Questioning God
Romans 8:28 ( KJV ) 28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Often believers find themselves at odds with God because of difficult circumstances in their lives. They experience feelings of abandonment and question God’s purpose for their life as they imagine God’s disapproval and adopt an almost superstitious attitude regarding the details of their life. When things are going smoothly it must be because approves of us, but if times are tough, obviously, God disapproves of us, He is punishing us, or He is trying to teach us something.
As doubt intensifies it begins to have effect in different areas of the believer’s spiritual life. It can damage relationships as we live our lives differently because we sense God’s disapproval. This can produce anger as we struggle under the assumption that God is the author of our suffering. Our prayer life becomes frustrating because the more we ask, even beg, God to change our circumstances the more it seems He has turned a deaf ear. Many believers become trapped in a vicious circle of self-debasement and self-incrimination derived from false notions about Romans 8:28.
God is For Us
Romans 8:31-32 ( KJV ) 31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
What many of us miss in this passage is the true regard, even genuine love, which God has for us. He is not some distant deity, looking down from above, who delights in frustrating us, or is indifferent to our struggles. This regard and love, stems from several sources but, in the context, it is something we share because God, the Father, identifies us with His Son.
This is a marvelous truth that many of us miss. This truth is an element of doctrine in which some of us remain shallow, either because we have not been taught, or have not applied ourselves to learning. Doctrine is often perceived as dry and tedious without much practical value but, in actuality, it is the exact opposite. Few things can be more exciting than discovering fine points of doctrine and finding that there is great practical benefit in our daily lives.
Ephesians 1:3-6 ( KJV ) 3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
When we believe the Gospel of Grace, trusting in Christ and His Cross work for us, there are a number of things that happen to us as believers. One of the things is an operation of God where He identifies us with His Son, our Savior, and from that point on we share His identity. This is true because the believer is placed into Christ by God, the Holy Spirit, (1 Cor. 12:12-13) and then is sealed by the same Spirit in this new identity (Eph 1:12-14; 4:30). Because we are now “accepted in the beloved” we no longer need fear God’s disapproval, nor do we worry that God will become angry with us. Romans 5:1 (KJV) “1Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”. God deals with us now on the basis of His love, and His grace, but never in anger.
We Are Complete
Colossians 2:9-13 ( KJV ) “9For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 11In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. 13And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;”
Recognizing our new identity in Christ is a liberating event and it produces freedom for the believer as we realize the work that God has done in each of us. To be complete means to “have nothing lacking”.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Brief Commentary on Philippians 3:2
"Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision." (Phil 3:2)
Dogs are used in a negative context consistently throughout Scripture. Interestingly, they are in the context of Psalm 22 – a messianic psalm concerning the betrayal, and crucifixion, of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Examples;
(Exo 22:31) "And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat any flesh that is torn of beasts in the field; ye shall cast it to the dogs."
(1 Ki 14:11) "Him that dieth of Jeroboam in the city shall the dogs eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the fowls of the air eat: for the LORD hath spoken it."
(Psa 22:16-20) "For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. {17} I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. {18} They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture. {19} But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me. {20} Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog."
I believe the “dogs” could be a reference to almost any group – Jews, Gentiles, whatever. In scripture dogs are symbolic of opportunistic, greedy people bent on destruction, or feeding on destruction. In the context it could be a reference to false brethren/prophets/etc.. See also Titus 1:10-16, which doesn't specifically mention the dog,but certainly uses animalistic characteristics to describe false teachers. "For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: {11} Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. {12} One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. {13} This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; {14} Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. {15} Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. {16} They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate."
The concision is an interesting term and relates to mutilation. Paul’s view by this time is that the rite of circumcision is a physical mutilation. That is why Paul was teaching the Jews who lived among the Gentiles that they should no longer practice it. (Acts 21:21) "And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs."
Paul teaches us that we have been circumcised with an operation “not made with hands” and which is an “operation” of God (Col. 2:10-12). We can conclude that any self-effort, or religious practice, that we would employ in an attempt to deal with our flesh would in essence be a mutilation (an unsuccessful operation). It violates what Christ accomplished for us at Calvary, and is a denial of the completeness believers find in Christ Jesus.
Dogs are used in a negative context consistently throughout Scripture. Interestingly, they are in the context of Psalm 22 – a messianic psalm concerning the betrayal, and crucifixion, of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Examples;
(Exo 22:31) "And ye shall be holy men unto me: neither shall ye eat any flesh that is torn of beasts in the field; ye shall cast it to the dogs."
(1 Ki 14:11) "Him that dieth of Jeroboam in the city shall the dogs eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the fowls of the air eat: for the LORD hath spoken it."
(Psa 22:16-20) "For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. {17} I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. {18} They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture. {19} But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me. {20} Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog."
I believe the “dogs” could be a reference to almost any group – Jews, Gentiles, whatever. In scripture dogs are symbolic of opportunistic, greedy people bent on destruction, or feeding on destruction. In the context it could be a reference to false brethren/prophets/etc.. See also Titus 1:10-16, which doesn't specifically mention the dog,but certainly uses animalistic characteristics to describe false teachers. "For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: {11} Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. {12} One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. {13} This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; {14} Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. {15} Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. {16} They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate."
The concision is an interesting term and relates to mutilation. Paul’s view by this time is that the rite of circumcision is a physical mutilation. That is why Paul was teaching the Jews who lived among the Gentiles that they should no longer practice it. (Acts 21:21) "And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs."
Paul teaches us that we have been circumcised with an operation “not made with hands” and which is an “operation” of God (Col. 2:10-12). We can conclude that any self-effort, or religious practice, that we would employ in an attempt to deal with our flesh would in essence be a mutilation (an unsuccessful operation). It violates what Christ accomplished for us at Calvary, and is a denial of the completeness believers find in Christ Jesus.
A Future Project
On the occasion of this writing my thinking is influenced by a conversation I had earlier with a new believer. This individual confessed to being new in the faith and expressed an interest in the differences between my Scriptural understandings with what he is being taught in a local Acts 2 oriented church.
