus cried and said, HE THAT BELIEVETH ON ME, BELIEVETH not on me, but ON HIM THAT SENT ME. 45 And he that seeth me SEETH HIM THAT SENT ME. 46 I am come a light into the world, that WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH ON ME SHOULD NOT ABIDE IN DARKNESS. **(John **3:19**-21)** 47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, BUT TO SAVE THE WORLD. 48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
Michael Stanley You must read John 5 to get a good understanding of what’s happening in John 6. You also must ask yourself was God only hiding things from certain groups of people during His EARTHLY ministry in order to accomplish something SPECIFIC (namely going to the cross). The simple fact that Jesus had to speak in parables and hide truths from people proves that they were in fact able to respond or else their would be no need to blind them. Why would you need to put a blindfold on a corpse who was already dead if it was impossible for them to respond to the truth anyways? Jesus knew that they would come to the light because that’s how compelling, persuasive and convincing He was. He chose to blind and harden only people that were already set against Him because if He didn’t then there was a possibility of them not crucifying Him. ...It’s because they WERE capable of seeing the truth. That is precisely why Jesus had to hide these things and speak in parables or else they would’ve believed and never crucified him: 1 CORINTHIANS 2:8 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would NOT have crucified the Lord of glory. ********************************** It’s ALWAYS judicial hardening in an act of judgment against those who are ALREADY freely rejecting Him. God has every right to use such people to accomplish His will. This doesn’t mean He creates specific people just for that very cause with no hope of salvation whatsoever. He raises them up for His very purposes only AFTER they’ve freely rejected Him. And this also dues not mean the hardening is ever permanent. There’s ALWAYS hope for salvation IF we humble ourselves and cry out to God for mercy. The only time it ever to late is when we’re in the grave. ...According to 2 Corinthians 3:14-16 is the veil taken away first so they can then turn to the Lord, or do they have to turn to the Lord FIRST before the veil is taken away? 2 CORINTHIANS 3:14-16 14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. 15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. 16 Nevertheless WHEN IT SHALL TURN TO THE LORD, the vail shall be taken away. ********************************** We must seek the honor that comes from God and not from men. That’s why the scribes and Pharisees weren’t given by the Father to the Son because they sought their own honor: JOHN 5:44 44 HOW CAN YE BELIEVE, which receive honour one of another, and SEEK NOT THE HONOUR THAT COMETH FROM GOD ONLY? ************************************ If the scribes and Pharisees truly sought the Lord by faith then they would recognize the Son and the Father would give them to the Son like He did with Cornelius. JOHN 5:36-47 36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, THE SAME WORKS THAT I DO, BEAR WITNESS OF ME, THAT THE FATHER HATH SENT ME. 37 And the Father himself, which hath sent me, HATH BORNE WITNESS OF ME. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. 38 And YE HAVE NOT HIS WORD ABIDING IN YOU: FOR WHOM HE HATH SENT, HIM YE BELIEVE NOT. 39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 40 And YE WILL NOT COME TO ME, THAT YE MIGHT HAVE LIFE. 41 I receive not honour from men. 42 But I know you, that YE HAVE NOT THE LOVE OF GOD IN YOU. 43 I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. 44 HOW CAN YE BELIEVE, which receive honour one of another, and SEEK NOT THE HONOUR THAT COMETH FROM GOD ONLY? 45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. 46 For HAD YE BELIEVED MOSES, YE WOULD HAVE BELIEVED ME; for he wrote of me. 47 But IF YE BELIEVE NOT HIS WRITINGS, HOW SHALL YE BELIEVE MY WORDS?
@@apilkey Being neither a calvinist or arminian I need not debate with any one. Some believe faith and regeneration happen together, such as myself. You continue to miss my points, looking for what I don't know. John ch.5 begins on a sabbath/feast day. Jesus' opposers were seeking their own interests, not God's. Jesus, being equal with God, was refuting their idea of observing the sabbath. The seventh day will always be blessed, and sanctified by God. Jesus pointed out that, unless they were honoring him as well as the Father, they were not honoring God as they presumed. Jesus founded an 'overcoming faith', not a 'sinning faith' as many suppose. 'Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee' still goes (Jn.5:14). Apostle Paul makes it black and white as well, saying, 'whatsoever is not of faith is sin'. Jesus calls sinners to repentance and faith (Mk.1:15). And, it's true, men are called by the gospel (2Thes.2:14). If you had looked up the verses I cited, you would have replied differently, which is 'how and why' you missed all I said. Read my comments again, doing that, and maybe you will see my meaning. Thanks
Indeed there is not biblical proof that man are spiritually blind ,deaf, and mute at least not until they willingly harden their conscience, for God says all day I have been calling but you didn't answer.
Freedom doesn’t mean “doing what one wants” if those wants are determined by an external factor. Thus, R.C.’s concept of freedom isn’t really freedom. If you are not the first mover of your choices, you are not free, and you can not be blamed for what you do.
I believe the external factor is God. He is the ultimate source of pure light, which we do not possess. We broke away from this at the fall. I get where your struggle is with this position. We are enslaved to sin. As the apostle shared his struggles of doing the things he didn’t want to do, and how came to the conclusion that he is a wretched man. There is one of many examples of our complete inability to find God our Saviour. My free will is hemmed in and pressured by sin on every side.
It is no coincidence that very little scripture is used to support reformed theology. “Total depravity” nor the other 4 points that make up TULUP are biblically supported when considering the context. “whosoever” means whoever. Salvation is available to all. Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. “whosoever” means whoever. Salvation is available to all. Matthew 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. “whosoever” means whoever. Salvation is available to all. Acts 2:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. “whosoever” means whoever. Salvation is available to all. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. “all men” means, all of mankind. Salvation is available to all. 1 Timothy 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. “all men” means, all of mankind. Salvation is available to all. John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. “if thou” means, if you. If anyone does these things, they will be saved. Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Salvation is the gift of eternal life that is available to all mankind. (It’s a free gift; not of works.) We provide the faith (or belief) in Jesus Christ and we accept that free gift.
If you were correct, everyone may freely sin; since all mankind will be saved. There is no need for repentance in that case. Eat, drink, and be merry; for in the end, all mankind will be saved.
@@schaeffercox3158 Again, you use no Bible to support your false doctrine. The Bible commands us not to sin, but our salvation is not dependent on it. Romans 6:15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. - And we will all will all face the consequences of our actions of the flesh: 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
" No man can come unless the father draws him " this is before the cross . Afterwards Jesus says He will draw all men . In either case men can come and we have to ask how are they drawn ? I'd argue after the cross everyone has sufficient light to believe . No man can come to God on his own . He can however believe the Gospel when it hits his ears .
MrBazinthenow amen brother these people are truly deceived. If a man has the ability to do good and still chooses to do wrong he is far more depraved than a man who CAN’T do good. Mankind is without excuse precisely because we all have been offered this free gift of salvation and we all have the freedom to either accept it or reject it. The greatest excuse that anyone could ever have when standing before God on Judgement Day would be be that, “well Lord you didn’t choose me...” Reformed theology gives mankind the greatest excuse and so must be rejected. Dead is NEVER SHOWN in the scriptures to mean MORAL INABILITY to respond to God’s truth. Dead means SPIRITUALLY SEPARATED from the presence of God due to sin and the only way to get into His presence is through Christ. **If we were actually dead as reformers portray then we wouldn’t even be able to sin!** When speaking metaphorically of deadness it’s never described as a morally incapacitated condition from birth due to the Fall, but instead as a condition of being separated from God by our own rebellion. Scripture supports a totally depraved man that is spiritually separated from God and obviously unable to save Himself. This does NOT mean man is totally incapable of responding to Him. Dead does not relate to your “ability” but to your RELATIONSHIP.
Aaron Pilkey Taking notes. Aaron, how does Genesis 6: 5 figure into human ability? Does Romans 1 support Sproul’s argument? I do realize you can’t give me your insight in this space but can you point me into other resources? Thank you..
Joyce Noble Hi Joyce, Genesis 6:5 5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. This verse says nothing about an inability to respond to God. Every proof text reformers use speak of total depravity and not total inability. There’s a massive difference between being totally depraved and unable to save oneself, and being able to admit that. That’s where reformers get it wrong. Man is totally evil. Can he still admit that and accept a free gift of salvation? We are slaves to sin. Can a slave still admit he’s a slave? No one seeks God in their own. We’re not on our own. God sought us by sending His Son, His Holy Spirit, His Word, speaking time is through creation etc. If read the very next verse why would God be lamenting over something He predestined anyways? Is He lamenting causing the evil in these people’s hearts? Because that’s what reformers believe is that God decreed the very evil He’s lamenting. Genesis 6:6 6 And it REPENTED the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it GRIEVED HIM AT HIS HEART. 7 And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it REPENTETH ME that I have made them. These verses don’t say it grieved the Lord that He had CAUSED this evil. And what of the next verse? What of Noah? Was Noah included in the group of people God referenced in verse 5 that were evil continually? Of course not. So right there we know it’s not a complete blanket statement for every individual. Genesis 6:8 8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. 9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a JUST MAN and PERFECT in his generations, and Noah walked with God. There are numerous people in the bible declared as just, perfect, righteous, noble etc. The question we need to ask ourselves when scripture says none are righteous and no one seeks God is what exactly is the author trying to convey? I know you didn’t reference Romans 3:10,11 but it’s another famous “proof-text” that again doesn’t prove total inability only total depravity. Noah is talked about in the very next chapter as being righteous so obviously Paul isn’t lying or contradicting himself. It’s a contrast between righteousness by FAITH and no one is righteous according to the LAW. Paul is quoting Psalm 14 which is poetry and hyperbole so we must also take that into account. An Ethiopian can’t change the colour of his skin but he can still admit that to the One who can. If we are really as dead as reformers claim then we wouldn’t even be able to sin.
