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William Stewart

TULIP: Exposing the Falsehood of Limited Atonement

– PLUCKING THE PETALS OF JOHN CALVIN’S TULIP –

TULIP Calvinism

The proponents of Calvin’s doctrine of Limited Atonement believe that the Bible supports the teaching. Herein we will look at some of the texts which are used as proof.

Matthew 20:28
“…just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Was Jesus limiting the scope of atonement in this text? Saying that many (not all) will be ransomed is not the same as saying the atonement is not available to all. As we noted last week, the grace of God which brings salvation has appeared to all (Titus 2:11), but not all are willing to deny ungodliness and live righteously (v 12).

TULIP: What is Limited Atonement?

– PLUCKING THE PETALS OF JOHN CALVIN’S TULIP –

TULIP Calvinism

Merriam-Webster aptly defines the word atonement as:

…the reconciliation of God and humankind through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. (m-w.com)

Eddie K. Garrett, a Primitive Baptist elder affirmed:

We believe that God has an elect people whom he has chosen unto eternal salvation. We believe that the atonement of Christ was for that chosen number and no one else. (The Christian Baptist, 1972)

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.