It was a fascinating discussion in several ways, the first being that he approached me. I am more accustomed to being the initiator in discussions concerning spiritual matters, as many people are reluctant to share their faith. Secondly, he was singularly interested in the word “dispensation”. He had never heard the term in a Biblical context. And, finally, it was interesting because of the rapidity of his departure. I won’t say that he ran from my presence, but he leaped from his chair and said, “I’ve got to go” as he exited directly.
This was a disappointing conclusion to our discussion as I was impressed with his questions, and there were a number of points I would like to have shared with him. However, my disappointment is tempered with many years of experience in such encounters. It is very difficult to convey the essence of the dispensational approach to studying the Word of God in a brief conversation, even when the listener is interested and has initiated the discussion. In the words of the Apostle Peter, there are “some things hard to be understood” in the Scriptures. When Peter made this statement he was specifically speaking about the epistles of the Apostle Paul as they relate to unfulfilled prophetical events. Dispensationalism is the Biblical vehicle for sorting out seeming conflicts in Bible prophesies and concepts. It is not learned overnight and requires effort on the part of the serious student interested in understanding the Word of God.
On reflection, the reason my new friend beat such a hasty retreat lay in the fact that he needed to get back to work and I had delayed him. It would have been nice, and convenient, to present him with a short primer on the subject that he could have taken with him to study at a more opportune time. While there are many fine books, and pamphlets, that address these issues I have concluded to personalize it by composing my own. Not in a vain attempt to better other publications, but to present these ideas in my own words and within the framework of my own understanding. A presentation, if you will, not of what someone else believes, but of what I believe. This is a project that I hope to undertake in the near future assuming, of course, that I don’t become distracted by conflicting events or other distractions.
My sincerest wish is that this work will serve to edify other believers; to whet the appetite of the newest saint, or stimulate the desire in one saved many years who has never studied, to understand the Word of God. There is much confusion, today, in the Church where there should be none. The Scripture says "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Rom 10:17) God’s design is that each believer would have their faith grow in response to the Scriptures. He did not intend for this growth process to be daunting, but rather the natural product of God working in the life of the believer through His Word. It does require time and study; but the reward is an understanding of eternal value.
It was a fascinating discussion in several ways, the first being that he approached me. I am more accustomed to being the initiator in discussions concerning spiritual matters, as many people are reluctant to share their faith. Secondly, he was singularly interested in the word “dispensation”. He had never heard the term in a Biblical context. And, finally, it was interesting because of the rapidity of his departure. I won’t say that he ran from my presence, but he leaped from his chair and said, “I’ve got to go” as he exited directly.
This was a disappointing conclusion to our discussion as I was impressed with his questions, and there were a number of points I would like to have shared with him. However, my disappointment is tempered with many years of experience in such encounters. It is very difficult to convey the essence of the dispensational approach to studying the Word of God in a brief conversation, even when the listener is interested and has initiated the discussion. In the words of the Apostle Peter, there are “some things hard to be understood” in the Scriptures. When Peter made this statement he was specifically speaking about the epistles of the Apostle Paul as they relate to unfulfilled prophetical events. Dispensationalism is the Biblical vehicle for sorting out seeming conflicts in Bible prophesies and concepts. It is not learned overnight and requires effort on the part of the serious student interested in understanding the Word of God.
On reflection, the reason my new friend beat such a hasty retreat lay in the fact that he needed to get back to work and I had delayed him. It would have been nice, and convenient, to present him with a short primer on the subject that he could have taken with him to study at a more opportune time. While there are many fine books, and pamphlets, that address these issues I have concluded to personalize it by composing my own. Not in a vain attempt to better other publications, but to present these ideas in my own words and within the framework of my own understanding. A presentation, if you will, not of what someone else believes, but of what I believe. This is a project that I hope to undertake in the near future assuming, of course, that I don’t become distracted by conflicting events or other distractions.
My sincerest wish is that this work will serve to edify other believers; to whet the appetite of the newest saint, or stimulate the desire in one saved many years who has never studied, to understand the Word of God. There is much confusion, today, in the Church where there should be none. The Scripture says "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Rom 10:17) God’s design is that each believer would have their faith grow in response to the Scriptures. He did not intend for this growth process to be daunting, but rather the natural product of God working in the life of the believer through His Word. It does require time and study; but the reward is an understanding of eternal value.
The Essence of Grace
"Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ."
What a marvelous declaration from God that echoes through this age, as penned by the Apostle Paul! However, it is so sad that many people are ignorant of the fact that we live in a time designated by God as one in which He is dispensing grace alone. When we read a passage in the scripture as Ephesians 3:1 & 2; "For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, {2} If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:" we encounter this proclamation of God’s beneficence and wonder truly why so many have not heard.
On the other hand, there are many that proclaim God’s grace without actually comprehending its scope and nature. They see grace as “unmerited favor” in salvation but fail to recognize that grace is a life force that extends right to the details and circumstances of everyday living. In the view of many, we receive salvation as a gift from God apart from any merit based acceptance system but from that point on we all must earn God’s approval through meritorious service. This skewed view suggests that while we can’t earn God’s acceptance before conversion, but we can do so afterward.
(Eph 1:2-7) "Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. {3} Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: {4} According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: {5} Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, {6} To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. {7} In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;"
The crux of the matter is this – our status as being accepted of God is a positional issue, not a practical one. God accepts, and has chosen, each believer by virtue of our position in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and this acceptance is not conditioned by our ability in any way. There is an old saying, “Saved by grace; kept by grace.” I am unaware of the origin of this gem but I believe it to be true. However, in acknowledging its truth I must also confess that it is incomplete in its scope as it does not address the application of grace to the details of our lives.
(Gal 1:3-4) "Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, {4} Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:"
A foundational principle of grace is that it is part of the provision from God that delivers us from this “present” evil world. This speaks of more than being delivered from the penalty of sin and addresses the problem of the ownership, influence and power of this evil world upon the believer. God has empowered each believer to exist and, yes, even to flourish in the sinful environment of our time. It is possible for the believer to suffer evil circumstances with hope and confidence knowing that these situations are not a reflection of God’s regard for us but just the natural state of affairs on this planet.
(2 Th 2:15-17) "Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. {16} Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, {17} Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work."