This kind of makes me think about those people who do not have a discernment for the word. Like I know some people who claim to be Christian live the Christian Life they know the scripture read the Bible but they really don't understand what is written in there and they can't discern the word. Are those people false conversions are they trying to find God but they're not able to truly to give themselves to Christ. Are those people who believe in really weird doctrines like Mormons Jehovah Witnesses, the ultra charismatic I'm so on. Somebody from ligonier can help me with this I would greatly appreciate it
Paul said in his flesh dwelt no good thing. Yet in his mind he wanted to serve the Lord. The context is his life under the Mosaic Law (see logical flow of Romans 7). So man is not totally depraved. He just is drawn to sin and the Law makes it worse.
Kind of, yes. Here’s how I understand it: before we are born again, we are born of the flesh. This means that we have sin nature; to sin is our nature. To do good is not our nature. To seek and obey God-the True God-is against our nature (because Adam and Eve, in pride, rejected God). However, God can open our eyes-only He can-and cause us to be born again in Christ; we are dead to sin but alive in Christ. At this point, a war starts within us between our flesh and our spirit, a war that is caused by a new nature we take on in Christ. Only by His Grace can we have this nature, and only by His love can we love Him and know Him-and therefore choose Him. I hope this helps!
@@valaere891 But Paul is describing himself as one under the Law, right? Isn't that the context? Under the Law, he wanted to do good, but there was another force in his body fighting to do evil. That was why he was so miserable, right? And if he was writing as a Christian, then the law of the spirit of life in Christ had NOT set him free from the law of sin and death. True? Just look how many times he refers to the law of God in the context, including all of Ch. 7. Amen?
@@Mike65809 I don’t think we’re quite on the same page here, haha. Okay, let’s read this passage, and explain it to me to the best of your ability. Hopefully, that will help us find common ground. Romans 7:4-6 “Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God. For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.
@@Mike65809 Ah. I was wondering why you hadn’t replied yet, and it seems UA-cam deleted my comment. Let me try this again, sorry: I’m not entirely sure that we’re on the same page. Since you pointed to Romans 7, let’s look at that, starting in verses 4-6 (I’m using ESV). Once you’re done, it would be great if you could tell me how you understood that text so we can make sure we’re understanding each other :)
St. Augustine never mentioned the words unilaterally nor monergistically! God would never change a person by force, the person would have to assent to change! It is true that God makes the first initiative but at no time is the person obligated to assent! Another thing is that at all times the person is capable of either assenting, resisting, or rejecting God's Grace! This is what is known as the Free Will of Choice, which is a God given Gift!
Your "Free Will of Choice" is not Biblical. We know from Romans 8 that all whom God "calls", he "justifies". We know from John 6 that "all" that the Father "gives" to Christ come to him. The call of God is effectual. It is irresistible. If the Lord calls you, you will come, guaranteed. And you will come willingly.
Izaak De Jager sure its Biblical, didn't Lucifer freely choose to reject God and didn't Adam and Eve freely choose to reject God out of their own free will? I agree with Romans 8 and John 6 they don't conflict with the individuals "Free Will of Choice". The question is how much Grace is God dispensing when he calls us. He certainly isn't coercing us, that definitely wouldn't make sense and it would contradict most of the Bible, it would make God into someone who is forcing us. He certainly could force us if He so Wills it, but that is the exception and not the rule.
The question is whether or not we are in a state similar to that of Lucifer or Adam. I do not believe that we are, and the major church confessions (Westminster, Heidelberg, etc) would agree. Those confessions (which are obviously built upon the careful interpretation of Scripture), would say that we are completely in bondage to sin, and that we contribute in no way, shape, or form to our justification. It is a unilateral act of God. In Romans 8 there is an unbroken chain of redemption. Those God predestined he called. Those God called, he justified. Those whom he justified, he glorified. It is impossible to be predestined and not be called, and it is impossible to be called and not be justified. That is why Jesus said in John 6:37-40 that ALL that the Father has GIVEN to him will come to him, and THOSE who come to him, he will not cast out. The "those" refers to the ones that the Father has given to the Son to redeem. Verse 39 further backs up this point, where Jesus says that he will lose none of those whom the Father has given him. This is a hard doctrine and most people struggle with it. It also will not make much sense until you realize that if it were up to humanity, no one would ever be saved. Until we are born again by the Holy Spirit, we cannot and will not "will" one inch toward God. (see 1 Corinthians 2:14)
Izaak De Jager the only difference is the Fall, Adam and his human descendants are Fallen, but we (humans and angels) are still created creatures in GOD's Image and Likeness and capable of Freely Choosing without being forced or coerced as the Bible clearly demonstrates during the times of human temptation. By the way you cannot say that Reformed Confessions are major Confessions of the Church when they in fact only represent a very small minority of Christians world wide. Also, most Christians do not agree with these Confessions and Catechisms. If you mention any such thing as being a major Confession, Creed or Catechism then it would have to be accepted by the major Ecumenical Councils which are representative of most mainstream Christendom! You said: "That is why Jesus said in John 6:37-40 that ALL that the Father has GIVEN to him will come to him, and THOSE who come to him, he will not cast out. The "those" refers to the ones that the Father has given to the Son to redeem. Verse 39 further backs up this point, where Jesus says that he will lose none of those whom the Father has given him. Answer: The above Gospel passage is very true, keep in mind that this is from the perspective of the second person of the Triune God, not from a human perspective. Since from a human perspective there is no way of knowing who the elect are for sure.
God's Sovereignty does not need our permission. Gen. 20:6; Prov. 21:1; 16:9; Exodus 3:21-22; 12:35-36; 34:23-24; Deut. 2:30; Joshua 11:20; Judges 7:2-3,22; 1 Sam. 14:6,15,20; 2 Sam. 17:14; 1 Kings 12:15; 20:28-29; 2 Chron. 13:14-16; Ezra 1:1,5; 6:22; 7:27; Isa. 45:4-5; Acts 4:27-28; 2 Cor. 8:16-17; Rev. 17:17. As it is also written in (Romans 9:15-21, ESV) 15 For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." 16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. 17 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." 18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. 19 You will say to me then, "Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?" 20 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?" 21 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?
it looks, via all of these teachings, that we have a very poor translation, of the most important document, in the world.....or that it is impossible to convey anyones thoughts......or teachings...
09:15.... the 1st indirect reference to the Word of God ... up and until then man's opinions are discussed regarding something only God has any understanding of.... RC and all but few of his students only discovered the true authority of Scripture later in his life.... most will never , as has been predestined by God.
The human spirit get saved peferectly sinless through bornagain. Rom 8:9 John 1:12-13 BUT your flesh will only be perfect after death. 1John 3:9. The flesh religion say we take good people and make them better. but God take bad people and saved them and gave everlasting life. Your spirit is sinless by bornagain out of God but your flesh wil always be sinful as long as you live on these earth
@@dandjconsultants8965 Yes your spirit is holy and saved . No sin anymore in the spirit because of bornagain. BUT you need to show God you love Him by living a holy life as far as you can. To make people better is not saving . Or bornagain. Rom 8:9. You can have as much faith as you can but without the Holy Spirit dwelling in you you are lost. Rom 8:9
@KTTGHMTJWYCBLAC spot on! I am seeing many preachers who are preaching a false dichotomy of flesh and spirit. I find this dangerously close to Gnosticism.
@Scribeintheink it’s to suggest that God created something innately debaucherous. Which would be no god at all. Now if we want to say totally depraved in the sense that we are totally dependent then that’s fine. Can we not choose to love god? Of course the reformers seem to say god gives grace to those who love him but if you really believed that then why even try
Arminians will say "yes we might be a little depraved but not like the Calvinist's say we are. There is still a "spark of good" in every person's heart and all we need to do is "fan it" and it will grow and we are saved! So lets see what Jesus said is within a man's heart. Matt 15:19 "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies." Gee that wasn't helpful. What did God say about the human heart: Jer 17:9 "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Okay, still no help, but I'm sure the Apostle Paul can come up with some sort of goodness in the human heart. Romans 1:29-32 "Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them." But of course Arminians will still say God, Jesus and Paul are simply exaggerating EVERYONE KNOWS that humans have sweet, kind, loving, merciful, wonderful hearts that are full of goodness and mercy.
The explanation seems logical but it does not agree with the testimony of scripture. In scripture, God almighty expected fallen man also to believe in Him and not to trust in himself. The idea that faith comes after regeneration is contrary to scripture. Was Rahab born again to have faith? Was the Syrophenecian woman born again to have faith? Even Jesus commented on her faith although He made clear that she was not among the ‘children’’. We can all agree that without the Father attracting or drawing us we can never come to the Lord Jesus but to imply that he first makes us born again to have faith is not scriptural. Faith is always contrasted with works in Romans but the Reformed have made the mistake of creating an artificial tension between faith vs faith since they somehow consider faith as work.
