I'm going to try to attempt to explain these 2 camps by giving historical background and then comparing and contrasting the 2 views. This will take several blog posts. And I'm not convinced that I will do this justice. But I want to try:
First, I would like to give some historical context. And then in later posts, I would like to define and touch on the differences in the points of the 2 camps.
It was 1618 and a controversy had arisen in the Dutch church over the teachings of Arminius and his followers who had raised some objections to the Belgic Confession and to the teachings of John Calvin. These objections were formulated into a document called The Remonstrance of 1610.
The Remonstrance had 5 points.
1. Partial human depravity
2. The election on the basis of foreseen faith
3. Universal atonement
4. Resistible grace and
5. The possibility of lapse from grace
A council convened at Dordrecht to settle the controversy. This council is known as the Synod of Dort. The Council concluded with the rejection of these views and set forth 5 points to answer the 5 points of The Remonstrance. These 5 counter-points have also been called the 5 points of Calvinism.
Here are the 5 points as spelled out in the response to The Remonstrance
1. Total human depravity
2. Unconditional Election
3. Limited Atonement
4. Irresistible grace
5. Perseverance of the Saints.
Together they form the acronym T-U-L-I-P.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
I Timothy 5--Rebukes, Elders
Do not rebuke
--an older man, but exhort as a father.
--a younger man, but exhort as a brother
--older woman, but as a mother
--younger woman, but as a sister.
I think the main thing here is to be kind. It's so easy to use our words harshly. But when we do need to correct, it should be done with prayer and kindness as if it was someone we love.
Elders counted worthy of double honor. Accusations should be by 2-3 witnesses. If they are sinning, rebuke in front of all.
YIKES! That's kind of scary! To be rebuked in front of everyone. But they are examples and I could see that if a few people saw someone in a high profile position sinning that they may try to justify sinning themselves. And then it could spread throughout the body. Lord, I thank you so much for men of God that you have put in the position of elder of their church body. Lead and guide them and help them to have wisdom that comes from you alone!
In choosing elders be patient, fair, impartial and pure!
I pray that our church would listen to this passage as they seek elders. Lord, help those making the decision to be patient, fair, impartial and pure.
--an older man, but exhort as a father.
--a younger man, but exhort as a brother
--older woman, but as a mother
--younger woman, but as a sister.
I think the main thing here is to be kind. It's so easy to use our words harshly. But when we do need to correct, it should be done with prayer and kindness as if it was someone we love.
Elders counted worthy of double honor. Accusations should be by 2-3 witnesses. If they are sinning, rebuke in front of all.
YIKES! That's kind of scary! To be rebuked in front of everyone. But they are examples and I could see that if a few people saw someone in a high profile position sinning that they may try to justify sinning themselves. And then it could spread throughout the body. Lord, I thank you so much for men of God that you have put in the position of elder of their church body. Lead and guide them and help them to have wisdom that comes from you alone!
In choosing elders be patient, fair, impartial and pure!
I pray that our church would listen to this passage as they seek elders. Lord, help those making the decision to be patient, fair, impartial and pure.
I Timothy 4--Falling Away, Exercising Faith
In latter times, some will depart from faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, conscience seared, forbidden to marry, commanding to abstain from certain foods.
Exercise is work! Actually, I hate exercise. It's just no fun. But it is necessary in order to be strong and not flabby. In the same way, if we are to be spiritually strong and fit, we must exercise ourselves towards godliness. This is daily living--making the right choices to glorify God instead of self, being disciplined to study the Word and pray, to do good deeds and bear good fruit, and to love even when we don't feel like it.
Let no one despise your youth but be an example in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Timothy was in his 30's when given this admonition. I guess that means I'm still youthful. :-)
But the call is to be an example in everything we say, do, think and feel. Much harder to do than to say. Oh, I pray I will continue to grow in this area!
Give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
I'm not sure what my gifts are. I've been told hospitality and exhortation and prophecy. If so, then may it all be done for the glory of the Lord. May I be found faithfully serving you, Lord Jesus, when you return!
Depart from the faith doesn't mean that they will be saved and then unsaved. Just that some professing to be believers will leave true faith. They will be deceived and give heed to false doctrines. They will speak lies and be hypocrites. Their consciences will be seared. Their hearts will not be able to be pricked and stirred to repentance over their sins 'cause they won't care that they are sinning. And they will have external legalistic rules that will take precedence over what truly matters. It's sad to me that we are not far from this scenario in these days. But our hope lies in that He's coming soon!
Exercise yourself toward godliness.Exercise is work! Actually, I hate exercise. It's just no fun. But it is necessary in order to be strong and not flabby. In the same way, if we are to be spiritually strong and fit, we must exercise ourselves towards godliness. This is daily living--making the right choices to glorify God instead of self, being disciplined to study the Word and pray, to do good deeds and bear good fruit, and to love even when we don't feel like it.
Let no one despise your youth but be an example in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Timothy was in his 30's when given this admonition. I guess that means I'm still youthful. :-)
But the call is to be an example in everything we say, do, think and feel. Much harder to do than to say. Oh, I pray I will continue to grow in this area!