In our previous lost condition we had no choice but to walk according to the “course of this world.” Our life was characterized by disobedience and governed by the plan and power of Satan (Ephesians 2:1-2). But, gloriously, our Savior changed all of that! When we trusted the gospel of grace we became “new creatures in Christ” bringing us into a new relationship with God Himself, and also, consequently, to the world we live in. Paul addresses this later in Ephesians 2 when he states; “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: {9} Not of works, lest any man should boast. {10} For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
Not only have we been delivered from the penalty of sin by grace, we have, through the grace of God’s workmanship, been made new creatures, delivered from the power and influence of this evil world and have become testaments to the riches of His grace.
What a marvelous declaration from God that echoes through this age, as penned by the Apostle Paul! However, it is so sad that many people are ignorant of the fact that we live in a time designated by God as one in which He is dispensing grace alone. When we read a passage in the scripture as Ephesians 3:1 & 2; "For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, {2} If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:" we encounter this proclamation of God’s beneficence and wonder truly why so many have not heard.
On the other hand, there are many that proclaim God’s grace without actually comprehending its scope and nature. They see grace as “unmerited favor” in salvation but fail to recognize that grace is a life force that extends right to the details and circumstances of everyday living. In the view of many, we receive salvation as a gift from God apart from any merit based acceptance system but from that point on we all must earn God’s approval through meritorious service. This skewed view suggests that while we can’t earn God’s acceptance before conversion, but we can do so afterward.
(Eph 1:2-7) "Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. {3} Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: {4} According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: {5} Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, {6} To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. {7} In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;"
The crux of the matter is this – our status as being accepted of God is a positional issue, not a practical one. God accepts, and has chosen, each believer by virtue of our position in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and this acceptance is not conditioned by our ability in any way. There is an old saying, “Saved by grace; kept by grace.” I am unaware of the origin of this gem but I believe it to be true. However, in acknowledging its truth I must also confess that it is incomplete in its scope as it does not address the application of grace to the details of our lives.
(Gal 1:3-4) "Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, {4} Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:"
A foundational principle of grace is that it is part of the provision from God that delivers us from this “present” evil world. This speaks of more than being delivered from the penalty of sin and addresses the problem of the ownership, influence and power of this evil world upon the believer. God has empowered each believer to exist and, yes, even to flourish in the sinful environment of our time. It is possible for the believer to suffer evil circumstances with hope and confidence knowing that these situations are not a reflection of God’s regard for us but just the natural state of affairs on this planet.
(2 Th 2:15-17) "Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. {16} Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, {17} Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work."
In our previous lost condition we had no choice but to walk according to the “course of this world.” Our life was characterized by disobedience and governed by the plan and power of Satan (Ephesians 2:1-2). But, gloriously, our Savior changed all of that! When we trusted the gospel of grace we became “new creatures in Christ” bringing us into a new relationship with God Himself, and also, consequently, to the world we live in. Paul addresses this later in Ephesians 2 when he states; “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: {9} Not of works, lest any man should boast. {10} For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
Not only have we been delivered from the penalty of sin by grace, we have, through the grace of God’s workmanship, been made new creatures, delivered from the power and influence of this evil world and have become testaments to the riches of His grace.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Outline - Dealing With Stress
- Ill ~ One day Linus and Charlie Brown are walking along and chatting with one another. Linus says, "I don't like to face problems head on. I think the best way to solve problems is to avoid them. In fact, this is a distinct philosophy of mine. No problem is so big or so complicated that it can't be run away from
- Stress is an external force, not an internal one.
- Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary – stress is a transitive verb 1 : to subject to physical or psychological stress <stressing the equipment> <this traffic is stressing me out> 2 : to subject to phonetic stress :
accent 3 : to lay stress on :
emphasize <stressed the importance of teamwork> intransitive verb
: to feel stress <stressing about the big exam> —often used with out
- Noah Webster's 1828 Dictionary STRESS, v.t. To press; to urge; to distress; to put to difficulties. [Little used.]
- Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary – stress is a transitive verb 1 : to subject to physical or psychological stress <stressing the equipment> <this traffic is stressing me out> 2 : to subject to phonetic stress :
- Stress is a chosen response to external circumstances.
- Ex 14:13-14 ~ hold your peace (How does one hold peace?)
- Pro 17:14 ~ think about where your choices take you (inner conflict is a slippery slope)
- Spock – "What you want is irrelevant, what you have chosen is at hand."
- Self-pity can become a comfortable sty in which we wallow
- During a thunder storm that contained high winds, a giant oak tree was blown down. The tree was thought to be in perfect health; that is, from outward appearance it seemed to be in good health since it was almost perfectly shaped and full of green leaves. However, the massive tree could not withstand the stress of the high wind because of deterioration on the inside. What started as a tiny corruption at the center of the tree had spread until that tremendous tree was so weakened that it was toppled by the wind. One may reach a point where he forsakes God altogether. It is because he (like the tree) has decayed on the inside. Perhaps the deterioration is the product of being ignorant of God's grace, or worse, knowing of it and failing to utilize it. (Ps. 119:9–11). With pure hearts we will be able to stand the stress of temptation and the stress of everyday living.
- Spock – "What you want is irrelevant, what you have chosen is at hand."
- 2 Co 5:17-20 ~ living in light of our identity
- Ro 5:1-5 ~ glory in tribulations
- 2 Co 12:6-10 ~ trusting the sufficiency of grace
- Gal 2:10-11 ~ frustrating grace and ourselves
- TESTING THE STABILITY ~ In order to realize the worth of the anchor, we need to feel the stress of the storm.
- Ro 5:1-5 ~ glory in tribulations
- Ex 14:13-14 ~ hold your peace (How does one hold peace?)
- You're making choices anyway, why not choose wisely?
- Choose peace rather than conflict
- Ps 42
- Phil 4:4-9
- Trying times often bring to light the quality of our inner self. The new creature vs. the persona we have created and are intent on broadcasting
- Oilcloth and linoleum may both look bright and shiny, but under the stress of daily wear the cheap oilcloth soon wears out, while the inlaid linoleum gives good service for many years. The stresses of life soon show up the shoddy material of which human peace is made, but stress only brings out more brilliantly the divine peace that Christ brings to the heart.