Unfortunately this sounds really nice and biblically logical. However, when you carry this reasoning to its final destination, it leads to atheism or fatalistic apathy. How ? When you tell people that they are totally damned to Hell, until God changes their heart, then you're telling biblical truth. However, when you tell people that God does everything for you, even giving you the faith to have in Him, then you are teaching people that there is literally nothing God requires of you to be saved. The Bible does say that we are immoral and cannot save ourselves, by effort. But God does provide the "gospel", which, when shared, can draw people to repentance , and to responding to His grace with our faith. We must 'choose' to accept or reject this offer of salvation. Choosing is something that God gives us the ability to do and it is not considered works, it is not some "island of morality" that we have in reserves, and are "exerting", rather it is humbly acknowledging how deep raised we are, and choosing to put faith in the grace that Jesus Christ paid for on the cross. Yes, God gives us the ability to have faith. Yet, God does not 'forcibly' impart faith in Himself through us. But, that is literally with RC Sproul is teaching. It is not biblical. In essence, RC Sproul is changing the scriptures in Ephesians 2:8 and 9 to be interpreted as we are saved by Grace through Grace, not faith. So, if I truly agreed RC Sproul teaching, then I would ignore the gospel, and instead wait around until God changes my heart, so that I can repent. While I'm waiting for this Heart Change, I might as well be an athiest. Why, because if there is absolutely nothing I can do, either way, to respond to God, until He does it for me, then I'm free to do any licentious sinful acts that I want to. No matter what I do, I will not be able to change God's mind as to whether or not I've been pre-elected to Salvation or pre-condemned to hell. There's no need to believe in God, since he will force me to believe in Him if He wants to. This is evil. Evil teaches us that we are slaves and can do nothing to accept or reject our master. God teaches us that we are slaves, but that he has put enough knowledge in our hearts to be able to seek Him and to find the truth, if we so choose. it is not enough knowledge nor morality to be saved, only enough to come to the Savior, Jesus Christ, Our Lord.
This is a typical straw man attack of the Gospel -- and yes, you are not attacking "calvinism" -- you are attacking the central truths of the Gospel. No one is denying the fact that, from a human perspective, it can oftentimes (but not always -- read in Acts about Paul's conversion) appear to be our efforts to understand the gospel and the nature of Christ that lead to our conversion. However, the Bible tells us about what is happening "behind the scenes", as it were. It tells us that, behind the scenes, God is acting in our hearts, regenerating them to enable us to come to Him. God's sovereign will works with the apparent choices of humankind in a mysterious way. Our choices are incredibly important and can have eternal consequences -- but this does not mean that God does not ordain all things. God is God -- and we are merely creatures.
Total Depravity is a LIE. What did the LORD God answer Cain? He said "If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him." Enoch and Elijah knew nothing of the doctrine of Vicarious Atonement but both ascended to God on high never tasting death. No wonder Jews and Eastern Orthodox Christians consider TULIP a blooming heresy! And the latter consider Augustine of Hippo to be flawed and thus never gave him the title of a Saint, let alone Anselm of Canterbury from whence Calvin got his ridiculous doctrine of Total Depravity and Vicarious Atonement that was never taught by any sect of the Christian Church during her first THOUSAND years of history! When Jesus said that no man can come to him unless it is given to him by his Father is not a matter of Total Depravity, but rather one of having been taught correct doctrine.
My problem with the elect being pre determined to go to God is what of those who aren’t? If the non-elect has no chance of receiving the spirit then why punish them for it? Why not just let the non elect die without eternal torment?
@@turkayjohnson5072I would also add: we ALL deserve to go to hell. “The wages of sin is death,” and we are all going to die, therefore we have all sinned/broken God’s law/fallen short of His Grace. However, God mercifully chose to save some of us. He did this by sending His Son to die on the cross for us, that our sin may be given to His Son, and His Son’s righteousness may be given to us, making us righteous and thus deserving of heaven in God’s eyes. So you see (and hopefully I explained it clearly), all of us deserve Hell by our own merit. However, some of us, by Christ’s merit, receive the gift of eternal life with the LORD God Almighty (we do NOT deserve it). I hope this helps!
There are MANY words being used🤔but I just DON'T understand how there is so LITTLE scripture, SO MUCH disparaging of Pelagius AND praising of Augustine. PHEW! It's all rather puzzling, really 🤨 @7:25 this "perspective" was rediscovered in the 16th century, but NOT examined as to how Augustine arrived at it? No concern about all the concerns about him and his 9 years as a Manicean (sp?) Gnostic? Seems odd to put so much emphasis on a man that so many others in the 5th century had issues with...
“Seems odd to put so much emphasis on a man that so many others in the 5th century had issues with…” If I were a skeptic, I would say to you: “Seems odd to believe in a man called Jesus that so many believe doesn’t exist and openly reject…” Please rethink your reasoning. I think you could come up with a better critique of this video to help you learn more :)
Because Almighty God is Sovereign, He allows us to choose Him or reject Him. Calvinism divides people, it confuses people and it pushes people away from God. It doesn't matter if a believer thinks they had a choice in their Salvation or not, it matters that they believe. Calvinism is arrogant and heretical and in absolutely unnecessary.
@@countrysidefilms3860 nope. Calvinism is an arrogant, heretical doctrine that makes God the author of evil and takes away all accountability of man for his sin. Wrong, wrong, wrong. Good day.
@@Qui_Gon_Jinn_76 There's quite a bit to discuss. Many, many fine teachers and Godly men would completely disagree with you. There is, at the very least, room for discussion. ;)
Hello! Continue reading until verse 13: “born of God.” I believe this refers to being born again, which can only happen if God opens one’s eyes. Before this happens, one cannot understand God or His Will. I hope this helps!
@@valaere891 Thats NOT what that means because one "born of God" CANT sin, which of course WE still sin. Read every conversion in the book of ACTS, save Cornelius, One is directed to "SAVE YOURSELF..." Read acts 2:29-42. This makes it clear,
@Phlebas Hee hee. I've done a bit of spontaneous ( and also more detailed) reacting to Calvinists on YT over the years. I like to observe the different presentations of the warped theology, and don't always react, but some times I just must remark! I rejected Calvinism's distinctive doctrines years ago and have had discussions with friends of that persuasion. I often give myself the challenge of formulating answers to them. I believe that God makes all people that they might seek after Him (Acts 17. 26-27), that means that He gives them an ability to seek Him, and is part of their being made in His image. Those who seek find, and some who don't seek have God come seeking them despite that. That does not mean that we can enter into intimate fellowship with God, and so attain perfection, just by willing it. We have to receive God's gift of grace to do that. He makes that grace available to all, and it's our responsibility to choose whether to receive it and cooperate with it so as to attain eternal life. I always give succinct answers, don't I ?
@Phlebas My main issue with it is its assertion that God causes some human beings to come into existence without having any possibility of attaining eternal happiness, ie. of being saved from the fallen condition inherited from Adam. I find it to be a misrepresentation of the character of God, and not true to the Bible, which is full of exhortations to all to seek God and turn to Him, as the Lord Jesus died for all mankind. They argue that all people are incapable of turning to God and it's just that God forces some to do so, yet they say that God punishes people for not turning to Him, for not doing what they are incapable of doing. I have some readings on my channel from the theologian Johann Adam Moehler discussing the Lutheran and Calvinist views of fall, sin, and predestination, compared to the sounder Catholic view which I, as an Anglo Catholic hold. Essentially, God makes each person capable of choosing whether to cooperate with God's grace for salvation. Lutherans and Calvinists tend to deny any human ability to cooperate as if that detracted from God's initiative in salvation, but He has taken the initiative in giving the ability to cooperate.
@Phlebas I think that there are misconceptions regarding God's foreknowledge. I do not think Scripture teaches that each person's choices are all known before they come into existence, That's because God has decreed that each should have the ability to choose. Scripture teaches that God observes people's thoughts and inclinations during their lives to know what's in their hearts to do. It is not all known before that.
The man is an intellectual that he can think of a way to explain total depravity as if absolutely true; and the fall of man has no other meaning but it. When Adam and Eve transgresses the law of God. It does not mean that the succeeding humans descending from Adam and Eve carries with them the sin of their parents. The bible said that the sin of the parents can not be imputed on their children. The fall of man, Adam and Eve, into sin does not befall their descents. Man was essentially made to be good as he is the image and likeness of God who is good. But no one is good except the Father. this could mean that the Father God is the absolute good. Human experience will tell us that while no man is absolutely good, he is not totally deprave because he has goodness in him being God's creation. The human will was already inherent in man when God created them.Why ? Because it was evident in Eve when she decided to take the forbidden fruit being offered by satan as she tempted Eve. Eve knows that the fruit is forbidden by God to be eaten by them but the tempting offer of satan was stronger and they, Eve and Adam, chose to eat the fruit than to abstain from it. That is evidently free will.
If we were born good, how can Jesus’ statement “No one is good but the Father” be true? Additionally, how is it that, if we are good, we are naturally inclined to sin not to do good? For example: a child naturally sins. However, they must be taught to do good.
Our sinful nature is our own doing because of our will. You are given will to choose between good and bad yet you chose bad for your own reason and desire. Your obedience to God is free will yet we chose another. You pay for your immoral action which you did on your own free will not by force, otherwise you committed no sin.
