Reformed Doctrine

Introduction

William J. Hornbeck, II — 24 Apr 2008 02:00:00 GMT

In recent years, we have witnessed the explosion in growth of nondenominational churches under such labels as community churches, fellowships, and mega-churches. Although some of these churches are excellent, some of these churches are not only rejecting denominational standards, they are also rejecting or ignoring well-established doctrinal standards as well. Some of these churches primarily market themselves to seekers who want to feel good without truth or doctrinal restraints. Even though doctrine is simply defined as "teachings", some of these nondenominational churches, and even some denominational churches, portray doctrine as unnecessary, divisive, or worse.

However, doctrine cannot be avoided unless a preacher or teacher just quotes Scripture without making any summary or other comment. We need to determine how important is truth. We need to determine how important is sound doctrine. We need to determine which doctrine of salvation is best supported by Scripture. We need to determine how important it is to believe and teach the true doctrine of salvation.

Although I grew up in the Christian Reformed church with my family having deep Reformed roots, I moved to an area of the country which had few Reformed churches. For almost 20 years, I attended, was a member, and even a lay leader in a wide-range of churches from Assembly of God to Calvary Chapel to Baptist to a very large United Methodist church to a small nondenominational "fellowship" to "community" churches. Some of these churches did not label their doctrine as Arminian. I was disturbed by some of the sermons, but I could not pinpoint what was wrong. Often, I thought the problem was just the particular minister. Eventually, a friend asked me if I remembered "TULIP", the acronym for the Five Points of Calvinism which is the most important part of Reformed Doctrine. I began to study the differences between Calvinism and Arminianism. I then understood that it was Arminian doctrine presented in some of these churches. I realized Calvinism�s importance, not only for how it made me appreciate God�s grace more, but for how Calvinism is the true doctrine of salvation.

TULIP

24 Apr 2008 02:30:00 GMT

T.U.L.I.P. - 5 Points of Calvinism

TOTAL DEPRAVITY OR TOTAL INABILITY

24 Apr 2008 03:00:00 GMT

The First of the Five Points of Calvinism: The "T" in T-U-L-I-P

"When Calvinists speak of man as totally depraved, they mean that man's nature is corrupt, perverse, and sinful throughout. The adjective "total" does not mean that each sinner is as totally or completely corrupt in his actions and thoughts as it is possible for him to be. Instead, the word "total" is used to indicate that the "whole" of man's being has been affected by sin. The corruption extends to every part of man, his body and soul; sin has affected all (the totality) of man's faculties - his mind, his will, etc."

UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION

24 Apr 2008 03:30:00 GMT

The Second of the Five Points of Calvinism: The “U� in T-U-L-I-P

Romans 9: 10-21:
“10 And not only this, but there was Rebekah also, when she had conceived twins by one man, our father Isaac;
11 for though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that God's purpose according to His choice would stand, not because of works but because of Him who calls,
12 it was said to her, "THE OLDER WILL SERVE THE YOUNGER."
13 Just as it is written, "JACOB I LOVED, BUT ESAU I HATED."
14 What shall we say then? There is no injustice with God, is there? May it never be!
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 does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.
17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "FOR THIS VERY PURPOSE I RAISED YOU UP, TO DEMONSTRATE MY POWER IN YOU, AND THAT MY NAME MIGHT BE PROCLAIMED THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE EARTH."
18 So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires.
19 You will say to me then, "Why does He still find fault? For who resists His will?"
20 On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, "Why did you make me like this," will it?
21 Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use?�

LIMITED ATONEMENT

24 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The Third of the Five Points of Calvinism: The “L� in T-U-L-I-P

"Limited" may first strike you as improperly weak or incomplete. However, both Arminians and Calvinists agree that not all men will be saved as the result of Christ's redeeming work or atonement.

IRRESISTABLE GRACE

William J. Hornbeck, II — 24 Apr 2008 04:30:00 GMT

The Fourth of the Five Points of Calvinism: The “I� in T-U-L-I-P�

Irresistable Grace. Here are three different ways in Scripture to describe it:
1. “Made Alive�
2. “Born Again�
3. “Draws�

PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS

24 Apr 2008 04:59:59 GMT

The Fifth of the Five Points of Calvinism: The “P� in T-U-L-I-P�

Perseverance of the Saints - the "P" in "T U L I P".
This fifth point of Calvinism is historically known as "Perseverance of the Saints" in the sense that the Saints will persevere and get to heaven.
"Once saved; always saved" or "Eternal Security" are other descriptions.