- Ps 42
- Choose contentment
- Phil 4:11-13 ~ in whatsoever state you are in
- You'll never find contentment by external circumstances -" A fortune-teller studied the hand of a young man and said, "You will be poor and very unhappy until you are thirty-seven years old." The young man responded, "Well, after that, what will happen? Will I be rich and happy?" The fortune-teller said, "No, you'll still be poor, but you'll be used to it after that."
- Phil 3:8 ~ it's amazing what the replacement principle can do (placing other's interests above your own)
- Phil 4:11-13 ~ in whatsoever state you are in
- Choose meekness, not pride
- Meekness – lowliness & humility – not making a big deal about "I".
- (Prov 16:18) "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
(Prov 29:23) "A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit."- Pro 13:10 ~ only by pride cometh contention
- (Mat 11:28-30) "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. {29} Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. {30} For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
- Eph 4:1-3 ~ Paul too
- Meekness – lowliness & humility – not making a big deal about "I".
- Choose gratitude
- 1 Thess 5:18 ~ In everything give thanks
- Eph 5:17-20 ~ understanding what the will of the Lord is
- Eph 5:17-20 ~ understanding what the will of the Lord is
- Choose service not self-pity
- Ro 15:1-7 ~ where service takes us
- To live through a period of stress and sorrow with another human being creates a bond which nothing seems able to break. Eleanor Roosevelt (1884–1962)
- Phil 2:1-8 ~ Christ example
- Heb 12:1-2 ~ who for the joy
- 2 Co 8:1-5 ~ how it can play out in our lives
- Ro 15:1-7 ~ where service takes us
- Choose joy, not unhappiness
- Neh 8 ~ Nehemiah told Israel the joy of the Lord is your strength
- When you're laughing, your attention is focused. You can't do anything else. Everything else, whether it's depression or stress, stops. Robert Leone
- Ro 14:15-19 ~ serving in joy leads to peace
- Ro 15:13 ~ joy and peace in believing
- 2 Co 1:24 ~ helpers of your joy, for by faith ye stand
- Phil 2:17-18 ~ Paul's example
- Neh 8 ~ Nehemiah told Israel the joy of the Lord is your strength
It is not easy to find happiness in ourselves, and it is not possible to find it elsewhere. Agnes Repplier
A Death Knell of Calvinism?
This study is for those who have been fooled by those who would teach a Calvinistic theology and for those who are actively standing against this heresy.
• It is heresy because it denies the blood atonement by limiting its scope.
• It is heresy because it makes God responsible for sin.
• It is heresy because it mixes law and grace.
• It is heresy because it violates God given free will of man.
• It is heresy because it makes God a liar.
As with all cults and heresies there is a general failure to rightly divide the word of truth as laid out in 2Timothy 2:15. When we "rightly divide the word of truth" we give to Israel what belongs to Israel and we give to the body of Christ what belongs to the body of Christ. A failure to do so ONLY ends in confusion.
Calvinism mixes law and grace and thereby becomes "accursed by God". Gal 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. The gospel that Paul preaches is the gospel of grace which is, by the way, very resistible!
As we begin let us look define the 5 points of Calvinism.
Introduction – A Brief Look at the Tulip
1. Total Depravity
States that the lost are completely unredeemable. God created them only as vessels fit for destruction and as a contrast to His goodness.
These are the proof texts used to support the above statement. The emphasis are mine but point out the issue being pulled from its dispensational context.
Rom 9:22 What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
These people are unredeemable!
Mark 4:11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: 12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.
Some are chosen some are not!
Eph 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins: 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
God only loves the elect!
2. Unconditional Election
States that election ( & consequently salvation) is completely of God and that the only perquisite is His choice (even if whimsical).
Rom 9:15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. - 21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?
God only chooses whom he will save!
Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
3. Limited Atonement
States that Christ died ONLY for the elect. He did not die for all mankind, nor did He die for the lost.
John 17:9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.
God is NOT concerned with the world but for the elect!
Mat 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Many NOT all!
Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Gave himself for the church ONLY!
John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
Atonement is limited to the will of the Father!
4. Irresistible Grace
States that salvation is by God's grace. Since God's election is the only criteria, His grace will be applied to the elect - regardless of man's will.
John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
Grace is unavoidable for the elect!
John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Grace is one sided, man does not have free will.
Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God
.
Grace is for the elect only.
1 Pet 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
God only calls the elect.
5. Perseverance Of The Saints
States that the elect WILL persevere. If a person falls, or departs from the faith, they were never on of God's elect.
Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
It has been predetermined that the elect will persevere.
Phil 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Predetermined performance - no will involved.
John 6:39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
Predetermined performance - no will involved.
To these things we will speak, but first of all let me hasten to say that to a Berean, or a good dispensational Bible student, Calvinism is poses no threat. The reason it has caused so much havoc within "Christian circles" is because of a failure to rightly divide the word of truth. Again this simply means that when we "rightly divide the word of truth" we give to Israel what belongs to Israel and we give to the body of Christ what belongs to the body of Christ!
Heresy plays a vital role in spiritual growth as Paul our apostle in the dispensation of the grace of God reminds us…. 1 Cor 11:19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
Point One - Total Depravity - (the lost are unredeemable)
All men are totally depraved but there are not any that are unredeemable!
2 Pet 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
This verse tells us that God IS NOT WILLING that any should perish. Does this then mean that all, as the universalist claim, even Satan will be saved? Of course, as the astute Bible student will see immediately, the real issue in Calvinism is free will. Does man have free will or doesn't he? To which the Calvinist will ask … is not God sovereign? The answer is yes, and yes! Man does have free will and God is sovereign. However, God, in his sovereignty has limited his sovereignty in the area of the free will of man. We will see more of this as we go along.
1 Tim 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
Here our blessed apostle to the Gentiles spells out for us the "will of God". It is God's will for ALL men, not just the elect, to be saved. Further, he tells us by inspiration that there is one mediator between God and MEN, not just the elect.
Verse six is devastating to "Calvinistic" theology when it says Christ gave himself a ransom for ALL and in the context of the passage it is ALL MANKIND!