@@diosdadoapias My friend, we are not sinners because we sin; we sin because we are sinners. Because of Adam and Eve, we all became slaves to sin; in other words, sin is our master whom we obey. To do good is against our nature-possible, because of our God-given conscience, but not natural (think about how easy it is to sin compared to how hard it is to do good, like loving one’s enemy). However, when Christ bought us for a ransom, we became slaves to Christ and took on a new nature. As a result, our spirit, given by Jesus, now makes war with our flesh (Paul talks about this), and by God’s grace, we can resist temptation and choose good.
No men can come to me unless the Father ……it does not hinder our freedom to choose🙏🙏🙏however, you are free to choose, but without the unconditional election by God, you are just not have the ability to choose God 🙂🙂just like cockroaches 🪳 will never ever to choose to remain under the light, it is against its inclination unless it is a dead one😂😂😂
Rest in peace RC.
when I converted from Islam to faith in Christ, his teaching helped me a lot to understand Christ and Christianity.
Awesome
I was given this tape series when I was having a crisis of faith and these teachings from RC changed my Christian walk. The ministry of RC Sproul has been a true blessing from the Lord!
I'm new to all of this and the same thing has happened to me regarding the Ministry of R.C. Sproul, I've heard the name, but never heard or watched him until a day or two ago, and have been watching everything I could get my hand on:)
Me too!
Same here.
After 20 years of believing this, and learning about all the other types of theology and doctrine: I STILL believe this. God is worthy of ALL the Glory. My Crown will be at His glorious feet!! Amen.
I so love this comment! My crown also will be at His feet! Amen!
As my brother has always said "To whom does the glory go?" When confronted with a question
‘The fall is so profound and that the power of sin so strong in the human heart that only God, by His grace and by His grace alone, can change the disposition of the human soul to bring that person to faith.’
One hundred percent truth.
sola gratia
Amen.
Hi, I am typing from Barranquilla, Colombia. The positive impact of these recording in my life is humongous, thank you
Awesome keep listening!
Explained beautifully, even for a simpleton like me. Thank you RC Sproul for everything. R.I.P.
Apex Twin is wickedly demonic brother
Once again the clear teaching of Gods infallible word, by a great man of God. RIP DR RC Sproul.
So many incorrect teachings from this man.
@@timothyseals3791 Repent you demon
@@WillMakeYouFree Heretic.
@@WillMakeYouFree You keep trolling me. 🤣
Heretic.
@@WillMakeYouFree You started it. 😆 🤣
Can dish it out but you can't take it.
RIP RC. Thank you for blessing us with solid biblical teaching.
Loving this! The words of our Lord cannot be denied
Titus 2:11
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men
“who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself *a people for His own possession*, zealous for good deeds.”
Titus 2:14
RC here shows what a great man for us and God he was !!!!
Even in Romans 3:11 I think affirms this! “No one seeks God” Also Praise God for men like Dr. Sproul, may God bring up more men like him in future generations.
In the movie " Man of The West " starring Gary Cooper he played a role just about what this great Bible TEACHER is ponding upon ! Cooper was in childhood with Evil PEOPLE that wrongly taught him , but something within him caused in to get on a better path of life ! Julie London played a lovely person and showed how lovely to cause most men great concern ! Julie's role shows one partly what every man is up against in this flesh world and that's divorce lawyers who do not even try to prevent a divorce will answer to God for that ! Hank Snow's 1952 song " Married by The Bible , Divorced by The Law " struct me because my very poor parents were so easily tor apart and 7 of us KIDS paid a very hard price because of it !
This is the most enlightening presentation I have ever witnessed about wickedness. I had no Earthly idea this was actually a mindset.
These videos are the true blessing. R.C. Sproul is one of my favourite pastors-teachers. But we definitely are Christians firstly and then Calvinists. Knowledge is so important, but debating with the Arminian bretheren with love is more important. Greetings from Ukraine (Evangelical Reformed Presbyterian church of Odesa).
I disagree, we are Christians by virtue of the correct interpretation of scripture (i.e., Reformed theology, or "Calvinism ") first regeneration, then Christianity, then correct doctrine, contending for the faith that was once delivered to the saints is a divine command, sharing the truth of scripture IS an exercise in love
Arminians who defend their self righteousness are not brothers and are against Gods grace. Which I suspect is true of you
This verse is key as well.
John 1: 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
I so look fwd to seeing you in The Kingdom Dr Sproul
I can’t wait to meet Dr R.C one day and share a quick joke and a hard laugh! What a blessing to the Lords bride he has been. the edifying knowledge he left behind for the sanctification of the Lords elect is unmatched for “his” generation. I believe we will remember him with some of the Great saints of the past like Charles Spurgeon. Oh how humble he was, he’d reject any comparison! lol
Yup! Grade 3, 4, and 5, n all English teachers. ''l'm sure you CAN sharpen your pencil'' l'm from Vancouver Canada. You're a great teacher RC, and a Happy 82nd Birthday John MacArthur! June 19th '21 _ALL GLORY_ goes to The KING of kings, and LORD of lords!
You make this very simple, when yoe explain about choice. love that. I haven't heard any person break it down so far like you did. Many peoplesay we make choices because they hear it, but it is much more
John 12:32
King James Version
32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
If the way you are understanding this scripture is to refute the biblical truth then this must mean no one goes to hell. If all men come to Jesus right ? We know that all men do not come to Christ because not all belong to Christ.
All men=Jews and Gentiles. It does not mean every single person
Love this guy.
Me to... PERMANENT happiness Expressed in his being. Joy in the Lord
Sola gratia...RIP..sir
I imagine the spiritually dead frame of human nature exposed to the power of the gospel, which must find its way into the person through the faculties of his carnal senses (hearing, sight, etc) and be subjected to mental reasoning and evaluation. All mankind have these human inlets for the gospel to get in, hence that's why the gospel has to be preached to every creature. Yet, the efficacy of the gospel seems to produce different results, in accordance to the sovereign will of God,
God's word is a sword that goes straight to the problem! The human sinful heart! The old heart must be removed! God must replace with a new heart, hence, we must be born again!
Free Will has always been an interest of mine. So much so that I plan to write my core subjects’ thesis on it. Probably going to be a lot more challenging though as I am taking a psychological spin on it
Amen. Thanks r.c. For the clear exposition of reformed theology.
Self will and God's will are at odds, because of the fall of Adam. Free will was never the problem OR the solution! 'Self will' is at the heart of the problem and depravity of men. Sin is always opposed to God's will expressed in His WORD.
Free will is nothing more than a pretty mask for self-willed and ignorant pride (the poison of the 'serpent', the devil).
Even Jesus submitted His human will to the will of The FATHER. 'Go and do likewise'!
Michael this is crazy, this exact line of thought you expounded is exactly what has been on my mind lately, like, when Adam sinned he was cut off separate from God in Spirit só his will was turned from God disconnected completely, he will chose always to do his will and pursue his own glory he wont turn to God, thats why sovereign grace is só hated amongst us sinners because it goes directly against our natural inclination of self willing, romans says that the Flesh is unable to submit to Gods law or will, thats the very characterization of our sinful condition...
@@yeshuaisking1247
Which is also why we are to 'be clothed with humility' as Christ is (1Pet.5:5, Ps.149:4). God bless you richly!
Blessed.
I learnt so much
Simply put , God's will must be done. In His creatures life. He decides who come. God and God alone ElECT His ElECT. We were not physically present when He chose his chosen. Paul said before the Foundation of the world. He was not physically present. But he exists in the Mind of the Holy and Mighty God.
Paul says that before the foundation of the world those "in Him" that is, in Christ were chosen for certain blessings. Read Ephesians chapter 1, the entire thing through chapter 3 lists the blessings for Christians in Christ.. It is a list of blessings for those "in Christ" - "In Him," Christians. These verses in no way refer to people being elected from a lost state to a saved state, but they refer to blessing for those already in Christ. I suggest you read it. Because God made the choice before the foundation of the world (knowing that man would sin) that "In Him", in Christ would be these blessings that has nothing to do with choosing to save someone before they are born. That interpretation is contrary to almost every thing in the New Testament. Blessings to you. May you read and study and God open your mind to the simple truth written in plain English. Stop listening, please, to someone teaching Augustine's philosophy which was never heard of in the Church before Augustine. This is Augustine's doctrine which was the current Pagan Philosophy of Augustine's day. The church fought this doctrine, a Pagan doctrine, now R C teaches it as a biblical truth.
I am learning alot
Semipelagians said that man begins alone to believe, and then God comes with His Grace. Augustine and the Council of Orange say that man believes moved by God, Who is then the first Cause of our salvation. For Augustin, sanctifying grace comes with Baptism, that is posterior to faith, so the grace that moves the will of man to believe, to come to God, is another grace, called lately "actual grace". The willing consent of man to believe is not a "plus" to actual grace, but an effect of it. And is free, because actual grace gives the capability that nature all alone does not have.
Ephesians 2:8 grace through faith ,you need to have faith to receive grace not faith through or by grace
Neil “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”
Ephesians 2:8 faith itself is a gift (which is by definition, grace )
@@mailchrisbailey No ,you need faith to receive grace the gift
Neil you’re disagreeing with the verse. it literally says that even your faith is a gift does it not?
@@mailchrisbailey No.,read it again Romans 10,17Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
@@mailchrisbailey Romans 3 . 22And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction,
If man has no natural desire for (the true) God what to make of the anthropological finding that religiosity is pretty much universal? Is there a natural desire for idolatry (I definitely get that impression of the OT Jews) or Eastern religions or today’s secular ideologies?
