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TULIP: Exposing the Falsehood of Unconditional Election

– PLUCKING THE PETALS OF JOHN CALVIN’S TULIP –

TULIP Calvinism

Every false doctrine has a series of Bible verses that are pulled together as support. Today we will examine the proof texts used to support the TULIP doctrine of Unconditional Election.

Ephesians 1:4, “…just as He choses us in Him before the foundation of the world…”

This and other texts speak of God choosing us from the foundation of the world or from the beginning (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:13). Apart from their context, such verses might lend validity to the Calvinist position, but a text out of context is a pretext.

TULIP: What Is Unconditional Election?

– PLUCKING THE PETALS OF JOHN CALVIN’S TULIP –

TULIP Calvinism

This TULIP doctrine is perhaps better known as Predestination. It is introduced by the Westminster Confession in this way:

God from all eternity did by thhe most wise and holy counsel of his own will freely and unchangeably ordain what soever comes to pass…

TULIP: What Is Total Hereditary Depravity?

– PLUCKING THE PETALS OF JOHN CALVIN’S TULIP –

TULIP Calvinism

This first doctrine of Calvinism deals with man’s relationship to sin. The Bible tells us that all have sinned (Romans 3:23), but Calvin’s doctrine goes beyond this. Total Hereditary Depravity (THD) says that every person is born in sin; spiritually corrupt because of Adam’s sin. We read in the Westminster Confession of Faith that Adam and Eve:

…being the root of all mankind, the guilt of this sin was imputed, and the same death in sin and corrupted nature conveyed to all their posterity. (Westminster, Chapter VI)

What is the TULIP Doctrine? A Simple Introduction

– PLUCKING THE PETALS OF JOHN CALVIN’S TULIP –

TULIP Calvinism

Though John Calvin was not a gardener (at least to the best of my knowledge he wasn’t), he is credited with planting, grooming and sharing with the world what has become to many an extremely cherished tulip. However, you will not find this tulip planted in a botanical garden somewhere; it won’t be in your neighbour’s backyard—Calvin’s tulip is a doctrinal system which has taken root in the hearts of believers throughout the world. Unfortunately, it is not a beautiful flower, but a destructive weed which has led many away from the truth of God’s word.

Old Traditions are Incompatible with the New Gospel Message | Jesus’ Parables

message
via Chil Vera | Pixabay

Jesus was asked by the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees,

Why do the disciples of John fast often and make prayers, and likewise those of the Pharisees, but Yours eat and drink? (Luke 5:33)

To answer their inquiry, the Lord used three short parables. In the first, He emphasized His presence, in the latter two, He spoke of His message.

The Great Physician: Calling Sinners to Repentance | Jesus’ Parables

Physician
via Chil Vera | Pixabay

Immediately after Jesus called Levi to follow Him, this new disciple hosted a feast at his home. Matthew 9:10 tells us that many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down at his table. Even at this early stage in Jesus’ ministry, the Pharisees and scribes were keeping tabs on what Jesus was doing. Mark 2:16 reveals that they saw Him eating with this motley crew at Matthew’s house. They asked His disciples why He ate with such people.

To the Pharisees, these people were untouchables. Bigotry was a huge problem with the religious leaders – why should they, the elite class, associate with such lowly individuals? In Luke 7:39, a Pharisee named Simon concluded that Jesus was not a prophet, since he willingly allowed a sinful woman to touch Him. Such an accusation was not laid against Him in our text, but was no doubt the thought on their minds.

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