Are the lost then – UN-MEN - Like the UN-COLA? This would be true if Calvin is to prevail! This is simply a twisting of the scriptures to make them fit a predetermined perspective or doctrinal statement.
If the lost are irredeemable, then the earth is mostly populated with Un-men. (Mat 7:13-14) "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: {14} Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."
All = All; not some.
John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Every person faces this choice -- Christ or condemnation!
It is like the old saying… "It is this way. The Lord, he is always voting for a man; and the devil, he is always voting against him. Then the man himself votes and that breaks the tie."
Commentary On Verses Used By Calvinist (2 Cor 2:17)
Verse: Rom 9:22 What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
Comments: First of all this passage speaks to National Israel NOT individuals. The issue in the context of the passage is obedience. Obedience is an issue of the will.
Rom 2:3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? 4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds: (the issue is obedience driven by free will) 7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: 8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
2 Th 1:7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.
I am sorry, but even a sovereign God has no judicial right to punish those who do not have a choice! This is especially true for a God who claims to be just, compassionate, and full of mercy.
Again this issue in this passage is obedience and belief which is only accomplished by free will.
Next Verse… Mark 4:11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: 12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.
Dispensationally speaking this is judgement upon Israel - Isa 6:8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. 9 And he said, Go, and tell this people (Israel), Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. 10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. 11 Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate,
Because of Israel's tradition of unbelief - Psa 78:5 For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: 6 That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: 7 That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: 8 And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.
Israel's rejection of the truth precipitates their blindness - Rom 11:7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded 8 (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. 9 And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompense unto them: 10 Let their eyes be darkened that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.
Next verse… Eph 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins: 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
This passage does not teach that the lost have no knowledge of God! And even if we thought it did there are plenty of other passages that would correct our doctrine provided that we as free moral agents were willing to let the word of God correct our doctrine!
Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
This passage makes no sense in a "Calvinistic theology"!
Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
This passage guarantees truth to all those who seek it, again this verse makes no sense in a Calvinistic theology.
Words Mean Things!
Saved means - rescued from danger. Calvin's elect are never in danger of loss so from what are they saved? The answer is nothing. Therefore the verses that speak of being saved are not valid verses if Calvin is to be believed. Do not believe Calvin or those who would teach this heresy, but rather believe God!
Lost means - NOT rescued from danger. How can one lose something that he can never possess? They cannot! If you never have the will to choose then you can never be rescued and yet the scriptures, yes the very words of scripture, indicate a choice is to be made!
Point Two - Unconditional Election (election is completely of God)
Comments On Verses Used
Rom 9:15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. & Rom 9:21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?
These verses do not state that God's mercy is unconditional
Salvation is very conditional!
2 Th 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
You have to believe the truth! Belief of the truth is an ACT of the WILL! And as is stated in verse 14 salvation is something that can be obtained! Election is not just of God it is of God and man!
Rom 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
In verse 22 we see that righteousness is by faith of Jesus Christ "UNTO ALL". This is the every man ministry made known by the apostle Paul the apostle to the Gentiles! Righteousness is extended to all men without distinction in the age of grace but there is a condition. In salvation there is unlimited provision but there is limited application, salvation is conditional! The condition to salvation is belief according to the book of Romans and belief is an act of the will. If there is no choice to be made by a free moral agent then there is no need for these verses!
We are elected (chosen) ONLY because we are in Christ. God chooses those who choose him, again as a free moral agent. Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Point Three - Limited Atonement (Christ died ONLY for the elect)
1 Tim 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
Christ is a ransom for all - - all the elect? -- all mankind? The verses clearly indicate "all men". If this is not true then you have to define "all men" as the elect or those that are not the elect must be defined as "un men". This is not only warped theology but warped reasoning.
Comments On Verses Used…
Mat 26:28 For this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
This is a dispensational issue. Christ came to the nation of Israel to establish His kingdom. In Matthew ten he told the 12 … Mat 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Now you know why the Calvinists are anti-dispensational! If you are Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth these kinds of problems disappear. As you "rightly divide the word of truth" you give to Israel what belongs to Israel and give to the body of Christ what belongs to the body of Christ. During the earthly ministry of Christ atonement was limited to the nation of Israel and the Gentiles through Israel. However Israel did not, and will not receive atonement, until the second coming of Christ in the dispensation of the fullness of times. We today, in the dispensation of the grace of God have full atonement the moment we make a choice to believe the gospel of the grace of God. See Eph. 1:10, Acts 3:19 & ff., & Romans 5:11.
Next verse: John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
This verse falls in the same category as the one above. Eternal life in any dispensation has always been by faith. A choice has to be made to believe God or no. Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) said an interesting thing about the choices we make. "One's philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes… In the long run, we shape our lives and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility."
Point Four - Irresistible Grace (Grace cannot be resisted)
Who says men (even elect men of the favored nation) cannot resist the inward call of the Holy Spirit?
Acts 7:51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.
Are these folks elect or unmen? If they are unmen why did the Holy Spirit even deal with them? If they are the elect how could they resist?
You can do despite to the spirit of Grace - Heb 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
Again, are these folks elect or unmen? If they are unmen why did the Holy Spirit even deal with them? If they are the elect how could they resist? The answer is that grace is very resistible as doth also sayeth the scriptures.
God does not make man to resist. - Rom 9:19 Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? 20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?
Another dispensational passage. God is dealing with the nation of Israel Nationally!
The thing formed is that nation. Just like he formed the body of Christ as his agency in this age. The nation of Israel was God's agency in time past. God formed that nation and it was in rebellion to him. Romans chapters 9, 10, 11 answer the dispensational question of "what happened to Israel" for those making the transition into the age of grace.
Point Five - Perseverance of The Saints – (If a person falls, or departs from the faith, they were never one of God's elect.)
God does the persevering, not man. Just as there is nothing you can do to be saved other than believe, there is nothing you can do to remain saved. Eternal security is a product of salvation.
God will preserve the unbelievers and those overthrown in their faith. 2Tim 2:11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: 13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. & 2 Tim 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
Even those that resist the spirit and are taken captive by Satan are recoverable "In Christ" - 2 Tim 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
It is interesting that the Calvinist teaches you cannot recover a lost one that is irredeemable and you cannot lose one that is elect. The scriptures teach otherwise.