I learned a lot from RC..
As I listened I am both enlightened at some but also confused at some of what he said..
Can we say that God draws us to Jesus but it is still our choice to reject or receive Him?
Like I was invited to come to a birthday party and then I left because I didn't like the food.. I was present but didn't joined the whole celebration.
Thanks for the reply. God bless
Saul of Tarsus was on a mission to arrest Christians in the city of Damascus. On his way Jesus struck him down with a light brighter than the sun, then He blinded him and then He commanded him to go to Straight Street. Jesus didn't first ask Saul for his permission to blind him or strike him down, He just did it because He knew exactly what Saul was going to do. It's called predestination.
If God draws you, He isn't wanting your permission to save you, He is commanding you to repent and receive Christ. Just do it!
9:55 ... Chalk drop!
And never missed a step or stammered a word, great teacher.
Daniel, please apply. Local p.d
F.b.i. d.e.a. and all other... observation is critical.
The 'will of the flesh' and 'carnal mind' will not 'come to' Christ; indeed it 'cannot', because it is 'sold under sin', that is, taken captive by the devil 'at his will' (2Tim.2:26). But the gospel of Christ enables one, being the Word of life, and Word of faith, by the Promise of God, to 'come to Christ' when the Father wills it, as the Promise generates faith in one's heart, and regenerates life in one's soul. Thus, apostle Paul was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it gives life and faith to as many as God calls according to His purpose, to as many as are 'ordained to eternal life' shall believe on Him! Paul is proclaiming (in Rom.1:16) that 'the gospel of Christ' really and truly 'IS the power of God, unto salvation, to every one believing' the Promise of God, that is, the Person of Christ, through 'faith in His blood' atonement! How glorious is the Truth of the Gospel!
Michael Stanley I couldn’t help but notice that you deceptively misquoted Paul and said that “the will of the flesh and the carnal mind cannot come to Christ; indeed it cannot.”
That’s NOT what the scriptures say.
It does NOT say the word “come to Christ” it says “SUBMIT” to Christ.
BIG DIFFERENCE.
Can I ask why you freely chose to misquote this verse?
Are you trying to deceive the minds of the simple?
Just for the record for others who are reading this... this is what the verse actually says:
ROMANS 8:7
7 For the mind that is SET ON THE FLESH is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.
**This passage is crystal clear it’s speaking ONLY to the mind that is set on the FLESH.
BUT if our minds are set on SEEKing the Lord then we we’re NOT hostile to God.
This passage absolutely does NOT say what reformers want it to say.
They want it to say that no one can set their minds on the things of the spirit, but that’s NOT what the passage says at all.
A man who’s mind is set on the flesh simply cannot SUBMIT to God’s laws.
It’s a quantum leap to then make the false assumption that man also therefore cannot ADMIT this inability to submit to God in faith and ask Him to give them a new heart so that they then CAN submit to God by walking in the Spirit.
Believing in faith doesn’t mean submitting to God it means you’re admitting to Him that you CAN’T submit and that you need His hemp and His mercy so that you CAN.
Even a born again Christian can’t submit to God’s laws unless He surrenders and dies to self daily and ALLOWS the Holy Spirit to lead him and guide him.
**It’s still possible to acknowledge this and repent.
The fall of Adam did not take away the knowledge of good and evil, but it actually did the opposite and OPENED Adam’s eyes and gave him the knowledge of good and evil.
Once you repent and turn to Christ then you CAN submit.
If you continue in your sin then of course you can’t submit.
You need to turn and repent at which point YOU CAN SUBMIT.
@@apilkey
'the will of the flesh' is from Jn.1:13, which shows that regeneration is only 'of God'. Men's 'flesh mind' is from Adam, who did his own will while knowing God's will. Thanks for pointing out that most people need scripture references included.
Also, Matt.11:28, Jn.6:65, Acts 17:27, etc indicate that God 'hath determined' that humble hearts would indeed 'find Him', as it is to those He gives grace (1Pet.5:5, Ps.149:4). Thanks!
It's Jesus Who points out our inability to please God, until He authors faith in our hearts. Jesus says, 'Without Me ye(plural) can do nothing'. John writes that every thing is a gift 'from Heaven' (Jn.3:27). Every breath we take is a gift of life (temporal), and receiving/taking Christ as our 'Lord and Christ' is also 'given unto (us) of the Father' (Jn.6:65). 'given' and 'granted' are the same Greek word (#1325 in Strong's)
Michael Stanley thanks for pointing out that regeneration is only of God.
That’s a given we all know that and no one is debating that.
Man doesn’t regenerate himself.
Man is regenerated by God AFTER he freely believes.
Seems like you’re conflating faith and believing with being regenerated.
When Jesus states without me you can do nothing He wasn’t referring at all ru freely accepting His free gift of salvation.
Again context and meaning.
You can quote scripture all day long but do you understand it?
Do you know who and why God have certain people to the Son during His earthly ministry?
Do you have any idea of what was happening in the book of John and especially in chapter 5.
Read the book of John starting in chapter 1 and you won’t stumble by the time you get to chapter 6.
It’s all very clear and makes perfect sense.
Also refer to the end of the book of John where the author himself tells you his purpose for writing.
Will you listen to John or will you attempt to come up with your own purpose?
************************************
We must meditate on one of the VERY FIRST STATEMENTS in the beginning of the book of John:
JOHN 1:9
9 That was the true Light, WHICH LIGHTETH EVERY MAN THAT COMETH INTO THE WORLD.
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We also must meditate on Jesus’ analogy in John 3:14-18:
JOHN 3:14-18
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.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the WORLD THROUGH HIM MIGHT BE SAVED.
18 HE THAT BELIEVETH on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
**Why is Jesus Christ’s analogy of salvation discarded by reformed theology?
Should we not listen to what the Saviour Himself says about salvation?
This verse should be held in much higher regard than we do.
************************************
We also must meditate on Jesus’ statement in John 5:34:
JOHN 5:34
34 But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, THAT YE MIGHT BE SAVED.
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And finally we must meditate on JOHN’S CONCLUSION and summary at the end of John:
JOHN 20:31
31 BUT THESE ARE WRITTEN, THAT YE MIGHT BELIEVE that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; AND THAT BELIEVING YE MIGHT HAVE LIFE THROUGH HIS NAME.
************************************
We must also meditate on JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF’s SUMMARY in John 12:44-48:
JOHN 12:44-48
44 Jesus cried and said, HE THAT BELIEVETH ON ME, BELIEVETH not on me, but ON HIM THAT SENT ME.
45 And he that seeth me SEETH HIM THAT SENT ME.
46 I am come a light into the world, that WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH ON ME SHOULD NOT ABIDE IN DARKNESS.
**(John **3:19**-21)**
47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, BUT TO SAVE THE WORLD.
48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
Michael Stanley You must read John 5 to get a good understanding of what’s happening in John 6.
You also must ask yourself was God only hiding things from certain groups of people during His EARTHLY ministry in order to accomplish something SPECIFIC (namely going to the cross).
The simple fact that Jesus had to speak in parables and hide truths from people proves that they were in fact able to respond or else their would be no need to blind them.
Why would you need to put a blindfold on a corpse who was already dead if it was impossible for them to respond to the truth anyways?
Jesus knew that they would come to the light because that’s how compelling, persuasive and convincing He was.
He chose to blind and harden only people that were already set against Him because if He didn’t then there was a possibility of them not crucifying Him.
...It’s because they WERE capable of seeing the truth.
That is precisely why Jesus had to hide these things and speak in parables or else they would’ve believed and never crucified him:
1 CORINTHIANS 2:8
8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would NOT have crucified the Lord of glory.
**********************************
It’s ALWAYS judicial hardening in an act of judgment against those who are ALREADY freely rejecting Him.
God has every right to use such people to accomplish His will.
This doesn’t mean He creates specific people just for that very cause with no hope of salvation whatsoever.
He raises them up for His very purposes only AFTER they’ve freely rejected Him.
And this also dues not mean the hardening is ever permanent.
There’s ALWAYS hope for salvation IF we humble ourselves and cry out to God for mercy.
The only time it ever to late is when we’re in the grave.
...According to 2 Corinthians 3:14-16 is the veil taken away first so they can then turn to the Lord, or do they have to turn to the Lord FIRST before the veil is taken away?
2 CORINTHIANS 3:14-16
14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.
16 Nevertheless WHEN IT SHALL TURN TO THE LORD, the vail shall be taken away.
**********************************
We must seek the honor that comes from God and not from men.
That’s why the scribes and Pharisees weren’t given by the Father to the Son because they sought their own honor:
JOHN 5:44
44 HOW CAN YE BELIEVE, which receive honour one of another, and SEEK NOT THE HONOUR THAT COMETH FROM GOD ONLY?
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If the scribes and Pharisees truly sought the Lord by faith then they would recognize the Son and the Father would give them to the Son like He did with Cornelius.
JOHN 5:36-47
36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, THE SAME WORKS THAT I DO, BEAR WITNESS OF ME, THAT THE FATHER HATH SENT ME.
37 And the Father himself, which hath sent me, HATH BORNE WITNESS OF ME. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.