Give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
I'm of the opinion that much of what's wrong in the church at large is that we don't follow this command. Most of the church doesn't read the Bible and therefore does not know what it says or how to apply it to their lives. They are simply blindly following eloquent leaders who are leading them down dangerous paths.
Do not neglect the gift that is in you.I'm not sure what my gifts are. I've been told hospitality and exhortation and prophecy. If so, then may it all be done for the glory of the Lord. May I be found faithfully serving you, Lord Jesus, when you return!
I Timothy 3--Qualifications of Elders and Deacons
If a man desires the position of Bishop, he desires a good work.
Characteristics of Elders
1. blameless
2. husband of one wife
3. temperate
4. sober minded
5. of good behavior
6. hospitable
7. able to teach
8. not given to wine
9. not quarrelsome
10. not covetous
11. rules his own house well
12. having children in submission with all reverence
13. not a novice (new believer)
14. have a good testimony among those outside
Characteristics of Deacons
1. reverent
2. not double tongued
3. not given to much wine
4. not greedy for money
5. holding mystery of faith with pure conscience
6. blameless
7. Wives reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things
8. husbands of one wife
9. rule children and houses well
Characteristics of Elders
1. blameless
2. husband of one wife
3. temperate
4. sober minded
5. of good behavior
6. hospitable
7. able to teach
8. not given to wine
9. not quarrelsome
10. not covetous
11. rules his own house well
12. having children in submission with all reverence
13. not a novice (new believer)
14. have a good testimony among those outside
Characteristics of Deacons
1. reverent
2. not double tongued
3. not given to much wine
4. not greedy for money
5. holding mystery of faith with pure conscience
6. blameless
7. Wives reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things
8. husbands of one wife
9. rule children and houses well
I Timothy 2--Salvation for all men? Women in the Church
Exhort that supplications, prayers and intercessions be made for all {kinds of} men: kings, all in authority. For this is good and acceptable in sight of God, our Savior who desires all {kinds of}men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of truth.
Here is another verse that is used by some to say that all men can be saved.
I looked up two popular teachers from the reformed view and here is what they had to say:
John McArthur--God's desires are not the same as God's sovereign plan.
James White--From the context of the surrounding verses, the text reads that God desires all (kinds of) men to be saved.
I think I like White's reasoning better. It seems weird to think of God wanting something that He doesn't do. But I could be wrong. I just logically like Dr. White's explanation better.
I desire that men pray everywhere lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting. McArthur says the word "doubting" could be better translated as dissention. That makes sense that we should take care of all anger, sin, and any other thing that could cause disunity before coming before a holy God.
Women adorn modest apparel with propriety and moderations, not with braided hair or gold pearls or costly clothing.
What does our dress say about us? What distractions are we creating for those around us who are trying to worship God?
Let women learn in silence with all submission. Not leaders in the church.
Do not permit a woman to teach or have authority over a man.
I take this literally and believe that it is saying that women should not teach men in the church. The reason as given in the scripture is because women are more susceptible to deceit. This goes all way back to garden. Therefore I think we have to say that it is still applicable today.
Saved (from reproach) in childbearing when she continues in faith, love and holiness with self-control.
A woman is not saved from hell by bearing children. But is was a woman who led mankind into sin, and Christian women have an opportunity to lead many out of sin to godliness through the joy of raising godly children.
I pray that the Lord will continue to give me wisdom, love, patience and everything else I need to raise these 4 blessings that He's entrusted to my sweetie and I.
Here is another verse that is used by some to say that all men can be saved.
I looked up two popular teachers from the reformed view and here is what they had to say:
John McArthur--God's desires are not the same as God's sovereign plan.
James White--From the context of the surrounding verses, the text reads that God desires all (kinds of) men to be saved.
I think I like White's reasoning better. It seems weird to think of God wanting something that He doesn't do. But I could be wrong. I just logically like Dr. White's explanation better.
I desire that men pray everywhere lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting. McArthur says the word "doubting" could be better translated as dissention. That makes sense that we should take care of all anger, sin, and any other thing that could cause disunity before coming before a holy God.
Women adorn modest apparel with propriety and moderations, not with braided hair or gold pearls or costly clothing.
What does our dress say about us? What distractions are we creating for those around us who are trying to worship God?
Let women learn in silence with all submission. Not leaders in the church.
Do not permit a woman to teach or have authority over a man.
I take this literally and believe that it is saying that women should not teach men in the church. The reason as given in the scripture is because women are more susceptible to deceit. This goes all way back to garden. Therefore I think we have to say that it is still applicable today.
Saved (from reproach) in childbearing when she continues in faith, love and holiness with self-control.
A woman is not saved from hell by bearing children. But is was a woman who led mankind into sin, and Christian women have an opportunity to lead many out of sin to godliness through the joy of raising godly children.
I pray that the Lord will continue to give me wisdom, love, patience and everything else I need to raise these 4 blessings that He's entrusted to my sweetie and I.