Conclusion
The title of this study is "A Death Knell of Calvinism?" and we wish it were. Calvinistic theology can be refuted, as we have demonstrated here. But it will continue to haunt the halls of "churches" that have turned their backs on dispensational truth and Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth and are steeped in the traditions of men and religion.
Man has a free will. He is a free moral agent. We are not predestined to glory or dishonor at our birth, this is the promise and hope of the believer. Eternal life is a free gift to all who will by faith put their trust in the finished cross work of the Lord Jesus Christ in his death, burial and resurrection.
This is the good news we proclaim today. Christ paid for all sin for all men for all time 2000 years ago. And a soul today can know for sure where they will spend eternity if they will simply choose to believe the gospel of grace.
• It is heresy because it denies the blood atonement by limiting its scope.
• It is heresy because it makes God responsible for sin.
• It is heresy because it mixes law and grace.
• It is heresy because it violates God given free will of man.
• It is heresy because it makes God a liar.
As with all cults and heresies there is a general failure to rightly divide the word of truth as laid out in 2Timothy 2:15. When we "rightly divide the word of truth" we give to Israel what belongs to Israel and we give to the body of Christ what belongs to the body of Christ. A failure to do so ONLY ends in confusion.
Calvinism mixes law and grace and thereby becomes "accursed by God". Gal 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. The gospel that Paul preaches is the gospel of grace which is, by the way, very resistible!
As we begin let us look define the 5 points of Calvinism.
Introduction – A Brief Look at the Tulip
1. Total Depravity
States that the lost are completely unredeemable. God created them only as vessels fit for destruction and as a contrast to His goodness.
These are the proof texts used to support the above statement. The emphasis are mine but point out the issue being pulled from its dispensational context.
Rom 9:22 What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
These people are unredeemable!
Mark 4:11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: 12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.
Some are chosen some are not!
Eph 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins: 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
God only loves the elect!
2. Unconditional Election
States that election ( & consequently salvation) is completely of God and that the only perquisite is His choice (even if whimsical).
Rom 9:15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. - 21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?
God only chooses whom he will save!
Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
3. Limited Atonement
States that Christ died ONLY for the elect. He did not die for all mankind, nor did He die for the lost.
John 17:9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.
God is NOT concerned with the world but for the elect!
Mat 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Many NOT all!
Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Gave himself for the church ONLY!
John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
Atonement is limited to the will of the Father!
4. Irresistible Grace
States that salvation is by God's grace. Since God's election is the only criteria, His grace will be applied to the elect - regardless of man's will.
John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
Grace is unavoidable for the elect!
John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Grace is one sided, man does not have free will.
Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God
.
Grace is for the elect only.
1 Pet 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
God only calls the elect.
5. Perseverance Of The Saints
States that the elect WILL persevere. If a person falls, or departs from the faith, they were never on of God's elect.
Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
It has been predetermined that the elect will persevere.
Phil 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Predetermined performance - no will involved.
John 6:39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
Predetermined performance - no will involved.
To these things we will speak, but first of all let me hasten to say that to a Berean, or a good dispensational Bible student, Calvinism is poses no threat. The reason it has caused so much havoc within "Christian circles" is because of a failure to rightly divide the word of truth. Again this simply means that when we "rightly divide the word of truth" we give to Israel what belongs to Israel and we give to the body of Christ what belongs to the body of Christ!
Heresy plays a vital role in spiritual growth as Paul our apostle in the dispensation of the grace of God reminds us…. 1 Cor 11:19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
Point One - Total Depravity - (the lost are unredeemable)
All men are totally depraved but there are not any that are unredeemable!
2 Pet 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
This verse tells us that God IS NOT WILLING that any should perish. Does this then mean that all, as the universalist claim, even Satan will be saved? Of course, as the astute Bible student will see immediately, the real issue in Calvinism is free will. Does man have free will or doesn't he? To which the Calvinist will ask … is not God sovereign? The answer is yes, and yes! Man does have free will and God is sovereign. However, God, in his sovereignty has limited his sovereignty in the area of the free will of man. We will see more of this as we go along.
1 Tim 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
Here our blessed apostle to the Gentiles spells out for us the "will of God". It is God's will for ALL men, not just the elect, to be saved. Further, he tells us by inspiration that there is one mediator between God and MEN, not just the elect.
Verse six is devastating to "Calvinistic" theology when it says Christ gave himself a ransom for ALL and in the context of the passage it is ALL MANKIND!
Are the lost then – UN-MEN - Like the UN-COLA? This would be true if Calvin is to prevail! This is simply a twisting of the scriptures to make them fit a predetermined perspective or doctrinal statement.
If the lost are irredeemable, then the earth is mostly populated with Un-men. (Mat 7:13-14) "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: {14} Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."
All = All; not some.
John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Every person faces this choice -- Christ or condemnation!
It is like the old saying… "It is this way. The Lord, he is always voting for a man; and the devil, he is always voting against him. Then the man himself votes and that breaks the tie."
Commentary On Verses Used By Calvinist (2 Cor 2:17)
Verse: Rom 9:22 What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
Comments: First of all this passage speaks to National Israel NOT individuals. The issue in the context of the passage is obedience. Obedience is an issue of the will.
Rom 2:3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? 4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds: (the issue is obedience driven by free will) 7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: 8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
2 Th 1:7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.
I am sorry, but even a sovereign God has no judicial right to punish those who do not have a choice! This is especially true for a God who claims to be just, compassionate, and full of mercy.
Again this issue in this passage is obedience and belief which is only accomplished by free will.
Next Verse… Mark 4:11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: 12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.
Dispensationally speaking this is judgement upon Israel - Isa 6:8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. 9 And he said, Go, and tell this people (Israel), Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. 10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. 11 Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate,
Because of Israel's tradition of unbelief - Psa 78:5 For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: 6 That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: 7 That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: 8 And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.
Israel's rejection of the truth precipitates their blindness - Rom 11:7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded 8 (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. 9 And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompense unto them: 10 Let their eyes be darkened that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.