38 And YE HAVE NOT HIS WORD ABIDING IN YOU: FOR WHOM HE HATH SENT, HIM YE BELIEVE NOT.
39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
40 And YE WILL NOT COME TO ME, THAT YE MIGHT HAVE LIFE.
41 I receive not honour from men.
42 But I know you, that YE HAVE NOT THE LOVE OF GOD IN YOU.
43 I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
44 HOW CAN YE BELIEVE, which receive honour one of another, and SEEK NOT THE HONOUR THAT COMETH FROM GOD ONLY?
45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.
46 For HAD YE BELIEVED MOSES, YE WOULD HAVE BELIEVED ME; for he wrote of me.
47 But IF YE BELIEVE NOT HIS WRITINGS, HOW SHALL YE BELIEVE MY WORDS?
@@apilkey
Being neither a calvinist or arminian I need not debate with any one. Some believe faith and regeneration happen together, such as myself.
You continue to miss my points, looking for what I don't know.
John ch.5 begins on a sabbath/feast day. Jesus' opposers were seeking their own interests, not God's. Jesus, being equal with God, was refuting their idea of observing the sabbath. The seventh day will always be blessed, and sanctified by God. Jesus pointed out that, unless they were honoring him as well as the Father, they were not honoring God as they presumed.
Jesus founded an 'overcoming faith', not a 'sinning faith' as many suppose. 'Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee' still goes (Jn.5:14). Apostle Paul makes it black and white as well, saying, 'whatsoever is not of faith is sin'. Jesus calls sinners to repentance and faith (Mk.1:15). And, it's true, men are called by the gospel (2Thes.2:14).
If you had looked up the verses I cited, you would have replied differently, which is 'how and why' you missed all I said. Read my comments again, doing that, and maybe you will see my meaning. Thanks
Isn't semi-Pelagism a description of the "free will" gospel? If so, then it seems most preachers believe this.
Unless God....❤
John 16.8 When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment:
this is the Holy Spirit....
Indeed there is not biblical proof that man are spiritually blind ,deaf, and mute at least not until they willingly harden their conscience, for God says all day I have been calling but you didn't answer.
Freedom doesn’t mean “doing what one wants” if those wants are determined by an external factor. Thus, R.C.’s concept of freedom isn’t really freedom.
If you are not the first mover of your choices, you are not free, and you can not be blamed for what you do.
I believe the external factor is God. He is the ultimate source of pure light, which we do not possess. We broke away from this at the fall. I get where your struggle is with this position. We are enslaved to sin. As the apostle shared his struggles of doing the things he didn’t want to do, and how came to the conclusion that he is a wretched man. There is one of many examples of our complete inability to find God our Saviour. My free will is hemmed in and pressured by sin on every side.
Read Romans 9 again.
So if someone is not the elect how could not wanting to believe in your creator or being with him forever not encompass utter depravity?
If I can't come to Christ without the prompting of God, does that mean that I can't reject Christ without the prompting of God also?
You've already rejected Him strawman fool
Duhh
@@iacoponefurio1915 call no man a fool. You risk hell fire
@nelsonbyrd3512, If one does not accept Christ, they have not been called by God/have not had their eyes opened. I hope this helps!
I wonder if the work, of the Holy Spirit is to quicken ones heart......
I would say yes
AMEN!!!
Ahmen
It is no coincidence that very little scripture is used to support reformed theology. “Total depravity” nor the other 4 points that make up TULUP are biblically supported when considering the context.
“whosoever” means whoever. Salvation is available to all.
Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
“whosoever” means whoever. Salvation is available to all.
Matthew 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
“whosoever” means whoever. Salvation is available to all.
Acts 2:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
“whosoever” means whoever. Salvation is available to all.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
“all men” means, all of mankind. Salvation is available to all.
1 Timothy 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
“all men” means, all of mankind. Salvation is available to all.
John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
“if thou” means, if you. If anyone does these things, they will be saved.
Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Salvation is the gift of eternal life that is available to all mankind. (It’s a free gift; not of works.) We provide the faith (or belief) in Jesus Christ and we accept that free gift.
If you were correct, everyone may freely sin; since all mankind will be saved. There is no need for repentance in that case. Eat, drink, and be merry; for in the end, all mankind will be saved.
@@schaeffercox3158 Again, you use no Bible to support your false doctrine. The Bible commands us not to sin, but our salvation is not dependent on it. Romans 6:15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. - And we will all will all face the consequences of our actions of the flesh: 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
" No man can come unless the father draws him " this is before the cross . Afterwards Jesus says He will draw all men . In either case men can come and we have to ask how are they drawn ? I'd argue after the cross everyone has sufficient light to believe .
No man can come to God on his own . He can however believe the Gospel when it hits his ears .
MrBazinthenow amen brother these people are truly deceived.
If a man has the ability to do good and still chooses to do wrong he is far more depraved than a man who CAN’T do good.
Mankind is without excuse precisely because we all have been offered this free gift of salvation and we all have the freedom to either accept it or reject it.
The greatest excuse that anyone could ever have when standing before God on Judgement Day would be be that, “well Lord you didn’t choose me...”
Reformed theology gives mankind the greatest excuse and so must be rejected.
Dead is NEVER SHOWN in the scriptures to mean MORAL INABILITY to respond to God’s truth.
Dead means SPIRITUALLY SEPARATED from the presence of God due to sin and the only way to get into His presence is through Christ.
**If we were actually dead as reformers portray then we wouldn’t even be able to sin!**
When speaking metaphorically of deadness it’s never described as a morally incapacitated condition from birth due to the Fall, but instead as a condition of being separated from God by our own rebellion.
Scripture supports a totally depraved man that is spiritually separated from God and obviously unable to save Himself.
This does NOT mean man is totally incapable of responding to Him.
Dead does not relate to your “ability” but to your RELATIONSHIP.
Aaron Pilkey
Taking notes. Aaron, how does Genesis 6: 5 figure into human ability? Does Romans 1 support Sproul’s argument? I do realize you can’t give me your insight in this space but can you point me into other resources? Thank you..
Joyce Noble Hi Joyce,
Genesis 6:5
5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
This verse says nothing about an inability to respond to God.
Every proof text reformers use speak of total depravity and not total inability.
There’s a massive difference between being totally depraved and unable to save oneself, and being able to admit that.
That’s where reformers get it wrong.
Man is totally evil.
Can he still admit that and accept a free gift of salvation?
We are slaves to sin.
Can a slave still admit he’s a slave?
No one seeks God in their own.
We’re not on our own.
God sought us by sending His Son, His Holy Spirit, His Word, speaking time is through creation etc.
If read the very next verse why would God be lamenting over something He predestined anyways?
Is He lamenting causing the evil in these people’s hearts?
Because that’s what reformers believe is that God decreed the very evil He’s lamenting.
Genesis 6:6
6 And it REPENTED the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it GRIEVED HIM AT HIS HEART.
7 And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it REPENTETH ME that I have made them.
These verses don’t say it grieved the Lord that He had CAUSED this evil.
And what of the next verse?
What of Noah?
Was Noah included in the group of people God referenced in verse 5 that were evil continually?
Of course not.
So right there we know it’s not a complete blanket statement for every individual.
Genesis 6:8
8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.
9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a JUST MAN and PERFECT in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
There are numerous people in the bible declared as just, perfect, righteous, noble etc.
The question we need to ask ourselves when scripture says none are righteous and no one seeks God is what exactly is the author trying to convey?
I know you didn’t reference Romans 3:10,11 but it’s another famous “proof-text” that again doesn’t prove total inability only total depravity.
Noah is talked about in the very next chapter as being righteous so obviously Paul isn’t lying or contradicting himself.
It’s a contrast between righteousness by FAITH and no one is righteous according to the LAW.
Paul is quoting Psalm 14 which is poetry and hyperbole so we must also take that into account.
An Ethiopian can’t change the colour of his skin but he can still admit that to the One who can.
If we are really as dead as reformers claim then we wouldn’t even be able to sin.
This kind of makes me think about those people who do not have a discernment for the word. Like I know some people who claim to be Christian live the Christian Life they know the scripture read the Bible but they really don't understand what is written in there and they can't discern the word. Are those people false conversions are they trying to find God but they're not able to truly to give themselves to Christ. Are those people who believe in really weird doctrines like Mormons Jehovah Witnesses, the ultra charismatic I'm so on. Somebody from ligonier can help me with this I would greatly appreciate it
Ezekiel 18
Wow
Paul said in his flesh dwelt no good thing. Yet in his mind he wanted to serve the Lord. The context is his life under the Mosaic Law (see logical flow of Romans 7). So man is not totally depraved. He just is drawn to sin and the Law makes it worse.
Well said. I have been studying Romans long now and that's the conclusion I got
Kind of, yes. Here’s how I understand it: before we are born again, we are born of the flesh. This means that we have sin nature; to sin is our nature. To do good is not our nature. To seek and obey God-the True God-is against our nature (because Adam and Eve, in pride, rejected God). However, God can open our eyes-only He can-and cause us to be born again in Christ; we are dead to sin but alive in Christ. At this point, a war starts within us between our flesh and our spirit, a war that is caused by a new nature we take on in Christ. Only by His Grace can we have this nature, and only by His love can we love Him and know Him-and therefore choose Him. I hope this helps!
@@valaere891 But Paul is describing himself as one under the Law, right? Isn't that the context? Under the Law, he wanted to do good, but there was another force in his body fighting to do evil. That was why he was so miserable, right? And if he was writing as a Christian, then the law of the spirit of life in Christ had NOT set him free from the law of sin and death. True? Just look how many times he refers to the law of God in the context, including all of Ch. 7. Amen?
