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Was Jesus a Legalist? What the Bible Actually Teaches

Jesus

SERIES: DO YOU REALLY KNOW JESUS?

At the time this article was written, the #1 result for the words “Jesus” and “legalist” on the internet is an article titled, “Why Jesus Hates Legalism.” The author calls legalism a sin and tells us that “Jesus had more conflicts with the legalists of His day than any other group.”1 In fact, the writer tells us that Jesus deliberately provoked the legalists by not following their hand-washing customs and by healing people on the Sabbath. Obviously, the writer of the article in question, like many others, identifies the Pharisees as legalists.

That Voice You Hear – It’s Not Jesus

Jesus

SERIES: DO YOU REALLY KNOW JESUS?

From time to time, I’ve had conversations with folks who insist that Jesus speaks directly to them. Some borrow language from an encounter Elijah had with God in 1 Kings 19:12 (“a still small voice”). One described the Lord’s voice as being loud and authoritative. Another said that she hears multiple voices, and must discern which of them is God speaking to her.

Jesus is NOT just about love

Jesus

SERIES: DO YOU REALLY KNOW JESUS?

In 1980, The Commodores released their 11th album, “Heroes.” The final track was a song written by Lionel Richie entitled, “Jesus Is Love.” Some warned Richie that the song would ruin his career. Anyone familiar with 80s pop music know how his career turned out.

The “My Jesus” Mentality: When Faith Becomes Self-Made

Jesus

SERIES: DO YOU REALLY KNOW JESUS?

According to The World Factbook1, one third of the world’s population (2.4 billion people) identify themselves as Christian. This includes everyone from those who are Christian in name only to those who might be viewed by others as fanatical. For the former, the idea of knowing Jesus may be far fetched—how can you really get to know a man who lived almost 2,000 years ago? However, for many in Christendom, getting to know Jesus better is a daily pursuit.

Revealing The True Identity Of The Antichrist

Antichrist
via Gerd Altmann | Pixabay.com

There’s no shortage of teaching about the antichrist in religious circles, though the validity of what is taught is certainly questionable. Antichrist theories come and go with major world events or leaders. Many are looking for “a great antagonist expected to fill the world with wickedness but to be conquered forever by Christ at his second coming.”1 Suggestions in the recent past have included Pope Benedict XVI, Mikhail Gorbachev, Ronald Reagan, and Saddam Hussein, among others. In fact, a 2011 survey by Public Policy Polling found that 13% of Americans believe President Obama is the antichrist, and another 13% are unsure.2 

TULIP: Exposing the Falsehood of Perseverance of the Saints

– PLUCKING THE PETALS OF JOHN CALVIN’S TULIP –

TULIP Calvinism

In their book The Five Points of Calvinism, Steele & Thomas capably state the Calvinist belief of the perseverance of thhe saints. They have written:

The doctrine of perseverance of the saints does not maintain that all who profess the Christian faith are certain of heaven. It is saints—those who are set apart by the Spirit—who persevere to the end. …Many who profess to believe fall away, but they do not fall from grace for they were never in grace. True believers do fall into temptations, and they do commit grievous sins, but these sins do not cause them to lose their salvation or separate them from Christ.

TULIP: What Is the Perseverance of the Saints?

– PLUCKING THE PETALS OF JOHN CALVIN’S TULIP –

TULIP Calvinism

Calvinism is a neat package that flows from one doctrine to the next. If we are born depraved (T), then it makes sense that we are powerless to come to God and must be selected by Him (U). And if He selects those who are saved, it makes sense that Jesus died for them and not those whwo God rejected (L). If God has chosen an individual, it makes sense that they would not be able to reject His choice (I). And, if God has chosen that one and showered His grace upon them, then surely there is nothing that can thwart God’s decision (P). Indeed, it is a solid argument, from start to finish. The only problem, not a shred of it is from the Bible.

TULIP: Exposing the Falsehood of Irresistible Grace

– PLUCKING THE PETALS OF JOHN CALVIN’S TULIP –

TULIP Calvinism

Does the Bible teach irresistible grace? Supporters of Calvinism believe it does. Today we’ll look at their “proof texts.”

PSALM 65:4
Blessed is the man You choose, and cause to approach You, that he may dwell in Your courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, of Your holy temple.

I’m sure Calvinists who use this believe they have found a slam dunk verse for their cause. How more plain could it be? The problem is they’ve pulled it out of context. In this Psalm, David is extolling those who serve at the temple (priests), not the doctrine of irresistible grace. Incidentally, v 2 speaks about all flesh (not a select group) coming to the Lord.

TULIP: What is Irresistible Grace?

– PLUCKING THE PETALS OF JOHN CALVIN’S TULIP –

TULIP Calvinism

The fourth tenet of Calvinism is discussed by Steele & Thomas in The Points of Calvinism in the following way:

Although the general outward call of the gospel can be, and often is, rejected, the special inward call of the Spirit never fails to result in the conversion of those to whom it is made. This special call is not made to all sinners but is issued to the elect only. The Spirit is in no way dependant upon their help or cooperation for success … the grace which the Holy Spirit extends to the elect cannot be thwarted or refused, it never fails to bring them to true faith in Christ.