I Timothy 1--Using the Law, Why Jesus came
The Law is good IF one uses it lawfully, knowing this that the law is NOT made for a RIGHTEOUS person, but for the LAWLESS and INSUBORDINATE for the UNGODLY and for the SINNER, for the UNHOLY and PROFANE, for MURDERERS of fathers and mothers, for MANSLAYERS, FORNICATORS, SODOMITES, KIDNAPPERS, LIARS, PERJURERS, and any other thing that is contrary to false doctrine.
This reminds me a lot of the Way of the Master teachings...again Law to the Proud (self-righteous) and Grace to the Humble. The law should be used to expose those who are in sin. When they humble themselves and recognize that they are guilty before a holy God, then we present them with the gift of God through Christ Jesus. If they continue to justify their sin and would rather be gratified by the flesh, then they are not ready to hear the Good News that through the blood of Jesus they can be redeemed.
This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance that Christ Jesus came into the world to seek and save sinners.
This was the Primary Purpose of Jesus coming. Here's a question I've been asking myself:
If Christ's primary purpose was to seek and save sinners, shouldn't that also be ours as his disciples (students)?
I just really like this verse:
Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible to the God who alone is wise , be HONOR and GLORY forever and ever! AMEN!
(AND AMEN!)
This reminds me a lot of the Way of the Master teachings...again Law to the Proud (self-righteous) and Grace to the Humble. The law should be used to expose those who are in sin. When they humble themselves and recognize that they are guilty before a holy God, then we present them with the gift of God through Christ Jesus. If they continue to justify their sin and would rather be gratified by the flesh, then they are not ready to hear the Good News that through the blood of Jesus they can be redeemed.
This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance that Christ Jesus came into the world to seek and save sinners.
This was the Primary Purpose of Jesus coming. Here's a question I've been asking myself:
If Christ's primary purpose was to seek and save sinners, shouldn't that also be ours as his disciples (students)?
I just really like this verse:
Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible to the God who alone is wise , be HONOR and GLORY forever and ever! AMEN!
(AND AMEN!)
Nailed!--Part 2
So now that I had come to the conclusion that I was more worried about MY reputation instead of God's. What was I to do? I figured that I just needed to trust the Lord that He would help me through my fear and to thank Him for this trial.
BUT...I only had part of the solution.
On Wednesday evening at church our pastor talked about intimacy, control, and sin.
He gave the following definition of true intimacy, "The ability to real (genuine) with another person." How can I be real with someone if I'm holding back because I'm afraid of hurt?
Then he led us through this passage in Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
We are to rejoice always! When things are tough and when things are easy. When we are being blessed and being cursed. When we are at peace with everyone, and when we are in conflict.
When we are fretting, we are in sin! We are not trusting God and taking matters into our own hands. And here was where I was nailed! I needed to recognize that this was not just an area of weakness, but also of SIN!
I was in sin! I was trying to control the outcome of my conflict. It was more important to me to have everyone like me (i.e. not reject me) and so my worry came from putting man's opinion over God's. And trying to do everything right so that the results would be favorable.
But what I must learn is that it is more important to be obedient to the Lord than to be anxious about man, conflict and the results.
As long as I am being kind, speaking the truth in love and humble, then when He asks me to speak up in a situation I need to be obedient and trust in Him for the results whether they are favorable or not!
Help me, dear Lord! I want to follow You! So when these overwhelming feelings of fear come, help me to cast my cares upon You, to pray and be thankful and to trust You more! And then, let me experience Your peace that surpasses all understanding! And when I'm fretting, help me to repent of that sin and to seek You all the more!
To God be the glory! (Even in conflict!)
BUT...I only had part of the solution.
On Wednesday evening at church our pastor talked about intimacy, control, and sin.
He gave the following definition of true intimacy, "The ability to real (genuine) with another person." How can I be real with someone if I'm holding back because I'm afraid of hurt?
Then he led us through this passage in Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
We are to rejoice always! When things are tough and when things are easy. When we are being blessed and being cursed. When we are at peace with everyone, and when we are in conflict.
When we are fretting, we are in sin! We are not trusting God and taking matters into our own hands. And here was where I was nailed! I needed to recognize that this was not just an area of weakness, but also of SIN!
I was in sin! I was trying to control the outcome of my conflict. It was more important to me to have everyone like me (i.e. not reject me) and so my worry came from putting man's opinion over God's. And trying to do everything right so that the results would be favorable.
But what I must learn is that it is more important to be obedient to the Lord than to be anxious about man, conflict and the results.
As long as I am being kind, speaking the truth in love and humble, then when He asks me to speak up in a situation I need to be obedient and trust in Him for the results whether they are favorable or not!
Help me, dear Lord! I want to follow You! So when these overwhelming feelings of fear come, help me to cast my cares upon You, to pray and be thankful and to trust You more! And then, let me experience Your peace that surpasses all understanding! And when I'm fretting, help me to repent of that sin and to seek You all the more!
To God be the glory! (Even in conflict!)
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