Next verse… Eph 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins: 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
This passage does not teach that the lost have no knowledge of God! And even if we thought it did there are plenty of other passages that would correct our doctrine provided that we as free moral agents were willing to let the word of God correct our doctrine!
Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
This passage makes no sense in a "Calvinistic theology"!
Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
This passage guarantees truth to all those who seek it, again this verse makes no sense in a Calvinistic theology.
Words Mean Things!
Saved means - rescued from danger. Calvin's elect are never in danger of loss so from what are they saved? The answer is nothing. Therefore the verses that speak of being saved are not valid verses if Calvin is to be believed. Do not believe Calvin or those who would teach this heresy, but rather believe God!
Lost means - NOT rescued from danger. How can one lose something that he can never possess? They cannot! If you never have the will to choose then you can never be rescued and yet the scriptures, yes the very words of scripture, indicate a choice is to be made!
Point Two - Unconditional Election (election is completely of God)
Comments On Verses Used
Rom 9:15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. & Rom 9:21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?
These verses do not state that God's mercy is unconditional
Salvation is very conditional!
2 Th 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
You have to believe the truth! Belief of the truth is an ACT of the WILL! And as is stated in verse 14 salvation is something that can be obtained! Election is not just of God it is of God and man!
Rom 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
In verse 22 we see that righteousness is by faith of Jesus Christ "UNTO ALL". This is the every man ministry made known by the apostle Paul the apostle to the Gentiles! Righteousness is extended to all men without distinction in the age of grace but there is a condition. In salvation there is unlimited provision but there is limited application, salvation is conditional! The condition to salvation is belief according to the book of Romans and belief is an act of the will. If there is no choice to be made by a free moral agent then there is no need for these verses!
We are elected (chosen) ONLY because we are in Christ. God chooses those who choose him, again as a free moral agent. Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Point Three - Limited Atonement (Christ died ONLY for the elect)
1 Tim 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
Christ is a ransom for all - - all the elect? -- all mankind? The verses clearly indicate "all men". If this is not true then you have to define "all men" as the elect or those that are not the elect must be defined as "un men". This is not only warped theology but warped reasoning.
Comments On Verses Used…
Mat 26:28 For this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
This is a dispensational issue. Christ came to the nation of Israel to establish His kingdom. In Matthew ten he told the 12 … Mat 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Now you know why the Calvinists are anti-dispensational! If you are Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth these kinds of problems disappear. As you "rightly divide the word of truth" you give to Israel what belongs to Israel and give to the body of Christ what belongs to the body of Christ. During the earthly ministry of Christ atonement was limited to the nation of Israel and the Gentiles through Israel. However Israel did not, and will not receive atonement, until the second coming of Christ in the dispensation of the fullness of times. We today, in the dispensation of the grace of God have full atonement the moment we make a choice to believe the gospel of the grace of God. See Eph. 1:10, Acts 3:19 & ff., & Romans 5:11.
Next verse: John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
This verse falls in the same category as the one above. Eternal life in any dispensation has always been by faith. A choice has to be made to believe God or no. Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) said an interesting thing about the choices we make. "One's philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes… In the long run, we shape our lives and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility."
Point Four - Irresistible Grace (Grace cannot be resisted)
Who says men (even elect men of the favored nation) cannot resist the inward call of the Holy Spirit?
Acts 7:51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.
Are these folks elect or unmen? If they are unmen why did the Holy Spirit even deal with them? If they are the elect how could they resist?
You can do despite to the spirit of Grace - Heb 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
Again, are these folks elect or unmen? If they are unmen why did the Holy Spirit even deal with them? If they are the elect how could they resist? The answer is that grace is very resistible as doth also sayeth the scriptures.
God does not make man to resist. - Rom 9:19 Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? 20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?
Another dispensational passage. God is dealing with the nation of Israel Nationally!
The thing formed is that nation. Just like he formed the body of Christ as his agency in this age. The nation of Israel was God's agency in time past. God formed that nation and it was in rebellion to him. Romans chapters 9, 10, 11 answer the dispensational question of "what happened to Israel" for those making the transition into the age of grace.
Point Five - Perseverance of The Saints – (If a person falls, or departs from the faith, they were never one of God's elect.)
God does the persevering, not man. Just as there is nothing you can do to be saved other than believe, there is nothing you can do to remain saved. Eternal security is a product of salvation.
God will preserve the unbelievers and those overthrown in their faith. 2Tim 2:11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: 13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. & 2 Tim 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
Even those that resist the spirit and are taken captive by Satan are recoverable "In Christ" - 2 Tim 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
It is interesting that the Calvinist teaches you cannot recover a lost one that is irredeemable and you cannot lose one that is elect. The scriptures teach otherwise.
Conclusion
The title of this study is "A Death Knell of Calvinism?" and we wish it were. Calvinistic theology can be refuted, as we have demonstrated here. But it will continue to haunt the halls of "churches" that have turned their backs on dispensational truth and Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth and are steeped in the traditions of men and religion.
Man has a free will. He is a free moral agent. We are not predestined to glory or dishonor at our birth, this is the promise and hope of the believer. Eternal life is a free gift to all who will by faith put their trust in the finished cross work of the Lord Jesus Christ in his death, burial and resurrection.
This is the good news we proclaim today. Christ paid for all sin for all men for all time 2000 years ago. And a soul today can know for sure where they will spend eternity if they will simply choose to believe the gospel of grace.
My View of Calvinism
CALVINISM
1. Makes God the author of sin.
2. Cheapens the grace of God by limiting it's scope.
3. Populates the planet with a majority population of un-redeemable un-men like creatures who were created by God as "vessels of wrath fitted to destruction."
4. Denigrates faith by teaching that regeneration precedes faith.
5. Falsely teaches that faith is the gift of God rather than salvation.
6. Takes what should be the RESULT of salvation and makes it the REQUIREMENT of salvation.
7. Denies the truth of the two natures in a believer.
8. Denies a literal 1000 year millennial reign of Christ on earth.
9. Denies the truth of generic nature of the word "church" (requiring a modifier) and by doing so falsely identifies Israel and the Body of Christ as being the same church.