@@Mike65809 I don’t think we’re quite on the same page here, haha. Okay, let’s read this passage, and explain it to me to the best of your ability. Hopefully, that will help us find common ground.
Romans 7:4-6 “Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God. For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.
@@Mike65809 Ah. I was wondering why you hadn’t replied yet, and it seems UA-cam deleted my comment. Let me try this again, sorry:
I’m not entirely sure that we’re on the same page. Since you pointed to Romans 7, let’s look at that, starting in verses 4-6 (I’m using ESV). Once you’re done, it would be great if you could tell me how you understood that text so we can make sure we’re understanding each other :)
St. Augustine never mentioned the words unilaterally nor monergistically! God would never change a person by force, the person
would have to assent to change! It is true that God makes the first initiative but at no time is the person obligated to assent! Another thing is that at all times the person is capable of either assenting, resisting, or rejecting God's Grace! This is what is known as the Free Will of Choice, which is a God given Gift!
Your "Free Will of Choice" is not Biblical. We know from Romans 8 that all whom God "calls", he "justifies". We know from John 6 that "all" that the Father "gives" to Christ come to him. The call of God is effectual. It is irresistible. If the Lord calls you, you will come, guaranteed. And you will come willingly.
Izaak De Jager sure its Biblical, didn't Lucifer freely choose to reject God and didn't Adam and Eve freely choose to reject God out of their own free will?
I agree with Romans 8 and John 6 they don't conflict with the individuals "Free Will of Choice". The question is how much Grace is God dispensing when he calls us. He certainly isn't coercing us, that definitely wouldn't make sense and it would contradict most of the Bible, it would make God into someone who is forcing us. He certainly could force us if He so Wills it, but that is the exception and not the rule.
The question is whether or not we are in a state similar to that of Lucifer or Adam. I do not believe that we are, and the major church confessions (Westminster, Heidelberg, etc) would agree. Those confessions (which are obviously built upon the careful interpretation of Scripture), would say that we are completely in bondage to sin, and that we contribute in no way, shape, or form to our justification. It is a unilateral act of God.
In Romans 8 there is an unbroken chain of redemption. Those God predestined he called. Those God called, he justified. Those whom he justified, he glorified. It is impossible to be predestined and not be called, and it is impossible to be called and not be justified.
That is why Jesus said in John 6:37-40 that ALL that the Father has GIVEN to him will come to him, and THOSE who come to him, he will not cast out. The "those" refers to the ones that the Father has given to the Son to redeem. Verse 39 further backs up this point, where Jesus says that he will lose none of those whom the Father has given him.
This is a hard doctrine and most people struggle with it. It also will not make much sense until you realize that if it were up to humanity, no one would ever be saved. Until we are born again by the Holy Spirit, we cannot and will not "will" one inch toward God. (see 1 Corinthians 2:14)
Izaak De Jager the only difference is the Fall, Adam and his human descendants are Fallen, but we (humans and angels) are still created creatures in GOD's Image and Likeness and capable of Freely Choosing without being forced or coerced as the Bible clearly demonstrates during the times of human temptation.
By the way you cannot say that Reformed Confessions are major Confessions of the Church when they in fact only represent a very small minority of Christians world wide. Also, most Christians do not agree with these Confessions and Catechisms. If you mention any such thing as being a major Confession, Creed or Catechism then it would have to be accepted by the major Ecumenical Councils which are representative of most mainstream Christendom!
You said: "That is why Jesus said in John 6:37-40 that ALL that the Father has GIVEN to him will come to him, and THOSE who come to him, he will not cast out. The "those" refers to the ones that the Father has given to the Son to redeem. Verse 39 further backs up this point, where Jesus says that he will lose none of those whom the Father has given him.
Answer: The above Gospel passage is very true, keep in mind that this is from the perspective of the second person of the Triune God, not from a human perspective. Since from a human perspective there is no way of knowing who the elect are for sure.
God's Sovereignty does not need our permission.
Gen. 20:6; Prov. 21:1; 16:9; Exodus 3:21-22; 12:35-36; 34:23-24; Deut. 2:30; Joshua 11:20; Judges 7:2-3,22; 1 Sam. 14:6,15,20; 2 Sam. 17:14; 1 Kings 12:15; 20:28-29; 2 Chron. 13:14-16; Ezra 1:1,5; 6:22; 7:27; Isa. 45:4-5; Acts 4:27-28; 2 Cor. 8:16-17; Rev. 17:17.
As it is also written in (Romans 9:15-21, ESV) 15 For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." 16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. 17 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." 18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. 19 You will say to me then, "Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?" 20 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?" 21 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?
it looks, via all of these teachings, that we have a very poor translation, of the most important document, in the world.....or that it is impossible to convey anyones thoughts......or teachings...
Looks fine to me. 🤷🏻♂️
09:15.... the 1st indirect reference to the Word of God ... up and until then man's opinions are discussed regarding something only God has any understanding of.... RC and all but few of his students only discovered the true authority of Scripture later in his life.... most will never
, as has been predestined by God.
if one has no ability, how is one judged....
By the free choices that we make....
Romans 9:10-23
💖
The human spirit get saved peferectly sinless through bornagain. Rom 8:9 John 1:12-13 BUT your flesh will only be perfect after death. 1John 3:9. The flesh religion say we take good people and make them better.
but God take bad people and saved them and gave everlasting life.
Your spirit is sinless by bornagain out of God but your flesh wil always be sinful as long as you live on these earth
Awie van staden Romans 8:13, Colossians 3:5 !
@@dandjconsultants8965 Yes your spirit is holy and saved . No sin anymore in the spirit because of bornagain. BUT you need to show God you love Him by living a holy life as far as you can. To make people better is not saving . Or bornagain. Rom 8:9. You can have as much faith as you can but without the Holy Spirit dwelling in you you are lost. Rom 8:9
Awie van staden Very True. A born-again believer will hate sin & live a holy life pleasing to God. Romans 6:12, 1 Peter 1:15&16 !
@KTTGHMTJWYCBLAC spot on! I am seeing many preachers who are preaching a false dichotomy of flesh and spirit. I find this dangerously close to Gnosticism.
Total depravity is totally depraved of reality
@Scribeintheink it’s to suggest that God created something innately debaucherous. Which would be no god at all.
Now if we want to say totally depraved in the sense that we are totally dependent then that’s fine. Can we not choose to love god?
Of course the reformers seem to say god gives grace to those who love him but if you really believed that then why even try
Arminians will say "yes we might be a little depraved but not like the Calvinist's say we are. There is still a "spark of good" in every person's heart and all we need to do is "fan it" and it will grow and we are saved! So lets see what Jesus said is within a man's heart. Matt 15:19 "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies." Gee that wasn't helpful. What did God say about the human heart: Jer 17:9 "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Okay, still no help, but I'm sure the Apostle Paul can come up with some sort of goodness in the human heart. Romans 1:29-32 "Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them."
But of course Arminians will still say God, Jesus and Paul are simply exaggerating EVERYONE KNOWS that humans have sweet, kind, loving, merciful, wonderful hearts that are full of goodness and mercy.
The explanation seems logical but it does not agree with the testimony of scripture. In scripture, God almighty expected fallen man also to believe in Him and not to trust in himself. The idea that faith comes after regeneration is contrary to scripture. Was Rahab born again to have faith? Was the Syrophenecian woman born again to have faith? Even Jesus commented on her faith although He made clear that she was not among the ‘children’’.
We can all agree that without the Father attracting or drawing us we can never come to the Lord Jesus but to imply that he first makes us born again to have faith is not scriptural. Faith is always contrasted with works in Romans but the Reformed have made the mistake of creating an artificial tension between faith vs faith since they somehow consider faith as work.
Every human being is born in sin thats why humans are die
Unfortunately this sounds really nice and biblically logical. However, when you carry this reasoning to its final destination, it leads to atheism or fatalistic apathy.
How ?
When you tell people that they are totally damned to Hell, until God changes their heart, then you're telling biblical truth. However, when you tell people that God does everything for you, even giving you the faith to have in Him, then you are teaching people that there is literally nothing God requires of you to be saved.
The Bible does say that we are immoral and cannot save ourselves, by effort. But God does provide the "gospel", which, when shared, can draw people to repentance , and to responding to His grace with our faith.
We must 'choose' to accept or reject this offer of salvation. Choosing is something that God gives us the ability to do and it is not considered works, it is not some "island of morality" that we have in reserves, and are "exerting",
rather it is humbly acknowledging how deep raised we are, and choosing to put faith in the grace that Jesus Christ paid for on the cross.
Yes, God gives us the ability to have faith. Yet, God does not 'forcibly' impart faith in Himself through us. But, that is literally with RC Sproul is teaching. It is not biblical.
In essence, RC Sproul is changing the scriptures in Ephesians 2:8 and 9 to be interpreted as we are saved by Grace through Grace, not faith.
So, if I truly agreed RC Sproul teaching, then I would ignore the gospel, and instead wait around until God changes my heart, so that I can repent.
While I'm waiting for this Heart Change, I might as well be an athiest. Why, because if there is absolutely nothing I can do, either way, to respond to God, until He does it for me, then I'm free to do any licentious sinful acts that I want to. No matter what I do, I will not be able to change God's mind as to whether or not I've been pre-elected to Salvation or pre-condemned to hell. There's no need to believe in God, since he will force me to believe in Him if He wants to.