10. Denies the principle division in scripture of Prophecy vs., Mystery
11. Makes no distinction between Israel (little flock) and the Body of Christ.
12. Attempts to appropriate Israel's covenants for the Body of Christ.
13. Makes no distinction between the Gospel of the Kingdom and the Gospel of the Grace of God.
14.Makes no distinction between the Apostleship of Peter and that of Paul.
et al
1. Makes God the author of sin.
2. Cheapens the grace of God by limiting it's scope.
3. Populates the planet with a majority population of un-redeemable un-men like creatures who were created by God as "vessels of wrath fitted to destruction."
4. Denigrates faith by teaching that regeneration precedes faith.
5. Falsely teaches that faith is the gift of God rather than salvation.
6. Takes what should be the RESULT of salvation and makes it the REQUIREMENT of salvation.
7. Denies the truth of the two natures in a believer.
8. Denies a literal 1000 year millennial reign of Christ on earth.
9. Denies the truth of generic nature of the word "church" (requiring a modifier) and by doing so falsely identifies Israel and the Body of Christ as being the same church.
10. Denies the principle division in scripture of Prophecy vs., Mystery
11. Makes no distinction between Israel (little flock) and the Body of Christ.
12. Attempts to appropriate Israel's covenants for the Body of Christ.
13. Makes no distinction between the Gospel of the Kingdom and the Gospel of the Grace of God.
14.Makes no distinction between the Apostleship of Peter and that of Paul.
et al
Resurrection Outline
I. Resurrection is the essential element of everything we believe.
A. Christianity is in it’s very essence a resurrection religion. The concept of resurrection lies at its heart. IF you remove it, Christianity is destroyed. ~ John R W Stott
B. Christianity is a religion of the open tomb ~ Roy L Smith
C. Thomas Jefferson, a great man, nevertheless could not accept the miraculous elements in Scripture. He edited his own special version of the Bible in which all references to the supernatural were deleted. Jefferson, in editing the gospels, confined himself solely to the moral teachings of Jesus. The closing words of Jefferson’s Bible are these: “There laid they Jesus and rolled a great stone at the mouth of the sepulcher and departed” Thank God that is not the way the story really ends!
II. Resurrection is the ultimate declaration of who Christ really is
A. Declared to be the Son of God ~ Rom 1:1-4
B. Jn 2:16-21 ~ Jesus laid the resurrection as the ultimate proof of His deity
C. What you know and believe about this subject has significant personal consequences
D. Hopefully, it is not like this one person experienced. “A letter came from Health and Human Services to a resident of Greenville County, SC. Your food stamps will stop effective March 1992 because we received notice that you passed away. May God bless you. You may reapply if your circumstances change”
E. What we believe about resurrection is of eternal consequence!
III. Resurrection is the ultimate demonstration of God’s intent to redeem mankind
A. Salvation is free
B. Salvation was obtained at great cost
C. Salvation is complete (ratified by the resurrection)
D. Rom 4:22-25 ~ Christ was raised so that we can be justified
1. Christ died for our sins - but that would be meaningless without His resurrection
2. WEBSTER - (justification) the remission of sin and absolution from guilt and punishment; an act of free grace by which God pardons the sinner and accepts him as righteous, on account of the atonement of Christ
3. 1 Cor 15:1-4 ~ The Gospel does not explain the resurrection, the resurrection explains the Gospel. Belief in the resurrection is not an appendage to the Christian faith, it is the Christian faith ~ John S Whale
IV. Resurrection is the ultimate dynamic in the believer’s walk and victory over sin
A. Rom 6:1-4 ~”newness of life” is intrinsically linked to our identity in Christ
B. 2 Cor 5:14-17 ~ Resurrection both symbolically and genuinely demonstrates our power over the flesh
1. Why are we new creatures “in Christ”?
a. 1 Cor 15:20-23 ~ because He was the first of His kind. He wasn’t the first to die, but He was the first to be raised
b. 2 Cor 5:15 ~ there is a life that supercedes our life in the flesh
c. 2 Cor 5:16 ~it is one thing to know about the things Christ accomplished in His fleshly identification with mankind; it is a greater, more powerful, reality to understand the energy that is unleashed in us in our identity with Christ’s resurrection
d. 2 Cor 5:17 ~it is what makes us new creatures. We can live in the power of resurrection rather than in the frailty of the flesh
C. Allow the positional truths to be practical realities
1. Rom 6:6 & 13
a. Is this the way God sees us?
b. How do you see yourself? Do you agree with God or is your opinion the reality?
2. Rom 6:9-11
a. V9 ~ will Christ ever experience death again? No!
b. V10 ~ He isn’t dead. He is alive for evermore
c. V11 ~ is this any less true for you and I? (Resurrection life NOW not future)
3. The last battle of the American Revolution was the Battle of Blue Licks, fought at the stream that bears that name. It was a battle that should never have been fought, for it was a battle fought after the war was over! News traveled slow in those days.Blue Licks is in Kentucky and there was no means of quick communication over the Appalachian mountains. No one knew the war was over.
a. In a very real sense Christ won the victory over sin at Calvary
b. All that is left is for us to live in the light of this truth
c. Religion has been slow to deliver the news.
d. The battle was over some 2,000 years ago.
e. Don’t keep fighting the battle - live in the power of His resurrection!
Resurrection is the ultimate destiny
A. Rom 6:5 ~ our eternal destination is sealed with our identification with our Lord Jesus Christ
1. Eph 2:5-6 ~ we are a resurrected people
B. 2 Cor 5:1-5
1. V1 ~ this knowledge equips us to deal with the truth of imminent death
Phil 3:20 ~ we shall shed these carcasses for good
Col 3:1-3 ~do you have it in your sights?
1. Titus 3:11-15 ~ this knowledge equips us to deal with everything the flesh and the circumstances of life can throw at us.
2 Cor 5:6-10 ~resurrection reminds us of accountability
V6 ~ our lives in the flesh are temporary
V7 ~ the true reality is an issue of faith (the perspective of eternal worth)
V8 ~ and while we look forward to leaving this body, and life
V9 ~ there are things that we can do that are pleasing to God
V10 ~ ultimately we are rewarded as we live in light of our identity in Christ and His resurretion.
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