This is evil. Evil teaches us that we are slaves and can do nothing to accept or reject our master.
God teaches us that we are slaves, but that he has put enough knowledge in our hearts to be able to seek Him and to find the truth, if we so choose. it is not enough knowledge nor morality to be saved, only enough to come to the Savior, Jesus Christ, Our Lord.
This is a typical straw man attack of the Gospel -- and yes, you are not attacking "calvinism" -- you are attacking the central truths of the Gospel. No one is denying the fact that, from a human perspective, it can oftentimes (but not always -- read in Acts about Paul's conversion) appear to be our efforts to understand the gospel and the nature of Christ that lead to our conversion. However, the Bible tells us about what is happening "behind the scenes", as it were. It tells us that, behind the scenes, God is acting in our hearts, regenerating them to enable us to come to Him. God's sovereign will works with the apparent choices of humankind in a mysterious way. Our choices are incredibly important and can have eternal consequences -- but this does not mean that God does not ordain all things. God is God -- and we are merely creatures.
Total Depravity is a LIE.
What did the LORD God answer Cain? He said "If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him."
Enoch and Elijah knew nothing of the doctrine of Vicarious Atonement but both ascended to God on high never tasting death. No wonder Jews and Eastern Orthodox Christians consider TULIP a blooming heresy! And the latter consider Augustine of Hippo to be flawed and thus never gave him the title of a Saint, let alone Anselm of Canterbury from whence Calvin got his ridiculous doctrine of Total Depravity and Vicarious Atonement that was never taught by any sect of the Christian Church during her first THOUSAND years of history! When Jesus said that no man can come to him unless it is given to him by his Father is not a matter of Total Depravity, but rather one of having been taught correct doctrine.
You are a lie😅😅😅
You disbelieve the bible amd spew brainless self righteous propaganda 🙄
Freedom of choice not freewill.
Only 1 has freewill. Common sense.
My problem with the elect being pre determined to go to God is what of those who aren’t? If the non-elect has no chance of receiving the spirit then why punish them for it? Why not just let the non elect die without eternal torment?
That's the reason why I'm a conditionalist.
The Potter shapes vessels for destruction and vessels for Honor. Who is the clay to question the Potter?
@@LogHewer Thanks paul
@@turkayjohnson5072I would also add: we ALL deserve to go to hell. “The wages of sin is death,” and we are all going to die, therefore we have all sinned/broken God’s law/fallen short of His Grace. However, God mercifully chose to save some of us. He did this by sending His Son to die on the cross for us, that our sin may be given to His Son, and His Son’s righteousness may be given to us, making us righteous and thus deserving of heaven in God’s eyes.
So you see (and hopefully I explained it clearly), all of us deserve Hell by our own merit. However, some of us, by Christ’s merit, receive the gift of eternal life with the LORD God Almighty (we do NOT deserve it).
I hope this helps!
There are MANY words being used🤔but I just DON'T understand how there is so LITTLE scripture, SO MUCH disparaging of Pelagius AND praising of Augustine. PHEW! It's all rather puzzling, really 🤨 @7:25 this "perspective" was rediscovered in the 16th century, but NOT examined as to how Augustine arrived at it? No concern about all the concerns about him and his 9 years as a Manicean (sp?) Gnostic? Seems odd to put so much emphasis on a man that so many others in the 5th century had issues with...
“Seems odd to put so much emphasis on a man that so many others in the 5th century had issues with…” If I were a skeptic, I would say to you: “Seems odd to believe in a man called Jesus that so many believe doesn’t exist and openly reject…” Please rethink your reasoning. I think you could come up with a better critique of this video to help you learn more :)
He’s not talking necessarily about scripture. Did you read the title? He’s covering the points of Calvinism. Not teaching scripture
Because Almighty God is Sovereign, He allows us to choose Him or reject Him. Calvinism divides people, it confuses people and it pushes people away from God. It doesn't matter if a believer thinks they had a choice in their Salvation or not, it matters that they believe. Calvinism is arrogant and heretical and in absolutely unnecessary.
Romans 8 and 9, Ephesians 1, and a host of other passages disagree with you.
@@countrysidefilms3860 nope. Calvinism is an arrogant, heretical doctrine that makes God the author of evil and takes away all accountability of man for his sin. Wrong, wrong, wrong. Good day.
@@Qui_Gon_Jinn_76 You want to have a friendly conversation about it over the phone sometime?
@@countrysidefilms3860 nothing to discuss my friend. God bless.
@@Qui_Gon_Jinn_76 There's quite a bit to discuss. Many, many fine teachers and Godly men would completely disagree with you. There is, at the very least, room for discussion. ;)
More false doctrine. John 1:11ff
Hello! Continue reading until verse 13: “born of God.” I believe this refers to being born again, which can only happen if God opens one’s eyes. Before this happens, one cannot understand God or His Will. I hope this helps!
@@valaere891 Thats NOT what that means because one "born of God" CANT sin, which of course WE still sin. Read every conversion in the book of ACTS, save Cornelius, One is directed to "SAVE YOURSELF..." Read acts 2:29-42. This makes it clear,
Total depravity aptly describes Calvinist doctrine.
@Phlebas Hee hee. I've done a bit of spontaneous ( and also more detailed) reacting to Calvinists on YT over the years. I like to observe the different presentations of the warped theology, and don't always react, but some times I just must remark! I rejected Calvinism's distinctive doctrines years ago and have had discussions with friends of that persuasion. I often give myself the challenge of formulating answers to them. I believe that God makes all people that they might seek after Him (Acts 17. 26-27), that means that He gives them an ability to seek Him, and is part of their being made in His image. Those who seek find, and some who don't seek have God come seeking them despite that. That does not mean that we can enter into intimate fellowship with God, and so attain perfection, just by willing it. We have to receive God's gift of grace to do that. He makes that grace available to all, and it's our responsibility to choose whether to receive it and cooperate with it so as to attain eternal life. I always give succinct answers, don't I ?
@Phlebas My main issue with it is its assertion that God causes some human beings to come into existence without having any possibility of attaining eternal happiness, ie. of being saved from the fallen condition inherited from Adam. I find it to be a misrepresentation of the character of God, and not true to the Bible, which is full of exhortations to all to seek God and turn to Him, as the Lord Jesus died for all mankind. They argue that all people are incapable of turning to God and it's just that God forces some to do so, yet they say that God punishes people for not turning to Him, for not doing what they are incapable of doing. I have some readings on my channel from the theologian Johann Adam Moehler discussing the Lutheran and Calvinist views of fall, sin, and predestination, compared to the sounder Catholic view which I, as an Anglo Catholic hold. Essentially, God makes each person capable of choosing whether to cooperate with God's grace for salvation. Lutherans and Calvinists tend to deny any human ability to cooperate as if that detracted from God's initiative in salvation, but He has taken the initiative in giving the ability to cooperate.
@Phlebas I think that there are misconceptions regarding God's foreknowledge. I do not think Scripture teaches that each person's choices are all known before they come into existence, That's because God has decreed that each should have the ability to choose. Scripture teaches that God observes people's thoughts and inclinations during their lives to know what's in their hearts to do. It is not all known before that.
The man is an intellectual that he can think of a way to explain total depravity as if absolutely true; and the fall of man has no other meaning but it. When Adam and Eve transgresses the law of God. It does not mean that the succeeding humans descending from Adam and Eve carries with them the sin of their parents. The bible said that the sin of the parents can not be imputed on their children. The fall of man, Adam and Eve, into sin does not befall their descents. Man was essentially made to be good as he is the image and likeness of God who is good. But no one is good except the Father. this could mean that the Father God is the absolute good. Human experience will tell us that while no man is absolutely good, he is not totally deprave because he has goodness in him being God's creation. The human will was already inherent in man when God created them.Why ? Because it was evident in Eve when she decided to take the forbidden fruit being offered by satan as she tempted Eve. Eve knows that the fruit is forbidden by God to be eaten by them but the tempting offer of satan was stronger and they, Eve and Adam, chose to eat the fruit than to abstain from it. That is evidently free will.
so where does our sin nature come from...
If we were born good, how can Jesus’ statement “No one is good but the Father” be true? Additionally, how is it that, if we are good, we are naturally inclined to sin not to do good? For example: a child naturally sins. However, they must be taught to do good.
Our sinful nature is our own doing because of our will. You are given will to choose between good and bad yet you chose bad for your own reason and desire. Your obedience to God is free will yet we chose another. You pay for your immoral action which you did on your own free will not by force, otherwise you committed no sin.
@@diosdadoapias My friend, we are not sinners because we sin; we sin because we are sinners. Because of Adam and Eve, we all became slaves to sin; in other words, sin is our master whom we obey. To do good is against our nature-possible, because of our God-given conscience, but not natural (think about how easy it is to sin compared to how hard it is to do good, like loving one’s enemy). However, when Christ bought us for a ransom, we became slaves to Christ and took on a new nature. As a result, our spirit, given by Jesus, now makes war with our flesh (Paul talks about this), and by God’s grace, we can resist temptation and choose good.
No men can come to me unless the Father ……it does not hinder our freedom to choose🙏🙏🙏however, you are free to choose, but without the unconditional election by God, you are just not have the ability to choose God 🙂🙂just like cockroaches 🪳 will never ever to choose to remain under the light, it is against its inclination unless it is a dead one😂😂😂